Previously…
Yanun and her people make a themselves at home at the Zora's Domain for the time being. Sidon and Yanun get to know each other a little better.

-Only obvious key points will be summarized. There are likely moments of an Unreliable Narrator or Sneaky Foreshadowing.-

CHAPTER WARNINGS: Self Harm (Minor graphic descriptions and past mentions of Link doing harmful things to himself for the sake of others)


"This is easier said than done Prince Sidon." Zelda mumbled to herself as she finished reading letter. His haste clear in his usually thoughtful lines, there was even a few splashes of ink at the bottom. He was clearly worried and as was she, especially if his suspicions were true. "It's not as though I won't try, but if something happened to Link and he has yet to approach me. Then… then it is very unlikely that he will open up when I ask."

With a soft sigh, the young woman stood and went to her personal cabinet of her study. Locking letter safely away, Zelda decided it was time to pay her troubled friend a visit.

The courtyard was bustling with men and women training their skills with a verity of weaponry. Duelling each other or on set up targets. It was loud with the clashing of metal, whistling of arrows and the odd sound of wood splintering. The knights either ignored her or gave a brief nod in acknowledgement before resuming their task.

She was almost surprised that she did not find Link amongst the organized battlefield. In fact, Link was found at the far south end of the grounds, just outside the castle blacksmith. He appeared to be instructing a small group gathered around two cooking pots.

"What are you doing?" Zelda asked as she approached, though was suddenly hit with a foul odour that was emanating from one of the brewing liquids. She couldn't tell which and quickly covered her noise. "Ugh…" Hardly a liquid at this point, one looked like tar and the other like brick powder porridge.

Though no one responded to the council member, not talking their eyes off Link's hands. He gave directions and information in between dropping a bit of this and that in the pots. The captain's expression was calm, yet serious; his signs firm and fluid. Once he was finished, he let the others bottle the elixirs and went to greet Zelda.

[Princess.] He gave a light bow of his head, though they both accepted the title as more of a familiar way of addressing her. It was like a nickname of sorts, though it was a little heavy for Zelda at times when it brought her too far back into the past. Yet, Link had always known when it had stepped on sensitive grounds and would drop the title without needing to be asked. [Is there something the matter?]

Quickly shaking her head in reply and then dropping her hand, she expressed her disgust with the wrinkling of her face. "How can you stand that smell?"

[You get use to it.] He shrugged. [You can join us for the next around this afternoon, the main ingredient is lynel guts. Smells more like eggs and fish.]

"Charming… But I'll have to pass. How have you been lately? It's been a while since either of us spent time together."

[The forty-seven platoon has reached the end of their training and I look to have them fully knighted in a week's time. Though forty-eight has caught up to them unexpectedly and-]

"I asked how you were doing Link, not your mass of awestruck squires." Zelda interrupted him, flashing a playful smile. "Anything exciting happen recently? I heard that you went on a solo mission earlier this month, to Nero Hill and Satori Mountain, I believe. That's a rarity, taking one of your so-called breaks, Link… or were you sneaking out to see someone? Hmm?"

Zelda had expected a reaction, but not one that was this intense. The restrain in his response, the tense twitch in his muscles, the faint waver and hollowing of his gaze. It only confirmed her fears.

Link had a wound and with one gentle reminder, Zelda had torn it wide open. She had struck him and the worst part as she could not tell what part had triggered it. The Hylian warrior was not going to be talking about it now, if that is there was even a chance in the first place.

That alone injured her greatly in return and Zelda did her best not to let anything show, it would only make the wound deeper if Link realized that she knew he was vulnerable. Zelda was confident that they had grown a close friendship after these few years. They had shared some weaker sides of themselves, secrets even and that one glimmering moment when Link admitted that he had a dream.

While he did not share what this dream entailed, Zelda had not pressed the matter; she was overwhelmed with the joy alone in that statement. Link had an ambition all his own, that no one told him to pursue. Not a quest, nor duty, nor responsibility, it was his desire he wanted out of life. His own life.

[There seemed to be a giant Blupee on the mountain. Other than that, nothing else of interest.] Link finally spoke. [Sorry to disappoint.]

"Not at all. I think it's a fascinating discovery!" Zelda put on her best face, acting interested. "Did you manage to take picture? I'd very much like to see it."

Link shook his head and then surprised her with his next words, taking their discussion in a different direction. [I'm fixing the training regimen. There will be three days at the start of next month that I will be absent. With only two platoons left to rise to knighthood and one last team to put together, I want to clear my mind to plan properly. Don't worry, I have many knights that will be taking on my responsibilities so nothing should be interrupted.]

"I have nothing against your decision regarding your squires. But what exactly are you planning for?"

[I'm close to fulfilling my oath of two hundred knights, Princess. If I am to step down and put the Master Sword to rest once more, someone needs to take my place as captain. Knights that believe they are up to the task will be able to hold temporary command for a day.]

The young woman frowned a little, remembering the day he had declared that to the public. He didn't have to train two hundred people before resigning as a knight of Hyrule. He didn't have to spend every waking moment working. Link had done more than enough for this land, he had sacrificed enough. She had been trying to give him back a life, a new beginning and every time she offered him an opening, Link slammed the door.

Zelda now hesitated for a moment before placing a comforting hand on Link's shoulder. "You know, Link… If you want to step down sooner, no one will hold it against you." She would happily let him go at any moment and fight anyone that tried to stop him. "You've already done so much for the people of this land, there's no need-"

But he stepped away from her touch, possibly angered, his face was still much of a void to be certain. [Your concern is unnecessary, I am still capable and I intend to keep my word right it the end. Regardless, I will always be there for the people, for those that cannot fight for themselves. I am their shield. I am their weapon. That will never change.]

"Link, I didn't mean it like that." Zelda pleaded for his understanding. "You know me, I have no doubts in you."

But her words fell on deaf ears as Link brought an immediate end to their conversation. [I have work to return to, it's best that you do the same.] He then turned and walked towards the knights training in the field, whistling for their attention.

"Link!" The Hylian woman cried out in one last desperate attempt. But he didn't look back. Zelda felt at an utter loss, Link was relapsing, falling back into his state of mind before the victory over Ganon. The ghost that he had came to be, an entity of justice and war.

Yet it was something that she had been all too familiar with. Forcibly shaped by others to be the tool they needed.

For Zelda it had been to become the shining priestess with holy powers bestowed by Hylia.

But she had still been a princess. Surrounded by beloved friends and family. Years of memories with joy and sorrow. A young woman with an inquisitive mind, with a yearning for knowledge in many forms. A dream for her future, with someone to admire and to hold.

Zelda knew deep down who she was and still fought for herself even when the pressure of others was almost too much to bear.

For Link it had been to become the guardian protector with incredible strength chosen by Hylia.

But after resurrection, he was nothing. Surrounded by nothing. No memories. A young man without a clue who of he was. Not a dream nor desire to be held.

Link stood amongst darkness, with the empty abyss of his unknown past at his back and at his front the twisted shadows held a blade to his throat. Shoved into a world that only asked him to fight, to save them, to protect them, to sacrifice himself for them. He was a blade that was never sheathed, passed along, chipped and broken by many, repaired only to bear their wounds once more.

The few memories Link recovered were fireflies that danced in the distance, something he could watch, but never touch.

As her eyes began to sting with tears, Zelda hurried her way around the edge of the courtyard to avoid confrontation of onlookers. She could only imagine the true state that Link had been in before someone had stopped to reach out to him.

Did he hate himself? Did he hate the people that left him like this? Did he regret that he had survived when all else he knew had died?

Oh Link, please… Zelda wept, covering her face with her arm as she began to run down the castle halls. Please, let me help you. Let me be the one save you this time… I don't want the darkness take you again.

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

Link tossed and turned, still bitter from what Zelda had said, it kept him from sleeping. Irritated, he kicked his blankets off and sat at the edge of the bed. Choosing to glare for a few moments out the window at the castle, he then scoffed.

Like I would step down now and abandon the people. What good is a beast if I'm not there when they need me? The warrior's thoughts left his blood boiling and teeth clenched.

No… this won't do. He'll lose focus with this festering vexation till it births malice. Link needed something to clear his head before he tried sleeping again. Something to stabilize his emotions or for when he does sleep, it will be nothing but nightmares.

Link pulled the Sheikah slate from under his pillow, an old habit from the days of sleeping on the road, feeling uneasy with it out of arms reach. Zooming in on the map, there was only one likely place that he would find peace for the night, Hateno Village.

Engulfed in light and feeling weightless for a few moments as he was teleported away. But arrived with a bang, a blinding flash and quickly becoming assaulted by water.

A thunderstorm.

Link took in the sight of the downpour, the continuous clacking melody of thunder echoing throughout the mountain ranges and not a gust of wind in the air. He was soaked within moments, chill creeping in bumps across his skin, but all the Hylian could do was smile. Closing his eyes, head tilting back and raising his arms outstretched to catch the rain. Feeling cleansed, sore muscles and clouded thoughts washing way with every tiny splash.

"The Sheikah say that the dance of light your soul gives off is the element it is in closest harmony to." Link heard the voice of the expecting Sheikah whispering around his mind, like it was coming down with the rain.

He had never thought about that over the last few weeks, but it suddenly made so much sense. There was something about a storm in all its might and danger, that seemed to be soothing to him. A deep part of him that Link held close, a small treasure unbeknown from his past or one that he had always been born with.

Opening his eyes, Link caught the glow of his soul branching out from his nightshirt, he could even see the hazy movement through his soaked clothing. He brought his hands together and watched it dance along his skin, it really was beautiful.

Alas, he had to get out of the rain before an illness befell him. Link ran and practically slid partway to his house. Shaking as much water from himself at the door before pealing his clothing off like a second skin and hanging them on the coat mount. Thankful that his magic weapon collection provided just enough light that he did not need to stumble around in the dark. Climbing the stairs, he headed for his chest of drawers next to the bed.

But he paused at the slight of seal broken navy letters scattered all across the top; glancing back at his desk, knowing that there was even more piled up. Over three years worth of unspoken conversations, ties and memories bound in the frailest embodiment. A tender pull of knots tangled around his ribs made his tongue click a familiar, yet ever silent word.

Sidon.

A faint frown forming on his lips, Link crouched down, yanked a drawer open and ripped a towel out. Drying himself with vigour. Don't. He scolded himself, but like anything, trying not to think of something has the opposite effect. You've finally levelled your head, don't get out of focus again. Remember your duty, the plan that must be swiftly put together. The longer you take, the more lives that will suffer.

Casting the last of the resistance aside and to stop the swarm of memories, Link left not a single letter out to been seen. Dropping the towel on the floor when it was done and diving into bed, Link went over his line of action that would take place over the next few months. Starting in a few weeks, that fever will return and it is the time to work on a remedy. The faster I find a way to make suppressants, the better. During the time in between, I will see if there is anything going on through the castle that might give me information on the quarantine zone. Staff, trafficking of supplies, the rotation knights, anything that might lead to a clue of what is really going on.

Link trembled a little as his body started to warm back up, it was time to rest. So he closed his eyes, shutting out the blue light of his soul and gave a small prayer to Hylia for strength, for guidance. Then with the last of his conscious, in the peace and silence of his drifting mind, Link saw red. Yet there was dampness on his cheeks, a weight in his heart, a twist in his gut and a shudder in his breath.

It was nothing, he lied, it meant nothing, he denied, it becomes nothing, he fought.

For it was time for war once more.

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

The patchwork stockpile of shop always seemed to be on the verge of collapse to Link. How Kilton got it atop his small wagon in the first place was questionable, he didn't seem very nimble or sufficiency enough strong to do so. That and the eerie purple glowing sphere in the midst of it all.

Approaching the counter, the shopkeeper as always was nose deep in something. Mumbling on about what to do with tail parts. But Link was impatient, he didn't want to take a chance his timing was off so he knocked on the wooden counter top.

The grey skinned man screamed in horrifically unusual way, but normal in the terms of Kilton if you were familiar with him. Though he calmed down quickly when he saw the Hylian. "Oh… It's just you…"

[Same is last month.] Link requested.

"Hm… I'd be happy to sell it to you. But you don't have enough mon for that many." Kilton then chuckled. "Too busy playing knight and killin lovely creatures, hm!? You haven't brought me anythin in so long it almost makes me feel lonely, so lonely… We use to be so close you and I, ah, the good ol'days when I just opened shop. SO MANY MONSTER PARTS~ HUE HUE HUE! Such energy, such dedication, such love for monsters you use to have, yes you did!" Hysterically laughing, the maniac almost jumped over the counter with uncontrolled glee.

If Link had more energy, he would have been mildly creeped out by the man's strange excitement of their business relationship. [I don't have much to spare for monster parts. How many bottles can I get with what I have?]

Kilton stilled and instantly abandoning the previous topic. Tilting his head in thought and looked upwards, eyes unfocused. "Well lemme see… two bottles… maybe, if I take our long standing relationship into consideration."

Just two, that's it? That was not even close enough for what he needed to do. Link sighed in irritation and pulled his bag of supplies off his shoulder. He didn't like that he would have to sacrifice an ingredient for another, but he couldn't do much of anything without the monster extract.

Goddess, did he dislike the look on Kilton's face as he sorted through his items. It was like he already decided what he was going to take.

Reluctantly Link pulled out a dragon scale to show to the shopkeeper, whom all but screamed with joy, eyes spinning independent of each other. "YES! YES! Oh so lovely! That Nydra scale will certainly cover the remaining cost."

Link handed the scale over and waited while Kilton carefully set each deep purple vial down on the counter. "You know, as much as the monster extracts are wonderful to use, too many is never a good thing. Hue hue hue~ You're already dark around the eyes, yes you are! I know the desire to be closer to monsters, I do, but even I know it's not possible to be a true monster. Even the best things in life can be poisonous my friend!"

[I'll take my chances.] He wasn't interested in small talk, if a possible poisoning lead to success, it would be worth it. Besides, Link was well aware of the dangers of experimenting. With all eight bottles accounted for, Link packed up his bag. It was time to make the elixirs, he had five hours till dawn and still two places left to go.

"I hope to see you on another monstrous night!" Kilton shouted as Link began to disappear in a twist of blue light.

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

"Pure Blood? I have not heard that title in many long years, it is used by the Gerudo I believe. Why have you come to me and not gone to Gerudo Town? Though I am most flattered you seek me for my knowledge." Impa smiled kindly.

[I already know of the Gerudo knowledge, I come here for the Sheikah knowledge. The woman could not share any information and if there are any secrets, you would be the person to know them all.]

"I do not understand what you seek, Link."

[I do not have the words for it, but I am sure that you know this couple.] Link pulled up a photo he had secretly taken of the lesbian pair and sure enough there was a clear change in her eyes. And before she could dismiss the truth behind the picture, Link added. [I know that the Gerudo woman has fathered the child, it has been admitted by the pair. And she was also the one to tell me all about the Gerudo pure bloods.]

Impa was quiet for a few moments before she called on her granddaughter. "Paya, my dear. Could you be so kind as to make make a pot of tea?"

"I'd be happy to, Grandmother." Though the young woman seemed a little uncertain about something. "Should I prepare the one for meditation?" With one nod from elder Sheikah, Paya left the main room, leaving the two alone.

With the odds in his favour of getting the information, Link promptly deleted the photo. [I can't stay long.]

Impa set her hands on her lap and lightly scowls at the Hylian. "Too late for that, now sit. Nothing that is discussed from here on out will leave this room and don't think that I won't have eyes on you. Are we clear?"

Link knew that control was currently in her hands and there was no empty threat to her words so he obeyed. But he set his Sheikah slate next to him should the prickling at his neck spread to his upper back, he would teleport to his safe house. He figured he had about an hour left before his fever set in.

"Now then… It is true that there are men and women at have, well, what most believe to be reversed capabilities of creating life. Women that sow seeds. Men that bear fruit. But this has been happening for a very, very long time. So long, that it has been a completely normal occurrence for over five millennia."

[Then why am I only hearing about it through secrets? My memory loss aside, I have only known about this for a few months now.]

"Some say that a ruler declared it to be unnatural, a curse or against the will of the Goddess and that these heathens were to be sentenced to death. Ironic really, when it had been a blessing of mercy from the Goddess. But there is no proof on how the segregation started, only that it had at some point and the history was almost completely lost to the world. Hatred is such an infectious thing and so hard to cleanse. Though it is fear that holds us in the shadows, even to this day."

[Why is it a blessing of mercy?]

"After the calamity, the one which took place before ours; with all the destruction and death that had overran the land, the people struggled for many years to restore their homes and their lives. The remaining taint brought many failed crops, many animals became ill suited for food and monsters began to attack the people in their weakened state. But even with the land recovering more and more each year, the people however did not. For the children that had come to be adults, survivors of the sickness and wounds that Ganon left behind; most were incapable to have children of their own.

"With the few that successfully had children, there sadly wasn't enough. People were slowly dying out and some couples desperate for a child of their own began to steal babies from their cribs. It was yet another dark time for our land. But it was not without hope. Women, men from all species prayed to the Goddess for a miracle. A blessing for healthy children. Some men were even so bold as to offered themselves up in place of their unable wives. And in time Hylia answered their plea.

"It is told that she spoke to all that had conviction through their dreams, to journey to the spring of courage for the next full moon. Those that attended offered the shrine either seeds or fruit to symbolize their wish and cleanse themselves in the waters under the light of the moon."

[If that is how it happened, is the] Link hesitated, recalling his own unsettling experiences. [uncontrollable urges the cost of the blessing?]

"That remains uncertain. But we believe that our ancestor's desire for children was so strong that has continued on through their descendants. That like a full moon, once a month, they plead for a child of their own."

Link wasn't sure if it was the wording or just bad timing, but a shiver ran through him and made him reflexively grasped the back of his neck. It caused some worry to cross Impa's features, but before she spoke, she heard the approaching footsteps of Paya returning with tea.

Pouring them each a small cup, Paya gave the first to her grandmother and held one out to Link. But he was beginning to feel uneasy under his skin, the faint twisting of his gut already starting. He didn't want anything hot, fearing it would trigger the fever. Though he took the offering anyway, not wanting to upset Paya or rudely decline their hospitality.

Yet he was suddenly hit with the strong aroma, it cleared up his senses almost instantly and he could feel his whole body relax. Link brought the teacup to his chin and took a deep long breath. The liquid was boiling hot, he could feel the heat though the baked clay and he could see the faint steam, but it felt chilling in his lungs.

"Feeling better, Link?" Impa asked him with a gentle voice as she carefully blew on her beverage.

Link set the cup down so he could speak. [What is this? It seems familiar, but I can't seem to remember what it's called.]

"It's just a simple tea, made of pure mint." Paya answered, though smiling, the young man could tell she seemed worried. "It's traditionally used for times of meditation; it helps refresh the mind and soul."

"We also use it to help those that return to ancestry calm themselves down. People like yourself. Link my dear boy, I know that you wouldn't be asking for this information if you weren't apart of the bloodline."

That struck a nerve and could barely restrain his glare. What business was that of hers? Why did it matter if he was. This was getting off topic, it wasn't his life that was in danger. [I am not here for me. I am here for the sake of the people of this land.]

"I only wish to help you, dear boy."

[If you wish to help, tell me if you know how to suppress those suffering from the affects of the fevers. Is mint alone effective enough?]

Impa sighed, Link was stubborn in his ways and honestly she had hoped that this side of him would have faded after Ganon had been sealed away. Always putting the needs of others higher than his own, often to the point of near death. She would have no choice, but to leave it be.

"Fevers? You refer to the urges, the rapture that occurs once a month to the ones that are impregnable… The answer is no. It does not suppress the burning desires, it merely helps to clear the mind, but it holds little affect over the strongest of moments. It can be used for other means and hide the change in scent. Preventing both sides from affecting each other unintentionally."

[Both sides? I thought only those that bear children trigger others.]

"In most cases that is true, but if one is even a week away from the time of fertility, a sire's scent can trigger it early."

Overall, the main thing that Link felt weird about was the fact that they were so strongly affect by scent. Men mothering children and women fathering them didn't seem as strange with all the facts laid out. But he did only have a collective memory of about four years so perhaps if his ties to being a man that fathered children were stronger, maybe this would be a lot harder to except? The idea of having children didn't cross his mind often. He also didn't bother to think about having a wife when he was so busy with training. However before he let his mind linger too much longer on those thoughts, Link asked some other questions.

[Is there any safe place for these people to turn to? I heard that someone is likely using Ganon's blight as a front for immoral purposes against them.]

Impa narrowed her eyes at this information. "Are you certain of this?"

[Not yet, I have been gathering information on-] Uncertain of what to address the people like him, Link settled for what Impa had stated earlier. [-those that have returned to ancestry. If people like this truly have been taken, then I can't save them if I don't know how to help them. I've… witnessed firsthand what the fever brings, it would be impossible for them to escape in that state.]

"That and you yourself could possibly be affected."

Though Link did not like to admit it, it was true. [Yes.]

"Am afraid that I know of no such place nor can we harbour the poor souls here. I am sorry, but we are a small village and we are firm on our traditions. However I will offer any information I can to help you and if it comes to light that someone is taking advantage of those that returned to ancestry, I will see what aid the Sheikah can offer in the rescue."

[Thank you.]

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

Regardless what time of day it was, the fairy fountain was bright as ever, even before the crack of dawn. But he wasn't expecting to have Kaysa waiting for him and she wasn't happy to see him either. No, she looked like she was on the verge of tears, brow scrunch in restrained fury as she bit her lip. "Sweet boy, don't tell me you have come for the fairies once more."

This can't end well. Link felt a bit bad as that was the truth in his visit and while he desperately needed the help of the fairies, he didn't want to pick a fight with a great fairy. Nor did he have much time left to even argue, both preparing this round of tests and the talk with Impa had taken far longer than planned.

"The little girls tell me of the horrible things you have been doing to yourself these past three months a-and I just can't take it! How could you bring yourself so much pain?" Kaysa's tears finally overflowed as she began to cry. "For what purpose does this suffering bring any of us? Don't think you're the only one in pain; fairies are delicate, sensitive, empathetic creatures!"

If her words weren't proof enough, the tiny pink fairies were already gathering around him, as if they sensed what dangers he was about to put himself through. The potential poison he had in his shoulder bag. [I'm sorry… But I need their help, my friend's power can only be used every few hours.]

"Then you better have a very good reason or I won't let the girls go with you!"

Link could only hope that if he told her the whole truth, she would keep this delicate information to herself. [I'm trying to create an elixir to suppress the effect of a fever that overtakes the senses of people like myself. Affecting others and bring out unintentional actions that can lead to irreversible pain. I won't ask for others to take the risks and bear the danger of harmful mixtures; this is something I know I can do. My body is built differently, I'm stronger than anyone, I know I can handle these extreme tests.]

But when Kaysa didn't respond, only glaring at him while her lip trembled and tears slip past her long lashes; Link pleaded. [Please, allow the fairies to help me if they are willing and I'll never request the help of a fairy again after I succeed, if that is what you wish. But the people of this land mean more to me than myself. If I am successful, they can live normal lives without fear of doing something they don't want or force another against their will. They won't have to hide anymore. They don't need to suffer anymore.]

"T-that won't be necessary." She said weakly, slowly calming down and brushing the tears from her face. "I know you have always honoured my sisters, the little girls and myself. I am sorry for snapping a you like that, it was just…"

[There is no need to apologize, you have every right to be protective of your people.]

Link then set his bag down and pulled out a small wicker chest with a leather strap. He began to picked a few of the flowers around the fountain and wove them into the inside walls. This acted as both a place for the fairies to rest comfortably and to protect them from any sudden jostling caused by his movements. The Hylian then stood near the front of the fountain and held the top open for any fairy wanting to come along.

It was a strange agreement as the tiny fairies were more like intelligent birds, smart enough to know if there was a threat and some basic words, but no clear way of communication. Especially since Link couldn't speak, but they seemed to understand somehow. One by one a fairy settled into the carrier, fitting three comfortably inside. He then carefully closed the lid, secured it shut and tied the leather strap to his belt.

Reclaiming his bag, Link signed one last time. [Thank you and I pray that this is the last time I need to do tests.]

"And I as well, I don't what to think of you suffering when you come to visit me."

Then with a light touch of the Sheikah slate, Link was gone once more a ribbon of light.

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

Gasping painfully to breathe, Link held his ribs with his arm as if it would ease the pain. His vision was already fading as he dropped to his knees, but with every whizzing intake of air, his body took on weight, his senses swirling. His eyelids felt heavy and in what felt like a moment, he opens his eyes to find himself lying on the floor. Link didn't even feel himself hit the ground. Paralysed, he could only wait until his heart stopped.

Till the fleeting last seconds of life, the faintest warmth melted away the frost along his bones and the burning of his lungs as he took in a sudden breath. Link sat up with a jolt, panting for a few moments as pink fragments of light danced around him. Restoring his strength and cleansing his body of all poison. Then he sighed, wiping the foaming drool off his face with his arm. Another failure.

Looking at the empty versus the full vials, things were not going well. That and the last fairy had now blinked from his world to the fae on the last little bit of magic she had left. While thankful for all their help, Link could only have one more tonic turnout to be venom. He could feel that Mipha's blessing was close to fully recharging, but uncertain if he could wait until the fever over took his senses.

Taking the brief moment to relax and think over which of the remaining two he was going to roulette. The only good news was even if the next one turned out to be a poison as well, Link could ride out the rest of crazed state without someone or something happening upon him. Nothing could get inside a shrine, Link was the only living being permitted and he had already cleared the dungeon of any potential problems long ago.

The warrior even went as far as hanging the Sheikah slate in a place that his trembling limbs couldn't carry him to. He did not want to wake up in a random field, naked and with a stranger or worse, strangers at his side. The imagery alone made him shiver with distaste. That was never going to happen, if Link were to lay with someone, it would be someone of his choosing.

Unfortunately, his body was already beginning to betray him once again. Reminding him of the tingling itch across his shoulders and neck that could not be satisfied with any amount of rubbing nor scratching, not even when he drew blood. The racing heartbeat that fed the fire under his skin. Of how his body trembled at every twitching pull of his insides.

And just when his mind was beginning to lose itself in lewd imagery, enticing him to try something that would give his body what it craved. Link swiped a random elixir, tore the cork free and downed the purple liquid in one fluid motion. It had an oily texture as well as being horribly bitter and had a sour aftertaste that made him gag. But he held out, bearing through the spiralling state of heat and desire.

A sudden, strong shiver coursed through his body, rattling his very bones. An unusual tightness pulled all his muscles taut, like over flexing and being dropped into a cold lake at the same time. Link was rigid and for a second he thought that it would be permanent, till his body was released as quickly as it had taken to become immobilized.

At least this one didn't kill me right away. He began with a sigh, but then something else began to dawn on him. Link stood up carefully, his legs did not shake and his mind felt clear. Taking the time to check his pulse, though quick, it wasn't pounding and a good sign that he wasn't likely to abruptly drop dead. He was still highly aware of his gut twisting, but it was more of an irritating muscle spasm. My body is still uncomfortably warm and I still notice what state I'm in… But I feel in control. I feel better.

Link was just about to let out a shout of victory, when the elixir's effects wore off unexpectedly fast and was hit the full force of the fever. He ended up collapsing to his knees, but despite the false success, Link was grinning. Sure it hadn't worked, maybe lasted a minute or two and had a startling side effect while it settled in his stomach. But after three- no it was four now, four months of lethal experimenting on himself, Link finally had a start. With a grounds to base his next batch of tests on, a true beginning to creating a suppressant.

With one vial left to test and Mipha's healing power still accessible, the Hylian decided it was worthwhile to experience the effects. Through his hazed senses, Link recalled this one having similar type of ingredients. Drinking the orange sandstone coloured potion down, it had a much thicker consistency, not that much different from syrup. It even left a faint sweetness on his tongue.

Now he waited, half naked and sprawling out on the stone floor of the shrine, though the slight coolness did nothing to quell the fire under his skin. With closed eyes, Link tried to drown out the illusion of what he wanted with counting the seconds.

However it was futile and did not get very far before Link's mind was being taken over by the picture of shadow reaching out to him. Letting go, knowing that if he tried to identify the shape, it would be replaced by someone he knew and make this all far worse to handle. His imagination of being held by a phantom was so vivid that he could feel the weight of arms around his shoulders. The light touch of their hands on his face.

No… Stop, don't lose focus… He wanted to say, but the young man only losing himself more, shivering in the wake of the hands trailing over his neck and onto his exposed chest. Link groans when the hands pull away and for a startling moment, nearly wishes that would come back to touch him more and hold him. He wants to punch himself for that, but knows that he doesn't have the strength for it.

So he wallows in desire and need, dragging his fingers across his skin with so much force it no doubtably painted reddening marks.

~~~~~~ ҉ ~~~~~~

There was a horrible, bitter taste in Link's mouth when he finally woke up. His body felt sluggish and heavy as he sat up, had he slept through the rest of the fever? The pinching cramp in his pelvis told him no, more than likely a small break. Disappointed and annoyed with what was coming, he looked up at the Sheikah slate hanging off the ledge. Positioned that he could still see the time piece he had opened up, but firmly tied so he wouldn't fear it dropping. Though with the angle and with sleep still lingering, he had to tilt his head a bit to read the symbols clearly.

But he couldn't believe the time, if he recalled correctly it had been about an hour, maybe two since he had taken the last elixir. Link knew he still had about half a day to go before the fever completely passed and Mipha's grace was still present so the mixture hadn't been lethal.

Checking the key factors over quickly: normal temperature, regular heart rate, clear mind, no urges, minor neck prickling and cramping. Overall, there was practically nothing left of the feverish state. Maybe he had another breakthrough?

The warrior weakly chuckled as he collapsed back on the floor. Kilton had been right, monster extracts were wonderful, but too much was a bad idea. Where all others before had it as a main ingredient, yet the two remedies that were made without it showed promising results.

But there were still some flaws that he had to get rid of before it was deemed safe enough to give to someone else.