The Legend of Zelda: Rings of Dualty

by FerreTrip

The Master Sword has -always- been carried by just Link. But when a threat so large, one alone is too little, comes, it's time to initiate a Plan B the goddesses made in three rings. Link must now share the legendary blade with...a lizalfos! This is gonna be different...A tale with dungeons original ones and other game mechanics woven into the plot. Please review if read!

19. Trust

"So, you're back," King Zora stated as Link and Samba knelt down in front of him in the throne room. The portly poisson folded his arms. "I see the gorons are finally here, but they're not exactly the right kind to handle the work given to them...But I take it you succeeded in convincing that iffy chief of theirs, at least a little?"

Link and Samba proceeded to tell him a short summary of what had happened with the gorons—their visit to the city, Clamor Plant, and the aftermath (barring Here for the time being).

Afterward, King Zora leaned back in his throne, stroking where they supposed—then, after a moment, saw—his chin was. "Hmmm...Well, he does have the right to send out whatever people he wants if there actually is a need for them in Goron City, and reviving their factory, the main provider of metal products in Hyrule, is pretty important. He was pretty adamant against sending any out, though, huh?" They nodded. He bowed forward. "In that case, thank you for convincing him to send at least a few, even though..." He sat up again. "Thank you for your help. Though I feel a little less anxious knowing that our paths will eventually be reopened, it is still maddening, this strong idea that Daigorno has decided to spite me by sending a small handful—an overly-independent, embarrassingly weak handful at that." He grimaced at this.

Link and Samba nodded. "Sorry we made things little better," Samba apologized.

King Zora shook his head. "No, things are much better—every little bit helps," he insisted politely. "Since our strongest men are out, though, it'll take a while...I'm just glad all they eat are rocks."

Link remembered that the zoras were looking for Zelda via the waterways. "Has there been any news on Princess Zelda?" he asked.

King Zora shook his head. "No, I regret to say," he replied, frowning a little. Link and Samba bowed their heads a little in disappointment.

"Would you maybe tell us if you do find anything?" Link wondered.

"Of course," smiled the king. "I'll send a letter to you. The postman is quite competent." He nodded. "That's all I have to tell you," he told them. "You are free to go. Thank you again, and good luck on your quest with the Master Sword. Take care of it. And remember, if you need to access Zora's Fountain, you may do so at any time you desire."

They bowed their heads before getting up and leaving.

*Footnotes*

-Poisson is French for "fish". (Yes, they spell "poison" the same. It's like "root" and "rot" in our language, sorta.)

. . .

After a short discussion, the duo decided to head to Kochyrae to see why Betta wanted Link to return. They ran around the huge wall of Castle Town and kept running, fighting anyone they faced in the middle of the night. Well, almost anyone. A bit after they reached the road again, they saw what appeared to be a green leaf-"haired" deku scrub on the side of the road. It was of the normal, short, head-body-legs variety, the head of which was bowed low as the legs of which walked slowly along the grass on the edge of the path. Samba recognized its kind instantly. "Reh? A Verdart scrub?" he muttered. He looked off in the distance. "But I can't even see Verdart Swamp from here..." He looked at it as they approached and saw its posture, and he frowned a little. "It looks sad..." he said quietly. A second later, he nodded and slowed to a walk as they got closer to it.

"What is it?" Link asked as they slowed.

"There's a lone scrub walking around FAR from home," Samba answered over his shoulder. He looked back and called, "Hey, scrub!"

The deku scrub started and turned around to face them, looking as dangerous as any other scrub with its angry half-circle eyes. "Stay away!" it threatened in a somewhat squeaky voice, shaking its body side to side and rustling its foliage. "I-I'm a monster! You—Huh?" Suddenly, it stopped as Samba and then Link stopped by it. It looked up. "Hey, you're a monster, too. What's a monster and a hylian doing walking through the field together?" it asked. It sounded young and curious, now, hostility gone. Samba assumed it was male.

"I should be asking why a young deku scrub from Verdart Swamp is walking the field alone," Samba countered, raising an eyeridge and crossing his arms.

The deku scrub stepped back, making an embarrassed grunt. "Wh...What do you mean? I know what I'm doing! Th-That's why I asked you what YOU were doing!" he avoided the question.

"Are you scared?" Link ventured to ask.

The deku scrub whipped around and shouted bitterly, "NO! And I certainly don't need a stupid human suggesting I am!"

"You're also unarmed," Samba added, smirking wryly but furrowing his brow in concern. "I know about you guys a little bit—you dislike humans and will attack them if provoked, and I'd say you just got provoked. You didn't even try to spit at him."

The deku scrub started again, making a gulping sound as he looked back at Samba. "Um...Erm..." He was shaking, leaves rustling. He finally sighed in defeat, bowing his head and hiding his eyes from them. "Okay, I'm lost," he admitted. "See, back home, there's this old mansion that has no owner. It's an urban myth I wanted to check out for myself that the owner visited Korken Woods and never returned. So I started off toward Korken a while ago, and after a loooooong walk, I made it. And guess what?" he asked, looking up again. His eyes, inexplicably, had rotated 90 degrees, making him look worried, now. "I found nothing! All that happened was I got lost and the people in the village that's built near the entrance tried to beat me away! They kept using dry deku nuts on me, blinding me with the light that they make, and this one old guy in a green apron went totally ape on me! It took me forever to find a bush grown tight enough I could pull out the shafts of the arrows he shot into my back..."

Link hid a chuckle, but tilted his head. "Dry deku nuts?" he repeated. "There's a difference in what they do between when they're wet and dry?"

The deku scrub scoffed. "Duh! We'd be BLIND by now if they always made that flash when we spit them out!" he snarked. "Little-known fact: We have saliva, even though we're made of wood. We keep a supply of deku nuts in our bodies that we can spit out at people who invade our areas. Since they're wet from saliva, they're heavier and hurt a fair bit when they hit, and they don't create that annoying flash of light."

"You trying to get home, now?" Samba asked.

"Uh-huh," nodded the deku scrub. "I want to just go home, now, but I'm kind of lost..." He looked away.

Samba pointed. "Over there is the swamp," he said. "Just keep going towards this wooden fence in the distance—that's the one around Lake Hylia—and when you get to it, go along it to the east, the right from here. You'll be able to see the swamp in no time!" He smiled at him. (They'd seen it a few times already but had never ventured into Lake Hylia.)

The deku squeaked, eyes wide in circles as he looked back. "Really?" he asked. Link and Samba both nodded. "Oh, MAN, I'm dumb! I THOUGHT that was the way!" he laughed, shaking his head. He then looked up with worry again. "But I'm still unarmed, as you said," he pointed out. "I ran out of deku nuts defending myself from some of the monsters on the way here from the village...If I had at least 20 of them, I'm sure I'd be fine. Thanks, though...but I need to look around for deku nuts before I go off, and who knows how long THAT will take, this far from a forest...heck, I might have to go back there and search..." He sighed dejectedly and turned around and started shuffling off again, hunting for ammo.

Samba raised an eyeridge and looked at Link. "Already checking," Link mumbled as he rummaged for his deku nut bag. He brought it out and opened it, mouth moving as he silently counted its contents. He smiled and closed it. "Just enough," he declared quietly. Hoping he wouldn't be rejected or double-crossed, he approached the deku scrub. "Hey, scrub?" he asked.

The deku scrub turned again, angry-eyed. "Stay ba—oh. It's you." He stopped looking that hostile, but still was angry-eyed. "What do you want? I'm busy looking for some deku nuts—you're lucky I'm out, or you'd be looking for some, too, if you know what I mean!"

Link ignored that vulgar remark and brought out his own deku nuts. "You said 20, right?" he checked.

The deku scrub jumped and whipped his head so quickly, they didn't see his eyes move from angry to surprised, just the end result as he looked at the bag. "HUH? You...You've got deku nuts? And you're giving them to me...?" he asked incredulously. "Even after being a jerk...?" Link nodded. The deku scrub looked down, hiding his eyes again, for a moment before looking up again, eyes in worried semicircles again, though it might have just been strong emotion. "I...I...um...well..." he stuttered quietly. He went over, Link opened the bag, and he sucked up 20 deku nuts, exactly. He looked back at Link. "Thank you, guy," he said gently. "You're from that village, aren't you? You're different...You're nice." He nodded, eyes changing into happy crescents as he bobbed from side to side. "You're awesome! What's your name?...Link? Alright, I'll remember that! I'll tell everyone how nice you are—maybe if you stop by our village, they might give you a warning before they shoot you!"

Link chuckled nervously at this. "Thanks," he said.

The deku scrub shook his head. "Naw, that's not really a nice way to return a favor..." he muttered. He then turned his head around, rustling behind him, before looking back up. There was a pair of red cloth-covered handles sticking from his mouth. "Take these, I insist!" he said. "You could use 'em in your garden if your bushes get too feisty. We scrubs use 'em to make sure our hair vines, for those whose hair doesn't grow short like mine, stay short and not drag behind us. It's annoying to find things have crawled up your hair and have made their home on your head if you don't clip once in a while. I brought 'em thinking they could be a backup weapon, but..." He stopped bobbing. "...well, no hands. Plus they're not too great as a weapon." He bobbed again happily. "Go on! I insist!"

Link blinked at this odd offering, looking back at Samba, who raised an eyeridge with "Are you kidding me?" written across his face, before smiling nervously at the scrub and taking the item. 'I don't want him to think I just wanted him to like me or something...besides, it's rude not to accept something when they insist...' He held the item up, noticing that strong, long metal shears were attached to the handles, before putting the pair away. 'Maybe someone will need it...'

The deku scrub still bobbed happily. "Sorry if it seems like a really dinky trade, but it's all I got," he said sheepishly. He jumped shortly. "But I'm so happy! Now I can make my way home! Thanks, Mister Link! For whatever reason you and that lizalfos are traveling—"

"I'm Samba..."

"—okay, whatever reason you and Mister Samba are traveling together, good luck!" He bowed and squeaked happily, "Bye!" before turning and scurrying off, little feet making a series of rapid thumps as he raced off with more energy than they'd ever seen a deku scrub run before.

They watched him run off into the night before looking at each other again, raising an eyebrow/-ridge at each other. "Well, I couldn't just leave him hanging," Link reasoned, smiling sheepishly and shrugging. "Besides, maybe somebody we show it to might need it."

"Most people who do already have one," Samba muttered, crossing his arms. "Even we have them, and we don't really have bushes...Besides, he was kind of offloading some junk onto you..."

"Oh, it's not that bad a 'one more thing to carry' thing," Link batted his arm. "C'mon, I wanna go home."

"Right, right..."

. . .

They reached Ybayba Enapu a half hour or so before morning. "Link, you lead," Samba said, hiding and switching when they approached the town. He appeared in his red ball of light. "I don't think being seen would be a good idea."

Link nodded and continued on. To his right (the southwest side of town) was the ranch, which the town was named after (or the other way around—he wasn't sure). He wanted to leave during the day, so he killed time by stopping by the inn and saying hi to Betta's wife, Tabitha.

"Oh! Long time, no see, Link!" Tabitha greeted. She looked at the Master Sword on his back. "Got yourself a new sword, huh? Looks nice!" She chuckled. "If you came for a room, don't bother, it's kind of too late for one. Sunrise'll be here in a little bit."

"Anything new going on lately?" Link asked.

Tabitha shrugged. "Not that I've heard," she replied. "I mean, they're gonna be selling some horses or something at the ranch, yeah, but that's nothing out of the ordinary." She put her hands on her hips. "What's my husband's star pupil been doing lately?"

"Oh, this and that," Link answered, smiling. 'Best not to say much.'

Tabitha chuckled again. "I know there's more than that, but I won't go into it," she batted her hand. "Well, I'd better get breakfast ready. See ya, Link!"

Link said good-bye and left. He decided to see if Kwilliam's was open, now that he had more rupees. It wasn't yet. "Open from morning until 10 at night," the sign outside said. Link shrugged and went off, stopping by the tavern and seeing its owner, Elisa. She greeted him happily and asked if he wanted anything, but he said he already ate. He did get a refill of Ybayba Milk in one of his two bottles, though.

Nobody else was in there at this hour, surprisingly. He was about to leave when a strange question came to him. "Say, just asking, you have any restrictions on race for paying customers?" he asked Elisa.

"Huh?" Elisa looked surprised. "You asking if we's a discriminatin' tavern? 'Course not! If they're smart enough to talk and pay, they're dumb enough to get drunk and pay!" She laughed at her little joke. "Non-hylians are rare around here; the most we get are gerudo who are interested in how we raise our horses so they can raise theirs better. Why do you ask?"

"Just curious," Link shrugged.

Outside, sunrise was imminent. Samba came out after they were away from the door enough that nobody would see. (Nobody was on the streets yet.) "Why did you ask that?" he asked.

"Well, it's just that I wonder what would happen if there's something we want to get that we need to pool our money for and you're hidden," Link replied plainly. "Wouldn't do much good to let you out and have everyone, including the shopkeep, run screaming before we insist that you're not going to hurt anyone..."

"True..." Samba hid as the first rays of morning shone out.

After going back to Kwilliam's, Link found that, ironically, getting that milk refill had lowered his cash balance below enough to get the map of Castle Town, even though he was still offered the discount. Link then asked the same question.

Kwilliam shook his head. "Nope, so long as they don't have fire out and in danger of burning my maps," he answered. He raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "Why?" he asked slowly, drawing out the word.

Link mentally gulped, hoping this would work. "Well, I have this friend of mine who I can pool my money with and buy a map, but he's...erm...not exactly what you'd expect," he answered. "He's smart and sensible, just...well, surprising."

Kwilliam scoffed, smirking. "You're acting like he's a dragon! Just bring him in, already."

Link shrugged and let out a nervous Samba.

Kwilliam took a step back, eyes wide. "Woah! I see what you mean, Blondie," he said. "Just, kid, if you're gonna magic someone into the room, warn everyone else beforehand..."

He was perfectly fine with Samba, though, and together, they were able to get the map of Hyrule Castle Town. They noticed he also had a pricey map of Lake Hylia (though they could afford it and the town map, they didn't buy it). "They say they're gonna start selling maps of Lake Hylia down there, actually," Kwilliam added when he followed their gaze. "I bet they're gonna charge a ton, though...even more than I do."

"Maybe you should bring your price down to make the difference that much better?" suggested Samba honestly (though he really felt that the price was high for a map).

"When the time comes, maybe," shrugged Kwilliam. "For now, I think it's reasonably priced for how hard it is to make big maps like that."

"It's a lake—just a big irregular shape," Samba mumbled.

"All the harder, Bluey, my friend," Kwilliam smirked, crossing his arms. "All the harder."

Samba raised an eyeridge at Kwilliam's nickname for him before he hid again and Link left out into the morning sunlight once more. 'Alright, time to head home, finally,' he thought. 'I should reach it by sundown...what with how long it takes me to get there from here on foot...' He put his arms behind his head, sighing. 'Man, I'm starting to get tired of how long it takes to get around this stupid big country...Wish there was a faster way to get around. Maybe I should just hide and let Samba do all the legwork...'

Link was going to leave right away for his hometown, but he glanced at the ranch and stopped mid-stride. Glancing back to close a fence gate behind her was a young woman about Link's age. She had green eyes and long, red hair tied with a white bow, simple gold Ring earrings in her ears. She was dressed in a white short-sleeve tunic tucked into a pair of brown pants with cargo-type pockets. Hanging to her side off the belt was a slightly dirty white towel. Over the tunic was a lighter brown vest with an extra pockets on each side in addition to the breast pocket. Buttoned up in brass, the vest bore an embroidered vine with leaves and flowers that looked familiar to Link—each was a symbol made of four sharp-leaved petals around a two-Ring target. The motif was on the breast pocket and the lapels, as well. The pants, sturdy-looking, were rolled up at the cuffs above a pair of darker brown boots. In all, she appeared definitely feminine, yet definitely practical.

She looked up and raised her thin eyebrows as she looked at Link. "...Wait a minute..." she muttered. She furrowed her brow a little. "...Link?"

Link smiled and trotted over, waving. "Darcia! How've you been?" he asked.

Darcia grinned and trotted to meet him in the road. "Boring, doing the same-old, same-old, helping tend the horses," she answered. Her voice was mild yet spunky, with a gentle country accent. She looked Link up and down, raising an eyebrow. "What's with the get-up? You pretending to be a grasshopper or something?" she joked.

Link chuckled and shook his head. "Nah, this is just the most durable outfit I have," he answered. "I'm...Well, you could say I'm on an adventure."

"And adventure?" Darcia asked, raising both eyebrows. She laughed. "You call running errands an adventure? HA!"

Link smirked and twisted his body around. "Then why would I need all this?" he asked smugly.

Darcia stopped laughing, freezing as she caught sight of the sword and shield. She leaned forward and looked at them. "W...Whoa, nelly..." she muttered. She smiled and held a hand up. "So you're on some adventure. What for?" she asked.

"Well..." Link pondered a moment. 'Should I tell her...?' he wondered.

Darcia, waiting for his reply, suddenly raised both her eyebrows. "Hey..." she breathed, hand drawing to her face. Then, she grabbed Link's hand and pulled. "C'mon, I wanna show you someone!" she urged, stepping back towards the ranch.

"W-Whoa! Darcia-a-a!" Link floundered, struggling after her. 'Still as strong as ever...'

Darcia pulled him a ways before Link freed his hand and walked with her. They went around to a barn and went inside. A few horses were in their stalls. One stood alone in the corner, no other horses around. "Link, I want you to meet someone," Darcia repeated softly as she approached this one, smiling at him. "She's a close friend of mine."

Link came over and saw her. The mare was a large, strong, beautiful creature, with a chestnut-brown pelt and white mane. "She's very pretty...What's her name?" he asked, looking back at Darcia.

"That's Epona," she replied. "She's my favorite of the bunch here." She tilted her head. "Come to think of it, for all the time we've known each other, I've never brought you to see the horses, have I?"

Link shook his head. "Nope—all I've ever seen are the horses when they're outside."

"Well, y'see, Link," Darcia gesticulated, "these here horses are riding horses. Most of these colts and mares are reserved for knights or other people who bought them."

Link frowned a little. "How much is it to buy a horse, again?" he asked. "I forget."

"Around 1,500 rupees or so," she answered casually, shrugging.

Link blanched. "Th-Th-That—?" he gasped.

Darcia laughed softly. "Quiet down, you'll spook 'em," she admonished amiably. She smirked and put her hands on her hips. "Well, we have to get our bread and butter somehow," she reasoned. "Not to mention all the work that's put into taking care of each one of these guys and gals." She thumbed her mid-sized chest. "I should know, since I've been a farmhand here for as long as I can remember. Not that I had much choice after my father got the place before I was even born..." She raised an eyebrow at him. "Speaking of occupations, why are you on an adventure again?" she asked slyly.

Link bit his lip. 'Why am I worried? I trust her...' "D...Darcia?" he asked softly. "Do you promise not to tell anyone, and to believe me?"

Darcia tilted her head, giving him a suspicious look. "Yes...?" she replied slowly.

Link gulped. 'She's not gonna believe me.' "Well, it's kinda hard to believe, but..." He nodded resolutely. "I'm kinda on a mission to save Hyrule," he answered, face serious.

Darcia had to clamp her hands over her mouth to stop from laughing loudly. When she looked up again, Link was looking at her with unchanged expression. She stopped laughing, eyes locked. "...You're dead-serious," she realized quietly. She stood up straight. "You've never been good at lying to me. What's wrong?"

"I don't know for sure, and it's hard to explain," Link shook his head. "All I know is I've been running back and forth across Hyrule and it's been taking really—" He stopped when he realized what kind of animals were standing around them, eyes widening. He held a finger up as an insightful smile grew on his lips. "A horse!" he whispered hoarsely, holding a finger up. "That's it! Darcia, is there any way I can borrow one of these horses?" he asked.

Darcia sighed, shaking her head. "I'm sorry, Link, but all of them are taken," she replied. "That, or way out of your price range, judging by your reaction. And there ain't no way they would let even one of our horses go for free for any amount of time."

'She's right—even if Samba and I pool our resources again...' Link looked down in disappointment. "Oh..."

Darcia walked over to Epona. "The only one that you might have a chance at is Epona," she continued, gently stroking her mane. "There's no price on her right now."

Link looked up in hope. "Really?" He paused, then raised an eyebrow, suspicious. "Why?"

Darcia chuckled, smirking at him. "I'm the only one she'll let ride her."

Link sighed, shaking his head. "Knew it. Always a catch..."

"She's the least tame of the bunch, and I'm the only one brave enough to ride her," Darcia shrugged, looking back at the horse. "She's also pretty insecure around other people. She's practically my horse, though we can't own our own horses—ranch custom."

Link looked at Epona. 'Brave...' He set his face seriously and nodded. "Darcia, could I try and ride her, anyway?" he asked.

Darcia looked over at him. "Really? You sure?" she asked. "She's been known to buck..."

Link shook his head. "I'll be fine," he promised. 'I'm at full hearts, anyway.'

Darcia looked at him for a moment, biting her lip, then nodded, smiling. "Alright, I'll let you give it a shot," she agreed. "No promises that you'll get to keep her if she doesn't mind you, natch..."

A few moments later, Link was waiting at the corral. Nobody else was around. Samba took the opportunity to float out. "You two old friends?" he asked.

Link nodded. "Yeah, we've been best friends since I was six," he answered. He smiled. "She's Betta's niece. Sometimes, Grandpa would let me go home with Betta and we'd see each other. She and I would play together and she taught me how to ride horses." He looked at the gate to the corral, seeing her exiting the stable and pulling Epona behind her by the reins. "It's been months since I've seen her again. Just haven't had the chance."

"Ah," nodded Samba before he hid again. 'Best friends...'

Darcia stopped by him. "Alright, she's all ready, Link," she said. "You remember what I taught you before, right?"

Link nodded. "It's been a while, but I remember."

"Kay, get on, but don't say I didn't warn you..." Link nodded and went to Epona's side. He climbed up, feeling the familiar motions ignite rusty machinery in his brain, and hoisted himself up into the saddle. He grabbed the reins that Darcia handed him. Epona whinnied nervously. Darcia stroked her neck. "Shh, shh, Epona, it's Link, he's a friend," she cooed. "Everything'll be fine, girl..." She stood back a few paces. "Alright, set her at a slow walk, first," she instructed.

Link nodded and gently urged Epona forwards. It took a couple tries, but eventually, she began walking forward. 'Is she really that insecure around other people...?' he wondered as she snorted.

"Good, now, turn her this way," Darcia called.

Link pulled the reins to the left, where Darcia was, very gently. "C'mon, Epona," he coaxed softly. Just a stronger snort. "C'mon..." He tugged carefully.

Epona's eyes flashed as the light from Link's Rings glinted in the sun.

Suddenly, with a not-quite-fearful whinny, Epona reared up. Link yelped and tried to hold on, but she quickly came down and bucked. Link, unprepared for this, went flying off. "UWAA—OOF!" He landed hard, losing a heart. Epona galloped away from him, looping around until she was behind Darcia, slowing to let her neck be petted again.

Darcia frowned. "Epona...you're acting weird..." she muttered. She looked at Link, who had dusted himself off and was walking over. "She's never done that before—she usually bucks earlier, and doesn't move at all," she explained.

'No apology, I see...' Link frowned. "I wonder...You think she might trust me a little?"

Darcia nodded. "Yeah—She must recognize my scent on you or something," she guessed. "Try coming close and touching her."

Link did. Epona stepped back once, but stopped when Link raised his right hand slowly. She felt tense under his gauntlet, but as he stroked her neck, she gradually relaxed.

"There, see?" Darcia smiled. "She doesn't hate you, that's for sure."

"Heh..." Link switched hands.

Immediately, Epona neighed and shook her head, backing up more. Link stood there, surprised and confused, while Darcia stood and watched her for a second. "What...?" she muttered before going over and calming her down again.

Link remembered that he had been tugging left before and looked at his Rings. "I wonder if she senses you..." he whispered to them.

Inside, Samba frowned. 'She might...Animals tend to do that...'

"I'm sorry, Link, I just don't know what's gotten into her," Darcia apologized as she came back over. She looked disappointed. "She's never been abused as far as I know...I dunno why your hand might make her scared..." She frowned in puzzlement as she finally noticed the Rings. "What's with the jewelry, by the way?" she asked.

Link shook his head. "Nothing," he replied. "They're just a present from my grandpa, that's all."

"Your grandpa gifts jewelry?" Darcia asked skeptically, tilting her head again. "To boys?"

Link looked away. "It's cheaper than it looks, really," he said quickly.

"Well, maybe you should take them off—they might be making Epona uncomfortable," Darcia suggested.

"No!" Link shook his head, replying too quickly. "I mean—uh—I think I'll try later," he said, holding up his hand and smiling sheepishly. "It's obvious Epona doesn't want to get to know me, so I'll just go do something I was going to do today and come back some other time."

Darcia blinked at him, then smirked. "You're hiding something," she knew, "but I'll let it go for now. Just as long as you promise to spill it when you get back, got it?" She waggled a finger at him. "And you'd better come back. Otherwise, you'll never ride a horse here again."

Link bit his lip again, then sighed, nodding. "Yeah, got it..." He shook his head and started to trot off. "See you, Darcia! I'll be back and I'll tell you, I promise!" he called as he went by.

"Y'all come back, now, ya hear?" she waved happily.

'She says that to everyone,' he thought bemusedly as he turned back to the road out.

. . .

Once on the road again, Link got out Samba. "You think she could sense you?" Link wondered as they began jogging along.

Samba nodded. "It's plausible. Animals have a tendency to sense things most of us sentients can't very easily."

"Hmmm...Maybe if you're out and she can see you, that might help her stay calm when I'm on her," Link theorized. "Ybayba horses have a reputation for being great travelers' horses, since they're far less afraid of monsters than other horses." He chuckled. "They say they're even braver than Castle Town or Gerudo horses!"

"Hah! I wonder why..."

Night had fallen by the time they reached Kochyrae. Link had returned Samba before entering the village. He found it quiet and peaceful...almost. Snuffling about in Dorder's vegetable patch was...

"A moblin?" Link whispered in surprise, drawing his sword slowly.

Samba came out and hovered behind Link. "What's one of them doing here?" he wondered. "They usually don't hang out around towns like this..." He retreated into his Ring again.

Link nodded and ran towards it. The moblin grunted and turned when it heard the noise, but it couldn't raise its spear in time to be struck down by Link's overhead slash. After it was defeated, Link looked around. Seeing no more enemies, he sheathed his sword.

"Link!" Link turned and saw an aged man, thin but strong, in overalls standing outside his door.

"Dorder! You okay?" Link trotted over.

Dorder nodded. "Yeah, I'm alright—thanks for teachin' that piggie a lesson," he grumbled, looking at his vegetable patch. "They've been coming every now and then lately...You best talk to your grandpa about it."

"Where's Betta?" wondered Link.

Dorder chuckled. "Well, son, since you left, he's been fillin' in for ya!" he answered, crossing his arms.

Link raised his eyebrows. "But he's hurt—!"

"He insisted despite his injuries," Dorder explained. "Musta been some strong moblin that broke his arm that bad, though...He's should be with your grandpa, by the way, since they just closed up."

'Of course, they'd never tell anyone that he was a theif...' Link nodded. "Thanks, Dorder."

"Anytime, sonny," and Dorder returned to his home.

"'Sonny'?" repeated Samba as they jogged to Link's house.

"What, old guys never call you that in your village?" Link whispered back. "Get back, I'm almost there."

Link stepped up to his own doorstep...and a wave of nostalgia washed over him. 'It's only been a few days,' he thought, looking at the familiar sights like they were new again, 'but it feels like it's been a lot longer...I wonder if this is how Samba felt...' He opened the door and went inside.

Bardin and Betta, sitting and talking in the living room, looked up as Link walked in, both smiling. "Link! Oh, Link!" Bardin stood up and went over to his grandson. He wrapped him in a bear hug for a moment before looking at him, smiling. "I was so worried...but I guess I was wrong. You really are the bravest kid I know, after all."

Link blushed and chuckled. "Well, I had to learn from the best," he complimented.

Bardin chuckled and patted Link's shoulder. "Seen some stuff of value on your journey?" he asked.

Link grinned—a little smugly—and nodded. "Yeah, I bought a tunic that protects me from intense heat, which came in real handy a couple days ago," he described.

"That sounds great! How've you been advertising our shop?" Bardin wondered, smiling broadly in expectation.

Betta saved Link, hooking his arm in his good one. "Ah, Bardin, sorry, I really must talk to Link," he said, smiling apologetically. "While the night's young, and all."

"Oh, okay," Bardin nodded, stepping back. "You come back tomorrow—he's doing great filling in for you, Link," he added, leaning to look at his grandson. He smirked. "You might just be out of a job when you get back from this mess!" He laughed.

Betta chuckled and shook his head. "What, you'd replace your own grandson?" he mocked.

"Damn straight I would, if he didn't pull his weight! Night, Betta!" Bardin grinned.

"Night!" Betta closed the door behind him and looked at Link. "He was serious about that last thing, wasn't he?" he asked, a bemused eyebrow raised.

"Damn straight..."

They made their way into the Korken Woods, more nostalgia filling Link. "Let's get to my tent, then we'll meet this friend of yours," Betta said. Link nodded. Betta, walking beside Link, looked at the sword on his back in awe. "I guess my sword became obsolete, huh..." he muttered.

Link chuckled. "Nah, I still use it when Samba's leading," he said. "It's helped a lot."

"Ah...But wow..." Betta touched the scabbard. He shivered. "I just touched the scabbard of the Master Sword. The Master Sword."

"You'll get to see it in a bit, too, if you want," Link added. Betta's eyes twinkled.

They reached Betta's tent safely. After gathering some firewood, the two stood around a small fire circle as Betta tried to light it with a match. He was having some difficulty.

Link watched him, wondering if he should help. Samba came out and watched for a moment, too, illuminating the surroundings fairly brightly. After a bit, he sighed. "You need any help?" he asked, making Link look at him quickly.

Betta looked up. "No, I'm—oh!" He started at the ball of red light. "Wow! Is that the power of the Rings?" he asked in awe.

"I should have you out more often in these woods," Link murmured as Samba nodded.

"Yeah. Link, let me out," Samba instructed. "You wanted to meet me, anyway, right?"

"Yes, that's right," Betta nodded, smiling.

Link tossed Samba, and he appeared in the familiar flash of light. Betta raised his eyebrows at him as he landed. Samba smirked. "It's the blue, ain't it?" he asked wryly.

"Um...partly, yeah," laughed Betta.

Samba snickered. "I've been meeting some interesting people lately..." He turned to the fire and grabbed a pebble. "That's pretty dry tinder, right?" he asked.

"Yeah, why?" Betta barely replied before Samba threw a Fire Pebble at it. In an instant, the fire was starting. Betta stepped back from it. "Wow! So you use magic, huh?"

"And Link has toys," Samba nodded, crossing his arms and looking at his companion. He raised an eyeridge. "By the way, you're never gonna let me live that tunic thing down, are you?" he asked. Link burst out laughing.

Betta smiled at the two. "Looks like you make a good team," he said. His smile faded as they looked back at him. "See, Kochyrae has been having some moblin issues lately."

"Moblin issues?" Link repeated, raising his eyebrows, feeling wary.

"Yeah," Betta nodded. "Some've been coming into the village every now and then. Me and your grandfather have been doing our best to fend them off, Link, but I'm worried they'll make an all-out assault someday soon."

Link bit his lip in worry, and Samba frowned, crossing his arms. "Have they ever attacked before?"

"No; first time I saw moblins around here was when I scampered through the Forest of Peril," Betta replied.

Samba raised an eyeridge. "They must've only recently set up a base somewhere around here, then," he suggested. "It might take a while to get enough reinforcements to attack the village...though it IS small..."

"That's not the worst part, though," Betta continued, shaking a finger. "They've got access to bombs."

"Bombs?" Link repeated, aghast. He narrowed his eyes. "Where are they? I'm not letting anyone blow up my village!"

Betta shook his head. "They're just past the Lost Woods, but even if you know the way there, the ground around is very thorny with undergrowth. Their hooves let them walk through it just fine, but without steel-soled boots, we're out of luck, and those aren't easy to get around here," he explained.

"Oh..." Link looked down, defeated, until suddenly he remembered and looked up again, hopeful. "Wait! What about a horse?" he asked. "You've got one, right?"

Betta nodded. "Yeah, Arvensis, but good luck trying to ride him," he chuckled. "I can't, not with this arm, so he's having the time of his life in the village, free to trot around and eat all the grass he wants."

"Why can't Link try to ride him?" Samba wondered.

"He's a wild one, that," Betta grinned wryly. "He'll only let a very few people ride him, myself included. He's got a younger sister back home who's just as bad."

"Epona?" Link checked, raising his eyebrows.

Betta waggled his finger at him, nodding. "Yeah, her. Forgot you're good friends with Darcia...You check in on her on your way back?"

Link nodded. "Yeah, and I tried riding her...it didn't work out so well."

"We think she sensed me inside of my Ring," Samba explained, gesticulating. "After he tugged left, she reared and threw him off all of a sudden."

"I thought Ybayba horses were the bravest horses in Hyrule," Link frowned, crossing his arms. "Even if she's not too great with people, why would she freak out from a lizalfos?"

"There's more logic to it than that for her, I'm afraid," Betta smiled sadly, holding up a palm. "See, when she was a filly, Epona got caught up in a battle with some lizalfos. She's been what can only be described as distrustful of them ever since. Granted, she's only seen other ones two or three times, but she tends to run her own way after spending only a few moments around them."

"Oh..." Samba looked down and away, Link frowning in disappointment. "I see..."

Betta smiled and walked to Samba, putting his hand on his scaly shoulder. "Cheer up, Samba," he said. "Don't take it personally. It's not you or your village's fault. They were a normal roving band of lizalfos."

Samba looked over at him, then sighed and shrugged. "Still doesn't help me much..." He held up his paws. "I'm still a lizalfos! Link can't ride her if I'm around, and we've gotta be practically joined at the hip for who knows how long."

"That's true, but..." Betta paused, thinking. "...I bet if you earned her trust somehow, she could cope with you. She's not afraid of lizalfos, she just doesn't like them."

"How do you do that?" Link asked.

Betta turned back to him, counting off on his fingers. "Food, kindness, courage, and time," he answered. "I don't know what to do with Samba, though. But if you really want to ride her, you'll find a way."

Link and Samba looked at each other, thinking for a few moments. Samba raised his eyeridges suddenly. "Oh!" He looked at Betta again. "You're not going to tell anyone about me, right?" he asked sheepishly.

Betta chuckled and shook his head. "Nope, not unless I trust them," he assured him. "And I'm positive that the rest of my family would be trustworthy."

"Including Darcia," Link added, stroking his chin briefly. "That's good to hear. That'll make it easier for her to help us." 'That, and it makes it easier to "spill it" like she wants me to...'

"Actually, take that back," Betta said, holding a finger up and frowning. "Don't show my brother Talgo, Darcia's father and owner of the ranch. He might get suspicious of you if you're thinking of trying to get Epona and all. He can be real protective of his horses. Otherwise, my wife and niece should be fine."

Link nodded. He looked over his shoulder into the woods for a moment, frowning. "We'll come back and take care of those moblins," he promised Betta, face determined. "For now, though, we've gotta go back to Ybayba Enapu."

"No," Betta smirked, waggling a finger. "Now, you go back home and sleep in your own bed. The night's still young. Just wake up early. Besides, you've gotta be pooped by now."

Link opened his mouth to complain, then closed it, smiling. "Heh..."

"What about me?" Samba asked, tilting his head. "Am I gonna just stay in my Ring...?"

"For now, yes," Betta nodded, face solemn. "Even though Bardin knows about Jgk'hry, I think we'll wait until after the scare with the moblins wraps up before showing him, at least. Sorry, Samba."

Samba sighed, shaking his head and shrugging with a wry smile. "Hey, what can I expect?" He nodded, smiling. "Well, have a good night, and try not to get skewered by a moblin spear."

Betta chuckled, holding a hand up. "Thanks, and have some pleasant dreams, yourself," he bade.

Link said his good-nights before turning and getting back home. Bardin was happy to know Link was staying with him that night, and Link...wondered how he could get to sleep with the Rings' influence. He tried, though, sleeping in his clothes (taking his hat and equipment off first). To his surprise, he fell asleep rather quickly. Samba, wondering if he could let his mind rest, tried to do the same...and found he could, as well.

. . .

…

"Reh?" Samba looked around the darkness about his floating naked body. "Who's there?"

...You...

"!" Samba gazed upwards. "Who...Who are you? Where are you?" he called out.

...are not...

Samba wasn't sure he liked this strange voice. It sounded calmly angry at him...

...my master...

Samba gasped as the world around him dissolved into an indigo on the side of purple. It shone like silver at him. He couldn't help but shield his eyes.

...and yet...

"...?" Samba looked as the light softened, a tinge of blue appearing before him.

…

. . .

Link awoke and stretched in the morning sunlight. Though the Rings let his body feel no fatigue, he still felt revitalized. "I should sleep more often," he yawned. "You sleep, Samba?"

Samba appeared from his Ring and bobbed. "Yeah, actually," he said. "I guess our minds still need to rest once in a while, huh?" Link chuckled and began getting his gear back on. Samba paused, then asked, "Did you have any, like...weird dreams or anything?"

"Huh? Oh, um...not that I can think of," he replied, shrugging. "Besides dreams being naturally weird."

"Oh. I was just wondering, is all," Samba said before returning to his Ring.

Link raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. He told his grandfather he had to go (Bardin saying that he's welcome back any time), and trotted off to Ybayba Enapu. They appeared to leave a fair bit later than Link had wanted, and they reached the town at nightfall. "I guess I'll get a room at the inn," Link muttered. "I'll just go and talk to Darcia now, though..."

It was Darcia that talked to Link, though. As soon as Link went past the ranch, he heard her call, "LINK!" He stopped and turned his head to see Darcia, looking a mite distressed, run over to him. "Link, I have to talk to you," she said in a mixture of relief and urgency.

"What's wrong?" asked Link, alarmed at his friend's behavior...as she grabbed his arm and tugged him before he'd even had a chance to say yes.

"It's about Epona," she said quietly. "Hush, now..." She led him back into the stable and stopped by Epona again.

Link frowned and looked at the horse. She seemed a bit unhappy, and he had the feeling he wasn't the reason why. "What's wrong?" he asked again, looking at Darcia.

Darcia paused for a moment, looking down and away. Link could see the pain in her face. 'Uh-oh...' She finally murmured, "She's being sold."

"What?" Link gasped, flabbergasted. "I thought you said she wasn't for sale!"

"I know!" Darcia frowned at him defensively. "She wasn't! But that's just because nobody would be willing to buy her because of how wild she is..."

"Then why...?"

Darcia shook her head. "I don't know...I think her buyer, a farmer from the neighboring country of Labrynna, is offering a huge amount of money or something. And I..." She looked up with a betrayed look. "I don't think he's planning on riding her."

Link raised his eyebrows, then looked at Epona as she whinnied. She was obviously upset. 'She can feel what's going on, can't she?...'

"She's just going to do busy work, like plow fields and stuff," Darcia spat bitterly. "He's not gonna let her run free...or he is—just to encourage people to breed racehorses with her."

"You don't trust this guy, do you," Link muttered, raising an eyebrow.

Darcia threw her fists to her sides. "DARN. TOOTIN'," she growled through gritted teeth. She sighed in aggravation. "I think they're doing it because they think that she'll never get sold, and why keep a horse that you're going to lose money on?" She looked at him with a sad smile. "Link, I think you're the only other person with a good chance of riding Epona. Uncle Betta isn't here, and he's already Epona's big brother's chosen rider." She looked at Epona again. "That's why..."

'I don't like the way she's saying that,' Link bit his lip.

"If you really need Epona..." She looked back at him, determined. "...then I'll help you get her out of here if I can."

Link widened his eyes. "You mean steal her?" he reworded in a loud whisper.

Darcia raised an eyebrow with a smirk, hands on hips. "Well, I wouldn't say 'steal', more like 'give to a better owner'," she corrected. "Trust me, you're better than that guy. I'm sure Epona would warm up to you if you tried..."

Link frowned, uneasy about the idea. He saw no other alternative, however, if he wanted a horse. 'I need to be able to get to the moblins, and soon...' He gulped and nodded. "I'll do my best," he promised. 'I must be crazy...'

Darcia gave a vibrant smile. "Thank you so much, Link," she said. "I know how hard this is for you to do on such short notice..."

Link smiled and shook his head. "How much time do we have for me to get on her good side?"

"Three or four days, and tonight," Darcia replied. "That's when the farmer's gonna get here. My father, Talgo, is gonna go meet him in Castle Town day after tomorrow, giving us about that much time. If you have the money, you should take a room at my aunt's inn."

Link nodded, then remembered something. "First, though, I wanna try and apply something Betta taught me last night when I visited him back home," he said.

"Oh? You visited him? How's Uncle Betta's arm?" Darcia asked, curious and concerned.

"Healing okay," Link shrugged. "Anyway...he told me that to get Epona's trust, I need food, kindness, courage, and time."

"And I take it that last one's the only thing we got little of?" Darcia mused. Link chuckled and nodded. She clapped her hands together. "That's great, then! We'll start your bonding by doing something I was gonna do, anyway. C'mon, I'll show you where we keep their food..."

Link fed and spent some time with Epona that night. She seemed grateful for the food, and she let him stroke her mane—with his off hand. She still didn't like his left. He left later for the inn. Tabitha was all alone there and gave her greeting to Link. "Hello, and welcome to Enapu Nights, where weary wanderers wrestle worries away in sweet slumber! How may I help you? Come to stay for the night?"

In his Ring, Samba blanched at the alliteration. 'Did she come up with that herself?'
"A few, actually," he said. He looked about to make sure nobody was around. He looked over his shoulder. "You get many customers this time of night?" he checked.

"Not really—we rarely get any at all," Tabitha chuckled. She raised an eyebrow. "Why do you ask?" she wondered slowly.

Link gulped, looking at his Ring. "Your husband said I could trust you with a secret," he said quietly. "Just...um, don't get mad, don't panic, don't—"

"Just shut up and tell me already," Tabitha laughed, hand on her hip.

Link sighed and tossed out a nervous Samba.

Tabitha jumped and gasped. "I—I—Uh—I'm—" she stuttered for a moment before raising an eyebrow at Link, crossing her arms and saying firmly, "Explain."

"I'm Samba, Link and I are on a quest to save Hyrule, it's a LONG story, so can you PLEASE give us a room for two, I'll pay for my share," Samba said quickly, afraid they'll get seen any moment in such a public place. 'I swear I'll NEVER get used to this...'

Tabitha blinked a few times at Samba before erupting in laughter. "Alright, alright, keep your scales on and calm down," she teased, making downward motions with her hands. She glanced behind her at a wall with a few keys. "Lemme see...Ah, room 4 is a twofer that's open and a good ways down the hall. You guys pay for however long you're staying, then you can tell me what's what there. I'll take whatcha got if you come up short."

Link and Samba hastily used pretty much what was left of their money to pay for the room in full for four nights, then trotted up there. Inside the two-bed room, they breezed over the situation. "So you're on a quest to save Hyrule, you guys have to be together because you claim to have to share the legendary Master Sword, which you say my husband confirms to be the real deal, and you guys now have to befriend a horse to steal it and storm a base of moblins," Tabitha summarized with crossed arms and a raised eyebrow. "Sorry to say, but this all sounds a bit crazy."

"And you're looking at a talking lizard while perfectly sober," Samba pointed out wryly.

Tabitha chuckled. "True." She got up from her chair. "Alright, I'll bite—both on this and my tongue. You behave, and your secret's safe with me," she said. "And as long as you explain it to her, too, then my niece should be okay with you, too, Blue Boy."

Samba half-eyed at the nickname while Link nodded. "Okay. Thanks, Tabitha!" the hylian smiled.

"Yeah, thanks," Samba put his paw on his neck.

Tabitha nodded, said they were welcome, and left to her post at the front desk.

"Well, here we are again," Link said, stretching on his bed. "Back at an inn, ready to sleep once more."

"Unless you wanna go out and kill stuff to get back some of our money," suggested Samba, raising an eyeridge.

Link paused. "Don't tempt me," he smirked back. Samba chuckled.

. . .

Samba didn't have any weird dreams again. After hiding in his Ring, Samba watched Link go back to the ranch. He spent the day trying to ride Epona again, to little success. He was able to ride better when (to Samba's sniggering as Link blushed nearly the whole time) Darcia came to ride behind him on her back. That evening, after feeding Link (who ate because it was polite, and he'd missed the taste of food a little), she frowned in the stable as she looked at Epona. "We've made a little progress, but he's leaving tomorrow, and she still doesn't trust you," she worried. "Why...?"

Link looked at his Rings. 'It's because of Samba,' he knew. 'But...should I...?' He looked at her.

Darcia was looking back at him. She raised an eyebrow when their eyes met. "I saw you admiring those beauties," she smirked. "Which reminds me—you never told me the REAL story behind those."

"Um...Could I tell you away from the horses?" Link asked nervously, smiling sheepishly.

'Uh-oh,' Samba thought.

Darcia laughed. "What, you think they'll go tell or die of shock from what they hear?" she asked.

"More...what they'll see," Link corrected quietly, looking around to make sure they weren't overheard.

Darcia tilted her head, frowning curiously. "See...?" She walked over until they were beside the stables, but still inside with walls around. "Okay, what is it?" she asked, Link having followed.

"You have to trust me on this," Link said slowly, then tossed Samba.

Darcia squeaked and jumped back, hitting the wall. "A lizalfos? Are you nuts?" she asked him through gritted teeth, fists squeezed together as she eyed Samba warily.

Samba planed a paw with a bemused expression.

Darcia blinked, relaxing a little. "Wait, it..." She looked at Link, who was giving her the most innocent look he could muster. She looked at Samba. "Who...are you?" she asked cautiously.

Samba nodded. "Samba, from the village of lizalfos, Jgk'hry," he introduced. He bowed his head, eyes closed, and added, "And I swear to the goddesses I won't hurt you—if you don't hurt me, that is." He opened an eye at that last bit.

Darcia raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms as a smirk slowly crawled back on her face. "Darcia, hand at Ybayba Ranch," she introduced. "So whatcha doin' with Link, Samba?"

'She's still wary,' Samba sensed. "Short and sweet, I'm part of Link's adventure. Like he said before, we're on a mission to save Hyrule."

Darcia blinked a few times, smile fading. "Okay, now that I'm seeing a talking lizalfos who's been traveling with you, Link, saying the same thing, I think I really believe you, now," she said quietly. She then frowned again. "Then why do you guys need a horse so badly?"

They briefly explained the situation with the moblins. "And it'd be nice not to have to run everywhere," Link admitted.

"It's not fair to just have me do all the legwork," Samba added. "Not as fun for either of us, either."

"But...it's obvious that you're the reason Epona doesn't trust Link," Darcia frowned at Samba. "You guys just told me you know she doesn't like lizalfos at all. She must sense you when you hide in that Ring of yours."

"Would it be better if I ran alongside her?" Samba suggested sarcastically.

"Actually, yeah, probably," Darcia pointed, raising an eyebrow. "That way she won't feel like you're trying to ride her."

Samba blinked. "So...what, you saying we should have her get used to me?" he asked, raising a skeptical eyeridge.

"Niiiiiice horsey..." Samba cooed as best he could as he inched towards Epona, who was watching him very closely. The other horses were alert, but not panicking.

The humans walked with him. Darcia smiled at Epona, hands behind her back. "It's okay, Epona, he's not like other lizalfos," she assured her.

Epona snorted skeptically.

She let him get close to her, though. "Good, now, reach slowly and try to pat her nose," Darcia instructed.

"Okay," Samba nodded nervously, and he reached up slowly. "Nice horse, I'm not gonna hurt you, I swear," he murmured. 'Don't neigh don't neigh don't neigh...'

Epona silently let his fingertips touch the hairs on her nose before promptly biting his paw.

Samba yelped and whipped his paw back, shaking it in pain and swearing in Lizalfos. Darcia and Link frowned. "Nope," Link muttered. He looked at Epona, wondering. He went over and did the same thing as Samba.

She bowed her head gently. He was able to pat her nose without a problem. With his left hand.

"So it is just Samba," Darcia observed, nodding.

Samba, looking at his fingers (that he dared not suck on, which his instincts were telling him to do), frowned. "Horses bite pretty hard," he grumbled. "And I get the feeling that doesn't mean she likes me..."

They decided to have Link ride the next day with Samba running alongside her. After Talgo left in the late afternoon, the only people really left at the ranch were Darcia and Link. "Alright, let him out," she told Link when she returned to the corral to confirm the coast was clear, Epona in tow.

"So what are we doing first?" Samba asked once solid.

"We're having Link ride Epona alone while you stand around and wait, first," Darcia informed as Link mounted Epona once more. "Alright, take her around, you know how to ride," Darcia called over, standing beside Samba as he leaned on a post, arms crossed. Link nodded and started off.

Link went around for a while, finding that Epona had no problems with him on her. "Wow, it really is Samba, isn't it?" he muttered while he took her at a trot around the corral.

Meanwhile, Darcia was talking with Samba. "So it's rare that you're blue, huh?" she asked, looking him up and down.

"Yeah, same with the big feet," he nodded, watching Link.

"Who do you get it from? Father or mother?"

"...Father."

Darcia sensed that debating pause. 'Touchy subject...?' "What's it like in Jgk'hry? Is it kinda like here, where people live in houses and go about their business peacefully?"

"Sorta," Samba shrugged. "While we do stuff you guys do—work jobs, live at home, take care of children, learn...the males often train to fight, as well, but usually more as a general skill than a specific one. We still make weapons and some armor, as is evident with me," he tapped his helmet. "But generally, only the newbies focus solely on war. I'm actually a fisherman, myself."

"A fisherman who can't swim well," added Darcia with a smirk. (Link had told her a little about Samba earlier in the day.)

Samba half-eyed at her. "Yeah, well I have to stop from laughing each time I see a human jump," he retaliated flatly.

Darcia laughed. "Sorry...What do you mean, 'newbies'?" She looked at Link again and called, "Okay, take her to a canter and try clearing some of the lower fences!"

"Got it!"

Samba continued, "To keep the pool from stagnating, we still get some new blood now and then with nomadic lizalfos coming in to mate—and pretty much getting trapped by their mate, since lizalfos usually mate for life. They're a lot more savage than those born there, like me, but they tend to calm down after only a few years. They usually live across the lake from the main village, where the elder keeps an eye on them."

"But I thought you guys were way different from nomadic lizalfos because you've been settled down for so long," Darcia frowned. "Link says you guys are a lot nicer and smarter than he'd expected."

Samba chuckled. "Well, we couldn't've lasted too long with the small handful that started out the village long ago, not without inbreeding," he pointed out. "Once we get enough different families, we could probably all start changing a lot faster without nomads coming and savaging us up again." He smirked. "Not that many of us want to be as tame as you humans; we've still got a fair taste for blood."

Darcia raised an eyebrow at this. "So you still go out sometimes to kill stuff," she guessed.

"...Yeah, pretty much," Samba admitted, and they laughed. He raised an appreciative eyeridge at her. "I see why Link's good friends with you—you're very accepting of people, yet you've still got an attitude," he noticed.

Darcia chuckled sheepishly, running a hand through her hair. "Nah, be quiet," she dismissed. "So, you guys say that you had to fight your elder and he was covered in this red crystally stuff?" she checked, watching Link a bit more. She called out to him again, "Alright, now try a gallop! Try and jump over the middling fences!"

"Right!"

Samba frowned, nodding. "That's right. He got real ticked off after I disobeyed his orders—he wanted the Master Sword for himself, to keep it from the destined hero...It also seems that a pig around here had some of that stuff, too, according to Link."

"Yeah, I didn't think that was Link who caused that stir a few days ago," Darcia commented. "I didn't see it, only heard about it. They just said this guy in green clothes took care of Big Bessie when she went berserk."

"He said that...that he was filled with so much hate..." Samba remembered quietly, brow furrowed. "And that other non-humans and monsters in Hyrule were being affected by it, too...There must be some connection to the red crystal...but..."

"Wait until you see some third example," Darcia suggested, pointing at Samba. "It's a pretty good rule of thumb; two similars can be a coincidence, three probably ain't."

"...Is 'similar' even a noun?" Samba wondered with a smirk.

Darcia chuckled, hands on hips. "If it ain't, it is, now," she declared.

Link rode around a bit at a full gallop. Epona was behaving very well. "Hey, Darcia, you think I should try to spur her on?" he called over.

Darcia looked at him and considered a moment. "...Alright, but it's your funeral if she bucks you too hard," she warned.

Link nodded and kicked his heels into Epona. She whinnied and dashed forwards. Link aimed her towards a taller fence and she sailed right over it. He whooped and slowed her down after her boost finished. "I think she's used to me!" Link called to Darcia with a grin.

"That's amazing!" Darcia shouted back, smiling. "Just remember, you can't spur her repeatedly, or she's gonna get tired—plus she still might throw you off at this point." She beckoned him over. "I'm going to have Samba follow along with you, now. Just run around the track so if she bucks, you don't fly into a fence." Link nodded and started galloping her around the corral. Darcia turned to Samba. "Okay, Blue Boy, your turn," she thumbed. "Follow alongside Link. You can run fast, right?"

Samba nodded. "Yeah; if I didn't run alongside Link all the time, I'd be getting across Hyrule a lot faster," he said. He turned and started running after Link, remembering that he couldn't dash too much, either.

Link continued to ride around. When Samba came by, they nodded to each other. Epona snorted and turned her head a bit to glance at him, but turned back forwards to keep an eye on her path. Link frowned uneasily at this. Samba ran alongside Epona, thanking the power of the Rings that he could run so much without tiring. (He wasn't going full-tilt quite yet, but he was pretty close.)

After a few moments, Epona glanced back, eying her rider. Link had barely seen the glimpse of distrust in her eyes before he was flying off. Samba skidded and ran back to Link as he picked himself up, while Epona continued around the corral, stopping by a disappointed Darcia. "What happened?" Samba frowned, dismayed. "Everything was going so well!"

"I know, but..." Link sighed, shaking his head.

"I reckon she thought you two were in cahoots," Darcia theorized when they came back over to her.

"Well, we kinda are," Samba shrugged.

Darcia held onto Epona's reins as she shook her head at the lizalfos' presence. "To hurt her?"

"...Ah." Samba sighed, drooping his upper body a little in defeat. "Let's...stop for today, shall we?" he asked, walking past.

Link and Darcia exchanged worried glances before following.

. . .

"I just don't get it," Darcia sighed at the kitchen table, face in her hands and elbows on the surface. "She knows something bad will happen if she doesn't leave, and she obviously trusts you, Link, but..."

"They'll be back tomorrow afternoon, right?" Samba asked over his shoulder. He was only in his loincloth and foot thongs and was standing at the oven, cooking dinner (beer batter fried fish, a specialty of his back home). Ever since Talgo had left, they were the only ones in the ranch, meaning Samba could walk about safely. "We could give it another shot in the morning..."

Darcia smiled and shook her head at Samba. "Thank you, Samba, but...I don't think there's any point. It'll take too long for Epona to get used to you after having a distrust for your kind all her life..."

Samba pursed his lips, ready to rebuke her, to say that he could still try, but he instead sighed, shaking his head. "You've got a point," he admitted drearily. He turned back to the oven and finished it up, then flipped the fish onto three plates. "Alright, it's all ready—deboned it and everything," he announced in weak victory. He passed his plate to his tail after making a small curl to hold it and held the other two in his paws before turning to the table.

"Thanks," Link said as his was passed over, himself sans equipment, cap, tunic, and gauntlets. (While Samba had also stripped to cook cleanly, both had taken Darcia's offer to use their bath, seeing as the Rings failed to keep them from getting dirty and sweaty.) Samba handed Darcia hers and sat down, quickly grabbing his before it fell off his tail and putting it in front of him. They ate in silence for a moment before Link raised his eyebrows. "Wow, this is really good," he complimented in surprise.

"Yeah, no kiddin'," Darcia agreed, impressed, as well. She raised an eyebrow at Samba. "That's another thing that's bothering me about this—you're so different from the big, scaly monsters that we see prowling around the field. I mean, you actually know how to cook!"

Samba chuckled and swallowed his mouthful. "Well, when your village runs primarily on fish, you kinda have to know what you're doing," he dismissed it. "Though I admit, having beer for the batter is pretty special around there—especially since it's usually guzzled by other guys before we can get any."

"You have an economy, you've got a language, you've got morals..." Darcia sighed in aggravation as she stabbed her fish with a fork. "Epona's a smart horse! She's got to be able to see that you're not like the others! But...!"

Link put a hand on hers, and she looked up, stopping her cutting. Link gave her a soothing look. "It's alright," he assured her. "At least her owner isn't going to outright abuse her, right?"

"Well...not if he's a good farmer, I don't see why he would," she admitted quietly. "I..." She looked back at her fish, finishing her sawing, speaking slowly. "I just really don't want to see her go, I guess...I'll miss her..."

Link and Samba gave each other pained faces. 'We failed,' they realized. The guilt made them feel their hearts were what Darcia stabbed, not a hunk of fish. Link remembered how he had failed to reach Betta in time to stop Ruedekul from hurting his arm, and Samba remembered how he had failed to protect his little sister from being captured...despite both boys' efforts.

"Thank you, guys," Darcia said, the two turning back to her sad smile. "But...she'll have to go. You took the time for me and tried your best, even though you're on a really important mission, and I thank you for that, but I'm sorry for everything." She paused, biting her lip. "At least...we had some fun and got to spend time together, all four of us, right?"

Link and Samba gave little smiles and nodded. "Yeah," Link agreed quietly.

"We should...see her one last time, though," Samba suggested.

Darcia nodded, looking down at her food, still smiling.

After dinner, the trio went to the stables once more. Epona was standing there in her stall. Darcia stood aside. "You two go first. I know you have to get going, so..." she offered, holding an arm out.

Link nodded and went first. He reached up, and Epona lowered her head again, letting Link touch her nose. He stroked her mane and smiled at her. "Thank you for trusting in me, Epona," he said, "and I'm sorry that...that we couldn't help you. I hope you'll have a nice, safe life, at least...So...um...bye..." He stepped back after softly looking in her eyes once more.

Samba stepped over, and Epona was immediately on edge. Samba looked down, taking a deep breath, trying to relax. (Darcia had given them pointers throughout the whole ordeal, such as no hard eye contact and relaxed posture.) He looked at her, trying not to make eye contact (he thought he couldn't possibly soften his eyes enough), and smiled without opening his mouth. "I'm...I'm sorry, Epona," he said as gently as he could. "I..." He looked away again. "I've been giving you hell these past few days...even without meaning it. It's all my fault that...that you can't run free...because Link has to stay together with me." He clenched a fist. "If only I were human...or some other beast...anything but a lizalfos." He took another deep breath and relaxed himself again, then looked back up. He tried to slowly pat her nose...and as soon as he touched it, she nipped his fingers again. He winced and pulled back, shaking his paw, but smiled a little at her. "Good-bye...And I hope you don't have to see any of us again." He stepped back over to Link.

Darcia went over and stroked her beautiful white mane again, eyes starting to glisten. "Epona...I know you want to run free, to be a good riding horse, but...it looks like that's not going to happen...and for that, I'm sorry. But I'm so happy that you trust another person enough to let him ride you—even if it's just him alone. Thank you." She sighed, looking down. "Guys...will I see you in the morning? At least you, Link?" she asked quietly.

Link and Samba looked at each other, then nodded. "Yeah, we'll come," Link answered.

"Thanks." She faced away from them. Samba caught a couple glints of light falling down by her legs. "I...hope you sleep well tonight."

"You too," Samba bade gently. "Good-night..."

"Night, guys..." she whispered.

They gave one last forlorn gaze at Epona and Darcia before solemnly turning and walking out. Link and Samba looked at each other in pain again, worse than before.

They were rounding the corner of the stable (the exit was behind it) when they suddenly heard a soft, beautiful voice singing.

"Ooo-ooo-oooooo...ooo-ooo-oooooo...ooo-ooo-oooooo-oooooo-ooooooooo..."

They stopped and blinked, trying to listen for its source, and raised their eyebrows/-ridges when they realized it was from the stable. They crept over to the window and peeked in. There, they saw Darcia standing and singing to Epona, tears slowly running down her face. Epona looked calmer than they'd ever seen her. She affectionately nuzzled Darcia as she sang, making her laugh through a line.

Link and Samba blinked for a moment, then looked at each other. "You thinking what I'm thinking?" Link whispered.

"That Epona likes that song?" Samba checked, whispering back.

"Ee-yup." 'Close enough...' The two crouched and listened as carefully as they could to the soothing, mellow song. '...because I was more thinking how familiar that sounds...' After it finished, they peeked through the window again to see Darcia hug Epona, tears coming freely. They saw her whisper a good-night to Epona before leaving, extinguishing the lights in the stable. Link and Samba got up, Samba hiding, and Link ran back to his room, both humming the tune over and over again.

Link was so hasty in trying to get back to the room and focused on remembering the song that he didn't watch where he was going. As he ran into the inn, he slammed head-first into a middle-aged man who was just walking out. "Oof! Hey, watch where you're going, kid!" he grumped as he stumbled back.

Link caught himself on the door frame and hastily apologized, "Sorry! I was in a hurry, and—"

"What is it with you young people and running around everywhere these days?" the man interrupted, hands on hips, speaking somewhat slowly. "Why, when I was your age, I knew a little thing called 'patience'. Guess they don't teach it to the young'ns like they used to." Link opened his mouth to reply, but the man drove on. "I'm just trying to get over to the tavern before it closes, and some upstart comes barging in like his fool rump's on fire and bowls me over! Now, I don't know what it is, and I don't care, but you oughtta be ashamed of yourself, makin' a fool of yourself, runnin' around like that. You should take a page from yer old man's book and loosen up a little, slow down. Now if you'll excuse me..." Link stood aside while the man walked out, grumbling to himself.

Link frowned, then sighed and ran upstairs—more carefully this time. He finally got to his room, closed and locked the door, and let out Samba. "Okay, let's get this down before we forget it," Samba said, whipping out his guitar.

"Right!" Link got out his ocarina and tried to remember the song. "Let's see, it went like...um..." He stood for a moment before blinking, horror dawning on his face. "You remember it, right?"

"What? I...uh...thought you did..." Samba blinked back.

They both blinked for a moment before cursing loudly. "Stupid old man made us forget the thing!" Link growled, slamming his fist on the wall behind him.

Samba sighed with some growl himself, walking over to sit at his own bed. "I barely remember any of it," he said, "but I know it's not the whole thing..."

Link sat on his bed, brow furrowed. "Damn...And the thing is, that song sounds familiar to me..." He closed his eyes and thought as hard as he could. "Why...?"

He couldn't quite recall the notes yet, so he worked on memories of the singer—Darcia. He thought hard...

"Hey, Mama's trying to teach me a song she knows," Darcia said one day. She was very young.

"Cool! Sing it!" Link coaxed, young himself.

"Alright, but...uh...I just remember the first few notes of the song..." She took a deep breath, then sang them out to him—two sets of three descending notes: Do-la-sol...do-la-sol...

Link replayed the notes in his head as he shifted back to the present, ocarina to his lips. He found the starting note after blowing very quietly, then slowly went down them, one by one. Too-too-toooo...too-too-tooooo...

Samba raised his eyeridges at this and readjusted his position with the guitar. 'That...sounds right!' he thought.

Link had the same thought, too, and remembered what came next...just the next two measures, though. He played the first four measures through again, and then again, trying to remember more. Samba quietly plucked the melody with him his second time through. As he did, though, Link remembered the next four measures, and went on. Samba followed along as he repeated them again, reading the expression on Link's face as, "There's still more, but...what?" Their excitement was growing but pushing against a frustrating wall of memory.

Then, suddenly, as Link repeated the melody's first four measures again, Samba widened his eyes, recalling the consequent. He plucked louder when they got to the next four measures, and Link stopped when he heard this. Samba looked at Link, and the two knew they both remembered right...and were remembering more, feeling the notes engrave themselves into their minds, like how Zelda's Lullaby and the Song of Penitence had.

They played the melody through together. The two only went through the A part of the melody, which was all they'd worked on so far, but that was enough. The looked at each other, then their instruments, smiling in excitement and hope.

Link and Samba had just learned Epona's Song.

"You thinking what I'm thinking?" Samba asked Link, smiling determinedly.

"That we should give it one last shot tomorrow?" Link checked.

"Ee-yup."

. . .

"Oh! You really did come back!" Darcia started as she saw Link trot down to the ranch the next morning. She smiled sweetly. "Come to see her off, huh?"

Link, giving a determined smile while he tossed Samba, shook his head. "Nope," he replied.

Samba grinned. "We're here to give it one more shot," he corrected.

Darcia blinked, then sighed and shook her head sadly, smiling. "I know you guys worked hard to do this, but...I don't think it'd be worth it...Though...well, I gotta get her out, anyway..." She went into the stable again. When she got out, she saw Link and Samba talking to each other, nodding. She raised an eyebrow. "What are you two planning?" she asked suspiciously.

"You'll see," Link said, going to Epona. "C'mon, Epona, let's have one last run around!" He set her off around the corral again. After a little while, he called to Samba to join him.

And just like last time, Epona threw off Link a few moments after Samba came up. (Samba caught his friend this time, though—only to land on his back from his weight.) Link and Samba seemed unfazed, however, as they got up and nodded to each other.

Darcia sighed. "It is hopeless," she despaired, sagging her shoulders. "At least she got to have one more run..." She looked up again as Epona came over...and saw Samba whip out his guitar. She blinked. "What in the world...?"

Link watched Samba while the lizalfos nodded a couple times, then Samba started to play a familiar, mellow progression on his guitar. Two measures later, Link came in, playing Epona's Song. Upon hearing the first three notes, Darcia's eyes widened, and Epona blinked. Link played the first eight measures while Samba accompanied, then they switched, Link going as low as he could and playing the roots of the chords. They did the same when they went into the B section of the song (easier on Link for accompaniment since it was arpeggios).

As she heard this, Epona slowly turned around and looked at them. Darcia stood there, jaw dropping as they went into the second part of the song, playing perfectly. As they returned to the first part, Epona began to slowly clop over to them. The second time through the A section, they both played the melody, Samba playing accompaniment parts only on the long notes. After finishing that, Samba played the introduction again, Link playing a little descending part on the ocarina. Samba proceeded to the melody again, playing only the first four bars (accompanying the long notes again), before finishing with a slowly-strummed, six-stringed ending I chord, looking up as he did. Epona was standing there, looking at him carefully. He looked back with relaxed, soft eyes.

Epona stayed there, looking at him for a moment. She turned her head to Link, looking at him. Then she turned back to Samba. And then, after a long second, she bowed her head. Samba calmly reached up and patted her nose.

She didn't bite him.

Samba smiled. 'Third time's the charm,' he thought as he stroked her mane gently. "Attagirl," he whispered. "Attagirl."

Darcia walked over, jaw still dropped and eyes still wide, utterly stunned. "I...I..." she stammered when she got near. Link and Samba looked at her, smiling. "I don't believe this...!" She frowned and pointed at them. "Don't just stand there smiling like a couple idiots! Tell me what you guys did! I thought I was the only one who knew that song—I'm the only one my mother taught it to!"

They explained that they had overheard her singing to Epona and saw the effect it had on her, and so decided to learn it themselves, using Link's memories of when Darcia had sung part of it for him long ago.

Darcia stood, amazed and amused, jaw open and smiling. Epona happily munched some grass by her hooves beside her. "You know, Link," she finally said, hand on her hip, "you've always done just the stupidest, craziest stuff, and yet I'm amazed each and every time. I really should've seen something like this coming."

Link chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck.

Darcia smiled resolutely, holding up a fist. "Well, then, what're we waiting for?" she asked. "They could be back any minute, now! We gotta try this one more time!" She looked at Epona. "Ready, Epona?"

Epona gave a whinny.

Link nodded and got on her once more. He took her around a lap, and then Samba came running alongside the next lap. Darcia watched as they went, holding her breath and praying to the goddesses. Every hoof beat was a century while they ran around the corral. They went...and went...and went...

And completed a whole lap.

Link looked between Epona and Samba, then down at Samba, smiling excitedly. Then they went and did the fence course. Whenever Link spurred Epona, Samba dashed with. Horse and lizalfos cleared the highest fences in the area with mighty, majestic bounds. They went around one lap of the course before Link pulled Epona to a halt by Darcia, Samba skidding to a stop beside him. Epona reared and neighed—but didn't buck. She landed and stood calmly. Link swore he could feel her heart thumping between his feet.

Darcia jumped and whooped, completely overjoyed. "I can't believe it! She's used to you! She's used to both of you!" she cheered. She ran over to Samba and hugged him suddenly, starting to cry with happiness. "You did it, you guys did it!"

Samba blushed at her hug and awkwardly returned it, patting her on the back with a sheepish smile. "Y-Yeah, I guess we did," he said.

Darcia drew back from Samba, saw his expression, and giggled. "Sorry, but Link was kinda high up for me," she reasoned. She tilted her head, smirking. "You act like you've never been hugged by a girl before."

"W-Well, my mother and sister, yes, b-b-but not...a human...of any gender," Samba stuttered, looking at himself. "It felt...warm."

Darcia giggled, smiling at him. Link looked at Samba, smirking. "Okay, lover-Blue-Boy, get in the Ring and we'll see how she is when you're in it," he instructed.

"Right! We gotta ride outta town safe and sound, of course," Samba nodded, hiding.

Epona gave a surprised neigh when she felt Samba in Link's Ring. Link patted the side of her neck. "Hey, don't worry, you know he's a friend," he soothed. Epona snorted and appeared to calm down.

"Alright, take her around again," Darcia said. Link did so. He discovered that Epona allowed for less consecutive boosts of speed via spurrings when Samba was in his Ring, but otherwise obeyed him just as closely. When he slowed her to a halt beside Darcia, she pumped her fist in the air. "Allllright, looks like we're home-free, guys!" she crowed.

Epona, who had been starting to graze again, suddenly perked her ears and looked up, alert. Link and Darcia noticed and looked where she did—the ranch gate. They heard faint, but growing clopping. Darcia gasped and Link bit his lip. "Oh, crud, they're back!"

Riding through the gate on a pair of brown horses were two strong men. One was a tall, black-haired, brown-eyed man with a goatee in a white short-sleeved tunic and brown overalls, the Ybayba Ranch emblem branded on its large front chest pocket. Behind him was a stouter man with brown hair and green eyes, a ridiculously large mustache that covered his mouth, and a pair of blue overalls. He had no shirt on beneath, revealing his downright bushy armpits, to the youths' disgust. Both men had brown boots.

Darcia gulped. "Papa, and the farmer," she muttered nervously, moving out of the corral. Link directed Epona to follow.

It wasn't long before Talgo spotted his daughter and Link on Epona. "Howdy, Darcia!" he hailed in a deep voice, smiling. "Who's that brave gentleman come to help take Epona back with Jovas here? Is that Link?" (He had seen him before over the few days, but just assumed he had come to visit Darcia.)

Darcia shook her head, long hair flopping about. "It's Link, but he's not going to help take Epona back...at least, not with Mr. Jovas," she answered bravely, crossing her arms.

Talgo frowned. He stopped and dismounted his horse. "Come again?" he asked slowly.

"Epona's chosen her rider, Papa," Darcia declared, showing Link with her arms, smiling. "There's no need to sell her off like this anymore."

Talgo widened his eyes. "W-What?" he blinked. "But she's never let anyone ride her! Nobody except you and my brother!"

"Well, that's changed," Darcia nodded matter-of-factly. She looked at the farmer as he dismounted a little clumsily. "I'm sorry, Mr. Jovas, but you'll have to look at one of our other fine horses."

Meanwhile, Talgo's face was slowly turning red, face contorting. Link raised his eyebrows. "I've never seen him this mad," he muttered.

'I've got a bad feeling about this,' Samba thought tensely.

Darcia looked back at her father and raised her eyebrows. "Uh...I—" she began.

"WHAAAAAT?" Talgo exploded, waving his big arms to his sides. He stormed over to Darcia, showing himself to be a bit taller than her. His fists were balled. "What the hell do you think you're trying to pull, huh?" he roared in her face. Darcia cowered a bit, looking both scared and confused. Talgo held a hand out in Jovas' direction. "I went all the way to Castle Town to meet him, and he came all the way from Labrynna, all to buy this horse! And now you're saying I can't sell my own horse?"

Darcia shook her head and frowned back, crossing her arms. "She's not your horse! She's the ranch's! You know that!" she protested. "You also told me that the only reason you did this was because nobody would ride her. But now she's got one! I thought you'd be at least a little happy!"

"HAPPY!" Talgo repeated, shoving his face into hers and causing her to take a step back. "I'm furious! You're trying to ruin our chance of getting a lot of money! And we need that money!"

Darcia blanched. "We—Money?" she gasped. "Since when was this ranch about money?"

"Since when was any business not about money?" reasoned the whiny-voiced Jovas, crossing his arms and glaring at her. "Look—I'm buyin' that horse, whether you like it or not, miss! I was lookin' forward to this! And besides, don't think I didn't know what all I was gettin' into, here..." He smirked and cracked his knuckles. "There's always a way to break a horse."

Darcia stepped back from the farmer. "Wh...I don't like what you're implying, sir..." she said quietly. She looked between the two men glowering at her, then narrowed her gaze resolutely. She whipped her head to look at Link. "Link! Jump the fence around the ranch! I know she can do it—she's done it before—just run at it full-tilt! GO!"

Link nodded and turned Epona around, shouting as he started her off.

"GET BACK HERE, YOU THEIF!" screamed Talgo, starting to run after him, the farmer following.

Samba took the chance to come out of his Ring as his ball of light form and looked back from in front of Link. "What the...?" he murmured. 'Is that my reflection in their eyes, or...?'

"Get back inside!" Link hissed, slapping Samba back in.

Darcia dashed and skidded in front of them, arms held out, blocking them. "Ain't no one gonna deny that horse her freedom!" she asserted darkly.

Link aimed as head-on as he could towards the tall, wall-like fence before starting to spur her as much as he could. The wind was whistling in his ears, and he was surprised his cap wasn't flying off. As they neared the fence, Epona neighed and took the biggest bound Link had ever seen a normal animal do.

As they sailed over, only one of the three caught the sound of a smack.

The two men ran to their horses, mounting them, while Darcia fell to the ground, a large bruise on her cheek.

"Damn!" Talgo cursed as his horse, without direction, skidded to a halt to prevent slamming into the wall. "It's too high for our horses!"

"It's all her fault!" Jovas pointed at Darcia, who was getting up with a groan. They turned around to her...

Meanwhile, outside the ranch, Link and Epona landed and trotted off the momentum on the other side, slowing to a halt in the field (the ranch was on the edge of town). Link, heart still pounding, grinned and patted Epona's neck. "Good girl!" he praised.

Epona neighed and shook her head, treading the ground beneath her nervously.

Link frowned. "What's wrong?" he asked.

Samba came out again. "Darcia's obviously still in trouble!" he pointed out. "Something must have happened to her—Epona's got a strong link with her, so she probably feels it more than we do!" He floated up a bit, looking back at the fence. "I swear I saw those guys' eyes glowing red, too..."

Link gritted his teeth. "And they're probably on horseback, otherwise she'd be able to fend for herself—C'mon, Epona!" he called, rearing her around and starting her galloping back into town.

Samba flew along as fast as he could. "Link! Throw me as soon as we get there!" he instructed.

"Right!"

Back at the ranch, Darcia was on the ground, being cornered by the two men. "Wh-What has gotten into you, Papa?" she asked, scared.

Suddenly, Jovas yipped and slapped his rump. "Who's got the slingshot?" he roared, whipping around. He shouted as a pebble came and smacked him square in the forehead.

Samba growled, drawing his sword. "No one, just one heckuva arm!" he answered. He waved his sword and started running past them. "Catch me if you can, ya puny humans!" he jeered.

"Why you—AFTER HIM!" Jovas ordered, and the men dashed after.

Epona jumped the closed main gate (lower than the surrounding fence) and rode over to Darcia, slowing down. Link jumped off her and landed by his friend. "Link...?" Darcia blinked in surprise. "I thought I told you to—"

"Shut up, get on," Link ordered shortly, helping her up. Darcia nodded and got on Epona. Link remounted her.

Samba, having ditched his pursuers easily, ran over. "Alright, let's scram!" he waved.

Jovas growled, reaching into his pocket. "Oh, no, you don't!" he cried before tossing a bottle at the main fence. In an instant, the entire fence was alight!

Epona, who had been galloping to the gate again, neighed in fright and skidded when the fire swept over it. Darcia hugged Link while he held on as Epona reared and turned around. "What's wrong?" Link asked.

"Like most folks, Epona's got an aversion to fire! She won't jump it!" Darcia answered.

Samba growled. "Great, that means..." He turned to the two men.

They were surrounded in a malevolent red glow...and not from the fire. They both drew short swords, eyes gleaming scarlet as they glared at them.

"What in Hyrule...?" Darcia whispered, confused.

Link and Samba narrowed their gaze and nodded to each other. "I'll knock them off, you grab them and take care of their crystals," Link told Samba.

"Right," the lizalfos nodded. Link drew his sword while Samba readied his buckler.

Darcia gulped. "A-Alright, be careful...You know how to fight on horseback, right, Link?" she checked. Link froze. She patted him on the shoulder. "It's just like fighting on land! Just—be careful not to hit Epona!" Link nodded and reared Epona before starting off into battle.

Link made sure he held the Master Sword so that the flat would hit, not the edge. Samba ran a perimeter around them, careful not to get hurt, but close enough to close in and catch one of them. Link couldn't block well on horseback, so he got hurt a couple times by the swords. Darcia ducked down to keep from getting hurt when this happened. However, Link was able to smack Talgo thrice total. The third time, he yelled and fell off his horse, fainting.

"Gotcha!" Samba dived and grabbed him before he hit the ground head-first. "Keep riding, Link!" he instructed while he examined the body. He soon found the source of the problem after partly removing some clothes. "The back!" he exclaimed as he saw a small, clear red gem sticking out of his back. He didn't want to risk flaying him with his sword, so he stood back and fired a pair of Fire Pebbles at it. It shattered, and the glow around Talgo dissipated. "Great!" he nodded, hurriedly pushing Talgo's clothes back into place before looking up. "Alright, get the farmer, now!" he called.

Link nodded and turned around, smacking Jovas in the back. He got hit another time, but Link managed to strike Jovas twice more. He was off his horse, groaning in pain as he lost consciousness, as well. Samba grabbed him and turned him around, too, undoing his overalls enough to reveal the gem. Two more Fire Pebbles, and the gem shattered, Jovas' glow fading, too. "GOT 'EM!" Samba crowed, pumping his fist.

The magic fire around the ranch died down, leaving the wood unharmed. Link and Darcia rode over to the gate and stopped, looking at them. Samba dragged the two men over before stopping and squatting, looking at them with a waiting, half-eyed expression.

A few moments later, they stirred and groaned. "Uuuugh...I feel like I've been trampled..." Talgo grumbled, pushing himself up.

"I feel like I been plowed, is what I feel," Jovas mumbled, getting a foot under him.

"Yep, sounds like you're back," Samba said. The two men looked up and yelped, freezing. Samba, giving a wry smile, held a paw up. "Yo."

The men blinked as they realized he can talk. "It's okay, guys," Darcia called, getting off of Epona and trotting over, smiling in relief. "He's a friend."

Talgo stood up, Jovas doing the same. Samba stood as well. "Darcia! Why are you bruised?" the rancher asked, concern in his voice and face.

"And what the heck happened?" Jovas asked, scratching his head. "I think I gots welts on my person..."

Link had Epona step over then. Talgo looked at them and raised his eyebrows. "Wow! Is that really you, Link? I didn't know Epona liked someone other than family members!" he laughed. Suddenly, he gasped, eyes widening.

"What is it, Papa?" Darcia asked, looking at his face.

"I..." Talgo grimaced bitterly, looking down at his fists. "I remember..."

Jovas had the same look of horror on his face as he saw one of their short swords on the ground. "Me, too..." he muttered.

Link and Samba looked at each other, recognizing what they were seeing, and nodded. Link got off Epona while Talgo covered his face in shame. "Talgo," Samba said softly, walking to him.

Suddenly, Talgo uncovered his face to reveal a smile, stopping Samba. "Wait! I'm okay, now!" he said happily. "I don't feel so angry anymore!" He sighed, then turned to the farmer. "Jovas, I'm sorry, but...Epona's not for sale anymore. I know you came all this way, but I promised that if she chose a rider, I wouldn't sell her away like this," he apologized. He bowed briefly. "Please forgive me for all this trouble."

Jovas smiled and shook his head. "Not a problem," he said. "I actually have been visiting here for a week or so, myself—got relatives here. It ain't like I came all the way from Labrynna just to buy a horse nobody can tame. And hey, I get to keep all that money for meself, now!"

Talgo shook Jovas' hand, thanking him, then turned to his daughter. "Darcia, I'm so sorry for hitting you!" he squeaked as he held his hands and frowned like a bad puppy, guilt dripping off his words. "I would never hit you in my life, ever, but I—" He gesticulated to himself. "—I-I just felt all this...this anger, and I've been feeling it for a long time, now...I just don't know what came over me."

"Same here," Jovas nodded, frowning. "I just...I just couldn't see anything but the infuriating worst in people and things..."

"Well, let's just get you home, Jovas," Talgo said, turning to him. He looked at Link. "And you, boy...You brought us to our senses, didn't you?" Link put a hand on the back of his neck. Talgo smiled and nodded. "Tell ya what—in thanks for saving our sanity, I'll letcha have Epona for free. You want her, right?"

Link smiled in joy. "Yes, thank you, sir," he nodded gratefully.

"You hear that, Epona? You'll get to go on an adventure!" giggled Darcia to the horse. Epona continued to graze, long since sensing all was well again.

"Alright, c'mon, now," Talgo beckoned to Jovas. He whistled, and their horses came back. "Time to saddle up! I'll be back soon, Darcia!" he called over his shoulder to her.

"Should we tell them?" Samba asked Link quietly.

"No, not yet," Link shook his head.

"It was because of those crystals, wasn't it?" Darcia guessed when the men had left. She raised an eyebrow. "First Big Bessie, then the lizalfos chief, and now my father and a potential customer..."

"And we're also suspecting the goron chief," Samba added, nodding. "Yeah—I think they've got something to do with the whole saving Hyrule thing we've got."

Darcia furrowed her brow, thinking for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah. You guys have no idea how thankful I am for this, and I think I'm going to have to thank you even more once this is over," she said, smirking. "But go on—you've gotta save your village, right, Link?"

Link started, raising his eyebrows. "I almost forgot!" He looked at Epona and smiled, nodding. "Yeah. We'd better get going—we've got a lot of ground to cover!" He bowed briefly. "Thank you so much, yourself, Darcia. We'll see you again!"

"Yeah, thanks. We'll keep you updated, just as long as you don't scare anyone else with the news," Samba added, smirking.

Darcia smiled. "Thanks. And I will, don't worry," she promised. "Oh! Almost forgot, myself," she added. "You guys can play Epona's Song in the field whenever you need her. She'll hear it and come running."

Link mounted Epona and turned her to the main fence again, thanking Darcia for the information. Samba hid in his Ring, then floated out again. "Bye!" they called to Darcia as they started to ride off.

Darcia giggled and waved. "Y'all come back, now, ya hear?" she called back.

Link laughed before focusing ahead again. "C'mon, one more time, let's do this right!" he encouraged Epona, spurring her.

Once again, they soared over the fence and landed on the other side. Once there, Epona came to a halt and reared, neighing. When she landed again, Link patted her vigorously on the side of the neck. "Gooood giiiirrrll!" he praised again.

"Alright, let's get moving," Samba said after being let out from his Ring. "We've got a lot of ground to cover and a lot of daylight left!"

"You got it! C'mon, Epona, to Kochyrae!" Link smiled, and the three were off, heading down the path to Link's home once more, faster than ever before.

. . .

omake

. . .

*Krungratrg and Anjoltvrya are in Entrance Hall, looking at the white marble statues among the black, amorphous ones, around the dais. As hinted by Anjoltvrya two chapters ago, they are indeed scale models of their former selves—their forms as bosses.*

Krungratrg: *crouching down to inspect his, frowning; it's of his second form* Aw, come on! Why did they pick that form? My final one looked so much cooler!

Anjoltvrya: *smirks at him, crossing arms; her former self's form is the first one* Hey, at least it isn't your first form. Weren't you basically a wall for most of that time?

Krungratrg: *raises eyebrow, smirking back* I was an entire cave, kitten, not just a wall!

Ruedekul: *walks up* What, may I ask, are you all doing?

Anjoltvrya: *turns to him* Looking at our former selves. You look like you got the worst end of the deal, being stuck as a tree. And did you really look that ugly? *chuckles playfully*

Ruedekul: *humphs and crosses arms* No worse than either of you. At least I was still a living thing. Now, we shouldn't dilly-dally around here; the Knights of Dualty might return at any given moment, and, well...*looks at Krungratrg, sweatdropping*...one of us is sort of blocking their entrance...

Krungratrg: *snorts, rolling his eyes* Sheesh, quit beatin' around yourself and call me fat, already...*gets up and leaves, anyway, Anjoltvrya following*

Ruedekul: *looks at his former self, too* ...Did I really look that ugly?...

. . .

Damn, over a YEAR? YIKES! The worst part is I've considered abandoning this fic—it doesn't have that good of a story, to me, and the dungeons take too much work (a main reason I stalled this long was because I didn't know how to even begin planning the dungeon; I've decided to use a different dungeon, which should be easier, partly to get this going and partly to avoid getting a certain Disk One Nuke item...). But I've gotten this far, so I might as well keep going. It'll be long, given I've got college and all, but as Darcia says, "Y'all come back, now, ya hear?"

In the meantime, read Slightly Damned! I'm actually a voice actor for the Radio Play, going to be in episode 4 when it's released.

And yes, I got back to this right after beating Skyward Sword, and, yes, I'm super-glad about a few things in that story that will help this one out a LOT. ;3