To Sheikah Ninja: My life has gotten a bit hectic right now, I'm barely keeping up with my own story. Afterward sure, I'd love to read and review your stories!
To Emperor Celest: Hey, if I were him. I'd have been way more colorful with the swearing, since those stalfos quite literally ruined his day. Though I do understand everyone is entitled to their own personal opinion. I just thought he'd be the kind of person to be pissed enough to curse to the extreme when faced with the source of his problem.
For the few people who might be wondering what breed of cat Seshat is, she's an Egyptian Mau.
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"Are we there yet?" whined Talo as he slumped over Epona's neck. Beth just rolled her eyes from behind him.
"For the last time Talo, no we're not there yet. Asking me every five minutes will not help us go any faster," grumbled Link.
They'd been traveling for hours. The sun was high above them now. Is heat beating down on them. Colin seemed to focus on putting one foot in front of the other. Malo looked ready to drop any moment. Nothing but sheer determination and the knowledge that his brother would never let him hear the end of it kept the small boy going.
Link patted the white stallion's neck to calm him when his ears lifted up nervously when a sound startled him. Link guessed the horse finally decided that he wasn't a threat to him because he had stopped watching his every move and let him walk next to him about an hour into their journey.
As much as Link wanted to just sling Sheik over the stallion's back, he didn't trust his skill to handle the horse for such a task yet. With his luck, the stallion would startle and take off with his unconscious rider. That is not something Link wanted to deal with. Especially with Epona already looking ready to make a nice imprint of her hoof on his back side for making her put up with the mane-tugging and side-kicks from her unwanted riders.
Seshat was only one that seemed perfectly fine with current events. Laying comfortably on the stallion's back, watching the few birds flying above her.
Sheik sure has an interesting pair of pets.
Link noticed them nearing the short bridge that stood just outside of Kakariko Village.
Thank Din…my arm is killing me.
"Alright guys, we're almost there," said Link. He chuckled when Talo shot up from his slumped position and almost knocked heads with Beth.
Link suddenly remembered something when they approached the gates of Kakariko.
"Malo, where's my slingshot?" asked Link. He peered back at the small child who was dragging his feet beside Colin. Malo looked up, surprised.
"Why would you ask me?" asked Malo. He suddenly rubbed his other arm with his knuckles, a habit Link noticed he does when he's nervous.
"I noticed it missing when I got my stuff. I also remember you using one," replied Link.
"I could have been using my own slingshot." mumbled Malo as he turned his head toward the side to hide his face.
"I might have believed that if it hadn't been for Talo's little mishap a month ago," snickered Link. Malo faced Link again and was about to respond, but Talo interrupted him with a "harrumph".
"That was bogus! I finally get my own slingshot and then they take it away just because I accidentally hit Link, the cat! Saying "we kids shouldn't have these things"? That's totally not fair!" exclaimed Talo as they passed the gates of Kakariko. The white stallion suddenly stopped and refused to go any farther. He peered suspiciously at the narrow dirt path past the gates. Seshat leapt off his back and once again stayed glued to Link's side.
"Yes…you accidentally hit him when he was two feet in front of you…in Colin's arms…" muttered Malo as he gave his older brother a dull look. Talo gave him a dirty glare so Link jumped into their conversation before a fight could break out.
"None of that guys. Just go into town without a fuss please," said Link sternly. He turned to give the stallion an exasperated look of frustration. It went unnoticed as the stallion still eyed the way forward suspiciously, like predators awaited just around the corner.
I can't just leave him out here. I guess I'll have to come back and get him once I drop Sheik off.
He tied the lead rope around the stallion's neck so he wouldn't trip on it and then turned to join the others.
I would tie him to the gate but who knows what is still out here…don't want him trapped when he is vulnerable.
"So, Malo? What happened to it?" asked Link again. The youngest child finally let out a long sigh.
"Alright, fine. We were sent to stay with you when Rusl came running back to the village being chased by those monsters. You weren't there, but those armored skeleton's were. While my brother and Colin distracted them, I tried to find something more useful then those toy sword's we'd grabbed on the way there. Found those metal claw gadgets that were in your dresser but I couldn't even hold them upright let alone use them. So, I tossed them on the table and went back for something that I could use…it ended up being the slingshot. These green monsters with clubs cornered us but I squeezed passed and climbed on the ledge above and just shot as many as I could…one thing led to another and I dropped it in the water where we were fighting. Then we were tied up and pushed next to that bonfire…and…." Malo just stopped and looked away. Link looked sadly down at the small boy who was trying to keep his composure.
"It's alright Malo. I'm just glad you're safe, and you're going to stay that way alright? All of you are," replied Link with as much confidence as he could. He wanted to give some sort of comfort to the distraught child but Malo was never the touchy-feely type so this was the best way he could think of. Talo and Beth were strangely silent through Malo's story, while Colin gave Malo an encouraging smile that looked on the verge of crumbling. They were just as affected by the events as Malo was.
"Ok." mumbled Malo as they entered the village.
Link recognized the familiar long brown poncho covering the form of Kakariko's shaman. The man's long dark hair blew gently in the breeze as he stood still, his fingers laced lightly behind his back and gazed out toward Eldin's Spring. Link waved to the other man once the shaman noticed them approach.
"Renado! Man, you are a sight for sore eyes my friend. We really need your help." Said Link as the shaman waved back. Renado paused as his gaze narrowed at the ruined and bloody state of his tunic and then moved to the sheikah slumped over his shoulder.
"What happened?" asked Renado worriedly as he opened his arms wide when Colin came running up to hug him. Talo and Beth tried getting off of Epona at the same time but they ended up tumbling to the ground and landed on top of each other.
Epona just snorted in amusement and then trotted over to the spring.
"This is Sheik. He's been knocked out since we left Ordon. Not entirely sure what caused it but it probably has something to do with how much he'd been teleporting today. Can you help him?" asked Link as he turned toward his left side to give Renado a better look at his unconscious savior.
Hopefully Renado knows what teleporting means. I wouldn't know how to explain it other then it was a magical means of travel.
The shaman brought his hand up and scratched his chin. He ran a critical eye along what he could see but did not spot anything that required immediate attention. He reached out to gently lift Sheik's head, brushing his long blonde bangs aside to get a closer look at his half covered face. After peeling an eyelid back his eyes widened. He leaned over and noticed the weeping red eye symbol on the front of Sheik's tabard.
"A sheikah? It's been quite some time since I've seen one of them…" muttered Renado curiously. He raised an eyebrow when he noticed Link curiously trying to peer over his own shoulder when it looked like Renado was going reveal Sheik's face.
"I've never treated a sheikah before. They are a rather introverted race, but I'll try my best," said Renado as he took Sheik gently from Link. The hero looked disappointed but didn't follow when the shaman headed to his hut and disappeared inside. Seshat followed the shaman, staying faithfully near her owner's side.
Link rubbed his left shoulder to try and to get some feeling back into it.
Wow…that was a lot harder than I thought it would be. At least Sheik's getting some help now.
Link turned to the children. They seemed to look around, not really knowing what to do.
"You guys go get some rest at the hotel alright? Or stay with Renado, but don't leave town got it?" said Link sternly. They all nodded and left, looking more then happy at the prospect of a nap somewhere warm and safe. Colin watched them leave but then turned back to Link.
"What are you going to do Link?" asked Colin as he walked up to stand by his side. Link sighed tiredly and glanced back toward the entrance to Kakariko.
"I've got to get Sheik's stubborn horse. I'm sure he'll stay with Epona in the spring, but I've just got to get him there," said Link.
"Can I help?" asked Colin. Link ruffled his hair, but shook his head.
"No, Colin. This horse isn't mine and I can't have you getting hurt. Just hang out with everyone else, ok? I'll catch up with you later." replied Link with a smile. Colin nodded and then gave Link a quick hug before running off to join the others.
Link sighed tiredly again.
Man…this has been a long day.
The hero rubbed his hands together as he walked back toward the southern exit of town, intent on finding Sheik's stubborn horse.
Once he reached the gates, he was surprised that the stallion wasn't anywhere nearby.
Where the hell did he go?
Link strode farther out into the field and squinted in an effort to spot the stallion. He suddenly spotted movement on the opposite side of the bridge. Something on top of the far hill with a single tree.
He scowled once he realized it was just a bulblin riding a bullbo. It was waving its club around wildly but that wasn't exactly abnormal behavior. Rolling his eyes while cursing, Link approached the bridge but he stops when he hears a familiar neigh. Spinning toward the sound, Link saw the white stallion galloping along the edge of the cliff side on the other side of the bridge being chased by that same bulblin and his bullbo.
Link immediately started to sprint across the bridge while fishing around in his adventure pouch for one of his Clawshots.
If I still had use of my right arm, I'd just blast those suckers with bomb arrows…this will have to do.
He began to climb the hillside but tensed when another familiar sound reached his ears. He quickly jumped back, narrowly missing being shot with an ignited arrow. Looking toward where it came from, Link saw another bulblin riding a bullbo. The creature nocked another arrow but it seemed more concerned with helping its partner trap the stallion then dealing with Link. Taking aim only when he got close.
Link threw himself to the side as another arrow went whizzing passed him.
Perfect…no wonder he wasn't just standing there. Poor guy didn't want to become somebody's next meal.
Link kept low but panicked when the bulblin archer suddenly abandoned him in favor of joining his comrade in taking down the stallion.
The white stallion was fast. Link had to admit that, but it couldn't keep avoiding those arrows for long. Thinking fast, Link put his Clawshot away and dug out his Gale Boomerang instead. He bolted out into the open and headed straight for the bulblin archer.
It noticed him almost immediately. A scowl drew across its face, like Link was the one being a hindrance. Which to be fair, he kinda was. These guys were at the very bottom of Link's shit list, but on it they still were. They might only be trying to get a meal but he still has plenty of scar's to pay them back for. When the hero saw the glint of the arrowhead aimed at him, he just grinned. He saw the bulblin archer hesitate only briefly, most likely wondering why Link was charging straight at him with an arrow pointed at his head. He never got the chance to release it because Link had been focusing his energy with every step, channeling it into his weapon. He brought his left arm back and threw his Gale Boomerang. Small but powerful gusts of wind sprung up from the path it left behind before hitting the bulblin full force, spinning around it five times. The final spin blew the bulblin right off its mount and then the boomerang returned to Link's hand.
The hero jumped back when the stallion suddenly bolted right passed him. The other bulblin was hot on his tail. Not wasting a second, Link brought his arm back again and threw his boomerang. It shot straight for the retreating monster and circled around it once, before returning to Link's hand.
The single small gust of wind wasn't strong enough to throw the bulblin off, but it did daze it enough so it lost control of its mount. Veering suddenly to the right, the bullbo rammed headlong into a wall. The impact threw it's rider off, allowing Link to ran up and jump on the bullbo's back.
I've gotta get that horse before it disappears again!
Link kicked the bullbo while pulling on its reins. The beast turned sharply and shot after the panicking stallion. Link made sure to trample right over the bulblin still stunned on the ground while he went passed.
I forgot how bony and rough these guys were.
He guided his mount down the path they had taken to reach Kakariko as he chased after the stallion. Link saw his long white tail whipping around the corner. He kicked the bullbo again, urging it to run faster.
Link continuously chased the stallion for over an hour all over Hyrule Field, but not gaining an inch on him.
I'm never going to get anywhere near that horse at this rate…I hate to do this to him, but I can't think of anything else.
Link chased the stallion into the water. Running under the bridge, but couldn't spot a good place to initiate his plan. He needed somewhere narrow but not to dangerous that the horse might be terrified enough to fall off a cliff or break a leg over rough terrain.
I think I know a place.
Link was glad to see that the horse did seem to be tiring but still was able to keep ahead of the bullbo that was also unfortunately tiring. He'd already reached the path that lead to Lake Hylia during their mad chase so they continued down it until they emerged onto the Great Bridge.
He kicked the bullbo again, urging it to go even faster but he could tell the beast had reached its speed limit. When they neared the end of the huge bridge he brought his Gale Boomerang out again and began to build his energy. Once they reached the end of the bridge, the stallion veered to the left and followed the dirt road that would eventually lead toward Castle Town.
Man, I hope this works…
Link threw the boomerang so it flew passed the horse's right side, making him scream in fright and bolted away from it. The stallion continued down the new path until suddenly skidding to a halt to avoid falling down the stairs that lead to Falbi's Flight by Fowl. With the rock wall to its right and a fence to his left the stallion had nowhere to go except back the way it came.
Link turned the bullbo sideways so it blocked most of the narrow path of the exit. The stallion spun around once he realized that there wasn't a way forward and snorted, his ears flat against his head as he bared his teeth at Link. The stallion backed up when Link urged his mount closer.
The air was filled with the panting of all three of them, exhausted from the chase. Link felt the bullbo breathing heavily. It was not going to last through another chase so this plan had to work if Link was going to get that stallion back to Kakariko.
He's not going to calm down being trapped in this corner…but I can't let him just wander to blow off steam. He'll get hurt or might not even come back. If Sheik is as attached to his horse like I am to mine, then I'm sure he'll want him back.
The hero debated with himself but finally decided that he needed to get the horse back to town one way or another. He urged his mount closer, making the stallion back up even more and almost stumble when a hoof slipped across the stairs behind him. He pulled on the reins to center the bullbo. Allowing space on both sides of it to taunt the stallion. The stallion stomped the ground several times, digging his hooves into the dirt before he finally reared up screaming.
Here goes nothing…this is going to be a lot harder with only one good hand, but hey, you only live once.
Link hoisted himself up, so he was crouching on the bullbo's back. His muscles coiled, ready to spring at a moments notice. Just as he predicted, the horse tried bolting passed him. Right when the stallion was about to pass the bullbo, Link hurled himself onto its bare back.
The stallion began to panic and started bucking and ran in random directions to try and dislodge his unwanted rider. Link gripped the bucking horse's mane with his good hand to center himself while grabbing his reins with his injured one. He grinded his teeth together, pouring all his concentration into staying on the stallions back. He wasn't to shabby of a wrangler, but he doesn't make a habit of trying to break horses without a saddle at least.
I'll never make you ride bear back with me again Epona.
Link saw his chance when the stallion paused his bucking to change direction. With a good kick to the horse's side, it bolted back down the Great Bridge.
Damn! Even after all that sprinting, this guy's still a speed demon!
Link gripped the reins and jerked sharply in the way he wanted to go. He frustratingly found he wasn't able to apply much pressure because of his injury, but his good hand was busy teaming up with his leg's in maintain his balance. After about a dozen attempts, Link finally managed to cross the bridge and headed back toward Hyrule Field.
Link quickly realized he was not going to make it much farther with the stallion this frightened. Sweat covered the horses body, threatening to make Link slide right off. The hero was also not vane enough to believe that he could stay on top of him like this. His muscles were already cramping up. He felt it when the stallion hit his limit and started to slow. That seemed to just make him desperate though.
Once the stallion began stumbling during his attempts to dislodge Link, the hero knew he needed to get the horse to calm down or he was going to hurt himself.
I can't do this much longer either. What the hell am I going to do?!
Link desperately looked for a solution, his head never staying in one place. His eyes searching for anything that could help. He briefly considered just letting the stallion roam until Sheik was awake and well enough to go after him but the hero had a gut feeling that if he let this horse out of his sight for that long, something bad was going to happen to him.
Epona has her fits too but she's used to people. It really seems like this guy is not. Even when she'd get to riled up, all it took to calm her quickly was...
His eyes widened. It was a long shot. Very likely to spook him even more but Link had no other ideas that didn't end with him on the ground with a broken neck or trampled over after being thrown. Link released the reins and dug into his adventure pouch, clutching his teeth with the strain of staying on the stallions back after he narrowly missed ramming into a tree trunk.
Then he felt the smooth metal and immediately pulled it out. The strings hung lose, the beads along it lightly rattling together. The sun reflected off the copper horseshoe shaped wind instrument as Link hurriedly tried to position it correctly. The last thing he wanted was to blow a miniature horn into the poor guys ear.
Once the white stallion slowed to make a turn, Link seized the opportunity to play a tune that normally calmed Epona within moments. It wasn't perfect. Probably only resembled what the song was supposed to sound like but it was the best he could do while exhausted and out of breath. They skidded to a halt, the momentum almost forcing Link to slide over the horses head and pause the tune. The stallion seemed to enjoy it but was confused as to why. His ears perked back to listen while his head lifted to watch him from the side.
Link has never been as grateful toward Ilia as he was right now. She must have worked some kind of enchantment or something in this thing because it has never failed to do its job.
The hero took a deep breath and continued to do short bursts of the tune, taking breaks to catch his breath. He struggled to contain the tremors spreading throughout his body from the stress he'd put his muscles through. He prayed to the goddesses that this was enough to at least make the stallion cooperate because at this point, if he took off again, Link would not be able to stop him.
He felt the white stallion slowly calm but didn't fully relax. One ear perked back to listen to his tone while the other flicked in different directions towards sounds he'd pick up.
There's no way I'm making it back to Kakariko like this. I need to rest. We both do.
Once the hero was certain the stallion wouldn't throw him if he stopped playing, Link struggled to dismount. His good arm couldn't hold his weight however and apparently his legs also wanted to mutiny. Making him collapse to the ground and tumble into the pond a few feet away.
He dragged half his body out of the water, reaching out to grab the stallions lead rope that dangled nearby and then just laid there. With half his face buried in mud.
"You better be worth all this effort." grumbled Link as he gave a one-eyed glare to the stallion that seemed perfectly content to munch on some grass and totally ignore him. He sighed and watched the stallion eat, flicking his long white tail to chase the flies away from him. The hero closed his eyes, intending to just take a short break before heading back.
Link was startled awake, a flair of pain from his injured arm pulling him back but it soon faded. He must have dozed off far longer then he thought. When he glanced up, the sky was painted a brilliant orange. With yellow and purple gradually working their way across as night approached. He had a moment of panic once he realized this but calmed when he still felt the stallions lead rope in his grasp.
He lifted his head, wincing at the feeling of dried mud on his face and then scowled at the sight before him. The stallion definitely seemed to have gotten used to him. He stood right next to Link while enjoying the taste of his green cap that hung halfway out of his mouth.
"Give me that!" Exclaimed Link as he snatched the cap out of the horses mouth. He stuffed it back on his head and then realized he should have rinsed it out first. Now there was dried mud and horse slobber on his face. He glared up at the stallion looking innocently down at him.
"You did that on purpose." grumbled Link. He slowly climbed to his feet. His body protested, muscles still sore from earlier but manageable now. He didn't want to try his luck riding the stallion no matter how friendly he seemed. If anything, it just made the hero suspicious of a revenge plot the horse was patiently waiting to unleash when Link was at his mercy again.
He carefully stepped over to the water and couldn't help but laugh at the image reflected on the surface.
Wow, I'd make a good swamp monster like this.
Then he caught sight of the tears covering his tunic. The right sleeve was torn almost completely off and stained the heaviest with his blood. A tanned finger trailed over what was left of his right sleeve. He was lucky that his arm even worked properly. He'd heard stories of soldiers returning from war with limbs that were mutilated beyond repair or just missing altogether.
His finger reached the top where a familiar set of crisscrossing strings stretched behind his tunic. Ilia had done that. Fixed something that really didn't belong on a ranch but she did it anyway because she knew he'd like it. She was his best friend and always had that uncanny ability to say whatever he needed to hear right when he needed to hear it.
But she wasn't here now. Neither was Rusl or Uli, the couple who'd raised him as their own. Neither were any of the parents of the children he'd watched grow from infancy. Not even little baby Sandra.
Blue eyes glanced down at the small instrument still clutched in his other hand. Something in him broke at the sight of it. His composure shattering as the emotional turmoil that had been lurking just below his awareness finally came up to overwhelm him.
His face crumbled, tears spilling down his face. He leaned over, touching his forehead to the instrument clutched in his palm that now laid against the ground. His form shook from the sobs, despair clouding his mind.
He'd lost them again.
Link had finally gotten them back. Returned his family safely home and life should have returned to normal. Was this because he longed for more then the life he used to have? Would this have even happened If he'd left when he first realized that the wide world was calling him?
Why is this happening to me? What did I do to deserve this?
Maybe he should have left long ago. Maybe he should never have returned to Ordon in the first place but that wasn't fair! They were his family! Ordon was his home and he hadn't been ready to leave yet!
Suddenly his cap was pulled off his head, making him blink owlishly. He slowly straightened and turned to see the white stallion chewing on his cap again. Warm brown eyes stared at his dumbstruck face. Link would have thought his distraught emotionalism would have scared the horse away. A hint of intellect shone from those eyes, just like with Epona. They were both more then mounts and pack mules.
Then the horse butted him in the chest, sending him flying back into the water.
Link choked, spitting water out of his mouth when he crawled back onto shore. He sniffled as he wiped his face with his uninjured arm. He couldn't even be angry as the stallion playfully neighed, pawing the ground with his cap still in his mouth.
"Alright, I can see why Sheik keeps you around now. Thanks buddy." said Link with a small smile. He shook his limbs, his whole body looking like one giant spasm with the effort of shaking the water off his body. He took a deep breath but then chuckled when he noticed the strange look the stallion was giving him.
"Sorry. I forget sometimes that I'm not a wolf anymore." Chuckled Link. He glanced down at his bandage. He'd have to change that soon or it would get infected.
"We should head back. I don't suppose you would let me ride you back? No funny business?" Asked Link as he laid a palm against the soft dark muzzle of the stallion. He swore that horse raised an eyebrow, but he was still pretty tired and emotionally drained. He was just seeing things.
The stallion shook his mane, snorting in irritation as if the mention of 'no funny business' had ruined his fun. He playfully nibbled the palm resting on his nose and the hero took that as permission. He took his cap, having to wrestle it away for a few moments and then stuffed it on his head. He sighed when he felt the slobber on his face again.
He shot the horse a pointed look and then walked back to kneel beside the edge of the pond. He dropped his cap into water and rinsed it out. Reaching forward, he splashed water onto his face and tried to rub the dried mud off his skin. It wasn't the best effort but he didn't have the energy for much else. After wringing the water out of his cap, he stuffed it back on his head. Satisfied, he climbed to his feet and approached the stallion again.
He tied the lead rope around the horses neck and pulled himself onto his back. Link paused, letting the stallion get used to his weight. He might also be a bit cautious about the equines mood since the last time he was up here, they were both not happy with each other. After a few moments Link clicked his tongue and the stallion shot forward in a trot.
Link lifted his face to watch the sky slowly change from the vibrant colors of day to the subtle ones of night. He shivered as the temperature began to drop. His wet cloths making it difficult to retain heat. His nostrils flared when he caught the scent of something.
The air smelled like rain was on the way. He didn't even know how to describe it. His sense of smell had never been the same after he became human again. Not that he was complaining. Most of the time anyway. There were times when he wished his sense of smell was not so keen. Nothing exciting about picking up someone's body odor from across the room or having to deal with a dozen sweaty animals in middle of a field they often use as a restroom in middle of a hot day.
Link really wished he had a saddle. His legs already protesting the strain of gripping the horses back to stay on. Still was faster then walking and he could handle it, especially if they went at their current pace. They alternated between a walk and trot until they reached the narrow entrance to Kakariko. It took no more then an hour, thanks to the stallion.
The stallion was just as hesitant now to go passed as he was the first time but Link was able to get him to continue forward with the help of the horseshoe shaped instrument.
They entered town again and Link slowly relaxed as the familiar smell of fresh linen from the Inn, the powder Barnes uses for his bombs and the medical herbs Renado uses in his remedies washed over him.
A familiar neigh echoed from far within Eldin's Spring. Epona came trotting up through the shallow water until she reached them, her ears perked forward curiously. Until she realized Link was riding in on another horse. Her ears drew back and her bottom lip puffed out.
Link shook his head at her antics.
"Don't give me that look. This is just a temporary thing. No need to get jealous. You know you're my girl." Snickered Link as he dismounted. He lightly slapped the stallions hindquarters and he shot forward and headed toward the far corner of the spring.
The hero approached Epona and reached out to run his hands in small circles over her bay coat. She nuzzled his shoulder making him chuckle.
"I know you like this but if I stay out here in these wet cloths any longer I'm pretty sure I'm going to get sick. I'll see you later girl. Keep him company, ok?" Said Link as he rubbed a hand up and down her forehead. She looked back at the stallion watching them curiously and trotted over to join him.
Link closed his eyes and leaned his head back to face the heavens.
Man, what a day. I hope Sheik is doing alright. Though I am curious how he knew I'd need help?
Something suddenly rammed into him and made him fall over onto his back. Link looked down from the ground and saw Colin wrapped around his waist and hugging him tightly. He engulfed the boy he had always thought of as a little brother in a tight hug and buried his face in his hair. He heard footsteps approaching rapidly and glanced up to see the other children running toward him.
"You were gone for hours! I was so worried!" Exclaimed Colin into Link's tunic. Talo reached him first and he punched Link in the arm. His uninjured one luckily, though Talo looked angry enough to hit his other arm just to prove a point. It earned him an indignant "Hey!" From the hero.
"What is wrong with you?! You can't just disappear like that! Not after what happened! Argghhh!" Yelled Talo as he continued to punch Link in the arm. They were softer now, meant more for expressing his frustration then to actually hurt the hero.
Malo stood off to the side, a sour look on his face like he was considering actually joining his brother but settled on giving Link a look of disapproval instead. Beth was more then happy to join in however, though she did so verbally. She narrowed her eyes and pointed a finger at Link.
"What's the big idea?! Colin said you were just fetching that other horse! Then you just disappear for hours afterward? Do you have any idea what that did to us?!" Exclaimed Beth angrily. She didn't even let him respond before waving her arms in frustration.
"Now you come back looking like you were dragged through the mud! And you stink! What happened?!"
Link put up his hands in surrender.
"Alright, alright. I get it, guys. I'm sorry. It really wasn't meant to be this long of an outing but things got out of control. Everything is fine now." Said Link. Malo scoffed.
"How were we to know that? How would we know if your little 'outing' turned out to be permanent? You were missing! We thought you were ambushed again! Your dead body could have been laying in a ditch somewhere and no one would know! Obviously you don't have to tell us where you're going but it would have been nice to know you intended to leave for an extended period of time." Hissed Malo. The normally passive aggressive young boy clutched his fists so tightly they were turning white.
Link took in the sight of all four children crowding around him, seeing how shaken they were at his sudden disappearance. They probably didn't rest at all. He felt Colin wrapping himself tighter around his middle.
"I'm sorry, guys. I'll warn you next time, ok? Come here," said Link as he opened his arms. Like a dam breaking, they all collapsed against him in an effort to be as close as possible. Except Malo, but even he approached the ball of limbs to reach out and grasped Link's forearm to assure himself the hero was actually there and safe. None of them seemed to notice his wet cloths, or at least didn't care enough to back away because of them.
"Ah, you've returned. In one piece thankfully. Though not for lack of trying I see." said Renado as he walked out of his house. He held out a bundle of clothing and Link took them with a grateful look.
"Oh, about your Sheikah friend. He'll be fine. He fainted from over exertion as far as I can tell. A common issue due to how draining most kinds of advanced magic is I believe. He should wake up anytime now, but he should stay in bed for at least another day. If he's anything like you then that probably will be difficult. He drained a lot of energy. A bit more strain might have killed him actually," said Renado as he raised an eyebrow. He gestured to the bundle in Link's arms.
"I think you would much rather sleep in dry clothes so you may borrow some of mine. You should rest Link. You must take better care of yourself. You only have one life to spare after all." said Renado. He turned to the children wrapped around him and folded his arms.
"As for all of you, its bedtime. Link is back safely now so no more excuses. Up and inside." replied Renado sternly. They all got up slowly. They rubbed their eyes tiredly, some trying hide their tears.
Link's heart went out to them but then a shiver traveled down his spine as an urge to protect his 'pups' overcame him. Making him want to drag them back over to him. To keep them close. He stiffened, forcing his body to stay where it was. He nodded and gave a forced smile to Colin when the boy turned to wave goodnight.
"Hmmm...that bandage looks filthy. You should come inside so I can change that Link." muttered Renado thoughtfully once the pile of children weren't there to hide half of the hero's form. The shaman turned and headed toward his house but paused when the hero remained on the floor. He glanced back, his eyes widening slightly when he noticed the hero's feral gaze.
He'd seen that inhuman glint in Link's eyes before but never directed at him. Then the moment passed. Link shook his head, his eyes returning to normal and gave Renado a hesitant smile.
"I have not seen that side of you in awhile. Link, is there something I did to make you uneasy?" asked Renado hesitatingly. Link blinked confused for a moment before realizing what Renado must have seen.
"No, Renado. I trust you with my life." replied Link softly as he gave the shaman a helpless look.
"I wasn't uneasy with anyone just now. I was just...losing control. I don't know what is happening to me. This didn't happen even when I was first transformed." Link hung his head, looking lost.
He felt a hand on his shoulder, making Link look up to see Renado kneeling beside him.
"You have faced horrors no one should have had to deal with, let alone someone as young as you. It's possible that it's stress. Even if it's not. You are not alone Link. Whatever you are facing, it is not a burden you have to face alone." muttered Renado soothingly. Link nodded, choked up so he reached up to grasp the shaman's hand that lay on his shoulder. After a few moments Link took a deep breath and stood up, dusting himself off.
"I've got bandages somewhere in these pouches so I can take care of my injury, but thanks. I think I need to hit the hay soon." Said Link as he rubbed the back of his neck. The shaman turned to watch the ripples along the water with a faint smile.
"Very well. Have a good night Link." Said Renado, not looking away from the water.
The shaman glanced over, giving a soft smile and nodded his head before turning and disappearing into his house.
Link stayed at the edge of the water, taking deep breaths to calm himself as the shaman retreated into his house. What was happening to him? These strange canine instincts have always been there once he was transformed into a wolf but they were just instincts. Something in the background that he could channel if or when he needed them.
Now they were acting more like something else. Something he was losing control of. He hated that feeling. He shakily ran a hand through his hair and then shook his head.
Renado's right. It's probably all the stress I've been under. I need something to eat. That should help.
Link turned and slowly made his way to the Inn. Once inside, he asked the person standing at the desk to bring him the biggest piece of meat they had up to his room. He waved away the concern, gesturing that he was fine when the young lady looked worriedly at his bloody and torn tunic. He could feel his eye lids growing heavy as he started to drag his feet down the hallway toward his room.
She must be new. I'll have to introduce myself tomorrow. Glad to see they've renovated the place. One bedroom isn't really ideal for travelers that don't want to share their space with strangers.
Link paused, halfway through his door for a confused moment, but then laughed softly. Curled up under the blankets of his bed was a small lump with blonde hair sticking out. The hero could smell the blueberries the boy loves so much.
He must have snuck out the first chance he got.
"You're going to hear it from Renado in the morning you know." said Link to the lump. Colin's eyes peered out from the top to give him a set of puppy dog eyes.
"I wanna stay with you, please?" Asked Colin. Link smiled softly and approached the bed to reach out and ruffle the boy's hair.
"I think those puppy dog eyes are getting better. Who could you possibly be learning that from?" Asked Link with grin. Colin giggled and ducked back under the blanket.
"You silly! It's my secret weapon! I'm still a kid too, so my puppy dog eyes are cuter then yours!" Exclaimed a muffled Colin from beneath the blanket. The hero just shook his head and snickered.
This kid is going to be an adorable terror when he grows up. I can't wait to see it.
Link changed into the brown shirt and pants Renado gave him. He walked over to the open window and hung his white under shirt and tunic over the edge. He sighed as he gazed at them. The undershirt was repairable, even by his standards since his chainmail protected it unlike his tunic that laid over it throughout his travels. It was close to becoming more thread then tunic.
I'm to tired for this...
Just then, a knock came at the door. Link almost jogged over to the door as soon as he smelt the food. He was pleasantly surprised with the biggest medium rare steak he'd ever seen with a glass of milk.
After inhaling his steak and drinking his milk, he left the tray outside his door. He turned to look longingly at his bed but sighed as he glanced down at his filthy bandage instead.
He walked over to the side of the room where a bowel of water stood on the counter. He stripped off the dirty bandages, letting them fall to the floor. He paused to study his wound. He'd lost a good amount of blood but his body also healed at an abnormally fast rate. Made sense given who he was.
He frowned as he turned his arm over slowly. It still hurt like a bitch, more then it should. He'd sustained injuries similar to this and they healed to barely noticeable cuts within a matter of days. The wound was healing though, a vicious looking gash replacing the gaping hole he'd had through his arm.
It should be healing faster then this.
Link shook his head. It hadn't been a full day since the attack but he'd show Renado tomorrow just to be sure. He cleaned his wound, wincing at the pain and then wrapped it back up with fresh bandages that he fished out of his pouch.
With a satisfied sigh, Link walked up to his bed and crawled under the covers. He eventually ended up lying on his back with Colin somehow worming his way next to his side and laying in the curve of Link's left arm. Link took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
Tomorrow, I'll have to get the kids to tell me exactly what happened today…and Sheik for that matter. Not that I don't appreciate his help, but how often does someone like him come bursting into your life just when you're about to lose it?