As Link's group progressed deeper into Eldin, the terrain only grew rougher. It got to the point where he and Zelda had to contribute some of their Holder powers in order to create handholds or blast apart rocks in general. Overhangs were becoming more common, but so were the risks of rockslides. Loose stones were everywhere, and Link had to catch Zelda a few times when she slipped. Really, only they were struggling since everyone else was naturally light on their feet, even more so than Link. It made him feel inferior, but he kept his complaints internal.

   Finally, after days of rough terrain, the group reached Yiga Canyon. According to Zelda, the canyon got its name because it once housed the base of an ancient clan that rivaled the Sheikah. Without even looking down into the canyon, the Aura-sensors were able pick up on a large group of auras beneath them. Link and Ena dared to glance over the canyon edge to see what they were dealing with.

   Yiga Canyon was naturally shaped like a funnel. The thin end made up the overhang-shaded passage to the wide end, where the overhangs receded to make room for a large hollow. At the top end of the funnel, partially obscured by a shadow as they were set into the cliff itself, were a large pair of stone doors. That was all that could be seen of the temple, it was like the cliff had swallowed the rest. But of course, there was still the auras to account for.

   When Link squinted, he could see a group of people and Pokémon. Eight were Gerudo with what seemed like a Hylian or two mixed in, and he could see at least five Pokémon. "Can ya see what Pokémon those are?" Link hissed to Ena. He wanted to think the metallic red shimmering was from a Scizor, but he wasn't sure.

   Ena stared at the group, hesitantly replying, "Scizor, no, Bisharp. And... I don't see any others, which is strange since I sense more Pokémon auras down there. I thought they would have some kind of Electric-type since paralysis is an easy way to subdue others."

   While Link hadn't fought a Bisharp before, he'd seen them in action. They weren't as dangerous as Scizor, but they were still nasty opponents to face with the blades on their arms. "It could just be Pokémon hiding underground or somethin'," he suggested. There was a flock of Spearow and Fearow flying overhead at the moment, though their presences clearly registered as being above him. He backed away from the edge, not feeling comfortable with possibly being in view. Ena followed him, and they reported to the others.

   Ten to thirteen is s-surprisingly good odds, Resa said. But of course... we sh-shouldn't think we have the u-upper hand.

   "So what's the plan?" Haruo asked. "Obviously we need to pick some of them off. Should we split up and ambush 'em?"

   "We would only be able to take out some of them, not all of them," Ena said, with her sister silently agreeing.

   "Then... maybe we could trigger a rockslide?" Haruo suggested, cocking his head to the side in thought.

   "Wait, wait, stop," Zelda interjected, causing the trio to look at her. "Before we think about how we're going to do this, we need to decide if we're going to kill any of them. That will change how we go about this."

   Resa nodded in agreement. Y-yes. If we can, I-I'd rather... not kill any of th-them, though c-casualties are... be expected. She looked at Link. Your thoughts?

   Uncertainty churned in Link's gut as he considered a response, and he glanced out over the group of Gerudo again. They didn't even seem that intent on guarding the temple entrance. It looked more like they were just wandering aimlessly about or talking with each other and their Pokémon to keep themselves busy. His first instinct was to assume they were just being lazy, but he recalled what Villia had said. These guards were overworked thanks to Daemos.

   After a moment of thought, Link gave his answer. "We can try to not hurt 'em too badly. Still, we gotta do what we halfta do," he said. "I like what Haruo said 'bout a rockslide." Brightness suffused the Sheikah's aura as Link said that, a grin sneaking onto his face. "It'll cause 'em some damage, but we'll be fine long as we stay away from the edges."

   "I like that idea as well," Zelda said. She crouched down and began to sketch a drawing in the loose red dirt. First, she drew a shape that looked like the canyon, then what Link could recognize as a "g" in the open area at the end. "Given the shape of the canyon, we could lure them into the thinner part of the passage, and then cause a rockslide behind them." She drew an arrow down the canyon passage. "If enough rocks fall, it will create a roadblock that will prevent them from re-entering the hollow." She then drew an "x" over the canyon passage.

   "Y'know not all of them would fall for the lure," Haruo said.

   Zelda nodded, "Well, yes. But that's why we should try to get as many out as we can," she said. "There are twelve down there. If we get, say, half of them out, we can surely take on the remaining six. Following that, if we aren't hurt too badly, we could try to go after the six in the passage to buy us more time. Meanwhile, Murkrow can fly overhead and help whichever group needs it."

   "And ya say ya ain't a good Holder of Wisdom," Link commented. Zelda's heat-flushed face seemed to grow redder as she smiled.

   "But Haruo's right, they won't all fall for the lure. That is why we need a good, convincing lure that will get them riled up," she said.

   Ena placed a hand on Zoroark's head. "Zoroark here can turn into almost any person or Pokémon," she said as she scratched the fox behind the ears. "Have him impersonate one of you, and that will give them something to go after."

   Zelda's face lit up. "Perfect. And Zoroark can just outrun them," she said. "So is this our plan?" The others agreed, all except Link and Luce. There was an issue with this idea that stuck out to him but not the others. He glanced at his partner. She hadn't agreed, so did she have the same thoughts as him?

   "Lu..." Luce was staring at the map, arms crossed. She looked at him, then Zoroark, holding up one claw before shaking her head. It was difficult to glean, but it seemed like she was thinking what Link was.

   "Wait a sec," he interrupted, and everyone in the group looked at him. He tensed under their stares but continued. "I know I just praised your plan, Zel, but the Zoroark thing's an issue. Think of it: the Gerudo know we're travelin' in a group. It'd be suspicious as hell if only one of us were to show up and then run. They might think we're plannin' an ambush."

   In that second, Zelda's enthusiasm died. "Then what should we do?" she asked. "The point of this is to buy time for us to get in and out of the temple."

   "And we'll get time," Link said. "I say we make two groups. You, Resa, Fira, and Ena go to the temple. The other group is me, Luce, Arata, Haruo, and Zoroark disguised as Zel. Arata, Haruo, and Luce can hide and make the rockslide while Murkrow keeps a watch over things and Zoroark and I run."

   In an instant, Luce's eyes widened, and she barked out a protest as Zelda did the same. "You want to use yourself as bait?" she gasped.

   "We're already usin' Zoroark, so it wouldn't be right for 'im to get hurt if the Gerudo catch up to 'im," Link said.

   "It's good to know you're so nice towards Pokémon, but Zoroark's been trained to work solo. He doesn't mind being put in a situation like this," Haruo said, and the Dark-type nodded in agreement. "Besides, what if you're captured?"

   "I won't get captured," Link said. "I've run from dozens of guards over the years, what's another half-dozen more?"

   Courage, b-be serious, Resa said. Wh-what is your plan if y-you are caught?

   Link's brow furrowed. "I... I dunno," he admitted. "But it'll be better if I'm taken so Daemos still doesn't have the full power of two Triforce pieces. I don't wanna separate Fira from Zel, so he and Zoroark can't be the bait. If it's me an' Luce, they might think you're plannin' somethin' else since you're Wisdom. If it's me and Zoroark disguised as Zel, they might buy it."

   "Should we really be playing with so many variables?" Ena questioned, frowning.

   "There's more, but they're a helluva lot better than just sendin' Zoroark in as the bait. Also, I have a feelin' that the guards would wanna capture me more than the others since I've been a problem since 'fore this all started," Link said. "We only get one chance at surprisin' the Gerudo, and we can't waste it."

   Tense silence fell over the group. Link could almost see everyone processing their own thoughts. Then Resa tentatively spoke up. I-I suppose... I could say—No, I-I oppose this as well, she backpedaled. Your safety is more important.

   "What could ya say, Resa?" Link asked. She didn't reply, and he asked again.

   I could t-tell Terrakion the truth, and he... would likely understand wh-why you wouldn't be in the temple with us. I've h-heard he is the kindest of the Four Swords b-besides Keldeo. She wrapped her sashes around her hilt protectively. But I st-still don't agree with this.

   "I don't like it either, but I still wanna do it. I wanna do somethin' for ya guys 'sides talkin'." His gaze fell to the ground. "Yeah, my pride's in this too."

   "Link..." Zelda sighed, exasperated.

   Link gritted his teeth, frustration flashing through him as he looked up at her. "It is, alright? Beatin' up more people ain't good enough for me, not when what all of ya have done's worth more than that." He paused briefly to let his words sink in, but not long enough for any objections. "This' our best bet for makin' this work. I know I can run fast enough, and I know I've gotten better at fightin'. I've been trainin' so damn much I dunno how I couldn't. So, yeah, that's what I'm thinkin'."

   The trio of Sheikah shared looks. "We're supposed to listen to you all, so while I believe this is risky, we won't object," Ena said, and her companions nodded.

   "Okay. Now whaddya think?" Link aimed a look directly at Luce and Zelda. Luce sighed before nodding reluctantly. Zelda didn't object, though Link could clearly sense her worry, and neither did Resa or Fira. "Then we're doin' this," Link confirmed. "I fight well enough without a sword, so ya can take the Master Sword so it doesn't get captured along with me." He tried to hand the sheath to Zelda, but she pushed it away, placing her hand on his as she did so.

   "No, you're keeping it. I don't want you to go out there without a weapon," she said firmly. "If things really get bad, then so be it, you won't be defenseless." Her fingers curled around his, her calloused fingers as hardened as her expression. "At least do that."

   Link hesitated but took the sword back, reluctantly leaving Zelda's grip as he did so. He was almost instantly struck by Luce a second later as she embraced him. "Ya don't need to worry either, Luce," he said. "If all of ya worry 'bout my skills so much, then I'll start worryin'!" He looked at Zelda, then Resa. "I'll be fine. I promise." And Zelda nodded.

—~*~—

It was discussed that if Link were to be captured, he would likely be taken to the Ikana-Gerudo Fortress, either that or to Hyrule Castle itself. If he was taken to the fortress, he would try to escape and reunite with the rest of the group in the Arbiter City outskirts, which were about a week's travel from the canyon and a few days closer from the fortress.

The Arbiter outskirts were a place where thieves and former convicts dwelled after being released from the city's prison, so it wasn't the safest place to be. However, it was the perfect place to hide. Each party had a week and a half to meet up there. If they couldn't meet in the outskirts within this time frame, they would then try to make their way back to Kakariko. And if Link were taken to the castle... then he would have to do what he could from there. All Link would have on him besides the Master Sword would be a lockpick Arata gave him, but he was prepared to survive with so little.

   While Haruo, Arata, Luce, and Murkrow took up positions atop the entrance to the temple hollow, Link and Zoroark made their way further down the path before climbing down into the canyon. All they had to do was approach the hollow, acting like they were being stealthy, only to be "caught" by the guards.

   It had been so long since the last time Link was in his element like this. So many times he'd stuck to the shadows, moving when the wind howled or other noises sounded to somewhat mask his footfalls. If there was only something for him to steal at the end of this instead of a pit of Seviper...

   Soon the end of the canyon came into view, and Link could more easily see and sense the auras of the guards. But the auras of his friends were above him, and he could barely glimpse Luce over the edge of the cliff. Faintly, he could sense Zelda and the others, as they were situated on the cliff above the temple entrance. They then reached the hollow entrance. It was time to put the plan into action.

   Link and Zoroark hid themselves behind some fallen boulders before Zoroark assumed his disguise as Zelda. The appearance was uncanny, even with how the false Zelda twisted her hair around her fingers like she did when she was nervous. Link didn't sense much apprehension from Zoroark, so perhaps it was just him experimenting with this new form.

   Now came the part that he didn't want to do: getting spotted. It went against every ingrained instinct, but he forced himself to lean out from his hiding spot a bit too far and linger a bit too long. Even if he was pretending to hide, it still didn't stop his heart from picking up speed. The Gerudo nearest to him then looked his way just as he moved back into hiding.

   "Rella... I think I saw something," Link heard her say to one of her companions. The two talked for a moment before going silent again, and that was when Link leaned out again. This time he purposely kept himself in view for longer, even when the guard looked back up. "Dear Hylia!" the guard shouted, and Link ducked away. "Holders! I just saw a Holder!"

   Questioning shouts rose up among the Gerudo, and even with his freedom at stake, Link had to hold back a snicker. How he loved to mess with people. Two Pokémon auras began to approach, and Link noticed Zoroark's fingers growing into claws. Link shook his head and summoned an orb of Courage.

   A Bisharp came into view, though not close enough that it would see Link and Zoroark. A Joltik clung to its shoulder like a golden pauldron, faintly sparking with static as it rubbed its fuzzy little legs together. No wonder Link hadn't seen it from above the canyon; Joltik were some of the smallest Pokémon in Hyrule. Fading sunlight glinted off Bisharp's blades as it looked around. Link frowned; neither of them were close enough. He then purposefully scuffed the ground with his boot, loud enough that it drew the Bisharp's attention.

   It bolted forwards, and for a moment its gaze met Link's before he nailed it in the chest with Courage. The Pokémon hissed in shock as it was thrown back, knocked off its feet onto its back. That was enough to get the shouts started up again. Cries of "Holders!" and "capture them!" rang out, followed by a group of auras amassing to charge the pathway. Link and Zoroark stood, letting the guards clearly see them, before bolting.

   Within moments Link's heart was set racing as he dashed down the canyon. Zoroark kept pace with him, trying to not lead on that he was faster than a Hylian. Link dove into his senses to count the auras. One, three, five, eight were in pursuit, only to falter when an explosion rang out from the canyon walls.

   Link and Zoroark skidded to a halt so they wouldn't get too far ahead, and Link looked over his shoulder to see boulders plummeting down into the pass. Guards and Pokémon alike screamed in shock as a rain of red rock fell onto them, and they scattered like Cutiefly while dust plumed and choked the air.

   More explosions followed, enough to create a hill of stone that thoroughly blocked off the canyon. Once the figurative and literal dust settled, Link was able to see two guards with some small, green Pokémon. Then there were the two Bisharp, each with a Joltik in tow. One aura was unfortunately behind all of them, right where the rocks had fallen. Pity was fleeting, as Link and Zoroark began to run again with the Bisharp in pursuit. They just had to make it to where they'd descended into the canyon before, and they would hopefully be safe.

   Short, hitched breaths left Link as he forced himself to inhale through gritted teeth. His feet sent up tiny plumes of red dust while his heart thudded in his chest. Gooey splats struck the ground near his feet as the Joltik fired off Electrowebs. The Bisharp had no ranged moves of their own, so it was up to the Joltik to secure the capture. Of course, Link and Zoroark wouldn't let that happen. Link retaliated with hastily-aimed shots of Courage while Zoroark tried his best to strike their pursuers with Night Dazes.

   Soon Link could see their escape route ahead, and the guards' Pokémon still weren't down. "Fight them!" he shouted. He whipped around, drawing the Master Sword and holding it before him to brace for the oncoming strike from the Bisharp. Metal clanged as he and Bisharp clashed, but Link was more focused on the Joltik.

   He kicked away the Bisharp to put distance between them, but the Joltik leapt from Bisharp. Link jerked the Master Sword away before the arachnid could land on the blade, jumping back himself to avoid another slash from the Bisharp. Zoroark was in a battle of his own, having dropped his Zelda illusion. From the glimpse Link saw, he was doing fine.

   Link almost found himself dancing around the Joltik, trying to avoid its static shocks or bursts of electrified webbing. If the Pokémon itself even touched him, he could be paralyzed. All the while, Bisharp was trying to gouge at him, hissing in frustration as Link continued dodging.

   With every second, Link knew he was getting closer to losing. He was doing nothing but pushing himself back, possibly cornering himself. He couldn't tell; he wasn't looking behind himself. A shadow started to creep over him from behind, evidence that he was approaching the canyon wall. He needed to do something now.

   Why'd Resa give ya that power if ya ain't gonna use it! he scolded himself, and he forced out a pulse. His opponents staggered, and he took that moment to set the Master Sword alight with energy. The Joltik leapt for the blade, only to be blasted away the moment it grazed the metal. Bisharp hissed and threw itself at Link, an arm raised. Link let Courage flow through him as he forced the bladed arm up and away from him, kicking at the Bisharp's exposed torso. Again the Pokémon was grounded, but Link wouldn't allow it to get up again.

   Forcing hesitance from his mind, Link smashed his heel down onto Bisharp's head. Despite the divine power fueling the blow, the Pokémon's armored head protected it, making Link stomp on it again. His heart jolted into his throat as he did so his stomach twisting. Why wasn't it passing out? He didn't want to hurt it more than he had to! Unfortunately, it still didn't yield, and Link brought the tip of his blade to its face, head snapping to face the Joltik beside him as it was about to jump on him.

   "Don't do anythin', or I'll kill it," Link spat. It was an empty threat, but the bug recoiled, sparking but not moving. It was obvious Link couldn't stay like this. He had to help Zoroark, not to mention actually escape, and he couldn't do that standing here. Link began gathering energy in his core, preparing a pulse like those that had rendered his opponents unconscious previously. He just had to make sure it wouldn't be too much for him, that he wouldn't overestimate how much he truly had at his disposal now. Hopefully it wouldn't knock out Zoroark.

   Then he felt the aura shifting behind him.

   Before Link could react, something small jumped onto the back of his calve. A bolt of electricity coursed through his body. All Link could do was let out a short shout before his body seized with paralysis, and he dropped to the ground. Tiny claws pricked him as what he quickly realized was the second Joltik climbed up his body settling on his shoulder. With a relieved and happy squeak, the first Joltik joined its partner on Link's other shoulder. Now free, the Bisharp rose to its feet, glaring down at the incapacitated Link before joining its partner in its fight against Zoroark. All Link could do was watch as the Dark-type became outnumbered.

   Blows were sharp and brutal, and the clanging of claws on metal echoed throughout the canyon. Zoroark desperately weaved and ducked between the slicing blades, struggling to make contact with his opponents. Link didn't need to move to channel a pulse of Courage, and the result was a wave that knocked the Joltik from him and made the other Pokémon stagger. He didn't care that he couldn't move still, he just wanted Zoroark to have the upper hand.

   Zoroark was able to recover first, and he knocked one of the Bisharp to the ground with a Night Slash. But then the other Bisharp regained its footing and struck at Zoroark. He turned around, about to counter the blow, and then the Bisharp's blade slashed a deep gash across Zoroark's torso.

   Link would have gasped if he weren't paralyzed. A wave of shock rippled through Zoroark before he dropped like a sack of rocks. Link couldn't believe it, that couldn't have just happened. He anticipated the possibility of the plan going wrong, but not this wrong. But as the sandy ground began to grow a muddy red-brown, it sank in that it truly had gone so, so wrong.

   The Bisharp stepped back from Zoroark, and it even seemed shocked at what had just happened. It looked from its blood-soaked blade to the collapsed Zoroark, and to Link's surprise, it knelt down beside Zoroark and tried to stop the bleeding.

   "Shar!" the Pokémon hissed in a metallic voice, and the now-conscious Joltik responded with a squeak. They both spat non-electrified webs onto the ground, which the Bisharp scraped into its hands to use as a makeshift bandage. The first Bisharp was back on its feet now as well, and after exchanging words with its comrade, it ran off back towards the canyon hollow.

   Link didn't have much time to consider what the guards' Pokémon were doing as the Joltik resituated itself on his neck and began electrocuting him again. His muscles wanted to spasm but couldn't, and he couldn't even speak. Joltik absorbed electricity—or energy that it converted into electricity—to replenish its own energy. With a sinking feeling, Link realized the Joltik were doing just that.

   The Joltik happily perched on Link's shoulders, sapping away his energy as Zoroark continued to bleed out. Link's vision began to swim, and he fought the darkness that taunted to pull his consciousness away. Don't ya dare pass out, he thought. He focused on Zoroark's aura, and to his horror, it was beginning to weaken, even when more silk was applied.

   Second by agonizing second passed as both Link and Zoroark further slipped away. But Link knew he was going to live, and it pissed him off. While he hardly knew Zoroark, and he knew there could be casualties, it still hurt. It was too easy for him to imagine Luce in Zoroark's place. He just hoped that the others had gotten into the temple and were okay, otherwise this would have been for nothing.

   A trio of auras soon began to approach, and Link could hear talking. He waited for them to appear over him, to stare down like the Gerudo had the first time he was captured, and they did just that. Two guards gazed down at him, bruised, battered, and covered in red dust. One had what Link now recognized as a Natu perched on her shoulder, the small bird gazing down at Link with wide black eyes.

   "At least that's one," the Gerudo with the Natu muttered before looking at Zoroark. His aura was nothing more than a faint pulse, much like the nearly-drowned Gerudo's had been. Except that it was very unlikely that Zoroark was going to live through this. "It looks like it bled too much. Should we..?" She trailed off, indecision and sadness on her face.

   "Give it a minute. If it's still alive after that... I-I'll put it out of its misery," the other Gerudo said with forced calmness. "But take the Holder of Courage to the fortress in the meantime." The Gerudo with the Natu nodded and grabbed Link's arm, hauling him up. The only upside to this was that the Gerudo hadn't noticed the fallen Master Sword. Hopefully it would remain there for Luce and the others to find. Either that would mark where Link last was, or... It was like he had been punched in the chest.

   I'm... sorry, Zoroark, he thought, wishing he could have said it aloud.

   "Damn Hylians... At least the general will be glad it's this one," the guard muttered as Natu's eyes glowed purple. Link's only solace in this was passing out before Zoroark's aura faded altogether.