Emerging from His Grotto (Finished)

[nestor]

Somewhere along Zora's River, Nestor emerged from his home and yawned, still a little groggy. He blinked a few times at the sun and began to stroll as slowly as he normally did, which was incredibly.

"Hmm, another day slowly creeping by. Maybe I'll head down to the lake and see who is around." He started to orient his direction downstream for Lake Hylia was waiting. He nodded to a passing Zora and smiled. Today would be nice and peaceful.

[Kinsley]

Today, Kinsley decided to take a break from planning heists, to instead, take a relaxing walk. It's been sometime since she gave herself some rest from stealing valuables from the rich and powerful. Though she found it fun, it was also very exhausting. To not bring attention to herself, she traveled from outside Castle Town to the river in her animal form, a silver fox.

Once there, she stopped at a ledge, just a little above the water below. With her long slender muzzle, she lowered it towards the water and began laping it up. She ignored everything else around her, just for this moment of peace.

[nestor]

Nestor had barely taken a few steps down river when he noticed the bright fox at the edge of the river stopping for a quick drink. Always one to enjoy conversation, he slowly made his way up to her. Not in a sneaky way, in a way that was simply lackadaisical.

Once close, he took a seat in his turtle form, just at the river's edge. He didn't take a drink, as he was not thirsty. Instead he decided to address the fox, who may or may not have already been made aware of his presence.

"Hmm, it's odd to see someone come this far up the river just to take a drink. Normally one would just settle at the lake." He had on his face his token smile as he looked at the fox enjoying her drink.

[Kinsley]

Just as she was enjoying the fresh, cool water going down her throat, she heard a voice addressing her from the river's edge. So, curious, she raised up her head and looked to here she heard the voice from. sitting there, was a turtle. She, in her life time of thievery, had come across a talking turtle.

He must be a Minish like herself, except, well.. Ugly, she thought."I'm rather new here, Mr. Turtle." She said to him, with a youthful, yet mature sounding voice. "So, are you here to tell me to stop drinking out of your home and to move elsewhere?" she asked.

[nestor]

Nestor let out a light, old man chuckle as she addressed him. "Mr. Turtle, hmm? No one has ever called me that before. No, feel free to drink to your heart's content. This isn't my land, nor my water. I just have a grotto nearby." He then decided to dunk his head in temporarily.

After he concluded with his dunk he shook his head and continued to speak to the fox. "So what is it that brings a fox new to the territory this far up Zora's River?"

[Kinsley]

"Today I just decided to take a break from life in Castle Town, and come here." She said, rather calmly. She thought about telling him she was a wanted criminal there, just to see how he would react, for fun. But maybe she should try to turn it into a bigger impact, by telling him some half-truths.

"I'm pretty famous over there. The guys, you see, want me." She let out a small giggle as she told him this. "So, I need to get away from it all. So I wondered outside the town, transformed myself and made my way over here, just to get away from them." She told him, and let out a big sigh.

[Caramon Zero]

As I'm on shore leave for the time being, I decided to go to the famed Zora River, a place I hadn't seen in years, and now, it was completely different from what I'd seen before.

This new Zora River is now free from the tyranny of a corrupt Zora by the name of Zar 'Delle, who was looking for a way to better his standing with the "Dark Ruler" of Hyrule, Dytrium, an ex-Knight who has faded from recorded history and forgotten by all, save those who still remember his great evil doings, who was defeated by the now present King, who, as far as I can tell, rules with Love and Peace, yet I'm unsure of his daughter, as I myself have not met her, yet I know much of the King's kindness, but am unsure if it is wise for his daughter to rule at this present time...

I'm just glad all that's in the past...
Anyway, it's good to be back here during a time of peace, instead of a battleground.
Wait, what's that in the water?
No... It can't be...
I haven't seen him in forever... not since...

I fly up the bank to see if my suspicions are correct, and indeed, they are, it's good ol' Nestor, accompanied by-
Am I seeing things?
No, it IS a fox.

How've you been old timer? Long time, no see. So this is where you've been hiding all this time. And who's this? You're pretty lady friend? You sly dog! Still living up to your old nickname I see. It's a pleasure to see you again... Master.

And it is a very great pleasure to met your acquaintance milady, may I have your name, as I can see from your demeanor that you are no ordinary fox, but in fact a Minish in disguise.

[nestor]

Nestor didn't see Zero right away. Instead he was focusing on the lovely lady fox he had met. "So you're wanted then. Makes sense, even in your animal form your beauty shines through hmm? Hard to get that past an old man like me." He could tell she wasn't telling the whole story. Nobody is simply the object of others' affection without good reason.

When Zero flew in, Nestor let out a heavy sigh, for he knew what was going to happen. He braced himself for Zero to...yep, just as he thought.

"Oh Zero, you should know by now that I'm not taking pupils. No matter how many times you ask, the answer will always be no. However it is a surprise. I just awoke and already two people have graced me with their presence. Good fortune smiles on me today no?" He turned to look back at the fox, then back to Zero. "No, I have never had the pleasure of the company of this fox before, whatever ideas you may have in your head."

[Kinsley]

If she was in her human form, she would blush at the turtle comment on her beauty. She believed she was a treasure to men everywhere. Although she was vain, she couldn't help but feel a bit humble by his comment. But then, another person appeared. This one was a strange looking man. if several of almost every known race, was taken and put together like a horribly snitch doll, that would be this man. She found him repulsive.

Then, he had the gall to imply that she and this, this turtle.. Were an item! Normally she was a calm and relaxed lady, but it took a lot out of her to keep herself from shouting at the ragdoll of a man.

"Nice to meet you, as well..." She said to him, still keeping a calm composure. "My name is Kinsley. And yes, I am indeed a Minish, I'd doubt a normal fox could talk, don't you agree?." She said, not caring whether or not he would draw the conclusion that she was the same Kinsley from Castle Town. A Minish Thief of Lords and Nobles alike.

[Caramon Zero]

Well then that may mean we are both at a loss...
I can't believe you still remember my name, and can't remember all the things we went through, Master.
You're the one who taught me about oneness with nature and such.
My, it sure has been a long time if you'd forgotten about all that.
And the reason I was able to recognize you was because no normal Turtle Minish has that kooky walk from all that Kung Fu training.
And sadly, I actually had planned on asking for a lesson or two, for old times sake.
Anyways, it's good to see you well, and I'm glad to talk with you again.
Now if you would excuse me, I'd like to speak with the Lady.


I turn to the vixen and see her glaring at me, and respond calmly to her looks of disgust and anger.

I apologize for my rude behavior milady, it was just a playful joke, and I meant no offense, Nestor here just has a reputation with the ladies, and I had not seen him for some time.

And if you wish Lady Kinny, would you like to see me without my armor?
By the look upon your face, I seem rather repulsive as I am, but I assure you, even though I am a Hybrid, I'm still a man, not a monster, and this armor is just made of stones from my old home, so I can take a piece of home with me wherever I go.

As I remove my helmet, my long crimson hair falls from it, and spreads out over my shoulders, as I look at her with my midnight blue eyes and smile with my human face and slightly pointed ears.
Next, I remove my gauntlets and boots, allowing me to move my hands and feet, which are also like that of a human, more freely, and fold my gold and onyx wings upon my back to form a sort of cape coming off of my stony torso that resembles a natural breastplate.

Now free of my armor, I set it on the riverbank and look into the vixen's eyes, sigh, then ask:

Now how do I look?
All I'm wearing now is my cotton pants.
Do I look better, or do I still look like a golem?

[nestor]

Nestor laid down and settled his head upon his front legs. "Oh, Zero, it's been years. Too long." He stopped as Zero started to try and woo the lovely lady. He shook his head slowly as the armor started to come off. He was being way too forward. Oh well, he'll learn eventually.

"You still have much to learn, Zero." He put his fairly goofy smile back on, and munched on a little grass by the river. "One cannot simply remove clothing and expect opinions to change. You still lack patience."

[Kinsley]

Even thought this young man was joking about her being in a relationship with this old turtle, she still did felt rather peeved with him, but did her best not to show it. Not like he could read her emotions anyway, because in her animal form, she is incapable of making any human expressions.

"Oh!" she said, acting surprised, "Ho ho ho! Do not worry young sir, I know it is just a joke." she laughed, heartily. "But this man, is still quite the charmer." she said, speaking to the turtle, with a flirtatious voice.

"So, how do you two know each-" She stopped in mid-sentence when the young man began to strip himself of his armor. She watched, as the stones that made up his armor fell off his frame. But he did manage to change her thoughts on his appearance. She now thought of how silly he looked. She wanted to let out a laugh, but kept herself in control.

"My, my. How ungentlemanly of you to show off your body in front of a lady, such as myself. But I do appreciate your offer." She said, softly giggling.

[Caramon Zero]

As I turn back to the old turtle, I can't help but smile.

Master, you know me too well to say something like that.
I know exactly what I'm doing... I think.

I let out a deep, boisterous laugh as I sit down, and once again speak to the vixen while speaking to her as I once again look into her captivating eyes.


Milady, I only did it to prove the point that I may be funny looking, but looks don't matter, the Heart and intentions of a person do, and I only have good intentions at Heart.
I'm sorry for the flirting, it's an old defense mechanism I developed for my phobia of women, as I've rarely had good encounters with the like, so I flirt to get to know a woman's character better.
I know it seems low or shoddy, but you wouldn't believe how effective it truly is...

And as for my relation to this old fella, I was an old student of his that had to leave to go to war before I could finish my training.
I thought the old guy'd kicked the bucket already, but I forgot about the "Thousand-Year-Old Turtle Hermit" being quite able to handle himself in combat situations.

And as for why I'm here, I decided that when I saw him here on the River, that I'd ask for a finished lesson of my Kung Fu training, and apparently he knew that, telling me he no longer accepted students...

So here I am, a freak of nature who's on leave from his duties aboard the Gerudo King of Pirates' lead ship, just seeing the sites of a previous war zone, and enjoying it being peaceful here for once.
I suppose you could say that the war my Master tried to keep me from is what made Zora's River even larger than it was before.

But I suppose I'm boring you with all this talk...
If you have any questions about what I've said, I'd like to try to answer them, otherwise, I will go take a nap and leave you to talk with the turtle about such things.[/color]

[nestor]

While Zero was explaining all of his actions, and part of Nestor's past, embellishing parts of course. Nestor quite clearly wasn't a thousand years old, and Zero didn't exactly progress in his training.

"Oh Zero, time hasn't changed you much at all. But it has been nice seeing you." He turned back to the fox, who didn't seem all that thrilled about Zero doing his little stunt, but she'll be ok. Zero was mostly harmless, just a bit goofy. He still didn't get over his caligynephobia. Something that would come with time. For now, Nestor would lay down and watch the dialogue between Zero and Kinsley, not saying too much.

[Kinsley]

At the young man's explanation for his actions toward her, Kinsley felt a little pity for him. But also wondered if this was some sort of ruse to get her to to feel guilty. To this she thought, "Pretty clever, trying to use your sob story to invoke pity from me. Cute, but it won't work." She had in the past before she became a thief, came across men who used such stories to get the women they find interest in to pity them.

She figured that these two had an relationship from the way they spoke to each other and mannerisms. She didn't actually care how these two know one another, she just asked because she felt it was expected of her to.

But whether or not his words were true, she decided that she would allow him to stay with him and the old turtle. Not out of guilt, but to she what other foolish things he would do in her presence.

"Wait. You don't have to go," she said, with a hint of care in her voice, "Besides, there are men who have done far more silly things in front of me, so it's not like your the first." She giggled, softly.

"So stay, I would feel guilty if I was the reason you could stay and talk with your master."

[Caramon Zero]

I can't help but smile.

For a bandit, you're quite kind milady.
Thank you.
And if it were at all possible might I have the honor of getting to know you better?

For some reason when I'm around this woman, I feel so calm, so different, more so than I usually do, as I just can't keep a smile off my face when I look at her, but I bet I'm darker than a Gerudo now, I feel so foolish...

I get up and walk over to my helmet.
I remove something from it, go over to my master, hold out my hand, and give him the silver turtle medallion he'd given me so long ago as a protective charm.

I believe this belongs to you Master.
I've held onto it like you asked, and now I'm giving it back to you as you instructed so long ago.

I walk over to a small boulder between the two of them so I might better converse with them, as my new was getting sore from turning it side to side so much.
I can't help but be filled with joy by being near such beauty and such wisdom at the same time, and I think back at how much of a fool I've made of myself, and laugh aloud at my previous stupidity.

I just realize how the tone of the woman's voice was towards me, and it feels like she may only have that caring tone out of pity for me, but I don't deserve pity, nor do I need it, as I am what I am, and cannot change my nature.
At least as far as I know...

Oh well, No Worries~!

There's no need to feel sorry for me, yet you actually caring about me is greatly appreciated, as not many have ever cared even the slightest for the likes of me.
It's a rare thing for me to receive kindness from others, yet I humbly accept it, since it's from you.
I may seem like an idiot, but I don't mean to be, I just want to be able to be accepted by others as I am, so I tend to act out on my own without realizing it...

Anyway, I love being here, in such a beautiful place, with such amazing people as yourselves.
It makes me feel calm and safe, a feeling I haven't felt in years.
And I have to thank you both for it.

I close my eyes and smile.

It's such a fresh new feeling...
I think I'll take you up on your offer milady, and I'll stay as long as you wish.[/b][/i]

[nestor]

Nestor gladly accepted the medallion. He put it back around his neck and smiled. He would hang it back up over his grotto for protection later, it would serve the grotto better than he.

"Well, Zero, perhaps you have learned something, hmm?" He had fully expected Zero to have lost it by now. He was too kindhearted to sell the item, that wouldn't make sense for Zero. Anyway, he was now apparently trying to woo Kinsley, who was apparently a bandit, or so said Zero.

He started to let out another old man chuckle as he shifted into his humanoid form and put a hand on Zero's shoulder. "You still haven't learned how to think before you speak. Take a deep breath and let your thoughts manifest. Breathe, Zero. Without air, you cannot perform well."

[Kinsley]

"So, you have heard of my exploits, hm?" Kinsley hope her being a bandit would give the turtle a more surprised reaction. Oh well. He's old and seems to very experienced. So perhaps he has seen very thing. No matter, the cat's out of the bag. She turned to the turtle.

"I guess you now know why everyone wants me." She said to him, with a small laugh afterwards.

She returned her attention to the young man who is being rather, dramatic, she thought. She continued to play up her nice act with him and the turtle, despite the knowledge of her thievery career being known to these two.

"Aww, just relax. Ok, sweety?" she said, with some softness in her tone.

[Caramon Zero]

I inhale and let out a deep breath.

Master, you know me by now, if I think things through, everything goes awry...
You can't tell me you don't remember when we had to deal with that huge group of Lizalfos, and I transformed into one, and got us both out... until I changed back.
Which was right after we got to the last guard, then we had to run for our lives, and finally fight the critters off...
Ah, sweet memories...

I smile at the "old man" and turn back to the "foxy lady."

I remember your name from one of the wanted posters I saw, but I believe they don't do you justice.
Anyway, I believe that people in our line of work need to be wanted, it shows that we're doing our jobs well.
So I'd like to ask you as to what exactly got you to where so many people want you, besides your good looks that is.
I did it again, I'm sorry...

As I look up to the sky, I see dark clouds on the horizon, and can smell the approaching rain.

Well, it seems to me that it might rain soon, I know the rain makes your old wounds act up Master, and I doubt the lady'd like to get her fur wet, so do you think we should go inside?

[nestor]

Nestor didn't need to remind Zero of how they were saved that day. Besides, Nestor felt much younger back then. You might say the aging process sped up the moment Nestor met Zero.

"Yes. Suddenly everything makes sense." Brash youth and good looks, she would be a hot commodity among the male community.

Nestor looked up. Dark clouds were certainly on the horizon. There would be a rainstorm all right.

"Hmm so it does look like it will rain soon. Shall the hero and the bandit accompany an old Minish to his grotto to keep warm?" He didn't mind the rain at all, the pitter-patter against his shell was most soothing. But he did have to accommodate for the others. He shifted back into turtle form and began to begin a leisurely walk back into the rock facing to his small grotto.