Chapter 5: Storms in East Faron
From the moment Link saw the Bridge of Hylia he knew this mission was going to be nothing short of wide eyes and frequent gasps. The bridge although dilapidated still held its sense of grandeur. He wasn't sure if it was just because it was his first time seeing something like it but everything about the monumental structure seemed beautiful to him even in its crumbling state. And that was just the bridge, the rest of Hyrule still had much awe and splendor to offer his curious eyes. As they sped across the bridge on their horses, Link saw the lake in all its vastness and the mountains that surrounded it beyond. Hyrule seemed endless and the thought of reaching such places excited him.
Faron woods filled Link with a sense of serenity unlike anything he'd experienced in the Gerudo desert. The crisp smell of the trees, the rich sent of damp soil, the gentle breeze blowing his hair and the dapples of sunlight that shined through the canopy of dazzling green leaves. The whole forest exhilarated him in every sense of the word. Though he couldn't be sure as to why. Perhaps it was just the thrill of being somewhere so different. Unlike his sandy home, the woods felt so comforting, almost familiar, but that couldn't be. He'd never been here before after all.
As he and the others rode through the forest Link's Sheikah sensor went off again. It had done so already a couple times but at time they were speeding past some moblins and the ringing had stopped after a few short gallops. What's more getting to Lake Floria was their top priority. But that incident had made Link realize that there was a good chance that were plenty of shrines out in Hyrule that remained to be discovered. But until they reached the lake Link decided he'd turn off the sensor as it was starting to grate on his ears. Though just as he did, he noticed a familiar orange glow ahead on the trail obscured by the flora of the woods. In less than a minute a shrine's presence was in plain view, just on the side of the trail. Link reined in his mare and dismounted immediately.
"Would you guys mind?"
The other Yiga came to a halt.
"Well, it is right there." Endai said following Link's lead. With everyone seeming to be in accord Link walked up to the shrine and opened it. And though it was a bit of a tight squeeze the six of them went down into the shrine together.
There interior of this shrine was far simpler than what Link had come to expect by this point. An open gateway and just beyond it was what seemed like a spacious room with some stone pillars. Jinsai was understandably very wary of his new surroundings. Endai only seemed slightly intrigued and Ridah was rambunctious as always. Link went on ahead letting the others take in the interior of the shrine at their own pace. However not long after he passed through the gate it locked behind him. Though he figured it was part of the test, being suddenly separated from the group put Link on edge. There was no time to dwell on this though, soon after the floor just a few meters ahead of him opened up and brought in a menacing looking guardian wielding a sword and shield of its own prompting Link to do the same.
Jinsai gave the gate a hefty budge but it held strong.
"Don't think we'll be able to pry it open." Endai heeded.
"Kick it's ass, Link!" Ridah cheered from the sideline.
"Link be careful!" Jinsai cried out though biting his nails.
"Don't worry Jin. He can hold his own." Kohga gave the young man a reassuring pat on his back.
The guardian scout with it's gourd like shaped body and it's tentacle like legs speedily approached Link. Apprehensive of his foe Link kept his distance but the mechanical menace perused and shot a volley of short burst lasers at his feet. He could already tell this wasn't going to be like his encounter with the smaller one he encountered in a previous shrine. The guardian took a swing, and Link kept his shield up testing the scout's strength. Though his shield seemed of inferior make to the latter's glowing razor-sharp blade, it took the hit with stride. It was a small relief but at least it meant he could keep within close range. The guardian moved its mechanical arms to take another swing at Link. It wasn't difficult to dodge its automated strikes, but it seemed Link's attacks barely laid a scratch. The guardian went for a third strike and this time Link tried to parry but alas his timing was off, and he took a hard hit. Link shrugged it off with help from a meat skewer.
As he regained his bearings the guardian leapt back. It straightened its mechanical arms out like a rigid tree. Link wasn't sure what to make of this until it began spinning towards him with frightening speed. He was nowhere near being fast enough to outrun it and his opponent's slash threw him off his feet. His civilian clothes did little to protect him from the thrashing leaving him with more fresh wounds.
"Don't just take its hits like a dumb-ass, use your surroundings!" Teru scorned.
Link scrambled back up. The guardian had bounced back again winding up another attack. He looked to the pillars his only option for cover. Without waiting to see if the guardian followed, Link sprinted to the nearest pillar and took cover. The guardian was hot on his tail but slammed right into the stone. It hit with such force that the short pillar crumbled to pieces and the guardian buzzed and convulsed momentarily stunned as its circuits had gotten all battered by the collision. Link took his chance to land a significant barrage of strikes before the machine readjusted itself to attack again. It returned to its standard swinging slashes. Once more he tried parrying the strike but was too apprehensive and botched up his counter. He took another helping of meat to push through the fight.
Jinsai looked over to the other Yiga with much concern, "Does he always eat when he fights?"
"Only when he's losing." Replied Teru.
"Mmhmm." Endai and Ridah echoed in sync.
The guardian began to fall into a pattern of the same attacks throughout which Link suffered a few more blows and lost a few more pillars but he managed to get in a few more hits. Just as he thought he had found success in whittling down the mechanical fiend, it leapt back again and began to spin its head around while it's eye shot a laser beam towards the ground effectively keeping the Hylian at bay. The heat of the laser quickly made the floor hot and created an updraft. Remembering his paraglider Link took it out and sure enough floated above his adversary's line of fire. He flew in close until he was right above the guardian's head and then slammed down on top of it with his sword. The impact disrupting the guardian's special attack and giving Link the upper hand for once. However, he got greedy with his attacks and missed his moment to defend himself against a thrust from the machine. It sent him back down onto his knees and before Link could recover it began to whirl its laser again, sending Link like a skipping stone across the arena. As he scarfed down another skewer Link began to consider he might run out of food before he could end the fight. He needed to pay more attention to the timing of the guardian's attacks not just the pattern otherwise he was going to end up in serious trouble.
Link wiped the small trickle of blood from his scraped chin as he got up again. It was time to get serious. The guardian wound up again for another spinning assault. Link without hesitating booked it to the nearest pillar and began to charge up his own spin attack. Just as the guardian struck against the stone Link stepped forward to deliver his own powerful attack.
"Yeah! Show him who's boss!" Ridah shouted.
"B-but don't get cocky!" Jinsai warned.
In the back of the crowd Teru watched as Master Kohga stood silently with his arms crossed, while a slight grin began to extend across his face.
Link focused on his target; he took in a deep breath as he waited for the guardian to attack him with its sword. He stayed calm and at the last second, he deflected the strike with his shield.
"Hyaaaaaaaaah!"
Link released another powerful slash onto the stupefied robot. When it jumped back again, he readied his bow. It was going to spin its laser again. Keeping his distance this time, he sent several rounds of arrows to chip away at its health. Then the spinning stopped but it didn't approach him like the boy was anticipating. The part of it that seemed like it's head sunk down into its body and began to glow a bright blue. It began beeping, the pitch and frequency of the noise growing higher and faster as the seconds ticked by. The energy around it seemed to flow and condense into the center of its eye. This was something else, something powerful. He'd have to finish it before it could finish him. Link swung his blade, slicing and trashing as fast and as hard as he could but it still kept charging.
"Link run!" Master Kohga's voice boomed across the arena.
Link didn't think twice as he ran towards one of the few remaining pillars.
"Keep running!" Kohga commanded.
Even though Link wanted to stay behind the pillar his trust in Kohga propelled him forward. And when he heard the guardian fire behind him, he didn't need to look back to know that Kohga had just saved his life. He heard as the pillar was turned to ruble behind him and another shot was fired. He kept running, pushing himself until his breath was depleted and his body gave him no other choice but to slow down by which then he'd avoided two more beams and there were no more pillars left in the room. For a moment Link thought he would meet his end as he dragged his feet forward but to his great relief the guardian had finally ceased fire. Unfortunately, he knew this because he heard it charging up again for another round. He wouldn't be able to out run it again if he tried to get in a few hits. He was still catching his breath. There wasn't enough time. What's more there was nowhere left to run.
Link stared directly towards the glowing eye of the guardian bracing for eminent impact. He held up his shield, slowed his breathing, focusing intensely on the guardian's dire intonation. He only had one chance to get this right. Link held his breath, trusting his intuition to find the right moment. The second he saw the flash of blue light he thrust his shield and precisely deflected the beam right back at the guardian. Overwhelmed by its own power the robot reverberated electricity throughout its body and imploded. A few screws and gears remained like a mechanical carcass. Link collected them as well as the guardian's sword and shield and took them as his reward for the hard-fought battle.
The gate sprung open once more and the others ran to him radiating excitement and relief.
"You were amazing!" Ridah slapped Link on his back.
"I thought you were dead for a second there, way to pull that hat trick there bud." Endai said thoroughly impressed.
"Yeah well, don't let this win go to your head. You barely survived that." Teru chided.
"Right. I'll do better next time." Link said.
"Link! I'm so glad you made it out of that in once piece!" Jinsai still seemed like his heart was caught in his throat. "Please tell me you won't have to do something like that again."
"Uh, I don't think I can promise that." Link felt a tad embarrassed from all the admiration and worry he found himself surrounded by.
"That's my good boy." Kohga beamed.
Link felt a warm wave ripple throughout his body at hearing his master's praise. He decided that as his cue to go and retrieve the spirit orb from the waiting monk before the others noticed him blushing.
Dusk began to settle in after they got out of the shrine. Seeing as they still had quite a way to go before, they reached the lake, Master Kohga gave the order to set up camp for the night. They split into groups of twos putting up tarps and setting up campfires. What they had in terms of camping gear was minimal but just enough to keep them dry if by chance it rained. While Kohga set up their tarp near the roots of a large tree, Link started a small fire which he used to bake some apples. He nestled himself against Kohga's chest as he enjoyed his snack.
"Hmm, could use some honey." Kohga remarked as he munched.
"If you don't like it, I'll take it off your hands." Link tossed his apple core into the fire then reached for Kohga's half-finished apple.
The larger man held his fruit out of reach, "I didn't say I didn't like it. I just miss the taste of something sweet."
"Sweet? I bet you already have something in mind." Link said while poking Kohga's ribs playfully.
"Perhaps." Kohga said while eating the rest of his apple.
"I know you do." Link playfully tapped Kohga's lips with his finger.
"Oh my, so you can see right through me?"
"Mmhmm." Link leaned in close before suddenly darting away to retrieve something from the slate. "That's why I thought you might like these."
Link showed off a couple of pink wild berries in the palm of his hand. Kohga reached out to try one, but Link withdrew his hand before he could grab one.
"I thought you were going to let me have one." Kohga was intrigued by Link's coquettishness.
"I will but, you have to ask nicely first."
Link's flirtation came off as shy and awkward rather than seductive; which Kohga found irresistibly adorable.
"May I try one, please?" Kohga said with a sweet voice.
"You may." Link giggled before putting the berry in his mouth.
Kohga leaned forward towards Link's face and delicately took the berry from the boy's lips with his own. Link held onto the berry, daring his master with his eyes to take a taste of more than just the small fruit. But before Kohga could decide Link let go. Kohga chewed slowly, savoring the taste while never breaking eye contact with Link.
"Satisfied?" Link grinned mischievously.
Kohga smirked. He grabbed onto Link's hip and carefully pinned him to the ground, "I could never be satisfied," He took a few nips at the boy's neck, "Especially when you're such a tease."
"You teased me first." Link objected.
"Oh, that's right, and you liked that didn't you?" Kohga sucked on Link's collar bone causing the other to groan.
"Ehm!" Jinsai gave them a wary but stern look from his and Teru's campfire.
"Sorry" Link whispered taking the hint.
Link turned away from Kohga and laid his head to rest on his bag which he used as a makeshift pillow. Kohga settled himself behind Link.
"You were quite amazing today." Kohga whispered while he pulled a large blanket over himself and Link.
"You really think so? I was taking a beating for most of the fight."
"You turned it around. It takes real skill to turn your opponent's strength into their weakness." Kohga said while he caressed Link's waist. "I've known how strong you are but watching you today showed me just how much power this small body of yours can handle."
Link blushed picking up the obvious innuendo, "How am I supposed to get some sleep if you keep talking?" Link pretended to sound annoyed.
"Oh, it's quite easy actually." Kohga leaned closer to the boy's ear, "Just focus on something else like the fire and my voice will just fade into the background. My rambling will just sink to the back of your mind," He intoned seductively.
Master Kohga's suggestion drew Link's eyes to the campfire. The calm steady flicker of its flames was fanciful and beautiful to look at.
"And you'll just, gradually start to feel more relaxed. Just focus on the flames, how they dance and how the embers sparkle. It's so pleasant to watch isn't it?"
They were quite graceful Link thought.
Kohga's voice slipped like silk into Link's ears, "Isn't it funny how we never notice how beautiful something is until we really look and focus on it. But even as lovely as they are, the flames are quite bright. Its glow is a bit hard on your eyes. You almost have to squint, don't you?"
After staring so intently on the fire Link found himself squinting to let less of the light into his eyes.
"You don't even have to keep your eyes open to see its light, you could just close them, and you'd still see its orange glow."
Kohga surreptitiously traced a circle on Link's arm with his finger over and over again. Link's eyes began to grow with a feeling of heaviness as he continued to stare at the fire.
"And even now, you just follow my voice without thinking. It's so easy to listen without even thinking about it. You're so good at listening to my voice. You're so good at obeying. And it feels so good when you do. It would be so much easier to listen if you just, closed your eyes."
Link's eyelids were now weighty and blinking at an unsteady rhythm, struggling more and more to stay open every time.
"It's alright, you can just close them, sink into that feeling of giving in. It's quite alright, you'll enjoy it."
Link closed his eyes and his mind sank into the darkness.
"Because it just feels so good. Because you're listening because you're obeying. It always feels so good to obey. To me, to my voice. You love to obey. And every time I say the word 'obey' you feel yourself become more and more submissive every time."
Link let out a longing sigh.
"You can feel it, don't you? Deep, deep within your mind and body, that wonderful sensation when you obey. You love being so obedient to me." Kohga draped his hand onto Link's ass and continued to twirl his finger in a slow circular motion. "When you obey you feel so content, when you obey you feel so safe, when you obey you feel so much pleasure."
Reeling from the intoxicating sensation of Kohga's words as they became manifest, forced several needy gasps from Link's mouth.
Kohga pressed himself closer and whispered even more quietly into Link's ear, "And you'll remember these commands in the future. While you're in trance, just as you are now, your body will automatically return to this aroused state every time I say the word 'obey'. Pleasure intensifying with every time I repeat it."
Kohga paused for a moment chuckling to himself with satisfaction, then leaned back. "But for now, you're just going to let your mind drift back to just being so full of sleepy relaxation and those other good feelings, they just sink into the back of your mind. You don't need them right now. You're so overcome with a wave of pure drowsiness."
Link felt his body grow heavy and his mind grew foggy. The arousal gradually ebbing away from his body and left it lying dormant deep within.
"Now when I stop speaking, you'll fall into a deep and restful sleep. You'll wake up on your own once your body is fully rested. Doesn't that sound wonderful?"
Link responded with a dull sigh.
"That's right, you're so empty now Link. Your mind is empty and ready to sleep. Let your mind give into blissful sleep. And, if you love how I made you feel, you'll tell me later won't you?"
Kohga pulled Link over so that he laid on his back. Then gave the dozing boy a chaste kiss and turned in for the night.
When Link awoke at dawn his face was greeted by the small droplets of an approaching shower. While the others stayed in the cover of their tarps, Link decided he'd take the time to forage the forest. As the rain came overhead Link felt invigorated by the moisture seeping into his skin. The drizzle became more of a bonus than a deterrent while he went about gathering every mushroom and cricket, he came across. In addition to procuring more of nature's riches, Link also came across a couple of koroks. One hidden within the stump of a tree and another he found by following a suspicious disappearing flower. He had hardly noticed the passage of time until the rain began to come to a stop and the voices of his comrades pulled him out of his element.
"Come on Link, there'll be plenty of stuff to find once we get to the lake!" Ridah hollered.
"Coming!" Link reluctantly tore himself away from the underbrush to rejoin the group.
Master Kohga took notice of Link's cheery energy, "Looks like you made a good find?"
Link nodded shyly. Kohga chuckled, cocksure of what had the boy so tight-lipped.
The group knew they were close to their destination when they passed a small wooden bridge and were hit by the humidity and mist of the tropical forest. Link tugged at the ragged collar of his shirt but was unable to get any reprieve from the excessive moisture. Unlike the rain from this morning, the mist brought with it a sticky warmth that was less than favorable. Still, it was to be expected of the region, so Link tried to bear it focusing on the sights of the jungle.
The palm trees with their massive fronds created a dense canopy between him and the sky. Moreover, as they continued on the trail a river found its way alongside them. It was wide enough that it created a gorge between them and on the other side of the rainforest from which Link spotted a Sheikah tower not too far off. He'd be sure to take some time to reach its summit at some point he thought. Filling out the slate's mapping function would surely be of great use in find more shrines in the area. The sound of the rushing water from the river soon grew louder the further they ventured. A definite sign that they were close now. Then after a few minutes they saw it, the familiar wooden effigy of a horse head that made the roof of every stable.
"Alright everyone board your horses. I'll reserve our beds." Kohga handed over the reins of his horse to Jinsai and then walked over towards the stable's reception.
While they waited for Master Kohga, Endai and Ridah explained to Link the details of their mission.
"We'll start by making our way up this mountain then work our way down collecting every mighty banana that's ripe for the picking." Endai said pointing to the huge cliffside that shrouded the stable in shadow.
"It usually takes us a whole day just to clear this side of the lake." Ridah added.
"Really? A whole day? Why?" Link asked while looking up at their new starting point.
"Cuz of the rain." Endai sighed.
"You'll see. It can start pouring in seconds, at any moment, and last for an hour or more!" Ridah illustrated her point with big dramatic hand gestures.
"It's also just because some people are really picky about which bananas they choose to harvest." Jinsai interjected while giving Endai a damning look.
"Hey man, you can't treat banana picking like any other kind of fruit harvest. It takes a delicate hand to know when and how to pick the right bunch without disrupting the flow of the ecosystem!" Endai defended passionately.
"Then you better get going before the rain decides to extend your delicate process." Teru rolled his eyes.
"You're not coming with us?" Link asked surprised to see Teru walk in the opposite direction.
"Cliffsides, not my speed." Teru replied while dusting off his knees.
"Oh, right." Link combed his hair back, regretful of his inquiry.
"Anyway, I don't care much for banana picking so I'll be getting a head start on the shrine hunt."
"Oh! I could let you borrow the slate." Link offered the stone tablet to Teru.
"No thanks. I'm looking for the ones that the sensor won't pick up on its own. Besides, you'll need it for carrying all the fruit back down."
"Oh yeah! Link's slate thingy can carry a bunch of stuff in it right?!" Ridah asked excitedly.
"Yeah, it can-"
"I'll see you guys later then." Teru walked off towards the dense jungle.
"Will he be alright on his own?" Link worried aloud.
"He'll be fine."
Link looked back to see where the offhanded remark came from and saw Master Kohga approaching the group.
"I wouldn't let him go off on his own if I wasn't sure otherwise." Kohga assured Link with an affectionate pat on his shoulder.
Crossing the Floria bridge Link had to stop to take in the view. Cascading waterfalls created a fine mist and blue feathered cranes flew freely through the gentle glint of a rainbow. The water shimmered with the golden light of the sun and all around him he perceived the light fragrant smell of the tropical flora and palm fruits.
"Was it everything you'd thought it'd be?" Kohga wrapped his arm along Link's shoulders.
"It's incredible!" Link grinned.
"Perhaps I should bring you along on more of my missions." He said pulling in Link into a hug.
"You really mean that?"
"Of course, I've been wanting to. I've just been waiting for you to make a full recovery." He said giving Link a peck on his forehead.
Link saw the others were already on the other side of the bridge. He grabbed Kohga's hand and pulled him along, "Come on or they'll leave us behind."
"Oh, please I can get up the cliff faster than any of them. Including you."
"Wanna bet?" Link smirked.
"What are we betting?" Kohga smiled widely.
"How about... loser has to fulfill the winner's request?"
"Hmm. Are you sure you want to bet that?"
"I don't plan to lose." Link cocked his eyebrow.
"I know you don't, but you will." Kohga chuckled.
"Don't be so sure!"
Link dashed off sprinting at full speed. Whizzing past Endai, Jinsai, and Ridah who also hurried to get up the cliff. Every time he felt he was about to become short of breath he gobbled up an energizing meat skewer. He leaped onto the walls of the cliff and continued to his climb at a breakneck pace. Leaping several times over would've caused him to lose his grip eventually but he had prepared a couple of enduring elixirs and was able to make it to the top of the towering cliff in record time. He was bent over heaving with exhaustion but to his dismay, he saw a familiar pair of feet were already there waiting for him. He looked up at his master who had his arms crossed with a smug grin to accompany his condescending posture.
"How?" Link heaved dumfounded.
"No tricks, just years of practice."
"You didn't even," the boy had to pause mid-sentence, "Break a sweat!"
"Well, I wanted to give you a chance to win. After all, I am curious, what did you want as a favor had you won?"
Link brushed his sleeves avoiding Kohga's eyes, "It doesn't matter now. You won."
"Well then doesn't that mean you have to fulfill my request?" Kohga turned Link's head and lifted his chin. "So?"
Link's cheeks were dusted with a light blush, "I… it's kind of dumb."
"I won't laugh."
"I was, that is I wondered if you could teach me how to swim."
"Ah I see, of course, cuccos aren't natural-born swimmers, now are they?"
"Oh, for Din's sake." Link batted Kohga's hand away.
"You know the angrier you get the more I'm going to tease you right?" Kohga said catching Link's small fists in his hands. The boy pouted at having his movement restricted but for the sake of giving Kohga no more reason to tease him he let him hold him in place.
"It's not like I don't know how to swim but it's more like I need reminding on how to do it. You know?"
"I see. Well, I'll give you some lessons after we're done with our mission for today Sound good?"
Link nodded and Kohga gave him a soft kiss before letting him go. Since they were the first ones at the top of the cliff, they took their time picking the bunches of mighty bananas that hung on the many small palm trees that laid scattered about. It wasn't too long before the other Yiga finally made it up the cliff and to their delight Link's slate seemed to have a limitless storage capacity. By the time they combed over the whole topside of the cliff it'd begun to rain heavily. Thunder and lightning became frequent shortly after.
"Put away any of your weapons made of metal." Master Kohga instructed Link.
Link had taken notice that Endai, Ridah, and Jinsai had only brought bows and now it made sense why. Luckily for Link, his new guardian sword didn't seem to attract any electricity. Link felt thankful for the Sheikah technology, he felt naked if he didn't have at least a melee weapon on hand. Link was about to continue with his search for more bananas when Kohga held him back by the wrist.
"Stay close. We don't know where the lightning will strike but we have a better chance of avoiding it if we stay here." Kohga pulled Link next to the trunk of a large palm tree.
He saw the others doing the same practically hugging the tree for shelter. All around them lighting struck the ground, setting the grass and plants ablaze momentarily before they were doused by the rain. In one instance the palm tree they were under got struck and Link instinctively clutched onto Kohga.
"I didn't think you'd get scared." Kohga remarked.
"I'm not I just got startled." Link said trying to sound tough.
"Uh-uh." Kohga held onto Link tightly while they waited for the storm to stop.
When the rain finally came to an end, they resumed their task with newfound haste. As they continued their mission, they cleared out the nearby bokoblin camps just to assure they wouldn't be disturbed by the pig-faced monsters while they finished their scavenging. In between collecting bananas and slaying lizalfos and electric chuchus alike Link even found a couple more korok seeds.
"He's right next to me." Link pointed to his forest friend who had popped up from underneath a rock in the middle of a small bog.
"Sorry, I don't see anything Link." Kohga scratched his head.
Link frowned and thoughtlessly dropped the rock on the little korok's head.
Oof
"Oops, sorry about that. Hey wait. You saw that right?" Link looked at Kohga again.
"Saw what?"
"The rock didn't fall straight to the ground, it hit something right?"
"Sort of? I'm not really sure."
"Oh." Link sighed.
"I don't doubt you, love."
Link blushed, "I just want to prove they're real somehow."
Kohga laughed softly, "Isn't it enough that I take your word for it?"
Link hopped over the small bog and returned to Kohga's side, "I just. It's not that it's not enough, I sort of want to prove it to myself too. For a while, I sorta thought I might've been crazy for seeing things others didn't."
"Well, when you put it like that you definitely sound delusional." He teased while ruffling the boy's hair.
"Hey!"
"You're crazy when it comes to other things, though some people would call it bravery. Charging headfirst into a bokoblin camp for example."
"That's not brave those guys are pushovers."
"The weaker one yes, but if you get too cocky someday you might end up regretting it. No matter how skilled or powerful you become never underestimate your enemies."
"Is that some kind of lesson on being a leader?"
"It's more of just a general rule for survival. If you want to be allowed to go on solo missions, you'll have to prove you're capable enough of handling yourself on your own."
Link maneuvered himself over the edge of the cliff, "I'll consider it."
Kohga chuckled and joined him on his descent down the cliff. By the time they finished exploring the group had gathered over sixty bunches of bananas in total. All safely stored in Link's Sheikah slate.
"Man, I wish we had something like this years ago." Endai said while looking at the Sheikah slate.
"Definitely makes carrying them back a lot easier." Jinsai agreed.
"First day on mission and it's already a huge success!" Ridah exclaimed joyfully.
"At this rate, we'll definitely be returning home with more than a hundred stalks." Endai estimated while handing back the slate to Link.
"We also got pretty lucky with the weather today. What should we do next?" Jinsai looked at the group for an answer.
"Link and I are gonna do some swimming." Master Kohga responded.
"Ooh! I know a good spot. Sarjon Bridge, we passed it on our way here. You guys should go there."
"Thanks for the tip, Ridah." Link said.
"You guys don't want to tag along?" Kohga asked.
"Eh, I don't care too much for swimming." Endai shrugged.
"I'm actually kind of hungry so I'm going to grab a bite at the stable." Jinsai explained.
"Same." Ridah added.
"Well alright then, we'll see you all later." Kohga wrapped his arm around Link's waist as they departed from the group.
Sarjon Bridge was a small stone overpass that came between a small waterfall that flowed down into a larger one. It had an uneven bedrock which provided an ideal variation of challenge and safety for a novice swimmer. Kohga removed his shoes, then his grey pourpoint, and lastly his loose-fitting beige shirt and left them on the side of the bridge. Link couldn't help but gawk at his master's rippling muscles which were marred by countless scars.
"Are you planning to get your clothes wet?" Kohga looked at Link with a sassy smirk.
"No." Link half-turned somewhat embarrassed now to do the same.
After he had removed his boots and shabby shirt Link followed Kohga down a small slope into the small river of rushing water. They entered the shallow most part of the stream which was on the drop-off end of the large waterfall and carefully waded their way to the center where there were several large rocks that provided ample room for standing.
"Alright I figure it'll be easier to understand what you need to do by showing you rather than just telling you. So watch closely."
Link watched as Master Kohga turned his body to face the large rock and gripped onto the edge that remained above the water.
"There's two parts to this. First, you gotta kick your legs like this."
Letting his body sink into the water Master Kohga demonstrated the kicking motion that allowed his body to stay close to the surface of the water while also creating a lot of splashing behind him.
"Now grab onto the rock from here and give it a try."
Link positioned himself against the rock as Kohga had shown him.
"Alright just let your body sink and start moving your legs up and down. Kind of like you're running but you're taking small and loose strides."
Link flailed his legs as best he could. Kohga observed that Link's movements were just a bit too chaotic, so he took the liberty of adjusting his posture by holding Link's stomach and nudging his legs a bit higher.
"Keep kicking but keep your legs closer together."
Link refocused on his legs making his moving his legs more deliberately.
"Good. Keep that up."
Link couldn't see very well but he could hear he was making a substantial splash behind himself and took it as a good sign.
"There you've got it. Okay, now the second part is the arms."
Link stopped splashing to see the next part of the lesson.
"You have a couple of options, but just do what feels natural to you." Kohga walked further away from the shallow bedrock until the water was halfway up his chest.
"You can do it like this." He swung his arms forward like a waving windmill alternating the stroke of each arm. "Or like this." He then switched to moving his arms from the center of his chest and outward horizontally in sync.
"But either way the point is to push the water away from you. Don't think of it as something that phases right past you. It may not be solid, but it still has mass so just think of it like, like you?" He scratched his head, "What's a good metaphor?"
"Like when you dig yourself out of a sand dune?" Link chimed in.
"Sure, we'll go with that. So, like with sand you want to break through it and give yourself a space to move forward. That's essentially what you're doing with your arms while your legs are propelling you forward. Makes sense?"
"I guess so?" The explanation didn't give him much confidence.
"Alright let's have at it then. Try swimming towards me."
Though the distance was a very short one Link felt like he was one wrong move from drowning. He took a few steps forward and the water was already at his neck.
"It's alright Link just lunge yourself forward and start kicking like we practiced. If anything goes wrong, I'll be right there to catch you, I promise."
Link's anguish must have been all too apparent, but his master's reassurance helped him calm his nerves. He hopped in the water testing his buoyancy. The river's current gently pushed him back. He moved his arms forward trying to get a feel for the movement he wanted.
"Good, now start kicking."
Link began to move his legs but after a few kicks the thought of leaving the safety of the bedrock paralyzed him.
"I can't. The current keeps pushing me back." He yelped in anguish.
Kohga swam forward to Link's side, "Yes, you can. Here hold onto my hand." Kohga took hold of Link's left hand and slowly pulled him into the river, "Now start paddling with your other arm."
Link followed Kohga's guidance to the letter, stroking his arm through the water while kicking his legs as much as he could.
"You see?" Kohga smiled proudly at his little cucco.
"Don't let go." Link pleaded he was getting the hang of his movements but still wasn't confident he could swim on his own.
"But I have to, it'll be ok just do the same thing with your other arm." Kohga kept pulling Link out further into the river and then let go of the boy's hand.
"Don't panic Link you're doing great. Just keep your eyes on me."
Link brought his focus forward. Master Kohga was looking at him with a gentle smile and his arm extended towards him waiting for Link to reclaim it. His kicks began to pick up speed while his arms continued to wade forward. He gradually gained momentum as his movements became more precise with the timing of his strokes. Then it clicked as though he'd known along.
Seeing Link make progress, Kohga swam just a bit further until he was just a few paces away from the other end of the stream and near the cascade of the small waterfall. Link kept moving steadily despite beginning to feel his muscles ache. Just before he lost the last of his stamina, he reached Kohga's hand and was pulled into his arms.
"You see? You did it all by yourself. I'm so proud of you."
Kohga's praise had Link glowing. While he caught his breath, he felt a hand caress his wet cheek. Link mimicked the action before leaping forward and planting a kiss on Kohga's lips. His master groaned in surprise.
"What was that about? Not that I minded."
"It's a thank you, for teaching me."
"A thank you hu? Well, maybe I should do you more favors from now on hmm?"
He began to kiss Link's chin when suddenly Link's stomach growled.
"Looks like I should start by making you something to eat."
"No! I'll do the cooking." Link laughed.
Kohga feigned shock, "What? You don't like my cooking?"
"You're terrible you said so yourself!"
"Ouch. But I guess I did, didn't I?"
"Mmhmm." Link turned to begin the walk back to the stable but Kohga pulled him back into his arms.
"This won't do. I need to get more kisses. I know I'll carry you back to the stable!"
"No! Stop!" Link protested through copious giggling.
Kohga was quick to get them back onto the bridge.
"Wait our shoes!"
"It's too late for them!"
"No, stop be serious." Link grabbed his master's nose distracting him to a halt.
"Alright, alright." Kohga let Link down which allowed the release of his nose as well.
The two came running back to the stable just as another thunderous shower began. They were greeted by Jinsai who offered them some blankets to dry off. They each took a seat at one of the tables. Link shook his hair scattering droplets of water all over the floor.
"Here you two, this oughta keep you warm." Ridah set down two bowls of soup on the table for Link and Kohga.
"How uncharacteristically sweet of you Ridah, I hope it's not poisoned." Kohga jested.
Link choked, spitting the spoonful of soup he had in his mouth.
"Take it easy." Jinsai said patting the blonde's back.
Kohga hardly stifled the snort that he held behind a roguish grin. Link shot him a cross look before retaking his spoon.
"Sorry." Kohga murmured.
"Where's Teru?" Endai came walking up to the table.
"He's not here?" Link shot his comrade a worried look.
"It's not like him to stay out this long. Thought maybe he ran into you guys and that's why he hadn't come back yet."
"No, we haven't seen him since the last time we were all together." Link creased brows and looked to Kohga who was calmly eating his soup.
"Don't worry about him. He's fine. He's not as helpless as you think." Kohga said assuredly.
"Yeah, but it's getting late what if he was on his way back but got delayed by the storm? It would be dangerous if he got left out there for another hour." Jinsai objected.
KRWASH!
A bolt of lightning hit the stable grounds and sent a powerful reverb throughout the interior of the wooden and canvas lodge. Even in the shelter of the stable they were just one strike away from becoming decimated. Teru was out there in the jungle with far less. It wasn't just the storm that was worrisome and the thought of what might happen to him made Link lose his appetite. He stood up without a word and it was obvious to everyone what needed to be done.
"Alright." Master Kohga stood up, breaking the tension that had built in the air. "I'll go look for him. The rest of you wait here in case he comes back."
"I'll go with you Master Kohga. I can help you track-"
"Jin, I'm ordering you all to stay put. Besides I'm just a good a tracker as you. I'll be fine." Kohga placed his hand on Jinsai's shoulder, "Let me ease you mind, Jin. I'll take care of it."
Jinsai let out a deep sigh and slumped down into a chair as though it had been taking him all his energy to stay afoot. With no other objections, Master Kohga left the stable without another word. All they could do was wait for the safe return of both fellow Yiga.
"Jin are you ok?" Link asked. Just a moment ago the freckled-faced man seemed so tense and now he looked more relaxed than Link would've thought possible.
"Yeah, I'm ok Link thanks for asking."
"You were getting so worked up and now you're just…" Link stopped himself. Jinsai had closed his eyes and was taking long deep breaths while opening and closings his hands in tandem to his breathing.
"Right this is probably the first time you've seen me like this. I uh, well you know when Master Kohga helped you out with your nightmares?"
"Yeah?" Link took a seat next to him.
"Well, he's helped me in the past in a similar way. See sometimes when I'm in a stressful situation or I start to worry too much about things that could happen, it can cause my body to react in a sort of intense way. Like just now Master Kohga used a hypnotic trigger to help me ground myself."
"A hypnotic trigger?" Link looked at his friend wide-eyed.
"Um, I'm not sure how to explain it, but point is he uses it to help me manage my anxiety in emergencies. When we're on mission it can be a lifesaver." Jinsai closed his eyes again and repeated his breathing procedure, "I know it must all seem pretty weird right?"
"N-no! It's just, it's a lot to think about."
Jinsai chuckled lightly, "Yeah I get you."
"So, what are you doing now? Meditating?"
"Yeah, basically. The trigger is just like a helpful safety net but it's up to me to make sure I don't go into a full-on panic. It doesn't always work but I've learned how to handle lots of situations thanks to Master Kohga's help. It used to be really hard but over the years I've gotten a lot better at managing it."
After another set of exhales Jinsai stood up, "I'll get us some tea while we wait for Master Kohga and Teru to get back."
"Oh you don't have to, let me do that."
Link turned out his chair to get up but before he could Jinsai tapped him on his shoulder directing him to sit back down.
"It's alright Link, I'm feeling ok, plus it helps me to stay on my toes, you know?"
The quick Yiga walked off to the stable's reception desk. He took a moment to survey the rest of the stable's denizens many of which were chatting and sharing a meal with their fellow travelers. He noticed Endai was lounging on his bed and reading a small pamphlet. Meanwhile Ridah was sitting cross legged on her bed and fidgeting with her hair, undoubtedly bored.
"Here." Jinsai set down a warm cup of tea in front of Link.
"Thanks, is this green tea?" Link gave the cup a curious sniff.
"Yes." Jinsai's smile almost instantly vanished, "Oh no, I forgot to ask what you like. Should I get you something else?"
"N-no this is fine; it just smells different from what I've tried back at camp."
"Oh, yeah." Jinsai sighed in relief, "Different folks have different ways of making their teas. No one cup of tea is the same in all of Hyrule as they say!"
"Who says that?"
"N-no one, it's just an expression. You know what never mind."
Link took a sip, "It's good." He smiled hoping to put Jinsai at ease, "So, I know you're mostly a scout but how come this is the first time we're on a mission together? I've done a few missions like this before."
"Oh, well that's probably because I'm what you might call a scout master, my missions usually take me pretty far from the hideout."
"Oh, I see. I bet Mila and Kohma miss you a lot when you're away hu?"
"Yeah, it's the same for me too, but that just motivates me to get my work done faster."
"How come you became a scout? Wouldn't working as a full-time assassin give you more time to be close to home? I heard Ridah say you use to train with them."
"Oh yeah that was a waaaaaays back before Master Kohga was made the head of the clan."
Jinsai took a long sip from his cup, "See back when Kohga's old man was the head, the way things were was everyone's position was decided based on your skills and performance. The higher-ranking clansmen decided my role was to be an assassin like you guys, but when Master Kohga stepped up he decided that everyone should be able to choose their stations. That was a huge relief for me because well, I can't stand the sight of blood. I almost always faint just from the sight of it."
He took another long drink from his cup obscuring the sight of his reddened cheeks, "And when Mila was born, Kohma was so worried I'd get hurt or you know…" His face turned serious, "So changing ranks to become a full-time scout became the obvious choice."
"Wow." Link looked dumbfounded. "I never would've pegged you as squeamish."
"Yeah, pretty silly right? An assassin who's scared of blood." He laughed, "And actually I wasn't supposed to join you guys for this mission, but Mila's birthday is next week, so I switched shifts with Tengu."
"Oh! How old is she going to be?" Link watched as Jinsai's eyes lit up with paternal pride.
"She's going to be seven. I can hardly believe how fast the time goes by; it feels like she's growing up so fast."
"She's really lucky to have you and Kohma."
Jinsai nodded, "Ah to be honest most of the time I feel like Kohma and I hardly know what we're doing but we make it work somehow."
"I wish I could remember my parents. I think if I just had one memory of them, I wouldn't feel so…" Link trailed off wondering what exactly he felt a loss of.
"You don't have to remember them to know that they loved you very much. The person you are is proof of that."
Link set down his cup before he lost his grip on the handle.
"Sorry, I know it's not my place to say that. But it's true you know. You're smart and kind. Any parent would be proud. At least that's how I feel." Jinsai paused a moment staring at the water in his cup, "When I see my Mila, I hope I'm doing enough to teach her that much."
Link thought hard on what Jinsai was telling him. Could that really be enough? If Mila grew up and forgot about her mother and father would Jinsai still think the same? Would she feel the same? But if Mito was right and recovering his memories became an impossibility then… he'd have no choice but to accept this idea as his only means of knowing. Which didn't leave him with any reassurance that it would be the truth.
The pouring rain pelted the roof of the small stone grotto that Teru had found to take refuge in. He leaned against a treasure chest he'd found in the small gravely enclosure. He waited in silence though not for the storm to subside.
"Don't you think you've caused enough trouble? Are you happy? You've made everyone worry about you."
Teru looked up to see Master Kohga's large frame just outside the mouth of the grotto, "Not everyone apparently." He replied scathingly.
Kohga let out a disgruntled sigh, "Alright what is it you want?"
Teru stood up sending a caustic glare at Kohga, "What is it you're playing at with Link?"
Kohga scoffed at the question, "Well, isn't that just the thing? There is no game."
"Oh come on, don't play dumb with me! I know you. The hero of Hyrule? A nice shiny new toy for you to play with, right?"
Kohga leaned against the soggy rock of the small cavern. He watched in smug silence as Teru's face slowly went from boiling rage to anxious confusion. Kohga moved into the cave which barely seemed large enough to contain him. While he closed the proximity between their faces, he coyly caressed Teru's face, "It's funny you call him a toy as if you were even that much to me."
Teru turned away from the touch in anger though part of him wished it could have stayed there.
"What is it you want me to tell you hmm? The truth?" He kept pushing forward, backing Teru to the wall of the cave, "That you were less than a toy? At least if you were a toy, I would've kept you for when I got bored."
Though Teru tried to keep a frown on his face his eyes were turned glassy with every word Kohga spat.
"I told you. 'I don't get attached.' But you thought you'd be different." Kohga grabbed Teru from his waist and forcefully pulled him against his hips.
Feeling Kohga's cock rubbed up against him Teru couldn't help but get flushed.
"And now look at you. So desperate to convince yourself that you weren't just nothing. Nothing but an easy fuck for me to blow off some steam, isn't that right?"
Teru's grimace turned feral. Without thinking he raised his hand to slap Kohga but, the other man caught his wrist immediately. He instinctively tried to pull away but Kohga's tight grip held him in place. His grip was painfully tight, and he shrieked when the brute twisted it slightly upwards pulling him forward.
"You would do well to remember your place, or I might not be so forgiving next time."
Kohga tightened his grip on Teru's wrist just to drive home his message. Teru attempted to withstand the pain while Kohga stared down Teru with callous eyes. It was then the young man realized in horror that if he did not concede Kohga wouldn't hesitate to break his wrist. Teru finally cried out in defeat and as he'd hoped he was released from the torturous hold. Kohga promptly abandoned the confines of the grotto without so much as a glance at Teru.
"Hurry up! You've wasted enough of my time already."
Teru held onto his wrist protectively. With no other choice Teru followed his leader back to the Lakeside stable.
The hot oil popped as Link stirred drumstick and fillet alike in the outdoor cooking pot. As soon as the storm had shown the first signs of letting up Link went straight to cooking dinner for his clanmates. He filled the pot with enough fish and poultry to feed seven people. He knew as soon as they'd get a whiff of his spicy prime meat and seafood fry Jinsai, Endai, and Ridah would come looking to try a bite despite having already eaten earlier. While he let the meat sizzle, he took a handful of warm safflinas and peeled off the excess leaves. Then crushed the flowers and split the stems of the plant to use as seasoning. It would give his dish a fragrant aroma as well as a complimentary contrast to the savory taste of the meant. More importantly, Teru and Master Kohga were likely to have gotten soaked by the rain and the meal would keep them catching a cold.
"Whoa, are you going to eat all that?" Jinsai looked bug-eyed at the copious amount of food in the pot.
"No, It's also for Master Kohga and Teru. I'm sure they'll be starving when they get back, so I wanted to make something for them. Hey, would you mind helping me set this up on the table?"
"Oh yeah sure!" Jinsai happily obliged.
While Jinsai got ahold of one of the tables in the stable and placed several plates, Link served a generous portion of food on each one. The smell of the seafood fry filled the stable and piqued the interest of their other two clanmates.
"I gotta admit I kinda wish I hadn't eaten earlier then I could've had some right now."
"I made enough for everyone, go ahead and have some Jin."
"Oh no, I couldn't. What if you run out for Master Kohga, he has a pretty big appetite and I wouldn-"
"It's no problem Jin, really I can always make more. Please just help yourself to a plate." Link insisted.
"Come on Jin, just take the hint, if you don't all this good food is going to go to waste." Endai said taking a plate for himself.
"Alright you don't have to twist my arm. Thanks Link."
Link gave his friend a warm smile reassuring him it was alright. Moments after Teru and Master Kohga came walking in. They both left a trail of water as they rejoined the others at the table. Upon seeing the two men arrive Jinsai heaved with a huge sigh of relief and immediately fetched them towels to dry off. Teru put down his backpack and removed his light brown jacket, boots and leaving on only a thin undershirt and his pants on. Looking considerably worn out he sat down at the table without acknowledging the other Yiga.
"I'm so glad you're ok." Link confided softly as he put down a plate in front of Teru.
Teru ignored Link, he seemed annoyed which was typical of him, but Link hoped he'd change his tune after getting some food in his stomach. Teru stared blankly at the delectable meal before him. The last thing he wanted right now was to enjoy anything Link gave him, but his stubbornness was no match for his hunger.
"What did you make us this time?" Master Kohga's deep voice intoned pleasantly behind Link. He'd taken of his soaked pourpoint, his shirt, and his trousers. He used the towel Jinsai had provide to keep himself looking decent.
"Prime meat and seafood fry; seasoned with warm safflinas." Link answered handing his master the plate with the most food.
"Looks exquisite just like the cook who made it." Kohga gave Link a peck while he received the plate from the boy's hands.
From the corner of Link's eye he saw Teru frown.
"Is something wrong?" Link asked with concern.
"Don't mind him, he's just in a mood because he got lost looking at some ruins, isn't that right?" Master Kohga said as he took his seat in front of Teru.
Teru echoed Master Kohga's words flatly with a scowl on his face, "That's right."
Link thought he saw Master Kohga flash a condescending smirk before digging into his meal.
"So, I take it you didn't find what you were looking for?" Endai asked.
"If he did, he would've been bragging about it by now." Ridah deduced.
Teru put down his fork in offense towards Ridah's assessment of him. That's when Link took notice of the bruise on his wrist. The blonde set down his plate hard on the table, "Teru! What happened to your hand?"
Teru instinctively pulled his wrist out of sight, holding it in his other hand, "Nothing it's fine. Just a little bruise."
"Didn't you tell me you ran into a bokoblin camp?" Kohga said without looking up.
Teru tenderly massaged his wrist as he spoke, "Yes… I ran into one near the ruins. That's how I got this. I had a, I was fighting off one of them and I took a hit."
Link hurriedly fetched a roll of bandages and helped Teru wrap his damaged wrist. The white-haired youth was taken aback by Link's genuine regard for his wellbeing. Though part of him wanted to refuse the boy's help, the rational part of him knew that it would be better to not make a fuss of it right now.
"I thought the reason we let you go off on your own was because you'd be fine." Link reprimanded.
"I-"
"Yeah, it's not like you to get one-upped by those monsters." Ridah poked Teru's side.
"That's what happens when you go poking your nose where it doesn't belong." Kohga remarked.
Teru stared stoically back at Kohga, "Yes, quite careless of me. I should've expected no less from that monster. Considering I'm still inexperienced with infiltrating behind enemy lines. But you know me once I get invested in something I don't give up without a fight."
Kohga chuckled, "You really shouldn't go testing your luck like that. We wouldn't want you losing more than just a hand."
Teru tensed under Kohga's eyes. Even though he knew he was just goading him, he refused to back down.
"Teru," Link's soft voice cut the tension between the two other men, "I know how passionate you are about your work but please don't put your life in harm's way." He said while he secured the bandage on Teru's wrist.
Teru scoffed and returned his gaze back towards Kohga, "I'm not going to throw my life away. I may have misjudged that beast today, but next time I'll be sure to exploit its weakness."
Kohga merely smirked as he returned his gaze to his plate.
"You're not planning to go back out there on your own again, right?" Link asked.
"I hope the only reason you're phrasing that as a question is because you have a better option?" Teru sneered.
Link paid no mind towards his clan mate's hostility, "I'll go with you."
Teru rolled his eyes.
"But Link we need you with us." Endai objected.
Link shook his head, "I may have joined you on this mission, but my priority is still the shrines. So, sorry, but you'll have to do the mission without me tomorrow."
"But you, he can't do that right Master Kohga?" Endai whined.
Kohga calmly took a sip of some tea Jinsai had poured him, "Why are you so surprised Endai? Anyone who is invited to come along on a mission is under no obligation to complete the mission's objectives."
The lazy Yiga grumbled in defeat. The others continued eating in peace and made small talk during the rest of the evening. All except Teru who remained quiet. He was the first to turn in for the night, which made sense, but Link suspected it wasn't just because he was tired. He got up to follow Teru but Kohga stopped him before he made any headway.
"Don't."
"But,"
"He wants to be alone right now. He'll just get angrier with you if you bother him right now."
"But, why is he angry?"
"Link don't be dense; he's tired from wandering through the forest all day and on top of that he got ruffed up by some monsters. Of course, he'd be upset. Besides we should be getting ready to do the same."
"Alright." The boy conceded.
He followed Kohga to the bed that stood in the back center of the stable. While Kohga made himself comfortable on the bed Link looked to both sides of the stable. It shouldn't have been surprising but just the same, all the other beds had been taken up by his other clan mates or other travelers.
"Wait, we're sharing a bed tonight?"
"Tonight, and every night." Kohga patted a spot on the mattress inviting Link to join him.
Link bunched up the ends of his shirt in his fists and hesitantly sat on the bed.
"Lay down. Or are you going to sleep like a horse?" Kohga bantered knowing all too well what was going through the blonde's head.
Link looked Kohga in the eye. A small grimace formed onto his face, "You promised."
"Don't you trust me?" Kohga gently cupped Link's cheek with his hand.
"Of course, but," Link hesitantly whispered, "You're not naked under that towel, right?"
Kohga chuckled softly, "Naturally, of course, if you'd prefer me without undergarments that could be arranged."
Link was either about to smack Kohga or die of embarrassment, "N-no I don't-"
"I'm kidding, you're so easy to fluster. Come on now."
After a moment of hesitation, the boy nodded; sank into the bedding, and huddled close to Kohga's chest. Kohga lay quietly on his back, affectionately rubbing Link's earlobes while Link listened to the sound of their breathing. His master's touch quickly eased his apprehension and his mind returned to the scene at dinner. He wasn't sure why he'd found Kohga's exchanges with Teru just a bit odd.
"Is there something going on between you and Teru?"
"What do you mean?"
"When we were at the table you kept smiling at him, is there something else that happened?"
"What an active imagination you have my love. I wasn't smiling at him; I was simply enjoying your delicious cuisine." Kohga condescended while brushing Link's lips with his fingers.
Link paused thinking back to the scene at the dinner, why had he thought Kohga's smile was directed at Teru?
"Now if I may, I've been waiting to ask you something."
Link looked back up at Kohga, whatever he thought he saw was probably nothing.
Kohga shifted to laying on his side and holding his head with his arm; effectively curtailing Link's perspective to only see him. He curled his free hand back around the boy's soft cheek.
"Did you enjoy yourself last night?" A wicked smile sprawled across Kohga's face.
Link's mind instantly brought him back to the previous night, Kohga's whispers, his commands and the surreal feeling of pleasure that had dared to overwhelm him. He pulled the sheets close, in his best attempt to hide his burning face.
"Now you're back to acting shy? What happened to all that confidence when you taunted me with those berries?"
"Th-that was different." Link insisted while Kohga tugged away the sheets.
"Am I going to have to hypnotize you again to get my answer?"
"You promised me you wouldn't do that." Link squeaked in panic.
"You said 'no sex in public' you didn't say anything about hypnosis and you definitely didn't mind it yesterday. Besides, you're so easy to hypnotize it's like your mind was made for me to toy with. Why shouldn't I put you into trance whenever I want?"
"I-I won't let you." Link stared doggedly at Kohga.
"Is that right?" Kohga intoned sensually, "Well then you have nothing to worry about, right? Because if you don't want to be hypnotized, nothing will happen. And if nothing happens then you can just easily relax."
Kohga took both of Link's hands and balled them into tight fists.
"Because you'll be the one holding onto the control. Can you imagine what it would feel like if you let go of it? Control over your mind and body? Of course, you can, because you have. Every time I've hypnotized you, you remember how it felt to let go of that control."
Link found himself clenching his fist tightly. Determined to keep himself from slipping under Kohga's spell.
"That's right hold on to it Link. You don't want to let go of your control, right?" Kohga began to fire his words in rapid succession, "Hold on tightly. Don't let me distract you. Don't think about the familiar way I'm touching you now."
While Link kept both hands tightly held together, Kohga started lazily stroking Link's back with his fingers, drawing little spirals into him over and over again.
"Don't think about how good it felt last time I hypnotized you. Don't think about how happy being hypnotized makes you feel. Don't think about how hard it's becoming to hold onto that control. Don't think about how easy it would be to just let go."
Link's eyes were fixed on his hands, his eyebrows thoroughly creased, and his breathing came in short spurts. Kohga had him right where he wanted, completely focused.
"Don't think about the words I'm telling you. Don't think about how tired you're feeling. Don't think. Don't think."
Link's head had grown fuzzy. He thought holding his hands together would've been easy, but he was straining to keep them together. What's more, he hadn't been able to ignore the sensation on his back, as well as Kohga's words. His mind had been going back forth between all three and it left him feeling confused as though he were buzzed on liquor.
"It's hard to keep those hands together isn't it?"
Link couldn't speak he was so absorbed in his task he'd surely lose his grip if he tried to speak. But it was true, it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep his hands tightly bound together.
"They must feel heavy. Just like your eyes. They've grown so very heavy."
It was true, everything Kohga said became true.
"It's alright, you'll feel so much better if you let them go. Go ahead, let go . . ."
Link couldn't hold on any longer, the moment his hands went limp his eyes closed.
"And just sleep."
Link felt the familiar feeling of his mind dropping deep into trance, that dark empty floating space in his head.
"You see I was right, you wanted to be hypnotized. I'm always right about you Link. You feel so much better now, don't you?"
"Mhmm." The boy hummed helplessly.
"That's right, this is what you wanted, this is what you always want. To give up all control to me. That's why you want to be hypnotized. You understand that now, don't you, my sweet boy?"
Link gave a soft whine of approval.
"Yes, that's right, you don't just want it. You crave it, you yearn so deeply to lose control that's why you always fall for me so deeply and so very easily, even when you don't realize you've fallen into trance." Kohga brought his hand back up to caress Link's flushed cheek.
"Now, I want to know the truth. Did you like the way I made you feel last night? Nod for me if you did."
Link nodded.
"Did you love it?"
He nodded enthusiastically.
"Do you want me to make you feel like that over and over again?"
He kept nodding.
"Would you like that right now my love?"
He showed no signs of stopping.
"Really? Even though we're in public?"
Link nodded relentlessly.
"Oh no, you're such a lewd boy Link, and you've been dishonest with me, haven't you?"
Link's nods slowed down; his brows furrowing in shame.
"I don't appreciate being lied to. After all I do, to make you happy, I deserve better, don't I?"
Link whimpered and nodded like an obedient little pup.
"That's right my sweet boy, you need to be honest with me. You must always tell me the truth whether you're in or out of trance, understood?"
Link nodded reverently.
"Say it."
"I will always tell you the truth." Link mumbled.
"Good, very good Link." Kohga brushed Link's hair behind his ear and kissed him on his cheek.
The boy sighed happily as a gentle smile ingrained itself onto his face.
"Now since I'm a man of my word, I won't do anything naughty right now." Kohga booped Link's nose playfully. "But since I've already got you here wrapped around my finger; I think it would be helpful to give you another little trigger. How does that sound to you? Good?"
"Mmm."
"I was thinking... how about I give you a word to drop into trance even faster, and deeper every time I use it. That sounds fun doesn't it?"
"Mhmm."
"Every time I say the word 'fall' with a snap," Kohga snapped his finger, "You'll instantly drop deep into trance. Every time I repeat fall," snap! "You just give in so easily to becoming fully hypnotized. And the more I repeat this command the more powerful it becomes, understand?"
"Yes." Link drawled out a dainty whisper.
"Good. Now open your eyes, wake up."
Link's eyes blinked open; he craned his neck slightly to look up at Kohga who smiled deviously at him.
Kohga stroked Link's back lovingly, "Now, you might think you're fully awake right now but actually, you're still deeply hypnotized."
At the mention of being hypnotized Link felt the pleasant buzzing return to the forefront of his mind, as if it had always been there, and only now had he noticed it again. His eyes began to droop, threatening to close shut but he blinked in a frenzy determined to keep them open.
"That's right, it feels like you're awake but not quite. And I bet you're just waiting for me to drop you back down. Maybe I will or, maybe I won't, maybe I'll just keep you here in this in-between space."
Link had forgotten his words for a moment and looked at his master with pleading eyes hoping he'd know what he wanted to say.
"Hmm, you want to go back down, don't you? Is that it, my precious cucco?" Kohga cooed.
"Y-yes." Link was struggling to keep his eyes open, but he also couldn't seem to just give up on staying awake, even though he didn't want to. The dissonance between his mind and body sent him reeling. He felt his eyes slowly spinning, looking all around and wanting to just let them roll into the back of his head.
"You just want it so, badly don't you?"
"Yes, please."
"Please what?" Kohga teased.
"Please, let me fall."
"Come again?"
"Please let me fall." Link groaned.
"Keep begging, quietly." Kohga whispered.
"Please let me fall, please let me fall, please let me fall, please let me fall, please let me fall, please master please-"
"Fall." Snap!
Link's eyes fell shut like heavy doors and his mind sank deeply inwards on itself. Kohga let his arm rest around Link's waist occasionally pinching the little bit of fat around his hips.
"Very good Link. Focus on this feeling right now, how it feels, how you love being so deep in trance. This is where your mind will go instantly when you hear this command again and again. Every time sinking deeper into trance, every time more easily and effortlessly, every time I say the word, Fall." Snap!
Link sighed deeply his expression so peaceful. Kohga relished having the young Hylian in such a vulnerable state all to himself.
"Now wake up, up, up, up."
Link opened his eyes again. The buzzing, spinning feeling in his head came back twice as strong. He didn't bother trying to look wide awake. It was too much already. He simply let his eyelids remain half-closed, while his eyes rolled lethargically around and around without rhyme or reason. He felt so befuddled even though he understood what was happening. That must have been why his eyes kept spinning, the confusion of his mind made itself manifested through his eyes. And even though he was completely lost in the feeling of his mind melting he felt himself enjoying it just the same. Thoroughly blissed out in being so lost and out of control.
"Look at you, so beautifully fractionated, just for me." Kohga kissed Link's lips softly. He scooched himself closer to the boy so he could feel Link's soft breathing on his chest. Kohga let his hand glide its way up to Link's chest.
"Hmmm, it's just a shame we're not alone right now." Kohga buried his face into Link's neck nipping and sucking on the tender skin. "The things I'd do to you while you're like this, so helpless."
Link gasped in a devilishly wonton manner as Kohga continued to titillate his neck.
"I'd have to use a gag to keep you quiet."
Before Link made another sound Kohga planted his lips on Link's. The boy's moans were muffled by Kohga's ravenous mouth. He kissed him deeply, letting his tongue creep further and further into his mouth. They both gasped heavily when Kohga finally let Link go.
"Fall." Snap!
Link sank back down. Kohga wiped the dribble of saliva that had been left around Link's chin.
"Although, I think I'd rather hear every perverted sound that mouth of yours can make."
A deeper shade of red tainted Link's cheeks. His breathing kept up a quick pace, and his brows became intensely furrowed. Kohga knew he was yearning but alas his fun had to come to an end.
"Hmm, looks like this is as far as we'll go today. We can't let you get too excited, now can we?" Kohga gave the boy a bit more space again.
"I'm going to count you back up now, when I finish, you'll be back to your normal self and wide awake. Are you ready?"
Link confirmed with a nasally hum.
"Ten. Nine. Your mind easing back into consciousness. Eight. Seven. Every single breath returning you back to the waking world. Six. Five. Four. Control returning to your body. Three. Two. Almost fully wake. One. Wide awake."
Link batted his eyes. He felt like himself again. A little floaty, a little groggy, but he was truly awake this time, in control once again.
"How're you feeling, my love?" Kohga caressed Link's arms.
Link held tight onto Kohga's hand. His eyes suddenly became moist without warning. He moved himself to lay his head on Kohga's chest. His warm skin soothing him. He whispered so only his master could hear him, "I love you."
"I love you too." He kissed Link's forehead, "You went very deep, didn't you?"
"Yeah, it felt so … I don't know how to explain it, but it felt so good."
"You've gotten so good at being hypnotized, remember when we first started? It would take you several minutes just to relax. Now you're picking up triggers left and right. I'm so proud of you my little cucco."
Link felt a little flutter of giddiness from Kohga's praise, "It's all thanks to you. You've been a very good teacher. Not just with hypnosis but with everything else. I can't thank you enough Master."
Kohga chuckled, "Now if only I could get you to speak less formally. You know you can just call me 'Kohga' right?"
"Ah." Link blushed, looking away from his master's eyes, "I can't just do that. People will think I'm being disrespectful."
"Well aren't you such a good lad for trying to please everyone?" Kohga snarked.
Link felt an immediate pang of disappointment in Kohga's choice of words.
"I'm not saying you have to. It would just make me happy if you did. Like when it's just the two of us."
"Oh, ok." Link muttered.
"What are you thinking of now?" Kohga said noticing Link's slight look of displeasure.
"Umm… I was," Link bit his lip. He knew he didn't have to say it, but he felt he was better off being more honest with Kohga. It was his decision and not because of what he'd been told while in trance, or so he told himself.
"I was thinking. If I call you 'Kohga' then could you call me a… 'good boy'?" He felt embarrassed to say it, but only because he didn't quite understand why he felt so good when Kohga said those two little words to him.
Kohga cocked an eyebrow, "Oh? Will that make you happy?"
Link pulled the sheets to hide his blushing face again, "Y-yes."
Kohga's baritone laugh seemed to taunt Link, "But if you want to be called 'good' you have to earn it understand?"
Link nodded, "I will … Kohga."
A boastful smile spread across Kohga's face; he knew Link would be eager to please and that just made teasing him all the more irresistible. Link started back at Kohga with an ardent yearning that was plainly visible in his innocent blue eyes. He placed his hand on Link's chest, lightly caressing it and forcing the boy to wait for his prize.
"Good boy."
Pleasure rushed down Link's spine all the way down to his groin. He closed his eyes and gave a deep contented sigh.
"I wish I could show you how much I love you right now." Kohga whispered.
"You could just tell me." Link said snuggling deeper into his master's arms.
"There aren't enough words to describe how much I love you."
Link rolled his eyes, "So dramatic, I bet you can think of a few."
"I could think of a hundred ways of saying it, and it still wouldn't be enough."
"Tell me one then."
Link felt Kohga's chest take a deep breath in.
"You've made every day of my life worth living." Kohga said sincerely.
Of all the things Kohga could've said, he hadn't expected anything quite like that. He looked up at him, half expecting the man to take back his words jokingly. Link stared into his enigmatic gold irises, "Do you really mean that?"
"I mean it with every fiber of my being."
With no hesitation in his voice, Link's doubts were dismantled. And yet he felt like he didn't deserve those words. Not wanting to spoil the moment with those thoughts, Link gave Kohga another kiss and curled up in his arms settling in for the night.
Link was roused from sleep at the crack of dawn by Kohga. Since he wanted him and Teru to return before nightfall it was crucial for them to set out for their mission as early as possible. After Link prepared a few meals for the day he journeyed with Teru towards east of the Floria river. The air was fresh, the leaves of the numerous palms were yet to be bathed by the sun's rays, and the weather was apt for traveling.
"You said the tower filled in the map on the slate, right?" Teru asked while they walked on the well-worn travel path.
"Yeah." Link replied keenly observant of the other's body language.
"Then that's where we'll go first."
Link nodded in agreement. He assumed Teru thought the map would allow them to focus their search for hidden shrines on key areas of interest while also helping them keep track of where they've been so as to not overlook any place that could be suspect. He could've simply asked him but after their last mission together Link felt unsure on how to approach him. Teru wore a composed but serious expression as he usually did which could've been a good sign. Perhaps Link was overthinking and Teru had already let bygones be just that. Or perhaps Teru had always feigned stoicism and Link was just starting to notice that it was just a mask. Or maybe he was always this abrasive but was good at keeping it underneath the surface and the problem was him, that he brought out the worst in Teru. As he dizzied himself with several probable scenarios it just made Link more convinced that he was better off staying quiet.
As the morning mist began to settle in and they drew closer to the tower Link wondered if Teru was going to divulge how he planned to make it up the tower. There was a steep ravine between them and where the tower lay so it seemed unlikely that they'd try leaping their way to the other side. Link could've built them a log bridge to get to the other side but all the palms around them were too thick from their trunks for Link to cut one down with just a sword. As they drew closer to the tower Link's anticipation grew for Teru to break the silence between them. Surely, he'd say something by now?
Nothing. Teru didn't even so much as look at Link the whole time. Maybe once they'd gotten closer, he'd say something. Surely, he wouldn't just…
They had passed the tower, now leaving it behind them. The further they walked the more anxious Link became. He felt like he could've stopped following Teru and the Yiga wouldn't have bothered looking back. Could that have been it, did Teru loathe Link's company that much? The blonde wrestled with the disparaging thoughts of his comrade's disdain. He stared at the back of his comrade's white-haired head wondering what could he do to mend their relationship? Why were things so difficult between the two of them in the first place?
His eyes trailed down Teru's back and stopped at his bandaged wrist and he remembered why he was there in the first place. Link shook his head and steeled his resolve. It didn't matter if Teru hated him or what, he'd stick by him. A few more minutes, heck even hours of awkward silence was a small price to pay for keeping his fellow Yiga safe.
As the sun climbed higher, the humidity set in, and the jungle became alive with all the sounds of the birds and fauna going about their everyday routines. Several squawks, screeches, and croons could be heard near and far. The birds seemed rife with conversation, unlike him and Teru. Upon seeing Sarjon Bridge Link perked up remembering the events of the day before with fondness.
Teru must've noticed it on his face, "Ridah said you went swimming yesterday."
"Mmhmm." Link nodded.
"How was it?" Teru asked still looking up ahead as they crossed the bridge.
"It was fine." Link replied almost stumbling on his words surprised by Teru's sudden interest.
"This way." Teru pointed to his right towards the dense tropical brush.
The sudden change gave Link whiplash, but he followed Teru off the path just the same. Link listened to the gentle gurgle of the stream they walked alongside as they made their way further into the jungle. Then suddenly a bolder came hurling towards them from the water. Link and Teru hurried behind the cover of the nearest tree as more rocks continued to be launched towards them.
"Fucking octorocks." Teru grumbled.
Link grabbed his bow and readied to return fire at the blue squid-like fiend. After another attack hit the trunk of the palm tree Link peaked out and sniped the nuisance into its next life.
"Thank the Goddess, I hate those annoying shits." Teru sighed in relief.
"Same, I'd rather get my head bashed in by a lynel." Link added.
Teru snorted, "No kidding, right?"
Link felt relieved to see the young man smile but it didn't stay for very long and Teru recomposed his mask of indifference. He dusted himself off of nonexistent debris and was ready to continue forward but something else caught his eye.
"Oh great."
Link looked in Teru's direction and saw a familiar-looking lanky figure trotting in the air just a few meters away from them.
"Is that a wizzrobe?" Link asked, recognizing the white garb that cloaked the spindly prancing creature.
"Yeah, a thunder wizzrobe. See it's stupid little wand?"
Link identified the gleaming jagged instrument in the creature's long black fingers as its wand.
"It can summon lightning with that so don't just throw yourself at it." Teru warned.
"Right."
Link assessed his arsenal. He had a wooden bow, a spiked wooden club, and a traditional soldier's shield, all in all, an appropriate triad of weaponry to avoid becoming a human lightning rod. Perhaps now was a good a time as any to use his ice arrows he had been saving.
He drew his bow. The frosty glint of the arrowhead shimmered as he focused on his target.
Thwish!
"Damn it."
"Is that the best you can aim!?" Teru yelled.
"Give me a break he won't stop moving!"
The wizzrobe vanished from sight with only a high-pitched cackle ringing in the air. Like ripples of water, several glowing circles made their way closer to Link. Unsure of what would come Link readied another arrow. Then suddenly the spellcaster popped up out of the ether and flung a ball of electricity towards Link. Thankfully it was slow enough for Link to avoid, but while he did the monster disappeared once more.
"Come out and fight you coward!" Link taunted, hoping to provoke the slippery bastard to rear his pointy head.
"I don't think it's as dumb as it looks." Teru called out.
Link kept his eyes on the glowing circles, while holding his shield up, bracing for the inevitable. The wizzrobe appeared behind him throwing another ball of electricity at him. Link narrowly missed getting hit but his foe continued its assault popping in and out of existence. Trying to catch Link off guard but as the fight dragged on Link picked up its pattern, improving his evasive maneuvers with every minute that passed. However, his enemy was also learning to keep its distance from Link lest it wanted to meet the hard end of his club. Unable to make any headway with its attacks the frustrated monster twirled its rod in the air and summoned an electric chuchu to its side. The yellow gelatinous monster noticed Teru hiding behind a budding palm and undulated its way towards him. It didn't seem to pose much of a threat, that is until it took a daring leap and landed close to its target.
"Get back!" Link's heart sank as he recalled the monster's ability to expel its electric energy from its body and out into a large radius.
Heeding Link's warning Teru bolted away just in time, "Don't take your eyes of the wizzrobe, I can handle this little electric turd."
Just then the wizzrobe began to chant and skirt about. Its rod glowed bright with energy and in a manner of seconds the sky turned dark and a loud rumble boomed above them.
KRWASH!
Lighting rained down onto the forest floor. While Link ran to avoid getting struck his palms were starting to get sweaty, things were getting out of hand he had to end it quickly. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Teru hurling rocks at the chuchu but the damage it did to the monster was so minuscule it didn't deter it from continuing to attack his comrade. The slime sent out another burst of electric energy. Teru quickly moved out of range of the attack. After it's little outburst Link decided he wasn't going to risk the chuchu getting one up on Teru, so he threw his club at the slime before it could recharge, causing it to splatter into small globs of electrified jelly.
"Look out!" Teru cried.
While Link had taken out the chuchu his other enemy had summoned another annoying minion, flapping its yellow bat-like wings less than a foot away was an electric keese. It zapped Link from behind causing him to drop his shield.
Thwsh!
Link would've been done for if it weren't for Teru's quick thinking. The Yiga had thrown Link's club to knock out the keese before it dove in to finish off the young Hylian. Unfortunately, his club had broken into pieces from the impact and the wizzrobe was still hot on his tail. In a moment of panic Link ran for his life and abandoned his shield wherever it may have fallen. The situation was looking dire. He needed to end the fight as swiftly as possible. He equipped his guardian sword, the only non-conductive weapon he had left and consumed an electricity resistance granting meat skewer. He circled back around towards the glowing rings ready to dive in with an all-out attack. As soon as the wizzrobe reappeared Link sprinted headfirst towards the monster plunging his sword into its leg. He slashed above his head desperately to finish off the fiend before it could retaliate. With great effort, he slew the fiend just in time. Its rod dropping to the floor and its body disintegrating into the air. Link picked up the rod, as far as consolation prizes went this one wasn't too shabby. He placed it in his inventory space in the Sheikah slate and immediately looked around for Teru. Relieved to see him standing just a few feet away, Link jogged over to find that the young man had found his shield. Teru handed Link the circular piece of armament.
"Thanks." Link said.
"Yeah, you too." The young man replied modestly.
Link grinned softly.
"Let's keep going while the weather is still good." Teru said. He hastily walked past Link towards a cliffside.
Link turned around in confusion, "I thought you couldn't climb?"
"I never said I couldn't. You've seen me climb."
Link recalled how Teru had struggled to scale the rock they climbed in the sand storm on their previous mission, "Uh, yeah. I guess I have."
"Ok so I'm not great at it, so obviously I'm going to need some help. Which is why I brought this." Teru gave Link a large bundle of twine. Teru pointed up above towards their destination, "You'll climb up first and hold the rope so that I can pull myself up, ok?"
Link took the rope, looked at the top of the cliff then back to Teru. Seemed like a solid enough plan. "Mmn." The blonde curtly nodded than began to scale the wall. It took much longer for Link to reach the top, nearly running out of stamina in the process but once he finally did, he secured the rope around his waist and threw the rest down to Teru.
"You ready?" Teru asked taking the rope in his hands.
"Yeah!" Link hollered from above widening his stance, bracing for Teru's pull.
Teru placed on foot against the cliff and started to pull himself up the side of the cliff. As Link expected his weight and the pull of gravity dragged Link closer to the edge. Though Link dug his feet into the dirt it wasn't enough, he acted quickly taking one of his claymores from the slate and using it to anchor him to the spot.
"You better not drop me!" Teru yelled from below.
"I won't!" Link replied. "Not yet at least."
"Link, I swear to Farosh!"
"I'm kidding."
Teru made it up the cliff in record time considering the scale of his climb. They quickly made their way to the next, the tower was sure to be close now. After their second climb, the base of the tower stood just a short distance away.
"Oh, come on." Teru groaned.
It didn't take long for Link to spot what had bothered Teru so quickly again. Another wizzrobe was frolicking without care just at the base of the tower.
"I don't suppose we could try sneaking past it?" Teru surmised.
"Nope. If it sees us and summons a storm, we won't be able to climb up anyway."
Teru let out a disgruntled sigh, "Great. Ok so-"
"I'm going to bomb the shit out of it," Link took out a bomb without hesitation and ran off without a second thought.
"Hold on a sec-"
Link was already gone with his bomb held high, Teru wasn't the only one fed up with the spellcasting monster. The wizzrobe caught wind of Link approaching but the boy circled around the tower, unable to see him for a moment the wizzrobe hesitated giving Link just the opening he needed to attack it from behind. Then came the onslaught of bombs. Alternating between his cube bombs and his sphere ones Link blasted the pitiful creature into oblivion and slashed it with his sword before it got a chance to retaliate.
"Wow, well ok then." Teru said upon seeing the creature slain. With their last obstacle out of their way the two could finally begin climbing the tower.
"Here, take this." Link handed Teru an enduring elixir. "This should help you make it all the way to the top. I've got plenty so if you need more just say so."
Teru looked at Link suspiciously but accepted the potion, "Why are you doing this?"
"What do you mean?"
"You're the only one that needs to reach the top of the tower, why waste your elixirs on me?
"Don't you want to see how the Sheikah slate works with the tower?"
"Yes."
"Isn't that a good enough reason?"
Teru's cast his eyes downward, "You don't have to be so nice all the time. We're not friends you know."
Link lost his smile, "I know that … but I just hoped-"
"Let's just climb this tower and be done with this."
When they reached the top Link took a moment to lose himself in the scenery. The view of the region was spectacular even with the haze of the humid air that made the details of the forest fuzzy. It just made exploring the vast expanse even more enticing.
"Would you mind staring off into space later?" Teru scorned.
Link pulled himself away from the view and walked over to the pedestal where Teru was waiting. Link placed the slate on the pedestal. Teru watched intently as the stone was set in place and the pedestal illuminated with orange light. On one side of the tower the bright blue glow of the Sheikah technology revealed a circular emblem on the floor of the tower. Then came the single drop of blue liquid to infuse the slate with the map of the region. Link glanced over to Teru who looked like he was going to pop a blood vessel from sheer awe. It was done in a matter of seconds and then Link took back the slate.
"Well, that's it."
"That's it?!"
"Yeah."
"Let me see that slate." Teru looked confounded, he couldn't believe all that flourish for just one piece of a map."What are the blue icons? Shrines you've been to?" He asked placing the map's cursor on one of them.
"Yeah, and towers."
"What happens if you click them?"
It hadn't occurred to Link he could select the icons with his cursor, so he did out of curiosity. Suddenly his skin began to glow with the same blue radiant light of the Sheikah technology and he vanished.
Link hadn't a clue to what just happened but suddenly he found himself back at the Kay Noh shrine near the Gerudo desert. But how could that have been possible, unless? Link reopened the map, and this time selected the Faron tower. Once again, his body became illuminated in blue light and he was back standing before Teru at the top of the tower.
"What the hell did you just do?!" Teru looked utterly mortified.
"I was, I think I went to one of the other shrines and came back here?"
"Those servile geniuses," Teru said with a smile accompanied by lowered eyebrows, "They created a teleportation system!" He ran up to the emblem where Link had reappeared, "Could you imagine the kinds of things we could do with this technology?"
Link couldn't help but feel a little unsettled by Teru's enthusiasm, "We could get back home a lot faster, I guess."
Teru chuckled softly, "That's just the tip of the iceberg. Being able to travel huge distances in a manner of minutes is an incredibly powerful tool. Whole civilizations thrive or die just on how well they can control their ability to move themselves and resources but also information."
"That sounds, really good." Link said very unsurely.
"It's not just good, it could very well put us in the position to govern all of Hyrule. Could you imagine that? No more hiding in the desert, we could rule, and we could live like kings too!"
"Wow, I hadn't thought of that." Link admitted.
Teru scoffed at him, "Of course you didn't. All you're good for is swinging your sword around like a bokoblin looking for its next target practice."
Link angrily pointed his finger at Teru, "Hey I can-"
Teru raised his voice with equal contempt, "Why were you even given the slate in the first place if you don't even have the capacity to use it to its fullest potential?"
"Because… Master Kohga named me his successor."
Teru looked at Link in shock.
"I didn't ask for the slate, he gave it to me."
"You? Clan leader? Of all the, you don't know the first thing about being a leader!"
"You don't think I know that? I don't want to be the next chief but Master Kohga… he expects me to be-"
"Oh yeah, taking orders even though you're against them shows great promise the leader you'll be." Teru sneered.
"I can't just not-"
"You can! Of course, you can! You're just going to force yourself to live your life even if it's not what you want just because that's what Master Kohga wants? And you wonder why I say you're pathetic." Teru turned away from Link, sickened by the sight of his pitiful face.
"You're right. I… I don't want any of this." Link dropped the stone tablet onto the floor.
Teru turned around to see Link sitting at the ledge of the tower with his legs dangling in the air. He picked up the slate, checking for cracks but it had remained intact despite the careless handling. He huffed angrily and began walking back towards the climbable mesh that was the wall of the tower they had climbed up. He stopped halfway and looked over to Link who still sat idly on the ledge. He sighed deeply before walking back to sit next to the blonde. For a long while they sat in silence watching as the sun inched closer to the horizon.
"So what? You're just gonna mope here all night long?"
Link stared blankly.
"Look it's your life so do what you want with it."
"But that's the thing. I don't know what I want, so how can I say no to him when I don't even know if there's anything else for me?"
"Ugh! Do you even hear yourself? It doesn't matter if you don't know. Forcing yourself to go through with it won't just be bad for you, it'll be bad for everyone."
"I-I know but just can't."
"What can't you do? Say no?"
Link nodded.
Teru rolled his eyes, "Why the fuck not?!"
"I don't know, because maybe … I don't want to let him down." Link sighed.
"Oh please, he's a grown ass man. He can take care of himself. So what if you don't become clan leader, big deal. He'll live. We'll all live. You're not letting down anyone by making your own decision. Got it!?"
Link stared back at Teru with wide eyes.
"Here take your slate and don't drop it again." Teru stood up to leave, "And this doesn't make us friends either. I just can't stand to see you make such a stupid mistake that will make my life worse too."
The boy couldn't help but let a small grin spread onto his face.
"Hey wait." Link stood up before the other started going down the tower, "Let's use the paraglider to get down."
"But there's two of us."
"We can each hang on from one side." Link suggested.
Teru shook his head, "It's not that simple, we need to displace our weight evenly or else instead of gliding we'll be crashing."
"Ok then, give me your stuff I'll put it in the slate." Link pointed to Teru's large pack.
"Actually, I think it's you who needs to lighten their load. You definitely weigh more than me."
Link looked at himself confused, "But you're taller than me how can I weigh more than you?"
"Probably because you eat like a fat ass all the time." He said crossing his arms.
"Hey, I'm not fat." Link frowned.
"I said 'like' one. Anyway, I was kidding, you have way more muscle mass than me ergo more weight."
"Oh." Link understood yet still felt self-conscious of his body.
"Just pass me your sword and shield that should be enough."
Link complied then held out the paraglider for Teru to take hold of his side.
"On the count of three we jump, ok?"
Link nodded.
"One. Two. Three!"
They leapt off the tower together, for a second Link was afraid they'd drop to their deaths but then the draft was caught in the sail and gently carried them down. He turned to look at Teru and saw the young man's face furrowed with fear.
"Don't tell me you're surprised it worked?"
"Of course not, I wouldn't have jumped hundreds of feet in the air if I wasn't absolutely sure I wasn't going to die. I just had that thought of what if, you know?"
Link chuckled, "Yeah, I do."
They glided over the enormous palms that covered the land like a fertile green blanket. As they descended, they steered towards the Lake Floria bridge for a safe landing. They both sighed in relief and then Teru returned Link's things back to him.
"Weird the slate hasn't found any new shrines yet." Link noted scratching his head.
"Didn't you turn off the sensor before we got here?" Teru asked raising his eyebrow.
Link's face went blank, "Oh."
"You forgot to turn it back on didn't you." Teru brought his hand to his forehead.
"Uh," Link fumbled with the slate trying to quickly correct his mistake.
Teru sighed despondently.
"There!"
"Well it's not going to do us much good now it's almost sunset."
Link remembered Master Kohga's order to return at the assigned time, "We can look for some tomorrow then."
"Sure." Teru shrugged.
They began to walk towards the stable which was only a few yards off in the distance when the slate rang loudly alerting them of the nearby shrine.
"Or we can find one right now I guess." Teru corrected.
As they got closer to the stable Link noticed how the sensor's signal got stronger or weaker simply depending on which direction he was facing. The more he walked the further the sensor guided them past the stable and all the way to the cliff that bordered the lodge. The wall where the signal was strongest was noticeably cracked so Link took out a bomb. A hidden cave laid just beyond the fissure perhaps. He waved at Teru to step back, placed the bomb on the ground and skidded out of range before detonating his explosive.
Boom!
The rock crumbled and revealed a shrine resting inside the small cave. Link promptly went to the pedestal at the shrine's entrance and activated it. When he turned to look back at Teru he saw a familiar face making his way towards them from the stable.
"Master Kohga!" Link hopped off the shrine's foyer and giddily ran up to show off his new discovery.
"You made it back before sundown," Kohga welcomed Link into an embrace with one arm. With his dominant hand he raised Link's chin directing his cerulean eyes directly towards him, "Good boy." He said softly.
Link lost himself for a moment in his master's praise, "I uh," He shook his head, "I mean we. We discovered the slate can teleport us to the shrines and towers! So now we can come here whenever we want."
"You can teleport multiple people at once?" Kohga asked.
"Well, I'm not sure if we can do that. We haven't tried it." Link looked to Teru.
"We won't know till we try but either way we should still get plenty of use out of it." Teru confirmed.
"I look forward towards your next discovery then. I take it you'll want to go into the shrine now?" Kohga guessed.
"Yes . . . Is there something you wanted us to do first?" Link asked.
"No, nothing like that. I'll let you enter the shrine. But I have something for you, so don't keep me waiting too long, alright?" He gave Link a kiss on the cheek.
"Ok, I won't." The boy said lightly blushing.
Business was the same as usual in the shrine. With the use of the runes Link made his way to obtain every treasure chest before reaching the monk on his dais. While Teru took note of the unique design of the shrine and the stone slabs that were key to gaining access to the upper levels of the shrine. They completed their quest in practically no time at all and headed back to the stable soon after.
"So, when do you plan on telling him?" Teru asked causally.
"Tell who what?" Link looked at Teru confused.
Teru rolled his eyes.
"Oh… um. I guess later. There's no rush, right?"
"As long as you don't wuss out, I guess its fine."
They walked towards the stable when Link spotted Master Kohga and the others gathered around the outdoor cooking pot. Link couldn't help himself from letting a dopey smile spread across his face as he watched Kohga from afar.
"You've got to be the most helpless sap I've ever seen." Teru sighed.
Link ran his hand through his hair looking away to hide his embarrassment.
"For your sake, I hope he doesn't get bored of you."
Link was taken aback by Teru's ominous words, "What does that mean?"
"It means you don't know him like I do."
Before Link could ask another question Teru quickened his pace and took a seat next to Jinsai around the fire. Link took the only other empty seat next to Master Kohga whom handed him a bowl of soup. Link took the bowl hesitantly.
"Don't worry Jin made it not me." Kohga reassured.
"Oh." Link took a spoonful now with more confidence, "Wow this is really good! You made this Jin?"
"Yeah, I sometimes help Kohma with the cooking."
"What did you use?" Link asked as he eagerly slurped up the soup.
"Pheasant and some herbs, I'm glad you liked it."
"So, what's this about teleporting?" Ridah interjected.
"The slate lets me teleport to the shrines and towers." Link answered.
"In just a matter of minutes." Teru added.
"For real? So, if we give you all the bananas to store in the slate you could take them back to the hideout in just a few minutes?" Endai postulated.
"Yeah, I'd say so. There's a shrine pretty close to the hideout."
"But what about the rest of us?" Ridah inquired.
"We've yet to test it but I don't think the slate can teleport more than one person at a time." Teru replied.
"What makes you think that?" Jinsai asked.
Teru casually gestured to the slate with his spoon, "Simple, the slate doesn't seem to be functioning at full capacity."
"Is it broken?" Ridah tilted her head.
"Not broken, but it seems to be missing some other kinds of its functions." Teru concluded.
"Hmmm," Endai rubbed his chin, "Well even if we all can't travel together. If Link delivers everything we collect that would still put us ahead of schedule by a few days. So…"
"Oooo! Can we take a detour then?" Ridah asked excitedly.
"A vacation does sound nice." Kohga mused.
"Lurelin Village isn't too far from here." Endai suggested.
"Yes! Please Master Kohga can we go?" Ridah pleaded.
Kohga smirked mischievously, "Weeeeeeeeell," Kohga turned to Link, "I don't mind but, it'll be up to Link to decide."
"Hu?" Link spilled some of his soup on his tunic; caught off guard by the sudden exchange in authority.
"Link please you gotta!" Ridah cried.
"Yeah, come on man." Endai pressed.
"It has been a long time since I've gotten a break, I would also like to go." Jinsai said shyly.
Link looked to Teru.
"Don't look at me, it's your decision… but we might find some more shrines, so there is that." He said finishing his broth.
Link looked back and forth between all the beseeching faces of his clan mates. He felt himself shrinking under the pressure of their gazes, "Well if it's what everybody wants."
"Yay! This is going to be so much fun!" Ridah shouted with unbridled elation.
"But you'll have to finish collecting by tomorrow." Kohga added.
"Tomorrow?!" Endai wailed in distress.
"If we want to make the trip worth our while we should finish the mission early." Kohga reasoned.
"Ugh! Fine, we can do it! Right, Endai?" Ridah slapped Endai's back.
Endai groaned at Ridah's rough encouragement, "Yeah sure, we can do it. Just stop hitting me!"
"Then its settled, to Lurelin Village we go." Kohga declared.
The Yiga enjoyed the rest of the evening eating and chatting until their stomachs were content. After about an hour they all returned to the stable. Teru and Jinsai went to bed early, while Endai and Ridah stayed up playing a few rounds of cards with a couple of other travelers. That just left Link and Master Kohga. The boy yawned he was just about ready to call it a night.
"I have a surprise for you." Kohga said taking Link's hand and guiding him to their bed.
"What is it?" He asked charmed to see Kohga so excited.
"Close your eyes." Kohga instructed.
Link took a seat on the bedside and did as he was told.
"Hold out your hands."
Link obliged. He felt the sturdy weight of fabric being placed into his hands.
"Open them."
Link was astonished by the sight of a brand-new red-wine tunic with green accents and a pair of beige trousers. "What's this?" He said in awe.
"It's a gift." Kohga sat down on the bed with Link.
"But for what?"
"Do I need a particular reason to give you gifts?" Kohga smiled.
"No, I just didn't expect this. This is, I love it. Thank you, Kohga." He'd never get used to saying his name without blushing he reckoned.
"Try it on. I want to see how it looks."
Link hesitated. He looked around the stable, all the residents were either sleeping or occupied. If he was quick no one would notice him changing he rationalized. Not that there were any rules against changing clothes in the stable, still he felt self-conscious doing so. He pulled his tattered old shirt above his head and pulled the rest off of his arms. His face became more flushed when his eyes met Kohga's who was content to just watch silently. He stood up and put the new tunic on then briskly removed his old dirty brown pants off. He hopped on one leg while he tried to quickly pull the fabric up on each leg. Finally, he buttoned up his trousers and patted down the fabric, feeling how the light cloth fit him snugly.
"How do I look?" Link gave himself a slow turn for Kohga to see him from all sides.
Kohga stood up. He placed his hands on Link's hips and grazed his lips against his jawline, "Like a million rupees." He pulled Link in close, moving one hand up to the small of his back and the other moved down to cup his ass. The boy gasped involuntarily from the other's touch. He held fast onto Kohga's arms as the man began to kiss him possessively and igniting sparks in his chest. The two groaned softly as desire took hold of their bodies.
…you don't know him like I do.
Suddenly Link pulled away.
"Are you going to play hard to get again?" Kohga teased still working his way along Link's neck.
Link remained silent for a moment as an unsettling feeling took hold of him, "How long have you known Teru?"
Kohga curbed his advancement, "What?"
"Teru, how long have you known him?" Link repeated with more firmness.
Kohga eased his hold of Link. He eyed the boy carefully, "That's a rather silly question. I've known him as long as any other member of the clan, which is practically all my life."
Link considered the answer he'd been given. It made sense of course but something was still wrong. He turned away and walked out of the stable.
"Link, where are you going?" Kohga chased after him.
Link broke into a short sprint then stopped when he reached the thick wall of a palm's stump. He placed his hands against it vacillating between deciding to stay there or keep running. But Kohga caught up to him before he could decide.
"Why do you act differently with Teru?" Link said slowly as he turned to face Master Kohga.
"What are you talking about?" Kohga looked bewildered.
Link's mind was racing, trying to recount all the times Kohga and Teru had interacted with one another. He wasn't crazy, right? There was something there, right?
"What's with all these questions?" Kohga said coming within arm's length away from Link.
Link looked to his side, "Teru told me… I don't know you as well as he does."
Kohga scoffed, "Well of course you don't. Did he forget you have amnesia?"
Link shook his head, "No, he said it, the way he said was like, like he…" Link's eyes widen, "Did he? Did you two date each other?"
Kohga's eyebrows became raised and his eyes widen, "Oh, so that's what this is about." He took a half step back and ruffled the hair on the back of his head, "We used to work closely with one another for a time, but we never dated. But… we did fool around. Is that what's-"
Link felt as if a stone had been dropped into the pit of his stomach, "So, you had sex with him?"
Kohga rolled his eyes, "Yes, I had sex with him. For Ganon's sake Link don't be such a prude!"
The boy flinched, "Why didn't you tell me?"
"You want me to tell you about every man I've had sex with? Is that what you want?" Kohga snapped sarcastically.
Link's posture became demure, "So when you get bored of me, you'll just move onto someone else."
"Is that what Teru told you?"
Link remained silent.
Kohga gently turned Link's chin to look at him, "I love you Link. Teru is just saying those things to you because he's jealous that I never felt the same way about him as I do for you."
Link averted his eyes.
Kohga sighed, "You don't believe me?"
"It's just…" Link trailed off not knowing what to say.
"I never loved him. I've never loved anyone, but you Link. I never showed him the affection I've shown you. I swear to you that is the truth."
Link pulled Kohga's hand away from his face, "I need time to think… by myself."
A small frown formed on Kohga's lips, but it disappeared as quickly as it had formed. He nodded, "I hope you know how much this hurts me, but for your sake… I'll let you sleep alone tonight."
Link stood in silence. He felt guilty for leaving his master without a bed, but he knew by now there was no point in arguing with him. He simply nodded in return, "Goodnight." He returned to the stable but before he went in he looked back, but Kohga was gone.
He laid down and pulled the covers over himself, but they felt cold and brought him no comfort. He closed his eyes and waited for sleep to numb him.
Link didn't sleep very well throughout the night. He kept waking up in the middle of it due to a nightmare he kept having. Only once he woke up, he couldn't remember what he'd been dreaming of, probably for the best that he didn't. By the time the sky began to show the first traces of daylight, he'd decided sleeping was a lost cause and set out instead to look for a shrine using the Sheikah sensor.
He made his way onto the great Floria Bridge where he spotted a pinwheel that he hadn't noticed the first time he passed the bridge. As he approached it, he heard the hollow chime that emanated from the pinwheel, indicative that a korok was nearby. When he was just a few paces away from the pinwheel three targets popped up into view. They made for good target practice and after he got all three the korok revealed itself and cheered him for a job well done. The korok's chipper little voice brought a smile to Link's face and it helped him feel more optimistic for the oncoming day.
"Hey, there he is."
Link turned around and saw Endai walking towards him. Teru came jogging behind him a few paces back.
"We're heading out to collect and we decided it'd be better if we split up to cover more ground. Master Kohga, Ridah, and Jin are taking that side," He pointed to the direction of the stable, "And we'll collect whatever's left on that side." He said pointing to the other end of the bridge.
"Oh, ok."
"Is something wrong?" Endai had grown used to seeing the blonde with more pep that now his blank expression seemed odd.
"Nope. I'm fine." Link assured forcing a smile.
"Let's get going don't want to get caught in a storm, right?" Teru said catching up to them.
And with that the three moved quickly to the other side of the Floria Bridge. As they approached the Ebara forest the Sheikah sensor sounded off. Link ignored it for the time being and stayed focused on the task at hand. There would be other chances to explore Lake Floria but a visit to Lurelin Village he couldn't afford to miss out on. They combed the forest for every last stalk of bananas as quickly as they could. Even raiding a nearby bokoblin camp proved fruitful. But by noon the rain began to come pouring down.
"We better head back, it's going to last several hours." Link told his comrades.
"What makes you so sure?" Teru asked.
"The Sheikah slate has a weather thing, I hadn't realized that's what it was since back home there isn't really much, well weather."
"Oh yeah, I see what you mean." Endai said leaning over Link to see the Sheikah's weather indicator.
"Alright then, the others will probably do the same." Teru shrugged.
They arrived back at the Lakeside stable in just a few minutes but Ridah, Jinsai and Master Kohga were nowhere to be seen.
"Think they're ok?" Link worried aloud to Endai.
"Yeah, they're probably going to try to wait out the storm for a while. But once they realize it's gonna be a while, they'll come back." Endai reassured.
"Hey Link, wanna try seeing if the slate can teleport more than one person?" Teru asked.
"Sure. Where should we try going?"
"Anywhere it doesn't matter."
"Ok, so…" Link held out the Sheikah slate to Teru, "I guess just hold on to one side of it."
Link selected his destination; the slate began to glow but then stopped. A message appeared on the slate's screen.
Error…
"Figures." Teru grumbled heading for the cover of the stable.
"Hey, could I talk to you?" Link asked timidly.
"About what?" Teru inquired with a suspiciously arched brow.
"It's about what you said yesterday. About Master Kohga." Link said almost in a whisper.
"Sure." Teru looked unsurprised.
They walked to the cave where'd they'd found the Shai Utoh shrine just the day before.
"So?" Teru gestured his arm flippantly.
"You and Master Kohga… you two were together."
Teru crossed his arms, "Is that your question?"
"What happened between the two of you?"
Teru stared straight back at Link with cold eyes, "He told me he loved me, until one day he didn't"
Link remained silent absorbing Teru's words. He'd expected Teru to act more evasive towards his question. The fact that he answered him so plainly left him feeling raw.
"Th-that's not what he said." Link tried hiding the fear in his voice.
"He'll say whatever he needs to say to keep you around. That's what he did with me. It's what he'll do to you if you're not careful."
Link couldn't hold Teru's steely gaze. How could he say that about Master Kohga?
"Why're you telling me this now?" Link dared to look back into Teru's eyes, only for him to now be the one who turned away. "I've only ever tried to be friends with you, but you've always been a jerk to me. Why try acting like you care now that I'm-"
"Because you're just a stupid kid and you have no idea what you're getting into!" Teru spat with a grimace as vile as his tone.
"Y-you're, you're just jealous," Link reproached defensively.
Teru scoffed.
"He left you and now you're jealous because he's with me, is that it?"
"You know, you're right. I don't care what happens to you, so go ahead date him, fuck him, do whatever, you're the one who's going to end up paying for it anyway." Teru shoved Link aside and stormed out of the cave.
As forecasted, the storm continued without respite. Lightning continuously crashed near the stable making the wait for Master Kohga and the other Yiga nerve-wracking. Endai had done his best to keep Link from going out into the storm out of desperation. He tried his best to keep the blonde occupied with a game of cards, however Link's worry proved more distracting against Endai's best attempts to ease the young Hylian's mind.
Finally, after an hour an unusual but loud rumble startled the whole stable into silence. Every person had stopped whatever they were doing and looked to one another, wondering in unison if they hadn't been the only one that heard the ominous noise. The sound was heard again, more clearly now that the whole room had turned silent. It sounded as though a building had collapsed from a far distance. Link jumped to his feet and ran outside to search for the origin of the boom. Endai and several other patrons did the same their morbid curiosity outweighing their desire to stay dry. Link followed the sound; whatever it was it couldn't have been a good sign. As he got closer to the bridge the booming grew louder, and though the torrential rain made seeing beyond the bridge difficult he spotted movement on the other side of the falls. He took out the slate to get a better look at what seemed like a glowing rock moving about on one of the cliffsides of the three waterfalls that divided the Floria Falls into three large cascades.
Link's blood turned cold, it was Master Kohga kneeling on the ground and a stone talus lumbering its way towards him. Without a second thought Linked searched for the quickest way to the other side of the falls. He sprinted towards where the divide between the cliffs was smallest and leapt his way up to the nearest palm tree. He jumped off and glided to the other side then ran faster than he'd ever had. He felt the ground shake as he got closer. Lightning kept thundering down, but he dared not even flinch for every second was a precious moment that he couldn't afford to waste. He created pillar after pillar of ice with his cryonis rune to cross the river to where he saw the talus thrashing its gigantic boulders for hands around the clearing. Link prayed to every god he knew that he wouldn't be too late.
From across the clearing, he saw Ridah fire with her bow at the stone giant. The talus retaliated by throwing a colossal boulder her way which she narrowly missed by ducking behind an old ruined statue. Master Kohga aimed his own volley of arrows at the talus to draw it away from Ridah only to have it turn back to him. Link ran to Kohga's side grabbing Kohga's arm without warning and helping him up.
"Link? What're you?"
"We don't have time for this Master, move!" Link urged, helping Kohga hobble forward.
Ridah shot another round of arrows right on the glowing stone that sat atop the talus's main body, stunning it and giving them just enough time to make it to the river.
"I'm out of arrows!" She yelled from the other side.
"Ridah get out of here! We'll be fine, I promise!" Link yelled. He turned to Kohga, "Can you swim?"
"I think so."
"Good."
Link pulled Master Kohga and himself into the river letting the rushing water push them along the strong current and down the waterfall. Finally, out of the talus's reach. After plummeting several feet into the water, they breached for air and slowly swam for the closest sign of shore.
"Link! Master Kohga!"
Far off from where the buttress roots held the bridge high up above them, Link saw Jinsai on a raft waving towards them. Jinsai paddled toward them as fast as he could. Then when they met halfway, he helped them onto the raft and ferried them across the lake.
"Master, are you bleeding?" Link hovered over Kohga checking for any cuts.
"No, just a sprain." Kohga assured the boy.
"We need to get you to an infirmary right now."
"It's ok Link, I'll be fine. I just need to rest my foot."
"No." Link said firmly, "I'm sending you back to the hideout." He booted up the slate and readied it to send Kohga back to the shrine closest to the hideout. Link handed Kohga the slate trying desperately to hide the trepidation in his voice, "Let me do this do this for you, when your foot's been taken care of came back to us, ok?"
Kohga stared back at terrified blue eyes, "Alright. I'll be back soon, I promise." He caressed Link's cheek and then dematerialized into strands of blue energy.
Link let out a heavy sigh.
"Link are you going to be alright?" Jinsai asked worriedly.
"Yeah. I'll be ok."
After meeting with the others to check they were alright Link returned to the shrine inside the cave to wait for Master Kohga's return. He sat on the smoothed earthen colored stone and leaned against the moss-covered pedestal of the shrine. Eventually, the storm died down and Link dozed off where he sat.
A warm hand roused him from sleep. Link opened his eyes and saw Master Kohga crouching over him.
"You saved me again." His voice was as tender as his touch.
A single tear rolled out of Link's eye.
"Oh no, no tears my sweet boy. I'm here now." He wiped away the teardrop with his thumb.
"I'm sorry for being angry. I-I should've been there with you." Link leaned into Kohga's hand.
"No, no. There's nothing to be sorry for. I should've told you from the start about my past with Teru. It was unfair of me to keep that from you." Kohga kissed the boy's wet cheek.
Link looked down sullenly. Unease still remained lodged in his heart like a stubborn thorn. It was small but that made it all the more difficult to get rid of. "Why didn't you just tell me? You always tell me to be honest, so why weren't you?"
"I didn't want you to feel burdened." Kohga let go of Link's cheek and curled his fingers around Link's hands, "I was afraid if you knew you'd start to constantly compare yourself to him and I didn't want that for you especially since you both would be working together… I had hoped that maybe you two could've gotten a fresh start and gotten along."
"Teru didn't seem to leave much room for that." Link said glumly. Link intertwined his fingers with Kohga, "I tried. I really wanted us to get along. But…"
"It's not your fault Link. He's let himself go blind with bitter jealousy."
"I know, I just wish. I dunno."
Link thought back to the moments he'd shared with Teru. There were good ones, fleeting instances of the two of them actually sharing a genuine connection. It seemed tragic that those moments may have been the extent of their friendship. Especially since if it hadn't been for Teru Link might've not realized his duty to Kohga was not to be his successor.
"Master, I have something else to tell you… I can't be your successor."
"Why is that?"
"Because," Link hesitated, he wished he knew what words to use that wouldn't leave him so exposed, but his heart was caught in his throat and if he didn't say anything now, he was sure he wouldn't be able to later, "I can't… I can't live without you. I don't want to live if it's without you." The few teardrops then turned into streams, "I want to be the one who keeps you safe… I want to stay by your side, always."
Kohga tucked a strand of Link's golden locks behind his ear. "What did I ever do to deserve you? Of course, you may. Nothing would make me happier." Kohga closed the distance between their lips.
Link melted into Kohga's kiss. He wrapped his arms around the other's muscular neck and a moment later he felt himself being lifted off the ground.
"Master your foot!" Link said anxiously.
Kohga chuckled, "No worries, thanks to you Mito was able to fix me up real good. Even gave me some pain killers."
A cold breeze blew into the cave sending a shiver up Link's spine.
"Let's go back to the stable, I wouldn't want you to catch a cold." Kohga said giving the boy a peck on his forehead.
Upon entering the stable, Kohga was surrounded by his other subordinates. Ridah, Endai and Jinsai all came together for a group hug while Teru stood at just a small distance away from the huddle of Yiga.
"Master! I'm so sorry! It's all my fault you got hurt!" Ridah cried.
"It's such a relief to see you are alright sir." Jinsai added.
"Honestly Ridah, after the stunt you pulled, you deserve no less than a lashing." Endai condoned.
"Easy there all of you. I'm quite alright now." Master Kohga reaffirmed.
Ridah's lower lip quivered, "No, he's right. I was too reckless, trying to get more bananas that I walked in on a talus. I should've known better so; I deserve any punishment you give me." She bowed her head deeply towards Master Kohga.
Kohga rubbed his chin, "Any punishment?"
Ridah nodded.
"In that case, your rations of bananas will be withheld for this month."
"No wait, anything but that! I'll take the lashings! Twenty no, thirty lashings!"
Kohga laughed, "I'm joking Ridah," He ruffled her hair affectionately.
"Master you're too kind." She sighed in relief.
"Oh, don't think you're off the hook just yet. If you dare to act so foolishly again, I'll give you worse than a lashing on the spot, you hear me?"
"Yes sir." She sighed despondently.
"How are the rest of you faring?"
"No complaints here Master Kohga." Replied Jinsai.
"More or less the same, it's been boring pickpocketing from such meager travelers." Endai muttered.
Kohga looked over to his moody Yiga who'd kept his distance, "What about you Teru?"
"Glad to see you're ok, Master Kohga." He said with a hollow expression.
Kohga just returned a smile and then patted Jinsai's back, "It's been a long day hasn't it? Let's get some rest, Lurelin awaits us tomorrow."
"Yes!" Ridah jumped excitedly only to quickly rein herself back in, "I mean, yes sir! Goodnight!" She bowed again and then scampered off to her bed.
With long yawns and heavy eyes, Endai, Jinsai and Teru followed in Ridah's stead and bid Master Kohga and Link goodnight. Kohga took Link's hand and gave it a chaste kiss, "Shall we?" He said with duplicitous eyes.
"Mmm." Link agreed bashfully.
Link was extra careful laying down next to Kohga, worried he'd agitate his foot with an accidental nudge.
Kohga chuckled, "It's ok. You could kick me, and I'd be fine. Mito gave me the good stuff."
"Are you sure this is a good idea? I can let you have the bed tonight-"
"Link." Kohga frowned.
"Ok."
"How could you think I'd be able to feel better without you by my side?" He rubbed his hand along Link's stomach.
Link's heart jumped, even though he was clothed the touch sent a shiver up his spine. He imagined Kohga could easily slip his hand beneath the hem of his pants. The thought of it sent his heart racing.
"What's got you worked up all of a sudden?" Kohga asked noticing the boy's breathing quickened ever so slightly.
"N-nothing." Link bit his lip.
"Reeeeeally." Kohga intoned sardonically.
"Mhmm."
"Look me in the eye and tell me it's nothing."
"It's…"
Kohga brought his hand up to Link's chest and massaged it. Link's face turned bright red and he gasped longingly rendering him unable to finish his sentence.
"That's not fair." He whined.
Kohga leaned over the young Hylian and brushed soft cheeks with his lips, "Is hiding the truth any better?"
Link pushed away his hand and turned his back towards Kohga and pulled the blankets over his shoulder. "Stop teasing me and just let me sleep." He pouted.
Kohga chuckled, "Alright, goodnight my little cucco."
He gave Link a peck on his cheek and curled his right hand around Link's waist. Kohga's breath tickled the strands of hair on the top of the blonde's head. He was so close that his whole body spooned him into an almost overwhelming warmth. At first Link remained tense. His mind flashed back to the dream he had not so long ago. He waited for Kohga to move his hand, but nothing happened. Kohga remained in its designated position.
Disappointment. Link cursed himself for feeling so disgruntled after getting what he had asked for. Alas, all he could do now was let those thoughts go and drift to sleep.
Link awoke to the feeling of Kohga's hard member resting against his bottom. It shouldn't have been surprising but even so the moment he'd realized it he became so flustered he felt his own dick strain against the fabric of his trousers. Carefully he untwined himself from Kohga's grasp and left the bed as quietly as possible. With his own hard-on to deal with, Link decided to step out of the stable.
The sun had just barely peeked over the distant mountain tops and already the stable grounds were washed in a pleasant warmth and just the slightest hint of humidity in the air. Link scanned the jungle brush anxiously. Usually, back home he'd douse himself in a bucket or two of cold water that either the hideout or an inn could keep on hand due to the freezing temperatures of the desert nights. Here however it was unlikely that even at this hour the lake's water would be chill enough to help him with his predicament. As Link turned to look back at the stable, he remembered the shrine nearby that could provide him with some much-needed privacy. He hurried to the cave to relieve himself and unbuttoned his pants as soon as he tucked himself into a corner between the side of the shrine and the wall of the cave. He sighed in relief as began to stroke himself.
"Thought you'd just come in here and pleasure yourself?"
Link gasped from feeling Kohga's voice right in his ear; his body froze in shock at the touch of Kohga's hands as they seized his chest possessively from behind.
"Master!? I thought-"
"I was asleep? You're not that good at sneaking you know." Kohga smirked. He pulled Link in, taut against his body, pressing his erection firmly into Link's lower back which caused the boy to gasp tentatively. While Kohga held fast onto Link with one hand he swiftly snuck his other under Link's tunic and snaked its way up to his pec. Both hands began to play with his pliant nipples tenuously. Link whined and squirmed but could do little to escape the man's grasp.
"What are you so scared of? Afraid I'll get you pregnant?" Kohga devilishly teased.
"I wasn't born yesterday you know." Link shot back, though not very convincingly through his flushed face.
"I can't believe all it took for Ridah to trick you was pointing out Tano and Bireth have a kid." He said as he continued to twist and pull on the boy's sensitive buttons.
"H-how was I supposed to know she wasn't lying? It was around the time I'd recently awoken from my coma."
"And you actually asked them?"
"I-I had to find out if it was true."
Link had to let go of his member and grab onto Kohga's sides behind him when the man suddenly pushed his powerful leg between Link's short thighs. Kohga leveraged the boy's ass atop his own thigh and pressed his knee into his taint, forcing him to lean more into his large frame and gasp wearily.
"So then why are you so nervous? If it's not that, then what is it?"
Link hesitantly phrased each of his words, "I-Its… because… I want… it."
"Oh? And what's wrong with that?" Kohga held his leg high up, resting his foot on the side of the cave allowing him to press more firmly into Link's taint.
"I'm…" Link gulped, "Ashamed."
"Why?"
Kohga's endless teasing made Link's cock begin to ache with need.
"Because, I really want it… so much"
"Badly?"
"Mmhmm."
"How badly do you want it love?"
"I-I…" He stifled a moan.
"I can't hear you, love." Kohga trailed his tongue down the side of Link's neck all the way to back of his earlobe forcing the boy to cry out in pleasure, "That's right, show me how much you want it, Link."
"Please, Kohga, stop." Link gasped.
"Stop? But you're enjoying it so much." He rubbed the boy's nipples aptly to draw out another passionate groan from Link's lips, "If you want something from me you should at least try to ask with more consideration."
"Please, Master Kohga, please let me go. Please."
"Alright then." Kohga put his foot down and released the boy from his hold. Link sighed in relief but unbeknownst to him, Kohga had other plans.
"Fall." Snap!
Link's eyes shut and his body slumped into Kohga who held him upright.
The Yiga whispered seductively into Link's ear, "Good boy. Keep sinking deeper and deeper down into trance. So deep you could almost fall asleep."
A single dainty moan escaped Link's lips as he slipped further under Kohga's spell. His breathing slowed and his head rolled to one side, he was at Kohga's mercy.
"That's right," Kohga's whispers were like a sickle delicately tearing away at Link's mind, "You try so hard to pretend that what I give you isn't what you want."
Kohga's hand meandered down the boy's torso, gravitating to the side of his leg and stopped just short of his knee.
"But I know, that deep down, you're just aching for my touch." His hand slowly drifted to Link's inner thigh and rubbed him perilously close to his crotch.
Link gasped desperately with need.
"And it's alright because I want to show you, I'll teach you how to properly beg for me to touch you. Now open your eyes. Wake up."
Dazed by more than just grogginess, Link did his best to shake it off as he regained strength in his legs, and in turn, Kohga relinquished his hold on him.
"Take off your clothes."
Link slowly grabbed the sleeve of his tunic but hesitated to pull the fabric any further.
"You want to be a good boy, don't you? And good boys obey. So, obey your master. Strip."
Link was hit with little waves of submissive pleasure, but it was enough to sway him into a light daze. He pulled off his tunic, then removed his trousers heedlessly. He felt Kohga's stare burn into him as more skin became exposed. When he got to his underwear he moved more slowly. Part of him wanted to resist. It was embarrassing being gawked at like this, but he couldn't stop himself. The part of him that wanted to obey more than anything else felt something more. Something good? Whatever it was it was torturous and yet the more he completed his task the more he knew he couldn't deny Kohga. Because if he did it'd be as though he were denying himself of something he couldn't quite understand. When he tossed his drawers to the side and stood bare before Kohga he felt himself glow with modest pride. It felt good, more than good it felt right.
"Good boy. Now kneel."
Link was surprised with himself at how easily he fell to his knees. But how could he not? He'd been rewarded with his favorite words. It was like kindling, igniting his desire to submit.
Kohga waggled his finger at Link in a patronizing manner, "Now, I'm not going to lay a finger on you, not until you've earned it. Understood?"
Link's eyes were only for Kohga. He hardly remembered the time or where he was, "Yes."
Kohga crossed his arms, "You may refer to me as 'Sir' or 'Master' to show me your utmost respect."
Guilt set in Link's heart, the last thing he wanted was to disgrace his master, "Yes Sir. I'm sorry Master."
"Good boy."
Another flutter of arousal surged through Link. It was gradually building in ardor.
"Fall." Snap!
His eyes closed. His posture declined.
"Fall." Snap!
He sank deeper onto his knees. All-encompassing weightlessness increased in both his mind and body.
"Fall." Snap!
Gravity took the boy's limp limbs closer to the floor leaving him prostrating sloppily.
"You're such a good boy, Link. So sweet and submissive for me. But this is just the beginning. You can show me more, isn't that right love?" Kohga smiled wickedly. He'd been patient with Link and now it was all paying off, "You can become even more obedient, even more submissive, and even more wrapped up in pleasure. There's no limit to your submission and there's no limit to how much pleasure you can experience."
Link's fingers briefly twitched no doubt in anticipation of what Kohga had planned for him.
"So, there's no limit to what lengths you'll go to obey my words. Open your eyes, come back up for me."
Link sat back up attentively, while still on his knees. His head was swimming with the wonderful tingling of trance. Every trigger sent soft ripples of pleasure all throughout his body. And on top of that he was engulfed in Kohga's presence, his warmth, and it left him feeling deliciously floaty. Not an ounce of tension was left in his body, well except for…
He looked down at his cock, it was hard and flushed near the head. He looked back up to Master Kohga, his eyes silently pleading for relief from the heat that overwhelmed his aching cock. He wanted to ask him for something, but shame held him back. Some part of him was telling him that what he was doing was wrong. Then why? Why did he feel so good? He was naked and desperate. How had he ended up like this? It was utterly shameful.
Kohga reveled in watching Link's internal turmoil plainly written all over the boy's face. He didn't have to say anything, every little expression gave Link away. How his eyebrows twitched how his lips pursed; it was all too adorable. And the best part was that from here on out it would only get better.
"Touch yourself."
Link hated how quickly he'd followed Kohga's command. Was he that desperate?
"Slow down,"
Link whined, he was aching with need and Kohga was going to make him endure it.
"Atta boy keep stoking but take your time. Those hands aren't yours after all."
The blonde gave a confused whine.
"Haven't you noticed? You move at my will, you've relinquished control of your body to me boy, so those hands might as well be mine. You can imagine it can't you? My touch teasing you, drawing out pleasure with every stroke."
Link moaned breathlessly, his body trembled and ached even more than he'd thought was possible.
"But remember, my dear boy. You are not allowed to come, not until I've given you permission. Understood?"
"Yes, Master."
"That's right, you will obey. Even your most primal urges yield to me, your need to obey far outweighs your ability to come. And it's far better this way, because we can draw out even more pleasure from your body and even more from your mind. So, repeat these words 'I will obey' over and over again."
"I will obey. I will obey. I will obey…" Link's eyes began to roll as Kohga's guidance further scrambled his head.
"Every time you repeat them it becomes ingrained in your mind and your body, that obedience towards me is more powerful, more pleasurable than any orgasm you could ever have."
As Link kept repeating his mantra, he felt his arousal continue to grow. It spread like a wildfire throughout his body burning away at his ego. He lifted his head to look into his master's eyes again, he felt ashamed again, but of course even so he couldn't stop. Shame and pleasure began to mix together as one as he jerked himself to his master.
"That's it, just give in to the pleasure."
Link panted helplessly.
"You're so cute, becoming so enraptured in arousal, and becoming so mindless. You just can't help it."
Link's eyes blinked lazily. His mind was heavily fogged by desire and it just kept growing heavier and heavier.
"This is what you wanted, it must be, or you wouldn't be so turned on, now would you?"
Link nodded in agreement. "I will obey. I will obey... I will obey…" He kept up with his mantra even as his throat began to become a torrent of groans. He could feel himself coming to the edge. Without thinking he picked up the pace of his strokes. He was going to come any minute now... But he couldn't. He wanted to come but the longer he held out the better he felt. And he couldn't just stop even as his cock began to throb with pain. He had to keep obeying, "I will obey. I will…obey. I will ahhh"
"Let go of your cock."
It was difficult but he managed to let go of his shaft that'd become moist with precum.
"Tease your nipples and perhaps you'll notice that it feels even better than stroking your cock."
Link brought his hands to his chest almost automatically. Shiver after shiver of delicious pleasure reverberated up and down his whole body. How was this even possible? This much pleasure it couldn't be real. It was maddening.
While Link continued to tease himself, Kohga unbuttoned and loosened his pants. Link's eyes widened at the sight of Kohga's erect cock coming into view. He panted haphazardly. He watched intently as his master stroked himself lazily, not realizing a sliver of drool had escaped his mouth.
"You can stop repeating now. You look like you're hungry for something."
Link turned his head to the side but nodded. His blush deepening having admitted the obscene truth to his master.
Kohga leaned in, pressing his cock onto Link's cheek. Link drowned in its musky scent and it drove him deeper into a horny daze. Kohga stepped back only to have the boy feverishly lean forward. With his right hand, Kohga nudged Link's head, letting it rest on his thigh.
"You want my cock?" Kohga smirked.
"Yes, Master."
"Is that right?" Kohga teased.
"Yes! Please, Master, it looks so good."
"You just want to swallow it up, don't you? Have it buried deep inside you?"
"Yes, yes, please!"
Link had forgotten his shame. All he wanted now was cock. It was all he could think about. He'd forgotten his own aching member. It didn't matter anymore, all that mattered was his master's cock right there in front of him.
"Well then what are you waiting for? An invitation? Go on, stuff your mouth full of my cock."
Kohga let his hands rest to the sides, letting the boy approach at his own pace. Link buried his nose into Kohga's crotch and began giving small licks to the shaft. Link didn't know what he had expected, the taste was just slightly bitter and salty but nothing too awful. He wrapped his lips around the head staying mindful of his teeth, he began to suck and stroke Kohga's length with his tongue as best he could.
"You're really good at this, practiced with plenty of guys, have you?"
"N-no, I've never done this before." The boy said flustered.
Kohga let his right-hand rest on the back of Link's head as he went back to sucking him off.
"You don't say? Could've fooled me, I guess you're just a natural-born cocksucker hu?"
Link whined in embarrassment while the flush on his cheeks spread to the tips of his ears. Yet it hardly deterred him. Nothing could. Kohga was inside him and the act itself made him reel in so much pleasure he could hardly comprehend it.
"Ahh, good boy."
A shiver of pleasure ran down Link's spine and cemented itself in his groin, causing his cock to throb with need again.
"You're doing so well. You love to suck cock, don't you?"
Link moaned approvingly.
"You don't just love it, you need it. Every time you see cock, I bet your mind just goes blank. Like right now, your head is so full of cock you can't think of anything else."
Link's eyes became glazed over with mindless lust.
"With every second that passes by, with my cock inside of you, all other thoughts are just shoved out of your head. Allowing more room for cock inside you. To take it even deeper inside of you."
Link's jaw became slacker, opening himself up more for Kohga to freely thrust down his throat.
Cock.
Love cock.
Need more cock.
More cock.
More.
More.
"That's right, you obey cock, you worship it. You're always ready to be a good little cock sleeve for your master!"
Kohga groaned as he forced his length to the back of Link's throat. The boy gaged but Kohga didn't let up. He kept Link docile by bombarding him with more pleasure.
"Good boy, keep going, don't stop."
Link groaned his mouth was sore, his arms and his nipples ached from his nonstop teasing.
"Obey and you'll get your reward. Obey because you're my good boy, isn't that right?"
Though his mouth was full Link's moaning was still loud enough to fill the cave. His whole body ached with heat. Dreaded wonderful, terrifyingly blissful heat and pain. He wanted for it to stop and at the same time he hoped it never would.
Kohga gave another hearty groan, "When I come, you will be allowed to come. Then and only then, for my pleasure is your pleasure. And nothing else is more important than pleasing your master."
Though Link looked like he was too far gone to have heard, Kohga knew it didn't matter, he had trained the boy thoroughly after all. Kohga relished in the view of his precious beloved's lust-filled eyes; he grabbed Link's head and face fucked him to his satisfaction.
When Kohga came Link was helplessly overcome with pleasure. Kohga's load hit the back of Link's throat but it hardly registered as his own orgasm forced him to grab hold of his master's legs as the rest of his body shuddered fiercely. Even when Kohga released him from his cock, Link was still drowning in the glowing sensation.
They both heaved but Kohga immediately removed his beige long-sleeved undershirt and pulled it over Link. The cotton garment was huge and covered Link's body up to his knees. Kohga then tucked his phallus away back into his trousers and kneeled to cradle Link in his arms just until the boy's breathing became steady once more. He patted his back soothingly and cooed in his ear softly, "That's my good boy. Well done, you were excellent, I'm so pleased."
Link wailed weakly as his spent cock throbbed once more. He was so tired he was unable to move.
"Just hold onto me, I'll get you cleaned up in just a bit." Kohga said giving Link a soft peck on his forehead while the boy tried to cling onto his master like a babe.
Kohga grabbed all of Link's clothes and carried him in his arms back to the stable. He saw Jinsai at the reception desk talking to the stable's main proprietor. Once Jinsai noticed Master Kohga entering he hurried over to his side. His freckled face became wrinkled with worry at the sight of Link who appeared passed out.
"It's alright Jin, he's fine just a little tired." Kohga explained before the young man got bent out of shape. "Tell the others to go on ahead. We'll meet them there in about an hour. Just have our horses ready when I come back in a while."
"Yes sir!" Jinsai diligently sped off to carry out Master Kohga's order.
Kohga laid Link down on their shared bed while he grabbed Link's slate. He stored his clothes and the rest of his belongings into the slate then collected a few herbs from his own travel pouch.
"I'll be right back." Kohga intoned gently to Link who looked half asleep.
Kohga returned quickly with a mug and a brown ceramic gourd. He sat Link up and brought the mug to his lips.
"Drink."
"Hmr?" Link's eyes slowly turned to acknowledge his master. His head was still deliriously fuzzy, and all he wanted was to shut off his senses and sleep.
"Link, I need you to drink some water right now." Kohga said sternly.
Link grimaced at the mug. He didn't want to drink; he didn't want to do anything at all.
"Come now love. I need you to be good for me. Won't you do this one little thing for me now?" He cajoled while stroking Link's back.
"Hrrn." The boy daintily whimpered. He felt annoyed with Kohga, but he wanted to be good. He needed to. He took the mug in his hands and drank the water Kohga gave him. Kohga poured him another serving, and he drank without a fuss.
After finishing all the water left in the gourd Kohga gave Link another kiss on his cheek and took the mug and set it down to the side of the bed, "That's my boy, so good for me."
Link couldn't help but softly smile at being praised.
"Now hold onto to me again."
Link stretched out his arms and latched them around Kohga's neck. Kohga then swiftly scooped up the boy in his arms and carried him out of the stable. Link wondered for a moment where Kohga was taking him but even asking seemed like too much effort. He was vaguely aware of his surroundings. The sound of the Floria falls was there but distant, the light of the sun was too bright for his eyes, so he kept them open by only a slit. His perception of time was muddled at best, so at some point, he felt himself being sat down on a bouldered surface. His feet found themselves dipped in lukewarm water, so he figured that they were somewhere along the border of the lake.
"M-master…" Link whimpered distressed at the loss of Kohga's warmth around him.
"I'm right here love." Kohga whispered behind him, "I'm going to give you a quick bath, and then you can rest, alright?"
"Ohkmnm." Link mumbled as Kohga removed the oversized garment he had let the boy borrow.
Kohga dipped the herbs he'd brought into the lake then kneeled behind Link and began to swab the soused plants along his back. He scrubbed his back gently stroking from side to side and wetting the plants as needed. He did the same with his arms, caressing them and leaving a trail of kisses as he went. Link closed his tired eyes and let Kohga rub his chest with the herbs. The way he delicately cleansed his muscles further lulled Link into a light stupor. And though a few of the leaves were slightly coarse, their balmy sweet scent assuaged him into complete complacency. And Link couldn't help but to fully sink into the sensual aura of the moment. Kohga reclined Link's back against his torso so he could better reach his lower body. And once again the warmth of Kohga's body enveloped Link which garnered a contented sigh from the boy.
"You know this is where you belong, don't you? Right here in my arms." Kohga said as he rubbed the boy's stomach.
"Mmhmm." Link hummed sleepily.
"You don't need anything or anyone else, as long as you're with me."
Kohga hummed a pleasant tune while he continued to smoothly stroke Link's thighs with the suds of the herbs. Lastly, he scooped several handfuls of water and doused Link's hair and pelvis with them. Afterward, Kohga softly patted him down with a towel.
By the time Kohga was done Link felt incredibly more refreshed and thoroughly pampered but still ever so drowsy. Kohga helped him put his tunic back on and lent him his arm for support in order for him to put on his tan colored trousers. Once Link was fully clothed, Kohga wrapped his dark grey wool coat around Link. For a moment it occurred to Link how odd Kohga looked in his civilian disguise. Though he looked well in his pourpoint and black slacks it didn't suit him at all.
Kohga had buttoned up his overcoat halfway when suddenly Link's hands gently pried them away from the linen. Though his movements were slower, Kohga let Link take over fastening his buttons. Link left the last one loose and looked up at Kohga who had his eyes centered on him. They stared into each other's gaze savoring the closeness between them until finally Kohga cupped Link's cheek and lifted him into his arms, bringing him into a passionate kiss.
"You're mine, and you always will be." Kohga whispered breathlessly.
Link moaned softly, as he melted into Kohga's caress and buried his face into his neck.
Kohga carried Link back to the stable where Jinsai stood waiting outside with their horses ready to go. Kohga ordered Jinsai to tie Link's mare to his auburn stallion's saddle while he mounted Link and himself onto his steed together. He had Link sitting side-saddle in front of himself and held the boy close to his chest with his left arm. With a firm kick, he prodded his horse to a canter with Jinsai following closely behind.
"Go ahead and sleep love, take a little nap while we ride to Lurelin." Kohga cooed.
Though Link jostled in his seat, he was too tired to complain. He closed his eyes and let himself settle into Kohga's embrace.
