Chapter 8: Strings Attached

"Ahgh! It's too hot!" Link threw Kohga's coat and their blankets off to the side. He was slowly waking from his slumber until the clouds above had shifted and the sun's rays were hitting him with all their heat and it became too much to bear. Speaking of which.

"Ah!" The boy flushed. He'd forgotten he was naked again.

"That's a good look for you." Kohga teased rising from the makeshift bed. He tossed Link his clothing who hastily put them back on. He began to do the same though at a much more relaxed pace.

"Are you going to continue your sack-free streak?" He asked with a beguiling smile while he buttoned up his trousers.

"Obviously not." Link responded curtly and nearly fully dressed.

"Aw, why not?"

Kohga walked behind Link while the boy was hopping on one foot to get his second boot in the other foot. Kohga groped the boy's ass, taking advantage of Link being preoccupied.

"Don't tell me you mind getting them dirty again?"

"I don't, because I'm not going to let you use them again like that." He jabbed Kohga's ribs in retaliation playfully.

"Ah, you're right. I should just use my own next time, hu?" He said sneaking a lick to Link's hickey.

The boy gasped sharply in protest, "Why'd you have to go overboard?" He pouted and covered the purple bruise on his neck.

"It's my right to mark you, love. I don't want any lowlifes hitting on you again." He said removing Link's hand in order to kiss the swollen flesh.

"Master Kohga…"

He tried to pull away from the discomfort of Kohga's tongue delicately playing with the sensitive blemish. Unfortunately for Link, Kohga held onto both of his hands and crossed them over one another holding him in place.

"Mmm?"

Despite Kohga's touches being delicate the swollen skin still sent tiny flares of pain down Link's spine.

"It… It hurts." He pleaded between pained gasps.

"Mmmhmm." Kohga hummed unfazed.

"Please." The boy dug his nails into Kohga's arms hoping to dissuade his master.

But to Link's dismay, Kohga didn't even so much as flinch. Link was forced to endure Kohga's continuous onslaught on his neck. And as he continued to withstand the shivers of pain a curious sensation began to take over. As the blemish became overstimulated Link began to feel… good. Quite good actually. Arousing even. Soon enough he let out a stirring moan and only then did Kohga stop.

"Feels good, doesn't it?" Kohga purred.

"Stop, leave it alone already!" Link tried sounding angry in defiance of his flustered expression.

Kohga chuckled. "Ah I almost forgot! I made you something."

Kohga searched his pockets and pulled out a red hand-braided hemp necklace. At its center, the intricately woven thread formed the Yiga eye.

Link accepted the necklace in his hands like a precious diadem, "You made this?"

"Naturally." Kohga smiled.

"It's beautiful." He blushed, as he encircled his gift around his neck.

"Not as beautiful as the one wearing it." Kohga said as he knotted the thread together for Link.

The thread fit snuggly around Link's neck and it pressed lightly on his hickey. The sensation was like a subtle reminder of…

Link turned to face Kohga, unsure of why the sudden need to say something to him pushed him forward.

"Master Kohga…?" Link said with an airy voice.

"Yes, love?" Kohga smiled at the boy's slightly dilated pupils.

"I…" The boy's eyelids fluttered as the words came out of his mouth on their own, "I belong… to you."

Kohga wrapped his arms around Link's waist, "Mmmhmm," He leaned over to kiss Link's forehead, "That's right, and I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful boy to call my own."

Kohga's words left Link feeling lightheaded. His body felt so warm and light that if Kohga had not been holding on to him he'd surely float off into the heavens. An overwhelming feeling of gratitude washed over Link and he rested his head on Kohga's chest for a moment.

"Everything alright?" Kohga asked.

"Mmmhmm." Link replied with a sleepy smile.

"Let's get something to eat, shall we?" He said leading Link forward.

Link rubbed his eyes. It was strange, he felt so relaxed, drowsy even but it was so pleasant. And besides, he was with his master. So, it was fine. Everything would be fine. His head was way up in the clouds and that would be just fine, he thought to himself.

While Kohga picked up the cooking pot and did away with the campfire, Link picked up their bedding and blankets and stored them in his slate. Just as he was finishing up, he noticed a rather conspicuous-looking stalk among the flower bed. Upon taking a closer look Link realized what the odd plant was and enthusiastically pulled it out of the ground. Immediately he scanned the area for more and to his delight, he spotted several more of the long stalks all around the pond.

"Master Kohga! Look!" He said running towards Kohga.

"What did you find?"

Link presented the bulbous pink vegetable for his master to see, "Hearty radishes, there's so many of them!"

"Oh my, what are you planning to make with them?"

"I don't know, but I'm sure it'll be great!"

"Then I look forward to it." He said giving Link a peck on his cheek.

After Link finished picking all the remaining radishes around the pond, he and Kohga made their way back down the mountain. As soon as Link saw the shoreline of the beach, he gave Kohga a mischievous look then ran straight to the water. He quickly put his overwear in his slate before diving into the water. The sea was chilling but it was just what Link needed after a sweat-inducing climb down the mountain. He jumped and delighted in the feeling of the cool waves and squishy sand under his toes.

"Having fun there?" Kohga smiled from the water's edge.

"You should get over here!" Link invited eustatically.

"I'm fine over here. You go ahead and enjoy yourself."

"Oh, come on!" Link returned to Kohga's side dripping wet, "Please?" He said tugging his master's hand toward the water.

Kohga sighed, "I can't say no to that face."

Link smiled from ear to ear and Kohga threw his overcoat and blouse to the side and bunched up his pants to his knees. Link pulled Kohga to the water eagerly, practically dragging the man. As they went further in Kohga took Link by surprise and pulled down his underwear.

"Hey!" He yelped smacking the saltwater at Kohga's face while pulling his drawers back up.

Kohga snickered in delight, splashing the boy back. Link retaliated with a bigger splash and Kohga repaid the attack with his own spray. With each splash, they kept trying to one-up each other until finally Kohga tackled Link and pulled him further out to sea. With the shore's bottom out of reach for Link's feet, he was forced to tread water letting Kohga flick some water into Link's face without hope of retaliation.

"I win." He smirked.

Link however took a gulp of seawater and defiantly spit it back at Kohga just barely reaching the towering man's chest.

Kohga's eyebrow cocked in shock, "When did you become such a little brat?"

But Kohga smiled in spite of the boy's insult. He lifted the boy out of the water, to nibble at his clavicle playfully.

"I might have to punish later." He whispered before giving Link a kiss.

"What kind of punishment?" Link's eyebrows arched curiously.

"Hey!"

A familiar voice called out to them in the distance. Link and Kohga both turned their heads to see Ridah and Jinsai waving to them from the shore. Kohga let Link down and so they could both make their way to meet their comrades.

While they shook off some of the water, Ridah told them about their escapades around the village. She was particularly enthused about some money she made at the local gambling house. In addition, they had found more mighty bananas on the outskirts of the village, not too far from their leather ball game the other day.

"Where's Teru been?" Link asked storing Jinsai's haul of fruit into his slate.

"He said one of the locals had shown him where to find some old ruins yesterday." Jinsai replied.

"He probably went back there again." Ridah surmised.

"Well, today's going to be our last night here. Anything special any of you wanted to do for tonight?" Kohga asked.

"What? Already!?" Ridah sighed in dismay.

"Couldn't we stay just a bit longer sir? Please?" Jinsai pleaded.

"I'm afraid not. There's things I need to get back to at home." Kohga counterclaimed.

"Alright." Ridah heaved once more, "If that's the case, then we need to have ourselves a good old-fashioned bonfire!"

"A bonfire?" Link tilted his head.

"Yeah! You'll love it Link. It's like a campfire but way bigger!"

Jinsai clasped his hands together in approval, "A bonfire's a great idea! I'll go get Teru."

"We can have it near the spot we found the mighty bananas. Endai is probably still there anyway."

"Alright, then I'll meet you guys there!" Jinsai exclaimed scampering off towards the village.

"Well then! Let's go make that bonfire!" She said giving an enthused slap on his back.

While Ridah led Link and Master Kohga through the village, all the way to the outskirts where she had left Endai to his own devices, Jinsai retraced his steps to look for Teru. He followed a trail one of the children had shown him to find the ruins Teru had gone to investigate. However, when he got to the site Teru was nowhere to be found. The only other person there was a man by the name of Garini, one who shared a fascination with the weathered artifacts. The man had informed Jinsai that Teru had left a little more than a while ago and so like an old dog falling back on his instincts Jinsai scanned for Teru's footprints in the moist sand.

His fellow Yiga's footsteps led Jinsai back to the village which seemed rather odd to the young man. Why had Teru gone back? For someone like Teru who prized his reclusiveness, it didn't make sense for him to return to the village so soon. Jinsai had known Teru to spend full days at a time meticulously studying any given ruins. Did he not feel well? Did he go back to the inn? But when Teru's trail brought him past the inn and to the foot of one of the villager's huts, Jinsai was suddenly struck with panic. Teru!

Jinsai flung the wooden pleated shade curtain that served as a doorway of the villager's home, but his worry quickly turned into embarrassment when he saw two men lying next to one another naked.

"What the?" Teru grumbled squinting at the intrusive light that Jinsai had let into the dim hut.

"Teru! Oh! Shit! I'm…" Jinsai turned away, his face hotter than the sun outside, "I'm so sorry! I-I got worried that you were, um…"

"Ugh, for Ganon's sake Jin, just wait outside."

"Ok! Yeah! That's ah great, yes… Ahem! … Sorry."

The freckled-faced man hastily swung the curtain behind him. The force of the swing caused it to batter violently which caused a frame on the wall near the doorway to fall with a soft thud on the wooden floor.

Teru sighed deeply, "Sorry about that." He said to Numar. The fisherman had already gotten up to reclothe himself.

Numar laughed lightly, "It's fine. You inlanders are really way too-"

Numar had paused mid-thought, watching as Jinsai had reopened the "door" in a frantic attempt to put the frame back up on the wall.

"Sorry! S-sorry… sorry." He apologized profusely while trying to avoid their gazes. He kept no more than half his body in the doorway while he fumbled with the frame. Once he was able to align it correctly onto the wall he ducked out of the hut; this time being much more careful with the curtain closing behind him.

"Sorry." Jinsai whispered one last time behind the wooden border.

Teru sighed once more placing a palm on his forehead. He quickly got dressed and gathered his things to leave the humble abode.

"Will I see you later?" Numar asked hopefully.

"No. Most likely not." Teru said dismissively.

"Could I have one last kiss then?" the fisherman asked leaning into Teru's face.

The young man snickered amused by Numar's determination, "Let's save that for next time."

"When will that be?" Numar stroked Teru's shoulders.

"Maybe in a few moons. We'll see." Teru flashed the handsome man a wanton smile.

Numar pulled on the strings of his wood pleated curtain, and held the "door" open for Teru. The Yiga gingerly walked out of the hut knowing full well Numar was staring at his ass, as he joined Jinsai who was waiting idly by a large create just below the porch.

"I'm glad to see you're moving on from Master Kohga." Jinsai smirked.

Teru's face turned into a burning scowl prompting the freckled face to lose his.

"O-or not! Sorry, I didn't mean to, I just. I mean uh, you looked happy so I assumed… and now I've ruined it."

Teru sighed again, "It's fine. I know you didn't mean anything by it."

Jinsai looked downcast, "I'm just glad you're ok."

"Why wouldn't I be?" Teru crossed his arms.

"No! I just um… Of course, you'd be fine. I'm just worrying too much." His gaze landed on Teru's knee.

Teru tilted his head back realizing Jinsai's cause for concern, "Sorry, that was uncalled for."

"No, I get it but you know you could stand to be a little less..." Jinsai shurgged

"Dickish."

"Mean." Jinsai amended.

"Noted. So, why're you here?" Teru asked.

"We're having a bonfire on the beach."

"Oh, guess we can't really leave without doing one of those, hu?"

"Yeah, I guess so." Jinsai shrugged, "You ready then?"

Teru glanced around them, "Mind if I ask you something?"

"Shoot." The Yiga encouraged.

Teru took a step closer to Jinsai, "Doesn't it bother you that Master Kohga fools around with Link in public?"

Jinsai sighed, "Of course it does, but it's Master Kohga what do you expect?"

Teru looked away indignantly.

Jinsai scoffed, "Don't tell me you were any better."

The offense was clearly painted on Teru's face, "Yea, but it wasn't like that!" He huffed, We never made it that obvious."

"Well, good for you, so what? You want to tell Master Kohga to be more discreet? I'd love to see that." Jinsai laughed.

Teru grumbled to himself.

"Believe me, what they did the other night, I can't even..." His face recoiled with disgust, "But what can we do?" the freckled man shrugged.

Teru heaved, "This is ridiculous."

"Tell me about it." Jinsai crossed his arms as he leaned against the crate.

"Do the others feel the same?" Teru asked joining Jinsai against the large wooden box.

"Of course! Nobody wants to be around to see or hear any of that."

Teru tapped his finger on his arm, "Maybe I could try talking to Link about it."

"D'you think that would be enough?"

Teru shook his head.

"Yeah, I have the same feeling."

Teru glared towards the village where Sabesto's cooking pot resided, "Don't you think it's strange?"

"What?" Jinsai cocked an eyebrow.

"There's something off about him."

"Who? Master Kohga?"

"No. Link."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Don't you think they got together a little too quickly?"

"Uh," Jinsai chuckled while rolling his eyes, "Well to be fair you and Master Kohga were the same."

Teru shook his head again, "It wasn't exactly the same. Link is, he's just a kid. More than that he's barely lived a life."

"That's probably exactly why he's so eager."

"Still," Teru curled his lip, "It's too…"

"Too what? He's an infatuated teen, I know I sure as hell wasn't any different."

"That's beside the point."

"Then what is the point?" Jinsai pressed in annoyance.

Teru straightened his stance, "He needs to know."

"Teru," Jinsai's eyebrows furrowed into deep worry, "That's treason."

"I'm not stupid. But one way or another he's going to find out. He has to. It's only a matter of time."

"Look just because you're jealous doesn't mean-"

"I am jealous, but this isn't about that!" Teru kicked the sand at his feet, "He… deserves to know." His voice lowered, "What we're doing isn't right."

"I know where you're coming from, but think about it. We can't do anything that goes against Master Kohga's orders." Jinsai gritted his teeth as he whispered fearfully, "You shouldn't even be telling me this! I could get you hanged for this!"

"You wouldn't though. You're a good man Jin."

Jinsai sighed dumbfounded by Teru's self-assuredness, "Look, you know I would help you if I could. If it really came down to it. I'd back you up."

Teru's eyes widened, "No, especially if I get caught don't do anything that would put you or your family in danger."

Jinsai scratched his forearm nervously, "Master Kohga can be strict but he also has his forgiving side."

Teru grabbed Jinsai's shoulder's firmly, "I mean it Jin. Don't."

"Ok, ok!" Jinsai sighed pushing off Teru's hands, "Then what was the point of this conversation?"

Teru paced a few steps in front of Jinsai, "I need you to talk to Link about Kohga. Find out what they do when they're together."

"What!? Ugh! Gross, no way in hell man!"

"Jin, please I'm begging you. I wouldn't ask this of you but I need your help." His eyes turned to the ground, "I was stupid."

Jinsai looked at his clanmate with sympathy.

"We have to make sure Kohga isn't taking advantage of him. He's not going to listen to me if I try saying something to him."

"Wait, hold up." Jinsai's brows arched, "You think Master Kohga is pressuring Link to sleep with him?"

"Yes!" Teru said exasperated.

"Master Kohga would never!" Jinsai retorted.

Teru stepped back. He struggled to keep his breathing no more labored than a sigh, "Look, I understand that it may seem like Master Kohga would never be like… that but just ask yourself this." Teru gestured with his hand as though to present his idea to Jinsai, "Why would Master Kohga be interested in someone so much younger than him?"

Jinsai's glare faltered just for a moment, "It's not that unusual… I mean look at most of our parents."

"Right, sure. Give or take a few years but I mean come on you have to admit there is a significant gap there." Teru urged, "And not just that but Link just barely qualifies as an adult."

Jinsai shifted uncomfortably, "I mean well… most of Master Kohga's previous partners have been younger than him."

"But Link is clearly the youngest he's ever gone for. I mean could you honestly tell me you'd be ok if that was your daughter?"

Jinsai couldn't answer.

"That's all I'm saying Jin." Teru said solemnly.

Jinsai slowly nodded, "I… I'll think about it."

Teru sighed with relief, "Thank you, Jin."

With not much more to say the two made their way to meet with the rest of the party. Jinsai had Teru follow him all the way down the coastline passing the village and beyond where they had their ball game the other day. Where the inlet of Lurelin ended and the open ocean lay before them with several large boulders sprinkled on the shore. A few meters inland was a small plain with a couple of modest slopes from the few palms the grew nearby. There is where they found the rest of their clanmates gathered around assembling the bonfire.

Ridah was the first to turn her head from the bonfire to see the two young men approaching.

"Hey, what took you guys so long? We're nearly done!" she scolded

"Sorry, we had to stop by the inn to ehm relieve ourselves." Jinsai smiled awkwardly.

"Well, I guess you guys made it on time. Come on then!" She handed Jinsai some wood to add to the bonfire.

Link gladden to see the two Yiga return, though oddly enough he thought Jinsai was staring at him with an unusual melancholic look. But before he could ask him if something was wrong the young man's disposition seemed to have melted away. It was so sudden Link was almost unsure of what he had seen. But before he could contemplate anymore on the matter Ridah elbowed him aggressively.

"Flint." She demanded.

"Oh!' Hastily Link brought out a piece of flint he had stored in his slate and gave it to the raven-haired girl to ignite the bonfire.

"Sword." She gestured with her hand for Link to bring her his weapon.

"Right." He'd forgotten he was the only one who brought a weapon primarily made of metal.

Using one of his swords to strike the flint, Ridah expertly created the sparks needed to start the fire. With just a bit of gentle handling of the kindling, they soon had their whole three-foot wood pyramid set ablaze. The flames whipped like snake tongues up towards the sky from the vigor of the sea breeze. In no time at all the flames grew another foot taller. It was dangerously beautiful Link thought.

"You know what this bonfire needs?" Ridah said placing her hands on her hips.

Link shook his head. He never knew what went on inside that girl's head.

"Fish!" She pointed vivaciously to the ether, "You can't have a bonfire without some meat on a spit to roast!" She exclaimed then gave Link a hard pat on his back, "Come on!"

He followed her readily to the water. There they swam out to the large rocks where they posted themselves like hawks waiting for their prey to swim close by. Ridah with bow and arrows at the ready while Link pulled out his trusty bomb.

"Hey wait a sec, you'll scare the fish!" Ridah said aghast.

"Dead fish don't get scared." Link replied.

As soon as a couple of porgies swam within throwing range, Link chucked his glowing blue orb of destruction at the unsuspecting marine life. The bomb sank into the water and before it bobbed back up Link detonated it. After a moment's pause, two fishy corpses floated to the surface.

"See." Link smirked.

"Touché." Ridah tilted her head, impressed by how efficient Link's bombs were.

In no time the two had caught themselves a healthy haul of seafood fit for the whole group. When they returned to shore Link caught sight of a skittish crab and chased after it. After successfully adding it to their catch he heard the sound of Ridah giggling behind him. He looked back and saw the girl could barely contain her joy.

"Sorry, it's just seeing you go after that crab reminded me of the time when we were kids and you got snapped by one of them." She explained.

"Snapped?" Link looked at her inquisitively.

"You know, by their claws." She said mimicking crab claws with her hands, "And you cried so hard! It was hilarious." She said pinching the blonde's nose.

Link studied the sand around him more closely as though somewhere among all those tiny grains of sand there was a spot of pure gold waiting for him.

"It's ok, it was a long time ago. You probably wouldn't remember even without amnesia."

Link bit his lip. It was a distressing thought he hadn't even considered before. He surveyed the coastline with something like absent-minded longing, "It was here?"

Ridah turned her head around looking back, "It was more like over there if I'm remembering correctly."

Link's eyebrows were raised higher.

Incorrect memories?

Most people didn't seem to give it a second thought, but for Link who had few, the thought of even remembering something incorrectly seemed more than just tragic. The thought that a memory could be a mere mirage of the past seemed devastating to Link.

"It doesn't bother you?"

"Hmm?" Ridah looked at Link puzzled by his question, "Does what bother me?"

"Not remembering exactly." Link emphasized.

"Nah, I remember the important parts. That's what matters."

"The important parts? Like what?"

"Liiiiike the look on your face!" When Ridah spoke, her hands got very animated gesturing and pointing at Link zealously, "And how we had told you so to not mess with it. And how we tried to make you feel better afterwards." She paused for a moment, "You know the feeling of it. The when and the where become vague after years but what matters is the feelings."

The feelings.

It was hard for Link to fathom feeling content with something so ephemeral. He wanted to remember everything about his past. All the details however trivial they might've been. Every smell, every color, all the sounds, the time of day, the place, everything.

"What color was the crab?"

"Green."

"And who is this we?"

"Oh yeah, I forgot to mention Endai was also there. The three of us were always getting into all kinds of shenanigans."

Link wanted to ask Ridah more but was still afraid. Afraid that the memories of another would be all he'd ever have. He promised himself he'd only ask once he'd started to remember some pieces on his own. Despite it being so many months since he'd awaken, he still had hope that he could recover some of his memory.

Upon returning to the bonfire, they proudly showed off their spoils. While they had been fishing the others had fashioned several skewers from the wood of the few palms nearby. One by one they picked which fish they wanted to roast on their skewer and they all fixed their spear into the sand around the bonfire. Link made a few garnishes and seasonings for his comrades to add to their spits. When everyone had finished readying their food, they all stood quietly around the bonfire while the fish were slowly being cooked.

The silence was broken by Ridah rhythmically clapping. To Link's surprise, the others promptly joined her. After a few moments, Link realized they were waiting for him to catch on and so he did his best to join in. After a few misclaps Link fell into the rhythm. He looked towards Kohga who gave him a reassuring grin.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Ridah's voice rang out in a sing-song holler.

"This is our song, the song of the red-eye, we are the servants of red revolution!

This is our gift we show to the world, with riveting fire our love and devotion!

We cannot be stopped the beast will uphold us!"

Jinsai, Endai, Teru and Master Kohga all repeated in unison, "We cannot be stopped, the beast will uphold us!"

Ridah repeated the chant once more but this time she was accompanied by all the other Yiga. Their voices sounded so powerful once they reached the end of each verse, that by the end it they were all shouting.

Then without warning, they all began to clap faster. Ridah kicked some sand and then did an impressive kickflip after which she let out a tribal yell. After a few moments Link realized Ridah's random act wasn't so random as Jinsai who was next to her made a boorish shout. He then followed it up by diving into a split and brought himself back up in a single leap. The others cheered him on for his impressive feat and then as if on cue Endai began doing his own impressive physical performance. He was followed by Teru who was then followed up by Kohga. And finally, it was Link's turn.

Everyone looked to him expectantly. Unsure of what to do Link went with the first thing he could think of and did a backflip. To his relief, it was sufficient as they hollered with approval. They'd gone full circle and were back to Ridah. She sang the chant once more and now that Link had heard the words several times, he was able to join in confidently. They accelerated their claps, their chanting accelerated as well until it became a cacophony of wild yelp and howls until they reached their limit and fell to the floor. They laughed at one another, fulfilled by everyone's vibrato.

"Do you guys always do this?" Link gasped while the exhilaration of the ritual still ran through his body.

"Its tradition for bonfires." Endai replied cordially.

"Well, the night's still young. Who's up for a roping contest?" Kohga asked.

"What's the winner get?" Ridah eyed Master Kohga eagerly.

Kohga rubbed his chin, "How about, winner gets my share of bananas for this week."

"Are you serious?" Jinsai asked bewildered.

Kohga simply nodded.

"Heck yeah! I'm game!" Ridah exclaimed, hopping up ready to get started.

Kohga grabbed a large string of rope from Teru's pack as he spoke, "Now then, whoever can hogtie their opponent the fastest will be the winner. Obviously, I'll only be judging rather than participating, otherwise there wouldn't be a contest." Kohga exclaimed confidently, "You're encouraged to put up a fight against the rigger but nothing too extraneous. Alright?"

The other Yiga nodded and replied in understanding.

"Remember this also a test of skill so the quality of your ties matters as much if not more than the time it takes you to finish. So, who wants to go first?"

"Ooh! Me!" Ridah jumped up excitedly, "And I choose… Link! To be my opponent."

"Alright," Kohga handed her the rope and directed them to stand facing one another just a couple of feet apart.

Jinsai, Endai, and Teru stood a couple of feet away to give them ample room for their trail, knowing it was best to give the challengers their space.

"When I give the word you may begin, but it's up to you to let us know when you've finished."

Link and Ridah nodded then stared intently at one another waiting for Kohga's signal to begin. Link had his legs spread apart in a wide stance with his body slightly lowered bracing for a forward assault from Ridah. His hands were at his sides and they were getting just a bit clammy. Ridah had a wicked grin on her face, no doubt confident in her ability to prevail over Link.

"Ready…," Kohga raised his hand, "Begin!"

Ridah dashed forward in the blink of an eye, and Link raised his hands on instinct ready to block her but he suddenly found himself losing his footing. Ridah had cleanly swept both his feet and Link couldn't react fast enough to catch his fall.

Wasting no time, Ridah grabbed Link's wrist and quickly began wrapping the rope around it. But Link wasn't about to make this an easy victory so he twisted his body as fast as he could, faced Ridah lifted his leg to push her back. Ridah improvised with this new position and looped the rope around Link's heel and pulled him close to her to try tying the other leg together. However, Link resisted her pull and planted his foot on the ground dragging his other away from her hold. He managed to slip away from her grasp and tried to stand up but just has he had managed to kneel on one leg, Ridah whipped around him lassoing his chest and pushing him to the ground. Spitting the sand out of his mouth, he struggled with all his might but Ridah had already secured her hold on him. And she rushed to finish tying his limbs together.

"Done!" She said out of breath and falling on her butt.

Link rolled onto his side to get at least half of his face out of the sand again. Kohga circled him inspecting Ridah's work thoroughly. Though Link knew he wasn't staring at him particularly he couldn't help but get a little flustered under his master's gaze.

"Well, while that certainly was fast take a look at this," Kohga crouched down and gestured for the other spectators to come closer.

By grabbing hold of the rope around Link's back, Kohga pulled the boy up into a kneeling position. The tightening sensation of the rope around Link sent a somewhat ticklish sensation through his body that made him flush just a little more.

"As demonstrated by Link here, in a real fight your opponent won't go down without a fight and that's why it's crucial to keep to the proper technique even when your target is putting up resistance." Kohga gestured to the knots around Link's joints, "See this? Sloppy. With this kind of knotwork, it would only take a captive just a few minutes to gain some slack." Kohga demonstrated by tugging one of the strands of rope that then gave way to one of Link's arms coming free.

"Figures he'd use this as a chance to lecture us." Endai whispered to his comrades.

"What you'll want to do is improvise yes, but at the same time maintain proper form. Don't let your target dictate the order or even position of your ties because if you compromise your technique, you compromise your success." Kohga took two sides of the rope and gave them a sharp tug. The sudden rasp and tightening of the rope against Link's chest caused the boy to yelp unexpectedly. "And make sure you're making your knots tight enough." He added.

Link thought for a moment he would stay tied up for the rest of the evening until Kohga spoke to him in a kind voice.

"Thanks for being such a good sport, love." Kohga thanked the boy with a quick kiss on his cheek before immediately helping him out of his bonds.

"Y-yeah no problem." Link stammered awkwardly as he wrestled the rest of the rope off of him.

With Link sufficiently free, Kohga stood up, "Alright, who's next?"

"I'll go." Jinsai volunteered.

Their freckled-faced comrade chose Ridah as his opponent which Link thought would've been a bad match-up, but since she had just faced off against Link, she was running a little low on energy and Jinsai managed to subdue her in a few minutes.

Still, he was nowhere near fast enough to beat her time but at least his knot work was better as noted by Master Kohga. Then came Teru versus Jinsai. Teru must have thought that using the same strategy that Jinsai used on Ridah would give him the upper hand, however, it was obvious he was out of practice when it came to tying the rope around his captive. Teru ended up being slower than Jinsai and was reprimanded by Kohga for slacking off on basic training.

Next was Endai against Teru. At first, Link thought they were evenly matched until he was how gracefully Endai maneuvered Teru. Without even attacking Teru, Endai had managed to avoid hurting his captive and subdue him it was almost was one flowing move. He didn't even seem to be in a rush with his ties but his moves were made efferently that he finished in less than two minutes. The fasted time yet after Ridah's.

Finally, it was time for the last bout: Link verse Endai. After having witnessed his performance against Teru Link felt less confident in his ability to apprehend his opponent but nevertheless, he stayed determined. When Kohga gave the signal Link moved as quickly as he could to grab Endai but the Yiga proved much more dexterous than he'd ever seen him. He couldn't believe this was the same Yiga that always slacked off in training and now he was toying with him. Link couldn't get a read on him, every attempt he made to catch Endai off guard was easily dodged.

"Time's up." Endai suddenly said flatly.

"Huh?"

"Go ahead and tie me know I've stalled you long enough. You won't be able to beat my time." The Yiga said with an almost bored look.

You gotta be kidding me!

"Wow." Jinsai said from the sidelines equally as shocked.

Link hadn't expected to win but this was just humiliating.

"Done." Link said utterly defeated after tying up a too compliant Endai, "Dead last."

"That may be but your knotwork is improving from what I can see." Kohga said kindly.

Though his praise felt hollow seeing as Link was the only person who didn't have the challenge of their opponent fighting them while he was restraining them.

"Well, it seems we have a clear winner, Endai congrats."

"The pleasure was all mine." Endai announced triumphantly.

"I'm sure." Kohga rolled his eyes.

"Better luck next time I guess." Jinsai shrugged.

"Whatever, let's eat!" Ridah shouted aggressively.

With their skewers now well-cooked the Yiga clan soon forgot their losses and delighted in the delicious food. Kohga ate his food while resting his back against a soft slope of land on the opposite side of all the other Yiga who preferred sitting where the sand was softer and closer to the water's edge. Link had devoured his fish rather quickly as seeing how the others were still eating found himself returning to sit by Kohga's side who was nearly done with his skewer. When Kohga finished the last of his meal he discarded his skewer behind him and tugged the boy to lie next to him against the slope.

"Tomorrow we're heading back to camp so it'd be best for you to get some rest now."

"But I'm not tired." Link protested as he sat back up.

Kohga wrapped his arms around Link keeping him in place. Link tried wriggling out of his master's grasp until he hooked his leg over Link's, cutting down the boy's struggle significantly.

"If you keep making a fuss, I will tie you down." Kohga warned.

Link stilled rather suddenly as a shiver ran up his spine.

"Why're you blushing?" Kohga smirked.

"I'm not…" Link asserted but when he placed his hand to his cheek he felt noticeably flushed.

"Is that another one of your kinks?" Kohga chuckled.

"N-no… is it?" Link said covering half his face with his forearm.

"You tell me." Kohga loosed his hold on the young Hylian, "Does the idea of being tied up sound exciting?"

"Well…" Link had never given it much thought before but just a few moments ago when Kohga had tightened the rope around him he had felt… something.

Kohga sat up and reached behind himself to grab the rope they had used earlier for their contest, "Would you like to find out?"

The blonde worriedly glanced around at the other Yiga sitting around the bonfire.

"Don't worry it'll just be your hands." Kohga said.

Link turned his body to face Kohga, "Ok." He murmured giving in to his curiosity.

"Hold your hands together." Kohga instructed.

Link obliged, putting his hands out for Kohga. He placed them comfortably facing one another and letting his fingers naturally curl inward.

Once Kohga found the center of the rope he started wrapping the slightly coarse fibers around Link's wrists. He took his time, carefully testing the tightness of every tie he made.

"Let me know how it feels at any time, if it's too tight or too loose, or if your arms start going numb just say the word and I'll adjust it." Kohga reassured.

"Mmm." Link nodded.

While Kohga worked on binding the rope around his arms, Link recalled the few times in training he'd seen him demonstrating how to make certain knots. Unlike then, he was working slowly and deliberately so it seemed. Perhaps he wanted him to bask in the process as well. There was a slight burn from the twine as it rubbed against his skin every time Kohga had to pull the whole body of the rope through a new loop. And coupled with the increasing squeeze of the bonds as Kohga went further up his arms it started to feel… comforting. It was like a strange sort of hug almost.

As he started to realize the extent of the restraint on his forearms Link noticed a sort of numbness; except it wasn't quite that. His wrists, his arms were so snuggly bound together it started to feel like they were one whole piece. As though they had been molded together like clay.

"Master…" Link said sheepishly.

Kohga had finished tying Link's arms together just short of the elbow. There was still some rope left over so he made a decorative bow on the side of Link's right arm and let the rest of it dangle freely.

"Yes, love?"

Link stared at the symmetry of the knots; how they beautifully covered his limbs like a work of art that he was lucky enough to be a part of.

"I… I…" Link tried moving his arms apart only to find they were firmly stuck together of course. Regardless he kept fidgeting.

"I can't move." The boy said in a low whine.

Kohga chuckled, "That's the idea."

But something else was bubbling to the surface, something familiar.

"Are you… hypnotizing me?" Link asked unable to take his eyes off his bonds.

"No." Kohga cocked his head curiously, "Does it feel like it?"

Link's breathing began to quicken slightly, "I feel… like I'm…" His eyes started to grow heavy and his eyebrows furrowed as he tried to resist the sensation that was threatening to overtake him.

"What is it you feel, Link?" Kohga asked gently caressing the boy's cheek with his hand.

"Overflow… I'm… going to overflow." Link whispered in distress.

"Sounds like you're going into rope space," He slid his hand under Link's chin and tilted his face upward, "It's alright, love. I'm right here with you."

Kohga's hand felt like a heated stone against his skin, it was almost dizzying like being in the onsen back home. He let his gaze be guided towards his master's eyes and the worry he'd felt earlier started to ebb away.

Kohga leaned in closer to Link's face and whispered seductively, "I'll take care of you, so you can let yourself surrender to that feeling. Let it take you."

Surrender. Link's breathing slowed, the thought of letting go was terrifying but enticing. He willed himself to look back into Kohga's eyes and he knew his master's words would ring true. He'd be safe. Even if it was just a little, he could let this feeling wash over him.

Surrender.

Link leaned into Koha's hand and gradually let his body relax. Kohga took notice of the boy's form slumping ever so slightly and scooped him up in his arms. He laid Link down where he had been resting earlier and laid down next to him. Pulling the boy close to rest on his chest. Link sank into Kohga, his eyes were half-closed and from the crown of his head to the tips of his toes felt warm and sensitive. He let out a deep sigh, feeling himself being submerged in the embrace of both Master Kohga and the rope together. Heaviness growing in his mind, making it feel so soft and floaty and feeling so good. Part of him sensed that this feeling could go deeper and it was obvious to him that his body was yearning to sink even deeper. But another part still wanted to resist and fight his bonds on instinct.

He didn't want to panic and so he focused on his breathing, keeping it slow and methodical. For a while, it was all he could focus on but after some time, his mind had slowed down. His muscles had relaxed even more so with every breath he took and the warmth of Kohga's body lulled him into peaceful drowsiness. The feeling of being swaddled was more than just comforting it was intoxicating.

"That's it, keep breathing. Keep relaxing. It's all going to be alright." Kohga cooed sweetly as he brushed a lock of Link's hair behind his ear. The boy's cheeks became dusted with a light shade of pink once more and Kohga smiled.

Master Kohga.

Being one of the few parts of his body he could more Link flexed his fingers slightly. There was heat growing not just around his body but inside as well.

"M-master Kohga." Link managed before letting out a soft groan.

"Mm?" Kohga tipped Link's chin up so he could see the boy's face.

"I'm…" Link's blush turned into a deeper red, "I'm getting… too hot." He mumbled.

"Would you like some water?" Kohga asked.

"N-no… I mean… I feel hot… down there." The boy whispered.

"Oh." Kohga sounded intrigued.

Link buried his reddened face into Kohag's chest.

"Are you hard?"

Link shook his head.

"Would you like to stay like this or would you like me to untie you?" Kohga chuckled.

Link blinked dumbfounded; he hadn't thought of either would've been an option. He closed his eyes for a moment retaking the feelings he was surrounded in.

"I want… to stay like this… longer?"

"That's perfectly fine love," Kohga petted Link's head, "Just relax. I'll let you stay tied up for a little while longer."

Link nuzzled his head back into Kohga and gave a soft whine.

"Everything alright?"

The boy nodded. Kohga hummed softly in response. He caressed Link's back and curled his left hand around the back of the boy's neck. He massaged it tenderly, occasionally pressing on the Link's hickey, causing him to groan softly.

Link couldn't move, no he didn't want to move even if he could. He felt so content in his helplessness. His mind peacefully drifted while his master's touches kept making him feel better and better.

"Master Kohga?" Link mumbled after a while of silence.

"Yes, my sweet cucco?"

Link let his words come out freely, "Do you remember when I first met you?" His brow slightly furrowed at his own question, "I mean, do you remember when I woke up?"

"Yes." Kohga replied evenly.

"I was there in my dream last night. In the memory I mean."

"Oh?"

"I remember, you promising you'd take care of me." Link sighed as though he were reliving that moment.

"And have I done well on keeping that promise?" He asked giving Link's forehead a kiss.

"Mmhmm." The blonde nodded.

"I'm glad to hear it." He rubbed his thumb around Link's collared hickey once more, "It feels good, doesn't it? Knowing that you belong to me."

A coquettish sigh escaped from link's lips as he answered, "Yes…mn"

"Good boy." Kohga kissed Link's head.

Link curled his fingers into fists as his mind sank deeper and the rush of arousal took hold of his body. This was bliss. He was freely swimming in warm submissive bliss and to top it off he was becoming more aroused in his bonds.

"I'm happy." He sighed softly as he realized his words couldn't be truer. He couldn't think beyond what he felt at the moment and so he was free to enjoy himself without worry.

"I'm glad to hear it." Kohga replied.

Link closed his eyes letting himself be taken away by the waves of pleasure. He listened to Kohga's even breathing, the crackle of the fire, the thrumming of the ocean waves crashing against the shore. Everything was here with him. Everything was right.

Link was suddenly brought out of his head when Kohga jostled his shoulder, "Hey, did you fall asleep?"

"No." The blonde murmured.

"It's time to untie you." Kohga sat up.

"Already?"

"It's been nearly half-hour love."

"What? Really?" Link gasped. Where had the time gone?

With Kohga's assistance Link was back on his feet; while Kohga sat on his knees he began undoing the rope around Link's arms. The young Hylian shook his arms to shake off some of the tingling sensations that had set in once they'd been set free.

"We should do this again sometime." Kohga suggested.

"Yeah." Link mumbled. Despite the sleepiness in his tone, he was quite excited by the prospect of doing so, "You could tie me up," He smiled absent-mindedly without realizing his gaze was directed towards Kohga's crotch. He was deep in thought, imagining how the rope could be wrapped around his whole body and squeezing him so delightfully. Just the thought sent a throb of arousal right through him.

"I could." Kohga agreed with a chuckle, "I could even, tie up every part of you."

"Mmhmmm" Link nodded listlessly oblivious of Kohga's double meaning.

Kohga passed his hand around link's waist and pulled him close to whisper in his ear, "And perhaps while you're tied up, I could have my way with you," He kissed the boy gently on the lips, "And make you feel so good. I could have you begging all night long."

Link dug his fingers into Kohga's hair, shivering from the pleasure that sent fiery need down his spine and into his groin. He groaned softly into Kohga's ear, secretly yearning for his master to fondle him.

Kohga kept his voice lowered, "You should be ashamed, getting so horny in front of your fellow Yiga. It's like you want them to watch." Kohga teased, "Wait, that's it, isn't it? You want them to see you like this don't you, little slut?"

A cold shiver interrupted Link's daze as his eyes and mind suddenly became sharp.

"I'm right, aren't I?" Kohga said with a cocky smile.

Link's eyebrows twitched, wracked with the guilt of knowing what Kohga inferred was true.

"My, my, my. Whatever shall I do with such a perverted boy, hmm?" He slid his hand down to Link's ass and gave it a light squeeze, "And after all that fuss about not wanting to be seen in public."

Link grimaced at himself, and yet his shame only made him grow more with need.

I'm… disgusting.

Kohga smirked with vile delight, "Now, I'd hate to call you a hypocrite but if the boot fits…"

Link turned his head to check if the others were watching them but Kohga held his chin before he could see anything.

"They're staring at you." Kohga whispered, "Wondering what's getting you so riled up."

Link gasped sharply from panic then cursed himself as he realized he'd become erect. His whole body tightened painfully worried that if someone might come over they'd see his…

"Look at me." Kohga commanded.

Link did as he was told and shrank under Kohga's gaze.

"Getting hard at just the thought of people watching you? That's disgraceful." He said lightly tracing his fingers over the tent in Link's drawers.

"Thought?" Link mumbled in confusion.

"That's right. I was just messing with you. The others aren't even paying us any mind." Kohga grinned, "See for yourself."

Link peeked behind himself and true to Kohga's word no one was watching him as he had thought. Teru had his nose buried in his notebook, Ridah appeared to be passed out from the way she was laying on the floor like a starfish, and Endai and Jinsai were deep in a conversation between eating their fish. He had imagined their gazes on him and that had been enough to turn him on to this extent, what was he becoming?

"So, you're exhibitionist too hu?" Kohga said casually.

Link reluctantly returned his gaze to Kohga, "I…"

"And you've been trying to hide those desires, haven't you?"

Link hesitated but he felt compelled to speak the truth," Y-yes but-"

"Ah-ah-ah, no excuses. What is it I've been trying to teach you all this time?"

"To be honest." Link answered lowering his eyes.

"And that includes not keeping secrets." Kohga said booping the boy playfully on his nose, "Or was I wrong in assuming you wanted to be a good boy?"

"N-no." The flash of arousal made it difficult for Link to keep his voice under control, "I… I want to be good."

Kohga brought his hand up to Link's cheek to caress it, "Well then, I'm going to have to punish you. Good boys must be punished when they misbehave, don't they?"

"Y-yes?" Link wasn't sure by what Kohga meant but if he said so it must be right.

"Yes. Yes, you do." Kohga traced his index finger from Link's cheek to his lower lip," You need to be punished for your… indecency."

Link nodded despite being unsure of what he was agreeing to.

"Are you scared?"

He bit his lip, his eyes tightly closed even though he knew it did nothing to hide from his master's gaze.

"It's quite simple, actually. No need to get so nervous, love." Kohga chuckled, "I'm just going to torment you, that's all." Kohga smiled unapologetically, "You're going to stay like this all night long." He batted the tip of Link's erection blithely.

The boy winced from the slight pain and arousal that came from agitating his crotch. It had almost been distracting enough for him to forget Kohga's worrisome plan.

"All night? B-but Master Ko-"

"I can make your punishment even more unpleasant if you'd like." Kohga said while curling his fingers around his girth.

"N-no. I'll be good." Link begged quickly, "I won't disobey."

"Good boy. Now get us ready for bed." Kohga said finally letting go of Link's groin.

Link moved quickly and kept his body facing forward, rigidly so. He didn't want to risk anyone catching the slightest hint of his erection. He pulled out their blankets from his slate and spread them over the sand. They didn't have much for bedding so he was done in just a minute. He craned his neck towards Kohga and waited for his input.

"Take off your tunic."

There was a slight hesitation, but then Link pulled the fabric over his head. Kohga stared silently and Link knew he was being undressed by those eyes. Kohga's right-hand obscured half of the beguiling smirk on his face as he watched the boy stiffen and shudder under his gaze as he stored his tunic away in his slate.

"Lie down." Kohga pointed to the newly made bed.

Without a word Link obliged. Kohga grabbed his coat and gave it a few shakes and draped it over Link. After removing his own shirt, he laid down next to Link, facing him. He caressed the blonde scalp causing the boy to whimper softly from the pleasant sensation.

"Good boy. See how much better it is to be obedient?"

"Mmhmm." Link nodded behind rosy cheeks. He did his best to lay as quietly as possible while Master Kohga continued to massage his temple.

"Good boy." Kohga cooed sweetly.

The boy let out a gasp that was no more than a low groan as the pleasure grew more arduous to endure.

"You're being such a good boy, love." Kohga praised.

Link let out another hissy gasp, "H-how much longer?"

"Until you've learned your lesson."

"I have. I'll, I'll always be honest with you Master." The boy pleaded with his blue puppy dog eyes.

"Hmm…" Kohga looked unswayed, "See, you promised me that last time and yet you still broke your promise."

"I'm sorry, I messed up b-but I've learned it now, really. I have." The boy fervently pleaded.

"But you see love, I have to be absolutely sure that you have learned this lesson. You understand how important this is don't you?" Kohga said while digging his fingers into Link's hair and giving it a light tug.

Link shivered with pleasure, "Y-yes sir. I understand."

"Good boy."

Link covered his mouth to muffle his groan. His breathing was becoming much more labored now. The strain on his cock was starting to become painful.

"Please don't say that anymore, master."

Kohga's eyebrows became arched, "Hmm? I thought you loved being called a good boy."

Link stifled another moan through gritted teeth, "I d-do, but it's not helping right now."

"Oh? Why's that?" Kohga grinned.

"B-because… it turns me on… a lot." He finally admitted.

Kohga laughed softly, "It's making your punishment even harder to endure hu?"

Link nodded.

Kohga chuckled, "Good boy."

Link wanted to scream with pleasure but he had to cover his mouth tightly with his hands.

"Please stop sir! I-it hurts."

"That's the point of punishments my dear cucco. They're not supposed to be easy."

"But I-"

"And I just want you to be such a good boy for me. Is that really so much to ask for?" He crooned.

Link squirmed. He felt his underwear become moist with precum, "S-stop, please. I-I can't…"

"You can't come right? Good boys don't come without permission and you won't be getting any tonight. So be a good boy and bear it."

Pain and pleasure continued to intensify and all Link could do was keep his mouth shut to prevent further humiliation.

"Good boy."

Link shut his eyes, all he could think about was the pleasure and how much he wanted to scream.

Kohga gave another tug to Link's hair. Link made no effort to pull away, he remained focused on keeping his mouth shut.

"Good boy." Kohga kissed Link's cheek and scritched the back of the blonde's head

Link whimpered helplessly. He was becoming weaker.

"Good boy." Kohga whispered in his ear and let his hand rest on his nape, and kneaded his tender muscles.

Link's hands faltered and he let out a soft moan. He was slipping into that familiar feeling of languid weight delving into his mind.

"Are you alright love? You've got that cute look on your face, the one you make when you're hypnotized."

Link's heavy eyes fluttered as he realized his breathing was becoming deeper, slower just like when he…

"I… I want to fall." Link realized. His arousal and the strain on his cock, were somehow more manageable, enjoyable even now in this budding state.

"Hmm, looks like you're halfway there already." Kohga observed.

"How is this… happening?" The boy barely managed.

"It may be perhaps," Kohga continued massaging Link's neck, "Because you've experienced so much pleasure during trance your mind is conflating the two."

"W-what do you mean?"

"In other words, your mind and your body don't want one without the other."

It was true, wasn't it? As Link reflected on all the times, he'd been like this, he had been… in trance. Aroused. Hypnotized… And it felt so good. He sighed deeply. What was, he going on about?

"It would be so easy to drop you into a deep trance, wouldn't it?" Kohga purred.

"Mmhmm." Link responded without thinking.

"You want to fall deeply, don't you?" Kohga curled his hand around Link's cheek.

Link nodded.

"My precious boy," Kohga grinned, "Fall." Snap!

Kohga relished watching Link's mind effortlessly slip back into his complete control. The boy's eyes fell close, his jaw went slack and his face lost all tension. It was almost too easy.

"Good boy."

A breathy groan drifted freely from Link's lips.

"Listen well and obey love, for the rest of the night you will not speak unless I ask you to. Is that clear?"

The boy nodded.

"Good boy." Kohga said pulling Link by his waist closer to him.

In turn, the boy writhed as delicious agony took hold of his whole body. Following his master's command to a tea, the boy's face contorted into a moan but with no sound to accompany it. Kohga then snuck his hand beneath Link's small clothes and ravenously fondled him.

"You're making a mess of your underwear, you want to come so badly, don't you?"

The boy responded the only way he could.

"But tell me, love, what is it that good boys love more than coming?"

"Good boys love to obey." The blonde droned.

"Ah that's right, good boys love to obey." Kohga repeated delightfully amused, "So it stands to reason that you will obey me without hesitation or resistance, just as you are now."

Link replied with vigorous nodding and panting.

Kohga toyed with the head of Link's cock, "And in addition to obeying, good boys take whatever punishment their master gives them. Without question or hesitation."

Link squirmed as he was overwhelmed by Kohga's touches.

"You'll be just as you are now, compliant and docile. You'll take your punishment whenever and for as long I see fit."

It wasn't a question but Link nodded all the same.

"You know this is what's best. You know that I am right. And that this is how I take care of you because even when it hurts it still feels so good, isn't that right love?" Kohga gave Link's shaft a firm squeeze, "Speak."

Link breathed heavily into Kohga's chest, "Yes… sir."

"Good boy." Kohga released Link from his vice grip, "Good boy."

Link shuddered from the relentless pleasure that wracked his body.

"Good boy. Sink into submissive bliss. Remember who you belong to." He squeezed Link's body against his own as humanly possible, "Surrender to me completely and you'll always be my good boy."

Kohga stroked and tugged and squeezed Link determined to render the boy a mindless aroused mess in his arms. He toyed with Link's cock and nipples until they were swollen. And soon after he lost his sense of time as well as his ability to respond altogether. Overstimulated with pain and pleasure, at some point he must have passed out.

Before the sun rose, Link opened his eyes. The events of last night were fresh in his mind but his body had been relieved of all tension and agony. He sat up rubbing his eyes and running his hand through his disheveled hair as the morning breeze hit him and the residual grogginess of slept gradually left him. Kohga and the other Yiga were all still asleep around the bonfire whose last embers were going out. He looked back at Kohga, a giddiness returned as he remembered his master's teasing from the night prior. But it was their last day in Lurelin so he moved to get up on his feet only for a warm hand to grab onto his arm and hold him in place.

"Where are you going?" Kohga drawled out sleepily.

"Oh, you're awake?" Link asked slightly startled.

"Where are you going?" Kohga repeated his tone firmer this time.

"I just wanted to scavenge some stuff before we leave." Link replied.

Kohga loosened his grip, "Alright, but come back by daybreak."

"I won't be long." The boy promised giving Kohga a quick peck on his forehead before heading off.

While the morning air was crisp, Link made haste collecting everything he could find in the area they'd camped in. Acorns, a couple of hearty truffles, some insects and a handful of mighty bananas. He made his way back to the beach where he and Ridah had done their fishing and caught a few more porgies then headed back jogging alongside the sea and the wet sand.

He breathed in the salty air deeply committing its scent to memory and slowed down to watch the sunrise alight the village in the distance. He was going to miss this place dearly he thought to himself. Hopefully, he'd be able to come back soon, he had the slate after all.

As he continued walking back towards the campsite, he noticed a sea-green crab resting on the pale cream-colored sand. He deliberately crouched over to it but instead of snatching it up like he usually would, he simply observed it with acute focus. He slowly reached his hand out to it, careful not to startle it. Suddenly a sharp pain flashed through his finger. He hadn't touched the crab, nor had it snapped him but he recoiled as if it had. He looked at his uninjured finger the pain already faint. He looked back at the crab that stood alert with its claws ready to pinch.

The waves that crashed behind him, their roar seemed to echo in Link's ears. A child's laugh echoed behind them. No… there were two voices, laughing.

I told you! Ridah's tiny voice rang out from far away.

Tears. They were welling up in Link's eyes as stared back at his very small. His hand, small and pudgy he held it close to himself. His finger, red and swollen, and the sight of it made him cry more profusely. His voice was small and whiny as he cried to Ridah and Endai.

Dummy.

They patted him on the back and helped him up.

Come on… It'll be ok.

The crab scuttled away just like it had back then. Link wiped on side of his face. There were streams of tears coming down and they wouldn't stop. He let out a choked laugh as he stood back up.

He ran back towards their campsite. He didn't stop until he tackled himself into Kohga's arms. He hugged the big man's chest tightly as he continued to cry.

"Link, what's wrong?" Kohga asked concerned for his beloved's sudden outburst.

"Nothing's wrong." Link managed between sobs, "I remember. I remember!"

Kohga crouched and wiped the tears from Link's glassy blue eyes. Link helped him by pulling the collar of his shirt to soak up more of the tears.

"You remember?" Kohga asked gently.

"Yes, a memory." Link explained, "When I was a kid, when we were kids" He turned his head towards Ridah. She and the others and stopped packing their things and drew closer to the pair to see what the commotion was all about. Link pointed towards the beach where he had just had his revelation, "a crab pinched my finger really hard and I cried," He looked back towards Endai and Ridah, "You guys made fun of me but you also helped me out. And then later I got my finger bandaged up."

"That's wonderful, love." Kohga smiled.

The boy nodded and he was unable to suppress the tears that came with the acknowledgment.

"See, all you needed was a little time for your memory to come back." Endai said.

"We're very happy for you Link." Jinsai added with a small smile.

"This is a good sign. I hope the rest of your memory returns soon." Teru said approaching the group.

Link was able to pause his tears for a moment. Teru's voice was sincere but his face didn't have as much excitement or joy.

"Indeed." Kohga said standing up once again.

"Hey, maybe the next memory you'll recover could be the once when we got stuck making our first pit trap, ey?" Endai suggested with a wide grin towards Ridah.

"N-no-no-no! You don't wanna remember that! Nobody needs to remember that." Ridah disagreed with panic.

"Oh, why's that Ridah? Something awfully embarrassing about that memory, hu?" He elbowed her jestingly.

"Shut up you cretin!" She spat.

Link chuckled, "Is it that bad?"

"Yes." Endai smirked.

"No!" Ridah snapped back.

"Are we all ready to go then?" Kohga asked the group.

"Just about." Jinsai answered.

"Alright, let's pick it up. It's going to be a long ride home." Kohga voiced with imminence.

Ridah and Endai quit their feud to finish packing up. Link helped Kohga finish grabbing their things and before long they all were headed back towards the village to saddle up on their horses. Link stared back towards the wooden huts and the open ocean as their horses trotted through the entrance of the village. The joy of having recovered one of his memories was quickly overshadowed by the sadness of leaving this small but homely town.

"We'll come back." Kohga said noting Link's morse expression.

"Soon?" Link pleaded.

"Soon." Kohga promised.