AN: Sorry for the wait, guys. As always, I blame school for my lack of updates.

I awake the next morning to the sound of running water. Shaking my head, failing to get rid of my grogginess, I realize that the sound is coming from the bathroom. Seems like Link has gotten up before me. Again. Just as I'm about to get up and out of bed, a flash of light from the window next to me illuminates the room for a second and leaves the room in the same mild darkness from before. A lightning storm is coming, and Link is in the shower. Did he not see anything before he went in? He could get seriously hurt if he doesn't hurry.

Getting out of the bed, I feel my way over to the door, bumping into the dresser in the process. Holding in a rather unpleasant outburst, I make my way to the door. The water stops. Strange. Before I can even knock, the door creaks open and scares me half to death. Link is in the doorway, wide-eyed, and… nothing is covering him. I perform a face palm as he gasps. What a wonderful way to start the morning.

"…Can you tell me why you're naked?" I ask in annoyance, my hand still over my face.

"I took a shower," He answers flatly. An obvious answer is not exactly what I wanted. He starts to back away and hide behind the door. I really don't care about what I'm… seeing here. I really don't.

"Okay, but where's your towel?"

"…There weren't any." Oh. I didn't replace them last night… whoops.

I furrow my brow as I ask, "There weren't any? You sure?"

"Yeah. I checked."

"Well for one, you could've said something. And two, don't you know it's dangerous to bathe during a lightning storm?"

He does that little head cock, the one that he's grown quite fond of, and replies innocently, "No, I didn't know that. How?"

This is a strange series of events: I'm talking to a bare eleven or something year-old about the dangers of lightning. How's that for weirdness?

"Well, the pipes are made of metal. Lightning is attracted to metal. So when it hits, it tries to go for the nearest source, and that could've been the shower, and you with it."

"S-seriously?-!" I wouldn't think him to be this dense about common sense.

"I'm not lying here. You could've gotten hurt," I say before heading over to the hamper that contained the clean towels next the bed. "Here, dry yourself off before you come out." I hand him the towel and he instantly wraps himself in it. I hate to admit it but… I finally just got a good look at the scars. They're pretty much everywhere on him, mostly the chest, shoulders, and lower body. I wonder what, and who caused them still.

"Sorry about that. …There are towels in there too?"

"Mm. Clean ones. Once we wash them, I put them in there before putting them in the bathroom. It's a weird system I know, but that's how I've been doing it. Unfortunately, I tend to forget to replace them."

"I can see that," He comments, running the towel through his hair. It's getting longer, to the point where it gets in his face. Wonder if we should cut it.

"It happens. Alright, get yourself dressed. We have a busy day today," I add before turning away, digging into the dresser for something for Link to wear.

"I wouldn't call stocking inventory busy," He replies, straightening his towel.

"But we didn't get much done last night, hm? We still need to stock the rest of the items in the backroom… wash… and other things…"

"Alright, alright, I get it. We still have work to do. Have something yet?"

"Blue shirt, dark jeans?" I ask, holding them out without looking behind.

"I don't care, that'll do," I hear a pitter-patter and the clothes are taken from my hand. I start to turn but get a good no from him. Figures. He's always been very protective of his body. I can see why, but this is just a tad ridiculous.

I hear clothes flapping and a zipper or two for a few moments before I get a tap on my shoulder. I turn my head to look at him, his hair pressed to his forehead and a little to his face. His shoulders are slightly damp from the water dripping from his hair. Shaking my head, I stand and grab the towel he dropped, putting it over his head.

"H-hey!" Link says through annoyance.

"Well, you need to dry your hair better, you're getting yourself wet," I reply, fluffing the towel on his head and squeezing the ends of his bright hair. He really needs to keep it short.

"How young do you think I am? I can do this myself," He retorts, crossing his arms and doing a little pout.

"You do a bad job of it. There, you're done." I remove the towel and place it in the unwashed clothes hamper, picking up his discarded clothes from the other day. I put these in the hamper too, looking over to Link as he stretches himself out.

"I don't see why you had to do that…"

"I just don't want your clothes to be wet and have you shivering."

"It's not like I'll get sick or anything."

"I'm just surprised you haven't gotten sick yet. The rain used to do a number on me when I was lit- your age." I almost used the word little. Nice save, perhaps?

"Really? Well… what if I did get sick?" Is he going to try faking? The way he sounds just makes me wonder.

"Well first of all, I wouldn't make you do a ton of work, but you'd still be doing some. It depends on how serious you get. Anything more than the shivers and a runny nose and you're bedridden," I explain, looking up in thought, "Then I'd have you take a… not exactly pleasant tasting mixture to help the whatever you had down." I twitch a bit, remembering the last time I choked down the red stuff when I was younger.

"Oh. And what's this mixture called?"

"Most refer to it as red potion, after the stuff the Heroes drank to cure themselves of injury and sickness in battle. Now it's just used as a medicine. And trust me, it's terrible."

"You've taken it before?"

I chuckle a bit before replying, "Course I have. Anyone who gets sick does. Better not get sick on me now if you don't want to take that stuff."

"Oh, I wo-" His reply is interrupted by a sneeze. Should've seen this coming.

"Oh dear."

"What? I just sneezed. Something wrong?"

"N-nothing. Just jumping to conclusions."

"Okay… I'm not sick, I just sneezed. That's it." I'm going to check him out later to verify that.

"Alright, alright. I'm going to go check the mailbox."

"Aw, that's my job," Link replies with a fake pout. "Besides, you're gonna get hit by lighting or somethin'."

I let out a laugh before saying, "Not if I'm careful. The mailbox isn't metal, so I'll be fine."

"Okay… anything you want me to do?"

"Nah, just stay inside while I go check."

"Kay." Link turns and heads out of the bedroom while I go for the dresser, looking for something to wear. Pulling out the usual, I head into the bathroom and dress there, catching my reflection in the mirror. I look a little different. Something about my eyes. Stress maybe? That has to be it. Stress. I shake my head and start to dress. Am I really that stressed? I've been getting enough sleep, but that can't be the case.

I finish dressing and go out into the living room, seeing that Link is on the couch yawning and rubbing his eyes. He quickly covers his mouth as if he said something rude to me, and sneezes yet again. I'm doubting if he's really all that healthy today.

"Sneezed again. Sure you're alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm not coughing or anything over here, so I'm not sick."

"Just checking. Alright, I'm going out."

I turn to head to the front door, grabbing my coat and putting on my boots before I head outside into building storm. There's already a good wind, and the sky is getting darker. A little rain is falling as well, and I run to the mailbox, coat pulled together. I open the red box and see a few letters, some merely ads and one from my sister. Looks promising. I close the hatch just asa bolt of lightning shoots across the sky. I look to the house, and I see Link at the window, staring at me. He's making gestures for me to hurry up and get inside, and that's what I plan to do.

Tucking the letters into my coat, I make a straight run to the house, the wind getting to my face and making it hard to breathe at points. I finally get to the house and open the door just as a another flash goes across the sky. How bad is this going to get?

"See? No worries, got the letters," I say, taking off my coat and hanging it up as I walk into the house, holding the letters out. Link comes up to me and stares at them, as if he's reading them through the envelopes.

"We going to open them?" He asks, wonder etched onto his face.

"Of course we are. Most of these are just ads though, the only really important one is the one from Rae. "

"Rae?-! …She sent you a letter?" He questions, an index finger up to his cheek.

"Yep. Who knows what it could be…" I start to tease, giving off a small smile.

"Gah, just open it already!"

"Fine, fine." I start to tear open the envelope, pulling out the thin letter. It's not that long.

"Read it to me?" Link asks, his eyes lighting up a bit. I thought he didn't like my sister too much.

"Sure thing," I say, and begin to read my sister's letter:

"Dear brother, Linebeck V

It's been a while, hasn't it? Are you faring well? Got any good traders in? Ah, too many questions! Don't worry, I've been doing well. Actually, I got curious a couple days ago and scoped out the alleys of the Western Segment. Well, the ones that were the closest to the station at least. You're right, there's a good sized building at the end of one of them. I didn't go in, but what I did do was something… amazing. Being a sneak, I snuck up to one of the windows and looked in. What'd I see? A tallish man with short black hair sitting at a desk. He didn't look too good, having his face in his hands. I wonder who that was. And then, just as I was about to turn away, a little girl came in, looked about thirteen or so. Her clothes were dirtied, but not that much. She was crying too. But the man at the desk, he just yelled at her. I didn't get to hear it, but the little girl got so scared… she turned around and ran for the door. Poor thing. Then the man reached down for something and pulled out something silver. I don't know if you've seen these around much, since only the higher-ups have them, but the guy had a pistol. Dead serious. You better watch yourself the next time you go down there, I wouldn't like to see you get hurt or anything.

Speaking of kids, how's Kael? You know, the short kid? He's opened up a lot to you, eh? Mr. adoptive daddy. Hah! You, a father! …You'd make a great dad but, I just don't see it right now. Same goes for me, but I don't want a little pup running around the place 24/7. I'm just not in the mood to be a mother quite yet. Ah well. Write back as soon as you get this, I'm waiting for your reply, big brother!

Sincerely, your sister, Rae"

"Well, that was interesting," I say as I pocket the letter. I can't believe she actually snuck around that place. She could've gotten hurt.

"She went there… why…" Link starts, his head pointing down. "Doesn't she know it's not a place for people like her to be at?"

"She's just looking out for you. And what kind of people are we talking about here?"

"People who still hold some innocence. People who don't see others as objects."

I scratch the back of my head in realization as I reply, "Ah. You're right, she's one of the better ones."

"And so are you." Didn't expect that one.

"Really now?"

"Yeah. You treat others with respect, no matter how young or old they are. You make sure others are okay and happy. Basically, you're one of the few people I actually like. And that's saying something."

"Hah, then I guess I like you too, squirt." He cocks his head once again, giving me a small grin.

"Gee, thanks," He says sarcastically.

"Welcome. Alright, let's put ourselves to work. You can stock today. But no using chairs."

"Got'cha." Don't want a repeat of yesterday.

"By the way, how's your hand?" I ask, pointing.

"Oh, it's okay. We should've put something on it. All I see is a small red mark though."

"As long as it's clean, you're fine."

Right after I reply, he sneezes again, this time with three in succession. Sighing, I get closer to him and put a hand on his forehead.

Link moves back and blurts out, "Hey, what're you doing?"

"Checking how warm you are," I respond, moving my hand around. He's starting to look a little flushed.

"I told you, I'm not sick. I might have a cold or something, but I'm not sick."

"I don't know, you're pretty warm to me," I say, moving to his cheeks and finally taking my hands off and putting them to my side. "Sure you're okay?"

"Y-yeah, I'm fine. …Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, go ahead." Wonder what he's up to now.

"…Rae said something about you being a dad. And well…"

"Well what?"

"Do you consider me more than just your apprentice?" Oh boy.

"In some ways, yes. I care for you, listen to you."

"So… am I your kid just yet?" Well, I was expecting this one.

"Between us, I guess. But legally, no."

"But… she dumped me off, and you took me in… so…"

"That may be true, but I'm not talking about your mother. She is your mother physically, but in this case, not legally. Technically, your legal guardian is still Lyle." I hate to say it, but it's true. I paid for him, yes, but there were no signing of papers involved. I hate to see the look on his face, a look of fear and ache.

"But… you paid for me… Linebeck…" He replies softly, getting slower as he progresses.

"I did. But a legal adoption consists of signing papers, contacting people and the like. But there's no way to settle it, so forget about it, okay?" I say, stepping back a bit. I know what he's thinking, what he wants. All his life, he probably wanted someone to call father, and he never got it until now. Now that he has, he can't even do that. It upsets him, I know.

"…Can I still call you papa?" …How am I supposed to answer to that?

After a few moments, I take in a deep breath before I reveal my answer.

"…Sure." With that, he smiles and runs off to the backroom, probably getting boxes out to stock. Maybe someday I can actually take him in legally. Till then, he's just my apprentice.

Out comes Link carrying a box, this time full of craft supplies and string. That goes on the bottom shelf. He puts the box down with a thud, bending down to pick up a bundle of string. He places it the little wicker box the rest of the string was held in, then quickly bringing his hand to his face as he stopped a sneeze.

Shaking my head, I go over to him, and he already knows why, I presume.

"No, I'm not sick."

"You keep sneezing."

"But-"

"Look, why else would you be sneezing? You're warm too. You were probably out in the rain too long."

"But so were you," Link points out, cocking his head once more.

"True, but maybe you just have a poor immune system." That might explain it…

Link's brow furrows as he says, "Immune what?"

"Immune system. Basically, it's the part of your body that fights disease and infection."

"Ah. So I just get sick easily?"

"Maybe. Then again, you're younger than me. You would get sicker. It's part of being a kid, I suppose."

He lets out a "pfft" sound before commenting, "Then being a kid stinks."

"I'd like to go back to being one, didn't have to worry too much about work, money and the like."

"…Yeah." Something I said? Link turns and goes back to putting the string away. I decide not to say anything more, going over to the counter. Might as well write Rae back. I reach for some paper and ink a pen before I write:

Dear Rae,

I've been doing well, the little guy has been talking much more. I have so much to tell you. For one, it's not Kael anymore. Turns out his name is Link. We went to the castle yesterday too, to find out why he knew the Earth God's Lyric. Get this. He's related to the royal family. His grandmother is the one who went on the quest to save Neo Hyrule with the Hero. See, you remember the news about the royal child's death years ago? That was a lie created by the former king The royal children are his cousins. It's a long story, I'm afraid I'll have to explain it to you later. Anyway, why did you go to that part of the Western Segment? You know how dangerous it is. Don't go there and tell me that I shouldn't go, you know that you shouldn't either. …A pistol? We'll be careful, don't worry. This is all I'm able to write, I'm afraid. I hope to see you soon.

-Linebeck V

Finished, I fold the paper up and slip it into an envelope, this one decked out with the shop's logo and other things. Basically, a business envelope. I write the address of who's it to on the front, and lay it out on the counter. I'm not risking going outside for a while. …On second thought, I should. I'll see her faster.

Leaning on the counter I direct my focus onto Link, who's now placing bags of flour on a shelf above him. Judging by the way he's hefting them up, they're the heavier ones.

"Hey, Link?"

He turns his head, sliding the bag in before bending over to grab another one. "Yeah?"

"I'm going outside to put a letter in the mailbox." he gives me a look that just says "are you serious?". I don't blame him, after fighting that wind out there last time, he would think me to be crazy going out there again.

"You're going to hurt yourself out there, you sure?" Since when was he the guardian?

"I won't, I won't. I just have to slip this letter in, that's all."

"It's to Rae, right?" He adds with a smirk. He knows, great.

"Yep."

"So that's why you want to deliver it so quickly." Link looks away from me as he shoves another bag up on the shelf above him.

"Perhaps. Anyway, I'll only be out for a few," I say as I head to the front door, putting my coat on again before opening the door, seeing that storm had died down a little. There isn't much lightning now, but there's still that constant rain. "Hey, storm's dying down."

"Really? When do you think it'll stop?" I can't be standing with the door open too long, the floor's going to get wet.

"I don't know, a few more hours I suppose. It was already here since this morning. I'll be right back." And I'm out the door.

The wind isn't that strong, but the rain makes me slip the letter inside my coat, my right hand holding it together as I run for the mailbox. As I look behind me, Link isn't in the window, but I can see him running around, putting things away.

Outside, it's dark and wet, not to mention cold and uninviting. I'd hate to be out in this weather for a long time.

I make it to the mailbox and open it up, slipping the letter in. …Something doesn't feel right to me out here. I don't know, it's like… it's like someone else is out here. The feeling that one gets when they feel they're being watched. I don't like it.

Done, I try going a little quicker, the feeling of someone staring me down behind me is creeping me out. It has to be the shoddy weather. It just has to be.

Back to the house, Link is still busy putting the last of the canned… I don't know, all I can see is a can. I open the door, and he stops to look at me.

"And you're back. …You okay?" Link questions, pointing out my confused look. I'm still feeling funny about the supposed watching. I won't tell him about it though, I don't need him getting scared.

"Yes, I'm fine. Just the rain is all." With that, I change the subject on him. "How much left to shelve?"

Link puts a finger to his cheek in thought, and comes back with, "Nothing else really, a few jars and stuff." Stuff he can't reach. I've learned not to let him use a stool or a chair without me in the room.

"Alright then, I'll do the rest. I would have us do laundry now, but we have nowhere to put it out to dry." I go over to the counter again, placing my head in my hand. "This rain is really starting to get on my nerves, let me tell you," I say with a sigh.

"Heh heh." And why is he laughing?

"Hm?"

"You're the one who always told me to stop complaining, and look at you."

"I'm not complaining," I retort as I raise my head, "I'm just saying that we can't do much work if this doesn't let up."

"Well, I'm fine with wearing dirty clothes," Link responds, going up to the counter. It's funny; he looks like a normal customer, the way he's in front of the counter like that.

"You shouldn't be. But we have to do it; the rain isn't going to let up any time soon."

"Bet'cha we're gonna get flooded." Link leans on the counter, head down.

I laugh a little at his comment before saying, "Nah, we'll be fine. …Just don't go outside for a bit, alright?" I said that for two reasons. One, the storm's still there. And two… that feeling. Is there someone really out there? I don't want Link out there, with the sickening feeling in my stomach I got from being outside.

"I won't, promise." After that, he quickly brings his hand to his face to block another sneeze. "…Okay… I might be getting a tiny bit sick."

"Told you." I reach out a hand and feel his forehead again, still warmer than he should be. I can't afford him being sick, tomorrow is our busiest day. "Yep… still warm. Does your throat hurt at all?"

"A little…" Guess who gets to take red potion.

I sigh before replying, "Sorry but… you're going to have to take the red potion."

His eyes get wide like palace dishes. "But that stuff sounds nasty!"

"Do you want to stay sick?" Come to think of it, I'm probably going to catch whatever he has soon enough.

"N-no…" I remove my hand from him, and he stands up, a worried expression coming onto him.

"Then you have to take it. It won't be a lot, promise."

"Okay… I'd rather not take it…" He admits, crossing his arms a bit.

"You have to. It's in the kitchen. After you take it, we'll start up breakfast, okay?" I go around the counter, standing in front of him. He really doesn't look too good; his face flushed a gentle crimson.

"Fine, I'll take it. If I start retching though, get me to the sink. Quickly." I don't know if he's trying to be funny or dead serious. Weird.

"Don't worry, you won't. It's not that bad." I hate lying to him, but whatever works. I start for the kitchen, walking a little slow. "Coming?"

"Y-yeah." Link sneezes again, this time with two in succession. His pitter-patters get close and I know he's next to me when we reach the kitchen. Looking outside through the window still gives me that weird feeling. I don't like it.

Directing my attention to something that actually needs it right now I suggest to him, "Well, we'd better get started, huh. Sit down, I'll get it out." With that, I go over to the cabinet and fish out a bottle of the red stuff, covered with the traditional cork. I have a few of these things, surprisingly. I pull it out, and it creates a popping noise that makes Link jump a bit.

Going over to him, I hold out the opened bottle to him, ordering a simple, "Drink."

Link merely stares at the thing, licking his lips. I urge the bottle towards him and he finally takes it with mildly shaking hands. I know how he feels, but it's just medicine.

Once his hands wrap around the bottle, I release it and stand back, watching as he examines the bottle, even smelling the contents. Judging by how he leaned back with a sickened look on his face, it didn't smell too good.

"…Do I have to?" He asks with a voice that's a half whisper.

Frowning a bit, I answer him, "Yes. It'll make you feel better."

His eyes flutter down to the bottle, and he slowly brings it to his mouth, the neck of it barely touching his lips. Finally, he shuts his eyes tightly and takes it in quickly, a disgusted look replacing the worried one. He puts the bottle down, seeing there's a little bit of it left. He doesn't take it, instead he runs to the sink and fishes out a cup, filling it with water, and downing it like he hasn't drank in days.

"I told you it wasn't that bad," I say in between his gulping.

Link places the cup in the sink and turns around, retorting with, "But it was. I felt like I was going to lose it all over the place." His look is now one of a mix of slight sadness and rage. I feel bad for making him take the entire bottle, but it was just a small amount in there anyway.

"And you didn't."

Link comes a bit closer, saying softly, "Can I go lie down please?" I have to say, he's been doing that a lot lately.

"Sure, but not too long now."

"Thanks." He goes out to the small living room we have, most likely going over to lay on the couch. I don't like having him sleep so much, it's like he's doing it to escape something.

Before I can go to the cabinets and find ourselves something to eat, I hear a knock on the door. It's rather loud, like someone's banging on it. Who could that be?

I go to the living room as well to answer the door, and I see something strange. Link is sitting up straight up, eyes wide again.

Getting close to him, I let out a what's wrong, and he replies with the scariest thing I've ever heard from him.

"Don't open the door." His eyes are watery, and all I want to do is get him to stop before he cries out. But I have to stop that banging first.

After a few moments of silence, I ask, "Why?"

"Just don't do it." There's nothing for him to be scared of, so why is he telling me this?

"I have to, it could be someone important. If you're so worried about it, go to the bedroom." To try and comfort him a bit, I give his shoulder a squeeze. "I'll let you know when I'm done."

Defeated, Link stands and rushes off the bedroom, closing the door as soon as he gets in. What was that all about? And who's our mystery knocker?

More banging comes around, and I go over to the big wooden door we have, with no window on it and open it quickly.

The one behind the door makes me want to scream. He speaks in a slithering tone, his words snaking around the building slowly.

"Where is number thirty-five."

AN: Well guys, I've sorted out what I plan to do after Speak now. I'm going to write a prologue featuring the first Zelda and her child after the big marriage, as well as her little way of getting her baby girl to safety. It will be written the same way, first-person format. The next story will be of Link this time and not Rose, but she'll be in it for a bit. That story will have Link's adventures in the orphanage before Lyle went mad, putting him at eight when that one starts. That one will be a little more lighthearted. I've decided on titles already, and if you want to know more, contact me. No big spoilers, though. See you all in the next chapter now.