Chapter Text
“The ending ceremony is my favorite part every year. I think all of you will enjoy it.” Four nodded to his companions.
Legend was skeptical, but for once he didn’t say anything. The others were… happy? Content? There was a bright mood that he’d shatter if he said too much. He might be an asshole, but he wasn’t that big of an asshole.
Legend considered himself a music critic. It was rare for him to find someone who could play or sing up to his own standards. How was he supposed to enjoy a song when he kept noticing the musician’s mistakes?
Four’s lady friend (his mom? Legend was having doubts about that…) made a sound of agreement. “Indeed. Each year, the three sisters play a song from their homeland. It’s different every year, but it always sounds magical.”
“‘Songs from their homeland?’” Time asked.
She nodded. “Yes, from the faraway lands of Holodrum and Labrynna.”
Legend jolted. “Wait, what? Really?”
“Indeed. Din, Nayru, and Farore are truly talented.”
What.
“What.” Legend said flatly.
Before anyone could question his response, the three sisters could be seen.
First was Din. Tanned skin, sleek fiery red waist-length hair, bright crimson eyes. Oversized gold bell-bracelets adorned her wrists and ankles. Long ribbons were attached to her tight rosy dancer’s outfit. Her smirk glimmered of confidence and power as she strutted in front.
To her right was Nayru. Paler than her sister, she was blue to Din’s red. Her hair was bright cerulean, falling to her feet in fluffy wild curls. Her dress flowed like water in alternating shades of cyan and azure. In her arms rested an elegant harp. She walked in Din’s shadow, he gaze adrift across the crowd. Her smile was shy, but her graceful steps were taken surely with a confidence bought with fluid grace.
To the left was Farore. Her skin tone spoke of someone who was rarely touched by the sun. Unlike her sisters, her hair was short, brought into two puffy forest-green pig-tails. Her lime dress was cheerful and lively, bursting with youthful energy. She walked with a bouncy pep to each step, matched by the unrestrained smile she wore proudly.
They looked so similar to the last time he saw them, but different too. It was subtle, but they looked older.
“Oh, there they are n—”
“HEY!” Legend shouted, racing up to the trio.
The three sisters startled as he charged up to them. He pointed a figure with a sharp, jerky movement. “What the HELL are you three doing here?!” he shouted.
The square filled with people went deathly quiet. No one make a sound.
Four brought his palm to his face and silently looked towards the heavens, as though he was begging for answers.
The sisters looked at Legend with wide eyes and shock.
Din was the first to recover, shocked eyes turning to a smirk. “You brat! What the hell are YOU doing here! We LIVE here!”
This seemed to break the spell over everyone. Farore squealed in delight, and then pounced on Legend with a hug. He was too shocked to dodge.
Even shy Nayru broke into a wide grin. “What a delightful surprise to see you again!”
“Bwuh?” Legend intelligently replied.
Four padded up to the mini-reunion, the rest following. “You three know him?” Four asked, eyebrows reaching his hairline.
“Link, of course we know L—” Farore paused. Looked back and forth between the two Links. “Huh.”
“It’s a long story.” Four and Legend chimed at the same exact time.
Din guffawed, throwing her head back. “I bet it must be!” She strided over to Legend and gave him a hard thump on the back, knocking him off balance. “This one never does anything by half measure!”
Four still looked confused. Legend could relate. “How do you know each other?” Flur asked. How do you know Legend, someone who won’t be alive for centuries , was probably what he really wanted to ask.
Nayru gave a nostalgic smile. “He saved my life, as well as the entirety of Labrynna.”
Din nodded. “Same for my life, as well as Holodrum.”
Heads turned to Farore.
Farore laughed. “Nope, never saved my life! He did save my house, though!”
“I did?” Legend muttered.
Farore punched in the shoulder. “The Maku Tree, duh!”
Legend grimaced. “Oh. Right. Her .”
“She always used to ask me when you’d come back, y’know.”
Legend groaned.
“She told me that she was plenty patient, though! She’s still waiting to marry you!” Farore said with a wink.
Legend groaned louder.
He could faintly hear Sky whisper “Wait, her house wants to marry Legend?”
A low whistle came from Warrior. “Daayum, Legend, you’ve been holding out on us! You saved Hyrule twice, AND two other kingdoms?”
Legend averted his eyes. “Sure. What else was I supposed to do?” he muttered. Not like he had a choice in the matter, back in the day.
Any self-deprecating thoughts were cut off as Din put him into a head-lock. “Don’t give me that crap! You could’a left me to rot at any point of your quest. Me, someone who you’d known for half an hour, tops. Give yourself more credit!” She proceeded to show her thanks by giving him a nuggie.
After a short struggled to free himself, Legend knew it was time to be serious. “How are you three even alive right now?” he whispered.
Din and Farore jerked their thumbs to Nayru, who blushed.
“Well, we weren’t exactly in the mood to be hunted down again. And I AM the Oracle of Ages, in case you forgot.” She winked. She looked… sad? “You still know my song and still have my harp. Being an Oracle, though, I don’t need a mythical instrument to switch time periods.”
Time twitched. “Time travel?” He muttered, face blank as a mask.
Nayru looked him over, eyes sticking on the Ocarina of Time at his waist. “Mm, a different sort than you may be used to, but yes. It’s kept us safe for many years now, thankfully.”
Din clapped her hands twice, snapping attention to her. “Jeeze! What’s with the heavy atmosphere?! This is cause for a celebration!” She clasp Legend on the back, causing him to stumble again. “After tonight’s closing ceremony, I’ll buy you a drink! In fact,” Din looked at the assembled Links, “I’ll buy all of you drinks! Well, those of age, that is.”
“Aww…” Wind sulked.
Warrior smirked, patting his head. “Don’t worry squirt, one day you’ll be able to drink with the big boys.”
Wind rolled his eyes. “I’m a pirate, remember? I’ve been drinking grog for years.”
“Mama’s Cafe has a strict ‘no-minors’ rule, so no alcohol for you, young one.” Nayru said.
“Mmm, I could use a good drink.” Twilight said.
“Farore, Din, we really do need to get ready for the ceremony,” Nayru reminded them.
“Oh, you’re right! We lost track of time!” Farore hung her head. Then she gasped, eyes swinging to her sisters. “Hey, I’ve got an idea! Remember that one song that we’ve been wanting to sing, but can’t, since it needs a male voice?”
Nayru’s face lit up. “You’re right!” She turned to Legend. “He’d fit the roll perfectly!”
“Uh.” Legend took a moment to add two plus two. “UH. NO.”
“C’mon brat, are you for real?” Din smirked, devilish look in her eyes. “You haven’t forgotten my dancing lessons, have you? You afraid you’ll dance as poorly as the time we first me?”
Legend blushed hard, his entire face turning bright red. “No, I did not forget how to dance. I’ll have you know I am a great dancer now.”
“Prove it then!” Farore shouted, draping herself across Legend’s shoulder. “I know you can sing too, hero boy~”
Legend’s face twisted like curdled milk. “You don’t know anything.”
“Remind me, who’s the Oracle of Secrets?” She waved a hand in the air. “Oh! Me! That’s right!” She brought her voice low. “I know everything, and don’t you forget.”
Legend coughed. “Right. Guess I’m helping you three. Against my will.”
~~**~~
Drip. Splish. Splash. Drip. Splish. Splash. Drip.
Splish splish splash. Drip. Splish. Drip. Drip. Splish. Splash. Drip.
Drip. Splash. Drip. Drip. Drip. Splish.
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Shiver shiver shiver.
He was so cold.
~~**~~
Twilight was enjoying Four’s Hyrule. It reminded him a bit of home, before everything began.
It was… peaceful?
It was certainly strange, he knew that.
Seriously, why did they bake rocks into bread?
The peace was grating on his nerves.
Was it paranoia? Twilight was just waiting for something to go wrong.
He knew something bad would happen before the end of the day. He could invision in already…
Din, Nayru, and Farore sang and danced on the stage. Suddenly, clouds gathered and blotted the sun. The town was shaded in dark, dull colors. Guards began yelling. The lazy guardsmen were no match for the sudden onslaught of monsters, and they all die without a fight. Monsters poured into the city. People screamed. Dull gray-red blood caked the streets—
Twilight shook his head. He knew he was being overly paranoid.
He made sure he was prepared nonetheless.
Out of the corner of his eye something moved. He very deliberately did not look at the spot.
Maybe that’s why he felt so paranoid. Twilight could swear he kept seeing small creatures skittering to and fro. Whenever he tried to get a closer look, there was nothing. The most he could find were various mouse holes or cracks in the wall.
He even asked Wild if he’d seen anything. Apparently not.
Out of the corner of his eye a pot wobbled, nearly toppled, then righted itself.
Twilight was going crazy .
He chucked his sword at the pot, instantly shattering it.
Oh. Woops. He just destroyed someone’s pot, in the middle of public. His face grew warm.
Time shot him a disapproving glare.
Apparently Four’s mother though this was the funniest thing she had ever seen. She bent double laughing, tears streaming down her face.
“Haaah! Just— Just like you, Link! Haha!!” She choked between laughs.
Four rolled his eyes. “I was 12. TWELVE. I don’t do that anymore!”
The woman straightened and smirked. “Oh? Then, that time two years ago when you—”
“—THAT was an accident.” Four countered. “Also, you can’t prove that was me.”
Twilight decided this was the best time to have his walk of shame to retrieve his sword.
~~**~~
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
It’s so cold
Where am I?
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
I can’t feel my legs
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
I can’t see. Am I blind? Where’s my candle?
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Oh yeah. Candle.
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Oh, it’s probably in my bag.
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
What was I doing again?
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
I’m so cold. Wasn’t I shivering earlier?
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Candle! I need my candle!
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Is this what death feels like?
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Oh yeah. My bag? Why? Oh, candle. Right.
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Why don’t I have my candle?
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Am I even alive? I can’t see. Everything is numb, except for the parts that aren’t. Those parts really really hurt. I feel like I’m floating.
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
I’m not dead, right? CANDLE! Right, I need…
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Oh, I need to move my hands to get the candle. Duh! Thinking about it doesn’t work… Move… hands…
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Goddesses, they’re so numb. Are they even moving? Do they even work? Do I even have hands?
Drip. Splash!
Oh, there we go. Yes, good hands. Now find bag.
Splash! Splash! Drip. Splash!
Hmm. This is getting me nowhere.
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Where am I again?
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
FOCUS! CANDLE!
Splash. Splash. Drip. Drip.
Oh, now I remember. The well. Concussion. The…
Drip Drip.
The water. Too deep. Don’t have my raft, can’t swim.
Splash splash splash.
Heh. Can’t feeeel my feet, knee deep in waaater~
Splash splash splash THUNK
URK
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
What… did my foot hit?
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
The water? How does… that work?
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Oh. Oh yeah. My boots. My boots… that allow me to walk on water…
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Wow. Maybe I deserve to die…
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Ok, ok… need to… need to get moving. Right now.
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Right. Now.
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Come ON LEGS, WORK!
Drip. Splish. Sploosh.
Ok, ok. I’m standing. I think? Can’t feel… anything.
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
Shit. Shit shit damn. Legs are shaky. I think. If I fall right now, I’m going to land in the deep water. If I fall, I’m going to drown. If I fall, I’m going to drown. If I fall, I’m going to drown.
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
I’m scared.
Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.
I’m so scared.
Drip. Splish. Drip. Splish.
Ok. Ok. One step at a time. Ok.
Drip. Splish. Drip. Splish.
How long has I been walking? Two steps? Ten? Three hundred? How long have I been down here?
Drip. Splish. Drip. Splish.
Where am I again?
Drip. Splish. Drip. Sploosh.
Damn damn damn damn nearly fell.
Drip. Splish. Drip. Clunk.
Clunk?
Clunk clunk clunk.
Oh, I’m back on land.
Dry, freezing-cold stone. Thank the goddesses, I’ll take it.
Oof.
Oh, did I fall over?
Heh. Landed on my side this time. If I land on my other side next time, I’ll have hit all sides!
It’s very cold. I’m very cold. Why is it so cold?
Where am I again…? Can I sleep yet?
Are my eyes even open? I can’t tell.
Do I even have eyes?
~~**~~
Wild wanted a last minute pastry before the shop closed for the night. Warrior, Twilight, Wind, and Wild made their way to the stand.
The baker cheerfully greeted Wild. He handed Wild a croissant.
“Now don’t forget, son, that’s got a kinstone in—”
CRUNCH
“Ow!”
“...”
“Mmm… bread...”
Warrior turned to Twilight. “I am so sorry.” He patted the man’s shoulder.
Twilight had the expression of a man regretting the entirety of his life. “Me too.”
Wild scrunched up his face. He chewed for a few more seconds, and then stopped.
“Wild, I swear to the goddesses—” Twilight began.
Wild held up a hand to stop him. Then, he reached into his mouth and pulled out a red and white shard.
“...”
“Is… that a tooth?” Warrior could feel his eyebrows rise to his hairline.
Wild gave a toothy grin and held up two fingers.
Warrior could see two spots in Wild’s smile where teeth should have been. One of the missing teeth was right in the front, giving Wild an almost child-like grin.
Twilight laid his head in his hands. “He lost one earlier too.”
“Wild,” Wind piped up, “You know you’re supposed to take the kinstones out first , right?”
“A bit late for that, Wind.” Twilight mumbled from his place buried in his hands.
Wild took another bite. “Wha’sa Kinstone?”
“... Nevermind.” Wind shook his head.
The baker cleared his throat. “Ah-hem. Would you three like a pastry? Please, take the kinstone out first.” The man practically begged.
“Of course,” Warrior rolled his eyes. “We aren’t this idiot.”
“Mmmm… bread.”
A few bites later (AFTER extracting the kinstone,) and Warrior had to admit it really was some damned good pastry. Not ‘break-your-teeth’ good, but definitely worth getting.
On the way back to the others, they bumped into the lovely lady Marcy. Warrior, his glorious charisma firmly in place, greeted the postwoman. She smiled sweetly and waved, but didn’t join him. A shame.
“‘Fraid Marcy’s taken, sir,” a man said to Warrior’s side.
Warrior internally winced. “Is that so? My apologies, I didn’t realize.” Of course, the fact that she had so readily flirted earlier with him hadn’t helped matters.
The man nodded. “It’s understandable, but this is your only warning. She truly is a temptress, but she’s my beloved.” The man gave a long happy sigh. “Ah~ my beloved Marcy, just as beautiful as Queen Zelda…”
Warrior choked on the last bite of cake he was eating.
Twilight beat on his back as he coughed and hacked his windpipe clear.
“Did he just say—” Warrior tried to say.
“Ah, sir, surely you don’t mean that about such a lovely lady?” Twilight said, eyes wide.
The man blinked. Then he glared at Twilight. “Ex—CUSE ME?! My BELOVED MARCY, the LIGHT of my WORLD, is ABSOLUTELY equal in beauty to Queen Zelda! I will not STAND for this SLANDER!”
“Uh—”
“Such RADIANT BEAUTY, the PERFECTION of the feminine figure!!”
“Twilight, is… is that what I sound like?”
“THE SWEETEST ANGEL!!”
“... You’re not so bad, Warrior.”
“UNMATCHED BY ANY OTHER!!”
“Thank Hylia.”
“Oh husband!” Marcy called, coming to the rescue.
“Coming, dear!~” He cried back. Before he left, he leveled one last glare. “Never speak so lowly of my dear Marcy, or the beloved Queen!” And then he was off.
“What.”
“Twilight, are… are people laughing at us?”
“Well, Wind is,” Wild butt in.
Sure enough, Wild was crying, sprawled on the ground.
“Wind?”
“I… Hah… I can’t take it! HAHA! I can’t hold it in any longer! AHAHAHA!!”
Warrior looked to Wild. Wild shrugged. Warrior was disappointed in himself for expecting Wild to have the answer.
~~**~~
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
Shuffle… Shuffle… Shuffle…
…
…
Shuffle… shuffle… shuffle…
…
Is that… sound?
…
Oh... Where... am I?
…
Shuffle… Shuffle… Shuffle…
What... is that?
…
Oh... Did I fall asleep?
No, I don’t think so.
Or did I? Am I awake right now? It… doesn’t feel like I am.
Is any of this… real?
Am I still cold? I… I can’t tell.
…
Shuffle… shuffle… shuffle…
Is that… something in my hand?
It is. But… I didn’t move? Or… maybe it was always in my hand?
Do I even have hands?
What is this?
Hard… Metal… What kind of shape is this?
…
Was I… doing something?
I’m tired…
…
…
Oh… right… the thing… in my hands….
Mmm… Yep still no clue what this is.
Oh… is that… an indent?
Click.
“Aah!”
Fire. Light. Blinding. It hurts it’s bright it’s burning it’s…
Warm?
Warmth!
Lantern. Lantern! Lantern Friend!!!
Where did this lantern come from?
Not Candle. Lantern. It looks familiar.
Four’s lantern?
Oh. Where am I?
This lantern doesn’t provide much light…
Oh, I can see the deep pool of water.
I’m glad I didn’t drown.
Oh Goddesses, is that blood?
...oh… that’s my blood.
That’s…. a lot of blood.
I need to get out of here.
Let’s see. Water, wall, wall, wall…
Ah! A gap in the wall.
Is… am I in a labyrinth?
Who puts a maze in a well?
Oh, it’s a small maze. Maybe that’s why.
No wait, the way is blocked by a boulder.
Maybe I can push it…?
Ow.
Nope. Now it’s a bloody rock. Still in the way.
Hmm….
…
…
…
Oh… I was doing something.
Right…
Where am I?
…
Am I in a maze?
…
I think I’m lost.
...
Oh hey, a chest!
… This is… a rock? Half of a rock?
… Well it’s shiny and mine now…
...
Oh, another room!
Another room? Have I been to a room yet?
Mmmm…. Warm lantern… good lantern friend...
Right, room needs to be explored still.
Oh! A ladder!
This is an old ladder… Goddesses, please don’t like this break beneath me…
Creak
Creak
Creak
…
What was I doing again?
Creak
OH RIGHT HALFWAY UP THE LADDER
Creak
Made it! Made it! Dirt! Yes! Dirt! That’s good! I think!
…
It’s still dark.
Where am I?
~~**~~
A few minutes earlier...
Wild was smirking.
“Don’t.” Twilight warned.
“Hey Twi.”
“No.”
“Guess what time it is.”
“No.”
“Twilight guess what time it is.”
“Ugh… Let me guess… It’s twilight.”
Wild shrugged. “I was gonna say dusk.”
Twilight facepalmed.
There was a sound that caught Twilight’s attention. Like something being… dragged?
He looked over and saw a bright red lantern skittering along the ground.
What.
“What.”
“What?” Wild asked.
“Is that… a lantern?”
“A lantern? Where?”
Twilight turned to face Wild. “What do you mean, ‘where’? Right there—”
Twilight turned back to where the lantern was. Or rather, had been.
“Hmm… Nope, don’t see it. Or is it really small?”
Twilight stared at the blank spot that had just held a lantern.
“Or… do you mean, a metaphorical lantern?” Wild looked up into the sky “Like a constellation shaped like a lantern? Can’t see the stars quiet yet.”
“... Just… nevermind Wild.”
“K.”
~~**~~
One minute prior,
Four felt a small tug on his shoulder. He smiled at the tiny Picori vying for his attention. The small creature was wringing their hands together, tapping their foot impatiently.
“I’ll be right back…” he told the group, flashing a wink to Zelda.
He headed to a private corner. “What do you need, little one?”
Understanding a Picori wasn’t exactly like understanding spoken speech.
:c Need help for helpless! Too cold cannot get warm!! :c
Ah, Four has had this kind of situation in the past. Picori dislike the suffering of others, and often try to help if possible. There were many situations over the years where the Picori helped animals when necessary.
Four unhooked his lantern and sat it on the ground. “Will this be fine?”
c: Yes! Many thanks! Off I go! c:
“Don’t forget to bring it back!” He softly called after the retreating Picori.
~~**~~
Now
Mmmm… dirt. Dirt dirt dirt. Dirt is good. Dirt is life.
No nap! Nap later! Not now!
Ok, time to take stock of myself.
Head: hurts. Very nauseous. Nose is no longer bleeding. Probably. Back of head is still bleeding a little, I think. Side of head might also be bleeding, not sure.
Body: Not numb anymore! Mostly. A little numb. Shaky shaky shivery. Also everything is very very painful.
Still body: Not soaked anymore. Damp. Kinda gross. Very ow.
Legs: Still kinda numb. Is that bad? Hmm…
Hands: Hmm…
Wiggle… wiggle…
Hands are dumb. Ugh, so slow….
Dammit, shivering again.
Where…?
Dirt, ladder, hole…
No wait, I just came from the hole. Don’t go back down DON’T.
Alright, alright… so… cave. Let’s see… To my left is a hard rock wall. To my right is also a hard rock wall. Behind me is… another hard rock wall. In front is… the same rock wall? Wait, no, turn around first dammit. Wall. Oh but this wall is soft!
Maybe I can dig my way out? The dirt in this side just slides right away.
Yes, that should work… as soon as I get out of this cave, I can get my bearings and…
And what?
I’m hurt. I’m weak. My hands are still shaking. I couldn’t kill a Keese right now. If I do make my way out of this cave, then what?
Where am I? Was I in a dungeon? Am I near a town? Damn, damn, damn. Do I have a map?
… Stupid question, of course I don’t.
I’m tired. I’m so tired. Surely a nap would be fine. The dirt is so soft… The lantern is warm (why am I still shivering?) I’m as safe as I’ll be in this cave… yea… nap….
…
…
…
~~**~~
Tap tap tap!
Four jerked at the urgent tapping on his shoulder.
It was the same Picori from before?
“Be right back,” he excused himself.
“Again? The show’s about to start you know.” Twilight murmured.
“I won’t be long.”
Twilight nodded. He began to turn his head away, then his eyes caught on Four’s shoulder. He did a double take.
Four raised an eyebrow.
“... Nothing.” Twilight muttered.
Four made himself scarce once again. “Is everything alright?” He asked the Picori.
:C No! Stuck in cave now! :C
Four frowned. Stuck in a cave? Wasn’t the creature freezing earlier? “‘Stuck’ how?”
:c Trapped behind soft soil :c
Four grimaced. He remembered the time before he had his Mole Mitts. Once, he snuck into a cave in his Minish form. When he grew to his normal size, he disturbed some of the soft soil that was over the tiny tunnel he had used to enter the area. It took him days to dig himself out with his bare hands. He remembered how certain he had been that he would die in that cave.
Four didn’t even hesitate before handing the Mole Mitts to the Picori.
:v Many thanks. Off I go now! :v
Four sighed as he watched the Picori skitter away. Hopefully whatever poor creature was trapped could use his mitts.
~~**~~
“I wonder what they’ll sing…” Twilight said aloud.
“We’ll find out in a few minutes, pup.” Time said.
The town square was packed. Everyone in town was in attendance.
It made Twilight nervous. Twitchy.
This would the perfect time for something to go wrong.
Twilight took a long calming breath. There was no need to be so paranoid. Calm down .
He looked away from the crowd of people. Hyrule Town was truly beautiful. The people seemed so genuinely happy, and it showed. The fauna was bright and vibrant, the trees were green and cheerful, the claws were skittering across the grass—
“CLAWS!” Twilight yelled, pointing. “LOOK!”
Time startled, dropping the small trinket he had been examining. “What?” He look at Twilight with an extremely confused expression.
Twilight whipped around to glare at Time. “Don’t look at ME dammit, look at THOSE! They’re moving!” He gestured harshly towards the moving pair of claws .
Twilight watched as Time raised a single eyebrow. Slowly. Then cocked his head. Slowly.
“LOOK DAMMIT!”
SLOWLY, like a Goddess-damned SNAIL Time turned his head to the spot where Twilight was vigorously gesticulating towards.
Then, just as slowly, Time looked back at Twilight, unimpressed.
“... There’s nothing there, is there.” Because of course, the SECOND Twilight had taken his eyes away from the claws to look at Time, they would disappear. Of course.
Twilight was going to kill something.
Time’s expression slowly morphed. Twilight couldn’t put his finger on what the expression was.
“Pup… When was the last time you slept.”
Ah.
That expression was concern .
“I did not imagine it Time! It was there!”
Wild, the cheeky bastard, chose this time to pitch in. “You mean like the imaginary lamp you saw earlier?”
“It wasn’t a lamp, it was a lantern. There’s a difference.” Twilight huffed. “... And it wasn’t imaginary, it was real.”
“You never answered my question, son.” Time said.
“I’ve slept enough, that’s all that matters. And don’t call me son, you’re not my real d— you’re not my dad.”
Then Time did the thing.
Dammit .
He gave the Look . The dreaded Look. The ‘I’m Disappointed in you, son’ look.
Twilight slump in defeat. “--ree -ays…” he mumbled.
“What was that?”
“I said… three days….”
Time tisked. “You need to sleep more often.”
Twilight rolled his eyes. “I don’t need as much sleep as normal people.”
“You still need more than you’re getting.”
“Guys! Shhh!” Wind shushed them, “The shows starting!”
Time gave Twilight a look that promised the conversation was far from over.
Too bad for Time that Twilight was already looking away, and could easily ignore the look. Hah.
~~**~~
Nghh… no…
Get… get off… no...
Crawling all over… they won’t come off… no, stop, get off…
Hurts… stop…. Stop….
Ngh! I fell asleep! I shouldn't have done that. Ugh… How long was I out? A hour? A day?... 5 minutes?
What is that feeling?
Oh. I’m covered in spiders.
Hm…
I’M COVERED IN SPIDERS AAAAAAA—
Ok ok ok ok calm ok it’s fine ok I can fix this ok ok ok no panicy I am a hero I can deal with this ok ok alright alrighty okey-dokey I can do this I am—
OFF OFF OFF OFF OFF
Shit. Ow.
Well, they’re off.
Slammed into the wall. But they’re off.
Right, right… still stuck behind this wall. Right…
Why does my foot hurt? Oh I stepped on something. Shit I hope I didn’t step on the lantern. I’m still so cold.
Wait I can still see so I obviously didn’t step on the lantern good.
Oh ow, cut straight through my boot. Dammit these are my good floaty boots. I wonder if they still work with a hole in them. Boats stop working if they have holes, so do boots stop working too? Hmm I should…
Focus.
Ok. Bleeding a bit onto the ground. From the foot wound. Wait no, there’s a lot of blood around here. It wasn’t all from my foot, right?
Ew, I was napping in a pile of blood, gross. Who just leaves piles of blood around? Hm, fresh too. Wonder whose blood it is….
That’s a mystery for another time. Ok, sharp thingy that cut my boot (and foot). Let’s see it’s…
Hm. Very sharp. Yes. My hand has just confirmed this.
Damn, now my hand is getting fresh blood everywhere. That’s even worse than the caked blood from earlier.
Cake…
Wasn’t I eating cake earlier?
FOCUS.
Ok, sharp… claws? No, mittens? Sharp mittens, nice. I want a pair of these. Oh wait I have a pair now. Did I steal these? I don’t remember paying for them. Or… did I find them in a chest?
Mm, they are nice and warm on my hands. Cozy. Is it nap time again?
NO NAP TIME. Have to get OUT! Oh hey, claws plus wall…
Wow. These claws HATE dirt! Or hate walls? Whatever, time to dig myself to freedom! Hyrule, here I come!
Dammit, tripped again.
~~**~~
Legend was regretting many things. Mostly, he was regretting his entire life.
Nayru and Din were flanking him, which made him feel a bit better. They had decided to sing an old Labrynian song, thankfully one he knew.
“As the Picori festival winds down, we all give thanks to the Goddesses for another blessed peaceful year,” Farore was saying to the townsfolk, loud and proud onstage “I know everyone is looking forward to our closing song, but it’s going to be extra special this year!”
“The Goddesses have blessed myself and my sisters with the appearance of a dear old friend. One who, in fact, saved the lives of both my sisters. Where it not for this brave hero, neither Din nor Nayru would be here today.”
Legend felt a blush threaten to rise. Of course Farore had to sing his praise. He was going to murder her. After his face was no longer burning.
“In fact, some of you may have heard of his exploits! The homeland of my fair sister Nayru was once overtaken by a cruel witch, Veran. But this brave hero saved not only Nayru, but all of Labrynna when he slew the dark sorceress!”
If Legend was surprised that Farore was describing an adventure that technically wouldn’t be completed for centuries, he was doubly surprised by the crowd’s response.
Murmurs rippled through the townsfolk.
“By the Goddesses, I remember hearing about that!”
“I’ve got a cousin from Labrynna, I thought he was done for, ‘till that wicked Veran was dealt with.”
“Goddesses, the Hero of Labrynna is here? What an honor!”
“I hear they gave the man statues and everything.”
“That cursed Black Tower was visible from our very mountains, I remember it!”
If Legend hadn’t been blushing before, he certainly was now. Ugh, why hadn’t he stopped Queen Ambi from making those statues…?
Oh. Right. He had used the Harp of Ages to switch between the present and the past. Huh, funny to think that his time in Labrynna’s past synced up with Four’s time period.
“In honor of our old friend, tonight for our closing song we have invited him to join us in singing a song!” Farore cheered, and gestured for them to join her on the stage.
The crowd went wild with cheers.
Legend took a breath and let his anxieties wash away. He blocked the crowd from his mind and felt a battle calm fog over his mind.
Soon Nayru’s harp was stringing her divine cords. Din followed her lead, beginning to dance. Each movement jangled the bells along her arms and wrists, adding to the harp’s melody. She clapped out a beat, a beat the crowd adopted and amplified.
Farore then added her voice to the fray, Nayru echoing her voice in the background.
Sing for the lost, for eternal affairs
Sing to raise your spirit in great despair
Through the ashes of oblivion.
Quick and unseen like the demon's offspring
For he owes no debts and bows to no king!
Every war has its costs and he’s paid,
Won by the bond of the party he’s made.
Legend twisted and turned, matching Din beat for beat. Perfectionist he was, he had done well to maintain his dancing abilities (plus, he had needed to dance well so the Gorons would give him that damned mermaid key…)
His earlier stage fright was gone, his blood matching rhythm to the beat. The audience faded from his mind. He had no hesitation as he took over from Farore, his voice ringing through the town square.
Warn with a call that the battle starts now
As the demons listen we strike them down!
Fighting back the rifts of blood.
Sent from the sky lies a angel in need,
Give him muse to strengthen and words to heed!
Heaven's doused and set alight
I've knocked on the gates of hell tonight!
Legend’s face was split into a grin. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so free. A twist, hop, and a leap. Arm in arm with Din, the two spun around the other. Parting, Legend began the next verse.
Broken swords and demon's bones,
Scattered on the way back home,
Beating to the sound of clashing steel,
When they're on our heels.
Now chant the tales and legends told,
Strengthened by the hymns of old,
Weathered as this winding road is long,
So we sings our hero’s song!
Farore danced to his left, Din to his right. If he wasn’t busy catching his breath, he would have laughed.
Play out this age in your sequence of chords
To inspire and sharpen your rusted swords.
Echoing the whisper of the trees.
Creep 'long a path where a thousand others failed,
From the thick Crescent Isle jungle trails.
Come from afar to set prisoners free,
Into dark tangled depths from the open sea.
Legend smirked, the pause in the song giving him the perfect chance. Roc’s Feather clenched in his fist, he dove backwards. Letting his momentum carry him, he moved with the easy grace the Feather gifted him. Three backflips in a row then halting in a handstand. A twist of his legs and a hop from his hand and he faced the crowds. One more flip and he was upright once more. He laughed, giving dual high-fives to Farore and Din as they bounced to his side. Not a moment too soon, as Nayru’s harp signaled the next verse.
Second chances don't come cheap,
So keep alert and on our feet!
An ancient spirit's song will heal your wounds.
Unabashed by our defeat,
Spite the bloodstains on these cobble streets,
A message to the goddess to see us through.
Ever heard, yet rarely sung,
So raise your voice and praise the sun!
I call a new rebirth to keep us strong.
Countless souls along the path,
Lost to fiends and lords of wrath,
But we'll return to play our final song,
So we sing out hero’s song!
Panting, Legend gave one last flourish.
The crowd went wild.
Legend left the stage, sweaty and feeling better than he had in a long time. Then he was ambushed.
“That was amazing! Why haven’t you ever sang for us before?!” Wind cried, latching onto his pant leg.
“You’ve been holding out on us, you bastard!” Warrior said, his eyes wide.
“Nicely done!” Sky piped.
Legend felt himself shrink away from the attention. Of course. Damned, he never should have agreed to sing…
“Please hush, we will now finish our closing ceremonies!” Farore’s voice cut through the crowd, silence falling. Legend felt his shoulder slump in relief. “Now, would Her Grace like to speak a few words? Or is she ‘still in the castle’ on this fair night?” Farore looked directly out into the middle of the crowd, clearly not looking at anyone in particular.
Legend saw the others trade confused looks. All the others, except Four. Four, who had a smirk.
“I’d love to,” the woman beside Four said, and began to approach the state with grace befitting of a queen.
Ohhhh.
“Wait, Four, why’s your mother heading up the stage?” Warrior whispered.
He didn’t whisper quiet enough, because multiple townsfolk nearby burst into giggles. Wind included.
Queen Zelda took to the stage. She gave a curtsy to the crowd, and the crowd bowed lightly in response.
“Another lovely festival this year. In fact, I must say this is one of the most joyous festivals I’ve been to in decades. Truely, everyone has outdone themselves this year!”
Queen Zelda gave a small speech. It was clearly unrehearsed and straight from the heart. It was odd, Legend thought, how informal she was with her subjects. But there was an undercurrent of deep respect towards her. Queen Zelda was a monarch that the people well and truly loved.
Zelda returned to the group of Links, many of which gaped at her openly.
She brought a hand to her mouth and chuckled. “I do apologize for my earlier fibs. It has been quite a long while since I have met any who could not recognize me on sight, and I simply could not let the opportunity pass.”
Warrior silently fumed, but he was more embarrassed than angry.
~~**~~
“...Let me have a vassal send a message for my husband, I’ll meet you all at Mama’s cafe.” Zelda said.
Warrior frowned. “I thought you haven’t seen your husband in years?”
Zelda just smiled and left.
“That was another lie, wasn’t it?!” she could faintly hear his shout.
It didn’t take long to send the message along. A few minutes at the most. She was making her way towards the cafe when she heard… a man shouting?
She paused to listen.
Yes, someone was yelling.
As she got closer, she could make out the words better. The meaning to those words were a still mystery though.
“—REEDOM! AIR! SKY! ALIVE! I LIVE! AAAAAA….”
She came to the old abandoned tunnel-way. The old caved-in entrance was carved open. A man stood, swaying and shivering violently. He was wearing Link’s Mole mitts...? With Link’s old lantern attached to his belt?
“E-excuse me, sir?” She called out to the man.
He froze. He slowly turned to look at her, squinting. He squinted harder, then fumbled with Link’s lantern and shoved it towards he, looking closer.
He hummed, still squinting. “Why’a you so blurry?”
Zelda, on the other hand, was momentarily stunned. The man might have brought the lantern up to get a better look at her, but it also gave her a better look at him.
To excuse her own mental language, the man looked like shit.
His head was caked in blood. He clearly had a broken nose, fat trail of (mostly dried) blood oozing down his face. The side of his head also had a great deal of blood. He looked deathly pale.
She could also see that his pupils were different sizes. That was a very bad sign.
Zelda opened and closed her mouth a few times. “Are… Are you well?” Zelda winced. Clearly he wasn’t.
The man blinked. Then he laughed, dropping the lantern, illuminating the man’s body from below. “Hah! Well! I ‘member now! The well!”
It was now that Zelda noticed other wounds littering the man. Blood poured from the inside of the Mole Mitt. In fact, spatters of blood were visible on the outside of the claws as well. Glance behind the man, she could see a trail of bloody footprints as well.
Honestly, between the shivering and the swaying, she was surprised the man could even stand.
His clothes looked wet. No wonder he was shivering.
“Sir, may I escort you to the doctor’s home?” She asked as though she were asking an injured animal.
He cocked his head, and squinted at her again. “...Zelda…? That you?”
Zelda was surprised. Very few people referred to her simply as ‘Zelda’. However, the man was clearly confused, so perhaps that was why.
“Yes, I am Zelda. Can you walk a small distance further? The doctor is not far.”
He frowned and looked like he was concentrating very hard. “Uhm. Yes? Yes. I am… good. At… walking?”
Dear Goddesses, she had to get this man to the doctors RIGHT now.
She took a deep breath, and took a step closer to the armed man.
“I am going to take these gloves off now,” She informed him.
He’d jerked back a tiny bit. “Whu? No, no, warm. Keep th’m on…”
“Please trust me?” She said, already taking them off.
The man blinked again, still squinting. “... ‘mk, I tru… mmm…”
Zelda took the first mitt off easily.
“...wha’ was I…”
The second mitt was harder. She quickly realized that the cut to his hand was deep and long. Damn .
She didn’t hesitate, ripping a long strip from her royal robes. Expensive, maybe, but the silk would prove better bandages than her plain cover robe. This man needed every extra chance she could give him.
She quickly and expertly wrapped the wound.
“Woah, didn’ know you could do that. Yer so smar’ Zelda…”
“Thank you. Now, let’s start walking. Take my arm, I will steady you.”
He clumsily grasped onto her arm, and then leaned heavily into her as they began to walk. His arm was cold and clammy. It was far, far too cold. Hypothermia.
“‘M sorry.” He mumbled.
“You have nothing to apologize for, sir.”
“... Yer suppose’d ta lean on me, not… not me on you…”
Zelda gave the man a gentle smile. “Do not worry. I am stronger than I look.”
“ ‘m know that…” The man started to slow down.
“Keep walking, please. We are so close.” The doctor’s place was right around the corner, they were so close .
“...mmm…”
Goddesses, if the man stopped, Zelda wouldn’t be able to carry him herself.
“You must keep walking, please…”
“...Zelda?”
“Yes, it is me. A little further now.”
“Oh. right. ‘M not gonna let… Not gonna die ‘cause of a well… Not t’day…”
The man gave a sudden burst of speed, making it to the doctor’s in a short time.
Zelda banged on the door as loudly as she could.
A moment later and the door opened. “No need to be so loud, what do you nee— Dear Goddesses!” The doctor shouted.
“Please help. This man appears to be suffering from a concussion, major blood loss, and likely hypothermia.”
The doctor ushered them in. Zelda worked beside the doctor to maneuver the injured man onto the patient bed.
The doctor was cursing up a storm the entire time. It did not fill Zelda with confidence.
He slowly coxed the man to drink some red potion.
The doctor looked at Zelda. It wasn’t a good look. “This is not looking good, my Queen.”
Zelda closed her eyes for a moment. She knew very well how easily medicine could fail. There were some things potions could not heal, or could not heal quick enough.
Before she had taken the throne, she had spent many free evenings working in the castle infirmary. It was satisfying work, and it eased the ache in her young soul spawned from the helplessness during Vaati’s reign.
Those years had taught her two very important things, both for medicine and for ruling.
The first was that not everyone could be save. People will die, and sometimes, it will be her own fault.
The second, more important lesson was to never give up. Because sometimes, despite everything saying it was impossible, she might succeed.
Well, Link taught her that lesson first. But the years in the infirmary reinforced that.
“I am not giving up on him.”
The doctor nodded, grim smile in place. “I thought you would say that.” He gestured to the man. “I need something stronger than red potion. And I need it fast. Can you do that?” Zelda thought of Link, and the various incarnations of the very same Hero of Courage.
She nodded. “Yes. I will return soon.”
And then she ran.
~~**~~
“Four, your Hyrule sucks.” Warrior had his head buried into the mug in hands. It looked like the kind of mug you would drink alcohol out of. Inside was milk.
Four shrugged. “I don’t make the rules.” He drank a glass of milk.
Din, Nayru, and Farore had quickly retired to their homes. The long day had left the three tired, and with Legend’s promise to be in town for at least another day, they decided to get smashed in the next day.
Warrior threw up his hands. “It’s not fair! Why is the drinking age in the land so high ?!”
Legends grinned, and tossed back his flagon of mead. “I think the age limit is just fine.”
“That’s ‘cause you’re 21.” Twilight muttered darkly, glaring into his milk.
“It’s bullshit!” Warrior cried. “Total bullshit! Time’n Legend are the only one who can drink!”
“You’re just salty because Mama could tell you were underaged.” Wind smirked.
Said woman, Mama, was manning the bar. She ran a tough ship. Milk cafe by day, mead bar by night.
“I want to know how the hells she knew I was exactly four months away from my 21st birthday…” Twilight grouched.
Four shrugged. “No clue. She always seems to be able to tell how old someone is just by looking.”
Time, smirking into his mead, wiggled a few fingers. “Magic~”
“Hey, Mama!” Legends called to the lady, “How old is Time here?!” He jerked his thumb at said man.
Mama didn’t even blink before shooting a response. “Old enough to drink.”
Time smirked harder.
Warrior, however, suddenly saw the bright side of this situation. “So, Four, it’s a shame you haven’t that 21 mark. Must be awful to not be able to drink.”
Whatever response Warrior expected, it was the laughter that Four greeted him with.
“Do you see how small I am? It only takes a thimble before I’m shitfaced. No, drinking is not for me.”
“Don’t go telling lies, Link.” Mama called.
“Oh-ho? No need to lie about drink Four, there’s no shame in it!”
Four just rolled his eyes and sipped his milk.
Mama, however, wasn’t going to let that lie.
“How would you boys like to hear a lil’ story about lil’ ol’ Linky over there?”
Not even Time could resist being interested.
“Really?” Four sighed.
“The whole damned town had bets on the lil’ guy’s alcohol tolerance, back in the day.” She began. “The day he hit 21? There wasn’t no place in all’a Hyrule he could’ve hidden from us all!”
“He’s over 21…?” Warrior asked, looking like he didn’t want to hear the answer.
Mama looked at Four. Four shrugged. He made a ‘what can you do?’ face.
Mama burst into laughter.
“Aaahh… yes, yes. Dear Linky is over 21.”
“What?! No! Dammit!” Warrior cried.
“Ahem.” Time coughed, tilting his head towards Four’s judgmental stare.
“Can we get back to the story, Mama?” Wind asked.
“I lost the bet…” Warrior whispered.
“Of course dearie. So, the whole town was in on this bet. ‘How much can tiny Link drink?’ Everyone had their own theory. Hell, the town Doc even calculated the average amount it would take to inebriate someone Link’s size.”
“But in the end… No one won.”
“What?” Wind gasped.
“The doctor was distraught for weeks. For you see, ‘lil Link? He’s known for a great many things in these lands. But in town, he’s known as the man who drank exactly four times the doctor’s prediction!”
Four rolled his eyes. “The ‘winner’ ended up being the Goron who lives in town. He didn’t know how much Hylains could drink on average, so he took a guess. The guess was way off, of course. However, I drank so much more than anyone thought I would that he ended up winning the whole pot.”
“Damn.”
“And then there was the time—”
Whatever Mama was going to say next was interrupted by the bar door slamming open.
The eight assembled Links were instantly battle ready.
Four gasped. “Zelda!”
She was covered in blood. Her face was red from running, her hair a mess.
“‘M fine! Not my blood!” She said.
“I am still alarmed.” Four responded.
“Good. I need any healing items. Strong. Something more than a red potion. On the double, a man is dying as we speak.”
The assembled Links burst into a collective flurry parsing through their items.
“Damned, if only Hyrule was here! He knows that healing magic.” Legend said.
“... We forgot to look for Hyrule.” Time murmured.
“No time for that now.” Four said with a shake of his head.
“Looks like we have a few fairies.”
“That’ll have to do. Now come! No time to waste!” Zelda called as she flew out the door.
Perhaps they didn’t all need to come, but there was something about a distraught Zelda that pulled at the heartstrings of all Links.
“I brought help!” Zelda yelled as she returned to the doctor’s office.
“Thank the Goddesses! I’ve stabilized the man, but he’s not doing well. The man should have been dead twice over, far as I can tell.” He gestured to the curtained off bed.
Links began handing over bottled fairies.
“Ah, yes… These might just do the trick.”
“If not,” Twilight spoke up, “I can track down Hyrule, he has strong healing magic.”
“A good backup plan.” the doctor nodded.
As the doctor pulled back the curtain to reveal the patient, the collective Links let out various gasps, gurgles, and shouts.
“Hyrule!”
“Dear Hylia! What happened to him!”
“He’s dead!” Legend shouted.
“He’s not.” The doctor corrected. “He sure made a good try at it though.”
“Nnng… ‘s loud…” Hyrule mumbled.
“He’s—”
“SHHHH!”
“... he’s awake?”
“Woah… are you all real?”
“...What’s wrong with him?” Legend aggressively whispered.
“Concussion. Hypothermia. Blood Loss. Who knows what else.” The doctor said. “I need to know roughly how long he has been in this state. Do any of you know when he went missing? He doesn’t seem to know.”
“I was gone… for… 5 minutes? Mebby a few years. I dunno… Time isn’t real…” Then he shot up in bed “WAIT.” Then clutched his head. “‘M sorry Time I know you’re real!”
“Last saw him around noon, I think.” Time answered.
“Wait, Time is real, right? Or… did I just make him up...?”
“... noon, you say.” The doctor’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “So he’s been missing for eight hours?”
“...Sounds about right.” Time nodded with a wince.
“Eight?... ate… aw, I ne’er gotta finish my cake…”
“Is he going to live?” Wild couldn’t help but ask.
The doctor shrugged. “Probably, with some fairy help. Brain damage is tricky, though.”
“ Brain damage ?!” Legend whispered even more aggressively.
“That what a concussion tends to mean, yes.”
“Well? What are we waiting for?” Legend said.
“NO!” Hyrule cried.
“W-what?”
“The well… The well! I nearly got killed by a well !” He shouted.
“...what?”
…
The doctor didn’t waste any more time, and opened a fairy bottle for Hyrule.
It took two more before the doctor was satisfied.
“Make sure he rests for at least a day. Two days, if possible.”
“Uhhhgggg everything huuuurts…” Hyrule whined.
“Young man, do you know how lucky you are to be alive right now?!”
“... Actually, I feel pretty unlucky to be alive right now.”
Four felt the familiar tap tap tap on his shoulder. Goddesses, he hoped the Picori didn’t need more stuff.
“I’m going to step out, guys.”
Outside and around the corner, he spoke again with the Picori.
C: Many many many thanks! Helped and saved! C:
Four couldn’t help the gentle smile. At least someone was doing better now.
C: I bring to items now! C:
The Picori lead him a small distance.
There was a very familiar dirt tunnel, now with a large hole burrowed through it.
“...The tunnel that leads to the well? What?”
On the ground lay his lantern (still lit?) and Mole Mitts (Covered in blood!?!)
“Uh. Thanks.” He said, not sure what else to say.
C: Farewell! C:
He gingerly picked up the items.
“What in the hells…”
“Welcome back, Four. Is everything alright?” Time inquired.
“Uh… yeah.” He said.
Four’s eyes drifted to Hyrule. Then to his still-bandaged hand.
The same side as his Mole Mitt that was oozing blood.
“Oh.”
Four realized...
That tiny Picori probably saved Hyrule’s life.
“Hey, ‘Rule?” Four asked, his voice unusually quiet and soft.
“Ugh, Four, I don’t remember much of what happened if you’re gonna ask. Just a lot of cold and pain.”
“Alright. Do you recognize these, thought?” Four held up his two items.
“Lantern friend!” Hyrule immediately cheered. Then paused. “Huh. I think that lantern saved my life? I was cold and couldn’t see at all.”
“Hold on.” Twilight said, eyes wide. “That’s the claws! The ones I was telling you about, Time! And that lantern, it’s the same one!”
Time frowned. “Four, do your items move on their own?”
What kind of question was that? “No. Should they?”
“They did though! I saw them! I’m not crazy!”
Oh. Twilight must have seen the Picori moving them.
“And these gloves, ‘Rule?” Four prompted.
Hyrule squinted at them. “Oh… yeah… the warm mittens. Why are they covered in blood?”
Four gave him a flat stare. “You’re the only one who could tell us.”
“Oh, right.” Hyrule flushed and rubbed the back of his neck.
“...You used them to dig out of the tunnel leading to the waterway…” Four muttered to himself. “Oh.”
“Oh?”
“Hyrule… you fell down the well.”
Hyrule blinked once, twice, and then he snapped his fingers. “THAT’S right!”
…
“YOU FELL DOWN A WELL?!”
“You were nearly killed because you fell down a well ?”
“Of all the ways to die!”
“How did you get so damaged by just falling!”
“Be quiet!” Zelda commanded.
They shut up.
Looking at Hyrule, it was easy to see why. He had a similar look as Wild would get when finding a memory.
About a minute passed before Hyrule shook himself out of it.
“Dear Goddesses. I fell down a fucking well. Hit my head, hard. I was… I was concussed. Way too confused to use magic. It was dark. Pitch black. I was soaked to the bone and it was so cold underground… Then I got to a patch of deep water and...”
Four winced. “Ah, I remember that area.”
Hyrule then turned red. “I’m so stupid. I should’ve died in that cave…”
“NO!”
Hyrule shook his head. “No, you don’t understand ! I can’t swim and didn’t have my raft. I couldn’t get across, I thought I was stuck, so I just sat in the deep water like an idiot!”
“You were concussed, it’s understandable.”
“Guys.” He pointed to his boot. “I literally walk on water.”
“... You were concussed?”
“... I can’t believe I almost died cause I fell down a well.”