.Chapter 7.

Exile

After a few delectable nights of feasting on the goat's remains it was inevitable that the food source was bound to run out. Having picked it clean of the good stuff, Link figured he'd have to find some other alternate source of food and fast. He'd already tried to eat berries and other edible plant life but the texture alone was nearly enough to cause him to gag in response let alone the appalling flavor. He knew he could choke down as much as he needed to in order to keep the hunger pains a bay but he knew deep down that he'd need meat again. Very soon.

By now he had a personal schedule that he had developed and was quite accustomed to. Sleep all day; search around and in Ordon at night for any clues that may guide him along towards a cure. At first, he felt hopeful that traces of that feline beast or possible kin could be found. Try as he might, however, it was impossible to locate the dead animal much less a trail it may have left behind before its untimely demise.

"Tch…I guess this just isn't going to work after all."

He'd just come to yet another dead end after a hopeful sign of a fellow infected beast and he'd make a huffing sound as he sat down by the stream that trickled through Ordon. Link would gently trace his fingers through the cool water, debating his options now. He could always move out further and further from Ordon. If there wasn't anything left around here then it was most plausible to head north and study areas of Hyrule; one section at a time.

Leaning back, Link would pull his fingers out of the water and proceed to lick them free of water before turning his attention to the paling sky. The sun would be rising soon and would in effect force him to flee into the sanctity of darkness. If he were going to try and leave Ordon area he'd have to do it later; right after sundown would give him ample time to travel a good distance before he'd have to seek shelter again. He'd rise to his feet with a stretch, feeling a joint or two pop as he did so, and after his stretch he'd turn back to the trees. His shelter was not far from here but it wasn't wise to risk being out here too close to sunup.

However a rather unexpected banging sound signaled a door opening, causing Link to freeze in place and turn towards the noise. It had come from his left, Fado's house probably, and judging from the early hour it was likely that very man heading up to the ranch. Slinking for cover, Link would tuck himself into the shadows just as Fado came into sight. And he wasn't alone. Beside him walked Rusl who looked tired, yet pleased all at the same time. At this Link's brow would furrow. When had Rusl left his house? He didn't recall ever seeing the man leave his own house and he'd been here a large majority of the last two hours. Had he been out all night?

"Thanks for agreeing to help me, Fado. Wouldn't have wanted Uli to find this early."

Fado would just nod, muttering somewhat drowsily so that Link had to strain to hear his words. "No problem…S'her birthday….wouldn't want ta mess tha' up…"

Uli's birthday? Already? Link tilted his head mildly, his mind scrambling for today's date but he truly couldn't recall. He hadn't been paying much attention to dates the last couple of days after all. Lately Link's main concerns had been three things: keep his wits, keep out of sight, and keep actively seeking a cure. So far two of those three things had been accomplished. He had not been seen by anyone in Ordon since Ilia had spotted him outside her window.

But that could easily change tonight due to his carelessness; he'd neglected to leave Ordon before the sky got too pale after all. Now, with the two men just feet away and stopping to chat, he felt awkward and tense. He was hiding from two people that he sensibly never should have to; but due to his condition it could be disastrous if he was spotted now. It wasn't like they'd listen to him anyway; if anything his encounter with Ilia had proven that.

"I think that there necklace ya made her is real pretty, Rusl. I don't think she'll ever take it off."

Chuckling with mild amusement, Rusl would withdraw a silver chain with a locket dangling from it. "I didn't make it; I craft swords, not jewelry. But Uli has never had something like this so I figured it would be nice to get her something of this sort."

"Oh. Right."

After tucking the chain out of sight once more, he'd turn once more to Fado with that same smile. "So do you think you'll have the fields ready for her celebration? I really do think they'll be the most convenient due to how open they are."

"Sure thing I will. Would be easier if I had help but with Link gone and all…"

Fado would trail off, leaving the two in silence and Link feeling all the more uncomfortable. Both men had their backs to him at this point, looking towards the east where the sun was likely to rise well within the hour. As for Link, his eyes were already beginning to hurt due to the steadily brightening world around him.

"Go on…leave." He'd murmur under his breath, trying with all his might to mentally will them away. Go to the fields, go the Rusl's house, go anywhere but here! This was getting alarming by now due to the fact the shadows he was hiding in were hardly cover for him anymore though. Surely they'd see him crouched here if they boterhed to turn around and look. Luckily for Link they didn't…but they weren't going anywhere anytime soon either. Perhaps it was time to run for it? He'd never make it to his shelter should he wait around for them to move on by themselves. And so, after drawing a deep breath to steady himself, Link bolted.

The sound of his feet against the ground would definitely alert both men but he didn't dare stop to look just yet. He slowed to a jog once he was at the tree line and, once there he'd stop among the towering trunks. Link would turn around and face back towards the two men, who both stood in the same spot and seemed to be more shocked than terrified. By the way their mouth's moved it was clear they were talking but Link couldn't make out the words due to the distance. Hopefully this would not come back to haunt Link later, yes?

He wasn't entirely sure why but he found himself grinning as he turned away and started to head towards a shallow hallow near here rather than the deep cave he'd had in mind earlier. Once he was there and secure in the shadows, Link would close his eyes and let total darkness envelop him as he mentally shooed all thoughts of birthdays and parties from his head. It wasn't like he could go wish Uli a happy birthday after all. As much as he was trying not to dwell on it though it seemed he couldn't quite chase away the thoughts of the party he was sure was planned for her. He couldn't go…he couldn't partake in any of the village's enjoyment and that made his lips tug into a slight frown. For the first time Link would feel the sharp pang of loneliness begin to seed itself in his chest. It had happened every once in a while when he had been stuck as a wolf, but he'd at least always had Midna for company. Now his shadow was empty and he was alone; truly. Sighing Link would allow his mind to slowly fade into the realm of sleep, leaving his troubles behind for now. At least he could have company in his dream invented world.

"Y-you're going to get us killed Talo!"

"Shhh! I am not! I'm just a little turned around…that's all. I know where I am!"

"Liar. We've been by this rock at least four times now. Way to go, brother."

Beth's, Talo's, and Malo's voices were what Link woke to and, for a minute, he was sure that he was still dreaming. Yes, that must be it. He wasn't awake yet; why else would the children be here? Eyes still closed, he listened silently as Colin's voice now joined in.

"You do realize that it's dark now. Our parents are going to kill us if the forest doesn't first. You heard them, Talo."

There was an aggravated sigh, and then. "I know! I know!" The voice would change slightly, becoming higher pitched as Talo mockingly recited whatever he'd previously been told. "'Don't ever go into the woods without one of us present. Especially after dark.' Geese! I know already, Colin. But how else are we going to find Link if we don't go out at night? Besides you heard your mom! She wanted to see Link again for her birthday. So stop whining so we can find him and go already."

"Pfft, I want to know where Link is as much as any of you, but I think we're more likely to get eaten." Came Malo's chiding tone, obviously annoyed with his older brother's antics yet again. Confused and accepting that this was no dream Link had long since sat up and opened his eyes to now stare towards the entrance of his hollow. This would have been a little more amusing if it wasn't for the fact that the woods were dangerous and, especially with this disease around, it was even more deadly than before.

It was twilight out, the last traces of the sun already almost gone and slowly Link would slink closer to the exit. And, just as he reached the gaping hole, he spotted the small group. They had a lantern with them, yet the flame was small and nearly out. Even that small flame was enough to make him squint and, with a huff, he'd actually step free of his hiding place and wait for them to notice him. They had wanted to find him, right? So here he was.

Beth would be the first to see him and her eyes would grow huge as she'd recoil against Colin beside her with a small gasp. Rightfully, Colin would bump into the brothers in front of him.

"Beth! Colin! What's the deal? You're both getting-" However, whatever remark Talo was about to snap with died in his throat as he too spotted Link. Now, with all eyes on him, he'd slowly step to the right and take a few more steps back to leave plenty of space between him and the kids. Better safe than sorry, right? They seemed frozen though and remained where they stood as Link's crimson gaze settled upon them.

"You should all listen to your parents. It's dangerous out here and I can't promise you anything anymore."

It chilled him to think that should something happen to the children out here, either because of him or because they were looking for him, and he'd add a little more authority to his tone as he squinted at them. "You should all go now; don't come looking for me again and be sure to do as your parents say. I will watch to make sure you get back safely but I can't and won't follow you."

"W-what is he saying?" Beth's slightly alarmed voice was a good indicator that things could turn very bad here, and fast. The last thing he needed them to do was panic and run; who knew what sort of reaction that would rise in him? However it wasn't so much fear as it was confusion in the kid's faces and so, in a gentler tone, he'd speak directly to Beth now.

"What do you mean? I am saying to go back home. Now."

Suddenly Colin would shudder but he'd bravely step forward in front of the other kids. "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. We're going to leave now, okay? I think we know the way back and…um…goodbye?"

What? It really was like they didn't hear a word he was saying. However it was his puzzlement that saved them as the children almost tripped over themselves as they fled, causing a violent urge to rise in Link to chase them. He lurched forward, yet his feet stayed planted with all the restraint he could muster. Growling, he forced himself to look away, sickened all over again with himself for being so tempted. Damn it, he loved these people! He never wanted to hurt them. Snarling to himself, he'd stalk away to head deeper into the forest, both annoyed and baffled why everyone acted like they couldn't understand him. He was speaking plain Hylian! It was impossible for them not to understand.

"Foolish dreamer…they will never answer you they way you want."

Jolting, Link would turn as the voice sounded from somewhere nearby. Who was that? The voice didn't ring a bell of recognition in his memories. He said nothing in reply, his gaze scanning the brush nearby for any sign of movement. He didn't see anything but it didn't take long for the smell to hit him. It was sickly, twisted, dark, and yet so very familiar and casual. Suddenly, the bushes nearby would begin to rustle and from them stepped an immense figure. It was certainly like a beast but unlike one that Link had ever seen before. It was mostly covered in fur, white fur, and the flesh that was exposed was ashen grey. Its red eyes would stare directly into Link's as a toothy grin showed off a most exquisite set of sharp teeth. Unsure, Link would tense up as a few other sets of red eyes would peer from nearby. This beast wasn't alone.

It had a blunt muzzle, a long tail, and overall reminded Link of a feline type. A lion maybe? However the longer he stared the sooner a growling, coughing-like sound would come from the monstrosity. His eyes would narrow, knowing laughter when he heard it, and he had to resist the urge to bare his fangs at this strange beast. It had come on all fours, yet now it reared back onto its hind legs and approached Link with ease. So…it would walk as either a quadruped or a biped? Offering a large, clawed hand it also offered a rather cruel looking smile. "Come, youth, I will teach you the way of the Infected. I promise you that you don't have to be alone anymore."

Link felt the hairs on the back of his neck lift. He didn't like the look in this creature's eyes and it wouldn't take long for him to notice that others were emerging from the undergrowth now. Some were very animalistic like this brute before him but there were also many others with far more human faces. They all had off-white hair, red eyes, and ashen flesh. More?! Just like him? How could there be so many corrupted if this virus had only just recently mutated to turn humans? This wasn't adding up and, doing his best to keep the growl from his voice, he'd face them all. "Who are all of you?"

The large beast before him smiled again and as he lowered back down to all fours again he'd give another growling chuckle. "Ah, we are just like you, as I've already stated. All changed by the virus yet we have found it quite livable. Should you come with me all your questions will be answered and your troubles left behind."

Slowly Link's eyes drifted shut as he considered the beast's words. This just may be the lead he needed to find the cure or origin of this disease. It was either to his incredible luck they had shown up or it could very well be his greatest misfortune. He couldn't help but shoot a small peeking glance towards Ordon village's location though and, with that look, he sent a small prayer that they'd stay safe in his absence. Then, red eyes on red, he'd hold his head up high. "So be it. Lead the way."

"Darus is my name, youth. And you best accustom yourself to pack life. I am 'alpha' here. And just what should we call you, I wonder?"

Just what on earth was he getting himself into? Already he had an edgy feeling about this Darus fellow but what other options did he have if he was to progress in this quest? Bowing his head a notch he would answer. "Link."

Darus would lick his lips, eyeing Link coolly before turning tail and growling a low note to everyone surrounding them. "Right then, let's move out. I think our business is concluded here for now. We have a lot of miles to cover if we are to make it back before dawn."

Though many by number, they were all silent in their departure, obviously masters of stealth. Link would mimic them the best he could, falling into line behind Darus as he began to lead them all away from Ordon and deeper into the forest. This virus just kept throwing one surprise after another at him. It made people turn into animalistic beings? Would he, too, look like Darus after a matter of time? Silent and burning with many unanswered questions, Link would bide his time for now and just play follow the leader. Follow him and he will answer everything; isn't that what he'd said? Somehow Link didn't think it was going to be as simple as that. It never was.