#he’s been punched and beaten by Ganondorf before

[smilesrobotlover]

Whumptober day 18- blindfold, tortured for information

Continuation from day 9

This one is short and sweet unlike yesterday’s and I find it enjoyable. Windy is just a lil brat <3

Warnings: torture obviously (it’s not that bad he just gets punched a few times and threatened)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Windy didn’t know how much time had passed since he and Wild got taken by those yiga guys, but it felt like it’d been a while. After hours of being blindfolded and dragged through the woods, Windy was thrown onto the hard ground, and he was left alone. His hands were still tied behind his back, and his blindfold was still over his eyes, so he didn’t know if he was simply abandoned or if the yiga didn’t want to bother with him yet. But his question was answered when he heard pained cries coming from far away, cries that sounded like Wild. Windy tried to undo the ropes around his wrists, he tried to peel off the blindfold, he even tried to blindly feel his way around the forest. But the ropes were too tight, the blindfold was too stubborn, and he ran into too many walls for him to deny that he was in a cage. All Windy could do was to hear Wild’s screams, and it was almost torturous for him. After too many long hours of screaming, it suddenly stopped, and Windy felt his blood run cold. There were footsteps approaching his cage and he kicked whatever was in front of him despite it being a fruitless effort.

“Wh-who’s there? Stay away from me!” He shouted, his back up against the cage.

“Easy now,” he heard the familiar voice of Hyrule say to him in an empty voice. “I just want to talk.”

Windy growled. “I’m not gonna fall for that again! I know you’re those red freaks! What have you done to Wild?”

He heard laughing and a popping sound, and he assumed that the yiga guy turned back to normal.

“Guess you can’t be fooled twice then huh?” He sneered, and Windy heard the cage open. “Now, like I said before, I just wanna talk to you.”

“Why?”

“Because, you might have some… useful information for us.” The yiga grabbed Windy’s chin and forced it up, and the blindfold was finally taken off of him. Windy blinked at the harsh light, but he glared at the one eyed mask. The yiga snorted and he sat down beside Windy as if they were old pals. “Y’see, me and my colleague, we had two missions we needed to get done. Obviously, the main one, which was capturing the hero. But there was one other person we needed to capture,” the yiga leaned closer to Windy, and he scooted away. “That boy who you call… Freckles? Yes, he may be valuable to the yiga clan.”

Windy stared at him with a baffled look. “Wh-why do you want Hyrule?”

“Ah, another nickname, I can’t keep up with these,” the yiga leaned in closer to Windy, and he found himself pressed up against a corner. “Freckles—or Hyrule I guess— is a special boy. When me and my colleague saw him, he did something… magical. He turned into a fairy.” The yiga was now inches away from his face. “I don’t think you realize how valuable half fairies are, but if we brought home the hero and your friend? Why… we’d be heroes!”

Windy stared at him for a second, then burst out laughing. He giggled like a crazy person for a long while, and when the yiga just stared at him, he stopped. “You can’t be serious,” Windy said, still trying not to giggle.

“Wh— you don’t believe me?”

Windy snorted. “Of course I don’t believe you. That’s ridiculous!”

The yiga was shocked and he leaned back. “I saw him turn into a fairy with my own eyes! And, don’t you think it’s a little odd that he’s so magically gifted too?”

“Not really, I have magic, a lot of us have magic, Hyrule isn’t special.”

The yiga growled and stepped back. “So you don’t know that he’s a fairy, fine. I don’t need you to believe me.” The yiga grabbed Windy’s face harshly and pulled him closer. “It wouldn’t hurt to double check right?”

“Tch, I’m never telling you where he is!”

The yiga punched him in the face suddenly, then grabbed his shirt and pulled him off his feet. Windy groaned as he was held up inches away from the yiga, his eye already beginning to swell shut.

“You’re gonna tell me, even if I have to beat the information out of you!”

A punch came to his gut and he was thrown to the ground. Windy struggled to take in a breath as his insides felt like they were on fire.

“Where is he?”

“E-even if I knew where he was… I’d never tell you!” Windy spat. The yiga kicked him in the ribs and grabbed a fistful of hair, pulling him up. Windy let out a pained groan, unable to alleviate the pain with his hands tied behind his back.

“What’s the point in lying, little hero? Are you just going to let yourself get beaten to death when you can make it all go away with just a few words?” Windy was punched square in the face, and hot blood started pouring out of his nose. Windy blinked the tears away and squeezed his eyes shut, trying to reorient himself.

“I—I don’t know where he is,” he wheezed, “I really don’t know! So why don’t you direct all this energy towards something that matters! Like becoming a better person!”

The yiga growled and picked him up again, staring him down, but Windy just glared back.

“You don’t scare me,” the hero of winds said in a low voice, and the yiga scoffed.

“Don’t think that I won’t kill you just because you’re a kid.”

“You’re not the first one to think that.”

The yiga didn’t say anything, and he threw Windy harshly on the ground. He paced back and forth, watching the beaten hero intently as if he’d disappear right in front of him. Finally, he pulled out his blade and stepped closer to him.

“Seeing how you’re useless to me, I suppose there really is no reason in keeping you alive.” The yiga soldier lifted his blade and Windy gasped. He didn’t think he’d go out like this, but if he could keep Hyrule safe, then so be it. Windy flinched as the blade was about to go down, but he heard a pained grunt along with clattering. He looked up and saw the yiga soldier crumpled to the ground with Age standing over him.

“Age! You found us!” Windy cheered as the other champion walked over to him, cutting the ropes around his wrists. “Boy am I glad to see you! We need to get to Wild! Is Hyrule with you? Is he ok—“

“How about you focus on yourself, Windy,” Age interrupted him, giving him an amused look. “Hyrule is fine, he’s back at camp. Twilight is going after Wild right now.”

Windy let out a sigh of relief and began to stand up. “Good, come on, we gotta help him, these yiga guys are—“ Windy let out a pained groan as he fell to his knees, holding his torso. He wondered if he had some broken ribs.

“Hey, the yiga aren’t hard to fight, he’ll be fine,” Age helped Windy stand and walked him out of the cage. Windy let out a pained breath as he was lowered to the ground.

“Yeah well they kidnapped and stabbed me so they’re not that harmless.”

“They stabbed you?”

Windy waved it off. “It’s fine. It got healed up.” Age gave him a worried look and Windy waved it off again. “It’s fine! Besides, it’s my injuries right now that I’m worried about!”

Age smirked and wrapped his arm around Windy digging into his pouch for a potion or fairy.

“Well, rest for now, I promise Wild will be ok.”

Windy leaned against Age, his eye and nose throbbing while the other champion continued searching for a potion. He let himself relax and prayed that Wild would be safely rescued as well.

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #788: After a Cliff Falling Experience (SSBU X Persona 5)

3:40 p.m. at Smash Mansion's Living Room.........

It was a relaxing, peaceful day at the mansion for the Phantom Thieves (Shiho and Lavenza included) as they watch some TV together. That is until......

'Door Open'

Pit: (Weakly Made his Way to the Living Room While Being Covered in Ashes) I'm.....hoooooome......(Fells Down on the Floor in Exhaustion)

'THUD'

Phantom Thieves: (Eyes Widened in Complete Shock Once They've Seen Pit Lay on the Ground) PIT!?

Makoto: Oh my god! (Immediately Makes her Way to Pit Along with the Others) Are you okay!? (Starts Helping Pit Back Up With Ren's Assistance)

Pit: ('Groans a Bit in Pain') Yeah......I think so....

Futuba: Dude, what happened to you?

Ann: Yeah. And why are you covered in ashes?

Lavenza: Were you hit by a nearby fire perhaps?

Pit: Not exactly.....I was uhh....(Starts Rubbing the Back of his Head Back and Forth While Chuckling a bit Awkwardly) Kind of, sort of got thrown off a cliff......

Phantom Thieves: You WHAT!!?

Yusuke: Who on Earth would do such a thing!?

Pit: I dunno....Some guy name Kazuya or some-

Ryuji: Waitwaitwait! You said Kazuya?

Shiho: As in THE KAZUYA MISHIMA!?

Pit: Uh....I think that's what his me is, yeah.

Ryuji: (Eyes Widened in Complete Shock as He's Almost Speechless) Holy fucking shit.......

Shiho: (Covers her Mouth in Complete Shock) Oh my god.....

Ann: (Turns Ryuji and Shiho in a Not of Confusion) You guys know him or something?

Ryuji: KNOW HIM!? That's the guy from Tekken!?

Shiho: He's the guy with literal devil powers!!!

Lavenza: (Eyes Widened in Genuine Surprise) Oh my.....

Ren: Ah yeah.....Tekken. (Turns to Ryuji) I remember you telling me about it that time school. (Turns to Pit) What makes you wanna go after that guy?

Pit: Well, for starters, we really haven't heard from Ganondorf all day yesterday. So Kirby and I decided to look for him all night. Once we eventually arrived at this....Volcanic Mountain looking place, the first thing we saw was that Kazuya guy carrying Ganondorf to a cliff and throwing off there.

Ryuji: (Eyes Widened in Complete Shock) FOR REAL!?

Haru: (Couldn't Believe What She's Hearing) I-I don't understand! Why would he do such a thing!?

Pit: I'm not entirely sure myself, but he did say something about wanting to fight worthy opponents or whatever.

Yusuke: So he's like Ryu then?

Ryuji: Yes......

Shiho: ......And no..... He's way more cold and ruthless than Ryu is in his Messatsu Form.

Ryuji: And that's all because the whole Mishima Family in general was messed up from the start.....

Ann: (Turns to Ryuji and Shiho) How do you two know all of this?

Ryuji: Shiho and I used to play a lot Tekken growing up.

Shiho: (Smiles Softly at her Girlfriend) You should play it with us sometime, Ann. It's really fun.

Ann: (Shrugs While Smiling at her Girlfriend) Sure. I'm down.

Makoto: Guys, we're going off topic here! (Turns Back to Pit) How exactly did you gotten yourself like this? Did you.....

Pit: Yeah....I tried to fight myself, but...beat me to the punch. (Winces a bit in Pain While Placing His Hand on his Stomach) literally.... And then after that, he tries throwing Kirby off the cliff too-

Everyone: He WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT!?

Pit: (Gets Startled by Everyone's Sudden Outburst Before Speaking Again) Y-Yeah. After I got beaten up and thrown off a cliff, he immediately grabs Kirby by the head and threw him out there too!

Futuba: (Had Enough) OKAY, SERIOUSLY!? What is with this guy and throwing people off CLIFFS!!!?

Pit: That's what I wanted to know!! It's like he has some kind of sick, twisted enjoyment out of it too! I even saw a glimpse of him smirking while I was falling!

Ryuji: I mean, he was thrown off a cliff when he was six. So.......

Futuba: (Starts Pinching her Nose in Disbelief) Oh my freaking God........

Makoto: (Turns to Pit) Pit, do you have any idea where Kirby must've fallen down to once you were on the ground?

Pit: I.... can't say that I do really. All I remembered is seeing was Kazuya preparing to toss Kirby off there with me. After that, I blackouted....

Ren: Wait a minute. Couldn't Kirby fly or-

Ann: I'mma kill him.

Ren/Makoto/Pit: (Slowly Turn their Heads at Ann with a Surprised Look on Each of their Faces) What?

Ann: (Turns to the Trio With Anger in Her Eyes) You heard me. I don't know who this Kazuya guy is and I don't care at this point!! I am going to find the jackass and pulverize him myself!!

Shiho: (Turns to Ann with a Determined Look on her Face) I'll go with you.

Ann: (Gently Grab Both of Shiho's Hands) No, Shiho. I don't want him to hurt you.

Shiho: (Gently Squeezes Ann's Hands) It's okay, Ann. I may not have Personas like you guys, but I've been training for a while now. I can fight too.

Ann: ('Sighs in Defeat') Fine. But you are staying right by my side in all of this, alright?

Shiho: (Nodded in Agreement) Right.

Ryuji: (Turns to Girls With Anger in his Eyes as Well) I'm going too! I don't give a damn he has crazy devil powers! Ain't no way I'm letting him get away with hurting our friends like that!!! And maybe even Ganondorf!!

Yusuke: You know.....(Puts on a Dark Look in his Eyes) It has been a long time since I've used my blade in action.....

Haru: (Has a Darken Look on her Eyes as Well) Couldn't agree more.....My axe has gotten quite dull as of late.....

Morgana: Normally I don't join in on the violence bandwagon immediately....(Puts on a Anger, Determined Look on his Face) But patience be damn! That devil's paying the piece!!

Haru: Well said, sweetie!!

Morgana: (Turns to Lavenza) Lavenza, you're coming with us?

Lavenza: (Already Has a Darken Look on her Face as Well) Of course.....I will punish thee for his cruel and thoughtless actions that was stow upon our two companions. And I will not hesitate to use my full potential in the process. In other words.....(Summons a Blue Colored Chainsaw on the Palm of Her Hands With a Loud Ripping Sound to Boot) The bastard will pay.

Futuba: (Angrily Pumps her Fist Up in the Air) AH YEAH! Let show that punk who's boss!!

Morgana: (Turns to Futuba) Futuba, you don't even know how to fight.

Futuba: (Pours at Morgana) Oh yes I do! Big sis Sae has already taught me the ropes of Self Defense and everything!

Ryuji: We can talk about that later! Right now..... (Points at the Front Door Fiercely) LET'S GET HIS SORRY ASS!!

Everyone: YEAHHHHHHHH!!!!

Makoto: THAT'S ENOUGH!

Makoto stomps her feet to the ground loud enough to get the rest of the Phantom Thieves' attention.

Makoto: ('Sigh') Calm down and think rationally on this, people! We can't go out there and recklessly fight him like that! He could be powerful enough to stop ALL OF US for all we know!

Ren: Makoto's right, guys. And fighting him is not our main focus at the moment. What we need to do right now is find Kirby and bring him back home.

Lavenza: (Stares at the Couple for a Brief Second Before Sighing in Defeat) The Joker and Queen are right....(Makes the Chainsaw Magically Disappear Out Thin Air) It would be foolish of all of us if we rush in without a proper plan of some kind. We must find Kirby at once.

Ryuji: But how are we gonna him in a huge ass town like this? He could anywhere for all we know!

?????: Poyo!

Ryuji: Hey, Kirby. But as I was saying, I- ('GASPS')

Everyone in the room immediately turns around and sees Kirby happily waving at them.

Kirby: Poyo! Poyo!~

Everyone: (Smiles Brightly at the Smiling Pink Puffball) KIRBY!!~

And with that, everyone (with the exception of Ren, Makoto, and Pit) immediately rushes over to Kirby and express how worried and happy they are about his whereabouts and return.

Makoto: (Watches Everyone in the Background While Sighing in Relief) Well....at least Kirby's back home.

Ren: (Smiles Softly) And not a spec of ashes in his body.

Pit: ('Sighs in Relief and Happiness') I'm so glad......I thought I would actually lose him forever. I would've been really pathetic if that were to happen....

Ren: (Eyes Widened at What Put Just Said) You would've been what now?

Makoto: (Turns to Pit with Worry in her Eyes) Pit, what are you talking about?

Pit: Oh....Well, before or....maybe after Kazuya threw me off of a cliff, he...calls "pathetic".......(Starts to Frown Sadly) And I'm starting think he's rig-

Ren/Makoto: NO HE'S NOT, PIT!!

Ren: Don't believe a SINGLE word from his mouth!!

Makoto: You are NOT pathetic, Pit! And you never will be!

Pit: B-But I lost a fight against him! A-And I wasn't even strong enough to protect Kirby.....

Ren: But Kirby's fine now. He knew he was able to float and use that opportunity to fly away safely.

Pit: I-I mean.... You're right, but-

Makoto: (Gently Place her Hands on Pit's Shoulders) But nothing, Pit. We know what happened to the both of you last night was terrible, but you still did everything you could to stop that man regardless of how strong he was at the time and we couldn't be anymore proud. So please.....(Gently Hugs Pit Lovingly) Don't ever think that way about yourself again.....

Pit: (Almost at a Loss of Words) You guys.....(Tears Starts Falling Down From his Eyes) ('Sniff') I'm sorry.....('Sniff') We didn't mean to worry you....

Ren: (Joins in on the Hug) Hey man, you have nothing to apologize for here.

Makoto: Ren's right. We're just happy that you and Kirby are back home safe.

Ren: We love you, Pit. (Kiss the Top of Pit's Head) Always.

Pit: I....('Sniff') (Gently Hugs Ren and Makoto Back) I love you guys too.....('Sniff') So much.........

@keyenuta

@princekirijo

@caleb13frede

@26shann

@cyber-wildcat

@albion-93

@ma-lemons

[incorrectsmashbrosquotes]

Prompt: Ganondorf suspects there's a mole in their LoV.

Dark Link’s foul mood seemed to hang like a cloak around his shoulders as he stormed back into the League of Villains base following his escape from the Smash Mansion. With all the chaos following the attack on Smashville it had been an easy matter for the wraith to escape from the clutches of the Smash Bros. Of course his wayward “mother” had not been in his way, otherwise he would have slaughtered her for betraying him to that… bastard Link.

The truth Dark Link would never admit to himself was that he was grieving. For the first time in his existence he had felt a connection to someone (a real connection, not simply his connecting to someone by ripping their throat out). And she had thrown it away.

Thrown HIM away.

No Dark Link was not in a good mood at all.

“Hey tall dark and scary? How was jail? You get to see mommy fucking Li-” snarked Wario, or at least he started to before Dark Link yeeted him out the window.

Feeling a little better at having caused someone grievous bodily harm, Dark Link slammed open the doors to Ganondorf’s study. Though it had been repaired from Ganondorf’s storm of fury, there were still two or three scorch marks on the ground.

“Ah, Dark Link, I take it you enjoyed your time in the Smash Bros care given that you took your sweet time escaping.” said Ganondorf, without looking up from whatever he was writing.

“Choke on your own dick old man.” sneered Dark Link, slamming his hands on the desk. “Now, what’s the plan to kill that treasonous bitch. Hopefully Link too, he’s got it coming.” snapped the wraith.

Ignoring Dark Link’s brazenness Ganondorf set down his pen and laced his fingers together. “At the moment? Nothing.” said Ganondorf. Dark Link looked ready to explode in rage, but before said volcano could erupt, Ganondorf raised his hand. “Not at the moment. Rest assured, both will receive their just deserts. But right now e have more pressing matters to deal with.” Ganondorf leaned forward in his seat. “We have a traitor in our midst.”

Dark Link glared and slid into the seat across from Ganondorf. “And you’re telling me?” he asked.

Ganondorf nodded. “Don’t get me wrong. You’re a violent and sadistic sociopath who wouldn’t know subtlety if it beat you with a rubber hose. But you are an excellent attack dog, and I need not keep this quiet long.” he said.

Dark Link snorted. “So you know who it is?”

“Do you recall my attack on Smashville?” he asked.

Dark Link nodded. “Yeah, it’s what let me escape.”

Ganondorf nodded. “Well only three people knew I was planning an attack at all. The three I suspected of being a mole. Wolf, Wario, and King Dedede.” he said.

“Well if it was Wario, I may have beaten you to the punch. I yeeted him out the window when I got here.” said Dark Link, slouching back in his chair.

“I’m aware.” ground out the Demon King. “But I told each of them I was attacking a different location. I told Wario I was attacking Lylat. I told Wolf that I was attacking Yoshi’s Island. Only one knew that the attack would occur at Smashville… because I told him.”

Dark Link gave a feral grin. “King Fatass.”

“Indeed.” agreed Ganondorf.

“So… how dead do you want him? And in how many pieces?” asked Dark Link.

“At the moment, we simply observe. We tell him only what we want him to know. Let him tell the Smash Bros only what we want him to know. And let him go on with life.” As he spoke, Ganondorf picked up a letter opener, and doodled a quick sketch of King Dedede on a paper. “Let him go on, blissfully unaware that the Sword of Damocles hangs over his head.” with that he wrapped his fist around the hilt more firmly, holding it over the crudely drawn Dedede. 

“And, when the time is ripe…” he said quietly, and brought down the dagger, straight through the picture’s heart.

[mavda]

Melted

Ch.1 | Ch.2 | Ch.3 | Ch.4 | Ch.5 | Ch.6 | Ch.7 | Ch.8 | Ch.9 | Ch.10 | Ch.11 | Ch. 12 | Ch.13 | Ch.14 |

Ch.15: Going back

Illia tried to clear her mind. It was rather difficult, worrying had been part of her since she had been a child. She worried about her father, about Link, about the children, about the village. It felt natural, and it had been easy. Her father had given in after her mother's death, if Illia voiced an opinion it was immediately heeded. The children saw her as a caring and scary big sister, they loved and feared Illia enough to follow her orders. The village saw her as the Mayor's daughter, always thinking about the village, always working for their betterment, they loved Illia as much as she loved Ordon.

But Link had always given her headaches. Lonely, proud, resourceful, sly. He wouldn't go to her if he was troubled, he wouldn't ask for advices, he wouldn't ask for help, he wouldn't let her worry. He only went to her after he was beaten, or he had failed, or he had realized that he needed someone else for his plan to work.

Illia felt the cold water of the spring as she moved around Epona. Manual work cleared her mind, brushing Epona had always been a peaceful and relaxing time. But now she couldn't help but remember that Link was leaving.

Illia could only hope that he didn't come back defeated.

Illia asked Epona to bring him unharmed, or at least alive. She tried to remind herself that Link was an adventurer, the most prepared person to face the outside world. He had saved the world, for Hylia's sake. But all Illia could see was his dirty, tattered clothes as he ran up to her, screaming that he had finally been able to control an Ordon goat.

Epona nudged Illia. They had been away for too long now, even Epona could get tired of being pampered. Illia let the brush fall and shrugged. Link had replaced all of his silences with silly talks and naive questions. He had, by all means, stopped his self-imposed silence, but now Illia had the urge to shut his mouth.

He was saying nothing. He talked and talked. And he said nothing.

He hadn't recovered. His nightmares persisted, loud noises woud startle him, he would train day in and day out, and the mention of even the tiniest of nuisance would make Link grab his sword and take care of the problem immediately.

Illia could also sense his eagerness to leave. Nothing too over the top, it just wasn't his style. But he had made sure to prepare his gear, resupply his stock, leave Illia in charge of his house, and made sure that Uli accepted the money he had given her, even though it had been a hundred rupees more than what Uli would need.

Illia had laughed about his preparations, asked him if he really meant it when he had promised to come back for his birthday.

Link had looked at her, almost pained, "Of course I meant it, I'm coming back," and Illia had shut her mouth.

Link had never lied before.

Epona neighed, and Illia started the way back to Link's home. It was no use worrying when the other person didn't want to share his troubles. I was just no use.

If Illia kept on pressing him to share his troubles, she would only end up being the last person he would trust to tell said problems. It was like starting a frienship from scratch.

Illia heard laughs before she could see Link's house. Beth, Colin and Talo were trying to poke Link with wooden swords.

Trying.

Link moved with grace and blocked every move that looked as if it had a chance to succeed. He tickled them whenever they got close to him.

He was smiling. Laughing.

When Illia came into Link's field of view, he blocked Talo's sword with his hand - while Talo whined that that wasn't fair -, and let himself fall,  arms raised.

"I yield!"

"No, you don't!" Beth flung herself at his neck.

Colin and Talo started to celebrate their victory, hands in the air and dancing around Link.

Link rose with Beth on his arms and thanked Illia for taking care of Epona. The boys went around tidying up, they had been all invited to Uli's to have lunch. Before they could take the road that led to the village, Talo started to run towards it, making fun of Colin and Beth. Beth wiggled out of Link's arms and started to run after Talo, screaming at him to treat her like a lady. Colin looked vexed, and looked at Link as if to ask for advise. Link's smile was all he needed, and he went after his friends screaming for them to wait for him.

Link wiped the sweat off his forehead and muttered something about being left with leftovers. Illia got in pace with him.

"Nervous?" asked Illia. They had been talking about nothing else but Link's journey to the Castle.

Link shrugged, "Halfway there, should I be?"

Illia cocked her head, "I mean, you are friends with the princess of Hyrule, so I don't think you should be that worried? But then again, you are friends with the princess of Hyrule, which means that you should be."

Link smirked, "Yeah, exactly, I don't know how to feel."

"But you are happy."

Link huffed, "Guess so."

"Guess so," Illia mocked, "you are brimming with excitement, Link, don't lie."

"Fine. I'm eager, nervous, and positively excited."

Illia hummed, "Can I know why?"

Link remembered the cloaked figure he met as a wolf; Midna's horrified expression as she realized Zelda had given her her light; the dread that had filled his guts when Zelda had attacked him; the rage that overtook him when he realized Ganondorf had possessed her body; the tear Zelda had tried to clear away before he saw it when Midna had shattered the Mirror of Twilight.

"The princess of Hyrule wants to honor my work by rewarding me with a title and land, I'm a little bit proud."

Illia laughed, "A little bit proud, you are hilarious. Be proud, I'm fighting with myself here, a little. Sure, I don't want you to look dumb so I'd advise you to not engage too much with them, but then again, if they're mean and dumb, be as obnoxious as you can and have Zelda protect you, I don't know. Don't let them trample over you, that's all."

"Careful there, I might take it to heart," but Illia was still laughing with worry filling her face, "Illia, don't worry, if I have to punch someone in the face, I will. What will they have me do? Exile me? We kind of live in exile."

It was meant to be a joke, as they lived in the farthest place from the Castle, but Illia grabbed her arm in silence, and Link let out a breath.

"If you can't get used to life there, there is no shame in coming back," Illia said.

"I know."

"If you feel burdened, or sad, overwhelmed, or, or-"

"I'll come back, promise," Link bit down his 'It's only a month, Illia' because it was a serious issue for her. And there was no way in the Sacred Realm he was going to tell her that he was going there even if some nobles were to make fun of him because all he wanted was to see Zelda.

Illia looked at him, "I'm serious, Link, you have done more than enough."

Link snickered, "Thanks. And, uhm," he scratched his nose, "It's not that I don't appreciate what you're saying, It's just-"

"That you feel you can do more, I know. You are too good for this world."

He nodded, not too sure about that.

"Link, what you did made a difference. You saved countless lives, a kingdom. Princess Zelda knows it, too."

He shrugged.

"Link, the world is not your burden to carry."

"I know."

Link found it hard to tell Uli that his nightmares were still happening. He found it hard to accept that even though he had tried to help himself, he had failed. Link knew, with the same sixth sense that Uli had for him, that Uli was three steps away to ask him the question Link had come to dread.

Step one had been Uli giving birth to Lily, it was as if the baby had heightened Uli's senses. Link would be playing with Colin and he would feel Uli's eyes on him, and then he would laugh too hard, or worry too much over Colin, be too conscious of himself. He would feel chills run down his spine, because she knew. Uli knew.

Step two had been Link not asking more questions about his childhood, and forgetting about his nightmares. Too many smiles, too much talking filled with nothing. Too much of taking care of Lily just as an excuse to get away from Uli's glares.

Step three had been Illia's concerned look, again. And Link smiling and filling the silences with innocent questions. Sure, he wasn't clamming up now, but the only thing that had changed was his way of covering his pain.

So when Uli sat down next to him after the meal was over, and she stayed there in silence, even though he was still chewing, Link knew this was it.

It was coming.

"What are you so scared of?"

And he had to make an answer about what she meant, and about how he didn't really understand her question.

He left with smiles and hugs and promises to Uli he wasn't sure he could really keep up.

He was terrified to put his burdens on his family.

He was terrified they would realize he was not the same as before.

Zelda... Zelda... Zelda could take care of it.

 He had little luggage.

"Link, are you sure you are all set?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Illia gave him a look, "Well, sir," she marked the word, "I think you are a little underbaggaged."

Link snorted, "No, really, I'm all set. It's only a week? At most a month if Zelda wants me there longer," he patted his bags, "necessities only."

Illia sighed, "First, Link, please refrain from calling princess Zelda Eugenia Harkinian Hyrule by her given name alone," Link scrunched his face, mumbled an apology, "and also, I know you'll be there for a short period of time, but really?" Illia eyed his bags with worry.

"Come on, I can take care of myself. I travelled long and wide, and I'm alive."

"Yeah, well, I have come to question how you did it."

Link raised a finger, "Careful, missy, I may forget to bring presents your way."

Illia swatted his finger away and smiled, "Be careful."

"You too."

She sticked out her tongue, "It's not me who's going into the wolf's mouth."

"So dramatic. I'm going there as a guest of honor, they'll ruin their reputations by disrespecting me."

Illia shook her head, "Make sure to bring me a gift, you doofus."

He mounted Epona, nodded to Illia.

"See you later."

She waved to him till she could no longer see his back.