Link watched as Epona slowly backed into her stall before closing the gate to lock her in. With a mumble of appreciation to her for waiting patiently while he cleaned her space, he gave her and then Storm (who was already in his stall) a pat on the muzzle before turning to enter the house. Taking a whiff of the clean house air to replace the smell of dung that lingered in his nostrils, he made his way upstairs and grabbed the Sheikah Slate from the writing desk.
He stared at the device in his hands before turning on the screen to swipe through its contents. Eventually, his eyes landed upon three icons: a set of blue, green, and purple silk clothes. He stared at the slate's screen, acknowledging the internal guilt swirling around in his heart. Despite this, he tapped on the screen, and in a flash, a multitude of blue light strings flew from out of the slate and into his palm before forming the clothes the icon had shown. Placing the slate back onto the table, he inspected the smooth and light texture of the silk before nodding.
"Epona said she wouldn't tell…" he mumbled as he began to pull off his shirt, choosing to go forward with his plan. "This shouldn't take long. I'll be in and out. I just need to confirm this…"
...
The morning sun beamed over the desert village, enhancing the yellow tones in the sandstone that made up the buildings. Palm tree leaves swayed in a breeze that was filled with dust and sand. The sound of water running through the built-in canals under the roads echoed through stone-carved buildings, waking any of the tall, dark-skinned women that lived within the walls of homes. While many were rising from their beds to open their shops, ready to sell various fruits and gold trinkets, some remained asleep, not wishing to enter the heat just yet.
In the back of the village, sitting on full display at the top of a large staircase, was a magnificent palace of sandstone with three large, hourglass-shaped towers standing tall above it. Glistening water fell from the tower heads into the canals built into the palace interior. Water calmly flowed into the throne room, filling a spring that sat behind the elegant sand-carved, gold-plated royal seat, decorated with red fluffy pillows and a step stool that sat on the floor at its base.
On the opposite side of the large room, past the banner-decorated sandstone pillars and jewel-accented statues of strong, chiseled women, were two staircases that were connected to each corner of the opposing wall. Up the stairs and past the spear-wielding female guards, was a comparatively smaller room, though it was still large enough to be its own house. While the pillars and streams of water that lined the walls persisted, more decorations had been added to this part of the palace. Multiple bookshelves had been carved into the sandstone walls along with square holes to hold lanterns, red carpets were spread out across the hard floor, and in the center of the room was a massive bed that was decorated with curtains and large stuffed animals in the shape of seals with spiky hair. It was a wonderful room, and laying in the bed in the center of it all was a dark-skinned, red-haired young girl.
Gripping tightly onto the life-sized sand seal that lay in the bed next to her, the girl snuggled her face into its belly before the sunlight began to cover her body. She groaned and pressed herself into the sand seal even further, yet the heat of the desert morning rays was simply too much to ignore after only a few minutes. With a yawn, she sat up from her bed and rubbed her eye before properly opening both of them entirely, only for them to water at the rays of blinding light. She sat in silence for a few moments, using the light as an excuse to allow her eyes to remain closed for just a little while longer, before crawling to the edge of the bed.
With another yawn, she swung her legs over and placed her feet on the red carpet. She walked over to the end of the bed, where a desk stood pressed against the footboard. After gently reaching over to pat the head of another smaller sand seal plushie, she sat down at the desk chair and began braiding and styling her hair, preparing to wear the intricate gold crown that sat sparkling in the morning sunlight that beamed upon it. As her thin fingers moved, a knock echoed through the room. With a slow turn, trying not to mess up her hair, the child looked back at her visitor.
Standing at attention in the doorway was a woman who was shadowed thanks to having her back against the light. She was a burly woman, one that towered over even the tall women that populated the desert town. She was decorated in gold-plated armor, which was painted over in a flowery pattern. Accenting her armor was a dangerously large golden claymore she kept on hand, with its pommel currently between her large palms. Brushing her long red ponytail off her shoulder, the large woman gave a slight bow, refusing to break her stoic stance.
"Sav'otta, Chieftess Riju," the warrior said with the faintest of smiles. "I'm surprised to see you awake of your own accord. I thought I'd have to wake you myself."
"The sunlight was unfair to me this morning, Buliara," Riju said with a frown. "I was going to curse it for waking me so soon, but I guess you would have ruined my sleep regardless."
"I would have," Buliara answered. "While I approve of your childish nature every now and then, since you are still a mere little lady, that does not mean you get to sleep in every morning."
"As Chieftess, I'd like to ban you from doing so," Riju commanded.
"I'm afraid that is not a decree I can abide by," the bodyguard rejected, "for obvious reasons."
The two stared at each other, with the little chieftess continuing to pout, but after a few moments, a smile crept onto her face.
"Sav'otta, Buliara. Good morning," she said, receiving a nod in acknowledgment. "Could you assist me? I'm having a bit of trouble getting my hair in order."
"You mean you're still feeling tired and wish for me to finish your lazy attempt at looking strong and organized, as our chieftess should?" Buliara asked, raising an eyebrow. Riju gave a guilty grin, one the burly Gerudo could not refuse. She sighed and walked over to the desk, allowing her chieftess to giggle in victory.
"So, what is in store for me today?" Riju asked as the warrior leaned her claymore against the edge of the desktop.
"Nothing too serious," Buliara began as she took the chieftess's long red locks into her fingers. "There haven't been any Molduga sightings, none of which would put the town's safety at risk. No men have snuck their way into the village, and though the merchants still attempt, that is something the guards can continue to handle. The only other thing— other than a few miscellaneous tasks— would be to ensure everyone is staying warm. While the desert remains hot, the Gerudo Highlands have frozen over even more thanks to the winter season that's covered the rest of the land. The frigid breeze will carry over, even with the blazing sun above our heads. We must ensure no one gets sick, and for those who do, we must attend to them properly."
"That's not much compared to a few months back," Riju said with a smile as Buliara stepped back, admiring her finished work on the chieftess's hairstyle. "Things have been awfully peaceful ever since Link's arrival, haven't they?"
"While I wish not to become complacent," Buliara said, watching as the little girl took her large and intricate golden hairpiece and placed it on her head. "I can't deny that there haven't been many issues in the past few months. Besides the rampage of Vah Naboris— which you had a major role in helping appease— the biggest threat to our peace were the Yiga Clan, especially when they began to harness the dark power of malice. Thanks to the Hylian Champion's and our own efforts last month, they have all been detained, and watched over carefully to ensure they stay that way."
"Well, I would like to believe that guarding them is a lot easier than fighting them, wouldn't you say?" Riju said as she dropped from the chair.
"It is, but that's what's been bothering me," Buliara said as the two began to walk out of the room.
"Guarding them?" Riju asked as the two stepped out onto the balcony.
"Moreso the ease of it," Buliara clarified. "Despite their oddities, the Yiga are cunning and are masters of trickery and stealth. One would think they would try anything they could to free themselves, and yet they've surprisingly made no such attempt."
"Is it something I should be concerned about?" Riju asked as they peered over the balcony edge to overlook the town below. After a pause, Buliara shook her head.
"Not at the moment," she answered. "I'll tell you if you need to in time, but as of now, enjoy your peace a little while longer."
The chieftess looked up at her tall bodyguard before smiling.
"Sarqso, Buliara. Thank you," she said as she folded her arms and rested them on the balcony ledge. "I'm sorry you have to help me lead our people as much as you do. Your job is to simply guard me, not govern alongside me…"
"Please do not start apologizing, Chieftess," Buliara said sternly. "I would not have it any other way. I refuse to let you stumble blindly into the daunting task of leading our people."
Riju gave a light chuckle before resting her chin on her arms.
"You still look down," Buliara continued. After a second of hesitation, she sighed. "Link would be disappointed in you if he saw you like this."
"That's not fair," Riju pouted. "Link is kind. He would hate seeing anyone upset."
"While that is true, he is also living proof of why you are doing just fine," Buliara chuckled. "As strange a man as he is, he is one of the most talented fighters I've ever seen. He has a heart of gold. He strives to ensure the safety of others, no matter what the method may be. While I condemn some of his unique qualities, he's someone I greatly respect. You helped someone like that not only bring down such a powerful beast, but you also helped him learn what his next task was by joining him in his journey to Vah Naboris. You can't convince me those aren't accomplishments worth praising, nor signs of a capable leader."
"A capable leader…" Riju repeated as she continued overlooking the town. "I know you see me as one, but I still have to live up to the expectations of our people."
"And you will," Buliara said. "Your mother would be proud."
Though the girl didn't respond, her smile grew a bit larger. Suddenly, both of their pointed ears twitched. They looked over at one of the staircases that connected to the sides of the balcony. Footsteps echoed through the hallway, filling the two Gerudo's ears before a small girl appeared on the balcony with them.
She was a small Hylian girl, even shorter compared to even those of her own race. She was dressed in casual, silk Gerudo wear consisting of a green top, blue arm covers, and baggy purple highrise pants. Most of her face was covered by a veil, though her dirty blond bangs and bright blue eyes were still visible. Pushing herself up slightly in order to place her hand on her cheek, Riju grinned at the visitor.
"We were just talking about you," she said in a teasing voice, "weren't we, Buliara?"
"We were, and I still see you have a habit of just going where you please, including the Chieftess's room," the warrior said, glancing over at the girl near the staircase. "How did you get past the guards?"
"Come on, Buliara, you know I've got permission to be up here. They aren't going to stop me after so many times of being reminded by the Chieftess herself," the Hylian girl said, placing her hands on her hips. Unable to keep her facade, Riju laughed as Buliara rolled her eyes in disapproval.
"Vasaaq, Link! It's good to see you," the chieftess said as she ran over to give Link a quick hug, something that made Buliara's brow twitch. "What are you doing here? Is Zelda here?"
"Sorry, Riju, but I'm on my own today," Link answered, pulling off his veil to reveal the rest of his face. "In fact, I'm kind of in a rush. I need to get home as soon as possible."
"If that's the case, then what is it you need from us?" Buliara asked sternly, cutting straight to the point. "If you're in a hurry, then this isn't some simple detour you're taking just to say hello."
"Sorry, but you're right," Link said, matching the bodyguard's tone. "I do need something from you."
"You're not here to visit?" Riju asked dejectedly. "You always say you'll come by and tell me stories of your adventures…"
"I will eventually, I promise," he responded guiltily as he placed a hand on her head. "There's just… a lot going on in my personal life right now."
"Does it have to do with your trials?" Buliara asked. "I notice you don't have the sword that seals the darkness on your back."
"Not… not this time," Link answered darkly. "No, this actually has to do with the Yiga."
"It's funny you mention that," the bodyguard said. "Your timing is impeccable."
"Is something wrong?' he asked quickly, taking a step towards Buliara. "What happened?"
"Nothing has happened," the warrior said with a raised eyebrow at his sudden spike in concern. "We were just discussing the Yiga's odd complacency. They haven't dared to attempt any kind of escape, something I at least find odd."
"That is odd…" Link mumbled, glancing down at the ground before looking the bodyguard in the eye. "Buliara, I need you to grant me permission into their hideout."
"Are you sure that's smart?" she asked in response. "Do you believe it is wise to open the doors when being at ease could be part of a potential plan?"
"I don't really have a choice," Link explained. "To tell you the truth, there's one Yiga still out there. I've encountered him a few times, with our last encounter ending in me beating him down. He hasn't been seen since then… at least, not by…"
The champion noticeably paused before shaking his head clear from his thoughts.
"I need to clarify something with their leader."
Buliara remained quiet, looking the Hylian up and down before responding.
"I'm generally inclined to trust your judgment in most cases, however, I must reinstate this question: are you sure this is a wise decision?"
"What do you mean by that?" Link asked, narrowing his eyes.
"I see those bags under your eyes," she explained. "Are you in a well enough state to make this kind of call on your own?'
"I've been tired before-" Link began, but Buliara raised and lowered her claymore, causing a clunk to echo from the blade's tip against the stone.
"This is a different kind of tiredness," she emphasized, "a tiredness you know I understand well as a warrior. I ask again: are you well enough to make a decision such as this?"
Link and Buliara stared each other down. Riju looked between the two as worry began to fill her chest.
"Link?" she asked quietly.
"I know what I'm doing," Link answered Buliara slowly, paying no mind to the sound of his name. "I just need to check something. That's all."
After another pause of silent staring, Buliara raised her claymore before clanking it onto the ground once more.
"Guards!" she called out, and in a matter of seconds, two guards with their spears in hand were individually standing at Link's sides. "I need one of you to travel with him to the Yiga Clan Hideout. Inform Teake of his permission to enter and to be wary. Be on your way."
"Right away!" both the guards called out.
The two turned to head down the stairs. For another split second, Buliara and Link continued to lock eyes before the Hylian turned.
"Thank you," he said before following the guards down the stairs. Once gone, Riju worriedly turned her attention back to her bodyguard.
"Is he alright?" she asked her. "He was like this before when we last saw him, right after his trial at Vah Naboris. Is he going to be okay?"
"We can only pray he finds what he's looking for in there," Buliara said as her gaze remained on the staircase Link had disappeared down. "I'm not truly afraid of him releasing another Yiga. I'm more afraid of his mind running rapid as it fights a battle he may not need to fight…"
Riju frowned even more before looking out over the balcony edge, catching sight of Link down below as he walked down the large staircase out of the castle with a guard at his side. Suddenly, a frigid breeze passed her body, causing her to shake and wrap her arms around herself.
"Please be careful, Link," she muttered quietly. "Don't do anything you may regret…"
...
Now dressed in his voe armor— an outfit consisting of deep red pants and a singular green sleeve that was decorated with gold-plated, flower-painted guards— Link looked out into the endless sand waves that sat in his wake. He clung tightly to the rope that had been wrapped around his waist, connecting him to a large sand seal that pulled him along the dunes. Balancing on a simple, circular Gerudo shield he had pulled out of the slate before they started their journey, both he and the Gerudo guard that had been chosen to go with him surfed onwards into the desert, heading towards the Gerudo Highlands where their destination awaited them.
"I'd like to let you know that it's an honor to be able to travel with you, Hylian Champion!" the Gerudo guard called out over the harsh winds and the grinding of sand against her shield beneath her feet. "I was surprised when Buliara and our captain informed us that a voe would be allowed within our borders, even if they remained disguised to the general public! I was skeptical at first, but after seeing everything you've accomplished, I now know I have a lot to learn. Again, I thank you for the chance to travel alongside you, even on such a minor trip."
"Thanks, but I don't deserve that kind of praise," Link, who had been silent most of the trip, called back to her. "If I were as good as you and the others in the Hyrule believed, this trip wouldn't be needed at all."
"You're humble, Champion," the guard said. "That is something many in our land must learn to appreciate and add to their character."
No, Link thought without looking back at the guard. I'm just not good enough after all the mistakes I've made.
After a few hours of traversing through the heatwave that covered the desert sands, a frigid breeze began to brush against Link's exposed skin. With a shiver, he squinted his eyes, trying to look through the dusty winds that obstructed his vision. Through the dust, he could faintly make out the beginnings of a tall ravine.
"We're getting close!" Link shouted back to the guard behind him. Careful to keep his balance on the sliding shield, he reached down and took the Sheikah Slate from his belt, and began tapping on the screen. "The highlands are extra cold thanks to the winter season! Are you going to be okay getting near them?"
"I'll be just fine, Champion! Worry not about me," the Gerudo called back.
With a nod, Link tapped on an icon on the screen, and in a flash of blue strings, a black cloak appeared in his grasp. After throwing the cloak over his shoulders, he urged the sand seal forward, closing in on their destination as quickly as they could. As soon as they arrived at the cliffs, he jumped off the shield he had been riding, allowing the beast to rest thanks to its services. After a few seconds, the guard followed suit, stopping next to him before she as well placed her feet into the sand.
"Are there any preparations you need to make, Champion?" the guard asked while she took her spear from her back as a precautionary measure.
"No, we're good to go," Link said, adjusting his billowing cloak and brushing his bangs out of his eyes thanks to the winds. "Let's get moving."
With a nod in agreement from the Gerudo, the two began their trek through the ravine. It had been left just as Link had remembered it from his last journey there. Large rocks poked from out the sandy dunes with the upside-down eye of the assassins painted onto its front in the same blood-red their masks had. From one cliff top to the other, strings had been connected in order to hang banners and flags, decorating the overhead view with deep reds and browns, the Yiga's signature color.
As the stones grew in number, the sand began to dwindle, leaving a stone path to walk on. Just like the stones, more banners began to appear in the air while the cliff sides began to connect in twisted rock formations above them. Soon the path got thinner, until finally, the cliff sides fully connected at the end, leaving nothing but a wall with a simple square cave that led into the mountain, and standing guard were two more Gerudo guards.
"Halt!" the guards called together, pointing their spears at the two visitors. "State your business, Berti!"
"I came with the Hylian Champion in order to deliver a message to Captain Teake from Buliara!" the guard known as Berti said as she stood next to Link. "She gives Link permission to speak with the prisoners!"
The two guards glanced at each other before looking back and asking, "password?"
"Vehvi," Bertri said confidently.
After another glance at each other, one of the guards disappeared into the hideout. After a few minutes, the guard returned with another tall woman following behind her. She was a lighter-skinned Gerudo woman, with similar armor to the rest and a sword and shield clasped to her lower back. She looked at both Bertri and Link before speaking.
"Sav'aaq," the captain said. "I understand the password was given correctly, but I still have a few concerns regarding you, Hylian Champion."
"What concerns?" Link asked, furrowing his brow.
"The sword that seals the darkness," Teake exclaimed. "It isn't on your back. It's common knowledge now that ever since the champion has received that sword, it has for the most part always been kept close to him. I find it strange that it's not with you."
"It is with me," Link said, "just not on me."
"If that is the case, then present the sword," Teake commanded. "Only he may wield it, which would be excellent proof that you are who you claim."
Link hesitated and furrowed his brow even more. He had been trying to avoid it; taking the sword into his hand. Despite this, slowly he reached down and took the ancient relic from his belt once more. After a few taps, strings of light began to rise from the screen, and after a few seconds, the holy blade appeared in his free hand. While it remained sheathed in its beautiful gold and blue sheath, its purple-winged hilt and gold accents glistened, even with the dust in the air.
"This is enough, isn't it?" the owner of the sword asked, holding it out to give the captain a better look. After a pause, the captain nodded.
"Sarqso, thank you, Link," Teake said in a slightly kinder tone. "It's good to see you, I apologize for the strict protocols. I'm sure you've been made aware of Buliara's concerns?"
"I have, and I don't blame you," he answered as he and Bertri took a step closer. "In fact, it's a good thing. There is one more Yiga that's out there doing whatever it is he pleases. Have you noticed anything strange?"
"I know all that Buliara informed you of," Teake answered. "I apologize. I wish I could be of more assistance. What I can promise you is that no Yiga has made it in or out, and I'm sure you can believe that after witnessing our validation steps just now. Bertri…"
Teake turned towards the guard standing next to Link.
"You have done well. Return to the palace and inform Buliara that she will soon be notified of the next password."
"Right away, Captain!" the guard said.
With a bow, Bertri turned away and began her trek back down the mountain pass. After watching her disappear into the distance, Teake turned her attention back down to the short Hylian remaining in front of her.
"Well then, are you ready?" she asked. Link, however, did not respond. His gaze now had remained solely on the elegant weapon in his hand. Teake cleared her throat. "Champion?"
"What? Oh, yeah… Yeah, let's go," he answered, looking up from the blade's hilt.
The guards stepped aside, allowing the two to enter the hideout's square entrance. The clan's caves had remained just the same as before. The caverns were dark and dingy, only visible thanks to the few torches that had been spread out across the walls. Similar to the outside, banners and covers with the clan's eye had been placed around the caves, covering what looked to be ancient statutes that had been carved into the caverns. Though the place was eerie, and the air frigid thanks to being under the highlands, Link's focus remained on the sword in his hand as he blindly followed Teake through the cave system and up and down staircases.
He could feel it: the call towards the Korok forest. It was a faint call, one that didn't pressure his arrival. Regardless, it was still there, reminding Link of his trial ahead. He knew the moment he touched the sword, the call would be lodged into his mind. His grip on the green strapped hand grew tighter. He could feel his urges growing, demanding that he head to the forest at once, silencing Zelda's pleas to stay that had also been swirling around in his mind.
"We've arrived," Teake's voice echoed in his mind. Link's eyes shot up from the sword and up at the captain who had stopped just in front of a large opening leading into a large room. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I just… sorry. You saved me there," Link answered. He took the Sheikah Slate from his belt, and after a few taps, the Master Sword vanished in a flash of blue light strings that flew into the screen. Slowly, the call in the back of his mind began to fade. "So, they're still being kept in the main room?"
"It's all we can do to keep them contained at the moment," the captain explained. "The risk of one of them escaping is too high if we tried to move them anywhere else. For now, this is all we have to work with. Who is it you're trying to speak with?"
"Kohga, himself," Link answered.
"I figured as much," Teake responded. "He's in the back room. Follow me, and stay close. With you here, we don't know if they'll try and pull anything…"
With a nod, Link followed the captain into the room. It was a large room with a large, rectangular wooden pillar erected in its center, with smaller ones placed around the room. Against the walls were makeshift wooden shelves and beams, where jewels and banana's sat waiting to be eaten. On the stone floor, many short, disconnected walls stood, and against those walls were multiple Yiga, sitting with their arms and legs tied as Gerudo guards stood tall above them with weapons in hand.
The moment Link stepped inside the room's area, he could feel each and every painted red eye turn in his direction. Every guard in the room tensed up at the Yiga's sudden movement, yet neither the footsoldiers nor the blademasters dared to move any more than they already had. Instead, their heavy, piercing gazes stayed on the one they despised the most: the Hylian Champion that currently walked freely in their wake.
"What a warm welcome," Link muttered under his breath as he followed Teake through the room. He looked back at a few of the painted upside-down eyes staring at him, and though all he could see were the masks, he could feel a gaze colder than the winter air in the cave from under them.
"You're not exactly their favorite person in the world, Champion," Teake said, hearing his murmur.
"Trust me, I know," Link replied coldly.
Eventually, the two reached the other side of the room, where another small hallway sat ready for them. They traversed inside the hall. It was much shorter than the ones near the entrance, and after one bend, the back room had appeared in sight. It was a rather small room, though it was large enough to hold many different wooden decorations, with red lanterns hanging from banners and chests and shelves hidden behind fences and small wooden walls. It was easily the nicest room in the hideout, the one that belonged to the leader of the place, and from here, behind two more Gerudo guards, Link could see the chubby body of Kohga, tied up like all the rest and sitting in the center of the room on a stone pedestal with his back turned to him.
"Teake…" Link called, stopping in the middle of the hallway. In response, the captain turned around to face him. "Can you call your guards back? I want to speak to him alone."
"As much as I trust your judgment, Champion, I don't believe that-" Teake began to argue, however, Link looked up with hardened eyes.
"Teake… Please."
Teake paused before taking a deep breath.
"You two, come with me for a moment!" she called out to the guards standing on each opposite side of Kohga. Though confused, the guards did as they were told. After arriving at Teake's side, the Gerudo captain looked back at Link. "Sometimes I feel we have too much of a soft spot for you. That may have to change in the future."
"I appreciate you, Teake," Link said with a small smile.
"Call when you're done so we can re-establish the watch," Teake said before turning her back to him.
With the guards at her side, they disappeared back around the corner of the hallway, leaving Link alone. The moment the Gerudo disappeared, his smile vanished as he focused his attention on the Yiga's leader, who remained sitting on the stone pedestal in the center of the room. Slowly, the champion began walking towards the room's open entrance. As he grew closer, he could soon hear the muttering of Kohga talking to himself.
"What's taking them so long? Do they usually change shifts at this time? If only I knew what time it was!" he said angrily as he squirmed around in his ropes. "Hey! It gets boring here alone! I know you guards are going to come back! At least bring me some bananas if you're going to dawdle!"
"Sorry, Kohga," Link said in a cold voice, "but I don't have any bananas, at least none that I want to give you."
Kohga's squirming immediately stopped and slowly turned to see if the familiar voice was to who he recognized it belonged. Similar to the rest of the Yiga, the unique leader wore a similar red and black skin-tight suit that pronounced his large belly, though he was decorated with white and purple cuffs and a large white and yellow collar around his neck. His mask, while similar to the rest, had six twisting spikes, three of which were sticking out each side of his white mask, along with a pair of long, curled yellow earrings. Finally, at the top of his head was an elongated hair cover, with a puff ball of hair sticking out at the top.
"Well, look who's come to visit," the Yiga master said in a high-pitched, raspy voice. "I was starting to wonder if I'd ever see you again. You know, as my arch nemesis, I really would have thought I'd see you all the time-"
"Cut the crap, Kohga," Link said harshly, "and tell me where your little friend is."
"Little friend?" Kohga asked innocently. "Friend… friend… Do I have one of those?"
"Don't play games with me!" Link shouted angrily, stepping deeper into the room. "You know there's a Yiga missing from your numbers, and I want to know where he is."
"Oh wow, like I would want to help you," the assassin's leader said, tilting his head as if he were rolling his eyes. "I know! Let's play a game! You untie me, and maybe I'll help you find him! How's that?"
Just as Link began to step onto the pedestal, Kohga lowered his head and with a quiet "upsy-daisy", he launched himself into the air. He slowly bobbed around in the air, twisting and weaving around his enemy with his arms and legs still tied.
"You see, the game is wondering when I will betray you!" he laughed. "Doesn't that sound fu-!"
Kohga never got to finish. In a matter of seconds, Link had reached out and grabbed the large Yiga's fancy collar and with amazing strength, he pulled Kohga over his head and slammed him back down onto the pedestal.
"Ow!" the Yiga Chief cried. "What the- What's wrong with you? I was talking!"
"Listen, Kohga," Link said darkly. "I'm not here to play your silly little games with you. Tell me what I need to know."
"Now there's a crick in my neck…" Kohga mumbled, attempting to crack his neck as best he could. Link gritted his teeth.
"I said tell me what I need to know!" he said again, grabbing Kohga by the collar and bringing him close to his face.
"Oh! So scary!" Kohga said in a teasing voice. "Get lost! I don't know where my underling is because I've been trapped in here for months! I wonder why that is? Oh, wait! It was because of you! You put me in this predicament in the first place! Maybe if you hadn't come around, I'd be able to help you. But wait again! I hate you, so I wouldn't help anyway!"
"Now you listen here, Kohga," Link said threateningly. "I have been living every day these past few weeks with that footsoldier popping in and out of my vision, and in and out of my head. I don't care what you have to do, you're going to tell me where this guy is, or I swear to Hylia, I'll–."
"You'll what?" Kohga asked, annoyed at the conversation. "Like you would actually do anything. Besides, I told you I can't do anything with my hands tied, and, of course, we both know you aren't going to untie me! You sound like a crazy person, coming in here and demanding the impossible, assuming I just know things— heck I'm surprised you told me any of this! And now you're threatening? I don't think I've ever heard you really threaten any… Oh…"
Suddenly, with Link's fist still gripping his collar, the Yiga leaned his head back to look at the ceiling.
"Oooooooooooh…" he said again quietly. "I see what's going on."
"You see—? What do you see?" Link asked, slightly shaking Kohga.
"Can you stop it?" Kohga said, snapping his head back up to face his interrogator once more. Just as Link stopped shaking, the Yiga chief began to laugh.
"What?" Link asked.
"Nothing, nothing!" Kohga laughed hysterically. "It's just, man, this is funny! You may be doing this to yourself! Oh, this is better than a bundle of bananas! The great Hylian Champion, possibly running himself into the ground!"
"You keep saying possibly," Link called out, trying to keep a cool head. "So you're saying your underling could be messing with me?"
"He could be, he could not be," Kohga said, shrugging his shoulders. "I honestly wouldn't know… but, that also means you don't know, meaning you're going to keep stressing about it! It's hilarious! You came here for nothing!"
With fury beginning to burn in his chest, Link began to raise his fist, yet Kohga laughed even harder.
"What are you going to do? Punish me? Please, not the face, not the face!" he acted out before laughing even harder. "Do it! Do it! Give in! If my underling is messing with you, then he wins by you simply giving in to the temptation! And if he's not, then watching you fall from grace on your own accord will be my pleasure! So, do it! Do it! I dare you!"
Link bared his fangs as his fist shook with rage. His grip on Kohga's collar grew tighter. He wanted nothing more than to punch the Yiga's lights out, despite the fact that he was defenseless. He wanted to rip his mask off and see the face underneath he would pummel to a pulp. Despite his urge, with a yell, he threw the assassin's leader to the ground and began to walk away towards the exit.
"Teake! Guards!" he yelled. Suddenly, the Gerudo guards appeared from around the hallway corner, with Teake right behind them. Link walked past them with his cloak billowing in his wake, and without stopping, he said, "I'm done with him. He's yours to watch over again."
With that, he disappeared around the hallway corner. The guards began hurrying towards Kohga to take their places next to their prisoner. Slowly, the large Yiga struggled to push himself into a sitting position.
"Thank the Calamity he didn't actually punch me. I was nervous there for a second! I can't have my beautiful face scarred," he said to the guards. After a few seconds, he began to chuckle. "Whether or not my underlying is the one messing with him or if he's doing it to himself, he'll keep worrying about it. It's what he does. He worries about everything and everyone. I wonder what'll happen to your little, broken, Hylian Champion…"
"Silence!" the guards said together, yet Kohga couldn't help but begin laughing once more. His laughs echoed through the hideout and were heard by Link even as he stepped out of the front entrance, right up until he tapped an icon on the Sheikah Slate and disappeared in a flash of blue lights.
...
Link quickly stepped into the house. Slamming the door behind him, he began ripping off the cloak and armor he had on. With his cloak and top armor removed he placed them on the table before placing his hands next to them. He stared down at the table as beads of sweat fell from his forehead. After a few deep breaths to calm his heart rate, he brought a hand up and wiped his forehead before taking the rest of his voe armor off. With a few taps on the Sheikah Slate's screen, the armor vanished into blue strings of light, and after a few more taps, his trousers and a sweater appeared in his arms. After getting dressed, with a sigh he turned to head upstairs, yet to his surprise, the front door opened to reveal a dull-looking Zelda.
"Zelda? You're here early. What's wrong?" he asked as he began walking to her. "Is everything-?"
Link stopped in his tracks as a horrendous, yet familiar smell filled his nose. He coughed in surprise as he began to inspect her further. It only took him a few seconds to notice what she was covered in.
"Zelda, what happened?"
"I met a person more obsessed with horses than even you," Zelda said dully. "And I foolishly offered to clean the stables for said owner and his horse. The horse was… picky."
"A person more obsessed with horses than… Did you meet Joute?" Link asked. Zelda nodded. "Oh, yeah, that guy is really into horses."
"I've noticed," Zelda said. "I just… I didn't expect the horse to give me such a hard time. First, it did its business in the stall, and I clearly messed up cleaning that. Then it didn't want to follow me into the stable. I did what you told me to, but it didn't listen and I ended up fighting with it, and I got thrown around and—"
Suddenly tears had begun to form in the corner of her eyes and her brow began to furrow in frustration.
"I just, I thought I had it this time!" she said. "I thought I could handle it! I saw you doing it earlier and you were just fine! These are normal everyday tasks! It's not like the Sealing Powers where no one understood what they were, these are basic skills I keep messing up on! It's frustrating! It's embarrassing! It's… It's–"
"It's something that everyone still needs to learn," Link chuckled. "You're right, Zelda, they're not like the Sealing Powers. Doing tasks the right way won't just magically pop into your head when put under stress. You need to practice."
"I know, I know… I just hate… I hate failing," Zelda said, looking down at her dirtied boots. "I feel like I'm more of a bother at the inn than anything useful. I'm trying really hard, but I still took multiple attempts to clean everything properly. Link, I threw horse excrement into my face and tripped in the snow!"
"Zelda…"
"I… I spent so long trying to finish my tasks that I… I…"
Slowly, Zelda reached behind her and pulled the bag full of rice balls that Link had cooked earlier that day off her belt.
"I didn't get to enjoy the food you made me. I think I might've even crushed them when I fell… I'm sorry."
Disappointed in herself, her gaze moved from her boots to the soiled bag of food now resting in her palms. Taking a deep breath in preparation, Link walked towards the doorway before taking Zelda into his arms, ignoring the horrible smell.
"I'm sorry you had a rough day," he cooed. "But it's only your second day. I promise it'll get better. You just need more practice. This stuff doesn't happen overnight. I'm sure you saw me when I first woke up from the Shrine of Resurrection, right?"
Slowly, Zelda nodded into his shirt.
"I got beaten up badly by a trio of red bokoblins standing just down the staircase. Even the best of us need practice. Don't let it get to you, okay? You're doing just fine. You got that?"
Again, Zelda nodded.
"Good," Link said. "Now why don't you go take a bath and clean yourself off? I'll make you some more rice balls that you can enjoy after you get out. How does that sound?"
"That sounds lovely," Zelda said in a muffled voice with her face still pressed into his shirt. "I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize," Link chuckled. "Come on, go. I'll be down here."
With a final nod, Zelda pulled out of his arms and began to head toward the stairs. Link, however, called out to her, making her turn around. After closing the door, he quickly pulled his now-soiled sweater off his chest and held it out to her.
"Can you take this?" he asked. "It's a little…"
"Yes, sorry…" Zelda said again, taking the shirt into her hands before heading up the stairs. The moment she vanished onto the loft, Link sighed to himself as he now stood shirtless and alone in the living room, furrowing his brow as he recalled the events of the past day.
What… should I do now?
