Legend of Zelda: Book of Mobius

Link stood outside the ballroom reworked to suit Houlihan’s needs. He rubbed the back of his neck, not liking the nervous feeling beating about his stomach. After he’d dragged himself from the newly created lake, the thief had snuck into the room and placed the requested plants on Houlihan’s table to dry. The showers had called to the tired lad next, a pit stop to trash the polluted clothing delaying him only a few moments.

He knew it was folly, but he’d neglected his soaked weapons and dropped them unceremoniously beside his pallet before falling into the softness. He’d curled around the strange stone crest protectively under the covers, slipping into a dream of rats and precious gems until the sound of the workers rousing for their morning routine dragged him from them.

He’d fretted momentarily, but geared up anyway. He’d have to give the equipment back to Viscen in any case. First he wanted to see if Chris brewed the cure so he could administer it to the Lower Level survivors. With the crest tucked into his shirt, he set out for the makeshift lab. He knew the heavy thing stood out, but he didn’t see much of a choice. The teen didn’t want the Sages to have it, but keeping it hidden in his belongings was asking for trouble.

Not to mention that the blue-eyed young man suspected that either the Viscen or Monk probably riffled through his things. There was no proof; just a sense of something had gone through his stuff. He couldn’t even say for sure if it was the Sages, considering he
berthed with almost two hundred men, it could be anyone.

Paranoia’s gonna do me as much good as a hole in the head. Once I get Reno and see the Plague gone, I’ll just settle down. Maybe I’ll move into another city.

He gave a couple of sharp claps and pushed open the door.

Houlihan, Errol, Monk and Viscen were all clustered around a large table. Their heads jerked up simultaneously, eyes locked on the teen. The look of astonishment on their faces was priceless. Sadly, it didn’t take long before the Mayor’s son ruined any pleasure he got out of their reaction.

“Fire and Ice! The foist made it back alive!” The gray eyes snapping with pleasure as his lips pulled into a grin. “We assumed you’d met your end in the puddle you’d created.”

“Pay up, Errol.” Chris ordered, a palm held up expectantly. The dark haired man scowled and slapped a red rupee in the taller man’s hand. Viscen snickered as he approached and Link had to contain the flare of agitation at the exchange.

“Why is it you always end up flooding something after a job?” Monk asked dryly, eying the scowling teen. “I’m surprised you didn’t lie there and wait for me to save you again.”

“The thought did cross my mind, but I figured having ya wade through water more then once would be too much fer yer old body ta handle.” He replied snidely, brows drawn together in bother. Smartass Monk. I’d like ta wipe that look from his damn face.

They bared their teeth at one another, distracting the thief enough for the watchman to get closer than he would normally allow. The guard grimaced when he discovered the condition of the loaned gear.

“What tha hell didja do to yer weapons, Mikau?” The dark headed man grabbed the sheath, water stained and still damp. He yanked the boy also, dragging his back close. “It’s soaked! Don’ tell me ya didn’ clean yer weapons after dousing them! Damnit, boy! I bet ya just dumped them and crashed!”

“Hands off, old patroller!” Link snapped, trying to unbuckle the belts across his torso and waist, but it was too tight to free either tongue. “I was fucken’ tired! Give me a break!”

“Yer weapons are yer life, ya two-rupee crook!” He lifted the teen off his feet, shaking him to emphasize his point. “I’m gonna knock some sense into that blonde head of yers!”

“What’s that in your shirt, thief?” Errol asked; brow creased as he strode towards the flailing teen. He tugged at tucked in shirt, ignoring the indignant yells of the blue-eyed boy.

“Devil take it! Keep yer hands off-a me, bleater!” He growled, slapping at the hands. “If ya’d give me a sec, I’d let everyone see!”

The shirt was tugged free from his trousers and down the crest fell, thudding hollowly onto the thick rug. Silence reigned for a moment, but surprisingly enough; Houlihan was the first to reach the pretty thing.

“My, my, my! You always bring me such nice presents. Now this looks interesting.” Chris hefted the piece thoughtfully. He traced the jewels embedded with his thumb, walking away from the quiet teen still hanging from Viscen’s grasp and the shocked adults. “Onyx…this shape…the way the gems are arranged…Oh, yes. The design really does resemble…”

Link blinked, the random chatter from the cracked professor snapping him out of his stupor. He jammed his elbow into the guard’s ribs in a silent demand to be released.

The black-eyed man grunted; giving in and letting the boy drop to his feet. He watched the teen mutter darkly as the sheath was unbuckled and handed to him. He inspected the sheath, frowning at the damp leather straps. “Where didja get that pretty thing?”

“In Lackwit’s lair.”

“What?” Errol sounded intrigued, glancing up from staring over Houlihan’s shoulder.

“The rat.”

“A friend of yours, then?” Monk interrupted with an amused gleam in his cobalt eyes. Link shot him a warning look.

“A real rat, Unknown type. Like Reno, ‘cept stupid.” He clarified, silently daring the bald man to say anything about his changed friend. After a brief pause, he continued to explain the events in the cave.

“Surprised you didn’t drop this thing.” Errol hefted the piece gently, brows furrowed. “It’s not light.”

“Houlihan.” The long-eared teen glanced at the older man, who was sketching a likeness of the crest in his notebook and comparing with another. The green eye flicked his way, the curly disarray as he pulled at the locks. “When will you start on the cure?”

“What are you talking about?” Chris asked; sounding honestly confused. The teen didn’t reply, having a dark feeling about how this conversation would progress from then on. “We already took care of that.”

“So the herbs hunt you just sent me on…”

“Oh, yes! This makes an excellent tea!” His green eye lit up and he stepped towards the drying plants, seemingly forgetting his work.

“What?!” Link yelped, feeling the blood begin to flood his face. He was hoping that he wasn’t hearing the taller man correctly. “You said it was important!”

“It is important! My supply was getting low! I love tea!” An affronted look crossed Chris’s face, as if he couldn’t believe the thief didn’t understand. “How can I start the day without it?”

The corner of the darkening blue eye began to tick. Monk didn’t bother covering up his guffaw and Link took a deep breathe as his fingers curved in longing to be around the taller man’s throat.

“The boy’s speechless!” Houlihan looked pleased. “Would you like to try some?”

“Really, Chris. I don’t think red is a shade of extreme pleasure. Though. I could be wrong.” Errol informed the man, looking mildly amused. He turned his gaze to the teen and set the bauble on the table. “The plague symptoms didn’t fit. There were too many extra and the victim’s condition degraded too quickly. The root of what was making the plague impossible to identify was inside the cistern treatment plant. You did stop the source, mudlark.”

“Why did I need ta go at night?” He couldn’t keep the aggravation from showing and it only served to frustrate him more.

“Isn’t it obvious?” At the pregnant silence Houlihan gestured grandly to nothing in particular. “What can one feel in a graveyard in the middle of the day? Nothing! At night, there is ambience, suspense and intensity! You’re always on guard, waiting for something to happen!

I’m gonna take that ‘ambience’ and shove it up his ass! The thief could only produce the single coherent thought in the shocked hush that followed. He knew his teeth were bared and his long ears were crimson, but he couldn’t work passed the red haze.

“Didn’ ya clean the damn blade a-fore ya jammed it back home? What kinda fool cain’ look after his own gear!” Viscen, ignorant or disregarding the teen’s rising temper, snapped. Link jerked his head towards the guard, his control shattering.

“How tha hell ya ‘spect meh ta know that?!” The teen exploded, tense muscles trembling slightly. “Ya dump tha’ shit on meh an’ bid me on my way! I’ma filcher, notta soldier! I use a damned baton, notta fucken’ sword! If ya want yer gear back picture-perfect, ya best teach me!”

“Temper, temper Hero.” Monk chastised coldly.

“You call me that ag’in, I’ll break yer curst jaw, Monk!” The teen roared, swinging to face the bald man. “Y’all’re like wolves! Wind and rain! Ya tear at meh a’fore I kin walk all za way inta tha damn door an’ report!”

“Nyah-haaaa!” The thief twirled around, eyes wide as a red and silver blur rushed towards his chest. He grasped the heavy object, breath jolted from his lungs, stumbling back a few steps. A pair of purple eyes set in a wedge skull looked up at him, black nose twitching.

“Reno! Ya devil!” Link whooped, holding the kit up high with a grin. Reno yipped and chirped, back feet pedaling as his hybrid body wiggled in the teen’s grip. The thief’s gaze raked over the fox, surprised to see a scarlet sheen in the metal.

The strange metal was along the fox’s belly and throat, stopping just under the jaw. The lifeless part of Reno’s body was layered, allowing him just as much freedom as any living limb. The movements were noiseless and smooth, making Link wonder if man could make it. The largest surprise was when he noticed that Reno had not one, but four tails that were longer than his body.

“Took yer time!” The kit yelped, tongue lolling. He wriggled free of the thief’s grasp, running down the arm to perch on his shoulder. Link winced, keeping his right up to support the extra weight; the metal nails digging into his flesh.

“I wuz runnen’ an errand.” The teen replied, voice dark as he remembered the onlookers. He wasn’t surprised to see their (with the exception of the fidgeting Chris) entertained mien. The large eyes peered over the blonde head, ears twitching.

“Houlihan! Give it!” The fox demanded, bracing his real paw in the golden strands. The boy’s voice seemed the snap the absentminded man out his world. The lens locked on the fox until the rest of him followed. He dug into his trousers pocket, still muttering.

Chris tossed something at the thief, who caught it out of reflex. He looked down, perplexed to see an ornamental wind-up key. He tucked it into his pocket, a pale brow cocked in question. “Wuzzis?”

“His internal power source was corrupted. From what I gather, it was from intensive physical activity that worked down the widgets connecting the springs. There was too much grinding the blah blah to the blah essentially breaking the blah which snapped blah.” Houlihan finished easily; waving his finger in a fashion that suggested his importance. Link just stared at him through silted eyes, lips parted in a dumbfounded expression.

“Huh?” He was sure that Chris was actually saying words, but they seemed to have blended together.

“Wind him up when he stops. Keyhole’s on his chest.” Chris actually said quite a bit more, but Link filtered out anything that didn’t seem important. Houlihan didn’t seem to notice the thief’s inattention, continuing to ramble as he turned back to his workbench. The teen sighed deeply, deciding that it wasn’t worth pursuing.

He turned and headed for the door, not bothering to bid the others goodbye.

“When’dja get an earrrring?” Reno asked as he opened the door. Link didn’t answer verbally, though his twitch betrayed the sore spot nicely.
----------------

The thief had settled with his feet off the edge of the roof, leaning against the spire. The night sky spread over his head like a diamond-studded shroud. Fog played about the city streets, torches flaring like willow-o-wisps in the silver. Crow Bait Lake was still as glass, the phantoms doing their dance over the too still surface. Their whispers lent the air a harsh chill, begging and damning in the same breath.

“What happened during tha Shift?” He asked quietly, warm breathe bursting into clouds as it past his lips.

Reno padded up beside him, violet eyes wide as they looked over the scenery. His many tails flicked about his form, ears twitching to catch the sounds. “Madnesh.” The fox-child replied simply. He turned his sharp gaze away from the older boy he’d always admired. “E-rrol’sh Mayor by proxshy.”

The lanky teen blinked, this being news to him. No one really spoke to him of the current state of the city beyond its people. Even then it was very brisk unless he spoke to the guards of Lower Level sick. He just didn’t bother asking before, it seeming taboo to speak of the Shift.

“Hish father wuz felled under an Unknown after tha Shifffft. All tha Lowerz dat survived were up in tha Upper’z Market.” Reno was silent for a moment, lost in memories after his own Shift. “I…changed…got outta dere and saw…tumult. A lotta tha guardsh wuz tryin’ ta beat off tha sudden flood of Unknowns. Just panicin’, all of um. Tha Unknowns weren’ e’en fighten’; only skerd an’ confuzed. They ran dem outta tha shity. Thunder started…but dere were no cloudsh in tha sky. There wuzzen’t any time fer screams. Only water crushing, churnin’ and swellen’ from below. By tha time it dawned whot wuz happenen’…it wuz too late. It wuz too late the moment the Shift started.”

Link was silent, unsure how to offer his sympathy without hurting the boy’s pride. His own blockaded emotions seethed, battering his resolve. Tears trickled from the corners of his eyes, giving proof to the tenuous hold he had.

Reno leaned against the teen, his body not offering him the simple outlet of tears anymore. The mutual quiet gave more solace than either would admit to. Sympathy was shared and comfort given, neither having to truly face what they had lost. The moment was enough to quell the grief for the time being.

“No one tells me anythin’ except what ta do.” The thief grumbled into the night, wrapping his right arm around the fox.

The teen became silent, cocking a leg up so he could rest an arm over his knee. Clouds blocked the moon, the argent shimmer darkening to black without the extra light. The winds picked up, brushing timid ripples over the lake surface and Link sighed along with the breeze.

“Nothing makes sense.” Link told him softly, left arm hooking around the spire to tangle in his gold locks. He told the fox-Unknown about the woman under the Lower Levels, the Triforce, and waking up in the Sage’s care. “Gramps pushed me. He told me that I had to die. Then these bastards are tellen’ me what ta do, always screwen’ with me. What tha hell should I do?”

“I hate you.”

The long-eared teen started, blue eyes jumping to the smaller figure at his side. There was no inflection, no emotion; just a simple statement that left the taller boy stunned into silence. The glittering eyes turned up to stare at Link, the face too foreign to pick out the motions playing over it.

“Yer not tha only one confused. It’sh like knowing fire ish bad.” The head cocked, trying to find better words to explain. “Tha Unknowns. Me. We feel a deep rage fer you. I fight hiz call, cuz I know ya.”

“Ganondorf?”

“Aye. Tha’ jock’sh frenzied fer yer blood.” An ear flicked and he shook his wedged head after a moment. “But no’ crazed. He’sh cunning, tha’ one. He know’sh ye’ll come. Tha Sagez are tha same. They’re alwayz staren’ at thish book an’ tryin’ ta tranzlate, so’z they know what ta do next.”

“What do ya know about tha Sages?” Link asked curiously. It was amazing how adult Reno was acting. Then again, the thief didn’t know the trials the fox-Unknown had faced the past three months.

“Not ‘nough ta butter toasht.” The fox grumbled, laying down and tucking his live paw under his chest. “Houlihan moshtly experimentsh. Takesh notesh and tha like. Monk doesh lackey work, givin’ ordersh an’ such. Vishen and a couple doshen more do tha leg work, gatheren’ information fer Chris.”

“How many people are in the Sages?”

“I cain’ tell. Too many an’ they don’ alwaysh talk aroun’ me.” Reno replied, yawning widely. “I kin only tell tha’ those tree run thingsh.”

“Hmm.” The blue orbs were steady as they stared into the distance, mind at work with the little information he received. “I want that book.”

“I know were dey keep it.” Reno offered, excited at the thought of accompanying his idol on a job. Link rested a hand on the wedge head, finger and thumb stroking behind the soft triangles.

“We’ll work on that a little later. I wanna make sure that everyone heals from the plague. Those asses probably won’ use me ag’in anyway.”
---------------

I just had ta jinx myself. The thief thought bitterly as he stared at the three Sage leaders. What tha hell could they want this time? The Plague’s not a problem anymore. Maybe Chris needs me to hunt him his favorite dinner.

“We need someone to help the Gorons.” Viscen finally said, breaking the lengthy quiet.

“The what?” Link furrowed his brow, unsure he even heard the man correctly.

“They’re a new race that occupy Narein.” The watchman elucidated with a rueful grin. “I forget you’ve been stuck here while I get to play. Rock people. After the Shift, I took everyone that hadn’t changed down the mountain when the sickness started. I knew that Kakariko was having similar problems and I didn’ want it ta spread. Their people have been going missing and have asked for help.”

“No offense, but why me and not you?” The teen asked, openly curious. Reno’s tails swished down his back and he scratched under the long jaw thoughtlessly. It seems as if he’s already friendly with the Gorons, so he should be the one to help.

The watchman’s lips twitched, black eyes flicking to Houlihan and Monk, as if he were deferring the question to them. Monk shrugged and Chris gave a grin.

“You’ve done so well for us so far! I knew you’d want a chance to get out of the city. Test your mettle and gather data for me. I have a few things you need to investigate while you’re there.”

The blue-eyed teen narrowed his eyes, suspicion touching the corners of his mind. “You don’ wanna risk losing Viscen.”

“Well, aren’t you sharp?” Monk droned, blue eyes hard. The thief’s lip twitched. “Viscen has proved to be quite an asset. You on one other hand…are a mudlark. You have, on the other, proved to be apt to carry out the most menial of tasks. It won’t break my heart when you fail miserably, so never fear. However, we can’t you going up there looking like gutter scum. Viscen, give him the clothes.”

Reno could feel the heat emitting from the long ears as the teen’s temper began to rise. He wuffed softly, draping a tail over the blonde hair to sweep before the young man’s vision. The metallic white, bushy tip tickled the blade of a nose and the blue orbs crossed in order to focus on it.

The cycle of anger was broken and Link snorted, tweaking the black nose lightly. His attention slipped back to Monk and he quirked a pale brow. “Tell me how ya really feel. Besides, I never said I’d go.”

“I don’t believe we gave you a choice.” Monk replied darkly, mouth a flat line of disapproval.

“Just how are ya gonna make me?” Link asked, anticipation threading through his veins at the scent of a battle. I’m no one’s play pretty or errand boy. I’ll be damned if they think I’ll heel. “I never pledged ta ya Sages. I offered services in exchange fer Reno to be fixed.”

“I don’t recall you stipulating the payment for Chris’s time.”

“Must suck when yer mind starts slippen.” Link stated in a mocking voice. “Look, I said I’d take a stab at killen’ that Ganondorf character. I never said I’d run Houlihan’s errands or keep up good relations with yer blocks in Narein. I haven’ heard a peep abou’ this so-called tyrant since I’ve been here. No one talks about him. He doesn’ seem to exist to normal people. You haven’t given me any floor plans so I can scout his place, not even a location. I really do think y’all’re just thinken’ this threat up.”

“Are you suggesting you assassinate the man?” Viscen cut the others off, sounding taken aback, running a hand through his mahogany strands. He’d seen proof of the mad man in the castle that never existed before in the Nocturne Plans. Mikau’s only seen very little of the world Post Shift, let alone most of the people in Kakariko. Maybe if he’d talked to Plains and Dolstrol survivors…

“I figured that’s what y’all wanted.” He pointed out, ignoring the nervous flutter. He’d been worrying over what the Sages had in store for him. Reno confirmed the existence of Ganondorf and he would never question the boy. He would the Sages intentions. How did one kill someone who’d single handedly taken over an entire country in less than a day? Who wielded magic? Cripes. What do they want me to do if not sneak in and slit his throat? Duel with him? If he were such a badass, then I’d have no chance against him. They must think I’m canon fodder.

“You’re more foolish than I originally thought.” Monk stated; arms crossed over his chest.

“Or not as obedient.” He countered with a dark look. “I’m not duty-bound to do anything more fer y’all beyond Ganondorf. So, tell me Monk. Why should a mudlark do anything that you ask? Why should I break my back fer some wastrel who couldn’ care less of tha means to tha end?”

“Maybe if we ask real nice, you’ll consider?” A female voice asked from the balcony. Link and Reno swiveled their heads around, seeing the outline of a body through the lacy curtains. The figure walked forwards, hips swaying and brushing the drape from her path. The thief couldn’t keep his eyes widening in shock as he recognized Tris in a simple, sleeveless forest brown dress that brushed just above her ankles. “Or I could add in a couple of bribes to sweeten tha pot.”

Link didn’t fight the grin that spread over his face, not even noticing Reno as he yelped and pushed off from his shoulder. Her auburn curls pulled into a frizzy tail with a wine colored ribbon to hold it up, her chocolate eyes bright as she watched the begging kit.

“I never did thank ya fer tha help from last time.” He admitted, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. He liked the woman, but she never ceased to make him feel his age. Though, if she was here…that meant she was part of the Sages. “So yer one of them?”

“More of less. I wuz with Chris to tell him that you’d made yer move when the Shift started.” Her dark eyes met blue. The thief didn’t stop the frown, gaze migrating to the bare ears. They were long and delicate, but not as much as anyone’s in the room. The older woman sighed, a somber smile twitching on her lips. “I wasn’t unscathed…”

Fragile wings extended from her back as she turned around. Moth wings a silvery emerald with black strips pattered across them like clouds against the heavens. The bottom set had bursts for vibrant scarlet on flaming oranges where they met with a frosty blue along the icicle edging. They were intense and beautiful, like a sunset in a foreign sky.

“I could think of worse.” Link finally managed, unsure if she needed comfort or praise. The wings lowered slightly to show the amused expression she threw over her shoulder at him.

“They’re heavier than they look. Melded with glass, metal and God knows what else on the table I fell against. Not to mention poisonous. Chris was very disappointed to discover I couldn’t fly with them.” She brushed them with long fingers and he could see the greenish-brown tinge of her hands and arms. Her bare feet mirrored the appearance and were wrapped around the arch and heel with tattered bandages. “It does have its good sides, though. I make potions now, better than the slap-dash bit I gave you last time.”

“Did…?” The teen was almost afraid to ask, knowing the most likely answer. Tris’s appearance had revived a hope that had long burned to ashes. Her poignant look was enough to burn them once more and he ignored the hollow feeling eating away at his insides. He gave her an impish grin, changing the subject to avoid embarrassing himelf. “Whatcha gonna give me to be yer bag boy?”

“Hmmm…” The full lips pulled into smile, fists propping on her hips. If it was one thing Lower Levels loved to do, it was dicker. “Two of my new red potions, fer starters. That’s if you wear the clothing and settle the Goron issue.”

“Depends on the clothes. Settling the entire issue? Come on! How good can those colored drinks be?”

“No side effects from the last, I can assure. Much better. If yer not satisfied with my product, you could stop working for the Sages all together.”

“Hooo? Satisfaction guaranteed?” He joked lightly, mind turning over the conditions. “What exactly is the issue? Just Gorons going missing?”

The door swung open and Errol stepped through, a heavy cloth bag on his arm and boots hanging from his fingers. A green-black brow rose when he saw Tris and Link facing off with pleasant expressions but sparks rising between them. It didn’t seem pressing to ask exactly what they were doing, so he dumped the sack onto a clear space on the workbench.

“We’ll work around the outfit.” Tris conceded, fingers stroking her bare arm thoughtfully. “Errol can tell you about the Goron’s situation better than I.”

The taller man blinked and twisted his lips thoughtfully as he leaned against the bench. “They’re just going missing in the mines they’ve set up. The search parties haven’t returned and it’s not like the Gorons are tender bunnies. They’re really hardy. The leader, Darmon, has offered to sell us the bombs and explosive powder they cultivate if we investigate.”

“Wait, wait, wait.” Link held up a hand to forestall anything else that came from the man’s mouth. “Yer tellen me that a very ‘hardy’ race is disappearing and they want us, who aren’t nearly as resilient to find them.”

“For explosives.” Errol put in with a grin.

“And research data!” Chris added from his corner. Viscen and Errol winced at that.

“If Houlihan wants it so much, why doesn’t he go?” The thief grumbled, narrowing his eyes at the older man.

“Ah…He has. The Gorons can’t abide him. He’s been banned from Narein.” Viscen admitted. He cleared his throat at the despairing expression on Houlihan’s face and the questioning one on Link’s. “He wanted to observe their mating habits and offspring to see if the Shift changes were genetically encoded.”

The long-eared boy didn’t hold back the disbelieving face he threw at the absentminded man.

“They’re being very unreasonable about all of this! It’s for science! Science!”

“Yes, well. With that aside…that’s why we’d…hoped you would go.” Errol continued, fingers pressed against his forehead in a warding gesture. “You’re a not going to follow all of Chris’s orders for starters.”

Link snorted at that, beginning to understand but not liking it one bit. What if he ran into a nasty Unknown?

“You don’t have to stop anything. Just find out what’s making the Gorons go missing.” Errol stated, sensing the line of thought the thief was running down. “Just a recon mission, nothing more, Thief.”

The teen walked over and riffled through the bag thoughtlessly, wondering if he should trust them or not. His fingers brushed against unfamiliar fabric and a frown creased his brow. Freeing the garment from the bag to inspect, his eye twitching at the sight of silky, shimmering white leggings. “Cripes this is small! I don’t think I could squeeze into these if I wanted to. I’m not wearing this.”

Monk looked at the hose and scowled at Viscen who sighed dramatically. Link glowered at the old patroller.

“Well, it was worth a try. You don’t have to, Mikau. The trousers are at the bottom.”

Tris’s lip twitched at the fake name, eyes sparkling with suppressed mirth as she met the azure orbs. The filcher shrugged, not concerned. He did wonder if she would allow the farce to continue or not.

Reno clamored up his back once more, peering over his shoulder as he continued through the bag. He was pleasantly surprised to discover a pair of bracers mimicking the design of his old ones; lock picks and all. The thief didn’t conceal his pleasure as he strapped them onto his forearms, flexing and twisting his arm to test the fit.

“These are real nice.” He commented, an honest smile on his lips. The fox sniffed them curiously, making soft growls of approval. “They’ll extend enough for me to grow, too.”

A pair of white leather trousers was folded neatly and he snapped them open, shocked at the stiffness of the hide. He draped them over his unoccupied shoulder, rummaging a bit more. He yanked out the last piece of clothing. Oily canvas bunched in his fingers, the fabric the dark green he’d always had a predilection for.

“It’s a dress.” The disgusted teen pointed out, glaring at the offending garment. Reno snickered on his shoulder, tails beating his back.

“It’s a tunic.” Monk corrected, though his face revealed the amusement he derived from the teen’s discomfort. “Perfectly acceptable garb for mangling and still appearing presentable.”

Cobalt gazes locked, drilling into one another.

“I’ll look like a gilly.”

“Then cut your hair.” Monk countered.

“I don’t wanna wear this.” He growled stubbornly. Tris guffawed, holding her stomach as she bent forward. He scowled. “Four bottles and I get refills when I get back!”

“Four!” The demand startled her out of the laughing fit. She grimaced, her mind tallying the amount of red potion that would actually entail. No telling how much the teen would use on the trip, either. Her supply was actually pretty small and it took a week to cultivate her toxins into something that wouldn’t render a person into a comatose state.

“I’ll need a sword and shield again, too.” He added in an annoyed tone.

“You’ll get lessons on how ta clean them from me, first.” Viscen jumped in, still annoyed the state of the gear from his last trip. “I’ll have ta switch tha sheathes as it is.”

Link tugged at his blonde tail, trying to decide if the mess was worth it or not. Reno fair trembled on his shoulder and he gave the kit a curious glance.

“We’re gonna go, right?” the boy asked quietly, purple eyes shining in anticipation. Link winced away from them, wishing that Reno wouldn’t look so expectant. “Pleaze? Ya shaid I could dansh wit’ ya an’ yer gilly next chime…”

“Fine!” Link collapsed beneath the wheedling, the snickers from the others left him undaunted. He shot hard looks all around. “Just cause I’m doin’ this doesn’ mean I have ta do tha next errand y’all think up.”

“Sure, boy.” Errol said with a knowing grin. The thief groaned inwardly; Reno was a known weakness now. “Go try on your stuff.”
----------

Link stepped from behind the screen, garbed in the clothing and shin-length boots. The boots were heavier than he was used to. He could feel the steel plating over the toes and the straps over his shins were lined with mail to give him added protection.

The white shirt was the one he had earlier, high collared and laced at the throat. The bracers were strapped over his forearms, but sadly, he lacked gloves. The laces at the tunic’s throat were left hanging, the short sleeves really not worth commenting on. The dark brown belt had a few empty pouches that he had arranged on his sides since he had a tendency to be knocked flat on his back.

Last thing I need is ta bruise my back cause I cain’t land right. He thought gruffly.

He felt strange and the stiff leather trousers needed to be broken in. Tris strode forward as he fidgeted. She tugged the tunic lightly and made a few sounds of admiration. The teen was secretly relieved that Reno had opted to go with Viscen to fetch the gear.

Even though I could still probably thrash him if he laughed. I doubt Chris would appreciate us tumbling about his workshop, cause I know Reno’s gotten stronger if not larger.

“A little long, yet, but this’ll do. You’ll stretch another few inches and you’ll fill it out nicely, I think.” She clucked for a few more breathes before fingering his blonde bangs. “You’ll need a trim. I assume ya want it tha length pre-Shift?”

“Yeah. That’d be nice, Tris.”

“Last, but not least!” Chris said grandly. Link glanced around the woman and all but hissed. The old coot had a long green hat in his hands.

“No way in hell am I wearen’ that!” He spat, bristling and backing away from the offending headgear.

“But…it goes with the outfit!” Houlihan sounded wounded and held it out beseechingly. The green eye implored the teen to just wear it.

“No hats! No way!”

“But—”

“No!” The roar cut off the man’s sentence.

“Just—”

“I’ll Shift before I wear that!” The thief ground out, bristling. “No hats. Period. End of story.”

“Awww…” Houlihan actually pouted, fidgeting with the green hat dejectedly. No sympathy was revealed from the teen so he shuffled off to the corner.

Tris chuckled, tucking four flasks of her red concoction into one of the larger pouches.

“I’ll trim ya and Viscen will arm ya. Sooner we’re done, tha sooner ya can leave and report back, right?”
--------------------

Link walked towards Narein’s gates, feeling a headache brewing between his temples. The thin air still didn’t agree with the tall teen, making him cranky unless Reno pestered him into drinking from the water skin. All the equipment didn’t make walking any easier.

His sword was across his back in a left-handed draw, shield situated over it. His boomerang was in an easy draw on his left hip, flasks on his right. He’d gone ahead and stuffed the slingshot at the small of his back. Tris supplied him with a wallet, which he kept down the front of his tunic beneath the sheath’s torso strap.

The kit was on his right shoulder, two tails wrapped around his throat while the others hung. He was licking his chops, a smug expression in the violet eyes. The fox’s recent hunt had been fairly successful and he’d related it in detail to the tired teen.

It quite clear why he needed to be as equipped, seeing as there were no trains running nor rigs even the humans were making a steady recovery in Kakariko. There was no one to ensure that the roads didn’t get overrun by Unknowns, so the teen spent a good amount of time avoiding fights when warned enough by Reno. Some had actually tracked the thief, so he had to dispense them before continuing his way.

He’d run out of forest halfway up the mountain. The remaining path was ashes and charred remains. It made seeing Unknowns easier, but gave no real cover if he wanted to avoid battles.

“Are ya skerd?” Reno asked, large orbs flicking over the tall walls of the mountain town. Link didn’t reply at first turning over the question in his mind.

“Of meeting tha Gorons or of whatever is making them go missing?”

“Boph.”

“Hmm…” The blonde head tilted, staring up at the cloudless sky. “Haven’ really thought about it. More of the later, I guess. I have a feelin’ I got suckered inta fightin’ somethin’ nasty.”

“Ya don’ trusht them?” The kit sounded curious.

The cerulean eyes flicked to the purple just at the edge of his vision, face grim. “Reno, the only person you can trust is you. Those Sages got a goal an’ they don’ care how they get it.”

“They’re doin’ what they phink iz right.” Reno pointed out. “There’re alwayz lossessss.”

“It’s the art of war, I know. They’re not talkin’ about war, though. This is more like frondeur tactics, if what you told me is true.” Link pointed out, remembering the discussions he’d had with Gramps and tactics and history. “They’re not facing him head on. They’re sticking to the shadows and nibbling away at his defenses.”

“How could he not know who they are?”

“It’s possible he does, but doesn’ consider them a threat. It’s possible he’s controlling them behind the scenes and they’re unaware of it. Or they are aware of it and are just trying to feed him false information. I don’ know. I’m not sure how strategic any of the players are.” The teen rambled on for a moment, wondering what he would do in either Ganondorf’s or the Sage’s position.

“Ya shure know a lot.” Reno sounded somewhat awed and Link reached up to scratch the wedged head lightly.

“Gramps an’ I used ta talk about it a lot. I’ve been hangen’ with tha soldiers a lot lately.” He admitted. “There’s a lot going on that I dunno.”

“Ya don’ trusht God?”

“I don’ believe in God.” The teen answered bluntly. How could I believe that there’s a being that loves us dearly that would allow this to happen. No. I don’t believe in God, or heaven and hell. “I won’ rely on something that I cain’ be sure exists. Nah. I’m tha only one that I understand the intentions of.”

“What’z that?” Reno asked; ears twitching as he digested what the older boy said.

“I fight to survive, not sport. I look out for me and mine. No unnecessary risks. No infamy. Not to get too emotionally involved.” Link grinned, knowing that he sometimes slipped on the last. “I just wanna live and do my thing.”

The kit didn’t say anything after he finished, mulling over the words as the pair approached the gates. Two figures were silhouetted in the opening, their forms towering and thick.

“Here goes.” The thief murmured to no one in particular, covering the distance quickly. He masked his surprise at their strange appearance, giving them a lukewarm smile.

Their heads were large and oval, silvery tufts of wiry hair at the top of their skulls. Random patterns the color of sand swirled around their belly and chest. Thick lips framed wide mouths, their pebbly skin ranging in earthy brown colors. Hard, ivory humps covered their spine. Long, thick arms bunched with corded muscles over their chest. Everything about them was blunt and hard, from the cold looks from round purple eyes to nails to teeth. There was no nose or ears to really speak of, only holes for each.

“What do you want?” The one of the right asked, voice sounding rough and thick, more like a rumble from his chest. The thief flinched inwardly, wondering if they really asked for help from outsiders.

“Viscen sent me. I’m here to talk to Darmon.” He stated. Reno’s tails probably make me look like I got on a boa or something. Cripes. I guess I cain’ blame them for being suspicious. How many people walk around with Unknowns on their shoulders?

The guards shared a look before the one on the left, curled into a ball and rolled away. Some of the teen’s composure slipped and he gave the remaining Goron a nervous glance.

“That’s convenient.” He managed after a moment. The Goron didn’t answer and he ignored the urge to make useless conversation. He let his gaze roam instead, picking out the differences in the Gorons that chatted and mingled about the road leading towards the Market. They were all male, as far as he could tell. They wore loincloths and little else.

No wonder Houlihan wants to know how they breed.

Some hadn’t made the Shift completely, still retaining human eyes, hair, noses, and ears. It was somewhat disturbing to see the mixes, but stranger still were the few that had metal appendages like Reno.

The town hadn’t really changed in itself. Chickens still clucked, dogs barked and the windmill turned faithfully. He found his eyes wandering towards Stalfos, wondering how it faired the Shift when he heard an approaching rumble.

Two Gorons unrolled, one being the guard and the other new. He didn’t make the change completely, because he could see the auburn taint in the wiry thatch of hair that lay flat on his head. His eyes were bi-colored red and gold. He was a head taller than the others, well into seven feet.

“So you’re the one that Viscen sent.” He greeted the teen with massive arms crossed over his chest.

“You must be Darmon.” Link held out his hand, palm up in greeting. “Shad.”

The duel colored eyes flicked to the hand before a grin spread over the Goron’s lips. “We don’t greet each other in such a manner anymore, Shad. We’re not human.”

“How…uh…do you do it now, then?” He asked uncertainly. It seemed strange to the thief that they would try to segregate themselves from humans so quickly. He would cling to his customs if he’d been Shifted, or so he would think. We divided before the Shift. By where we lived, how we lived and how we looked. I guess…it doesn’t matter.

“Hugs.” The arms swung out wide and Link had a strange vision of him being crushed in the embrace of the taller, stronger man.

Good relations, Hero. Just give the man a hug.

Link tugged at his recently trimmed bangs, wondering if Monk was now his new conscience. He stepped forward, Reno leaping from his shoulder when he realized the filcher’s intentions, and wrapped his arms around the large belly, not getting much in the way of a grip. The large Goron swept him up into a backbreaking grip and he let out a squeak as the air left his lungs.

He let the teen drop from his hold, watching the lanky boy gasp and wheeze. Link felt like he’d been crushed. He’d heard his ribs creak and was sure they’d been ground to nothing.

The Gorons watching the exchange gave braying laughs, filling the teen with a niggling feeling that he’d been had. Darmon slapped his knee as he leaned forward for air.

“I can’t believe you fell for that! Viscen didn’t tell ya anything about us, did he?” He exploded, wiping tears from his eye.

I’m gonna kill that damn old patroller. The teen thought, face flaming as he heard the giggling yelps of the kit behind him. He forced a couple of chuckles from his bruised body and pride. He couldn’t see much of a point in staying annoyed when they felt at ease enough to tease him.

That and there wasn’t much he could do in retaliation.

Link stood up and dusted off his seat, a slight smile on his face. Reno jumped back onto his shoulder, still snickering into the long ear. The thief did his best to ignore the little Unknown and tried to get back to his reason for visiting.

It sure as hell isn’t building relations…damnit.

“Have ya already found the lost Gorons?”

“No, not yet. I would have gone in after them…” The gruff male answered. The small entourage they’d gathered gave him a hard look and he held up big hands for peace. “…but as you can see, there’s much dispute over that.”

“They’re in the mines as far as you know?” The teen confirmed with an understanding grin.

“So they told ya something. Didn’t give you much in the way of armor, though.” He commented, bi-colored eyes flicking up and down the lanky person.

“They said that I just needed to find your men…They probably assumed I wouldn’t be fighten’ much.” Link shrugged, deciding it wasn’t worth remarking on beyond that.

“The mines can be dangerous. They’ve been overrun by machine Unknowns. We usually have guards with the workers, but they’ve gotten out of control since my miners have gone missing. I’ve some armor you can have. It’s not like it’ll fit us anymore.”

Well, isn’t that nice…you should thank him Hero.

Cripes, old man. Give me a chance to talk! The thief thought irritably, trying to figure out why he would think of comments from Monk of all people. “I would appreciate it. I just hope I’ll be of some use to y’all.”

A large hand waved dismissively as he gestured to one of the Gorons on duty, murmuring something quietly before the guard nodded and rolled off. The other Gorons began to drift off, leaving him with the guard who’d fetched Darmon.

“We’ll wait in the guard shack for him to return.” Darmon informed the boy. “How about you fill me in on the status of things in Kakariko to kill time?”
------------

OMAKE!!!!

“I’ll need a sword and shield again, too.” He added in an annoyed tone.

“That’ll be fifty-eight rupees for the sword and sixty for the shield.” Monk informed the teen.

“What?” Link yelped in astonishment. “I got them for free last time!”

“Yer taking them out of town. Warranty and all that.” Viscen added.

“This’s bull shit! You ask me to do you a favor and save yer town and yer charging me for a weapon!” The teen exploded.

The guard shrugged helplessly. “That’s business. Now pay up.”
----------------

A/N: I know! I know! I said that it would speed up and I lied! I have a slight obsession with character development! I wanted to go straight to the dungeon, but it’s already 18 pages! Bob and I decided that I’d just start in the next chapter. Again, I won’t blame Assassin’s Creed…Blue Dragon…Phantom Hourglass(I beat it! Yay!)…Christmas or guys from my ship for the lateness of this chapter.

I blame Link.

I actually had this chapter planned out not long after I finished Arduous. That night I couldn’t sleep and stayed up to two in the morning going through the entire thing. However, Link made it extremely difficult to write the entire first half. Once I got to the Gorons, it was smooth sailing.

I shouldn’t be brining anyone else back to life. I just needed a way to have the red potions. So Tris returned!

Please leave a review and tell me what y’all thought about this chapter! Readers help write chapters with their input. Great motivation at the very least and lets me know you could care less if Link talks at this point at the most.

Flamers are even welcome! It’s cold here in Denver….

Ulforce Diizoid – I used some of the symptoms from the Black Plague and then mixed up a lot of others.

I’m mad at Link right now. He’s making things hard for me. -.-;;;

I’m kinda sad that I didn’t get to touch on the politics between the Lower and Uppers in this chapter. However, you can see that I was going off the deep end as it was.

I needed something boss-like, but I didn’t want him to have to kill him. I also needed a feasible reason for the plague source. Dear Lackwit was the product of that necessity. He might pop up later on, too.

Inutilus – Yay! Thank you for the review! I’m so glad you’re enjoying his attitude! It’s hard to not make him like his past incarnations. Mostly because I’m a sucker for a hero.

The Sages are a trip! I love writing about them tormenting Link. I think I’ll be relying on them a lot in the future. And of course, Link lies about his name to everyone, it seems. I can’t wait till poor Viscen discovers that.

I hope I assuaged any worries about Reno! ^-^