Chapter 6: Planting Seeds
A cool breeze stirred Link to open his eyes. His nose was hit with a strange scent he didn't recognize. As his eyes adjusted to the brilliant rays of sunlight, he heard Kohga chuckle softly behind his head.
"We're here."
"What's that smell?"
"Salt." Kohga replied casually.
"Salt?" The boy repeated as he rubbed his eyes.
Up ahead of them Link saw a village, an array of round wooden houses decked with thatch roofs that looked like straw hats and a palm tree springing forth from the center of the hut. He'd never seen a more charming abode but what lay further ahead had his heart racing with excitement.
"Is that, the ocean?!" Link sat up attentively to better see the strip of blue on the horizon.
"That's right." Kohga said as he gave Link an affectionate pat.
Kohga hitched his stallion to a wooden post that had an assortment of kindling bundled into a small hamper that Link assumed would serve as a torch once night came. They'd stopped in front of an inn that looked like the bow of a ship and even had a little stair walkway for an entrance. The sides of the entrance were decorated with lush blue banners and above the doorway was a sign that said 'Hotel'. Kohga lent Link his hand as the boy got down from his steed.
"Can we go into the water?" Link asked eyeing the coastline nearby.
"Patience my love. Let me get some things sorted first."
Link waited outside while Kohga went inside the inn to make their reservations. While he waited, he watched as the villagers went about their day. Across from him he saw a young woman hanging her clothes out to dry on a clothesline attached to the raised porch that surrounded her home. The luscious green leaves of the palms swayed gently while children ran wildly on the sandy roads. It was the liveliest place Link had ever seen in Hyrule, outside of the hideout of course. But even the hideout didn't possess the serene atmosphere that this village had.
"Link!"
Link turned around to see Ridah running towards him with a leather ball in her left arm. She looked like one of the locals with her peach-colored wrap skirt, a blue tube top and her short black hair retrained into pigtails adorn with orange tropical flowers.
"You guys finally made it!" She exclaimed with a broad smile on her face.
"Where'd you get those clothes?" Link asked bewildered to see his comrade looking feminine for once.
"We had some time to kill so we thought, eh might as well buy some stuff." She shrugged.
"You mean you actually paid for those?" Link asked surprised.
"Hey, I actually like this place and I'm not that cheap." She frowned defensively.
"Have you all eaten? Link and I were going to grab a bite right now." Kohga said as he came out of the inn.
"I'm not really hungry." Link stated.
"You need to eat something Link, you haven't had anything since yesterday." Kohga urged as he wrapped his arm around the boy's shoulders.
Ridah's expression lost its sourness in a matter of seconds at the mention of food, "You don't want to miss out on the local grub Link. This place may not look like much but it's got a lot of stuff you can't have back home. Come on, I'll show you."
Link and Kohga followed Ridah down the main road to the docks where a fisherman stood accompanied by his fellow clan mates who were all equally decked out in beach clothing.
Jinsai eagerly stood up to greet them, "Mas- err, sir! It's good to have you with us again."
"What do we have here?" Kohga smiled looking at the fare of seafood prepared on several spears around a small bonfire.
"Local specialty, I caught them myself. Please help yourselves I couldn't possibly finish all of these porgies by myself." Said the amicable fisherman.
"Many thanks, my good man." Kohga gave a small bow.
Link watched in awe as he didn't think he'd ever see his master act so humble to a simple fisherman.
"Have a bite." Kohga said handing Link the skewered fish.
Link gave the food an inquisitive glare, it didn't look anything special. He gave the fish a cautious nibble. He chewed slowly, to his surprise the meat was tender but the flavor it was . . . by the goddesses! It was delicious! More than that it was the best-damned fish he'd ever had.
"What I'd tell ya?" Ridah smirked upon seeing Link's wide eyes full of armament.
Link chomped down into the porgy with gusto. While the outside of the fish was crisp, beneath the thin layer of flayed fish the texture was soft and inextricably fluffy.
"What was that about not being hungry?" Kohga remarked as Link began wolfing down a second porgy.
"I uh, I guess I didn't realize." Link murmured shyly.
"I always know what's best for you love, maybe listen to me next time hmm?" Kohga said brushing Link's bangs affectionately.
"I can, uh . . . ah." Link's brain turned to mush when it came to Kohga. He couldn't even make a witty comeback from how embarrassed he felt.
"Hmph." Teru scoffed from behind his own skewered fish.
"Something wrong with your fish Teru?" Kohga asked sarcastically.
"It's nothing." Teru replied sourly.
After everyone had eaten to their heart's content Ridah had suggested a game of leather ball was in order. Reenergized by the delicious meal Link was the first to second Ridah's proposal. He had no idea what leather ball was but he was excited to find out. They walked over to a large open area on the beach, a few yards away from the heart of the village to begin their game.
Jinsai drew a line in the sand while Endai and Ridah set up two harpoons they'd borrowed from the locals and set them several feet apart. They connected the two harpoons using a long fishing net dividing the beach into two courts.
"So, how does this work?" Link asked.
"It's fairly simple. On each side of the net, we have a team. Each team bounces the ball back and forth across the net. The goal of each team is to get the ball to fall on the other team's side of the court." Endai explained.
"Every time the ball hits the floor depending on who serves the ball it earns one the team one point." Jinsai added.
"And whoever earns fifteen points first wins!" Ridah imparted overzealously as she tossed the ball up in the air.
"Alright, I think I got it. So, how do we choose teams?" He asked while he removed Kohga's cloak and his new tunic figuring he'd be more comfortable that way for once the game started.
"Endai and I are team leaders so, we'll choose who we want." Ridah stated.
She put the ball under her arm then turned to face Endai who had his hand out in a balled fist. She stared down Endai as she mirrored his stance. Then in unison, they shook their hands up and down.
"One, two, three, set!" Ridah chanted.
By the end of her count down, she had her hand out forming an 'o' with her fingers while Endai had his fingers aligned straight ready to chop.
"Ha! So predictable!" Ridah mocked.
"Agh, damn you." Endai grumbled.
"Alright! Master Kohga's with me!" She pointed eagerly at him and he accordingly walked to stand by her side.
"Fine. Then I'll take Jin." Endai attempted to offset Ridah's first choice.
Ridah chuckled darkly, "Teru's with me, which means, Link you're on Endai's team."
"Oh ok." Link nodded.
"Let's do a few practice serves so Link can get a feel for the game." Endai urged.
"Sure thing. That way you won't have any excuses for your crushing defeat." Ridah said with her signature nasty smirk.
"I've never seen Ridah act so um aggressive?" Link whispered to Jinsai.
"Yeah, she gets really competitive, especially against Endai." The freckled Yiga explained.
"Why is that?" Link wondered aloud.
Jinsai shrugged, "They hate each other I guess."
Link furrowed his eyebrows puzzled by Jin's conclusion. That couldn't have been right, of all their clan mates Endai and Ridah spent the most time with one another. If they truly hated one another why would they do that?
The thought was quickly forgotten as Endai showed Link how to bounce the ball with his hands closed together and using the ends of his palms to bump the ball forward. After a few rallies, they officially started their match. Endai was positioned on the left side with Link on the right and Jinsai taking up the back half of their side. Their opponents had Ridah in the back half of their court and Master Kohga and Teru up in the front.
"All you need to do is keep the ball in play don't try to make any shots, they're going to throw most of their serves at you since you're new at this." Endai instructed Link rather strictly.
"Hey Endai, remember it's just a game." Jinsai said.
"Hey Link! Bet you can't catch this!" Ridah yelled as she served the ball from the back of her side of the court.
Ridah's resounding smack sent the ball high over the net and flew right towards Link. Before he could step back to receive the ball with his fists, he was smacked dead center in his face and fell back from the unexpected force.
"Ridah take it easy!" Teru scorned.
"He's fine, right Link?" She waved dismissively.
Link remained on the sandy floor but held up his thumb in agreement. Jinsai helped Link up and dusted off some of the sand from the boy's hair.
"Shake it off champ." He encouraged through worried eyes.
For the next half hour, the other team exploited Link's inexperience to their benefit. It was humiliating at first how quickly their opponents would rack up points in just a few minutes, but with every serve hurled his way, Link grew better at passing the ball to his teammates. Still, they lost the game by a landslide. Even with his teammate's best efforts to cover for his shortcomings. Despite that or maybe because of it their game had attracted the eyes of several onlookers.
"That was quite impressive, but I'm willing to bet you'd all fare less well against a skilled opponent." Said a roughish-looking young fisherman from the sidelines.
"I'm willing to test that theory." Ridah replied tossing the ball to the young man.
"Our best four against yours?" He said cocking an eyebrow.
"Oh, it is on!" Ridah smiled wickedly.
Link, Jinsai and Endai moved to join Ridah and the others on their side of the court while the villager that had challenged them waved over his fellow fishermen onto the other court. With their lean muscles under their dark skin in addition to the scars and veins that were prominently visible on their hands and arms due to a lifestyle of hard work on the seas, Link couldn't help but feel intimated. It was clear this was going to be a much more difficult win for their team so naturally, Link set his sights on the sidelines where Teru had already made himself comfortable under the shade of a palm. So, when he was stopped in his tracks, he was surprised to see it was Ridah who had held him in place.
"Hey! Where do you think you're going?"
Link raised his eyebrows, "They said best four so that means-"
"Me, Jin, Master Kohga, and you dummy." Ridah replied brashly though there was a hint of affection in her voice.
"Me? But Endai-"
"We may have lost but you catch on pretty fast for someone who just learned how to do this." Endai commended while giving Link a pat on the back, "Besides, I really don't care winning against some locals." He added.
While Endai took a seat next to Teru, Ridah raised her arms and wrapped them around Link and Jinsai to pull them into a huddle. Kohga closed the gap between Jinsai and Link by doing the same as their rambunctious teammate.
"Ok so here's the plan, to start us of Link you and Kohga are going to take up the front. Link, as soon as you can I want you to spike the ball. They won't expect that from you and once you do it'll throw them off. That's when we go on the offensive. Got it?" Ridah whispered definitively.
Link gave a determined nod despite the weight of anxiety burdening him should he fail her.
"Let's show these beach bums how it's done!" She said raising her fist into the air in full confidence of their triumph.
"Numar, these newcomers look like they mean business, you better not get cocky." warned one of the fishermen to the Hylian that had challenged them.
"Relax Sebasto, I won't underestimate them." Numar said with a smug grin directed at Link.
Numar with a flick of his wrist tossed the ball to Kohga, "Guests get the first serve."
Kohga chuckled lightly bemused by the villager's confidence, "You'll regret doing that."
"I welcome a challenge, so please don't disappoint." He taunted while flipping his dark dreadlocks.
"Oh, don't you worry about that." Kohga said with menacing reassurance.
Kohga walked to the back of the court and there he spun the ball in his hands surveying his opponents for a moment. The other team waiting readily for him to make his first move. And then his gaze brought him back to beloved looking so doe-eyed and determined to win. Link gave him a small smile, a gesture Kohga naturally returned with his own smirk. It was just a game, but for Link he'd give it his all.
Kohga launched the ball vertically into the air. He kept his eyes laser-focused on Numar. When he sensed the moment was right Kohga gracefully lifted off the ground and in the blink of an eye with a resounding crack he sent the ball blazing across the court.
Link only heard the soft thud of the ball hitting the ground. He turned around and there just behind Numar's shoulder lay the ball. The fisherman's face was engraved with shock.
"Told you, you'd regret letting us have the first serve." Kohga smiled with serpentine guile.
"Psh, come on. That was just a lucky shot." Numar said with feigned confidence, "The next one won't be so lucky."
"You boys better not get scared; we're just getting started!" Ridah snickered as she made her way to the back of the court to continue their early streak.
Ridah's hit nearly matched Kohga's but as promised by Numar the ball stayed in play. He seemed determined to not be made a fool again and so the match had officially begun. The tension was palpable as each side fought to keep the ball off the ground. Numar's team while lacking in raw power to send the ball hurling across the net instead proved to be exceptionally good at defending. Wich made it difficult for Link to find the right moment to try to spike the ball. His first few tries resulted in failures but as Ridah predicted this made them less wary of Link's ability to score any points. On his third attempt, Link managed to pull off a sneaky spike that took the fishermen by surprise. And just as Ridah had hoped they were able to snag a few more points while the other team reworked their strategy.
Meanwhile, on their end Master Kohga and Ridah kept making their best efforts to continue their aggressive plays to break through the other team's defenses. Each rally began to drag on longer and longer as they both fell into a rhythm of bouncing the ball back and forth.
"This is going to be a test of endurance. If you think you might miss or can't catch it then call out to whoever is closest to you." Kohga instructed his team after Jinsai had attempted to make a dive for the ball but had missed.
"Yes sir." They all responded.
"And if you're all on your last rope then you can rest assured you can rely on me." Kohga added unflinchingly.
"You can rely on us too." Link echoed.
Kohga chuckled, "Then there's no doubt we'll win."
The game progressed at a relentless pace. Witch each rally lasting longer than the last and each play becoming more complex, Link's brow had become heavier with sweat. As per Kohga's request, they made their calls to one another. With every pass Link furthered his skill of the game but on top of that he became far more in sync with his team. However, with Kohga it was beyond just good teamwork. Before long they could anticipate each other's movements. It reminded Link of when he'd trained with Kohga except now instead of fighting against him he was fighting with him and Link felt an exhilarating connection flow between them. He'd need only glance and Kohga and his master understood if his intentions were to try going on the offensive or some other trickery against their opponents. It all came to head when finally, each team was one point away from winning the game.
During that, a fairly large portion of the village had gathered to the epic battle between the two sides come to a close. Numar was up to serve and aimed over Ridah's shoulder anticipating her refusal to let the ball stray out of bounds. Jinsai at the ready redirected Ridah's save towards the opposite end of the court.
Sebasto easily received the ball and set it up for Numar to spike. Kohga lunged himself towards the center of the court successfully anticipating where Numar directed his hit. Without needing to be prompted Link lept to spike the ball back at their adversaries. With a desperate grunt, Numar leaped to intercept Link's attack, and just when it seemed they'd claimed victory Ridah saved the ball with an impressive dive that almost surely had her eating sand. Without a moment's hesitation, Jinsai passed the ball to Kohga who slammed it hard to the back of the court. The other team knew by now to not underestimate Kohga's precision to send the ball just shy out of bounds. Sebasto caught it with his thumbs steadying it for his teammates. They passed it one after the other until Numar it was sent high into the air.
The sun was blazing, the ball was high in the air, much too high for Link to reach and it hadn't even reached Link's side of the court. Was it going to come short? No, Numar was too skilled to let the ball come short. He hadn't made the mistake not even once throughout the entire game. It was going to graze the net. Which meant if he waited for it to come to his side of the court it'd be too late to save.
Link's brow dripped with beads of sweat as he pushed his body to move faster than the ball. He ran towards Kohga looking at him straight in the eyes, and Kohga didn't even so much as flinch when Link jumped onto his leg and pushed off, propelling himself higher than the net. There high in the air, Link felt himself go into a state of flow. The feeling was familiar, like when he went into trance. He saw the ball floating closer toward him rotating as though it were moving in slow motion and yet he knew that in the blink of an eye it'd be gone. Link felt his muscles tense as he wound up his arm, then pouring all his strength and focus into the palm of his hand he swung it.
Smack!
Kohga caught Link by his arm, saving him from a rough landing. He looked at him with a grand smile and pulled him onto his feet.
"YEAH! Wooooo!" Ridah screamed joyfully.
"We won?" Link asked, it had happened so fast he almost didn't believe it.
"We won!" Ridah cheered once again, lifting Link up into a tight hug.
"You were like flying there for a minute champ!" Jinsai congratulated Link with an affectionate pat on the back.
The crowd of villagers was slow to clap but eventually came around to cheering the contenders. Numar looked at the ball on his side of the court with contempt then shook his head and replaced his frown with a broad smile. He picked up the ball and passed under the net to meet with Link.
"I really have to hand it to you guys. That was the best game I've had in ages!" Numar said.
"Thank Hylia," Heaved Sebesto, "I'm just glad it's over."
"You folks are damn near as competitive as Numar! Where are you guys from anyhow?" Ask one of the other villagers.
"We just came from Lake Floria but we're not really around from anywhere." Kohga replied politely.
"Drifters hu?" Sebasto surmised.
"Mercenaries actually." Ridah amended.
"Mercs hu?" Numar said looking over at Link with inspecting eyes.
"Ah, now I see it. Most folks we get coming here are merchants or simple country with the pretense of being adventures. Not really the kind of people who can go toe to toe with us usually." Sebasto said generously.
Link smiled at the compliment but found himself unable to come up with something meaningful to say.
"We'd be happy to give you guys another challenge." Ridah said eagerly.
"Yeah, well you can count me out for that. I'm exhausted and this is supposed to be a vacation." Jinsai bemoaned.
"I hear you kin. Say, you guys must be starved, I know I am. Why don't you join us for dinner? My wife makes the best seafood paella this side of Lurelin!" Sebasto offered with a warm smile.
"We wouldn't want to impose." Kohga started.
"Nonsense," Sebasto waved his hand, "you've all earned it. Come now I insist."
"Well, if you insist, we'd be honored." Kohga replied cordially with a small bow.
"The honor is all mine." Sebasto gestured to them to follow him back towards the village. The crowd of onlookers had also begun to slowly make their way back to their homes.
Link began to follow his fellow clanmates when suddenly he felt a light tug on his shoulder. Link was turned around to see it was Numar looking at him curiously.
"Hey that last move you pulled was really impressive. What's your name?" Numar asked combing back his dark dreadlocks.
"Link." The boy answered kindly.
"Link, I'll be sure to remember that name. Say, how long are you staying here in Lurelin?" Numar said charmingly as he leaned in closer to Link. "I could take you to the best places for sightseeing, show you a good time?"
Link thought he saw the fisherman's cerulean eyes gleam with something familiar. It felt similar to how Kohga . . . that can't be right. Right?
"Um, sure that sounds like it would be fun." Link took a step back.
"I know a place not too far from here called the Lover's Pond, people say it's a place where you meet your true love. Maybe we could test that out?" Numar smiled suggestively.
Link's cheeks turned to a soft blush "Uh, I don't know maybe we-"
"That sounds like a wonderful idea, doesn't it love?" Kohga said with a toothy smile as he adjoined himself to Link's side and draped his arm around the boy possessively.
"Y-yeah." Link stammered quickly but was relieved to feel Kohga wrap his arm around him.
Kohga lovingly brushed Link's long sideburns before lifting the boy's chin to plant a kiss on his supple lips. "We'd love to go, wouldn't we?" Kohga's eyes were just shy of being a full-on glare.
Link nodded. He was so taken aback by Kohga's attitude, he could only watch in silence.
"Now where did you say it was?" Kohga asked feigning interest.
"Ah, well that is ehm!" The young fisherman having realized his mistake now felt reluctant to meet Kohga's piercing gaze. "Tuft mountain." He pointed to the towering cliffside that surrounded the village to the west. "You'll find it there."
"Thanks, I'm sure we'll have no problems finding it." Kohga concluded.
"Yeah, no problem. Well, best of luck to the both of you." The young fisherman spoke briskly before practically running off.
Link unthinkingly gripped onto Kohga's blouse tightly.
"Are you alright love?" Kohga asked. His voice leagues softer now that Numar was gone.
Link had his gaze fixed to the sand while his mind was muddled and disquiet.
"Let's get you something to eat." Kohga said as he gently pulled Link to turn and begin walking back to the heart of the village.
Link slowly nodded, while keeping his grip on Kohga.
From a short distance away Teru had watched the exchange with a perturbed frown. Alas, he turned around before either man noticed him watching.
The gang all gathered around an outdoor cooking pot with several wooden benches. The smell of the fish from the cooking pot ignited a rumble in Link's stomach. He promptly took a seat and saved some room for Kohga to sit next to him. Sebasto's wife Kiana served them all a humble helping of her culinary specialty of which they all thoroughly enjoyed and soon after requested for seconds. While Kiana made another serving of paella, Sebasto entertained them with a story recounting a dangerous fishing trip he took a few years back. From the way he gestured extensively to his well-timed pauses it seemed Sebasto was well practiced with the retelling of his story. Link even caught Kiana rolling her eyes, a sign that the enthused fisherman had definitely spun this tale ad nauseum.
Kohga moved Link onto his right thigh in order to sit more comfortably in his seat. It also had the added bonus of allowing him to hug Link closely as he preferred.
"I feel like he invited us to dinner just as an excuse to tell this story." Link whispered to Kohga.
"Probably tells it to anyone who stays within three feet of him." Kohga chuckled quietly.
Link stifled a giggle.
"But I guess we have to stay for seconds, don't we?" Kohga teased, pinching Link's stomach.
"Hey!" Link whispered in protest.
"Shh. Don't be rude to our host." Kohga replied cheekily.
"You're the one …" Link discontinued his argument and instead gritted his teeth because Sebasto had made eye contact with him momentarily. Not wanting to draw any more attention to himself, Link abandoned the point of contention.
"You look a bit cold, love." Kohga said knowing full well that wasn't the case. He draped his long cloak over Link, leaving only the boy's head and feet visible.
"I'm not mmf-" Link covered his mouth with his own hand suddenly. Had he not the sound that would've come out would have ended him.
Kohga was gleefully playing with Link's nipples under the protection of the cloak. As expected of an experienced Yiga warrior his movements were unnoticeable, unlike Link's face which struggled to keep his composure.
"Be a good boy and put your hand down. It just makes you look more obvious."
Despite the dread that screamed in Link's body he obeyed Kohga promptly. He clamped his jaw tightly hoping he'd be able to keep his cool and put his hands to his sides.
"Good boy, relax. It'll be easier for you if you just relax. Just listen to our friend's story and breathe easy.
Link forced himself to keep his eyes on Sebasto and ignore Kohga's teasing as best he could.
"That's it, just focus on Sebasto. Focus on his story while I just whisper to you ever so softly."
While Link continued to listen to Sebasto's tale Kohga's voice faded into the background. Link only heard half of what Kohga was whispering or so he thought.
"… just sink … so easy,
… relaxed
… deeper
… blank
… need to
…wide awake."
Link blinked and shook his head suddenly.
"Don't you want seconds?" Kohga asked ruffling the boy's hair playfully.
"Y-yes." Link took the plate being offered to him by Kiana who was suddenly in front of him.
"Fell asleep with your eyes open, hu?" She smiled gently. "It's alright, happens to me too." The curvaceous woman winked.
Link glanced around to see everyone else had already begun to enjoy their second plate of Kiana's specialty.
"When did? When did he finish?" Link asked utterly befuddled. He couldn't recall hearing the conclusion of Sebasto's tale nor at which point he had 'dozed off''.
Kohga chuckled in his signature seductive tone, "Oh a little while ago."
"What did I do?" Link asked discreetly.
"Oh, nothing much. You were a good boy, focused and relaxed." He said while he nuzzled the boy's back with his head.
Link blushed as a pulse of arousal reverberated below his belly.
"Eat your food before it gets cold." Kohga urged.
Link didn't need to be told twice; he eagerly ate his paella without leaving a single scrap behind on the plate. Wait. Kohga had praised him for being relaxed which seemed … suspicious. But … oh Hylia this is so good! Link shrugged off his misgivings, the food was too good to think about anything else. He licked his fingers clean and finished with a satisfied sigh. Link then got up to return the plate to Kiana, on the other side of the cooking pot seated next to one of her sons.
But as he was just about an arm's length away from meeting her a loud bark stopped him in his tracks. A smokey-furred Hylian shepherd jumped in front of him, raring its white fangs at him. The dog had its hindquarters hunched slightly, a warning to Link to not come any closer.
"Ash, down boy!" Kiana commanded.
The dog's ear twitched to the side towards his owner's voice.
"Come here!" The woman said sternly snapping her fingers and pointing to a spot on the floor next to her.
Ash gave a small whine while his paws prattled in a conflicted prance.
"Ash, sit boy!" Kiana's son called out to his beloved pet eagerly.
Ash gave Link one more territorial bark before finally returning to Kiana and her son's side. The small boy immediately rewarded the dog with vigorous head pats and Ash reciprocated with sloppy dog kisses.
"Sorry about that. He's very protective of Kinov and I." Kiana said apologetically.
Link shook his head in understanding, "It's alright, thank you for the meal."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it so much. You're always welcomed whenever I can make some more." She said with a generous smile.
"Thank you miss." Link said politely with a small bow.
"Kiana's the name dear."
"Thank you miss Kiana. Uh, and my name's Link." The blonde said awkwardly realizing he hadn't introduced himself to their host.
"Link, I'll be sure to remember it." She promised.
Link was about to go back to sit with Kohga but he couldn't help glancing back at Ash, who no was as docile as a lap dog.
"Could I, er that is if it's alright, could I try petting your dog?" Link asked timidly.
"Of course! Look here." Kiana took Link's hand and brought him face to face with the peppered hound. Link crouched next to Ash who gave him a soft growl.
"Just let him get comfortable with you then soon enough he'll be like dough in your hands."
Link held out his fist to Ash who sniffed it curiously. Tawny eyes stared into Link's soul for what seemed like an eternity until suddenly the dog gave Link's hand an affectionate lick.
Link smiled then reached to gently scratch Ash on his flank. The shepherd panted with his tongue out, indicative of his newfound ease with Link.
Link must have been petting Ash for at least a good twenty minutes when finally, Kohga came around to collect him.
"I hate to be the one to break this up but it is late and I'm sure our hosts are ready to call it a night." Kohga remarked.
"Yeah, okay." Link sighed. He grudgingly pried himself away from his new fluffy friend and began to walk back to the inn with Kohga.
"I'm jealous, you never give me that much attention." Kohga jested.
Link snorted, "That's because you're not as cute."
"Hey now!" Kohga gasped in faux.
"We should get a dog for the hideout." Link stated plainly even though his eyes shown with sparklets of puppy love.
"I think one pet is plenty for me." Kohga replied allusively.
"What are you saying?" Link turned to look at Kohga with narrowed eyes.
"What do you think I'm saying? I would think it's obvious I'm referring to none other than my adorable little cucco." He said grabbing Link's hip and giving it a squeeze. Wich drove Link to let out a small yelp in surprise.
"See you even make cute noises like one." He purred mockingly.
Link swatted away Kohga's hand, "I'm not a pet!"
Kohga snickered at his scowling partner, "Oh? But, wouldn't you like to be one?" He playfully curled Link's flowing sideburn around his finger.
"No!" Link said impatiently pushing away Kohga's hand from his hair. He quickened his pace and they'd nearly arrived at the inn's entrance.
"Come now, I bet I could change your mind."
Kohga pulled Link to the side of the inn and pinned him to the wall. The blonde made a passing attempt to wrangle himself out of Kohga's grasp but it only resulted in Kohga securing both of the boy's wrists above his head. Link's heart began to beat wildly as he began to anticipate Kohga's intentions.
"Stop. Someone will see us." He whispered pathetically.
Kohga simply scoffed snidely. Link squirmed as Kohga's right hand roamed the contours of his body freely while his eyes seemed to burn with cold lust.
"Why do you always do this to me?" Link whined as he felt Kohga's hand draw closer to the hem of his pants.
Kohga snorted at Link's rose-colored face, "Why do you always enjoy it?"
Kohga rubbed Link's groin slowly and deliberately. He kissed the boy along his jawline then down his neck. Link moaned softly; helpless towards Kohga's advances, while his cock gradually began to stiffen. But just before Link became erect Kohga suddenly let go of his arms.
Kohga turned his back to Link, seeming suddenly very disinterested, "Well, it's getting late."
Link's mouth hung agape, "Wait, you can't just stop now!"
Kohga smirked evilly, "I thought you didn't want to risk being seen?"
"I! Uh," Link took a pause before he said anything more damning. He wasn't about to go back on what he had said. All he could do now was follow Kohga back inside the inn.
Once inside, the innkeeper: a woman with a friendly smile and a plump body, gestured to them the last available bed on the left end of the inn. Ridah and Endai took the first two beds near the front of the inn but on opposite ends of each other. While Teru and Jinsai shared the bed on the right side of the in towards the back end of the large room. After getting their names checked off at the reception the innkeeper bid them a good night.
Kohga kicked off his shoes to the side, removed his shirt, and tucked it under their pillow. While Kohga settled himself into the bedding Link stored his shoes into his slate and then placed the slate on a short table next to their bed. He stretched out his limbs, trying to stall for some time before he joined Kohga. He took one last look around the inn, everyone else was already fast asleep, a gentle breeze blew outside, the crickets chirped, and the distant sound of waves crashing on the shore filled in the background. Link blew out the flame of their lamp that was set on their table then laid down next to Kohga.
Kohga gave Link a peck on his forehead, "Good night love."
"Goodnight Kohga."
Link closed his eyes, but he couldn't rest, not when he was still half hard. There was no way he could fall asleep like this. He listened to Kohga's breathing which was gradually becoming slower. He frowned in frustration. He couldn't simply rid himself of his erection since Kohga would surely wake up. And it was too late to try to sneak out. He'd probably end up the same way he did last time he tried to do so.
Damn it!
Link's jaw tightened in contempt. This wasn't fair at all! He observed Kohga for a while, contemplating his options. Was Kohga actually asleep? He turned his back to Kohga. Looking at him was only making it more difficult for him to stay calm. He waited. Counting the seconds. He listened keenly for even the slightest stir. Kohga had to be awake he felt it in his gut.
Minutes passed but nothing happened. Link looked over his shoulder to see Kohga hadn't moved even an inch. The inn was just a large open living room, no walls or curtains to separate any of the tenants from one another. There was only a small bookshelf that divided him and Kohga's side of the room from where Teru and Jinsai slept, but even with that, if any kind of ruckus was made it would surely wake the others.
He's definitely messing with me.
Link angrily turned back to face Kohga. His eyes fell on Kohga's bulge and devious thought popped into his head.
If I don't get to sleep then neither does, he!
Link knew it was a reckless idea but his frustration won over his better judgment. He lightly touched the fabric that covered Kohga's bulge, immediately looking up to check if Kohga reacted at all. But he remained the same as ever. A mischievous smirk and a light blush planted themselves onto Link's face as he boldly rubbed Kohga's pelvis.
With a choked groan Kohga opened his to see piecing blues staring back at him. Link groped Kohga roughly before the other grabbed his hand to force him to stop.
"Alright, alright you have my attention! What is it?" He asked in an irritated tone while keeping his voice low.
"You need to finish what you started." Link demanded in a cross whisper.
Kohga glanced down at Link's erection still straining against his pants. "I see, you want me to deal with that right now?"
"Yes." Link asserted.
"So, demanding." Kohga teased. He let go of Link's hand and undid the button on the boy's trousers only for Link to interfere immediately.
"Not here!"
"Then where?"
"Outside!" Link whispered harshly.
"Outside? Are you kidding me?"
"I'm serious."
"You want to do this outside where we could get attacked by monsters or be seen by the villagers?"
"Yes! No. I mean…" Link huffed in annoyance. Kohga had a point but he didn't want to risk waking up the others. But at the same time, he was so horny. Kohga had left him so hot and bothered he didn't know if he could bear waiting any longer.
"We can't do it here." Link glowered hoping his face looked more determined than desperate.
"Then I guess nothing is happening tonight." Kohga stated plainly.
"No, please." Link groaned, "They'll hear us."
"They'll hear you if you can't keep quiet." Kohga chided while he stroked the blonde's stiff member.
Link placed his hand on Kohga's arm as though he were going to push it away but he merely pouted. Kohga knew just what he liked and stoked him accordingly, making it too hard for Link to resist.
"Tell you what, if you don't become fully erect in the next two minutes, we'll do it your way."
"Y-you planned this didn't you?" Link stuttered with arousal.
"Me? Come up with such a dastardly scheme? Noooooo."
Link was unable to hold back several needy gasps as Kohga continued to steadily pump his cock. He'd played him like a harp, Link had no chance of winning his little wager. Any moment now he'd be harder than the peaks of Mount Hebra.
"That's it, give in to the arousal. You know it's what you want." Kohga hummed seductively, "Because it feels so good to give in. The more you give in the hornier you become. And the hornier you become the more you want to give in."
Kohga tipped Link's chin upward to have the boy stare into his eyes, "It's like a spiral, the way your arousal just makes your mind spin and spin with those feelings of lust turning around and around in your body."
Link panted desperately, struggling to keep his voice down.
"You can try to resist, but the more you resist the more intense those feelings become. The harder it becomes to resist the heat, the more you focus on resisting, the more you focus on the heat in your body…"
What?
Link was becoming more confused by what Kohga was saying despite trying so hard to listen.
"And before you know it, you've locked yourself in that spiral. Why it's as though you've hypnotized yourself with your own lust."
Link gasped sharply. His eyes lids fluttered franticly.
Hypnosis…
The realization came with a profound feeling of heaviness engulfing his mind.
I'm so…
Link recalled the times Kohga had made little swirls on his body several times before when he had been aroused or hypnotized. Spirals. He was in one. Floating, sinking, deeper and deeper into those memories and into Kohga's eyes.
Kohga reveled in Link's newfound relaxed state. The boy's droopy eyes, his limp arms all told Kohga everything he needed to know. He momentarily took a break from fornicating with the boy to pull him in to lay against his chest.
"That's right, you see them in your mind, spirals of lust spirals that are so hypnotic it's only natural to let your mind be consumed by them."
Link let out a long sigh that turned into a soft moan.
"Good boy."
Before Link could shriek in pleasure Kohga had his hand wrap around the boy's mouth. Link was fully erect with a vacant set of eyes to match. He had won.
"Remember what I told you? I always know what's best for you. You'll be sure to remember that the next time you get any naughty ideas.
Link whined presumably in compliance to Kohga's words. He smiled approvingly at his beloved's submission.
"And now, what will you do?" He asked relaxing his grip on Link's mouth.
"I will obey." Link said automatically.
"Very good. That's my good boy." Kohga praised as he unfurled his pants and began to stroke himself. "That's right, you will obey. You will obey like a good little pet."
"Yes sir. I will obey."
"Say what you are boy." Kohga jerked himself faster.
"I'm a good little pet." Link said with his cock twitching eagerly.
"You want me to fuck you, don't you?" He growled while burrowing his nose in the curve of Link's nape.
"Yes, master."
Kohga had to cut off Link's moaning once more. He yanked down the boy's pants further to better caress his supple ass.
"You want it right here, don't you?" He said rimming Link's hole with his fingers.
Link moaned approvingly through Kohga's hand.
"You're such a horny little pet you know that?"
The boy gave a shameful meager whimper.
"You'll have my cock in your ass soon enough love, but not yet. We need to prepare you first. We wouldn't want to tear that lovely little hole of yours now, would we?"
Link groaned in agreement once more.
"No, I wouldn't do that." Kohga panted. "Not when you're being such a good boy. You know I'll always take good care of you."
Kohga rubbed himself raw against the boy's firm ass. Link eagerly lifted his for his master, longing to feel the friction closer to his tight hole. In fit of passion Kohga sank his teeth onto the top of Link's shoulder blade just as he came. Pressing Link's face into the pillow was barely enough to muffle the blonde's scream. The pain might have been enough to pull Link out of trance, were it not have been for his master's load that flooded him with a dense cloud of euphoria. Link shook as his blood pulsed with ecstasy, sending him into a blissed-out stupor.
For a long while Kohga remained fixed in his position, heaving behind Link. Finally, when he'd caught his breath sufficiently, he laid back down and held Link curled up against him. The boy looked absolutely spend despite not being the one who orgasmed.
"Look at that you're still waiting for permission to come, aren't you?" Kohga gave Link's aching hardon a light pull.
Link breathed against Kohga's hand with what was most likely a 'yes'.
"Good boy." Kohga repaid Link's obedience with a soft kiss.
"You know what that means right? For being such a good little pet, you get to be rewarded. But first," Kohga cautiously let go of Link's mouth then passed his fingers over Link's back where he had spilled his semen and presented them to his subby boy. "You're going to clean up this mess."
Link's mouth hung slack: out of his desire to obey or just due to his absent mind it was hard to tell, even for Kohga. He slid in two fingers into the boy's drooling mouth and gave him a single command, "Suck."
Languidly Link did as he was ordered. Stroking Kohga's fingers with his tongue as though they were the man's cock. He swallowed his master's filth without the slightest fuss, lapping up every last bit of the sticky fluid.
"You're such a slut." Kohga chuckled.
Link's brows pressed together in distress at the sudden awareness of his actions.
Slut.
I am... a slut.
To Link's dismay, the shameful realization sent a warm sensation to his cock causing him to twitch.
No.
Kohga pulled his fingers out of Link's diligent mouth and held his chin, "But I love that about you. You're my little slut and I'll always adore you for it."
Confusion. Joy. Link nuzzled himself into Kohga's warm chest, holding on to the praise he'd been given and hoping he'd figure out the rest later.
"Aww, such a sweet obedient pet I have." Kohga said while caressing the boy's cheek.
Link whined almost like a pup. What could he say? He hadn't the words for what he felt at the moment.
"See, aren't you enjoying this? My sweet pet?"
Link nodded faintly.
"That's right, you love this." Kohga purred while he soothingly stroked Link's back. "I want to give you your reward but I need to make sure you'll be quiet."
"Hmn?"
"You needn't worry my pet, just obey. Understand?"
Submission blanketed Link's mind as he nodded again. Kohga carefully wedged his body away from Link and left the boy laying on his backside. He admired his love's innocent blue gaze for a moment before he pulled off the boy's pants and undergarments completely. Link softly gasped caught off guard from being disrobed so suddenly. Kohga then took Link's underwear and balled it up in his hands. He leaned over Link, staring him down, and placed an index finger on the boy's lower lip.
"Open up." Kohga pressed lightly.
Link opened his mouth slightly, not having figured out his master's intentions. Kohga pushed in the balled-up cloth into lInk's mouth bit by bit careful not to overwhelm him.
"Hold that there."
Link whined softly unsure he'd be able to do so, to Kohga's satisfaction.
"I don't want one peep from you." Kohga rubbed his chin admiring how cute his precious boy looked with his mouth stuffed however, he had the feeling Link would need help keeping it like that. He reached for one of his boots and removed one of its straps.
"This should hold it in place.
Kohga lifted Link's head to pass the leather strap behind his head and over his mouth securing his makeshift gag in place. Link whimpered as Kohga latched the leather together on the side of his cheek.
"There, there, it'll be worth it. I promise."
Link latched on to Kohga's arms to which Kohga had to gently pry them off.
"It's all right, love. Let me show you the same pleasure you've given me."
He gave Link another reassuring kiss on his forehead before he positioned himself kneeling above the boy's neglected cock. He grazed his hand against the shaft smirking at how the boy squirmed under his touch.
"Excited?" Kohga asked as he left a trail of kisses along Link's inner thighs. "Precious boy." He stroked Link's taint while the boy continued to moan faintly.
Kohga took in Link whole. Link was overwhelmed by the sensation of Kohga's hot mouth surrounding his manhood. He dug his fingers into the bedding, clawing desperately as Kohga sent wave after wave of scorching pleasure through his veins. Link then half sat up. He couldn't decide whether he wanted to beg Kohga to stop or to let him come already. But when he met eyes with Kohga's intoxicating gaze, while still sucking him passionately he lost all his will. Link staggered back down on his back and surrendered to the pleasure.
Master!
Kohga momentarily let up on his pet's cock to tease the boy's nipples with his ravishing tongue.
"This feeling," Kohga whispered as he switched to playing with Link's nipples with his fingers, "This is my love."
"Mmmm!"
"You wouldn't dare live without it."
Kohga returned to sucking Link's cock, tenderly messaging the boy's balls until he brought him to his peak.
"Come, love. You've earned it." He panted while holding the boy's cheek in his hand and resting his forehead on Link's.
Kohga gave Link's cock a few last strokes as the boy arched his back and came beneath him. Link reached for Kohga's sides and raked his nails into the larger man's dark skin all while he cried out through his gag in mind-shattering bliss.
After Link began to come down from his climax Kohga loosened the strap around the boy's head and removed his drool-soaked underwear from his mouth. Letting Link finally heave freely. Kohga laid back down pulled Link into an embrace. He caressed the back of the boy's head while he whispered words that Link's addled conscious mind was unable to hear.
Link's mind jumped from thought to thought like a skipping stone across water. Kohga's warm skin, his hands holding him and even his scent were bringing back other memories of times when he'd been just as close to his master.
Master Kohga.
This feeling. This wonderful feeling was all because of him. Because he'd obeyed his master. Because he had been good. Link felt the warmth around him consume his thoughts.
He was whole.
He wouldn't let go of this. He couldn't. His mind and heart were at peace because of Kohga. Because of his love.
Kohga continued soothing Link with gentle caresses along his arms and stroking his back; waiting for Link to fall asleep. Alas Link was still tingling form pleasure and unable to drift to sleep.
It was a long while until Link's mind finally started to come back to him. His thoughts honing in on himself and the lingering feelings of his body.
'See, aren't you enjoying this?'
"Master?"
"Hm? What is it love?"
"Why am I like this?"
"Ah," Kohga caressed Link's cheek directing his gaze upwards, "Why does the moon only shine at night?"
"Huh?"
"You are the way you are because its who you are. That's all there is to it."
"Hmn?" Link looked dissatisfied with Kohga's answer.
"In other words, we enjoy the things we do because that's just how we are. There isn't always a deeper meaning to it. Understand?"
The boy shook his head, "Do you mean… that this is normal?"
"No. Not normal but its alright to be different, as strange as it may seem."
"So, I'm not normal?"
"Far from it." Kohga chuckled.
Link's brows pressed together in anguish.
"You are unlike anyone else. What you are is truly extraordinary." Kohga stated.
"Am I really?" Link searched Kohga's eyes for any trace of insincerity.
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because I said so. You are the love of my life after all."
Link blushed, "You're so corny." He rested his head on his master's chest. Listening to his steady heartbeat. "Promise me you'll never leave."
"I promise."
And with that Link was able to drift off into the of sleep.
