RYLA, NO! WHY DO I CARE SO MUCH FOR A OC I'VE BEEN WRITING ABOUT FOR TWO FREAKING CHAPTERS?!

The answer is quite simple. I really like the idea of Link having living relatives.

Anyway, enough of my ramblings. Here's another chapter.

Chapter 3

Demon in Fire

"Sebastian, I must ask that you take her there."

Sebastian cocked his head to the side. "Why?"

Crossing his arms, Link continued. "I have things that need to be done in order to help my sister. I trust that you can handle her for the time being?"

Sebastian looked down at Ryla, who was beginning to grow weak. Her legs were shaking, and she looked pale.

"I'll take her there, I swear. She'll be safe with me."

Link nodded to the General before mounting Epona, urging her to an all-out sprint away from the capitol.

"Let's get you to see the doctor, shall we?"

Ryla nodded very weakly before coughing and falling into Sebastian, who easily caught the young girl.

"She's surprisingly light... but anyway, I must get to the doctor!"

Picking her up, the man ran through Castle Town to the doctor's office, who was located on the east side of the central plaza. Nearly hitting a man carrying several bags of... something, Sebastian finally made it to the doctor's.

"Doctor, are you here? I'm in need of assistance!"

"Oh great, another loud-mouth punk who thinks he gets treatment before everyone else."

Sebastian straightened himself as he watched the doctor walk out from behind the curtains used to block other patients' view of each other. The doctor was a small young man who wore glasses and a white coat who bore light blonde hair.

"Who do I have the honor of telling to go and shove it?"

"General Sebastian Steele, Third-in-Command of the Hyrulean Military."

The doctor was instantly bowing to Sebastian.

"P-Please forgive me! I've had a decent amount of folks trying to pull that recently... So, what can I do for you, General?"

"This girl has been poisoned, and I'm not sure if she'll make it. It was the poison used by members of the Fang Syndicate."

The doctor nodded, turning to a bed behind one of the curtains.

"Set her down there. I'll see if I have an antidote or any of the ingredients."

Sebastian said thank you and set Ryla down on the bad. Her health was degrading very fast. She was so pale at this point, she looked nearly white.

"Alright, I have good news and bad news. The good news is that I have most of the ingredients for the antidote. The bad news is that I still need one more thing to add," said the doctor after rounding the corner.

"And what might that be?"

Both Sebastian and the doctor turned to see a hooded figure walking in, wearing predominantly green and a threatening mask.

"T-The Hooded Demon?!" yelled the doctor.

"True, I am he."

Sebastian narrowed his eyes at the Demon. "Why are you here?"

The Demon turned his azure gaze at the General. "Her brother, Link, came to me in need. Say what you will about me, but I do what I can for the Hyrulean people."

The Hooded Demon turned back to the doctor. "Whatever the final ingredient is, let me know and I'll see if I cannot find it."

"Before you go," began Sebastian, "I must ask why you are so eager to help this girl. What has she done for you?"

"There are things which I cannot explain now... But someday you may learn. Regardless of my involvement, what do you need in order to save the girl?"

"I have everything I need to make an antidote for her but one thing. It is mostly located around Death Mountain, a special mineral found in one of the Gorons' main food sources, 'Rock Sirloin' I think."

The Demon nodded and turned to the door. "How long do I have?"

"A few hours, at best. The Fangs don't mess around, and this is some powerful stuff."

The Demon opened the door, but stopped. "If I don't make it, tell her that her brother loves her. Tell her that she is his everything."

Sebastian nodded to the Demon, who then left, the door slammed shut behind him.

"May the Goddesses be with him in his quest."

OOO

Link removed his mask, as even though it was a very helpful piece of equipment, it got a bit hot, and he was currently heading to the hottest place in Hyrule.

The volcanic home of the Gorons, Death Mountain.

Oh yeah, did I mention that it was active?

Link allowed Epona to slow a little, as he didn't want to push her too hard. If he had to go on foot, he would never make it in time to save Ryla, and he couldn't live with being the sole reason that he lost his sister.

"I have to hurry. If she dies then... what would I do?"

Riding over the bridge on his way to Death Mountain, Link couldn't help but look into the abyss. It was supposed to be one of the furthest drops in Hyrule.

"Do not want to know what would happen if I fell."

Link shook his head and looked forward, seeing the sign to Kakariko Village, the settlement at the base of Death Mountain. The village was said to have great ties to the rocky natives of the volcano, the Gorons, a proud race of stone-eaters far stronger than any man could ever hope to be. If he was to find a sample of Rock Sirloin, his best bet was either Kakariko natives or Gorons from up the mountain.

Placing his mask back over his face and putting up his hood, he entered the village. Townsfolk turned to see the bounty hunter and went inside, as bounty hunters usually followed trouble, or caused it.

"I'm here to speak to the village elder, or whoever runs the village."

One large building opened revealing a tanned man with long hair wearing decidedly odd clothing step forward.

"My name is Remono, and I am the village shaman. What brings you here, Bounty Hunter?"

"I've been tasked with retrieving a sample of Rock Sirloin as there is a special mineral contained within it useful in countering poisons. Other than the mountain, is there anywhere else that I could find some?"

"There is usually a Goron merchant at the base of the mountain who sells rare Goron treats such as Rock Sirloin. I would advise checking his shop."

Link nodded, easing Epona into a simple walk.

"Oh, but before you leave, I must warn you of something."

Link stopped and turned back to Remono. "What is it? I don't have much time."

"The Gorons have recently found trouble in finding large sources of Rock Sirloin, so finding it cheap is unlikely. Also, due to their favorite food being hard to find, they have become decidedly angry," said Remono.

"Thank you. Now, I'll be on my way."

Link faced back towards the path to Death Mountain and kept Epona going. He let go a breath, as he was getting really warm. Regardless, it wasn't too bad. He'd gotten use to the heat and could wear the Demon's clothing for days on end.

Link found himself in front of a large metal grate leading further up the Death Mountain Trail. Looking around, he saw that the merchant must have been further down the trail, as he wasn't at the beginning of the trail.

"Sorry, Epona, but I guess that I have to leave you here. I'll be back soon enough, alright?"

Epona whinnied as Link dismounted and faced the grate. He saw that there was a rusted ladder to the side, but it was broken, so he wasn't using that. The grating itself seemed sturdy, and it seemed significantly cleaner.

Climbing up the grate, he began walking further down the trail. He noticed that there were several trails left by what seemed to be huge pieces of stone rolling down, so he assumed that he was going the right way. He kept going, and eventually the mountain itself came into view. Death Mountain, obviously due to its name, was a large volcano that served as the home to the Gorons, a race of stone eaters made of the very same material. Looking closely, Link saw a small shop operated by an elderly-looking Goron, and to the side was a small pile of stones.

"Looks like I've found it."

Link stepped forward, and quickly realized that he was standing on a ledge. Hopping down, he made his way to the shop, and addressed the merchant.

"I'm in need of something special."

"The Hooded Demon, huh? Rare to see such a famous face around here." The Goron looked Link up and down for a moment. "Or rather, mask. Hehehe."

"Do you happen to have Rock Sirloin?"

"Whew, been a while since someone asked for that. Why does a human want Rock Sirloin?"

"There's a mineral within it that can be used to save the life of a 16 year-old girl."

"Alright, I'll give you some," replied the Goron merchant. "However, I'll need something in return."

Link narrowed his eyes beneath his mask. "What's your price?"

"500 Rupees is my usual price for a pound, but for you and that girl, I'll make a deal. 100 Rupees, and..."

"And what?" Link asked intimidatingly.

"I get to see your face."

Link made what could best be described as a growling sounds and he lowered his hood.

"If I found out that anyone else learns of my identity, then you're dead."

"I'd say that seems fair," replied the Goron.

Link looked around to make sure no one was looking, and once he decided that the coast was clear, he removed his mask and looked the Goron in the eyes, and the Goron smiled.

"Know what? Just take the stuff. I know you must be serious about this girl if you're willing to risk your identity and your safety for her."

Link put back on his mask and his hood, grabbed the Rock Sirloin, and thanked the Goron.

"I am in your debt."

Link ran back to Epona as the Goron released a pent up breath.

"By the Goddesses, he's the spitting image of the Hero of the Gorons. Is it time for the next Hero already? It's only been 300 years since the Hero of Twilight... Goddesses help us if that was truly the next Hero."

OOO

Ryla wasn't doing very well. Her skin had nearly turned pure white, her eyes were bloodshot, her breathing was erratic, and she couldn't move without it causing immense pain.

"Poor girl. The Hyrulean Army has the power to protect an entire country from invaders, but not the power to save a single girl. If it weren't for that damned man, she'd be home safe with her brother. Her brother must be devastated," said Sebastian.

"I imagine so," replied the doctor. "But it's the Hooded Demon we're talking about. He's never never failed a job. This shouldn't be any different... Right?"

"I pray to the Goddesses that it won't be."

Closing his eyes and clasping his hands together, Sebastian gave a small prayer for Ryla.

"Oh great Goddesses, creators of our world, I beg of you to save this girl. Din of Power, please give her the strength she needs to live. Nayru of Wisdom, please guide her through this ordeal. And Farore of Courage, please grant her the courage to make it back despite the fear."

Opening his eyes, he saw that the Hooded Demon was sitting in a chair across from him.

"You truly do want to see her survive. I commend you, General."

"Y-You've returned! Did you get the final ingredient?"

The Hooded Demon reached into his pouch and pulled out a large stone, then handing it to Sebastian, who in turn handed it to the doctor.

"Yes, this is what I needed! I'll be right back."

Sebastian sat there and looked at the Hooded Demon in interest. He merely sat there and waited for the doctor to return, tapping his foot on the floor, and also seemed to be deep in thought.

"What's on your mind, Hunter?"

The Hooded Demon looked at Sebastian with azure eyes he could have sworn he'd seen before, but quickly closed them.

"I simply fear I took too long to find the last ingredient. When I take up jobs, I find that I usually grow... attached to them. I've found that I've grown to care for this girl. Besides, from what the boy, Link told me, this is partially my fault," said the Demon.

"By what do you mean?"

"One of the Fang members mistook him for me, and you saw what that had caused. This girl is dying. And all because I decided to get cocky one day."

He slammed his fist down on the armrest of the chair, cracking it.

"I hate it even when unrelated innocents die, but when it is caused but my actions... I don't know how I can still live with myself."

Sebastian remained quiet. The Demon just opened up to him in a way, which is unheard of.

"It is still welcoming to hear that you care for the Hylian people, bounty hunter or no."

The Demon scoffed and leaned back in his chair. "No matter how much I care, I cannot save them all."

Sebastian was about to respond, but the doctor quickly returned with a syringe containing a comfortingly large amount of antidote.

"Here, it's done."

Sebastian nodded and stood, moving his chair so that the doctor had more room.

"Now, if we inject this in the same spot that the poison was, it will take effect on the area that is suffering the most from the toxins first."

He wiped clean the wound that the man had left on Ryla and inserted the needle, slowly introducing the antidote into her bloodstream so as not to overwhelm her.

"...And, there. That's all of it. She should be fine soon enough, but I'd advise keeping her here for a little while longer so that I can keep an eye on her. to make sure that the antidote's working."

Sebastian nodded gratefully and returned to his chair.

"I should probably send for a unit to guard the doors. If the Fangs still think that Link is you, Demon, then they still think that Ryla here is your sister."

The Demon nodded in response, standing. "I could head down to the garrison, though I'd need a written order from you to make it official."

Sebastian grabbed a piece of paper and wrote formal orders, giving them his insignia, which the Demon noticed was a more intricate Hylian Crest, and his signature.

"This will get you through the doors and two soldiers. I'd suggest Tiberius as one of them, as he's quite seasoned."

"I'll keep that in mind."

The Demon left the doctor's office and began walking towards the castle. In all honesty, this would be the first time Link would be within the castle walls themselves.

Approaching the gates, the soldiers formed an X with their lances, blocking Link's path.

"Bounty hunter or no, civilians are not allowed within castle walls."

"I have written orders from General Sebastian to let me through."

Before the men could question Link, he showed them the paper Sebastian had given him.

"It's real. Look, signature and crest. Alright, you may enter."

Link nodded to them and walked through the gates that the guards were kind enough to open for him. Making his way to the garrison, he knocked on the door. As he waited, he felt something plop onto his hood. Link held out his out his hand to find that it was beginning to rain, so he knew to keep the orders dry.

The door opened to reveal a large man wearing a blue tunic sporting long black hair that was slicked back, as well as a full beard with an additional scar over the bridge of his nose.

"Who are you? How'd you get in?"

"I have written orders from General Sebastian. A girl by the name of Ryla was poisoned under the pretense that I was her brother. Sebastian has requested two soldiers to guard her, as he finds himself at fault as well. And he recommended I ask for Tiberius. Where might he be?"

"Tiberius, huh? Guess it must be real if he asked for me."

"Wait, you are Tiberius?"

"Lieutenant General Tiberius Clark, at your service. I'm ranked 4th highest in the Hyrulean Military. I'll get another guy to come with," said Tiberius while offering a casual salute. He stepped aside letting Link in, where he looked around. The garrison was rather simple, being a single floor with beds lining the walls to support the soldiers, and Link saw tons of weapons scattered around. Considering its size, this must have been the royal military, as such a small building couldn't possibly hold all of Hyrule's soldiers.

"Yeah, we never really keep this place very clean, if at all. Now, Troy! Get up here!"

A young-looking man baring black hair and silver eyes was shook awake, who walked up to Tiberius, yawning.

"Apologies, Sir, but could you repeat that? I was resting."

"Troy, get your equipment on. Sebastian apparently requested me and someone else to guard this girl," replied Tiberius.

"Well, what's the Hooded Demon doing here?"

Tiberius actually took a moment to look at Link, who merely crossed his arms as he was inspected.

"Oh, I guess that you're right. He is the Hooded Demon. Regardless of who we're working with, go get all of your equipment, we're heading out soon."

Link rolled his eyes. Tiberius was rather... immature for his taste. At least for his Demon persona.

Troy yawned again and returned to his bed, grabbing a decent amount of equipment. He grabbed silvery-black armor that seemed to be light due to the way it was just thrown on, and it bore pauldrons with marks that identified him as a higher rank. Grabbing an additional sword that matched his armor and what Link identified as a silver-black Hylian Shield, Troy made his way back in front of Link.

"Second Lieutenant Troy Aslan, at your service."

"Troy, while I get my equipment, keep our guest occupied."

As Tiberius left, Troy gave a tired nod and turned to Link.

"So... The Hooded Demon, huh? What brings a bounty hunter like you here?"

"A job. Nothing more," Link replied coldly. "Tiberius, hurry yourself. Your Lieutenant is boring me."

"Hey. Just because I'm not your idea of fun doesn't mean you can be rude."

"As you're here trying to make small talk, a 16 year-old girl is in danger of being assassinated. Forgive me if I'm not in the best of moods."

Troy backed off, not wanting to cross the hunter any further.

Tiberius shook his head. "Not nice, Demon. We all have problems. Don't try to shove your down our throats like they take priority."

Tiberius then continued to equip his armor, which just ended up being leather chest and torso armor, as well as gold-rimmed blue armor upon his left arm and legs, and a red cape that bore the Hyrulian Crest of a red bird spreading its wings to fly. He also put several straps on, one around his waist and one over his chest like Link's to keep his sword. (1) The Lieutenant General then grabbed three weapons, a decently large broadsword, gold in color, with a black handle, a large double-sided ax, and a longbow. (2) Sheathing each of the weapons, he turned back to Link.

"Alright, let's head back to the General's location. He's likely been waiting for a while."

Link nodded and headed out of the barracks, Tiberius and Troy following closely after.

"So, wanna tells us what all went down? I want to know why we're guarding this girl."

"From what her brother, Link, told me, after a day of what they called fun, they were assaulted by a large group of Fangs. One Fang was killed, while the rest were imprisoned. In said Fang's last breaths, he managed to poison the girl. Sebastian failed to protect her, and as such finds himself at fault as well. Does this make sense so far?" Link explained.

Both Tiberius and Troy nodded, so Link continued.

"Sebastian concluded that if the Fangs still thought that I was the girl's brother, then it would be likely more than one attempt on her life would be made. So that led to him asking me to ask for the help of you two. That's why you two are going to be guarding," finished Link, rounding the corner to the doctor's. "Alright, it looks like we've arrived."

Link walked in and passed Sebastian, moving his seat next to Ryla.

"Ah, Demon, you're back. Did you get the guards?"

"Yes, Tiberius and Troy, as you requested."

"Wonderful! Those two alone should be able to fend off a group of twenty Fangs at least! She should be safe now."

Link turned back to Ryla, who definitely looked better. She had regained some color, her breathing was even, and she didn't appear to be in any pain.

Stroking a few rogue strands of hair out of her face, which caused a small smile to grace her features.

"I pray to the Goddesses that she will be."

Okay, chapter three looks good! Now, I wanna say that the games I recently got for my birthday are GREAT! Being the game freak that I am, I already beat them both. I beat Asura's Wrath in like one day, and I've almost 100% Majora's Mask 3D (I've already got the Fierce Deity's Mask... Good God that thing is unfairly overpowered. Odolwa, Goht, AND Gyorg/George can't do anything! But Twinmold has the edge in speed. That's why I Giant's Mask the crap out of him. Link also has newfound respect by having ridiculous wrestling moves. #MachoManLink). Anyway, enough about my life, let's talk about the chapter.

(1) Tiberius wears the same clothing as Ike from Fire Emblem, the clothing he chooses to wear to Smash Bros.

(2) He also wields Ragnell, Urvan, and an unnamed longbow. Yay for Tiberius and his fondness for heavy weapons!

Ghosts are actually caused by Chuck Norris killing them faster than Death can process them.

OniHelix out!