Link sat beneath one of the smaller trees closer to the glade's edges, Luce at his side. He stared at ground, for once saying nothing. The happy cries and chatter of the Kokiri drifted over from the heart of the glade, the cheerful sounds deepening the scowl on his face. It was one that normally could make others flinch.

   But that isn't the face someone 'worthy' would make! Link thought. This was all just... Tauros-shit. Complete and utter Tauros-shit. He didn't ask for this, he didn't want this! His anger was momentarily dampened by sadness. How was he expected to pity Daemos, a king who had let his women do such horrible things before and surely now? He surely knew what had occurred back then, a king was supposed to know everything his subjects did! And now Link was supposed to potentially risk Luce's and his own life for that Gerudo?

   "This just... sucks," Link muttered.

   A paw gently touched his arm, and Link glanced at Luce. She was giving him a sad but reassuring smile, her eyes holding a similar glint. Her aura grew warmer and brighter, more comforting.

   Link exhaled a sad excuse for a laugh, trying to smile. "I can't believe you still put up with me. What would I do without you?" He ruffled the fur on her head. "Thanks," he said, and she gave him a fanged grin.

   He was able to relax for a moment, simply reveling in Luce's aura and the wonderful feeling of being outside. But then his thoughts returned to the issue at hand, and instantly that warmth was snuffed out.

   "But really, what're we gonna do?" Link asked Luce. "You know I don't want to do this. But what choice do I have? They'd just think I'm a coward if we leave." He scowled again. "Dammit all!"

   Luce shook her head. Although she looked sad, Link was sure she wasn't being truthful. He couldn't tell why, though.

   A familiar pair of auras touched his senses, and he looked up. Zelda was standing nearby with a bundle of cloth in her arms, Fira at her side, giving Link and Luce a decent berth.

Link frowned at her. "Since you know we can both sense Aura, why try to sneak up on us?"

   "I wasn't," she replied. "I could tell you two were having a serious talk, so I didn't want to interrupt."

   Link's expression went blank with slight surprise. "Oh, um, that's nice." The two were silent for a moment, Fira and Luce hesitantly looking between them. "So whaddya want?" Link asked.

   "I was asked to give you these." Zelda held out the small stack of cloth, which Fira took and passed over to Link. "It seems like they knew we were coming and prepared more suitable traveling clothes for us if our current ones wouldn't work. And if they don't fit you, go see Saria so they can be adjusted."

   "Why's this top bundle so hot?" Link asked. He opened it to be greeted by fresh-looking bread rolls and, to his mild delight, a couple baked apples.

   "I decided to bring you dinner, as well," Zelda answered. "But if you want any more, you'll have to get it yourself." Her lips curved into an amused smile. "Don't worry, the Kokiri don't bite," she said.

   Link rolled his eyes, though he was admittedly caught off-guard by her consideration. He bit his lip as he considered his response, a thought that had been stewing in him surfacing. He might as well just come out and say it. "Hey... I wanna say sorry for back in the dungeon," he said. "Luce was gone, and I guess I was both pissed off and freaked out."

   Zelda put her hands on her hips, looking a bit leery at Link's statement. After a moment she spoke. "I'm surprised, but I'll accept your apology." She glanced at Luce. "You look like you're very close with her, so I understand why you were distraught."

   Link frowned. "What does that mean? 'Distraught.'" The word sounded strange when he said it.

   Zelda's eyebrows raised, her arms falling to her sides. Even Fira seemed puzzled by Link's response. "Oh, it's another word for being deeply upset," Zelda responded, nonplussed. "You... didn't know that?"

   Link shook his head. "I don't really know all those fancy words people say."

   "It's not that fancy, but alright," Zelda said slowly. She seemed to be waiting for something, and Link grew puzzled as to what else she wanted from him. "You have nothing to say?" she then asked.

   Link's brow furrowed in confusion. "What else should I say?"

   "Perhaps apologize to me for what you said in the Deku Tree's clearing?" Zelda asked, incredulous.

   Link scoffed. "Why should I apologize? I meant every word of it."

   "Fine," Zelda said with a sigh. "If we're going to be stuck together, then I suppose I'll have to get used to this. I won't put up with it too much, though."

   "And I still don't get that," Link said.

   "What, why I'm okay with doing this? I've already told you. Well, mostly." She looked at her feet.

   "What do you mean?" Link asked.

   "I didn't want to say this in front of Resa, but to be honest, this is kind of exciting for me," Zelda said. "I've always wanted to do something with my life besides what my family wanted, and getting the chance to live out a legend is something I never imagined." A giddy little smile curved her lips. "When I really focus on it, I can feel Nayru's essence flowing through me, and it makes me feel like one of the heroes I've read about!"

   Link couldn't believe what he was hearing. "This isn't some story, you know."

   "I know, but I still want to do it," Zelda said.

   Link shook his head. "That's because you don't know what it's like to live out in the streets. You say you've met guys like me? Well, I've met women like you: sheltered little 'princesses' who haven't set foot outside their towns or villages. Hearing things is different from seeing 'em yourself."

   Fira raised his fists, barking something at Link. Zelda shook her head. "No, it's fine." She looked at Link. "I... would have to agree with you there. I'd be lying if I didn't."

   "See? And if you couldn't already guess, I've seen some things." He purposely held up his right hand, displaying his missing digits. Zelda somehow hadn't seemed to notice this detail before and was appropriately horrified.

   "Oh Goddesses, what happened to you?" she gasped.

   "I was stupid, that's what!" Link hissed sharply. He could almost feel the pain that had ripped through his hand the night it had occurred, and he subconsciously clenched his marred hand into a fist. "And I'm lucky I'm still alive. If it weren't for Luce, I'd probably be dead!"

   Zelda was rightfully stunned by what she'd just seen. She just kept staring at Link's hand, even when he put it down. Her mouth opened, but no words came out. She numbly closed it and looked away, seemingly going into deep thought. Link was sure she'd seen his point, and he waited for her to say so.

   "I'm still doing it," she then said.

   Link was taken aback. He raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

   She nodded. "Yes. I'm ignorant about many things, like you are, but that just means I have more to learn. And I still want to try to be a hero and make a difference." She clenched her fists, grim determination hardening her jaw. "I'm one in millions who could have gotten Wisdom, and I'm going to use it to save King Daemos and Hyrule! Are you going to do the same with your Courage?"

   He shrugged. "Well, yeah, I have to."

   Zelda shook her head. "That isn't what I mean," she said. "Are you really going to?" She waited for an answer, and when none came, she turned away from him. "Have a good evening," she said flatly as she walked away. Fira stared at Link for a moment, squinting in mild distaste before turning to follow Zelda.

   Link watched them leave for a moment before looking at Luce. "She's insane, isn't she?" he asked.

   His partner's eyes remained on the retreating woman. She growled softly and shrugged, appearing unsure.

   Link frowned. "What's that supposed to mean? Don't tell me you actually agree with her."

   The Lucario was silent for a moment. She then silently nodded, her eyes narrowing in determination. Link was a little upset that she'd side with Zelda over him. Then again, she'd always been the more virtuous out of the two of them. But that was it, then. With that one action, her mind was made up, and Link knew he couldn't change that now.

   "Alright," he sighed. "If you wanna do this, then I'll try to be more..." He struggled to think of the word. "I'll be more cooperative." He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. "Alright?" Luce smiled at him, like she was saying "thank you." Link couldn't be mad at her when she looked at him like that. "But before we lose our heads to any Royal Guards," he unwrapped the food Zelda had brought, "let's enjoy ourselves."

—~*—

Link didn't know whether to be pleasantly surprised or deeply disturbed. The clothes he had received from Zelda fit him almost perfectly. Although the cinched forest green tunic and tan shirt and pants weren't exactly his style, he wasn't going to turn them down in favor of the ripped clothes he'd been wearing until then. And in the evening's dimming light, the clothing's darker colors made for half-decent camouflage. That, he appreciated.

   As he finished slipping on the leather boots and fingerless gloves that had also come with the ensemble, he noticed there was something else. There was a cap that matched his tunic in color. Aside from the hood of his old cloak, which he decided to keep, Link didn't do hats. Not to mention that the thing looked absolutely ridiculous. It was like a windsock.

   "I wouldn't be caught dead in this," Link told Luce, tossing the cap aside. Luce snickered. "What's so funny?" Link asked.

   "Car!" she barked, giving him a fanged grin and playfully poking him on the head. He gently slapped her paw away, giving her a smirk.

   Putting his pride aside, he would have to thank Saria for doing this. But not while Zelda was around. He wouldn't give her the satisfaction of hearing him thank somebody again.

   "Well, I'm beat," he said, stretching his arms over his head as he let out a yawn. "I... I guess we'll have to wait 'till tomorrow to figure out what's gonna happen next, huh?" Luce nodded. Link laid back against the tree, pulling his cloak's hood up so it partially covered his eyes before folding his arms over his chest. "'Night, Luce," he said reluctantly.

   As Link allowed himself to relax, he peered out from under his hood. It was almost completely dark with only the faintest traces of orange light seeping through the treetops. Even if things were a mess now, he could still enjoy the fact that he was finally sleeping outside again. He closed his eyes, trying to imagine he was somewhere else.

   Link peered out from behind the tree with Luce, both of their gazes trained on the Hylian man asleep in the clearing. The dying embers of his fire crackled beside his unconscious form. But what Link was more interested in was the large pack the man was leaning against.

   The man was a trinkets peddler, selling random odds and ends. Link had spotted him in the Clock Town square earlier that day and had tailed him to the nearby forest. Link hoped to get his hands on a few of the peddler's wares along with some rupees.

   The young thief hadn't been too lucky that day. In the morning, he'd been chased out of a berry orchard by some crazy girl and her Vespiquen, and in the afternoon he found out that the shops in Clock Town were a little too closely watched by those damned Gerudo. It was now late in the night, and Link was desperate to relieve the aching in his gut.

   "Force Palm 'im, Luce. I'll get what we need," Link whispered. The Riolu nodded, raising one of her small paws which began to spark with blue aura energy and static. The energy was weak, but Luce kept it going, determination in her eyes. She and Link shared another look before darting towards the man.

   Link stopped down beside the man's backpack, immediately digging a hand into one of its pockets. He grasped several quite small objects that were distinctly cut and clinked together, and his heart leapt at the thought he'd already struck gold with rupees. But then he heard a short, sharp yelp, and then a voice that made him freeze.

   "What do you think you're doing, boy?"

   Slowly, Link looked up, eyes widening at the sight of the Hylian man now towering over him. His face was shadowed, but his dark eyes were clear and full of anger. In one of his hands he held Luce by the scruff. She was limp and unconscious, her head lolling about. Anger filled Link, and fighting the fear rising in him, he jumped to his feet.

   "L-let my partner go!" he demanded, his face twisting into a weak scowl.

   The man laughed dryly. "Why should I? You two were the ones trying to steal from me. And for that, I think you should be punished."

   With that, the man lashed out, seizing one of Link's wrists. The boy let out a yell and tried to pull away, beating and scratching at the man's hand. But he didn't react, looking at Link with what seemed to be amusement.

   "Don't even think that you can get away. You deserve what's coming to you." He dragged Link close to him, putting his face close to Link's. "Now, either your Riolu can take the full punishment, you can, or I'll split it between you," the man said. "So which will it be? Don't answer, and I'll snap the mutt's neck."

   Fear struck Link. No, he wouldn't let anything happen to Luce, not if he could help it. "I-I'll take it. Just don't hurt her," he begged.

   The man grinned. "Alright. Then let's get started." He threw Luce to the ground followed by Link himself, holding him down on his front and pinning his free arm beneath him.

   "Luce, Luce please get up," he muttered frantically. But she remained still. Link then heard what sounded like a blade sliding from a sheath, and his heart twisted.

   "You were going to steal three-hundred of my hard-earned rupees. Those are precious to me." The man's hold shifted from Link's wrist to his palm, forcibly splaying his fingers out. "For that, I'll take something precious to you," a serrated dagger lowered into Link's vision, "or three."

   Link's stomach churned, horror knotting his insides and threatening to make him sick. He knew what was about to happen. He clenched his hand as best he could. Perhaps if he tried to buy time, Luce would wake up.

   "Going back on what you said? Well, it's too late now." The man's fingers forced themselves under Link's, hooking them one moment and yanking them upwards a second later. "Because of that, I'll do this more slowly. Let's go knuckle by knuckle."

   And he did, starting with the pinky. Bit by bit. The initial cuts made Link scream and writhe, though it was in vain as he was unable to escape what he'd brought upon himself. Eventually, all he could manage were whimpers and gags. Later still he couldn't say anything, as his consciousness was beginning to fade. He couldn't take the agony any longer.

   But then the man cried out in pain of his own.

   The weight vanished from Link's back and didn't return. He laid there in the grass, almost feeling like he was floating as his vision wavered. His swimming thoughts could barely process what was happening, but he did see Luce kneeling beside him, looking completely horrified.

   Link awoke with a jolt, reflexively clasping his right hand to his chest with his left. He could feel a bead of sweat trail down his temple, his heart pounding, the blood roaring in his ears. He swore he could still feel the pain in his fingers. But when he looked at his right hand, it looked the same as it had for the past five years.

   That nightmare had stayed away for over a year, but now it had returned. Link scowled. Zelda. She'd stirred up those memories and made it resurge. He wanted to be angry, but the feeling was tremulous, and he knew he was shaking a little. Link slapped himself on both cheeks, hard, trying to snap himself out of it. The sharpness of his strikes seemed to straighten out something in him, but still the anger wavered, if ever-so-slightly Where was Luce when he needed her?

   "Luce?" he croaked, unintentional nervousness cracking his voice. He turned to where he last saw her, only to find her gone. Instead of worrying, he instantly dove into his mind's recesses, allowing his sight to become faded as opened himself up to Aura. A sigh of relief escaped him when he sensed her high up in the branches above him. He raised his gaze but was unable to see her in the faint streaks of dawn light.

   This was a habit of Luce's. Every morning she would seek out a place close to the sky and meditate as the sun rose. He suspected it was her way of reflecting on the previous day's events, as she seemed more content whenever she joined back up with Link.

   Luce's habit was something she'd tried to get Link to do with her, but he never would. It wasn't like he didn't think it could be useful, and it helped him tap into Aura back when he was first learning how to sense. But meditating calmed him down, and in turn extinguished the brand of fire he prided himself on. Because as ridiculous as it sounded, Link didn't feel like himself without that constant burn. Anger, rebellion, spite... He loved them. Funny how they were things he lacked completely and barely had a concept of when he was a child. Now, without them, he might as well be like he had been back then.

   A spineless little wretch that—"Stop it!" he hissed to himself. That wasn't him anymore. "Just gotta wait for Luce, and then you can find out what'll happen next. Until then try to think about something else..." His dream was the obvious thing, and the thought of it put him in an even more sour mood.

   Rustling in the branches above Link sounded before Luce landed beside him, greeting him with a cheerful bark.

   "Knew I was awake, huh? Figures," he said with a half-smile that quickly faded. "I'm glad you're done though, because I wanna tell you about something," he started. Luce tilted her head, nodding slowly. "I-I had that dream again. The one with the peddler..."

   Luce's eyes widened, her gaze darting to Link's hand. She then grasped it tightly, sorrow filling her eyes. This was something they both shared a consensus with. Neither blamed each other or themselves for what had happened. They had both made the plan and both screwed it up in their own ways.

   "I just wanted to tell ya." Luce nodded. They were quiet a moment, the buzz of the awakening glade being all that they could hear.

   But soon that silence was broken. Firenz and Rosina appeared from seemingly nowhere, startling both Link and Luce.

   "It's you two..." Link said, irritated. "Mornin', I guess."

   Rosina sighed. "I didn't expect you to be happy to see us. But good morning to you too."

   "Um, the Great Deku Tree and Overseer Resa want to see you two," Firenz said. "The Holder of Wisdom is there too, so it must be important."

   "No, I'm sure it isn't," Link muttered sarcastically, the tone naturally returning to him. Rosina shot him a glare, and Link spoke up. "We'll go over there now." He lightly nudged Luce, and they exchanged quick sidelong glances before leaving for the Deku Tree's clearing, Luce giving the faeries an appreciative nod and a bark of farewell.

   Link hurried through the glade at almost a light jog, trying to avoid the Kokiri and the glade's other denizens. He could feel their gazes on him, the uncomfortable feeling making his skin prickle. Why did they feel the need to stare? Why couldn't they just leave him be? He couldn't leave the area fast enough, and he was glad when he did.