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Chapter Text

What remained for a sword, when her master had laid her to rest?

Fi’s sleep was dreamless and contented, her sacred power returned to the pedestal where she had rested for a thousand years. Her role in service to the goddess’ chosen had been fulfilled, and only the faintest wisp of thought allowed her to wonder what would become of her now. Was she to sleep forever? Was she to be drawn by another a thousand years from now, perhaps to serve another warrior of the goddess with all of the experience she now wielded?

It was but only the last that gave Fi pause, for sword spirits were forged with loyalty beyond measure. It was what made them invaluable partners in long quests, to give their wielder support when their strength failed, comfort when they were alone, wisdom when they were unsound. Hylia had not forged Fi lightly, and it was more than the goddess’ divine power that made her the hero’s blade.

But that same loyalty was what had rotted Ghirahim so thoroughly. It was what had made him spend centuries working ceaselessly to break his master free. It was what had driven him mad with grief and rage.

Fi was not unmindful. She knew, given time, that she would become the same. For Link. For her master. For a mortal man who would die in a fraction of the lifetime she’d already lived. If she let herself, she would go to exceptional lengths to keep Link safe, keep him happy, keep him hers.

And that was why she had asked him to put her away. If she served him for very much longer, she would never serve another. Not even at the goddess’ behest.

(This, Hylia knew. Once more: she had not forged Fi lightly.)

It was this, then, that came right to mind when she felt herself being drawn – not a millennia after she’d been put away, not a century, not even a lifetime. No- no, it was Link that drew her, and he looked troubled. His normally carefree face was creased and pinched, head tilted, and he looked… not even a year older than when she’d last seen him.

Silently, he laid her across his lap, legs folded as if he intended to stay for a while, and then hesitated, staring at her. He fingered the flat of her blade gently, delicately, like a well-loved treasure.

Without prompting, Fi twisted out of her blade and knelt across from him.

Link would not have disturbed her rest without good reason.

“Yes, master?” she asked quietly, meeting his eyes without hesitation. He blinked at her, his entire body relaxing like just the sound of her voice was a comfort.

I’m sorry for disturbing your rest, he signed, which was the second sign of how rattled he was. Link defaulted to at least partially verbal communication except when distinctly agitated. I didn’t know where else to turn.

Fi blinked at him placidly. She trusted his judgement.

He seemed to take comfort in her patience.

We think that something went wrong when we destroyed Demise, Link explained. Fi noted that his hands were trembling – not enough to disrupt his sign, but her sharp eyes could make it out. His consciousness is dead but his magic isn’t. And…

He faltered, eyes wide and round, searching hers as if for answers. Fi analyzed the clues she’d been given and felt the corners of her mouth turn slightly downward.

“My hate never perishes,” Fi quoted seamlessly, not breaking eye contact with her master. “It is born anew in a cycle with no end. I will rise again. Those like you, those who share the blood of the goddess and the spirit of the hero, they are eternally bound to this curse. An incarnation of my hatred shall ever follow your kind, dooming them to wander a blood-soaked sea of darkness for all time.”

Link nodded, shoulders rounded with shame and uncertainty. Hylia says that Demise cast an anathema spell.

Link never called Zelda ‘Hylia’.

Fi blinked once. And then a few more times, rapidly, calculating again given what information she had, what she could extrapolate, double-checking what her analysis concluded. Then she triple-checked.

“Master,” she said, her voice as soft as she could make it, as if that would cushion the impact of her conclusion. “My calculations indicate that such a curse, cast by a being of Demise’ power, would likely grip your soul for millennia.”

An anathema spell was a curse of vengeance, cast with a dying breath; traditionally it was flung among humans and Hylians, and the victim always found themselves dogged with hardship and tragedy for the remainder of their natural life. It required extraordinary hatred and natural power. Fi was unable to find previous record of one cast by a divine being.

Link was dead pale, but not surprised. This was nothing that he had not already been told, or figured out himself. No, he was looking at her like he was desperately hoping she would produce a solution.

That was unfortunately not within Fi’s power.

Someone came through here earlier, Link signed, quick and stressed. He called himself Ocarina, and he said he was the hero of time. When no one recognized the title, he said he was from the future. He seemed pleased.

Link swallowed. Fi waited patiently, letting Link gather himself enough to continue his explanation.

He asked me, Link signed, much slower and noticeably shakier, what legends I knew of the hero. When I met Zelda. When I defeated my evil. He seemed surprised by how confused I was. And then he said that I might be the first.

Fi had been created with extraordinary intelligence. “How many?”

Link’s eyes glistened with a fear she hadn’t seen from him since the first time Demise had broken free from his seal. Seven. They’ve met seven. They span three timelines and hundreds of years and… and they’re all me. They all have my face and my skill and my sign and, and I don’t know what to do.

Fi didn’t know what to do either. The goddess had not planned for this. None of them had planned for this. What she did, in the end, was tip forward just enough to tilt her forehead against her master’s in a gesture of intended comfort.

Sword spirits were forged with loyalty beyond measure.

“Master Link,” she said, so soft as to be at the edge of Hylian hearing. “I would not leave you to face this fate alone.”

And she knew, the moment that tears started to spill down her master’s face, that it had been the right thing to say.

Chapter Text

“Hey! Listen!”

Link rolled his eyes, barely letting slip the faintest of indulgent smiles before turning towards Navi and raising an eyebrow. The little fairy didn’t even do him the courtesy of looking at him, fluttering excitedly around one corner of the chamber.

“This wall feels funny!” she announced triumphantly, twirling once in the air before turning to face him, broad smile barely visible through her blinding glow, and pointing with a flourish. “Look!”

Link hummed noncommittally, but it was mostly for show; he was already reaching for his lens of truth before she’d even finished speaking.

Almost a decade since his second hero’s journey, and no matter how exasperated he got with his little fairy guardian, he’d never once regretted spending those two years looking for her. A true Kokiri he might not be, but he’d never felt right without her, not even with Tatl.

He was glad she’d agreed to come back to Hyrule with him.

Looks like another door, he signed at last, tucking the lens of truth away again. ‘Door’ was something of a misnomer; periodically along the walls of the chamber where Link had received the master sword, first as a child and again when Zelda had made him a knight of Hyrule, there were neatly veiled holes in space, each one leading to another master sword chamber. All were covered by what looked like nothing more or less than a shimmering curtain of sheer fabric, keeping time in careful order.

This one, he could see, led into a forest, like Twilight’s. He thought, with a bite of budding anticipation, that he could even see a Deku Tree on the other side.

“Then what are we waiting for?” Navi exclaimed, buzzing like an excited little butterfly around Link’s head and shoulders. “Let’s go, let’s go!”

Link snorted quietly, but he didn’t do much more than check over his gear, ignoring Navi’s impatience, before pushing his way through the veil. It offered only a few seconds of resistance before popping like a bubble, letting him and Navi through into another time and place.

When do you think this one is? he mused, looking around. He seemed to have stepped out of a tree, and little creatures were popping up all over the forest like curious little birds, for all that they looked like moving, dancing shrubs.

“Hey, maybe it’s just a little after Sky!” Navi offered, flitting around to look at everything, wings flickering furiously and legs dangling. “Look, the forest is so thick, there’s so much to see-”

“Well, now,” a deep, booming voice interrupted, and Link looked up to see the Great Deku Tree smiling gently down at them. “It has been a very long time since I’ve seen you, Link. You might have known me as the Deku Sprout.”

Not so soon after Sky, then, Link signed thoughtfully, without taking his eyes off the Deku Tree. Sky predated him, after all. Navi had gone still, only her little wings continuing to beat and keep her aloft.

The Deku Tree chuckled, close to deafening in its resonance. “Have you enjoyed exploring the cycle in its entirety?” he asked, with the peculiar sort of knowledge that Link had once attributed only to the Great Deku Tree of his youth. “It has been my pleasure to know several of your incarnations over the centuries. I have regretted none of these acquaintances. I trust you feel the same.”

Link nodded. Each Link he’d met was just a little different, with different skills and experiences, but all of them were good people.

“I will not keep you any longer, then,” the Deku Tree said with finality, while the little shrubs peeked and chattered, watching Link and Navi with interest. “Make no mistake, Link, this Hyrule is unlike most of those you will have visited. Its people are good but few, and monsters are many. Be careful.”

Link paused, and then just nodded again, looking down at the pedestal. It was empty; the master sword had been drawn and accepted. That didn’t, he acknowledged to himself, necessarily mean that the cycle was finished.

“Link!” Navi called from over by a sign, and pointed. He followed her over, crouched down to read it, and then waved at one of the little creatures peering at him tentatively, making it squeak and duck away shyly. He chuckled, more breath than sound.

Navi darted on ahead, leading the way to the exit the sign had promised, and Link followed at a more sedate pace, letting himself look around. The forest of the area really was rich with life, more like Kokiri Forest than any other woods Link had ever been in, though some of Sky’s and Twilight’s came close. Frogs hopped away as Link walked past, and lizards skittered up tree trunks away from his footsteps.

The fog had thickened into something dense with magic by the time they reached the exit, which explained it; this wasn’t any ordinary forest. This was the Lost Woods.

Without thinking, he started to hum Saria’s song, almost wishing he could talk to her across timelines.

“It says you have to step inside,” Navi informed him as soon as he reached the shortcut, sounding entirely too gleeful about the baleful, haunting tree hollow in front of them.

Link didn’t dignify it with a response, even reaching out to grab her and pull her gently along with him as he climbed inside. He couldn’t suppress a grimace as the enchanted fog swallowed him, thickening to a suffocating degree and echoing with a laugh like the Skull Kid’s before abruptly clearing again.

He shook himself, checked that he wasn’t in the tree hollow anymore, and started walking, releasing a wriggling Navi without a glance.

“Don’t you trust me not to get lost?” Navi complained, darting toward him and plopping onto his shoulder to cling sullenly. “Say, this Hyrule seems to have a lot of magic.”

I don’t think the Lost Woods is a fair measure for that, he replied dryly, keeping his eyes straight ahead. It was windy here, and animals darted in the fog. A little spooky, but not too bad, all considered.

“Well, okay, maybe not. But there’s like, a lot of magic, Link. Like maybe the goddesses thought the sacred grove needed extra protection.”

Link’s stride faltered for just a second before he kept walking. You wanted to come here.

“Hey! Did I say you should turn back? No!” Navi huffed, and then tightened her grip on his clothing, pressing her cheek up against his shoulder. Her voice dropped, betraying her unease. “Just… be careful, that’s all.”

Link hummed in vague agreement, more focused on the way the fog had finally begun to clear; he must be nearly out of the Lost Woods.

It was just as they cleared the woods’ rocky border that he felt it too.

Not the density of magic, that was Navi’s territory, but instead it was a tremor in the air that reminded him of the months while Ganondorf was gathering power, the restless dreams and the night terrors. Not as bad as it had been in that future timeline, where he had actively reigned, but still much thicker than Link had been expecting.

He didn’t realize he’d stopped walking until Navi squeezed his shoulder.

“Let’s find Link,” she said encouragingly, and he nodded and kept going, letting out a quiet breath. Everything was fine. This era, too, had a Link of its own to care for it.

On his back, the master sword charged with a faint hum, readying herself for battle. It was as comforting as it was worrying.

The road was a well-worn path, slightly overgrown at the edges. Wildlife rustled in the trees and shrubbery, and Link actually paused to break up a small bokoblin camp tucked against a cliffside; that sort of thing couldn’t be allowed to take root or they’d never be rid of the monsters. That was worth some sharp words when he crossed paths with this era’s Link, depending on how old they turned out to be; Wind was currently the youngest at fifteen, but Link – Ocarina – was more than aware that could change at any time.

“Look!” Navi said excitedly, and he followed her pointing finger to a massive structure just visible over the canopy, glowing a soft, proud blue. “What do you think that is?”

Without answering, Link made his way off the path and through the trees, nudging aside plants without stepping on them and doing his best not to disturb anything. All his breath left him in a rush when he finally broke the treeline, his wide eyes taking in the landscape below.

It was a wreck.

Forget the remains of Castle Town under Ganon’s rule, the vast ruins in front of Link now were not just broken but unrecognizable. He couldn’t begin to guess what it had used to be, and that was at least half because it had been built over, swarming with monsters the likes of which he usually only saw in old and magically rotted old buildings and wells.

Everything in him wanted to storm in and break it apart right away, to end this dangerous travesty right now, but he didn’t need Navi’s clutching fingers and hissed warning to know it was a bad idea. For something this big, he’d need to prepare first.

He didn’t have to like it, though, and his fingers tightened on the hilt of his sword before he reluctantly let go, turning deliberately away.

It was fine. It was fine. Twilight had a large monster camp in his Hyrule as well, too far from most of civilization to be a priority, and the surface of Sky’s world was just a mess. It didn’t have to mean anything.

In the distance, there was Hyrule Castle. It was… well, it was mostly intact. Link couldn’t see the entirety of the damage from his current vantage point. He could see that there was damage, though, and as far away as he was, that was much more than he was comfortable with.

It was fine.

“Link,” Navi murmured, heavy with sympathy and concern. He didn’t answer, picking his way down the path much more carefully than before.

He didn’t come across a single soul until he heard music and followed it to what seemed to be a small, but bustling public stable. There was a large goat pasture attached, a few tables penned in outside, and a small campfire with a few people seated around it. There was a front counter, even, someone leaning lazily against it, reading a book.

Link went to it, already forming a plan. He’d go to the castle first, and if he didn’t find any answers there he’d look for Kakariko; most Hyrule eras had one. He knew without thinking about it that he’d need to know find out what the state of things was before he returned home.

The man looked up with a small, weary smile, which quickly turned into a look of surprise as he gave Link a once-over.

“Why, if I didn’t know better I’d say you were a relative of Link’s,” he said immediately, making Link smile faintly. He nodded. It was close enough. “Didn’t know he had any family! What’s your name, son? Family of Link’s is a friend of mine.”

Link cleared his throat twice, suppressing a small grimace as he forced the word out, quiet and rough. “Ocarina.”

“Ocarina!” the man echoed with what seemed to be real pleasure. “Welcome to Woodland Stable. Name’s Kish. You can step inside and stay for the night, buy a meal, or just take a rest for a couple hours. I think Beedle’s due sometime today, he’s always got top-notch goods.”

“Looks like this Link’s been making friends,” Navi murmured in Link’s ear, as faintly relieved as Link felt.

He glanced up at the darkening sky, and then looked back at Kish and inclined his head slightly. Kish grinned at him, and then theatrically stepped back, under the shade.

Obediently, Link circled around, already fumbling for his wallet, and then cocked his head at Kish until the man rattled off the prices. Link paid for a bed and a meal, and nodded absently before heading back outside to join the others at the fire and listen in.

“Did you two get yourselves into trouble again?” a man asked a couple, seated knee-to-knee along one edge, looking amused.

“Hey, we do know how to use a sword,” the man said defensively.

“’Stab the sharp edge into the bokoblin’ doesn’t count as knowing how to use a sword,” another pitched in dryly, leaning back with a bowl full of stew in his lap. The man bristled, but the woman sighed.

“There’s no avoiding it, really,” she said, ignoring her partner’s sputtering. “All the best treasure is in the Central Hyrule ruins, but that’s also where all the monsters are. We get by, at least, you know? And it’s been easier since the blood moons started to slow down. Not so damn many of them all.”

“What’s a blood moon?” Navi interrupted, inserting herself in the middle of it all. Link pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing.

“Oh, a fairy,” the man cooed after a long moment, cupping his hands. Navi landed delicately in his palm and preened. “You’re gorgeous- oh, but you asked a question. You really hadn’t noticed the blood moons?”

Navi blinked big, baby-innocent eyes up at the man, wings fluttering just enough to dislodge sparkles of fairy magic. The man melted. Link rolled his eyes.

“No one really understands why they happen,” the man explained, hushed and almost superstitious. Despite himself, Link tilted his head to listen. “But every so often – it used to be every couple of weeks, but lately it’s been no more than every other month – the moon turns red, the sky boils, and every monster that’s been killed since the last comes back to life.”

That. That was-

“Keeps us on our toes, that’s for sure,” the woman sighed, while Link was processing that, and unwillingly applying the image to his own Hyrule, and cringing, his heart racing in his chest. “Not sure why the princess thinks she can really rebuild a kingdom in a place like this. She’d be better off starting fresh.”

“Don’t talk like that,” another man said sharply. “You said it yourself. It’s getting better.” As if to close the topic, he turned towards Link and said, “You’re a new face. We’ve been starting to get those lately. Just visiting or are you thinking of staying?”

“Visiting,” Link muttered, and then, avoiding the prospect of further conversation and wanting desperately to introduce some cheer into the area, he fumbled to take his fairy ocarina out of his bag.

He glanced up at the faces gathered around the fire and tapped the ocarina in question, and in almost comical unison, all of them brightened with interest. He brought the ocarina to his mouth and started to play, absentmindedly beginning with the song of healing.

A time where monsters were nearly impossible to keep at bay. Where massive ruins stood where no man dared go near, and Hyrule was in the process of being remade, and his sword was so wary that she charged the way she normally only did for Ganondorf himself.

He needed to meet this era’s Link.

Link didn’t like the way Kish’s face dropped as soon as Link indicated which way he was going.

“You sure, son?” he asked, leaning against the counter, brow furrowed. “That’ll bring you skirting awfully close to the castle. Ain’t safe out there.” Link indicated his sword and bow, strapped neatly to his back, but Kish looked unconvinced. “I don’t know… You as good as your cousin?”

Link hadn’t indicated an actual relation to this era’s Link, but cousin served as well as anything else. He shrugged. Kish sighed heavily.

“Watch yourself,” he warned at last. “Too many folks’ve gone that way treasure-hunting and not come back. Can’t even recover the bodies most of the time.” He shook his head. “I know it’s been better in the last coupla months, but there was a blood moon just last week. World’s new again.” His weary expression indicated that wasn’t a good thing.

Link saluted lazily, trying to hide his impatience to get going. The sooner he met up with this Link to get his story from him, the better.

Helpful as ever, Navi zoomed past his face, and he followed her with his eyes, exasperated, as she went on ahead. With one last nod to the stable master, he trotted after her, fingering his blade warily as he watched his surroundings.

“Looks like this one isn’t a happy era, huh, Link?” Navi commented softly, bobbing through the air a pace or two ahead of him. She spun around to face him, legs crossing at the ankle even as her wings fluttered. “It kind of, huh, it kind of reminds me of Lonely’s.”

Link frowned. What makes you say that?

Lonely Link was one of the oldest of them, at twenty-three – his first journey had been grim and bare, with no friends made along the way, no detours as he gathered the pieces of the Triforce, and no settlements to rest in as he picked his way through the most remote locations his Hyrule had to offer. Even his Zelda had been bitter, barely sparing a sentence to scathingly thank him before pushing the last piece into his hands and walking away.

Lonely didn’t talk much, even in sign. Link didn’t like to think of there being another timeline like that. A timeline where Link had failed.

There were already too many.

“Just a feeling, I guess,” Navi deflected, dropping a few feet before flitting back up. “Like they’re holding onto hope by the tips of their wings.”

Link hummed in reply and kept walking down the road, maintaining a careful awareness of his environment. That meant that he and Navi noticed the next landmark at about the same time, Navi gasping softly as she darted on ahead to look closer.

Link was disappointed, but not surprised to see more ruins – what looked like it had once been a large cluster of homes, maybe a general store, even what he was certain had once been a blacksmith’s. And he could tell all of that at a glance because they were broken wide open, exposed to the air, some of the furniture still intact and some of it visibly rotting.

He swallowed, trying not to feel sick, and sat down on a nearby chunk of rubble. Navi fluttered down to land, feather-light, on his knee, uncharacteristically silent.

With nothing else to be done, Link took out his ocarina and played the Song of Healing again. Even if there weren’t any restless spirits to soothe here, it made him feel better.

What had happened in this Hyrule?

He sat there for a few minutes, contemplating the river below, before Navi chimed quietly and darted off again. With a sigh, he got up and followed her, only sparing one lingering glance for the ruins of what must have once been a very small village.

This wasn’t as fun as finding Tracks’ Hyrule or Minish’s had been. But sometimes things just weren’t fun, and were still worthwhile in the end.

Another couple hours’ walk brought him ever closer to the castle, though to his resigned displeasure, it was surrounded by a moat, and he and Navi agreed that he’d need to skirt around to the front to get inside if he didn’t want to swim to a sheer cliff and climb up from there.

But the sooner started, sooner done. He stood up, brushed himself off, started walking… and then paused again, instincts ringing with faint alarm bells.

No. No, it wasn’t just his instincts. There was-

“Watch out!”

Link whirled around and came face to face with a massive beast of a machine, many-legged and beeping ominously, a single glowing eye fixed on him with an unmistakable red laser target.

Without needing to be asked, Navi darted towards it bravely, fluttering as close to the giant machine eye as she dared. Her magic naturally drew his aim to her; if he’d been inclined to fumble, it would have kept his aim steady. As it was, he nocked an arrow and aimed it unerringly at the obvious weak point, and let fly.

The machine flinched, heading whirling dizzyingly, and Link nodded sharply, reaching for another arrow without taking his eyes off the thing.

“Link!” Navi darted out of his immediate line of sight, and he didn’t think twice before jerking around and letting an arrow fly blindly, trusting Navi’s judgement. It slammed into the eye of another enormous, whirring machine, this one high in the air. She darted again, sparks flying off of her in her abandon. “Here again!”

Link spun on his heel, fired another arrow into the eye of the groundbound machine, and slid seamlessly backward, getting them both into the same line of sight. His heart raced in his chest, adrenaline pounding through his veins and sharpening his focus into something cold and familiar.

He’d never seen something this nasty outside a cursed temple before. And it had been a long time since he’d been in a cursed temple.

By the time twenty minutes had passed, he was backed into a corner, a third towering machine had joined in, and he understood why Kish had looked so worried when he’d indicated which way he was going. Sweat poured down his neck, his fingers stung, and he was breathing hard.

“Weak point,” he forced out, because as far as he could tell he wasn’t making a dent in any of them, just keeping them from attacking him in return. He was running out of arrows quickly now; light, fire, and ice arrows hadn’t had any additional effect; and the one beam that had gotten through had sent him tumbling, burned away some of his shirt, and left his shoulder throbbing so painfully that it threatened to drop him. He wished he had his mirror shield.

“Got it!” Navi echoed, dropping the magic that helped him aim to whirl around the massive machines, searching for weaknesses she’d missed before.

He might have to retreat, after all – certainly if he ran out of arrows, since he wasn’t willing to count on deku seeds. If he could get to his Zora mask, he could dive into the channel behind him and outpace them and their beams, perhaps approach from another angle or with a better supply of arrows.

He fired another arrow at a machine starting to beep rapidly, stunning it again, and grimaced as he felt how few he had left. He hadn’t even been fully stocked to begin with-

A faint rush of wind was Link’s only warning before three arrows soared past him, each one plunging unerringly into the eye of one of the monstrous automatons. Almost in unison, they collapsed, whining in defeat before going deathly still.

He knew who’d appeared even before he turned around.

This Hyrule’s hero hit the ground hard, bending his knees to absorb the impact, and shook himself before finally straightening to meet Link’s gaze with tired blue eyes.

He wasn’t wearing the traditional hero’s clothing, but not all of them did; instead he wore a blue tunic almost like Wind liked to wear, with an intricate metal bracer on one arm, tan trousers and, oddly, a sparkling diamond circlet, just visible past his raised, dark hood. Link could see the hilt of the master sword over his shoulder too.

He clearly recognized Link’s outfit, regardless, because his brow furrowed as he slowly looked Link up and down. His eyes flicked to Link’s shoulder next, and then to Navi as she flitted over, panting a little herself, barely audible.

Are you alright? the other Link asked at last, without making a move to step closer.

Ocarina nodded, letting his stance loosen as the danger finally passed, the ache of overexertion threatening to set in while his breath struggled to even out. The throbbing burn of his shoulder made his fingers tremble. The other Link studied him, frowning and thoughtful, taking his time.

The monks gave me an outfit like that when I completed my trials, the other Link signed eventually, letting the unspoken question linger in the air between them.

Ocarina nodded again, and then signed, hissing at the ache of his burning shoulder, My name is Link. You can call me Ocarina. I found my way from the master sword chamber in my era, to yours.

This world’s Link eyed him with faint mistrust, which faded into thoughtfulness as soon as his gaze moved to the hilt of the sword on Ocarina’s back, matching his own. Still breathing hard, Ocarina let himself smile faintly. Their sword was infamous for being picky about her wielders.

Really, she’d only ever chosen one.

He sat down hard, making the other Link start forward and then back, still clearly wary, and gave himself a few precious moments before he went on.

I was looking for you, he added, gently coaxing. I was hoping to speak with you. Seemingly without meaning to, Link’s eyes darted over to the remains of the dead machines, and Ocarina huffed quietly, amused. Sky was the same way. There’s no hurry.

The other Link considered him silently, and then nodded, turning away without actually turning his back, and knelt in front of one of the machines. Ocarina relaxed and fumbled for his pack, taking out a bottle of red potion and starting to sip at it. His shoulder tingled, the pain slowly fading away under the healing magic, and he took a deep, relieved breath, leaning back against a large chunk of rubble.

“Whatcha doin’?” Navi chirped, darting to hover over the other Link’s shoulder. Link glanced up at her, frowning, and then actually paused to answer.

Harvesting parts. Another frown flickered across Link’s face, and he reached down to something at his hip. When his hand came up again, he was holding a bundle of three oddly-tipped arrows, which he tossed to Ocarina. He waited for Ocarina to take them, looking them over curiously, and then continued, Weapons effective against ---- can only be made from ---- parts. Those are ancient arrows. One right in the eye of a ---- should take it down.

Ocarina nodded, making a mental note of the sign the other Link was using: a swipe across his eyes, like the Hylian sign for death, but with his hand forming an ‘O’ instead of flat like he was covering them.

Thank you, he signed back, adding them to his quiver – carefully, wary of triggering the odd mechanism on the end. Then he leaned back again while Link pried open the shell of the broken machine with a hunting knife and started to dig around inside.

The injury from the machine was really taking its sweet time healing up.

Navi seemed to enjoy watching the process, diving in and out of the gaps Link made and occasionally piping up with observations, directed at Ocarina.

“I think this is used to power it!”

“Wow, everything looks so brand new!”

“Oh, that power cell is huge! It’s a shame it’s broken.”

Ocarina leaned back on his palms, keeping watch and letting his shoulder rest while the other Link was preoccupied, and considered the new information he’d already received. This era’s Link moved more like Sky or Four than Legacy or Wind; he must have received extensive training before he’d started to learn by experience. He looked older than Wind, a little younger than the rest of them, so maybe eighteen or nineteen, and didn’t seem to mind Navi’s chatter.

He’d also caught on to Ocarina’s connection to himself astonishingly quickly, even if he clearly hadn’t been sure what to make of it. He’d been cautious, and thoughtful in giving Ocarina what he assumed were very rare and difficult to obtain supplies.

In conclusion, he certainly wasn’t either lazy or incompetent, which meant instead that the timeline had turned grim and awful. Ocarina wondered if it was too late to help.

Then again, it was never really too late to help.

It was almost half an hour later that the other Link finally stood up again, stretching a little with a grimace, but with his collection of scavenged parts tucked neatly away somewhere Ocarina hadn’t caught. He turned towards Ocarina, tilting his head slightly in contemplation.

I assume you want to be somewhere private for this conversation, he led cautiously, and Ocarina nodded. I have a home in Hateno, and Zelda is still in Kakariko speaking to Impa. Is that fine?

Hateno wasn’t a name Ocarina recognized, but he nodded again anyway, tucking away the bits of information as they came. The other Link gestured for him to come closer, and Ocarina obeyed, coming within arm’s reach. This was just close enough to see Link take out a small palm-sized slate, glowing softly, and tap something on it.

A half-second later, the two of them dissolved. A half-second after that, they were somewhere else, and Ocarina was breathing in sweet mountain air, eyes wide.

Hateno, he could see, stepping forward without meaning to, was a city.

Well- okay, city was being rather generous. But it was large and busy, with multiple shops that Ocarina could make out, children running around in the streets, people moving back and forth and a building draped in bright colors just in his line of sight – after a day and a half of ruins and wilderness, it was a relief.

When he looked back at Link, the other was smiling at him, the barest twitch of his lips and unmistakable sympathy in his eyes. Then it was gone again, and he tilted his head, indicating a path nearby, and turned to lead the way. Ocarina hummed and followed him.

It was a nice home, all things considered, with a sign out front and a garden of flowers and trees. There were multiple displays of shields and weapons inside, most of which Ocarina didn’t recognize and which looked faintly ceremonial, and a small stairway up to a landing with a bed and a desk.

Link sat down first and gestured to invite him to do the same, and Ocarina did, resisting the urge to look around further. He didn’t think this Link would appreciate prying. Navi even tucked herself away into his clothing, probably curling up to doze while they talked.

Thank you, he said shortly, and then, without waiting to be prompted, How much do you know about the soul of the hero?

Link considered him for a moment, expression unreadable. For the first time, Ocarina noticed the prominent scarring peeking out from under Link’s collar and the ends of his sleeves. There was one on his face too, a harsh mottled burn that stretched from his cheekbone to somewhere down out of sight, under the hood.

Legends, Link answered at last. That he – that we – are reincarnated again and again as Hyrule needs us. That every era it’s something new, the flow of time or the realm of twilight or the sea. And the only consistency is the sword that seals the darkness.

That was a surprise. This era must be very late in the timeline. All quite right. I introduced myself as Ocarina. Most later eras know me as the Hero of Time.

Ocarina felt a wry squeeze in his chest as he saw the typical play of emotions flash across the other Link’s face- surprise, then awe, then apprehension and guilt and resolve. He certainly did have a reputation.

I wondered, Ocarina continued, choosing his words carefully even as the Link in front of him went rigid, if you might tell me what happened here. You don’t need to go into detail, but I would like to know.

Link took in a deep, harsh breath, and then nodded, short and sharp. Despite that, his fists remained clenched on the table, as if barely maintaining his control. Ocarina sympathized.

Finally, Link raised his hands and met Ocarina’s gaze squarely. Just over a hundred years ago, the Calamity stirred from where it slept and destroyed Hyrule in the space of a week. Every defense Hyrule had was turned against it, and every fighter struck down. Most of the villages in Hyrule and its allied kingdoms were decimated, and the people fled. I wasn’t able to defeat it until about six months ago, so we’ve only just begun to recover.

Ocarina allowed himself just a moment to close his eyes, breathe, and let that information sink in, organizing itself into what he’d already seen and heard. Link delivered it so plainly, like all of the grief had already been hollowed out of him. It was much harder for Ocarina to reconcile.

It sounded like this Link was one of the few who had dealt with an evil apart from Ganondorf – and unlike the others, Hyrule was clearly much worse off for it. Ocarina would need to find out more, but there was no need to pressure Link yet.

Ocarina opened his eyes again and nodded. Thank you. I appreciate your explaining. You’ve done well to come this far.

There was a faint spark of vulnerability in Link’s eyes, there and gone in an instant.

I noticed that a path had opened from my time to yours yesterday afternoon, Ocarina continued, a little more gently. It’s not the first. We’re actually quite a large group at this point, all things considered. But you would be the newest, if you wanted to come and meet everyone.

Curiosity and then longing flickered over Link’s face, as Ocarina had expected, but what followed was a surprise: a wary, guarded look.

How many? Link asked, slow and unsure. Ocarina hummed.

It’ll be eleven, including you. Myself, Sky, Minish, Lonely, Twilight, Legacy, Four, Wind, Charm, and Tracks – since we all have the same name, we tend to go by whatever made our era different. You’d need to pick a name too, eventually.

Link nodded slowly, looking unconvinced, and Ocarina considered him. He clearly wanted to, but something was holding him back.

All of us have finished our quests, he added gently. Our evils are conquered, our eras are at peace or rebuilding. You wouldn’t have to fight unless you offered to help. I consider every one of them my friends.

A hint of deeper, almost hungrier longing entered into Link’s expression, but he still didn’t look sold.

I’m not sure, Link admitted at last. I’d want you to… He trailed off, looking oddly deflated. Ocarina raised an eyebrow, and Link hastened to explain. I’d like to meet everyone, if I may. But… Link faltered, steeled himself, and dropped his gaze even as he continued, visibly downtrodden. I would… I would prefer if… if you didn’t mention what you saw here. To anyone.

Ocarina almost melted with sympathy and the dangerous beginnings of pity. While Link’s obvious concerns were unfounded – each and every one of them knew exactly how close failure was, how hard they’d had to work to avoid it, and would not condemn this Link for his losses – he could more than understand how intimidating the thought could be, especially with the reputations they built over the centuries.

For now, he would agree. He nodded. I promise.

Chapter Text

Of course, Link couldn’t up and leave his era right away, nor had Ocarina expected him to. He and Navi spent a fruitful few days exploring Hateno and the surrounding area while Link ran around performing last-minute preparations, first and foremost informing his Zelda of where he’d be.

Sparsely populated though it may be, Ocarina had to say, this era’s Hyrule was beautiful. Even the monsters stalking its roads and fields couldn’t detract from the magic-dense wilderness; it made Ocarina think of Sky’s time.

It gave him a lot of time to think about what to do next. He wouldn’t do this era’s Link the disrespect of treating him delicately, but at the same time, it was already clear that Link was a little insecure and, more than that, battle-weary. It was a look in his eyes that Ocarina found difficult to ignore.

Four days, he said decisively to Navi, who bobbed up and down in vigorous agreement.

“At least!” she agreed fervently. “He doesn’t seem very eager to open up.” Wind, Minish, and Sky had been easy enough to get to know, but some of them, like Twilight and Legacy, had taken much longer for Ocarina to understand.

And if he didn’t understand them, how was he supposed to help everyone get along?

Four days and then we’ll reassess, he suggested to Navi instead, lounging back on the shore of the pond he’d found. There’s probably no use trying to get his whole story out of him before he meets the others, but we can at least get a feel for his personality.

“You can do it, Link,” Navi assured him cheerily, and then spun out over the pond to examine the fish under the surface.

Ocarina let her go, closing his eyes and leaning his head back against the cliffside to listen to the wind. (This world’s Link had an awful grandfather clock in his home that chimed the hour, and Ocarina was spending as little time there as possible.)

“Look!” Navi chirped after a while, and Ocarina opened his eyes to find this world’s Link striding toward him, looking no more or less worn for the days of busy travel.

All set? he asked evenly, without making any sudden movements. Link nodded, and then hesitated.

Do I need to change into the hero’s clothing? he asked, with clear apprehension on his face. Ocarina let his brow furrow faintly, curious despite himself.

Most of us prefer them, but there’s no reason to, really, he answered. Tracks usually wears his engineer’s uniform, and Charm tends to wear whatever he feels like.

Link didn’t betray any sort of relief at the reassurance, just nodded; the only sign of his thought process was the way his fingers strayed briefly to the circlet before falling away again. Ready.

Definitely a late-timeline Link; if the knowledge of legends hadn’t given him away, the demeanor would have. Twilight and Four were the same way.

Ocarina stood up, shaking himself off before beckoning Navi over. She flew neatly into his hand, and he placed her on his shoulder before turning to Link. Do you have a shortcut to the pedestal or are we going the long way?

Link reached for the same tablet he’d brought out previously, circling closer to Ocarina in a cautious, sidelong manner Ocarina didn’t think Link himself noticed.

When Link was next to Ocarina, he showed him the tablet, and Ocarina leaned over to look. As Ocarina watched, Link tapped something, and they dissolved into space the same way they had before.

Ocarina blinked, and they were back in the forest. He let out a low hum of appreciation, and then took out his own lens of truth and offered it to Link. Link gave him a long, guarded look before accepting it and looking around. Ocarina suppressed the urge to smile as the current era’s Link jumped subtly, and then looked around with more intensity, bringing the lens closer to his face and exploring the area around the pedestal. Navi giggled in Ocarina’s ear.

He let Link look around for close to twenty minutes before padding closer, making Link whirl around sharply to look at him, fingers twitching as if for his sword. On instinct, not breaking eye contact, Ocarina spread his palms, unarmed and unshielded, and nodded toward one edge of the clearing.

“To my era,” he murmured, only some of the warmth he felt for his homeland peeking through into his voice.

This era’s Link took a breath, nodded, and visibly forced himself to relax before he offered the lens of truth back, eyes on the portal Ocarina had indicated. Are the… others there?

They might visit, Ocarina said honestly, when Link returned his eyes to him. But I wasn’t going to send for them. I’d like to get to know you before introducing everyone, and I usually do that one at a time.

“Mm,” Link mumbled uncomfortably, tugging at his hood in a clear nervous habit, but when Ocarina went through the portal, he followed.

The bubble popped twice in quick succession, and Ocarina sighed at the wash of something intangible and inexplicable passing over him, the infinite step from era to era, through space and time. Taking him home.

When he checked on Link, he was looking around with wide, curious eyes.

It’s indoors, Link signed after a moment.

In the Temple of Time, Ocarina agreed. Recognition sparked in the other Link’s eyes, and he almost smiled. We’re right next to Castle Town here, and not far from the castle itself either. We can go to meet Zelda first – she’s always happy to hear from new eras.

Of course, Link agreed without hesitation, though his expression slid into something closed-off and formal; Ocarina guessed that either he’d grown up in court or he’d taken to it quickly once he’d arrived.

He beckoned Link forward, starting to walk toward the temple doors, and started the long process of opening up to earn Link’s openness in return.

Would you like to hear how I met Zelda? he asked, because it was always a wonderful opener in times like these. Link took the bait, humming in quiet question, and turned to face him a little better as Ocarina continued. I was raised in Kokiri Forest, watched over by the Great Deku Tree. Since I was the only Hylian in the forest, and therefore the only one that could safely leave, in his dying hour he sent me to find Zelda in her castle and save Hyrule.

He’d caught Link’s interest, the other’s bright eyes fixed on him in clear fascination. Ocarina allowed himself a faint curve of a smile, even as Navi tugged halfheartedly at his hair for the slander she knew he was about to level at the late guardian tree.

I was eleven years old, one of the most infamously distractible children of the forest, and had never once before been in sight of Hyrule Field, Ocarina summarized, with what was perhaps undue fondness, but I took him at his word that myself and the twelve-year-old princess were the only ones that could save Hyrule. I went to Hyrule Castle.

Ocarina had told this story over half a dozen times before, to each Link he’d encountered, and it was well-practiced by now. It helped that, unlike most of the others, his journey was over ten years past; he’d had plenty of time to reflect on it. And its absurdities.

He paused for a moment, waiting to see if Link would take the bait, and after a moment, though his expression didn’t betray any of his thoughts, he did.

How did you reach her? he asked. The castle must have been guarded.

It was, Ocarina agreed. But you learn a lot about moving quietly, living in the forest. You spend a lot of time there yourself, don’t you? You walk like it. Surprise flickering across his face, Link nodded. Then you know very well the average person will miss you if you’re careful, even in a place as well-guarded as the castle. Ocarina reached up, brushing his fingers near Navi and letting his expression soften as she hummed proudly. And Navi makes a very good scout.

She preened under the attention, wings fluttering right by his ear. “I’m the best guardian fairy, and don’t you forget it!”

Like you would ever let me, Ocarina signed warmly, and glanced back at Link just as the other shifted his gaze from Navi back up to Ocarina. We’re almost at the market. It’s usually a little noisy.

The other Link reached up to fiddle with the hem of his hood again, but he just nodded his acknowledgement without breaking his stride. Ocarina let it be, firmly returning to the story he’d been telling, and Link’s gaze shifted back up to him, attentive.

I found Zelda in the courtyard, Ocarina continued, which was very fortunate in hindsight. She was spying through a window, watching an audience her father was receiving, all tensed up like a watchspring. A smile twitched at the corner of his mouth. She was very surprised to see me, but because of Navi- He gestured. She was able to recognize me as a child of the forest, and that was all she needed to confide in me her entire plan.

He paused, stopping just at the edge of the market to lean back against a building, watching Link. Link stopped too. He didn’t move to relax, but that didn’t surprise Ocarina by now. He did keep his eyes on Ocarina, unwaveringly attentive.

Right there in the castle courtyard, eleven and twelve years old, we planned how we were going to save Hyrule without once involving anyone else, he said, oddly wistful. They had been very young then, in more ways than one. I was going to travel all over Hyrule to gather the sacred stones, and she was going to tell me everything I needed to know to find them. I hardly understood anything she was telling me, but I trusted her. She was the princess.

Perhaps Ocarina was imagining it, but he thought he caught the faintest cast of sympathy on Link’s face. You were young.

Young and naïve, Ocarina agreed. Perhaps if we’d thought to tell anyone else what we were doing – the king, an advisor, anyone – they’d’ve been able to point out the obvious flaw in our plan.

It had all worked out in the end; Hylia was a generous mother.

At least, in this timeline she was.

Link didn’t offer his story in return, which at this point was hardly a surprise; instead he just hummed quietly, playing with the ties of his hood, and after a while Ocarina gestured to the market in invitation.

Link lingered for a minute before going, head tilting as he kept his eyes on Ocarina.

It’s hard to exercise good judgement when you don’t understand what’s happening, Link signed, and before Ocarina could reply, he turned away quickly and disappeared into the market, already looking around. Ocarina cocked his own head thoughtfully, following him.

“He seems nice,” Navi murmured against him, wings brushing against the underside of Ocarina’s jaw.

Ocarina nodded without replying, and turned to follow Link through the market, making sure to keep him within sight. The other man was starting to look a little uncomfortable already; if most of his Hyrule was as sparsely populated as the parts Ocarina had seen, it was likely the crowds were a little much for him.

He ended up sitting down hard on the edge of the fountain, staring into the running water, and Ocarina sat beside him, making Link look up quickly, ears twitching with obvious discomfort. Ocarina hummed, soft and calm, and started to indicate shops along the edges of the square one by one. Everywhere he waved, Navi appeared to highlight the building in question, bright and loyal.

That’s a grocer run by T-a-l-o-n. He’s a friend, used to run a farm, but he likes this better. M-a-l-o-n, his daughter, runs the place now. That’s the bazaar, sells arrows, deku nuts, shields and so on. The medicine shop there sells blue fire, fairies, red and green potions…

Link’s head twitched, just enough to show interest in the shop Ocarina had indicated, and Ocarina had to hide a smile.

The medicine shop it is, he said, and stood up, turning just in time to see Link blinking at him owlishly, as if he hadn’t expected Ocarina to notice his interest. Ocarina just raised an eyebrow, and without further delay, Link pushed to his feet and followed him through the thin crowd, carefully avoiding bumping into anyone.

He waved to Janine as he came in, earning a gratifyingly warm smile in return from where Janine was watching Navi pick through the stock with interest. She hummed curiously as she spotted Link behind him, fingers tapping on the counter where she stood.

“Am I getting an introduction to this one, then?” she asked with a knowing smile. Ocarina shook his head, and she snorted. “Alright, then, you want your usual stock?”

Ocarina hummed noncommittally. It had been a while since he stocked up, but he hadn’t really been busy enough lately to go through what he had either. Eventually, he just pointed at the green potion and indicated two, and with a smile, Janine made the exchange.

Link had watched the exchange intently, and when he caught Ocarina’s eye he asked, Green potion?

Ocarina tilted his head – not all eras used magic restoratives, but most of them did. It helps to restore depleted magic. Better than a good night’s sleep, really.

Link looked thoughtful, and after a moment he turned to Janine, who looked fondly tolerant. Using the same gestures Ocarina had, carefully imitated, he asked for a red potion and a green potion, paid for them, and then grabbed the odd tablet he’d taken with him and tapped at it for a minute.

“How? Is. Green. Elixir. Made,” the tablet asked, stilted but clear.

There was a beat, and then Navi darted immediately to kneel by the tablet, wings flickering rapidly with her fascination. Ocarina opened and closed his mouth, glad no one was looking at him. That would have been… unbelievably useful when he was a child.

Janine’s eyebrows rose too. “Oh, that has to be handy. Do you do brewing?” Link nodded and Ocarina hummed, impressed. The only other one of them to brew their own potions was Lonely, and he did it rarely. “Trade you a recipe for a recipe?”

Without hesitation, Link produced a bottle of a light orange potion from nowhere and pushed it across the counter before he messed with his slate again. Navi scooted closer, leaning until her nose was almost touching the surface.

“Mighty elixir, one,” the tablet recited. Link tapped a little more, and it continued, “Medium strength. Bokoblin guts, two. Bladed rhino beetles, three.”

“Eww!” Navi complained.

Ocarina wrinkled his nose in disgust, but Janine just nodded thoughtfully, which didn’t bode well for the potions in Ocarina’s bag. Ergh. He didn’t want to think about it anymore. He and Navi exchanged a look, for once in perfect agreement.

“I think I know where to get some of those,” she mused. That was lucky; Ocarina would have to warn Link that not all eras had the same wildlife, so far apart were they. “I’ll have to give it a try. Green potion, that’s just monster parts with a neutral base, Hyrule herb or deku seeds or fish scales. Just monster parts on their own won’t do the job, you gotta have the base, or you’ll burn off someone’s tongue.”

Link nodded quickly, flashing Janine a half of a smile and signing a rapid thanks, which made her smile. Ocarina had to smile too; Janine never asked too many questions, minded her own business, but she was a good friend nonetheless.

They lingered for another few minutes before they left, Janine actually paying for two more mighty elixirs so she’d have varied references for the effect she was aiming for. Ocarina wasn’t sure when he’d last seen her so excited. Link looked fairly pleased with himself too, turning the green potion in his hands this way and that to examine it under the light and kindly ignoring the way Navi rode along.

Ocarina hummed to catch Link’s attention, trying not to smile at the flustered embarrassment that flickered across his face. Do you make most of your own potions?

Link nodded, shooing Navi off the green potion so he could tuck it out of sight; Ocarina was at the right angle this time to see it disappear into his tablet in a haze of blue light. I’ve never met someone who sells them before.

That was odd, but Link didn’t look interested in explaining further. I’m mostly familiar with healing and magic potions. Does your mighty potion augment strength? Link nodded. Do you have others like that?

The gleam of excitement in Link’s eyes was unmistakable, but unfortunately he remained carefully restrained. Plenty. I use the ones for strength and stamina most often, but speed is the most popular back home. I thought strength would be more useful in a city though.

Ocarina could read between the lines well enough that he understood the implications. His lips pressed together tightly, but he didn’t comment.

Before he had to come up with a response, Navi darted out of Ocarina’s sight just as Malon’s voice drew their attention. “Link! Is that Twilight I see with you?”

Both of them shifted to face her, easily spotted by the way Navi was riding on her shoulder, and Ocarina signed, He’s new, I just brought him back today. Hasn’t picked a name yet.

Malon whistled, smiling at both of them. With their attention now, she switched to sign. Got a timeframe yet?

Not sure yet. Definitely late in the timeline though. Ocarina shifted to glance at Link, who cocked his head in silent question. Your Deku Tree is still a sprout in this time, and only the late-timeline Links are…

He trailed off, too abashed to complete the thought, but Link just shrugged and looked at Malon, offering a nod of acknowledgement.

“Ah,” Malon said, apparently not needing Ocarina to finish, and then, Mind if I call you Hood for now? Link’s always gonna be this one here for me.

Link hummed his acceptance, granting Malon a fraction of a smile. That’s fine. What’s your name?

“I’m Malon,” Malon said aloud, and then, continuing, In sign I’m usually called ‘cowgirl’, Link gave it to me when he was a kid and refuses to drop it. Fairy boy likes to come by the ranch when he has the spare time to help out, you any good with horses, cuccoos, cows?

Link nodded without hesitation. I like horses. I haven’t worked with cows before though, and I’ve only caught runaway cuccoos.

Yeah, well, that’s what they’re good at, Malon said wryly.

We’ll come by tomorrow, Ocarina promised without thinking, smiling a little as Malon looked at him again, warmth flickering across her face. Promise you’ll save some milk?

For you, always, fairy boy, Malon said fondly, and then tilted her head towards the grocer. I just needed to check Dad’s stock, are you headed up to the castle? I can drop by there next.

Ocarina nodded. Zelda always likes to meet new heroes.

Did you just call Princess Z ‘dreamer’? Link asked, with the first glimmer of obvious amusement Ocarina had seen on him. Ocarina shrugged back.

I was eleven, he defended, a little amused himself. Every late-timeline Link seemed to have the same incredulous reaction. Even Lonely had raised his eyebrows. Are you alright with visiting the castle? I didn’t think to ask.

It’ll be interesting, Link said ruefully, which was fair, given the state of Link’s own castle. But Zelda says my court manners are spotty.

Ocarina waved his hand dismissively, trying not to roll his eyes at Malon’s undignified snort, and started to lead the way towards the castle. Twilight was raised in the countryside and Minish was so close to the princess that he’s never actually had to use his manners. You’re fine.

Zelda doesn’t really expect manners from fairy boy, or any other Link either, Malon contributed, flashing a smirk at Ocarina that made him flush for no obvious reason. It’s favoritism, is what it is. Much better to just deal with the kitchen staff.

Link’s ears twitched with interest again, and Ocarina made a mental note that this one liked either food or cooking, or maybe both.

When he glanced up, Malon was smiling at him again, much more fondly this time. He looked away quickly, turning his attention on Link. How did you meet Princess Z? You seem formal with her.

The lightness disappeared out of Link’s demeanor, his tension returning. Damn. I was her personal guard for a while, he said, though that clearly wasn’t the full story, or he wouldn’t have reacted so strongly to the topic.

Four will be impressed, Ocarina said instead. He’s from a knight family, but no one else is, so he’ll enjoy having someone else to talk knighthood with.

Link shrugged, still looking uncomfortable. Navi darted back to Ocarina to tug warningly on his hair, and Ocarina resisted the urge to frown. Personal history may be a sensitive topic, then. That was a shame; life pre-quest was usually a softer topic than the journey itself was.

The guards parted as they reached the castle gates, a few of them inclining their heads respectfully toward Ocarina, who nodded back.

Don’t forget you promised to come by tomorrow, Malon said pointedly, just as they were about to split up. The horses need grooming, and it takes all day to do it by myself.

Ocarina chuckled breathlessly, nodding at her with a smile he couldn’t quite help.

Chapter Text

The only thing Zelda’s bright-eyed look had lost with each new Link she met was her surprise.

“It’s wonderful to meet you!” she said earnestly, gesturing for the two of them to sit down. An attendant had already slipped almost noiselessly out the door, and Ocarina was certain he’d be back with tea in under ten minutes. “No, don’t bow – yes, hello, Navi, it’s good to see you as well, of course – have you chosen a name or has Link only just met you?”

Link dropped his hood for the first time since Ocarina had met him, and despite his reaction to questions about his Zelda before, his expression had warmed noticeably, bordering on a smile. Even the scar on his cheek – now revealed to stretch most of the way back to his ear and halfway down his neck – didn’t seem to disrupt it.

It’s been a few days, Link conceded, but no, I haven’t chosen a name. I haven’t even met anyone else yet.

I’m sure it will be terribly exciting, Zelda assured him, switching fluidly to sign, and looked at Ocarina. What have you learned so far? I assume you’ve been to his era already, that seems to be most often how they’re found.

He doesn’t want to talk about it, Ocarina said firmly, glancing at the way Link flinched. He seems to be from late in the timeline. He could name legends from most of us off the top of his head.

Zelda looked a little taken aback at the refusal to share, but was kind enough not to question it. That’s odd, considering there are multiple timelines involved, she said at last.

Link cocked his head at Ocarina, and Ocarina explained, We’ve been able to sort most eras we come across into one of three categories based on what happened in this era. The only exception is the ones that’ve predated me. He looked at Zelda. Considering we haven’t exactly been careful about sharing information, it’s possible that legends have hopped timelines over the centuries.

Link’s expression melted into something thoughtful. What are they?

Ocarina’s lips pressed together, but this, too, was something he’d grown used to sharing, even if it was… uncomfortable. He looked at Navi, who came to settle cross-legged in front of him, and said, There’s one timeline stemming from where I sealed Ganon before his reign, one where I sealed Ganondorf after a short reign and then disappeared, and one where I failed to seal him entirely.

Link softened again, this time in a way Ocarina couldn’t stomach. Ocarina was just lucky he chose not to push the topic, signing instead, How many predate you?

Just Sky and Minish, Ocarina said, grateful for the topic change. And Sky was the very first. It’s a bit of a story, but it’s best talked about with more than just me.

Link cocked an eyebrow, but nodded without arguing, and right on cue, the attendant returned with tea and the finger food that always came with it in the palace. They’d remembered Ocarina’s favorite, of course, though from the cautious way Link sipped at it, either he preferred a different kind or he didn’t like tea at all.

Ocarina nudged the sugar closer, and then said, You don’t have to be shy. I know just from the sword in your sheath that you’ve proven yourself.

Link huffed quietly, accepting the sugar and stirring just a little in. He tried it, hummed, and then put it down and said, It’s not personal.

That was apparently as much as Link intended on saying. Ocarina glanced at Zelda, who gave him a small, reassuring smile back, and then asked Link, Your bracer looks like a Zora design, but where did you get the circlet from? I don’t believe I recognize the make.

Link tilted his head, and then granted Zelda another small almost-smile.

It’s Gerudo craftsmanship, he explained. I bought it from a merchant in Gerudo Town who specializes in enchanted jewelry, and then brought it to the Great Fairies to be enhanced. Expensive, but one of my best pieces of armor.

Zelda’s eyebrows rose. Fascinating. Have the Gerudo loosened up their gender restrictions then?

Link shook his head, to Ocarina’s mild surprise. No, but they don’t mind as long as you're there as a woman. I have a pretty Gerudo outfit I keep just for trips to Gerudo Town.

…Ocarina was an idiot.

I should have thought of that, Ocarina complained, vaguely put out. It would have been so much easier than repeatedly sneaking into the fortress. Zelda huffed quietly, a warm smile stealing across her face.

If you let me see it sometime, I’ll let you see me in my Sheikah boy disguise, she said, and Link gave her a solemn nod, eyes sparkling, and then bit into a finger sandwich, which he seemed to like more than the tea.

I suppose that storage tablet lets you carry a few more changes of clothes than I can, Ocarina commented, nodding at the device still attached to Link’s hip. Charm would probably love to have something like it.

Link nodded, picking it up to show both Ocarina and Zelda the list of contents displayed on the surface – fireproof armor, Zora armor, Sheikah clothes and ‘ancient armor’ and the Gerudo clothing Link had mentioned. Ocarina even saw a glimpse of the hero’s clothes before Link flicked past them.

Ocarina clicked his tongue for Link’s attention, and then commented, Wind has Rito too. He’s the only other one, I believe.

Link looked surprised. Really? In my era we’ve been allies with them for generations.

Ocarina added a point in favor of this Link being from Wind’s timeline; perhaps enough time had passed that the floodwaters had fallen again, or Ocarina simply hadn’t traveled far enough to find them. He’ll be happy to hear that. He adores the Rito. Who else?

The Gerudo, the Zora, and the Gorons, Link said without even hesitating, warmth glimmering in his eyes with each name. Zelda hummed with fascination.

The Zora and the Gorons are no surprise, she signed, but the Rito are uncommon and our relationship with the Gerudo is usually contentious. Have you been allied with them for long?

Generations, Link repeated, even looking puzzled at Zelda’s confusion. Sister kingdoms, we’re most often called. We all have different strengths, so we work together well. Didn’t you say you have Gerudo?

There’s a Gerudo settlement nearby, Ocarina agreed, but we have a tentative peace at best. Just ten years ago they were mainly thieves and plunderers.

Link’s expression turned contemplative again, but he nodded. Gerudo oral history says they used to be a nomadic people. Perhaps this is during that period.

Zelda looked like she wanted to inquire further, but instead she ate another sandwich, clearly at least trying to respect Link’s reservations. Link relaxed a little, which was what it took for Ocarina to realize he’d gotten uncomfortable, and sipped from his tea again.

Ocarina didn’t bother; ‘his’ favorite tea was actually Navi’s favorite, and she was already enjoying it, pretending not to pay the conversation any mind. Perhaps that could be your name, he said instead. Ally Link, because of the kingdoms.

Link’s expression turned wistful and longing, but he was already shaking his head.

What gave you your name? he asked instead of explaining his refusal. Ocarina?

Ocarina let it go. This Link was clearly going to be a tough nut to crack. Or more accurately, a skittish kitten to tame. I learned a number of magic melodies that were vital to my quest, he said. I used to play them on a special ocarina, but I just have this one now. He patted his bag. But I can play a few, if you’re curious.

Sky had learned songs by necessity over his journey, and Twilight had a good ear for music, but none of the others loved it the way Ocarina did.

Link was nodding, though, and that was all it took for Ocarina to retrieve his ocarina from his bag. Exchanged a silent look with a lazily lounging Navi, and then began to play.

He started with Epona’s song, and though Link’s eyes were intent there was no recognition in them. He played Saria’s song next, and then Zelda’s lullaby.

It was on the fourth song, the song of healing, that Ocarina’s sharp ears caught the reason for Link’s intense focus: he was humming along, quietly, trying to follow the notes as Ocarina played.

Ocarina stopped and smiled at Link, who started, and set down the ocarina to ask, Do you want me to teach you some of them?

…If you don’t mind, Link signed with obvious embarrassment. Ocarina shook his head instantly, retrieved his ocarina, and started from the beginning.

The tea went cold as Ocarina taught Link each of the songs he’d played, repeating them bar by bar and letting Link hum along, then trying again until Link got the melody down.

By the time they’d finished with Zelda’s lullaby, Link was smiling.

Subtly encouraging the other Link to take the lead through the castle led them to the library, where his steps slowed almost to a stop. Wonder lit his face with a glow that made him seem younger, and his gaze roamed over the bookshelves with clear longing.

Navi darted over to a shelf, highlighting a book at random, which stated her opinion clearly enough. Ocarina agreed.

Without ceremony, Ocarina sat in one of the many armchairs, making a minor show of settling himself down with what turned out to be an old bestiary, and Link only paused for a minute before going to one of the bookshelves to look around himself.

When Link settled down in a chair nearby, it was with a cookbook. Ocarina had to hide a surprised smile, and promised himself he’d let Malon know the next day. She could cook, unlike Ocarina, but she didn’t enjoy it.

For almost an hour, Link seemed content to stay curled up with his book, occasionally taking notes on the little slate he’d laid out beside him; he’d get along well with Minish and Four. After a while, though, he pushed it away, and Ocarina looked up to see Link frowning at him.

You wanted something from me, didn’t you? he asked, with almost heartbreaking suspicion. Ocarina set the bestiary aside – he hadn’t really been reading it anyway – and met Link’s eyes.

Practically speaking, no, Ocarina said, deciding that bluntness was the way to go this time. There was something about the sharp look in Link’s eyes… As I promised, all of our evils are defeated and our Hyrules in recovery or prosperity. For the most part, we seek out each other’s company because we’ve been isolated by necessity, and companionship is welcome.

But? Link prompted, sitting up just a touch too straight.

But it would be nice to know more about the hero’s cycle as it’s developed over time, Ocarina conceded gently. It’s not a time-sensitive matter, so no one is going to push, but we’ve been trying to put together the pieces of history for some time. It so intricately involves us that it’s comforting to know where we’ve been and where we’re going.

Link softened a little, but didn’t look entirely reassured. And if the answer is bad?

“Then the answer is bad,” Navi said before Ocarina could, oddly comforting. She landed on Link’s knee and continued, “Link isn’t born because good things are happening, so it’s always at least a little awful. Nothing we haven’t learned to expect.”

She batted herself gently against Link’s stomach, startling him, and then flew back to Ocarina to sparkle innocently. Ocarina huffed.

Not how I would have put it, but yes, he agreed. I know the pressure is enormous – believe me, I know – but the state of your time isn’t your fault. No matter what, I’m sure you did the best you could.

Link still appeared unsettled, but he didn’t argue anymore. Ocarina thought of ruins and monster camps and blood moons that brought monsters back to life, and let it go.

Yours isn’t the only Hyrule to have fallen, you know, Ocarina said gently, which made Link tilt his head, expression guarded. There was a period during my journey, before Zelda changed time, where Castle Town was broken and infested with redeads. Wind’s journey was preceded by such catastrophe that the goddesses simply flooded it and started over. Twilight’s had nearly been swallowed by shadow before he began his journey.

Link exhaled, his shoulders slumping just a little in either relief or dismay. What’s a redead? he asked instead of replying directly, the corner of his mouth twitching.

“Redead!” Navi chirped, because she thought she was helpful.

Ocarina played along, raising his eyebrows. You don’t have those? Very lucky. Redeads scream to paralyze you right before they strike. Bipedal, humanoid, a bit like mummified corpses. Unpleasant.

Link hummed, reaching for his slate and tapping at it. Navi flew over to peek over his shoulder, and then ‘ooh’ed. “You write a lot of stuff down, huh?”

I have a poor memory, Link signed, and then finished adding it in and looked back up. Ocarina considered him for a moment, adding the information to his own mental inventory, and then indicated the seat beside him.

Why don’t you come look at this bestiary with me? We can see if there’s anything else new, or anything they’re missing. You can tell me which ones you’ve encountered too.

It was one of the few things they all had in common: heavy experience with monsters. It would be interesting, too, to see which ones this Link had and hadn’t dealt with.

Link considered him for a moment, and then nodded, moving over to sit beside Ocarina, so that Ocarina could open up the book and put it between them. Navi ducked under Ocarina’s hat, and he could feel her peeking out to watch as the two of them started to flip through. After just a few pages, Link took out his Sheikah Slate, which turned out to have a bestiary of its own, a small part of what was labeled a ‘compendium’, and started to compare notes.

They didn’t even get all the way through the book before Ocarina could no longer contain his interest, and he asked Link about the other parts of the compendium as well. Link was happy enough to comply, and explained the wildlife he’d catalogued, the different materials he used in elixirs and enchantments, the weaponry. It only took a little prompting to get Link to keep explaining things, and Ocarina wondered if anyone had asked him these sorts of questions before.

That moved into Link showing Ocarina the map of his Hyrule, pointing out where all the different kingdoms were located, the Great Hyrule Forest where the master sword had been placed and, when Ocarina asked, a few of his favorite locations – mostly places to find food, a little fishing village called Lurelin and a pond in the mountains and a small patch of wetland near a large lake, which Link earnestly explained was the absolute best place to find truffles and radishes.

It was at that point that Link seemed to realize how enthusiastic he’d gotten, and turned pink. He leaned back sharply, reached up to rub his scarred cheek sheepishly, and then signed, as if his pleasure required explanation, There are certain species of truffles and radishes that offer healing properties when prepared properly, so I gather them when I can.

Ocarina gave him a small smile, trying to demonstrate that he wasn’t annoyed, and replied, That would be brilliantly useful during a quest. Do you like to cook?

Link nodded, slow and hesitant again.

Would you like to cook dinner tonight? Ocarina offered, carefully watching Link’s reaction. You don’t have to – there is a castle kitchen staff – but it would help you avoid a crowd.

Surprise flashed across Link’s face, almost too quick for Ocarina to catch, but after a moment, he nodded without any uncertainty whatsoever.

Is there something you particularly like? I’ve tried a lot of things.

Whatever’s your favorite, Ocarina answered, amused by Link’s immediately flustered look. I can’t cook, myself, so I’ve learned not to be picky.

Link smiled a little, and then nodded. It’s getting late. I can start now.

It was true; by Ocarina’s estimation (a little internal clock that never, ever shut off) it was approaching eight already. I’ll show you where the smaller kitchen is. We probably don’t want to get in the way of the castle staff.

Link nodded his agreement, and this time fell quietly in behind Ocarina, looking around curiously and noticeably more comfortable than he had been when he first set foot in the castle. Ocarina exchanged a smile and a wink with Navi; even if he couldn’t see hers, he knew it was there.

It turned out that on top of clothing, a compendium, his voice, and a map, Link also kept a selection of his favorite ingredients in his Sheikah Slate; it was an amazingly useful bit of tech. He didn’t even hesitate before he started to lay food out across the counter: butter, rice, stock, some rock salt, two large fish Ocarina recognized as a kind of salmon. After a moment’s thought, he even went back for some honeycomb and a few different kinds of fruit.

Ocarina watched, bemused, and then signed, That looks like a meal fit for the princess. Isn’t it a lot of work?

Link faltered, and then repeated, I like to cook.

Clearly.

“You have to share,” Navi said imperiously to Ocarina, and Ocarina waved one hand vaguely, watching with interest as Link worked.

It took the better part of an hour from start to finish, and was so involved that Link didn’t have his hands free enough to talk for most of it. He looked happy, though, focused and cheerful as he moved from burner to cutting board to cupboard to burner. After a while, Ocarina just sat on the counter and tried to follow along, but it was like watching the kitchen staff at work; there was so much that he wasn’t familiar with that it was difficult to follow.

What did you make? he had to ask in the end, when Link was finally portioning it out onto two plates and a bowl set on the little kitchen table. Link gave him a surprisingly bright smile.

Salmon risotto, he answered with clear pride. And some honeyed fruit. It doesn’t exactly go with it, but that’s really my favorite.

Navi ‘ooh’ed loudly and dove into one of the plates to try. Ocarina sighed with exasperation he didn’t feel.

I guess that’s my plate, he said with amusement. It looks and smells wonderful.

Link looked a little embarrassed, and not a little pleased at the praise. And when the two of them sat down to start eating, his loud hum of delight told Ocarina that he definitely enjoyed eating as much as he did cooking.

Chapter Text

The next day, they went to the ranch like they’d promised Malon.

Glass of milk before the day starts, and then I hope you two are ready to pitch in, Malon said cheerfully, then slid each of them a full jar of milk. Ocarina smiled at her when he accepted his, and Link only paused for a moment to study the jar before taking a deep drink and humming in clear pleasure. Yup, that’s Lon Lon Milk. You got it where you’re from?

Link grunted uncomfortably, and Ocarina only had to glance up to see the slight shadows under his eyes, just visible under his once again raised hood. Apparently sleeping in a new place didn’t agree with him.

Hood likes to cook, he said to distract Malon. I bet he’d be willing to make lunch today if you asked nicely.

Malon raised her eyebrows but kindly took the bait, looking at Link. That so? I’d be willing to let you off a chore or two if you handle that for me. This one here can’t cook worth a damn, but he sure can eat.

Like she had a set list for them. Ocarina had to bite down a fond smile, raising his glass to share with Navi when she bumped against him.

What do you want? Link asked without hesitation, leaning forward against the table. I’ve got some ingredients on me even if you don’t have everything.

Malon hummed. No need for that, you know how to make a half-decent meat pie?

Link smiled a little and nodded. It’s a favorite of mine. Is there anyone else on the ranch?

Just the three, sorry, four of us today, so we’d best get started soon, Malon said decisively. Link and I can handle the cows if you’re ready to start in on grooming the horses. They need brushed and picked, and if you can check on their shoes that’d be mighty helpful too.

Link nodded firmly, finishing his glass of milk and getting up to set it by the washbin, and Ocarina granted Malon a small smile of his own.

I’ll show Link where the stables are and then start bringing the feed in, he promised, and she grinned at him.

“Don’t get lost!” she said cheerfully, like he hadn’t been coming to the ranch nearly every week since he’d returned from Termina.

“Never!” Navi promised her earnestly, and Ocarina gave in and rolled his eyes.

What kind of experience do you have with horses? Ocarina asked Link as he led the way over. The stable he’d run across had been fairly small, he recalled, only about two or three horses that he’d seen.

Most horses at home are wild, Link said, looking a little wide-eyed as he paused to marvel at the extensive stables Malon kept. Ocarina had to work to keep himself from grinning proudly. So I have five, no, four that I caught – I gave the white stallion to Zelda. And I had to look after them whenever I took them out on the road, about a week or so at a time. He caught Ocarina’s look and flushed. Some stablehands at Dueling Peaks taught me the basics.

Ocarina smiled, trying to disarm Link’s self-consciousness. Sounds like you’re good then. Some of the others don’t have a lot of experience with horses, so I thought I’d ask. Why did you catch so many?

Link shifted back and forth on his feet, hesitating in front of the stable door as he considered his answer. They’re mostly for different areas. There’s a lot of places that aren’t convenient to travel between by horse, so I’ll either warp- He tapped the slate at his hip. Or go by foot. But those areas are still pretty big, so it’s good to have a horse there.

You must have had a lot of ground to cover, Ocarina said thoughtfully. I’ve mostly gone by roads, myself, especially when I would’ve otherwise had to climb. He waved it off. We can compare travel methods later though – I was thinking we’d go somewhere tomorrow. The storage shed is right over there- Navi flitted over to indicate it. All the grooming supplies should be inside. Malon and I’ll finish handling the cows within an hour.

Link gave Ocarina a firm nod, and then took off towards the storage shed. Ocarina had to repress the urge to laugh at how serious he looked, turned away, and headed back towards the barn where the cows slept.

He brought in the first couple bundles of hay and found Malon already leading the first of the cows back from where she’d milked it. She beckoned him as he came in, summoning Navi in the process, and he dropped the bundles with a grunt.

“So, another new guy, huh?” Malon said, with a faint questioning lilt to her tone, ignoring the way Navi landed on her shoulder. Ocarina just nodded. “You seem worried about him.”

Ocarina hesitated, deciding how much he could say without betraying the other Link’s trust, and finally Navi provided, soft and high by Malon’s ear, “He’s kind of skittish. I think he’s worried Link will think badly of him ‘cause of what his era’s like.”

“What his era’s like?” Malon asked, softening her tone just a touch. Ocarina grimaced, shaking his head at her, but she just raised her eyebrows expectantly. After a moment, he huffed.

I promised not to tell, he said, which made Malon’s shoulders fall enough to make it clear she’d drop the subject. He sighed again, pausing by the feed bin, and then continued, You saw the scars. He definitely came by them honestly.

“Don’t you all,” Malon said, uncharacteristically melancholy. It only took her a moment to shake it off, though, and her tone was lighter when she said, “He seems sweet. The others are going to love him.”

Ocarina chuckled, because he’d been starting to think just the same thing. Especially once they learn he can cook.

“Speaking from experience, fairy boy?” Malon sent him a dazzling smile, and then waved her hand. “Alright, get to work, we can’t leave all the horse care to your new friend. This is my ranch, after all.”

Ocarina grunted his amused agreement, and a tilt of his head brought Navi back to his side.

The next few hours passed in peaceful busywork, animal care and feeding and cleaning that had become nearly second nature to Ocarina, and, it seemed, to his counterpart too, from the contented expression on his face. The biggest source of distraction was Malon, who could always catch Ocarina’s attention without effort, but that was something he was used to.

They broke for lunch when the sun peaked, most of the day’s work done between the three of them. Inside, Malon helped Link prep most of the ingredients while Ocarina set the table and tried not to get in the way.

Link beckoned Ocarina over when the pie dough was rolled out, showed him how to shape them and reroll the dough, and within a few minutes all three of them were pinching together their little hand-sized meat pies. Ocarina was pretty sure he found a new way to ruin every individual pie he tried his hand at – not least the one he let Navi pat closed - but Link looked them over and allowed them to go into the oven, so he assumed they’d be at least edible.

It wasn’t until Link was putting his bracer back on that Ocarina registered that he’d taken it off, presumably to keep it clean. He clicked his tongue for Link’s attention, and then asked, Does the bracer have a special function? It looks ceremonial, but I haven’t seen you with it off except just now.

Link looked down, as if he hadn’t registered the gesture himself, and then back up to Ocarina. He tilted his head, letting the stillness linger for a moment, and Ocarina had just started to frown in concern when Link finally said, It’s for a Zora princess I knew, M-i-p-h-a. She passed a while ago, but we were engaged before that.

Ocarina barely held back a surprised chuckle at the coincidence, seeing Link’s solemn expression, but didn’t hide the teasing edge to his smile as he said, gently, Zora princesses know what they want, when they want it, don’t they? Ruto is the same way.

It doesn’t count if it’s just an inside joke these days, Malon informed Ocarina, who just shrugged, amused. Ruto’s dedication might have edged his early memories of her with sobriety, and the girl herself had never been the same since her awakening, but she was still a source of bemusement to him.

It’s not my fault Ruto won’t leave it alone, he said lightly. I can’t seem to convince her it doesn’t count if I was eleven years old and didn’t understand what was happening.

Not strictly true – they were both adults now, and it was clear Ruto was looking for suitors elsewhere – but she still liked to tease.

Link had looked away by the time Ocarina returned his attention to him, and though Ocarina couldn’t identify what it was, something about him seemed to have closed off. Ocarina frowned, but before he could say anything, Link went to check on the meat pies, shook his head, and closed the door again before turning back to Malon and asking what else they had to do, firmly changing the subject.

“Whoopsie,” Navi whispered in Ocarina’s ear, and Ocarina shook his head at her.

Maybe, but it was also possible Link had just burnt out his openness. They would have to wait and see.

Link didn’t seem any more or less reserved after lunch, which Ocarina chose to take as a good thing. He did take a shine to one of Malon’s horses, so once all the chores were done, the two of them went on a few circuits of the ranch. Ocarina won, but it wasn’t by a whole lot.

You’re a skilled horseman, Ocarina assured Link, smirking slightly even as he dismounted Epona, it’s just that Epona is a better horse.

Link shrugged, not looking particularly bothered, and patted his mount, a pretty white mare, before they led both horses back to the stable. Navi flitted over to examine him, and then piped up, “We should go explore the castle some more! We didn’t show you very much yesterday.”

Navi’s instincts about next steps were usually good, and Link looked vaguely interested in the idea, so Ocarina led them back to the castle and started to work through it more systematically, from the outer walls to the different entrances and exits, the staff quarters and the kitchens and the laundry rooms, all of the reception halls and fancy meeting rooms and storage rooms.

It all seemed boring to Ocarina, but he also well understood the value of getting to know your surroundings. While Link should only be in the castle for another day or two, there was no harm in helping him feel more secure in his environment.

On the roof, at the very top of the centermost spiraling tower, Link leaned out over the edge and Ocarina went with him. Link seemed content to be so high up, unbothered by the wind ruffling his hood, which wasn’t a particular surprise; all of them were at least a little fond of heights.

Sky most of all, of course.

This is where I fought Ganondorf, Ocarina said, drawing Link’s attention. Link leaned against the wall and cocked his head, and Ocarina continued, It was in a different timeline, the one Wind and Tracks both stem from. But it started in the throne room, and when Ganondorf lost the first part of the fight, he took the entire castle down to try and crush Zelda and I.

He kicked the wall lightly. Link’s face seemed to have softened, in the same way it had when Ocarina was talking about his foolishness as a child, and Navi had gone quiet, as she always did when Ocarina recalled his fight against Ganon.

I’m sure you know this already, Ocarina continued solemnly, but Ganondorf was the evil that most of us faced in our time. Not all of us – neither Minish nor Tracks or Sky ever faced Ganon, and some of us fought other evils along with him – but he’s a common thread. Keep an eye out for his name is your own timeline. He’s a clever and dangerous foe.

Link nodded, and Ocarina huffed, somehow amused by Link’s reservation, and kept going.

The castle, I understand, had to be rebuilt from scratch, though of course neither Zelda or I were a part of it, Ocarina signed. But what mattered, in the end, was that Ganon fell, and Hyrule did not. Not in any way that mattered.

A soft grunt was Link’s only reply, deliberately noncommittal, and Ocarina didn’t press the issue. Navi took over for him, landing lightly on the wall between them and spinning around on her tiny heel to face Link.

“Link?” she said, quiet in a way that she only got when she was worried. “Did you have anyone with you on your journey?”

Link did possibly the saddest thing Ocarina had seen from him so far, and cocked his head. No. What does that have to do with anything?

Navi fluttered her wings and didn’t answer, so Ocarina stepped in. You seem a little… (Lonely.) Withdrawn, that’s all.

Link shrugged. Sorry.

Ocarina shook his head, dismissing it, and changed the subject. Would you rather visit the Gorons or the Zora tomorrow? If we visit the Gorons we’ll pass through Kakariko, and if we visit the Zora we could go underwater and visit Lake Hylia as well.

I’m not good at diving, Link said hesitantly. Ocarina had to smile a little.

We can visit Lake Hylia the normal way too, he assured him. Can you swim?

Link nodded. But not for very long. I… wear out quickly.

Ocarina and Navi exchanged a fleeting, puzzled glance at Link’s noticeable hesitation, but before Link could take note, Navi chirped, “Sounds like we’re visiting the Zora! Link, we should visit the market and show him some of the games!”

It’ll be less busy now that it’s coming to evening, Ocarina added to Link. There’s a shooting gallery and a bombchu bowling alley, if you’re interested.

Link shrugged and nodded, and all Ocarina could do was take the lead and hope that Link was actually interested. He was reminded, eerily, of the earliest days of his friendship with Lonely, before they even fully understood what was happening and were just two Links from two eras.

The softest touch on his elbow drew Ocarina’s attention to Link as they re-entered the market, and as he looked over, Link pointed at the Happy Mask Shop. What kind of shop is that?

A chill ran down Ocarina’s spine, and even he knew he’d stiffened substantially by the time he answered. It’s a magic mask shop. I don’t recommend going there. The owner has… ulterior motives, and some dark secrets.

Link met his eyes, curious and thoughtful, but didn’t press the point. His gaze did linger on the mask shop as they passed by, which Ocarina tried not to notice. He preferred to forget that it existed as much as he could, and the mask salesman did him the courtesy of the same.

Ocarina took Link to the bombchu alley instead, where he seemed nothing short of tickled by the tools he was given. He turned them this way and that, set one rolling away, and smiled slightly as it shot straight into the hole.

Amused, Ocarina leaned against the wall and watched Link play a few rounds with laser focus, not even seeming to pay any mind to the prizes he won. Navi chimed softly in his ear, and Ocarina glanced at her and nodded slightly, smiling. This was a victory, though maybe not as much of one as the bestiary or the cooking had been.

A clicking tongue caught his attention, and when he looked up, Link tilted his head down the alley in clear question. Ocarina chuckled, straightened up, and they alternated rounds for a while, Navi guiding Ocarina’s aim just for the fun of it.

“Make it harder,” he advised the owner quietly, like he did every time he came. She snorted and rolled her eyes, waving one hand.

“Not everyone likes a challenge as much as you and your friends do, Link,” she chided, but it was such a familiar argument that there was no heat or exasperation in it at all. “You’ve just about run me out of today’s bombchu allotment, you’ll need to pay a little extra if you want to keep playing.”

They took the hint and left, Link spiriting his prizes – a handful of rupees, twenty bombs, a couple bombchus – away into his storage device. Without asking, Ocarina led Link on to the shooting gallery next, and Link followed him without any apparent concern, gaze roving over the square.

Ocarina had to admit that he was curious about how Link would do with this – the shooting gallery, unlike the bombchu bowling alley, had added a few more difficult levels over the years, keeping up with Ocarina’s skills. Ocarina hadn’t seen much of what this Link could do with a bow, but what little he had seen implied that he was one of the better marksmen of them.

“You might have competition, Link,” Navi murmured teasingly, apparently agreeing with his assessment. Ocarina had to smile a little; of the rest of them, only Twilight could really keep up with Ocarina when it came to marksmanship.

Link glanced over, a faint gleam of interest in his eyes, but whatever he was thinking, he didn’t put it to sign before they were ducking into the shooting gallery, Ocarina whistling lightly to catch the owner’s attention.

Link hesitated when he was presented with the gallery’s house bow, consternation flickering briefly across his face, and after a moment, he looked at Ocarina.

I’m kind of hard on bows, Link signed, to Ocarina rather than to the owner, which was just as well. Is it okay if I use my own? I don’t want to break theirs.

Ocarina’s eyebrows rose; he knew just how hard you had to pull to break a bow, and the fairy bow from the forest temple had lasted him years before he needed another. Still, he nodded without checking in with the owner, and Link relaxed a little, flicked through his nifty storage device, and picked out a bow that appeared to be Zora in origin; he passed it to the owner for inspection, and the man turned it over a few times before passing it back.

“Looks like a solidly designed bow,” he said kindly. “Bit exotic, but that’s fine. Go ahead.”

Link gave the man a small smile and a nod, and then stepped up to the barrier, eyes already scanning the gallery thoughtfully. The owner counted down, and then started the system. Ocarina glanced up at Navi and tilted his head towards the other end, and she immediately darted there, staying high so she wouldn’t get in the way.

The newest Link, it developed, was not just good with a bow, but absolutely amazing to watch. Every new level took a single try each, and it was clear that the most difficult of them was still below his paygrade. Targets were hit dead center the moment they were visible; Link fired off arrows so quickly that Ocarina nearly didn’t see him draw them, and he could almost believe that Link wasn’t taking the time to aim at all.

The gleam of excitement was back in his eyes, though, so if nothing else, he was enjoying the game. And that was the idea, after all.

At the end, Navi zoomed back towards them, already squeaking her delight, and Link turned back to Ocarina, cocking his head. Did I pass?

Ocarina had to resist the urge to reach out and ruffle Link’s hair.

There are no pass/fail tests here, he signed firmly, because this Link hadn’t been the first one to think so and probably wouldn’t be the last. There are strengths and weaknesses and learned character traits, that’s all.

Link didn’t look convinced, and after a moment, Ocarina gave in.

That was amazing, he admitted. You, me, and Twilight should have it out sometime.

Relaxing, Link flashed him a smile and a nod, which was all Ocarina really wanted from him for now.

Chapter Text

Is that your Zora armor? Ocarina asked curiously, giving Link’s outfit an assessing look. Link fidgeted with the end of his sleeve, then nodded. Good, that should make the visit to Zora’s Domain a little easier. The domain and then the lake?

Link nodded, curiosity sparking briefly in his eyes before they closed off again, and Ocarina hid a smile, sharing a glance with Navi.

“Do you spend a lot of time with the Zora?” Navi asked, darting close enough to Link to draw his attention even as they started walking. Link considered her, then nodded. “Do you have any stories?”

Link hesitated, staring at the little fairy, and they both waited. Finally, Link nodded again.

There was a little Zora girl, he signed slowly, who was sending messages back and forth over Zora river, in a bottle. She would float her messages down from the Bank of Wishes, and he would ask travelers to carry up his replies.

Ocarina nodded encouragingly when Link faltered, and Link rolled his shoulders and continued.

She finally decided she wanted to meet the person she was corresponding with, but wanted to make sure her message reached him, he signed, slowly relaxing as he got more into the story. They didn’t always get through, because there was a major lizalfos encampment at the mouth of the river. So she asked me to make sure it arrived safely. Link smiled a little, a flash of softness. It took half the day, but it finally got to a Hylian man who lived in a nearby inlet, and he went right up the river as soon as he read it. It was probably a good thing I’d just spent hours clearing away most of the monsters.

Ocarina chuckled when Link paused again, giving him a small smile. And how did that go? It sounds like they were a couple years apart… in the wrong direction for a Zora/Hylian relationship.

Baby Zora was close to the end of her adolescence, so she was actually pretty mature but still looked very young, Link explained. Developmentally she was older than me, but I didn’t realize it until I asked her parents about the whole incident later. They were less worried than I expected them to be, but they said she should be at a more appropriate age within a couple of years. Her growth spurt was just coming late.

Ocarina hummed thoughtfully. That explains Ruto. I always wondered how she grew so quickly from about my age to… still about my age, when Zora age so slowly. Link tilted his head, and Ocarina explained, I like the Zora, but I don’t spend a lot of time around them. They prefer to keep to themselves.

Link hummed, but didn’t remark on the matter further, eyes falling to the river as they reached it. Ocarina steered him right, and Navi darted ahead to lead the way, on to the tunnel leading to Zora’s Domain.

Link drew his sword only a split second after Ocarina did, and he actually reacted first when a tektite leapt out of the water; in moments the beast was shorn nearly in half, cut open on the edge of the glowing sword. Link knelt to examine the kill impassively, and Ocarina waited, watching Link push the twitching monster corpse around a little.

“What are you looking for?” Navi asked, darting closer to look with him.

Harvestable parts, Link answered, frowning at it. But nothing stands out. Maybe the eye? I don’t have bug-shaped monsters.

“Sky takes the carapace sometimes,” Navi said helpfully, and Link nodded thoughtfully, cracked off the upper half with the edge of the master sword, and put it away into his slate.

If you harvest from every monster we come across, this is going to take us a while, Ocarina teased gently. Link shrugged. Come on. There’ll be a couple more of those on the way.

Link did, in fact, harvest from every monster they ran into, though in fairness they didn’t run into many and he always made it quick. He also bought a dozen magic beans, which he examined curiously before putting them away. Ocarina made a mental note – for some reason or another, this Link expected to be short on resources.

He turned out to be a good climber as well, scaling the different rock faces quicker than Ocarina could manage, and he picked out the route forward without any difficulty at all. He even seemed to enjoy it, hoisting himself up and not even pausing for a breath before moving along, taking each gap at a brisk jog. By the time they reached the waterfall, Ocarina was actually lagging behind.

When he caught up, Link actually seemed to be preparing to leap through the waterfall, which, while amusing and probably effective, would also leave them both wet a lot sooner than necessary. Ocarina bumped Link’s shoulder, took his ocarina off his hip, and brought it to his mouth to play Zelda's lullaby. The waterfall parted before he was even halfway done, and he smiled against it, rolled his eyes, and finished anyway. Ruto was too impatient.

He looked at Link when he was done, catching his eye, and then turned forward and jumped across the gap, landing hard on the other side. Link followed a few seconds later, grunting on impact, and Ocarina waved him forward with a small smile. It was always interesting to see the first reactions his Zora gained; Zora society was one of those that varied most between eras.

This Link was looking back and forth curiously, and a couple times wove back and forth to peek over the edge of the cliff, look up the waterfall, and run his hand over a stone column, apparently fascinated. Navi tracked him with wide eyes for a few moments, and then zoomed on ahead to scout out the area.

Ocarina snapped his fingers to draw Link's attention, and then asked, Different from what you expected?

Link shrugged, the corner of his mouth turning up as they passed into the main chamber of the domain. A little. The Zora of my era really enjoy their ornate décor, so this is simpler than I'd have thought. But it's nice. Pretty. And this was a very long time ago.

Ocarina smiled a little, nodding his agreement. He'd always liked Zora's Domain. Twilight's Zora were pretty sophisticated too. In this era, and a lot of the others, they live deep underwater or in spacious caverns like this one. It varies a little. But you might recognize the style of the throne room.

He looked up as Navi fluttered back, and lifted one hand for her to perch on. She did, crossed her arms, and said with great disapproval, “She's behind the throne room again.”

The corner of Ocarina's mouth twitched. Communing with Lord Jabu-Jabu, I suppose.

Link's eyebrows rose slightly. Lord Munch-Munch?

Ocarina chuckled, a little embarrassed. Lord J-a-b-u-J-a-b-u, the Zora guardian deity. Or mascot. I'm still a little unclear.

A few Zora stopped Ocarina as they were passing through, most just to give him a formal nod and a few words of greeting, one to ask his business, and one to chat; Ocarina entertained that last for a few minutes, promising to visit the hag at Lake Hylia soon and remind her she'd promised to supply some potions.

This Link, he gathered, was more than a little friendly with the Zora. He remained a step and a half behind Ocarina as they walked, but a few glances back afforded him glimpses of conversation: asking if the domain had seen damage recently, about Princess Ruto, about Jabu-Jabu. Not all of the Zora knew sign, but a couple knew some, and Ocarina slowed his pace whenever Link seemed to catch one in conversation. Link's eyes were bright, more comfortable here than he had been in Castle Town.

The king wasn't in his chamber, so they were able to pass right on through to Lord Jabu-Jabu's chamber, where Ocarina was unsurprised to find Ruto, sitting sideways on the platform and tossing the beast fish one at a time. She turned to them as they approached and waved.

“Link! Nice to see you've found another one I'll be able to tell apart at first glance,” she called out. “Am I the first to get to meet your new friend or have you been leaving your fiance out of the loop again?”

Ocarina resisted the urge to roll his eyes, going to sit a comfortable distance away. Don't confuse him, he chided without heat, watching Link study Ruto curiously. He seems to have good relations with his Zora, so aside from Castle Town and Lon-Lon Ranch, this is the first place we've gone, yes.

“Cheating on me with Malon again,” Ruto accused, and spun around to face them better, eyes sparkling with amusement. Her eyes immediately fixated on Link, and she tilted her head, smile vanishing abruptly. That looks like a heartscale armor. How'd you get that, then?

Link glanced away, looking shifty and faintly uncomfortable.

The traditional way, he answered after a moment. From the Zora princess of my time. M-i-p-h-a, signed 'gentle.'

Ruto's bright expression immediately softened, her smile returning a little more sincere than before. So you're really close to your Zora then, she signed teasingly, and then glanced at a puzzled Ocarina. Twilight could learn a thing or two from this one.

Then it's good they're going to meet sooner or later, he signed back, bemused by the byplay. This Link is from several thousand years down the timeline, at least. Probably the furthest along so far. We haven't narrowed it down to a branch yet though. He knows stories from all of them.

I knew you were going to get everything all tangled up, Ruto returned, and then transferred her gaze to Link, oddly fascinated. How are the Zora doing in your time? That armor you're wearing looks pretty ornate.

Without missing a beat, the other Link started to tell her about the Zora's Domain in his era: arches, waterfalls, pools, a reservoir he took clear pains to describe in detail. Ocarina wanted to go see it just watching Link describe it so passionately. It was hard to believe that something so beautiful could survive in the world that Ocarina had only briefly visited, but of course, Hyrule was always full of surprises, and plenty of very resilient people as well.

Link went from describing Zora's Domain itself, to the royal family of his time, and then to something he called a divine beast, large and powerful, that had apparently been named after Ruto, who flushed with clear pride at the knowledge.

Ocarina just watched, pleased to see Link so animated, and lifted a hand for Navi to land on when she fluttered close.

“Hey, do you think we can visit his Zora's Domain sometime?” she asked, mock-hushed and earnestly hopeful. Ocarina gave her an indulgent smile and a nod. Link might not be comfortable with it so soon, but Ocarina would certainly brave the dangers of that world again to see the Zora thriving so well. Navi, of course, read his face effortlessly and grinned at him. “Don't worry, Link. I'll look out for you.”

Ocarina's smile softened, but before he could reply, his attention was stolen away by a loud, surprised grunt from Link.

Inside of Jabu-Jabu? Link was asking Ruto, eyes bright with curiosity, and Ruto flashed him a smile; Ocarina didn't think she'd grown this comfortable with any of the others so quickly.

I know, she signed ruefully. I didn't think anything of it when I was younger, though I'd figured it out by the time this one came along. She indicated Ocarina. It's not a natural labyrinth, of course. It's old magic, and if we Zora ever knew the original purpose we've long since forgotten about it. But Jabu-Jabu is the guardian, and his insides are the chest in which you hide the pearl. They're still just as gross and fleshy as you'd expect though.

Neither of them were looking at Ocarina, so he gave Navi his disgusted face instead, making her giggle. Yes, that had been one of the ickier quests. These days, he'd take the inside of Death Mountain over Jabu-Jabu in a heartbeat.

Then he realized Link was looking at him, and cocked his head to show that he was paying attention. Link gave him a small smile and said, Princess Ruto offered to go with us to Lake Hylia, since I have trouble swimming for long periods and she's bored.

Ocarina snorted at the last part and shrugged, flashing Ruto a quick smile and a nod of his own.

Why do you have trouble swimming? he asked, concerned; this was the second time Link had mentioned it. Link pretended not to see, gaze cutting away with a faint flush to his cheeks. Brow furrowed, Ocarina decided not to push it.

Keep an eye on him while we're in the water? Ocarina requested to Navi, and she shook some fairy dust off her wings and bobbed in assent.

Despite his reservations, Link hopped into the deep water easily enough, swimming around to poke into different nooks and crevices while Ocarina deliberately idled. Ruto soon bored of Link's antics, though, and a call had him swimming over; Ocarina assumed they'd talked about this while Ocarina wasn't paying attention.

Link took a deep breath, and then, keeping a firm grip on Ruto's arm, dove with her towards the tunnel that would bring them straight to Lake Hylia. Ocarina waited long enough to see them disappear into it, let Navi hide under his hat, and then followed them through, the magic of the Zora tunic letting him breathe water as easily as air.

By the time he caught up, Link was already swimming away again, and Ruto was keeping half an eye on him while she waited by the tunnel. Without waiting to be asked, Navi wriggled out from under Ocarina's hat, and then darted off to hover over Link in the guise of peppering him with questions. Ruto waited until Ocarina caught up with her, and then flicked some water towards him, with a smile that was clearly meant to be playful but came off so pensive it became enigmatic.

He seems sweet, Ruto commented, without looking directly at Ocarina. A thousand years and he still seems sweet.

Always caught off-guard by Ruto's more reflective moments, Ocarina hummed uncomfortably. He does. What about it?

I've never believed before that Hyrule would ever treat the Zora as its equal, Ruto said, and then escaped before Ocarina could even attempt to summon a response. He was left staring after her as she cut through the water, and he could only really make out where she'd stopped and why because of Navi, hovering by a spot that after a moment he recognized as Link, more than halfway across the lake.

At a much slower pace, Ocarina pushed forward and swam to the other two, kicking out into the water. The image became clearer as he approached, and he started to make out Link holding onto Ruto's arm again, just lingering. Ocarina assumed that he was taking a breather, which wouldn't be a surprise for an ordinary Hylian, but most certainly was for a late-timeline Link. The only other one with strictly limited stamina was Sky, and they'd long since concluded it was because he was from long before they were fully saturated in generational magic. Ocarina made a mental note; extra conditioning training had helped Sky, so perhaps this one could benefit from some as well.

They spent almost an hour like that – skirting around the edges of the lake, diving to investigate some of the deeper parts, conversing mostly in what fleeting sign didn't get in the way of swimming. Link got into places that Ocarina hadn't even thought to look around: a cavern whose entrance was hidden under a patch of kelp, a small stretch of lakebed where mollusks had burrowed into the sand, even an offshoot crevice that trickled water into a tiny gully and fed a small collection of grasses and shrubs.

Every ten minutes or so, Ruto would drift over to Link, and he'd hold onto her arm, panting for a minute or two with his brow furrowed in odd concentration. It didn't seem to put a real damper on his eagerness to explore, and he never obviously overstretched himself, but Ocarina still gestured at Navi every so often to get her assessment, and she always hesitated before bobbing her reassurance.

At the end of an hour, though, Navi zig-zagged dubiously at his inquiry, and Ocarina called out to the other two, waving at the shore when they looked over. Within a few minutes, all three of them were on land, dripping wet; Ruto hadn't even actually gotten out of the lake, leaning on a rock island instead.

Link's face was pink with exertion, and he looked exhausted, but he wore a wider smile than Ocarina was used to seeing on his face. He kicked lightly at the water, legs still dangling over the edge, and for a moment seemed to forget that Ocarina was there, head tilting back to watch the sky. Ocarina didn't bother suppressing a smile of his own.

You like exploring, he noted, and almost felt bad when the other Link started slightly, some of his deliberate composure returning to his face.

It was always my favorite part, Link replied after a moment. You never know what you'll find tucked away in secret corners. And your Lake Hylia is different from mine. A little smaller, I think. I've never been able to explore the lakebed before though.

He gave Ruto a small, grateful smile, and she smiled back, surprisingly warm.

For a great-great-ad infinitum-grandson-in-law? she signed playfully. Anytime.

Link laughed, reaching up to rub the back of his neck, and Ocarina rolled his eyes, feeling impossibly fond of Ruto and her antics.

I really should go though, she added regretfully. I've taken too long a break already, and I do actually have things to do.

Of course, sorry for interrupting, Ocarina assured her, and waved as she disappeared back into the water, beelining back to Zora's Domain. He looked at a faintly wistful Link. There's a potion shop here as well, and after that... do you like to fish?

Link was nodding almost before he was done, and Ocarina smiled.

They only spent a few minutes at the potion shop, and Ocarina forgot about it almost as soon as they were done there, because when they went to the fishing hole, Link ignored the offered fishing poles entirely and waded directly into the pond.

“Um, Link, what's your friend doing?” the owner asked in an undertone, and Ocarina shrugged helplessly, his own pole forgotten in his hand.

Link moved with as much stealth in the water as out of it, when he was careful; it was kind of surreal. He seemed to have his gaze locked onto a particular fish, and he cut slowly and carefully through the knee-high water. It reminded Ocarina of Twilight in wolf form. Then, when he was in reach, Link just... reached in and scooped the fish up with his bare hands, tucked it under his arm, and ignored its desperate flailing to turn and give Ocarina an inquisitive look, as if wondering why he wasn't doing the same.

Ocarina gave up and laughed, hearing Navi's twinkling counterpart just beside him.

Chapter Text

Navi woke Ocarina in the middle of the night with only a few tugs of his hair. He rolled onto his side and squinted at her, bleary and annoyed, but it faded almost as soon as he took in her worried fluttering.

“He hasn't been to sleep yet,” Navi informed him, and Ocarina didn't have to ask who.

He yawned, pushed his hair out of his face, and sat up. Strapped his sword on, more out of habit than anything, and nodded at Navi, who didn't hesitate before darting out into the hall. He followed her, keeping an eye on his surroundings, and let his thoughts drift.

It wasn't exactly that this Link was an enigma. He wasn't particularly confusing, and certainly wasn't volatile. But he was very reserved, and there were clearly a lot of emotional landmines lying beneath the surface. It worried Ocarina a little that he hadn't managed to uncover any of them yet. He was usually good at reading people, but the subtleties of this Link's reactions threatened to stump him.

It hadn't been that long, of course. He had time. Lonely had taken months to even begin to unravel.

Navi led Ocarina out to the courtyard, where Link had apparently decided to tree himself, falling in and out of a doze. Ocarina climbed up to join him, and Link jerked a little, turning his head to look at him. Ocarina shrugged, sitting on a lower branch, and studied Link for a moment. Exhaustion creased his face; he looked worn down and frustrated.

Can't sleep? Ocarina prompted, letting his legs dangle down.

Link shrugged. There's a lot of people here. Does the castle ever get any less busy? Ocarina shook his head, and Link sighed and leaned his head against the tree trunk. You can go back to bed. It's fine. I'm just taking a while to adjust.

Ocarina gave him a sympathetic smile, and then stifled an inconvenient yawn. Don't you live in a town?

It's only been a few months since... everything, Link explained. And while I was traveling, I could go a week or two without passing within shouting distance of another person. Whatever expression went on Ocarina's face made a frustrated look flash across the other Link's eyes. It wasn't desolate. But the settlements are few and far between, and I spent a lot of time searching the most remote parts of the wilderness. It left me... Zelda says I'm poorly socialized. Link yawned too. It's not a big deal, but it's hard to sleep when I hear people passing the door a couple times an hour.

Lonely is the same way, Ocarina assured him. Didn't you feel isolated?

Link let out a displeased grunt. Not really. I was always able to find people if I wanted to, and I'd run into other travelers sometimes. Besides. He shrugged. I know you didn't really see the best of it. But Hyrule's wilds are beautiful. Really.

Ocarina hadn't seen it, it was true – he'd seen Korok Forest and the Lost Woods, sure, and then far too many ruins for his taste. But the other Link looked so earnest that Ocarina had to believe him. Would you want that to be your nickname? Wild, after your favorite parts of your Hyrule?

Link blinked at him, startled, and then, unexpectedly, smiled.

Wild is good, their newest Link agreed softly.

Ocarina let that lie for a moment, and then prompted gently, Anything I can do to help?

Link – Wild – flushed, looking briefly embarrassed, and shrugged again. Not really. I do better when I sleep outside, so I'll probably drop off eventually. And even inside I'll pass out when I'm really exhausted.

“He likes music,” Navi murmured into Ocarina's ear, tugging lightly at his hair. “You should try playing a lullaby.”

Do you mind if I play? Ocarina asked Wild, and Wild tilted his head quizzically. Ocarina smiled faintly. It's calming, so I've always liked to do it when I'm up late. I may as well do it here.

Wild hummed and nodded his assent, so Ocarina grabbed the ocarina that never left its pouch and brought it to his mouth.

He played Zelda's lullaby first, and by the third repetition, Wild had nodded off.

You're sure it's okay? Wild asked, a faint frown tugging at his mouth.

Ocarina gave him a small, reassuring smile and a nod. You're more comfortable in wilder areas, right? Kokiri Forest is wonderful for that, and we can wander around some of the less populated parts. They're used to seeing me around, so it won't trouble anyone; Navi's even been missing it. And I've brought Lonely and his daughter around plenty of times before.

Wild paused, visibly startled. His child?

Ocarina brightened a little, a fond smile coming easily to his face. Yes, Lonely has a daughter. M-a-t-t-i-e, signed 'wolf cub,' four years old. You'll meet her when we go to see him.

Once you've decided I won't rock the boat too much? Wild asked, and Ocarina actually stopped walking. Wild took a few more steps, stopped, and turned to face him, quizzical and concerned. Ocarina was frowning. Wild frowned back. That was why you're keeping me from the others so long, isn't it? I know I didn't make the best first impression, with the state you found Hyrule in.

Ocarina repressed the urge to exchange a meaningful look with Navi and looked Wild in the eye.

This was never because I didn't think you should meet the rest of us, Ocarina signed, so firmly that he (hopefully) left no room for argument. It wasn't because I thought you'd be volatile or that you couldn't be trusted. But all of us have led different lives and have different preferences and triggers, and I was hoping to get to know you so that I could resolve any incidents before they had a chance to fester. I prefer to be prepared, that's all. Wild still looked unsure, and Ocarina kept going, taking a small step forward to close the distance. I can't stand grandfather clocks. It's not usually an issue, but Minish has one in his house, and if Lonely hadn't known that was a problem I had, it might have turned messy.

I haven't told you anything, Wild pointed out, tense and clearly uncomfortable.

You've told me more than you think, Ocarina said, blunt but not unkind. I know you're reserved and probably wouldn't like to have anyone pry. I know you like music and cooking, and if you get upset they would probably be good ways to calm you down. You like exploring, and you get along well with the Gerudo and the Zora – not all of us do, so I'll keep an eye on that. It's not any trouble, he added, at Wild's look. But I tend to fret, so I wanted a few days to get to know you before we set out. I'm sorry if I made you think I didn't trust you.

Wild held his gaze for a long moment, even and unreadable, and then looked away and nodded. He didn't look back up until Ocarina resumed speaking.

I have a couple old friends in Kokiri Forest, he said. Well, one friend really, S-a-r-i-a, leaf headband. But Mido's not so bad once he gets to know you. Wild squinted at him. I said what I said.

Wild snorted, and both of them looked up instinctively at a screech, though after a moment Ocarina identified it as the happy scream of a child. Specifically, his eyes landed on a little girl with loosely braided red hair who had managed to land herself in the town square fountain. He snorted and gave their surroundings a cursory sweep, but Lonely was already on his way, expression as flat as ever.

He dropped to one knee beside the fountain to give Mattie the smallest of frowns. M-a-t-t-i-e, he signed sternly, and she giggled bashfully, tucking her hands behind her back. Lonely wasn't impressed. Your clothes are wet.

She ducked her head, cheeks still colored with childish glee, and Ocarina shook his head, waved at Wild to go with him, and headed towards Lonely. He whistled to catch the other's attention, and then asked, Surprise visit?

Lonely nodded. He didn't offer any further explanation, but he didn't really need to; Ocarina knew he didn't really enjoy spending time in his own Hyrule, so it really wasn't unusual for him to drop in on one of the others unannounced, and Ocarina most often out of any of them. Ocarina had long since made sure he knew he was always welcome.

Lonely looked at Wild, and Ocarina smiled.

This is Wild, his doorway opened up just a few days ago, Ocarina explained. I've been getting to know him, you know how I am, but I was going to take him to meet Sky tomorrow. We were actually on our way to Kokiri Forest if you want to come, they've been asking after Mattie. Saria said she made her something.

You have a splotch on your face like Twilight and Charm! Mattie announced abruptly, her sign wide and slightly clumsy, intent gaze fixed on Wild.

Wild blinked at her, and then smiled, crouched down, and said, Yeah, I got too close to the wrong side of a fire monster. My name is Wild. What's yours?

“My name is Mattie out loud and Wolf Cub in sign!” she announced cheerfully, making Wild jump a little, visibly surprised. “Or 'baby' if you're Dad.” She stuck her tongue out. I'm not a baby!

No, you're almost as big as K-o-k-o, and she takes care of her little sister all by herself, Wild said seriously, and Mattie beamed.

Smiling, Ocarina looked up at Lonely and asked, Do you want to come along when we start making introductions? It looks like Wild is good with kids. Lonely nodded. Great. I get the sense that Wild will do better with a distraction anyway. Anything new since we last spoke?

She wants a toy sword for her birthday, Lonely signed. Ocarina hummed.

Been taking an interest, has she? Well, better she learn from us than try to figure it out on her own. If there's one thing she's likely to inherit, it's perseverence.

Resourcefulness, Lonely said, and Ocarina snorted.

Alright, I'll grant you that. How did she like the puzzle box?

Lonely nodded impassively, and it wasn't until Wild glanced quizzically up at Ocarina that he remembered that they had a plan for the day. Bashfully, Ocarina waved to Mattie and explained, and Wild held her hand as she bounced and chattered about the Kokiri, downright crooning with obvious excitement. Lonely let him until they left the town, and then went to scoop Mattie up and put her on his hip, ignoring her displeased squirming.

We're going to be walking a very long way, Ocarina explained to Mattie. Your dad doesn't want you to get tired before you can play with the Kokiri.

Mattie gave a put-upon sigh, reached up to play with the end of Lonely's hat, and pouted, “I can run fast.”

For all her complaints, though, she relaxed into Lonely's grip easily enough, so Ocarina just gave her a small, commiserating smile before looking back at Wild. Lonely was the first of us that I met, he explained. That was about four years ago, just after he had Mattie, and we didn't meet anyone else until about two years later when Wind came along.

Why Lonely? Wild asked. Ocarina smiled sheepishly, glanced at Lonely, and waited for his nod before explaining.

His first journey was a lot like yours, all focused on the most remote places in Hyrule, Ocarina signed. Lonely tilted his head, but Ocarina only had to shake his head once before Lonely redirected his attention to Mattie, gently untangling her fingers from his hair. He didn't really make friends on his journey, not even with Zelda, so I would call him that sometimes even before we started meeting more of us, and he kept it when we started deciding on nicknames.

Princess Triforce? Wild mirrored curiously.

His sign for his Zelda, Ocarina explained. We all seem to have the same namesign for ourselves, but different ones for our Zelda, so it's easy enough to just use those to differentiate. Wild just nodded, so Ocarina continued, Don't mind him if he doesn't say much, he's not very talkative. But he's a very good listener.

I can understand that, Wild agreed, and gave the both of them a small smile, which Lonely appeared not to notice and Mattie returned, watching him with wide, fascinated eyes. Your sign is very good. Do you like it better than speaking?

She scrunched her nose in thought, and then squirmed to free her arms. I dunno. I can sign when I'm eating, but I can speak when I'm holding stuff. And most of my favorite people sign. But lots of other people don't even know it when they see it and they don't know what I'm saying. She frowned in obvious disapproval, and Wild stifled a smile. Are you like Dad or Minish?

She's asking if you ever use your voice, Ocarina clarified when Wild cocked his head, and Wild gave him a small smile before transferring his gaze back to Mattie.

I'm like your dad, Wild explained. I'm told I spoke a little when I was younger, but I stopped as I grew up.

That was an odd turn of phrase, and Ocarina wanted to ask about it, but Mattie giggled before he could, still clinging onto Lonely's tunic between snatches of chatter. That's funny! Am I gonna stop speaking when I grow up too?

Wild chuckled. I don't think so. Even as a child I never spoke a lot. But it could happen.

They continued like that for almost the entire walk. After a while, Lonely even adjusted his grip so that Mattie could face Wild more easily, and their pace ended up being more leisurely than Ocarina had intended, so that it was well into the afternoon by the time they actually reached the forest. Wild seemed more comfortable with Mattie than he had with Ocarina, nearly as much so as Twilight, and he wondered if Wild interacted with children often.

Lonely and Wild slid naturally behind Ocarina as they entered, and Mattie started to squirm, vibrating in excitement. Lonely reached up to squeeze her hand but didn't let her down, and Mattie whined in protest.

Even after years, Link still smiled when he set foot in Kokiri Forest again.

Only a few of the Kokiri took note of their appearance, and those few mostly waved cheerily before turning away again, their fairies darting and playing over their heads. Lonely finally let Mattie down again, and she didn't hesitate before running off, screaming in delight. Ocarina supposed that meant that anyone who hadn't noticed them enter would know now.

Wild made a false motion as if to follow her, brow creasing in concern, but both Lonely and Ocarina shook their heads, and Ocarina explained, It's safe in the forest, and the Kokiri will make sure she doesn't get out or fall into the water. Already, a few conversing groups had shifted to cover the exits, well used to Mattie's occasional visits by now. Ocarina had to smile.

Before they could move along, Mido was bounding toward them in large, clumsy steps, and he skidded to a stop in front of them with a scowl, his fairy Cotl bouncing in agitation over his head while Navi held herself aloofly away. “You again!” he said accusingly. “You brought another one! How many Links are there anyway?”

Many, Ocarina answered solemnly, suppressing a grin. Mido had gotten much more tolerable in recent years. This one is going by Wild. Wild, this is M-i-d-o, signed 'swamp.'

Wild let out a snort of his own, and Ocarina gave him a small grin in return. Mido huffed, and then puffed for good measure.

“Don't get into any trouble!” he said sternly to Wild, and then stomped after Mattie. Ocarina shook his head. Same old Mido.

Ocarina looked up at Navi, and without any further prompting, she darted off to look for Saria. Lonely split away to keep an eye on his daughter, and Ocarina waved at Wild and led him toward the training center where the Know-It-All Brothers lived.

None of them were training at the moment, all four lazing around a table, half with their feet up, and whatever conversation they had been having interrupted by the visitors. Their nearly identical faces peered up curiously, and one put his feet on the floor. “You're new,” he said to Wild, and then held out his hand. “I'm Jihan, the oldest know-it-all brother.”

Suppressing a smile, Wild crossed the room and shook his hand, and then the rest, one after another, oldest to youngest in perfect order.

“You've never been to Kokiri Forest before,” the second-youngest, Nolan, said helpfully. “There's not a lot to do here. But there's the Lost Woods that way, and Fado spends time there.” He pointed.

“And the Kokiri shop is that way-” added the youngest, Kikwan, also pointing. “But it doesn't really sell anything the shops in Castle Town don't and most of the other people Link's brought haven't been interested.”

I'll look anyway, thank you, Wild assured them politely. This is a training room, isn't it?

And off they went, explaining Kokiri fighting forms and tradition to an interested Wild, and Ocarina snorted and sat on the floor, letting Wild take his time while he stretched out. He'd never liked the training center much, but in hindsight, he thought it was because it always made him feel strange. Like he should know more about swords than he already did.

Now it was more like another faintly nostalgic house in the woods, and sitting in it made him remember the hours he'd spent here with the four brothers minding him, teaching him to fight, setting him after the youngest or a dummy. Why hadn't he ever found it odd that they hadn't aged like he did? The blissful ignorance of a child, he supposed.

He shook the thought off with ease and turned to watch Wild, who was showing the brothers something on his storage tablet.

They had to part ways only ten minutes later, after Navi returned in triumph, but the brothers understood when Ocarina explained that they were meeting Saria; her home was always Ocarina's first and often his only major stop when he visited the forest.

Saria was waiting on her doorsteps when they came near, and Lonely had drifted that way as well, though Mattie was entertaining herself hanging off of Mido and asking him questions while he tried to shake her off. As Ocarina watched, she wrapped her arms around his leg and flumped to the ground, and Mido waved his arms in dramatic outrage. Ocarina suppressed a smile.

Now that he'd grown up, Saria only came to Ocarina's elbow, but she still hugged him as soon as he was close enough. “Link! You didn't tell me you were coming!”

How was I going to tell you? he chided, not for the first time. It wasn't like he tended to plan in advance. He sat down on the porch, leaving enough room for Lonely to sit where he could keep an eye on Mattie, and Wild chose the grass instead, examining Saria with intense, curious eyes. Navi darted off to catch up with Saria's fairy, Marin, and Ocarina didn't watch her. Saria smiled back, unbothered.

You know how, she countered, and then, to Wild, Hello. What do you go by? Have you picked a name yet?

Wild, he signed, the smallest of smiles on his mouth. I've heard a bit about you.

Only a bit? she asked teasingly, though her face gained a hint of color. You must be from far down the line then. She looked briefly surprised at Wild's nod, and she sent a fleeting, curious look to Ocarina. Well, it's very good to meet you. How are the woods doing?

Wild tilted his head quizzically, and Ocarina stepped in.

I passed briefly through the Lost Woods, he told her. I think Fado would have liked them. The magic has gotten dense enough that I'd guess it's a bit more dangerous than now. But the woods inside are beautiful; you would have liked them. It's just got Koroks in, but some of the places in the woods are named after the Kokiri.

Saria smiled, eyes crinkling warmly. Good. I'm glad. She looked back at Wild. Do you know why the enchantments have gotten stronger? I'm very curious. Kokiri can't leave the forest, you see, so it's... nice, to hear other things, especially ones that affect the woods from outside.

Ocarina could see Wild getting uncomfortable, and he almost stepped in again, but after a moment, Wild just shrugged.

Magic grows stronger over time, he said, which wasn't a lie. As far as I can tell, a lot of the enchantments that exist in this time have become hideously strong by mine. Ocarina couldn't help but tilt his head and glance at Wild's sword, and Wild nodded. Even I couldn't wield her until my body had gathered enough strength. She'd sap the life out of me.

Ocarina had to keep himself from twitching skittishly. It had taken him a very long time to touch his sword again after the first time he put her down. Wild studied him for a moment, frowning, and Saria interrupted, pointedly light.

I suppose that makes sense. The magic is pretty old already – even the Great Deku tree didn't know when the wards were set.

Lonely tilted his head, which caught Ocarina's attention even before he started moving his hands.

My woods and sword were the same, Lonely said at last.

Ocarina grunted in surprise, leaning back to contemplate that. Maybe you and Wild are in around the same timeframe then. I know we guessed you were pretty late too. Both Legacy and Charm had still had their sage seals, after all, and there was no one else in Lonely's timeline.

Lonely hummed impassively, turning back to watch his daughter again, and Ocarina and Wild turned back to Saria.

What about the Koroks? Saria asked earnestly, leaning forward to fix bright eyes on Wild. They're almost certainly descended from the Kokiri, so I'm curious. I've only heard about them from Wind before.

Wild tilted his head, but without hesitation, he started talking about his Koroks, swift and unconcerned.

Not that Ocarina ever wasn't glad to see Lonely, but his arrival turned out to be fortuitous in another way as well: it turned out that Wild adored children. Once they'd said goodbye to Saria, Wild had gone to entertain the little one and still hadn't gotten tired of it one hour and twenty-four minutes later.

“Do you know any cool spells?” Mattie wanted to know, somehow managing to get under Wild's feet without actually getting stepped on.

They'd stopped for a break on the edge of the forest, more for Mattie's sake than their own. Mattie had promptly moved to pester Wild for stories, and he'd indulged her without actually revealing anything sensitive, which Ocarina thought was impressive.

I have magic from my friends and a little of my own, Wild told her. It brought to mind the medallions that Ocarina still had from each of the sages, and he wondered if Wild had done something similar. Rebuilding the seal from nearly scratch would certainly explain some things. Would you like to see?

Mattie was nodding quickly before he'd even finished asking, her hair flying around her face, and with a small, faint smile, Wild got to his feet and took a few steps back. Ocarina watched with interest, Navi sitting somewhere on his head to do the same. The magic each of them held was almost always completely unique, often things that most of them wouldn't have even thought of.

Wild did a good job leading up to it, crouching down to explain to Mattie what he needed her to do, and then standing up and making a show of planting his feet into the ground. Mattie had a medium-sized stone that Wild had given her, and she was so excited she couldn't stand it, bouncing impatiently on her toes until Wild finally gave her a nod. Without hesitation, she chucked the rock full-force (not very much) at Wild, already giggling madly.

Still smiling, Wild slammed his fists together, and an isospherical shield shimmered into existence around him. The rock hit it and shattered into dust and pebbles, and Ocarina thought he caught a glimpse of a large Goron too, a wide grin showing tombstone teeth even as he mirrored Wild's pose, before he disappeared.

Mattie squealed and clapped her hands, hopping around happily, and Ocarina, smiling, glanced over to see what Lonely thought.

Lonely was still leaning against a tree, going over a map of Sky's territory, but he'd paused to watch Wild play with Mattie, and there was the faintest smile on his face.

“Another one, another one!” Mattie demanded, drawing Ocarina's attention back to the other two.

Wild rubbed his scarred cheek thoughtfully, and then took a few steps back and tapped his storage tablet, making his sailcloth spring into his hand. He met Mattie's eye and counted down silently with his fingers, making her eyes widen and her whole body vibrate in excitement.

Three, two, one, and then Wild closed his fist, crouched, and sprang upward. A bird almost like a loftwing twisted around him, and the wind blew in every direction, ruffling the leaves and grass around them. Wild caught the gust easily in his sailcloth, and it carried him up and up, far above what Link might have expected. Mattie screamed in delight and reached up like she could catch Wild's ankle and fly with him.

When he'd reached a deeply improbable height, Wild tilted the sailcloth and spiraled downward, circling the updraft until it dissipated. Then he tilted it, dropped like a stone, and only caught himself again at the last minute.

Ocarina closed his mouth and found himself smiling, and for a moment, he let himself wish that he could fly, too. It seemed like so much fun.

Mattie was bouncing around Wild and demanding to be taken to the sky, and Wild, smiling wryly, just kept shaking his head, making calming patting motions at the air as if to soothe her irritation. Mattie soon grew petulant and mulish, tugging at Wild's tunic insistently, and finally Lonely grunted in warning, making her subside into sullen pouting.

Still looking more amused than anything, Wild crouched down in front of Mattie and signed something. Ocarina caught 'only if you promise to smile' and had to laugh a little himself. Wild was very good with children.

Finally, Wild secured Mattie's apparently reluctant agreement and stood up again. He made a show of shuffling, settling in place, rocking on his heels, and then gestured for Mattie to jump toward him. She did, and Ocarina stiffened as he felt the distinctive molasses-thick feel of time magic in the air. Foolishly, he looked sharply around- first back toward the forest, then out over the field, and only stopped when Navi tugged gently at his hair, pulling him out of the trance. He looked up just in time to see Wild flicker out from in front of Mattie and reappear behind her, moving with unnatural speed and precision. A moment later, the air cleared, and Wild caught Mattie around the middle, making her squeal in glee again, kicking happily at the air.

Link took a moment to process that, and then relaxed, exhaling with some irritation at himself. Not appearing to notice, Wild was laughing too, soft and breathless, even as he let Mattie down onto her own feet again. She immediately spun around bouncing, and Wild did it again, and then a third and a fourth time, giving Ocarina time to get a feel for the particular flow of what must be Wild's own magic.

Finally, though, Wild set Mattie down and sat. Ocarina thought that he might have been panting, his face flushed with exertion. Frowning, Ocarina made a mental note. Mattie lingered by Wild for a few seconds, clearly pleading, but when he didn't relent, she gave in and darted toward Ocarina instead, skidding to a halt in front of him.

“Did you see that?” she blurted out, and he smiled indulgently and nodded. She beamed at him, bouncing on her toes, and then started to chatter, telling Ocarina every detail that ran through her hyped-up mind, signing when she wanted to talk twice at the same time. Ocarina hummed along fondly, leaning back to listen.

The next time he looked up, Lonely and Wild were sitting together, signing quietly to each other.

Chapter Text

Ocarina went through first just so he could turn around and watch Wild's face when he stepped in. His reaction didn't disappoint, his eyes going wide with awe as soon as he stepped into the large, beautiful stone chamber that had held the Goddess Sword for millennia. His brisk walk slowed to a crawl immediately, so much so that Ocarina had to tug him out of the way before Lonely and Mattie followed him through; Mattie nearly crashed into his legs.

Undeterred, Mattie went running out and away, Lonely following behind at a brisk but unrushed pace. Wild broke the spell sooner than Ocarina might have hoped for, shaking off his moon-eyed delight to look around curiously, taking in the more mundane parts of the room.

Ocarina let him have a few minutes, and then glanced at Navi, who zipped off to catch Wild's attention and coax him out.

It was still very early morning; Sky was most likely asleep, unless he had morning duties today. The path from what had once been the sealed grounds up to Faron Woods had been smoothed out into a manageable incline, and when Ocarina pointed in that direction, Wild barely had to take a second to trace the path upward. With a wave, Ocarina started them in that direction, taking his time when he saw how much Wild seemed to like the scenery around them.

Navi darted back and forth, investigating anything she found new or interesting; she spotted a new bee's nest before Ocarina did, shed some glittering fairy dust on what seemed to be a new cobblestone path, and ran smack into Groose's chest as he was tottering down the path, bearing the weight of what seemed to be a few thick, sturdy planks of wood.

Groose caught her out of the air and held her up, squinting. “Wh- Navi? Shouldn't you be with Ocarina?” he asked her, clearly baffled.

Amused despite himself, Ocarina whistled sharply, making Groose startle and look up. Then he grinned, unceremoniously dropped his cargo, and jogged over. Ocarina glanced at Wild, who studied Groose, curious but unconcerned.

“Oc, buddy!” Groose called out, waving widely as if to catch Ocarina's attention. “Link ain't up yet, but he's overdue for it if you ask me, you want me to go get him?” Ocarina snorted and shook his head, and Groose huffed, skidding to a halt. “You're no fun. I passed Lonely and the kid a minute ago, have you seen them yet?”

We came here together, Ocarina signed dryly. Mattie ran on ahead, you know how she is.

“Oh, yeah,” Groose chuckled, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. He transferred his attention to Navi, grinning. “What about you, you want to go give Link a wake-up call?”

“I gotta stick with my Link,” she said, actually sounding disappointed. Ocarina rolled his eyes.

Go ahead, he signed, and Navi beamed at him and darted off and away, zig-zagging through the trees in obvious delight.

“Huh?” Groose blurted, and then seemed to notice Wild for the first time, arms crossed and smiling faintly as he rocked on his feet. “Oh, is this a hero thing? And, uh, which one are you again?”

Just visiting, Ocarina assured him. Wild's new, Lonely and I are showing him the circuit.

Groose brightened. “Oh, hey, that's cool! Hey, and you have your hair long! It looks great – not as good as mine, obviously, but it's good on you.” He moved to swing his arm around Wild's shoulders and pull him close, and to Ocarina's utter lack of surprise, Wild didn't even let him get close, side-stepping smoothly as soon as Groose started to move. Groose looked briefly taken aback, but apparently opted to pretend nothing had happened and kept chattering. “I'm a friend of Link's- uh, these days, anyway...” A flash of embarrassment crossed his face, but it was gone quickly. “And you could kinda say I'm the founder-in-chief of Grooseland, too! So it's only right that I show you around.”

Wild raised an eyebrow and looked at Ocarina, who didn't bother suppressing a smile.

This is the start of what will become our Hyrule, he explained. Groose was one of the first residents.

“Ruin all my fun, why don't you,” Groose huffed, leaning down to pick up his haul of wood planks again. “I was just on my way back from the forest, you coming? I just need to drop this off by the schoolyard and then we can take a good look-see.”

You've finally started the academy, then? Ocarina asked, genuinely pleased to hear it. Groose nodded enthusiastically.

“Most of the younger folk have moved down here now, and the teachers followed right quick, so Gaepora finally gave it the go-ahead! It's about damn time, too. Cawlin and Strich were refusing to come down until it was up and running, the stubborn bastards, but they'll have no excuse now.”

At first Wild seemed to be following along, but then Ocarina looked over to see his reaction to something and he was gone. Ocarina stopped, confused, and held up a hand for Groose to pause as well, which he did without question. Ocarina looked around, and then snorted and relaxed, nodding up one of the cliffs. Groose looked up, and then let out a startled laugh.

Wild didn't appear to notice, as occupied as he was. It looked like he'd found a cluster of trees and brush, and he was kneeling in the middle of them, rifling briskly through the thick growth. He'd taken out a knife at some point, and as they watched, he neatly harvested a few choice flora from the patch before him – a couple of mushrooms, a few flowers, a handful of berries. He popped one of the last into his mouth, considered it, and then shook his head and tossed the rest aside, though Ocarina noticed he didn't spit it out.

Ocarina whistled softly, and Wild looked up, surprise flashing across his face like he hadn't expected them to wait. Still, he hopped off the short climb and caught up easily, biting into one of the mushrooms and disappearing the rest into his storage tablet.

“Wild, right?” Groose asked conversationally, grinning at Wild as he turned to keep heading down the path. “You grow up in a forest or something?”

Wild hummed noncommittally and then shook his head. I'm pretty sure I was born in Castle Town, actually. But the wilderness is where I've spent most of the last two years. Some of it was forest, but I think it's really mostly mountains. How long have you been working on this town? Do you need help with anything?

“This is gonna be Castle Town!” Groose announced proudly, though Wild hadn't asked. He shifted the wood higher up on his shoulder and added, “It's only been about a year or so now, and really just the last couple months that things have really gotten going. A lot of folks didn't really want to come down from the sky, and some of 'em probably aren't gonna. But wait 'til you see it!”

He grinned, so broadly that Ocarina found himself smiling too, and Wild flashed Groose a small, quick smile as well.

It wasn't far from there to the start of Castle Town, now consisting of about a dozen houses, a general store, a rustic but carefully built town hall, and the skeletal beginnings of an academy. The last of these was where Groose dropped off his load of wood, and then he grabbed for Wild's arm, was sidestepped again, and continued to lead Wild on, unfazed, giving him an impromptu tour of the town.

Wild seemed genuinely interested, and he asked good questions – what kind of supply lines they had for food and lumber and clothing, if there were any craftsmen they were missing, if they were ready for storms or monsters or when the weather turned. Groose answered most of them without any trouble, and the rest he just told Wild to ask Zelda, scratching his head sheepishly. Ocarina listened with only half an ear, having heard all of this and more many times already. Instead, he kept an eye out for Lonely, Mattie, or Navi, who should be back any minute.

Groose finished by leading Wild into the town hall, where Mattie's presence was immediately apparent; she'd made herself comfortable astride Gaepora's shoulders, and Gaepora was smiling indulgently, hands on her ankles to keep her secure while she batted at the rafters as if she was high enough to touch them if she just tried hard enough. Lonely was sitting by himself at a table, and he nodded at Ocarina when their eyes met, then returned his attention to his daughter.

Gaepora turned a few moments after they entered, smiling at the group kindly. “Thank you for your help, Groose. And Ocarina, Lonely told me you were here as well. Who is this, might I ask?”

His name is Wild! Mattie signed from atop Gaepora's shoulders, and Ocarina had to smile. He caught Wild hiding one, too.

This is Wild, and he can actually cook, Ocarina told Gaepora, who let out a hearty laugh, hands still on Mattie's ankles.

“It certainly took you all long enough to learn!” Gaepora said warmly, and then looked at Wild. “You're welcome here anytime for any reason, of course, but I assume you're here for the initial briefing?” Wild shrugged. “Link likes his sleep, so it may be a while. Perhaps you could pass the time by exploring our budding town, or you could speak with my daughter – she'll be very excited to meet you. Though, where is the little one?” Mattie kicked her feet. “The other little one, dear.”

Navi went to wake Sky, Ocarina explained, and Gaepora chuckled.

“Then perhaps it will not be that long after all.”

From one of the doors, the first Zelda poked her head in, eyes bright with curiosity; she must have heard the commotion. She smiled brightly when her eyes landed on the visitors, and in a moment she was inside, the door closing behind her.

“Good morning,” she greeted cheerfully, sweeping over toward them. She sat at one of the tables and gestured for them to sit, crossing her legs at the ankle. “I didn't know you were going to be visiting, but it's wonderful to see you, Ocarina. What are you going by, Link?”

Wild, he repeated for the dozenth time, sitting down kitty-corner to her, slow and ginger. And you?

“I'm the first Zelda,” she explained, and then signed, swift and precise, Lady Sky. Link was very sweet even as a child.

Wild hummed in obvious interest, leaning forward onto the table. The first? Princess Z would be excited to meet you.

Then I'll do my best to make time, Zelda replied cheerfully. What is Princess Z like? Does she have a project at the moment? I find most of us do.

Wild started to smile a little, and Ocarina was pleased to realize that Zelda seemed to have immediately hit upon a good topic. She likes to study things. Before everything happened, she spent a lot of time working with ancient technology, or experimenting with the magical effects of different plants and creatures. Lately she's been talking a lot about the corrosive properties of magic, so I think she might be trying to make powerful potions less dangerous to use.

That flew entirely over Ocarina's head, and from Zelda's owlish blinking, he thought it might have done hers too. After a moment, though, she broke into a wide, delighted smile. She sounds like a wonderfully intelligent young woman! I can't wait to meet her. What have the two of you been doing since your journey ended?

Ocarina was jealous of how easily Zelda got Wild to open up to her, the other Link responding well to her obvious interest. The few times Zelda approached a point he knew was sore, like the state of Wild's Hyrule or the rebuilding attempts, Ocarina steered the conversation away. Wild was just dodging a question about the royal family in his time when the door opened.

Sky was still yawning when he walked in, rubbing his cheek and batting idly at a giggling Navi. He gave up long enough for Navi to land in his hair, sparkling with amusement, and said without looking up, “Too early, Ocarina.”

Wild jumped visibly, eyes wide with surprise. Ocarina felt surprisingly sympathetic; he and Lonely had been just as startled to hear Sky speak so easily. After only a moment more, Sky looked up, still bleary, found Wild sitting at the table, and went eerily still. His face fell into a neutral expression, hiding his instinctive reaction.

Ocarina was used to this, though; if nothing else, he'd known to expect it as soon as he saw the disfiguring burn scar across Wild's face. He looked at Wild first, giving Sky a moment to gather himself.

This is Sky, he explained. He's one of the first knights of Hyrule, though it's not the same in this time as it is in yours – more of a community watch than anything. He likes exploring and foraging, like you do, and he'd probably be happy to show you around. He loves showing off his Hyrule.

Wild clearly hadn't missed Sky's apprehension, and his forehead was faintly creased, but he returned his attention to Ocarina easily enough and gave him a nod. Ocarina smiled at him and looked at Sky.

This is Wild, he informed Sky, then held out one hand to invite Navi back to him and set her on his shoulder before he continued. He picked some mushrooms and flowers on the way here, so if you have time, you could go foraging together. Wild does need initiating, but the bulk of it is probably just formality. He's so far in the future that he knows a lot of it already.

Sky smiled. None of them missed the edge of strain that colored it, or the tension that hung between him and Zelda, the latter looking down at the table with something like shame.

There's an expedition to Skyview Temple planned already, Sky signed. We're going to try to clear it out and maybe make something of it. You're welcome to come if you want. Brother Patrol, Pigtails, and Frail Friend are coming too, but it's in the afternoon because Brother Patrol and Pigtails are visiting Brother Patrol's mother first.

That sounds perfect, Wild signed politely, head tilted to study Sky thoughtfully. What are we looking for?

Sky loosened up a little, sliding easily into the familiar subject, and Ocarina relaxed, leaned back, and cast Lonely a small, pleased smile, getting a nod in return.

The rest of the morning went well. Sky showed Wild around the surrounding area, and despite his protests, they teamed up to teach Ocarina how to properly butcher a bokoblin. It was exactly as disgusting and messy as Ocarina had anticipated, and both of them laughed at him when he said as much.

“I guess it's like butchering anything else?” Navi murmured, voice tilting up in a clear question. Ocarina snorted, showing his disdain, and tossed the bokoblin heart to Sky, who accepted it with a smirk. Then he went to wash himself thoroughly in a stream.

When they returned to town, Wild led them over to a fire and took a pot out of his slate, which he placed over it, and taught the two of them how to brew a simple potion – bokoblin heart and a couple of little blue lizards, which made a decent red potion, according to Wild.

Not as good as one made with a dragon scale, but it'll close your wounds, Wild signed. Sky looked much more appreciative of the information than Ocarina felt, but then, he was more used to traveling with little more than what he could find or make himself. The surface had certainly been at least as remote as Wild had described his own lands being.

Eventually he left them to it, returning to the town hall where Lonely and Mattie were. Mattie had turned her attention from Gaepora to Zelda, who seemed to be teaching her nursery rhymes.

Ocarina sat down next to Lonely and asked, Everything okay?

Lonely nodded, turning his gaze idly away from Mattie. Zelda likes Mattie. Does Sky like Wild?

They have a lot of common interests, which is always a good start, Ocarina said. But you know how Sky gets about the more damaged of us. He’s a little too anxious about Wild’s journey to accept him wholeheartedly just yet.

Lonely nodded again, and then, completely without preamble, signed, Wild said he and M-i-p-h-a were going to have children together.

It actually took Ocarina several seconds to recognize the name at all, though when he finally did he frowned. I thought Mipha was a Zora princess?

Lonely nodded, and to his later shame, it still took Ocarina several more seconds for everything to click - Wild mentioning days ago that he and Mipha were engaged, with a Zora bracer on his arm that he treated with care, and Ocarina had immediately thought of Ruto and laughed.

“Oh,” he said out loud, and then, He really loved her.

Lonely, who had never even bothered narrowing down the father of his own child, shrugged. But he didn’t look away either, and Ocarina bit his lip, mulling that over for another minute.

I misread that situation, he said, feeling guilt creep up on him. I’ll have to apologize for that. Do you know what happened? Lonely shook his head, and Ocarina exhaled. Then something occurred to him. Hey, how did you even know I messed that up?

To his surprise, Lonely’s mouth twitched into a smile. I know you.

Then he turned away, brought his fingers to his mouth, and whistled a few notes, and Mattie came running over, ending the conversation.

Chapter Text

Lonely turned down the offer to join them on the way up to Skyloft, so it was just Ocarina, Sky, Wild, and Zelda who flew up there, Ocarina with Sky and his loftwing and Wild with Zelda.

When he was sure that Sky could afford the distraction, Ocarina grunted and nudged him, and Sky turned around expectantly, leaving his loftwing to fly home.

“What?” Sky asked.

You should know that Wild is from a pretty rough era, Ocarina warned gently, then flicked Navi in silent reprimand as she wriggled around in his tunic. I don't have a lot of details, but things definitely went poorly, for him and for Hyrule. Don't be surprised if he gets a little grim or secretive.

Sky looked glum, and Ocarina felt a pang of sympathy. Ocarina hadn't grown up with the knowledge of the cycle like some of the later Links had, but he wasn't the progenitor either. That was Sky's burden alone, and he clearly felt each lived horror as if it were his own.

“Okay,” Sky said softly.

It's not so bad, Ocarina reassured him. You saw him earlier – he gets very excited about exploration or cooking. He chose his name because the wilds of his Hyrule are as beautiful as they are here, and he loves them.

Sky did look a little comforted by his words, and something about it reminded Ocarina of how young the other was. For some reason it felt like the first of them should be the oldest, the most mature, the most hardened- but that wasn't true at all. In some ways, Sky was the least weathered of all of them.

We should explain things on one of the quieter islands, Ocarina tacked on, looking around as if the sky would reveal its secrets. Or maybe the Lumpy Pumpkin.

Sky hummed his agreement, and then tilted his bird toward Skyloft.

Wild loved Skyloft. It wasn't a surprise, though it was sweet to watch; Ocarina hadn't met a single Link yet who hadn't loved Skyloft as soon as they set foot on it, as if some part of them remembered. Even Twilight, who had battled some of his worst monsters in the skies, had been delighted by the peaceful little town.

Zelda checked on Wild when they landed and stayed for a few minutes after, then disappeared on, allegedly, some rather important business. Ocarina was rather dubious about this; he was pretty sure Zelda was just avoiding the tension that hadn’t yet dissipated between her and Sky.

Skyloft itself was much more sparsely populated than it used to be, with nearly a third of the residents now living on the surface, but Sky introduced Wild to a few – Cawlin and Strich, Kukiel and her mother, Batreaux. They visited the Bazaar, half-drained of its usual shops, and Ocarina sat down to let Wild explore for a while, buying a few things here and there – some arrows, a shield, two of the more unique potions.

Ocarina kept an eye on Wild through the event, and wasn't at all surprised when he started to look stressed and jittery. At that point, Ocarina glanced at Navi, and Navi flew over to murmur to Wild, who looked over, and then went out the side of the tent. Ocarina nodded to Sky, who looked startled, and then followed.

From the Bazaar, Ocarina led Wild to a little spot Sky had shown him: a tiny little island an easy jump from mainland Skyloft, sheltered from the bustle of the rest. He took the jump first, and then looked at Wild, who only considered the distance for a moment before following, landing with grace only a few feet from Ocarina.

Doing alright? Ocarina asked gently, sitting down and gesturing for Wild to do the same.

Wild gave him a cautious look, then sat cross-legged on the island and nodded. He leaned over to look off the edge, and then sat up again, apparently unbothered by the endless drop.

Skyloft’s nice, Wild said, when Ocarina didn’t move to prompt him further. I wouldn’t have thought I’d feel so at home in the sky. But I think I’d like to explore them.

He turned his head to look out over the horizon, and Ocarina had to smile. Yeah, he’d like to go and walk on every one of those tiny islands too. Sky must have already, every single one of them before he ever began his journey.

Have you been in the sky before? Ocarina asked, thinking of Twilight and Minish and Legacy.

Not like this, Wild said. Ocarina hummed in question, and Wild clarified, You saw me the other day. Peacock helps me all but fly.

Peacock? Ocarina asked, and Wild hesitated. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.

…R-e-v-a-l-i, Wild spelled out at last. The Rito champion. There were… four champions. Peacock and Rock Roast and U-Lightning and Gentle.

Wild tucked his hands into his lap. It didn’t take a genius to guess what had happened.

“Wild,” Ocarina said softly, drawing Wild’s gaze back to him. I’m sorry I made light of your relationship with Mipha. I shouldn’t have assumed it wasn’t serious, especially- He reached out to tap Wild’s bracer. When you wear a memento.

The line of Wild’s shoulders loosened a little, and he kept his steady gaze on Ocarina for a moment or two longer before he looked down at the bracer.

It wasn’t hers, he admitted suddenly. It’s… Mipha made my Zora armor. It’s a tradition by my time, like an engagement ring. But this is just something I asked the Zora smith to make. He shrugged. It’s been a long time.

Ocarina wasn’t sure what Wild meant by that, and he thought Wild wasn’t either. But he reached out and squeezed Wild’s knee, and both of them stayed there until Sky came to find them so they could go to the Lumpy Pumpkin.

The owner greeted them with a shout and a wave, and Sky waved back before leading them to the upstairs loft, the closest thing to privacy the well-loved restaurant offered. Ocarina nodded at the other two to begin and then headed downstairs; Pumm's pumpkin soup was not to be passed up.

Ten minutes later, he returned with three bowls of it, set a cup aside for Navi, and turned his attention on Sky, explaining his journey and the fate of Demise for the fourth time.

Every time he heard it, Ocarina had to marvel at the guidance Sky had received during his quest. Every step had been so carefully laid out for him, so that he wouldn't for a moment be lost or alone. Hylia had planned the entirety of his journey centuries before he'd ever been born. It stood in stark contrast to Ocarina's own, two children being pushed forward by fate until they stumbled their way into something resembling success.

Wild followed along, expression unreadable, leaning against the table. He was so focused he didn't even notice when Ocarina set a bowl by his elbow, and he didn't move until Sky finished, looking exhausted. At that point, Wild leaned back again, glanced down at the soup, gave Ocarina a nod, and returned his attention to Sky.

Curses strengthen over time, Wild pointed out at last, expression still folded into careful neutrality.

That's what Goddess Sword says, Sky agreed tiredly.

Wild nodded, visibly mulled that over for a few minutes, and then said, just as evenly, Hyrule's days are numbered.

Sky's expression instantly turned defensive, almost mulish, and he snapped, As long as the curse is around, we will be too.

Ocarina, though, understood why Wild felt that way, more than he thought he could have comfortably expressed. He clicked his tongue and reassured him the best he could. There have been close calls before. Hyrule has always been able to rebuild and thrive again.

Wild didn't look entirely convinced, but he nodded anyway, picked up the bowl and spoon, and dug into the soup. Ocarina took that to be the end of the conversation.

Pipit and Karane met them on their way back to the surface, Karane looking cheerful and Pipit exasperated. As far as Ocarina could tell, this was normal for them, especially after visiting Pipit's mother. Karane waved and Sky waved back, but none of them spoke until they'd landed; it was too far to shout out introductions.

“Hello... Twilight?” Pipit called out, voice tilting up uncertainly.

Twilight's scars are from talons, Ocarina pointed out. Pipit made an aggravated sound, rubbing his hand through his hair.

“Right, right, sorry, I knew it didn't look quite right. Which one are you? Charm?”

Charm has a Chesire grin, for Hylia's sake, Ocarina signed. Pipit winced.

“Oh yeah.”

“Oh yeah,” Sky agreed, visibly amused. This is Wild, he's new. Wild, this is Brother Patrol, he minded me for a lot of my childhood. My teen years too.

“For a given definition of minded,” Pipit muttered. Ocarina suppressed a grin. Given what the rest of them had been like as children, by all accounts, Pipit had probably had a hell of a time just trying to keep Sky within sight for ten seconds together. “Name's Pipit, and Karane.” He jerked his thumb at Karane, who gave Wild a polite nod. “It's good to meet you. You have any questions about Skyloft or the Knight Academy, feel free to come to me.”

Ocarina and Sky exchanged a fond smile. Pipit didn't really have the experience to successfully 'big brother' any of them except Sky, but by the goddess, he sure tried.

The Skyloft residents patted their loftwings and let them fly off, and Sky directed them towards Skyview Temple but didn't let them in yet. The reason was revealed only a few minutes later, when Fledge came jogging up.

“Sorry I'm late!” he called out, and then stumbled to a halt. “Oh!”

Ocarina chuckled and waved to Sky, indicating the sealed door before he turned to Fledge and made introductions yet again. Wild asked Fledge about what had kept him, and Fledge instantly started to enthuse about how he was learning construction – at a truly remarkable rate, as Ocarina recalled. Wild nodded along, smiling faintly, and that conversation carried them into Skyview Temple.

Sky cut it off prematurely, waving Wild up and pointing out some of the plants to him. Wild harvested more than a few, which slowed their progress, and even spent quite a few minutes fighting with a glowing blue regeneration shroom to try and earn himself a bud. He got a couple of the tiny ones in the end, though all of the big ones healed too quickly, and he put them away before he caught up.

Will Lonely and Mattie be okay? Wild asked.

Mattie loves Sky's town, Ocarina assured him, smiling at the obvious concern. Lonely just doesn't like to stay in his own Hyrule very much, so he and Mattie spend a lot of time visiting other eras. He won't mind not spending time with us directly.

The inside of Skyview Temple was dark despite the glowing fungi that dotted the path, and it was overgrown with thick roots and spiderwebs. It was obvious that Wild instantly liked it, pausing every few steps to reverently touch a large root or a mushroom.

There were keese, but those were always easy to bat aside, and Karane and Fledge only had to go at them once or twice. It was a long, windy path down, but Sky led them confidently, going around where there had obviously once been puzzles and traps and lifting the heavy door with ease. The next room had Deku Baba and a bokoblin, and past that it was half-filled with standing water alongside the greenery. Sky indicated the left and right doors as places to investigate before going into the left. Sky's fellow academy students had fallen quiet and intent, but Ocarina couldn't bring himself to do the same, fascinated with the wild beauty of the place, and Navi, darting around, clearly agreed.

Both the left and right rooms were swarming with skulltulas, a couple of large ones and a great many smaller. Between the three of them, Sky, Ocarina, and Wild all managed to make short work of each of them. Wild took one of the smaller ones off the ground and considered it.

“Bad to eat,” Sky advised him, and Wild sighed and dropped it, clearly disappointed.

Ocarina decided that Wild was a little bit weird.

Pipit, clearly unable to help himself, started lecturing Wild about eating things he didn't recognize. Wild wasn't listening to a word of it, preoccupied with figuring out how to gather some of the skulltula web, and after a few minutes, Pipit trailed off into obvious exasperation, rubbing his face. Ocarina chuckled and gestured to Navi, who went to explore some of the smaller crevices Ocarina couldn't reach. Wild started to wind the webbing around and around a short stick, coming up with a small, sticky bundle of spider goo, which he held out inquisitively to Sky.

Sky looked thoughtful, but after a moment he shrugged and shook his head. Wild hummed, and then put the webbing away into his tablet, and they kept exploring.

How old is this temple? Wild asked after a while, when they'd moved on to the next chamber. Sky shrugged.

Very, very old, he said. It's probably older than Fi. He watched Wild look around for a while, and then asked, Haven't you been in anything like it?

Wild shrugged and shook his head, and Ocarina exhaled harshly, exchanging a startled look with Sky. The significance was clearly lost on Pipit, though, and he jumped forward to chatter about the excitement of entering such an ancient building, with Wild nodding along, amused if clearly also in agreement.

A few steps ahead, Pipit and Wild hit the next door first, and Wild looked it up and down, clearly confused.

“Lift,” Sky explained, keeping half an eye on the ceiling in case of skulltulas.

Wild hesitated for a split second, and then leaned down to lift the heavy stone door. He grunted softly, and Fledge stepped in to help, seemingly without thinking. Ocarina added it to the list of quirks Wild had; lifting doors wasn't usually something any of them had trouble with.

They settled for a break in a large chamber where Sky said he'd found his beetle, though not before spreading out to get rid of the skulltulas and bokoblin, of which there were so many that even Pipit, Karane, and Fledge each handled one or two.

From his little storage tablet, Wild passed out food, to everyone's obvious pleasure – some meaty rice balls, some fried bananas, things that were easy to eat with your hands. A few minutes of quiet passed while everyone enjoyed the food, Fledge exclaiming in genuine enthusiasm and Pipit going out of his way to compliment Wild's skill.

“So this was your first real challenge, huh?” Pipit said at last, brushing off his hands and then leaning back to cast a speculative look around the room. Sky hummed an affirmation. “It hasn't seemed so bad.”

Sky grunted dismissively. “Everything's unlocked,” he said, giving Wild a plaintive look that earned him a few more rice balls. Sky grinned at him, took a bite, and signed, You're right, this one isn't bad, as cursed temples go. But all the doors are already open, and the old monsters are gone. It's all skulltulas and bokoblin now.

Bokoblin are kind of like rats, Wild commented idly, with an apple in his lap now. I don't really know how they get into half the places I find them.

Ocarina, Sky, and Navi all made sounds of agreement, while Pipit and Karane shared an exasperated look.

“It's still kind of scary,” Fledge said quietly. “It's not at all like Skyloft.”

There was a lingering, painful moment of silence, and then Sky sighed and nodded.

“Yeah,” he said. “Nowhere is like Skyloft.”

They met Lonely and Mattie at the base of the viewing platform, Lonely watching Mattie like a hawk as she splashed around in the deep pond, never out of arm's reach of him. Sky smiled when he saw Mattie, and she waved furiously and was caught by Lonely before she could overbalance and fall. Lonely looked up at them.

Anything useful? he asked.

“Lots of plants,” Sky answered cheerfully, stopping to sit not far away and letting one foot sink into the water. “Space, stone. Maybe infirmary, storage. Needs cleared and cleaned.”

Lonely nodded, reached forward, and lifted Mattie up and out, ignoring her squealing, kicking protests as she was removed from the water. Wild watched, eyes glittering with amusement, and then, to everyone's surprise, Lonely set Mattie by Wild before going to sit by Ocarina. Wild looked startled, too, but he accepted the implied request easily enough, and in a few moments he had a bowl of honeyed apples set between them for the two to share.

Ocarina looked at Lonely, who just watched the two of them get along for a moment, Wild easily engaging Mattie in a story about some Rito chicks he'd met, before Lonely finally signed, I like him.

Ocarina beamed. He didn't think Lonely had said that about any of the other Links. After all this time, he still spoke mostly just with Ocarina. Do you want to come with us? I was going to take him to meet Charm next. I think it'll be good for Charm to meet someone new, I know he felt a little awkward coming in. Charm had been the last of them to join until Wild had appeared.

Lonely shook his head. Ocarina wasn't especially surprised. We'll meet you in Ordon Village.

Ocarina held back a fond chuckle. Lonely might not be personally fond of Twilight, but he certainly liked Twilight's family. With good reason – they'd been quite welcoming to all of the Links that had passed through. Ocarina certainly wouldn't mind visiting Ordon himself soon, and the quiet village would probably agree with Wild. Sounds like a plan.

A chorus of voices made him look up, and a moment's inspection revealed that it was the Skyloft folk greeting Groose as he crossed the clearing in large strides.

“Hey!” he called cheerfully. “How's that forest temple going? Ready for ol' Groose to take a crack at it?”

“Did fine, Groose,” Sky dismissed with too much fondness in his voice. Groose huffed in outrage, and Sky snorted. “Academy?”

Groose winced visibly. “Ah, we're on break for a bit. Shit's heavy- oh, sorry, kid-”

“Shit!” Mattie echoed cheerfully, not, Ocarina knew, for the first time. Wild winced with more amusement than alarm, and Lonely just sighed. “Why're you building a school? Sounds boring.”

“Yeah, I thought so too, but I kinda liked it once I was going,” Groose said agreeably. “Save the lecture, Pip, I know you were a straight-A student before you set foot in a classroom.” Pipit closed his mouth, and Karane patted him, chuckling softly. “You gotta go to school to be able to use a sword like your pop, though.”

Mattie perked up and twisted to give Lonely a hopeful look, and Lonely sighed and nodded.

Eight, he reminded her firmly. Mattie whined, and Lonely repeated, uncompromising, Eight. And school.

The last part was added as a clear afterthought, which nearly made Ocarina laugh.

They continued like that all the way back to town. Wild, with Mattie on his shoulders, fell in with Fledge somehow, talking back and forth about strength training and conditioning. Navi lounged on Ocarina's shoulder, her fluttering wings tickling his neck until he batted at her absently, smiling at her squeak.

Sky was with Pipit and Karane, smiling as Pipit reached up to ruffle his hair.

“Hey, uh.” Ocarina looked up at Groose in question, finding him rubbing the back of his neck. “About Wild...” Ocarina nodded encouragingly. “He, uh. He kind of seems.” Groose shrugged. “Not okay?”

It was easy to forget that despite their formerly rocky relationship, Groose had known Sky for a very long time.

Ocarina blinked, glancing back at Wild for a fleeting moment before turning his attention back to Groose. We already knew that we get quieter and more somber the further along in the timeline we go, he reminded Groose gently, mindful of Sky's presence. Wild is at least as far along as Lonely is, and the lifetimes of battle add up. He opened right up for Lady Sky.

Groose didn't seem entirely convinced, but he nodded anyway, returning his uncertain gaze to Wild. After a moment, Ocarina hummed.

I haven't seen him scared yet, he admitted frankly, tilting his head up to meet Groose's eyes. But don't worry. Really. I'm keeping an eye on him. When something comes up, I'll take care of it.

Groose relaxed at that, perking up into something like cheer. “Course you will! You're a bit of a mother hen, you know that?”

Ocarina's mouth quirked into a smile. Yes, I've been told.

“Can I see your sword?” Sky asked abruptly, when they were settling around a fire not far from the town.

Wild gave Sky a lingering, unreadable look, but Sky didn't waver, looking back at him expectantly. After a long moment, Wild nodded and unclipped the sword and her sheath from his back, laying her between them. Sky crossed his legs, studying her, and then reached forward. But before he could make contact, Sky's own sword flashed, and Fi appeared between him and Wild's sword, legs crossed under her even as she floated a few inches above the ground.

“I would not consider it advisable to touch her, Master Link,” she said evenly. “According to my calculations, based on her magical signature, there is an 89% chance that handling this version of your sword would cause substantial physical harm.”

Wild was blinking at Fi, owlish and startled, for which Ocarina could only feel sympathy; there were very few of them that had ever considered that their sword might have a spirit in her. After Sky, Fi had become quite a reserved soul, perhaps even cold. But loyal, Ocarina now understood. Always loyal.

Sky withdrew his hand, but his expression was a little pinched now, and Fi's softened in return.

“It would not be intentional, Master Link. It is only that her power has intensified beyond your magical tolerance. Her own Link has grown to match her, but your soul is still young. I calculate that between four and six millennia pass between you and Wild.”

Sky nodded silently, and Fi gave him a kind look, then twisted around in midair and looked down at Wild's sword.

“Fi,” she said clearly. “I would like to request further information on some of the readings I am picking up from your partner.”

One moment passed, then two, then three. Then Wild's sword flashed and chimed, and a half-second later, Fi emerged from his sword. Sky inhaled sharply, and Ocarina's fingers twitched, startled.

Fi wore her age.

Ocarina couldn't say that she wore her age well, or badly; she simply wore it, draped over her like a cloak. The sky blue of Sky's sword spirit had deepened to a midnight indigo, so that the shades of purple were actually the lighter of her tints. Her expression was flinty and borderline hostile, and the younger Fi's carefully open body language had clearly been cast off long ago.

The only one who did not seem surprised by this was the younger Fi herself. “Fi. You are among friends and allies here.” The older Fi inclined her head silently. “There are abnormalities in both your partner's magical and physiological data.”

Ocarina resisted the urge to glance at Wild; Sky did not.

The older Fi tilted her head, cool and unreadable, and it was another very long moment before she spoke. “The remnants of Demise's hatred have putrefied to the point of severe causticity. Link has received multiple severe injuries from this substance. The majority of the detected abnormalities can be attributed to that.”

“I see,” the younger Fi said, very quietly. She turned to Sky and gave him a nod, and Sky hesitated, and then leaned forward a little, meeting the older Fi's eyes. Her expression softened, so subtly it was almost undetectable.

“Were you broken?” Sky asked, so earnestly that his concern and his intentions were obvious. Wild looked away, and Ocarina knew the answer before the older Fi even opened her mouth.

“Never permanently, Master,” she promised. Sky deflated, not looking satisfied with the answer, and Fi elaborated, “As both my power and that of Demise's malice grew, we reached a critical junction at which only we could deal substantial damage to each other. I would wear and tarnish, and my power would restore me. As long as I am not used during this recovery period – and my master never does – I am able to return to a near-perfect condition for as long as my power lasts.”

The younger Fi nodded solemnly when Sky didn't immediately reply. “I see that your partner is not unjust in his assessment of our long-term prospects.”

The other's expression darkened noticeably. “No. He has his reasons.” She turned around and met Wild's eyes, and he cocked his head, looking almost as concerned as Sky. Perhaps even more than it had for Sky, affection rose to color her expression. “Link... I don't believe that anyone could have done better. I promise.”

With that, she disappeared back into Wild's sword, and Wild blinked at her for a minute, startled... and then relaxed, the faintest start of a smile tilting up the corners of his mouth.

Sky was quiet for a moment longer, but when he looked up again, it was a little more speculative than he'd shown so far.

Nice to meet you, he signed at last, and then held out his hand.

With the start of a laugh, eyes glittering, Wild reached out and shook it.

Chapter Text

Charm's the second newest, after you, Ocarina told Wild, on their way back to the large statue of Hylia the next morning. And his appearance is a bit startling. He's developing a thick skin around it, but he's not quite there yet, so I'd appreciate it if you stay...

Sensitive? Wild asked, and Ocarina nodded. I can do that. I know a little bit about scarring.

From Wild's rueful smile, Ocarina thought he was probably talking about more than just the one on his face. But if he wasn't going to share, Ocarina wouldn't prompt him. Put bluntly, have you ever heard of a Cheshire grin? Wild shook his head. Charm's face is cut ear to ear, through the corners of his mouth.

Wild's face pinched with obvious pity, but he didn't look sick like Sky had, or furious like Legacy. Sounds painful.

Probably, Ocarina agreed, though Charm hadn't said anything one way or another. Outwardly cheerful he might have been, but he was as reserved as Legacy or Twilight, in his own way. He hasn't told me the story, and you probably shouldn't ask, but it's not something I wanted to surprise you with.

It had been Legacy that found Charm first, actually, which was unusual; it was almost always Ocarina. But Legacy did have something of a sixth sense when it came to the heroes he shared a timeline with.

Charm's era doesn't have as much wilderness as Sky's does, Ocarina tacked on. But if you asked him, I'm sure he could show you some. He caught the flash of discomfort and had to smile. Or we can just ask where he's going, or what some of his favorite places are. Exploring on your own would defeat the purpose of taking you to meet him though. You can talk to him about doing that another time.

Wild's shoulders eased down, and he bit down the start of a chuckle.

We'll see how it goes, he said easily, and they stepped into Sky's sword chamber. With a little help from the Lens of Truth, Ocarina found Charm's portal and pointed it out to Wild, and then they went through.

Like many of them, Charm's sword chamber was in the middle of the Lost Woods. Wild seemed to like it; Ocarina's natural inclination was to exit quickly, but Wild, for all his businesslike demeanor, very much stopped to smell the roses, and leaving the woods actually took the better part of an hour. Ocarina also pretended not to see Wild eat several mysterious fruits. Sometimes you had to pick your battles, and Navi was watching with clear fascination.

But finally, they were in Kakariko, and Ocarina shot Navi a small smile at Wild's wide-eyed wonder. Kakariko wasn't nearly as crowded as Ocarina's own Castle Town, but it was sprawling and lazy, with a great many buildings and people with places to go and things to do, moving to and fro.

Ocarina was pleased to see that Irene was just heading toward the small specialty shop in the north of town. He looked up at Navi, who did a spin and then darted on ahead, and then to Wild to wave him forward.

It took a few tugs and grunts to remind Wild to keep going, and it was both amusing and a little sad to see the genuine disappointment flicker across Wild's face every time they had to pass somewhere by. Ocarina made a mental note to take Wild to some of the places with more fun shops- the market and treasure shop in Train's era, and Minish's open market, and Twilight's Castle Town for certain- hm, but he didn't like busy places, and Twilight's Castle Town bustled at all hours. Ocarina would talk to Navi about it.

Ocarina whistled when they entered the shop, and Irene turned around, raising her eyebrow when she saw them.

“Oh, it's you,” she said. “You're not Link. What d'you want?”

Despite her dismissive words, she didn't seem particularly bothered, and she was already looking contemplatively over Wild, picking out the features that she hadn't seen before.

“Link,” Ocarina echoed back, hoping that she would know where Charm was. Irene hummed and looked at Navi.

“We're looking for Charm,” Navi explained, and Irene nodded sharply, making a little 'aha' gesture.

“He and Gulley were talking about going to the milk bar today,” Irene said. “They haven't had a lot of time to catch up lately, so if you're taking him anywhere, you should probably take Gulley too. He'll feel better if you do.”

Ocarina grunted reassuringly and gave her a nod. “Thank you,” he said cheerfully, and started to turn away, hiding a smile when Irene bristled.

“Hey! You never introduced me, that's damn rude.”

Ocarina chuckled, then glanced at an uncertain Wild and explained, This is I-r-e-n-e, broom witch. She's one of the Seven Sages in Charm's era, and they're still good friends. G-u-l-l-e-y, green friend, is another.

Curiosity sparked in Wild's eyes, but he didn't follow it up, just giving Irene a nod, and Navi supplied, “This is Wild! He's new!”

“Yeah, I figured,” Irene said, studying Wild thoughtfully, lingering briefly on the scar on his face but not appearing to notice the ones showing at the edges of his tunic. Then she walked up and jabbed him in the chest. Wild frowned at her. “Now you listen to me, you better be good to him, or I'll gonna hear about it, and you're gonna hear about me.”

Wild visibly suppressed a smile and gave her a solemn nod, and Irene huffed, unconvinced, before turned back to browsing through the shelves. Ocarina snorted and waved Wild out again, heading south towards the milk bar.

I don't really know Charm's friends or era very well yet, Ocarina explained on the way, sweeping an assessing gaze over Kakariko. It looked as busy as ever, but for a Kakariko, it really didn't have as many Sheikah as Ocarina would've expected. It's only been a couple of months. Legacy's taken him under his wing as much as Charm will let him, but it still takes time to open up.

Wild hummed. If he caught the implication, he didn't comment, but he did pause by a street merchant for long enough that Ocarina chuckled and waved his concession, sitting down with him to glance through the offerings. It wasn't much, mostly materials and some magical insects, but Wild seemed interested, and he bought a couple; Ocarina noted that Wild seemed rather free with his rupees, so he must have a reliable source of them. Wind and Tracks both were as well.

They did manage to find Charm in the milk bar, signing cheerfully with the boy beside him; Ocarina found it comforting that there was still so clearly Kokiri blood in him, even if it was well diluted. The two of them were angled toward each other, and it was Charm, angled toward the door, that noticed them first, startling visibly; the scars cut deep into his cheeks cast shadows across his face, making him look gaunt to the casual observer. Gulley turned around to look at them, smiled, and waved.

It wasn't until then that Ocarina noticed that Charm was wearing a dress, a pretty ballgown sort of ensemble that looked sturdy enough to fight in. There were earrings and a tiara with it; though the dress and earrings were clearly Hylian, considering the triforce pattern on them, the tiara seemed to be of human make.

Mind if we join you? Ocarina asked. Charm tilted his head and shrugged, giving Ocarina a small, soft smile and then looked at Wild, who introduced himself yet again. Ocarina signaled the owner and asked for two glasses and a shot of milk, paying for them all before Wild could object. He set the shot by his elbow for Navi, slid the second full glass over to Wild, and finally looked at Charm again. Where did you get that dress? It looks like it's mixed craftsmanship.

Charm glanced down, as if startled by his own attire, and then looked back up and gave Ocarina another small smile. It's special. A human seamstress made it, and she finished the design a little after I mentioned I was Hylian. I think the triforces were last minute additions, honestly, and she must not have cared for them because none of her other clothes had any. Or maybe she was just being considerate.

Ocarina hummed. Is it magic? When I came over I thought I felt something a little like Lonely. Charm frowned at him. Lonely has some fairy magic a monk passed to him. It's hard to notice unless he touches you, but he's healed me a few times over the years.

Charm nodded thoughtfully, and then said, Lady Fashion's outfits are enchanted. This one's got some healing abilities. He must have caught something of the worry in Ocarina's expression, because amusement flickered across his face. It's also one of my favorites. I'm not expecting to need it or anything.

Ocarina gave him a sheepish smile and looked at Wild, who seemed content to quietly sip at his milk. He tapped their boots together gently and prompted, Most of your clothing is enchanted too, isn't it?

Wild started when all of them turned his attention toward him, and set his milk down to answer. Ocarina stole the opportunity to drink a little of his own. This particular Milk Bar was better than any Ocarina had been in since Termina.

Nearly everything yes, Wild confirmed, drawing Ocarina's attention back to him. For base defense, and then a few outfits have unique abilities, mostly against elemental attacks and weather. None of them enhance healing, though.

I like your tiara! Gulley contributed earnestly, earning a warm smile from Wild.

I noticed you don't wear chainmail, Ocarina admitted. Wild winced and looked at Charm without answering.

I’m not sure how to ask, Wild signed, pointedly changing the subject. Ocarina frowned at him, and Charm cocked his head quizzically, lips starting to purse. Wild continued, When I wear feminine clothing I prefer to be called a girl, but I have a friend who doesn’t. What do you want?

Charm relaxed. I'd never thought about it, actually. People just call me whatever. Usually 'pretty.' You have a dress? Most of the others don't.

No, Wild said ruefully. I think I'd like one, though. No, I have a traditional Gerudo vai outfit- look.

He leaned over to show Charm, and Charm leaned to look, humming in interest. Ocarina smiled at both of them, pleased to see them get along so easily. He had a feeling that Wild would fit right in, as long as he wasn't crowded.

To Ocarina's amusement, Charm and Wild talked about clothes until they were gently expelled from the milk bar, and then continued to compare outfits and enchantments and styles on the way towards the forge. Gulley seemed unbothered, happy to chase Navi like a butterfly while her giggles chimed in the air.

He wondered why Wild didn't wear chainmail, and more importantly, why it was apparently a sensitive topic.

Once they were close, Gulley ran ahead to reach the door first and announced, “Link's home! And he's brought more of him!”

“Oh, Goddess, not those weirdos,” someone groaned, and Charm snorted while Ocarina rolled his eyes. “I'm telling you, what's wrong with our Link, he's a perfectly good young- oh shit, you're here.”

“That's what I just said!” Gulley complained, and then immediately brightened up and turned back to them. “Don't mind Dad, he's curious, really. Hey, can you show him your sword? He's worked on it- wait, no, her, right? - he's worked on her a couple of times, and I think he'd really like to see her in other times.”

Wild wavered, uncertain, and Ocarina closed the door behind them and quickly reviewed what he knew before looking at Gulley.

He shouldn't touch her, Ocarina warned. The magic on Wild's sword has gotten to be pretty thick, so it's easy for someone to hurt themselves on it even if she likes them.

“I'll be damned,” the blacksmith marveled, but he didn't look deterred, and after only another moment, Wild drew his sword and set her across the table. Charm leaned close to look as well, looking just as curious; Ocarina remembered after a beat that he'd been training as a blacksmith before his journey. “That's a fat sheen of magic, alright – must be two thousand, three thousand years old at least from last I saw it. I've never seen master ore age quite this fine.”

Wild looked curious, but Ocarina actually didn't know what the blacksmith was talking about. He looked at Charm, and Charm shrugged sheepishly.

I found some old magic ore and asked him to toughen her a little, he admitted. In my defense, I didn't know she'd been forged by the goddess at the time.

“It was forged by what,” said the blacksmith, and Charm laughed, his careful facial control slipping a little to twist his scarring unnervingly, and reached up to scratch the back of his neck in embarrassment.

Ocarina had to chuckle.

It's fine, he reassured them both. Legacy took her to the dwarves for the same, Wind had his sages renew her enchantments, and Twilight added new ones. She's goddess-forged, not immutable.

Charm grunted. Wind is the child, right? And Twilight is the big brother?

Don't let Wind hear you call him that, Ocarina said with amusement. But yes, to both. Wind has a younger sister though. It's just that Twilight is the oldest of… He counted on his fingers. Seven? Seven kids in his village.

Charm combed his hand through his hair and chuckled ruefully. There are a lot of us.

You'll get used to it, Ocarina said sympathetically. He looked at Wild and asked, Did you add anything to her? Sky's been very curious. I should have thought of that when we were there.

Wild shook his head. I was pretty hard-pressed just to handle her as she was. Even when she was suppressing half her power it took me months to build up the strength to draw her, and it took another couple after that for me to be able to handle the rest.

Ocarina whistled softly and tried not to make it obvious how concerning he found that. The more he learned about Wild's era, the more he wanted to know; Wild was leaving an awful lot of questions deliberately unanswered. Ocarina was starting to wonder whether it was that Wild was closed off, or that everything was a sensitive topic. Instead, he cast about for a different one and looked at Charm.

You use some potions in smithing, don't you? he asked. Wild brews all of his own potions, so he'd probably be interested in hearing about them.

Both Charm and Wild brightened, which was exactly what Ocarina had wanted. He smiled to himself, left Navi to keep an eye on them, and went to sit beside the blacksmith, who eyed him a little warily. Ocarina gave him a small smile and an apologetic shrug, and then said, Gulley ran off before I could tell him Wild liked cooking. He'd probably be happy to make dinner, if you're okay with that.

Boy went to get the missus, I'm sure she'll be thrilled, the blacksmith replied without missing a beat. ...How did the new guy react to Link's... He made a vague gesture indicating a wide smile.

Ocarina blinked. Looking back, he wasn't sure Wild had reacted at all, and he told the blacksmith so. The man reached up to rub his face before he replied.

Good. That's good. It's... still a sensitive issue, with the boy. I'm... might be terrible, but I'm glad he's not the only one of y'all with a scar on his face.

Ocarina softened, giving the blacksmith a small, reassuring smile. No, it... makes sense. Charm, your Link, he's very proud of his appearance, isn't he? He's used to it being part of his charisma.

The blacksmith shrugged. His self-esteem took a hit after that injury, that's for sure. Looking back, I wish we'd paid him more mind right after the fact, but we were so busy worrying about Gulley... He shook his head and changed the topic. He's getting better about it, seems to focus more on his clothes than his face these days, but it still gets to him sometimes.

There's Wild, and then Twilight has some talon marks across his face, Ocarina informed him. Charm did seem comfortable with Twilight a little faster than most of the others, I suppose.

I don't know who that is, the blacksmith said helplessly. Ocarina winced. He didn't think this was a man used to being lost.

Six little siblings, twilight magic- you shouldn't have to worry too much even if you meet him, Ocarina tried to reassure him. The most important thing is that he's one of us. And has facial scars like Charm and Wild.

Great, I can pick him out of a lineup, the smith said, and Ocarina laughed.

He glanced up to find Charm and Wild both sitting by the forge, Charm pointing at different things and explaining something with great enthusiasm; Ocarina wasn't well angled to see, but he thought Charm might be walking Wild through the process of forging. Wild looked fascinated, too, all of his attention on Charm. As Ocarina watched, he asked a question, and Charm jumped to clarify, apparently delighted. Then Wild started taking things out of his slate, circlets and gems and monster parts, and Ocarina decided that the two of them weren't going to be done anytime soon.

Gulley walked in with his mother, who jumped when she saw Ocarina; it occurred to Ocarina after a moment that they hadn't met before. He gave her a small, apologetic smile and a wave, and then indicated the other two.

If these two ever finish talking about enchanted metals, I'll ask Wild if he's interested in cooking dinner, Ocarina said. Unlike the rest of us, he's good with a lot more than just soup.

Oh, he's welcome anytime, then, Gulley's mother said teasingly, but her eyes lingered on Wild and Charm, thoughtful and then pleased.

Ocarina had to smile too. Yeah, he was glad to see the two of them both so happy.

Chapter Text

You're predictable, Legacy said, almost before Ocarina had spotted him.

Startled, Ocarina had to force his hackles down before he gave Legacy a wry grin. And so are you. Who told you?

Sky, Legacy said plainly, and he came over, sat by Ocarina, and knocked their boots together amiably.

After they spent the night with Charm, at his own insistence, the three of them had gone back to Kakariko, and Charm had immediately taken it upon himself to show Wild around Kakariko properly, he said. More than pleased with how well they were getting along, Ocarina had agreed. He wondered what had drawn Legacy's attention so quickly.

Sky implied that the new kid was another bad timeline, Legacy explained. Ocarina looked away, and Navi tugged his hair gently, trying in her own way to comfort him.

We don't know for sure, he said, a little defensively. Then he exhaled. But probably. He hasn't mentioned the seal or the sages. And he seems... worn. If he is, he's after Lonely. He shrugged. It really is hard to be certain. He's very reserved, so I still don't know a lot about his journey.

Yeah, he would be, Legacy said grimly, and Ocarina went quiet.

At just over thirty, Legacy was older than most of them by about a decade. He'd also been on more journeys than any of them, and it was, in a manner of speaking, entirely Ocarina's fault.

Legacy sighed.

I didn't come here to salt the wound, he signed. Where is he?

He and Charm are shopping, Ocarina said, allowing himself a small smile. Do you want Navi to go find them?

No, let them have their fun, Legacy dismissed. How are they getting along?

Legacy could make fun of Ocarina all he liked, but he was every bit the mother hen Ocarina was. Very well, actually. They both have enchanted outfits and Wild was pretty interested in learning about forging. And they both like effeminate clothes. I think Charm was taking Wild to get a good riding dress.

Legacy nodded thoughtfully, and then tilted his head down the road. Ocarina got up to follow him, and Legacy led him north and into a house, which turned out to be a fortune-teller’s. The fortune-teller raised both his eyebrows at their entry, and then caught the red rupee Legacy tossed at him.

The fortune-teller closed his eyes and mumbled for a very long minute, and Legacy waited patiently for him to finish. Ocarina exhaled and looked at Navi. Go and let Charm and Wild know where we are if they come looking?

Navi snickered at him and bobbed in place, and then took off back to Kakariko. Lucky her.

“You seek advice about friendship,” the fortune-teller declared at last. “However, there are other things looming. If you desire, I can also tell you about your prison.”

Ocarina was a little dubious, but without hesitation, Legacy tossed the fortune-teller another red rupee. The fortune-teller caught it and tucked it away.

“Your new friend,” the fortune-teller said decisively. “His trials have harmed him beyond your greatest imaginings. It is not healing he seeks. It is solace. He will pursue this end for the rest of his life.”

The words made Ocarina both doubtful and uneasy, but Legacy just nodded, and then gestured for the fortune-teller to go on.

“You know the shape of your prison already,” the fortune-teller said without preamble. “But you do not know your sentence. When you do, a sacred melody will set you free.”

Legacy nodded shortly, dipped into the shallowest of bows of acknowledgement, and then turned around and left. Ocarina followed, confused.

Do you always do that? he had to ask, sitting down beside Legacy with their legs dangling over the cliff. Legacy shrugged.

Sometimes. I did it for Charm and Lonely, and for you. Ocarina blinked at him, startled, and Legacy snorted. You didn’t have a fortune-teller, did you? They’re no good for making a plan, but it’s good to have something to keep in mind when you make choices. The fortune-teller I talked to about you said that children and foolishness were fast but fleeting friends.

…And that’s why you decided to forgive me, Ocarina said, as unsure as not.

Yeah, Legacy agreed simply. What I’m thinking is, Wild either can’t or won’t be fixed. Doesn’t mean he can’t be helped.

And the prison? Ocarina asked warily.

Don’t know, but I’ve never had a fortune-teller offer information unprompted like that, Legacy said. I figured it was important.

Before Ocarina could reply, he caught a flash of glitter and looked up to see Navi darting toward him. She skittered to a halt on his knee and waved to Legacy, and then said, “They’re on their way.”

Sure enough, only a few minutes later, Charm and Wild were on their way back. They clearly hadn’t bothered to stop talking, and Wild was indeed wearing a dress now, plain blue fabric with part of the hem clipped up to the thigh for maneuverability; it went well with the diamond circlet. He- she? She was also holding an odd, short weapon with three wicked-looking crooked blades, showing it to Charm.

I’ve never seen a monster use a weapon like that, Charm was saying, clearly fascinated. Moblins, sometimes, but nothing this specialized. I always thought they stole them.

A lot of monsters in my era make their own weapons, but they steal some too, Wild replied, casually disappearing the weapon back into her slate. I got most of my Hylian weapons from monsters, since nearly all the ones laying around were rusty.

Charm laughed a little, surprised and confused in equal measure. Couldn’t you have gotten some from a Hylian blacksmith, if you needed them that badly?

Wild frowned. There weren’t any Hylian blacksmiths left in my era, but I could have gone to a Gerudo or a Goron one. I guess I never thought of it because I’d go through weapons so quickly, and it takes weeks to forge just one. Seems like a waste.

Charm paused, and his brow creased in concern. Why weren’t there blacksmiths in your era?

Ocarina made a false motion to step in, but Legacy got there first, hopping down from the ledge and drawing both their attention as he strode over. Because he’s from the tail end of the failure timeline, and they’re in a rough patch. Right?

To Ocarina’s surprise, Wild just looked away and nodded.

I’m pretty sure, she agreed. I spent a lot of time researching old legends of the hero, and every historian I found agreed that the true version of Ocarina’s legend was that he never sealed away Ganon. It… made a lot of sense, when Ocarina told me there were a couple different timelines.

And he hadn’t said a word. Ocarina’s face heated with startled shame, realizing that Wild had gone… certainly at least the first several hours, assuming that Ocarina failed in every timeline.

It went a long ways to explain why he’d been so deliberately gentle when they talked about Ocarina’s journey. Ocarina hated the thought, though he wasn’t sure why.

Charm tilted his head, surprised. Why were you researching the old legends? Curiosity? Legacy looked at him, and Charm elaborated, I knew a little from other people, especially about you, but I was too embarrassed to look deeper into it. It seemed vain.

Wild’s face was colored with what, after several moments of concerned observation, Ocarina thought might be angry humiliation, but her snap still came as a surprise.

I just did. It’s none of your business why, Wild signed sharply. Charm stiffened, startled, and opened his mouth as if to reply but nothing came out. Wild looked away, her shoulders stiff and suddenly projecting hostility.

“Hey,” Ocarina said softly, trying to catch Wild’s eye. “Won’t ask.”

Wild’s lips pressed more firmly together, but some of the anger drained out of her frame, leaving just the mortification – far too intense to be over something as little as vanity.

Charm was still looking stung and unsure, but Legacy stepped in again before Ocarina could interfere, snapping his fingers and grunting until Wild looked at him.

Hey. I’m Legacy, Legacy said plainly, expression edged with the softness he reserved for the incarnations he shared a timeline with. I’m right after this bastard- He indicated Ocarina. -in the same timeline as you. I had to put Ganon down about four damn times, the persistent motherfucker, so I’ve seen a lot over the years.

Wild was back to avoiding looking at them. It was definitely shame on her face now.

Seemingly unbothered, Legacy knocked Wild gently on the shoulder and added, I was also raised by my uncle, who’s a career criminal. You can imagine I’ve hung out in a lot of seedy places. Wild snorted, easing up into an almost-smile, and Legacy smirked. Yeah. Harangued a couple thief gangs for rupees too. Bet pretty-boy’s never set foot in a place like that.

We all look almost exactly the same, Charm argued, but he was smiling. And Lorule had an entire thieves’ town, I went there plenty.

The hell is Lorule? Legacy asked him, but Charm deferred, amusement glimmering in his eyes.

Relieved, Ocarina dropped back to leave them to it and looked at Navi.

I think he’s more sensitive about his capabilities than I realized, he admitted to her. She bobbed in place.

“I don’t think that’s gonna get better, either,” she said, worried. “He won’t even talk about it! How are we supposed to help if he doesn’t talk about it?”

Ocarina shrugged helplessly. He’d tried reassuring Wild that they’d all skirted close to failure, he’d been as open as he could about his own flaws, he’d agreed not to tell anyone until Wild was ready – but he was starting to worry that wasn’t enough.

Whatever happened, it’s rooted deep, he said. I think we’ll have to figure out the shape of it before we do him any good, and we’re not gonna manage it in a day. Or a month.

“If anyone can do it, you can, Link,” Navi said quietly, and then went to hide under his hat.

Ocarina sighed, and then looked back up at the three in front of him, who were still engaged in conversation. Wild seemed to have calmed down a little, and she was earnestly telling the other two about a man called Bowlcut who’d thrown himself into building an entire new town, with more than a little help from Wild, from the sound of it. Legacy was nodding along, and Charm looked thoughtful.

You ever meet an old man, S-a-h-a-s-r-a-h-l-a? Legacy asked suddenly.

S-a-h-a-what? Wild repeated with obvious consternation. Legacy snorted.

Yeah, that was what I thought of his name too. Must be a family name, because Charm and I both met one, told us the legend of the hero and where to get the pendants of virtue.

The pendants of what? Wild asked. Legacy’s eyebrows rose, and he glanced at Wild’s back.

You’ve got the sword, you must have found them at some point. These little baubles? That you need to get the master sword?

He rummaged briefly through his pack and pulled out three innocuous-looking little balls, each marked with the sign of a goddess, in red, blue, and green. Wild shook her head, and Legacy frowned. So did Charm. Ocarina coughed.

Lonely mentioned that he didn’t need them either, he said, hiding a smile. I definitely didn’t.

…That bastard, Legacy snapped, looking as irritated as if the ghost of Sahasrahla had come to personally kick him in the face. He still put the pendants safely away.

Wild snorted. If it makes you feel better, I still couldn’t pick her up as soon as I found her. Wasn’t strong enough. I had to come back a few months later, after I’d completed more shrines.

Unexpectedly, Legacy broke into a grin. A moment later, Ocarina made the connection and smiled too, startled but pleased.

The only good thing to come out of Ocarina’s failure had been Legacy’s innovation. Too many exhausting journeys and repeated attempts to force Ganon back into the void had spurred Legacy into coming up with a system to help the hero and the princess do their duty. Ocarina understood, too – both Legacy and his Zelda had been absolutely exhausted by the end of their second time putting Ganon down, never mind the fourth. As far as he knew, Legacy wasn’t even convinced their work was done – he thought they’d need one last salvo, with the new system in place, before he went under for the next few centuries.

Ocarina hadn’t realized the system had been found by Wild’s time, but he was pleased.

So you dug those back up? Legacy asked, delighted. That’s great, Charm and Lonely never did. Were they any help?

The shrines? Wild asked, and then her eyes lit up. The shrines! Did you help set those up? And the towers? Legacy grinned wider and nodded. They were wonderful, I never would’ve recovered properly without them. And the Sheikah slate – let me show you what some of my friends did with the Sheikah slate.

Without hesitation, almost vibrating with delight, Wild scooted closer to Legacy and angled herself to show him the slate’s surface, did something with it, and then it said, “My name is Link.” A few more taps. “I can communicate with my Sheikah slate. It takes some time to choose all of my words, but I can communicate effectively.”

Legacy laughed aloud, pleased. I never would have thought of that! That’s great. You’re like me, Lonely, and Charm, aren’t you? Don’t speak at all? Wild nodded. Never a better time to make that work then. What about the guardians?

Ocarina suppressed a chuckle. Legacy had been especially proud of that idea, and sometimes it seemed like he never stopped talking about it. He’d been incredibly put out that the whole system hadn’t even made it to Charm’s time, the void between eras apparently swallowing it whole.

Wild frowned in confusion, and then echoed Legacy’s sign, an ‘o’ formed in her hand cutting across her chest, close to ‘shield’. Legacy’s grin eased into something wry, not quite hiding his disappointment.

No? Well, that’s alright. Glad the shrines and the towers helped.

Wild nodded so earnestly that even Navi stifled a giggle.

Chapter Text

Legacy knew how to sail, which was good, considering that the odds of Wind happening to visit or even pass by the Tower of the Gods just as they visited were slim to none. Charm declined to come along, which didn’t surprise Ocarina, though he was a little disappointed. It would have been nice for Charm and Wild to have more time to get acquainted.

But it was just the three of them who went through the gate into Wind’s era, emerging in a Hyrule Castle that was deep underwater and deadly quiet. Ocarina had been watching Wild for long enough now that he saw his eyes light up, even though his face remained largely neutral.

Ocarina tilted his head, amused, and Wild needed no further invitation to take off, exploring the abandoned castle with avid curiosity. Navi bobbed a little, toward Wild and then back, but Ocarina shook his head. No need to keep an eye on Wild in here. Anything that moved was long gone.

Legacy had taken up the rear, and he was watching with amusement as Wild started to look around and then climb the walls. I get the feeling that Wild doesn’t think much of invisible boundaries.

Ocarina shook his head, smiling faintly. He gets into everything. You should have seen him when we went to Lake Hylia. He found nooks I didn’t even know were there, and that’s my area.

The two of them idled there for a while, the conversation shifting to Lonely and his daughter – apparently Lonely had been in Legacy’s era for the past few weeks before moving along to Ocarina’s, and Legacy’s uncle was missing her already. It made Ocarina smile. Mattie would certainly never be short on people who loved her.

Eventually, Wild returned, all but glowing with satisfaction. He showed Ocarina a few weapons he’d scavenged out of the corners of the castle, a crossbow and a heavy shield and a few swords in varying shapes. He’d found a few books, too, and asked earnestly if Ocarina thought he could take them. Ocarina hid a smile and nodded.

Wind and Tetra will have already taken everything they really wanted, he assured Wild. What do you want them for?

Wild shrugged, a smile flickering across his face. I like books. He thought about that, and then amended, I like having books. It’s mostly Princess Z that reads them. Where are we going?

Legacy snorted, clambering to his feet, and jerked his head down one hall.

That way, he said. We’ll have to exit the castle through the Tower of the Gods, but it shouldn’t be a hard trip.

Wild nodded firmly, and Navi flitted on ahead, exploring the corridors for any unexpected obstacles while the three of them followed along behind. Ocarina didn’t idle. Wind’s castle was too much like the one in his own time, and there was something unsettling about the total stillness.

Do you have to be getting back? Ocarina asked Wild, concerned. This is likely to take a while. The others will understand if you have to check in at home after this.

Wild shook his head. No, it’s fine. Princess Z gave me leave to take… pretty much as long as we need for this.

Good, Ocarina signed warmly. Then we can take our time. If we’re lucky, we’ll be able to visit Wind’s family as well. He has a grandmother and a little sister. His grandmother makes a wonderful soup too, you might be able to get the recipe from her.

Wild smiled brightly, and then they had to focus on getting through the tower. Ocarina was well familiar with the route by now, but there were a few places where they had to swim or jump across gaps, and a few where they had to work together to hit switches that had reset in the meantime.

Legacy took on the task of distracting Wild from going down the side routes. Ocarina appreciated it, because he and Navi certainly weren’t going to try. Legacy looked fond, though, and Ocarina suspected that he was quickly taking to the newest addition.

“Watch out!”

Navi’s warning came just in time; Wild had crawled out of the water to peek through one of the side doors, and all three of them reacted as the reactivated beamos fired instantly. Ocarina ducked behind a pillar, Legacy behind his shield, and Wild-

Wild dodged behind the corner, breaking the beamos’ line of sight, and then crumpled to the ground and started panting. It took about two seconds for Ocarina to realize he was having a panic attack.

Ocarina jerked his head at Navi, and she darted right for the beamos, drawing his aim to its vulnerable eye. In another moment, an arrow pierced the delicate machinery, and it whirred to a halt and went quiet.

Legacy was already on one knee beside Wild, grasping his forearm in a calm, firm grip, his other hand rubbing Wild’s shoulder as if to comfort him. He hummed low in his throat, a deep, steady sound that was somehow soothing. Wild was curled in on himself, one hand covering his mouth, clearly mortified and just as clearly struggling to bring the attack under control.

Ocarina hopped across the water and knelt down in front of Wild, who met his eyes for only a split second before dropping his gaze again.

Sorry, Wild fumbled out, taking air in rapid, shallow gulps. Sorry, sorry, I- it’s- eye, it had an eye, it had an eye, I know, I didn’t think, I wasn’t…

You’re safe, Ocarina said firmly. There’s nothing in here but us, and we’re not in any hurry. He paused long enough for Wild to meet his eyes, and then asked, more gently, Would you like it if I played a little?

Wild stared at him for a moment, still panting, and then nodded meekly. His eyes glimmered with the threat of tears.

Ocarina sat back to give Wild space, took his ocarina off his hip, and brought it to his mouth to play the Song of Healing. Navi landed on his knee. Legacy was still holding tightly to Wild’s arm.

It took over half an hour for Wild to calm down.

That was the part that really worried Ocarina. Sky would panic sometimes, but he could be soothed without undue effort. Ocarina’d had longer episodes in the past, but they were usually after nightmares, not a jumpscare from a beamos. But Wild took half an hour before he’d relaxed against the wall, looking worn out by the ordeal and still curled up in shame, and worse, unsurprised by the whole thing.

Finally, though, Wild squeezed Legacy’s forearm gently, and Legacy gave him a solemn nod and let go. Wild rolled his shoulders, and then signed, Sorry.

Don’t worry about it, Legacy said firmly. Can you tell me what happened?

Wild looked uncomfortable, and he cracked his neck one way, then the other before he answered. It had- its eye. It looked like a -----.

It took Ocarina a moment to recognize the sign as the same one Wild had used for the towering machines in his era, but he immediately understood. He supposed the glowing eye of a beamos did resemble the massive targeting system those things used, though the difference in scale was laughable and beamos fired much… faster…

Already softened, Ocarina felt his sympathy redouble. And you’re used to them firing on a delay, he signed, but the beamos fired right away.

Wild wiped his eyes and nodded.

----- seem to be unique to Wild’s era, Ocarina explained to Legacy, who was watching with a furrowed brow. But they hit very hard, and they’re nearly indestructible. I was struggling to handle them even with my experience. I can’t imagine how bad they must have been when Wild was starting out.

Bad, Wild signed, which might have been funny in any other context.

Legacy’s expression turned faintly grim. Great. What do they look like?

Ocarina looked at Wild for permission, and Wild shrugged and hid his face. Ocarina looked back to Legacy. Almost like… beamos spiders, I’d say. The size of a house, six legs – I think it had a Sheikah pattern on its body. He considered for a moment. Kind of looked like an upside-down pot. What’s wrong?

Legacy had gone pale. That’s not funny.

Ocarina frowned at him, looked at Navi, who shrugged, and then back up to Legacy. Why would it be funny?

Legacy stared blankly at him for a few long moments, and then, all at once, his expression shuttered. Never mind. Let’s head out before it starts getting dark.

Legacy’s strange behavior continued until they were well out over the sea, but Wild turned out to be delighted by the entire process of sailing, and his incessant questions seemed to ease Legacy’s bad mood. He explained the intricacies of working with the wind, turning the sails, navigating by memory and the sky, and Wild listened intently, as if he thought he, too, would be sailing over the open water someday.

That love of exploration turned out to be what finally got Wild to open up about his own Hyrule in earnest. With minimal prompting, he told them about the sodden Lanayru Wetlands that marked the start of Zora River, and then a little fishing village on the eastern shore. Thundra Plateau, muddy and thick with electric monsters and lightning storms, and his era’s Faron rainforest.

Then he kept talking, same as he had when he was showing Ocarina his map the week before. He told them about the icy mountains of Hebra, and the tiny hot springs tucked among the peaks. A beautiful hidden pond east of Zora’s Domain. The Gerudo Highlands and a herd of bokoblin that rode on bears instead of horses.

Ocarina could easily believe that Wild would be happy to talk about his Hyrule, and all its beautiful and secret treasures, for as long as they would let him.

They were still in the open sea long after night fell. Wild seemed to pass out all at once; Ocarina took a few minutes to discuss where Legacy was steering them – Outset Island, apparently – and then he turned around and Wild had slid down off his seat, cheek pressed against the boat wall, fast asleep.

Legacy turned around and chuckled when he found Wild.

You should sleep too, he signed to Ocarina. I’ll have us at Outset by morning. I’ll sleep then.

Ocarina yawned, possibly proving Legacy’s point. I have a question first. Legacy cocked an eyebrow at him. What did you find so strange about my description of the -----?

Legacy’s expression immediately morphed into a scowl, but he did turn away from the sails to look at Ocarina. He mimicked the sign, the little o swiped across his eyes like the sign for death. That sign. Remind you of anything?

Ocarina gave him a blank, flat look. Legacy’s lips pressed tightly together.

Guardian, Legacy signed. A little o, swiped across his chest like the sign for shield. Ocarina didn’t have time to express his dawning alarm before Legacy continued, clearly agitated, The way you described it – that’s what the guardians are supposed to look like. That’s what they’re supposed to be like, massive and indestructible and fucking safe. What the hell did they do that traumatized Wild?

He turned on his heel and aimed a frustrated kick at one of the boat walls. His scowl said that he hadn’t put enough force behind it to be satisfying, probably because he didn’t want to capsize them.

They were supposed to make this goddess-damned hell curse bearable, not make him battlesick, Legacy snapped. He must have been bottling this up the entire time, staunchly refusing to melt down so soon after Wild had calmed. Now that Wild was asleep, all bets were off. Without thinking, Ocarina scooped Navi out of the air and tucked her against his chest. They didn’t help Lonely, they didn’t help Charm, and then they apparently sprang out of the earth to fuck up Wild! What the hell was the point then?

Legacy’s veneer of rage cracked into the border of hysteria, and Ocarina understood. Legacy had come in only a century or two after Ganon’s long reign of terror, and he’d all but burnt himself out trying to make sure Ganondorf stayed down long enough for Hyrule to breathe. The Sheikah tech, the system meant to ensure that Ganon never rose to power in that timeline again, had been the only thing Legacy really wanted to last.

Legacy paced back and forth across the boat, and Ocarina watched him, waiting patiently to get a word in edgewise.

He turned on Ocarina.

How bad is it? he asked, blunt and straightforward and exactly what Ocarina had been hoping he wouldn’t ask. Navi shifted against Ocarina’s chest, and he resisted the urge to look away.

He thought of the ruins of a tiny settlement on the northern bank of a river. A pile of rotting leather covers without any paper to fill them, the remains of what must have once been a bookshelf.

He remembered the splintered rails of a crib, crushed under old, worn stone.

I didn’t see very much, he signed. But it didn’t look good.

Legacy kicked the wall again.

I hate this! Legacy snapped. This sucks!

Ocarina had to stifle an inappropriate laugh. He thought that Legacy probably knew now how Ocarina had felt when he learned about the timeline branching from his failure.

Finally, Legacy slumped to the ground and leaned back against the mast, looking bone-deep tired. For a long moment, both of them were quiet and still, and the only sound was the waves around them.

Think this is karma for choosing my name as a dig at you, Legacy signed at last, and Ocarina let out a startled laugh.

Apparently a legacy of failure just runs in the line, he said wryly, and then leaned back, looking at Wild. Wild asked me not to tell anyone how bad it is in his era. I don’t know if you noticed, but he’s a little touchy about it. I’m… trying to be gentle.

You always do, Legacy said, with less condemnation than usual. Yeah, alright. I’ll avoid the topic. At this point, I’m kinda thinking I don’t want to know anyway.

Now that was a lie. Ocarina wanted to know, and Legacy did too. It was asking that was out of the question.

Navi crawled up Ocarina’s arm and to his shoulder like a butterfly, hands and feet so little he barely felt them tugging at his clothes, and said, “Wild has a house. It’s nice. He has bookshelves and a stable and a little kitchen.”

Legacy softened, and Ocarina thought that that had been exactly what he needed to hear. Yeah? He spend a lot of time there?

“He said he hasn’t been done with his journey long,” Navi said. “And I think he’s maybe busy. But it looked lived-in. He had an icebox with milk and cream in it. And there was half a loaf of bread in a basket. I think he maybe baked it himself.”

The tension drained slowly out of Legacy, and he sighed, tipping his head back against the mast for a moment. Then he lifted it again and said, Good. That’s good.

Both of them were still for a while. Ocarina swung his arm over the edge of the boat and set his cheek against the crook of his arm, watching the water slosh and swirl. The boat dipped and swayed, and before he realized it, his eyes were slipping shut.

“It’s okay,” he heard Navi say to Legacy. “You know that my Link will take care of him. He’s good at that.”

Legacy grunted in agreement, and if anything else was said, Ocarina didn’t hear it. He had fallen asleep.

When Ocarina woke up, the boat had been anchored by the dock, and Legacy was passed out a few feet away. Wild was at first nowhere to be seen, but before Ocarina could worry, Navi tugged at his hair and said, “He went exploring.”

Ocarina yawned and looked around again, but even looking further away, he couldn’t find any trace of Wild. Then again, given the other’s habits, he’d probably disappeared into the wilderness already. Has anyone told Wind’s grandmother that we’re here?

“I don’t think so,” Navi said.

Ocarina hummed, and then climbed out onto the deck and started towards Wind’s family home. A few people waved to him as he came in, and he waved back without thinking, most of his attention on mentally combing the island for places Wild could have gone.

He knocked on the door and waited to be invited in, and then poked his head inside. It was just Grandmother and Aryll, as he had expected, and Aryll waved at him from her seat on the counter while Grandmother gave him a warm smile.

“Good morning, dear. I didn’t know you were coming! I would have made enough for three.”

Looked like she’d made biscuits and butter. Ocarina hummed, and Navi said, “It’s okay, ma’am! We came in really late. Have you met Wild yet?”

“Wild?” Grandmother said thoughtfully, and then, surprising Ocarina, “That wouldn’t be the young gentleman with the burn scars that showed up earlier this morning, would he? I knew we hadn’t quite met before. He came by to help me hang the laundry.”

That’s him, Ocarina agreed, pleased. Do you know where he went?

“No. Should I have asked?” She looked so genuinely concerned that Ocarina had to smile.

No, it’s okay, Wild likes to wander off. I was just curious. Do you happen to know where Wind was headed next? Wild is new, I want to introduce them.

“Well, now, I hope you introduce us as well,” Grandmother said haughtily, and then she went to get a map and show Ocarina the route that Wind had explained to her – apparently they’d only missed him by a day.

Going over the route turned into telling Grandmother about the new arrival, which turned into worrying about the new arrival, and Grandmother started to reassure Ocarina and go over all the ways she liked to help soothe Wind’s constant anxiety and by the time Legacy wandered in, rubbing his face tiredly, Ocarina was relaxed and smiling.

Where’s Wild? Legacy asked, a little bit grouchy, and Ocarina chuckled, leaned back, and shrugged.

Do you want to go look? he asked, and without waiting for an answer, looked at Grandmother. We’ll go find him and introduce you properly.

“That would be nice, dear,” she said warmly.

Chapter Text

Wild eventually returned on his own; apparently he’d managed to find the Great Fairy that lived in the forest. Ocarina introduced him properly to Grandmother and Aryll, but they left almost immediately after that. They didn’t want to fall too far behind Tetra’s ship, after all, or they’d be chasing them for weeks.

Farore’s Wind doesn’t actually make wind, sorry, Ocarina said to Legacy. Legacy looked outraged. I know. I guess manual travel is below Lady Farore’s domain.

Legacy snorted, tugging at the sails grumpily. It figures that the only one of us that can control the wind is the one we need wind to find. Wild sat up, pursing his lips, and Legacy grunted. I know you offered, dumbass, I still say no. We don’t need to move faster that damn badly. Maybe when we’re within sight.

Wild looked dissatisfied, but he didn’t argue, instead turning his attention on the open water. He looked a bit wistful as he scanned the horizon, and Ocarina thought he’d probably like to explore Wind’s oceans sometime.

So the three of them were just sailing for almost a day, for the most part content to sit quietly and watch the water. Wild snacked on fruit almost constantly and shared whenever asked; apparently he had a pretty sizeable supply in his slate, and yes, Ocarina did see how smug Legacy looked at that. Navi got an entire berry to herself, which openly delighted her. Like a traitor, she sat in Wild’s hair to eat it, and got berry juice all over her face.

Ocarina rolled his eyes, leaned down, and caught some water in two cupped hands. He held it up to Navi and raised an eyebrow, and she giggled bashfully and knelt down to wash it off.

“Tastes like salt,” she complained halfheartedly, and then yelped and beat her wings when she nearly tumbled forward into the makeshift pool. Ocarina tossed the water out, smiling in amusement.

It made for a pretty peaceful journey.

Eventually, when the sun was beginning to set, Legacy shouted and pointed off into the distance, drawing their attention to a faraway ship. Ocarina didn’t have a good enough memory for ships to tell if it was Tetra’s, but Legacy was smirking.

Now would be a good time for that leaf of yours, he said to Wild. Wild had been dozing until then, but he hopped to his feet without hesitation, and within a few seconds, Ocarina was snatching Navi out of the air to keep her close as they sped up dramatically. Legacy tugged at the sails every once in a while to keep their path straight, but it ended up being less than another half hour before they reached Tetra’s boat, with its hook lowering to grab theirs already.

“Mother Hylia, you’re such a freak,” was the greeting Tetra gave them before they’d even gotten off the boat. “What was so damn important- oh hey, who are you?”

Ocarina hid a grin behind his fist. Tetra really wasn’t like any other Zelda he’d ever met.

Wild looked amused too. I’m Wild. Hi.

“Link!” Tetra immediately bellowed, turning her head to the other end of the boat. “Get your lazy ass up here!”

A few wordless shouts of complaint rose from somewhere under the deck, but a few minutes later, the door swung open. Wind came darting out, skidding on his feet from halfway across the boat and coming to a halt only a few feet away, eyes bright. Niko followed shortly behind.

“Ah!” Wind shouted cheerfully, and waved once before he started signing. Hi, it’s only been a couple weeks since you last checked on me, is something wrong? Why is Legacy here, you and Legacy don’t travel together?

Before he was halfway done, Wind’s expression was already beginning to turn worried, and Ocarina shook his head, patting the air in a soothing gesture.

Everything’s fine, a portal to a new era opened and I wanted to introduce you, Ocarina explained. ­­This is Wild, he’s from the far end of Legacy’s timeline. You know how Legacy gets about his brothers.

Understanding flickered across Wind’s face, and he grunted and nodded firmly.

What do you mean, how I get about my brothers? Legacy demanded.

He means that you would force him to take a long walk off a short plank if you thought it would benefit Lonely, Tetra informed Legacy bluntly, and then, to Wild, He’s babying you, isn’t he? Tell me I’m wrong.

“Um,” Wild said, looking incredibly uncomfortable. Ocarina snorted.

Leave him alone, he doesn’t like being crowded, he told her. Tetra looked outraged.

I’m one person!

No, you’re an entire crowd all by yourself.

While they bantered, some of the crew were crowding Wild, who edged back all the way to the edge of the boat without changing expression. Ocarina looked at Navi, who went to whisper in Legacy’s ear.

“Eh!” Legacy snapped, going to elbow and bump them away before he turned to Wild. What were you going to do if they kept pushing, jump off?

Yes, Wild replied without hesitation, but he’d relaxed a little and was now leaning back a little more comfortably. This is a pirate crew, isn’t it? Is Wind here all the time?

The crew mumbled and bumped among each other for a minute before Mako, with his spiral glasses and his stained book tucked under one arm, shuffled forward to sign back. What’s it to you?

Wild tilted his head, looking more unimpressed than disconcerted, and without missing a beat he said, Do you get a lot out of exploring without being inquisitive?

Mako spluttered, dropping his book on the deck, and Legacy laughed out loud. Wind turned to watch the ruckus and jumped when he saw the way they were assembled. He gave Ocarina a distracted pat on the elbow and then scurried over, and Ocarina lifted a fist to his mouth to hide a smile.

“Shove off!” Wind scolded his crewmates, pushing them shamelessly around until most of them were grudgingly treading off back to work. “Go! Squiffy hornswagglers! Work, ye bastards!”

“You can’t say nothing but swears!” one of them yelled back, and Wind snorted, grinning fondly even as he turned back to the others.

Wild, right? he asked, and without waiting for an answer, You’re scarred up like a pirate, I think we’ll get along just fine.

Don’t talk like you’re a pirate born and raised, Tetra scoffed at him.

Try and stop me, Wind said cheerfully, and then turned expectant eyes on a visibly overwhelmed Wild, wavering indecisively on his feet.

What are you looking for? he asked at last, so earnest that Ocarina could see Wind’s rough pirate demeanor melt away instantly.

Well, you might’ve noticed that there’s a lot of water in this era! Wind explained, tilting his head at the endless sea. Wild nodded. We’re looking for a big enough landmass to establish a new capital for Hyrule, ‘cause the old one is, you know, underwater. I guess I know we manage it eventually, because Tracks is after me and he’s never been on a boat in his life, but I don’t know, there’s really a lot, a lot of water, I think there might be something I have to do to make the water fall before we even have a chance-

Wild cut off what Ocarina easily recognized as the beginning of one of Wind’s anxiety spirals, seemingly without even noticing. Is it just you and your friends?

Tetra and her crew! Wind exclaimed, perking up a little. Looking at the two of them, Ocarina suspected that Wind was only a few years younger than Wild, but he really would have to ask Wild’s age eventually. And we’ve got some help! A couple of the Rito are helping out, and Linebeck too! He says it’s just ‘cause he wants to find the treasure first, but I think he likes the adventure of it all.

Ocarina kept an eye on them as they slowly relaxed into conversation – Wild had remembered Ocarina’s comment about the Rito, and they were comparing notes now. Ocarina looked at Legacy.

You should get some sleep, he said, unable to help himself. You’ve missed a lot in the last couple days, working the sails.

I’m a decade older than you, Legacy said, but he didn’t look too bothered. He stretched, leaning back against the boat wall, and then relaxed with a sigh. He did look tired. In a bit. I want to make sure Wild’s alright.

Ocarina nudged him gently. He’s with Wind. You know Wind wouldn’t hurt a fly by word or deed.

Now we both know that’s just a straight-up lie, Legacy said, and then he yawned. Fine. Have Navi wake me if something happens.

Will do, Ocarina promised, amused despite himself. Legacy trudged off to disappear below-deck, probably to carve out a place to nap among whatever treasure was stored down there at the moment.

Ocarina didn’t realize that Niko hadn’t taken off with the rest until the boy was almost right on top of him – a little twelve year old, all round cheeks and false bravado.

Link’s busy! Niko signed at last, staring defiantly up at Ocarina. Ocarina wanted to pinch his cheek. Too busy for any of your nonsense!

He stuck his tongue out. Ocarina did pinch that, making Niko yelp, pull away, and clap both hands over his mouth, staring incredulously at Ocarina. Ocarina smirked at him and leaned back against the mast.

He’s not going anywhere, Ocarina reassured Niko, impossibly fond. What were you up to? I bet you know where you’re going.

Niko brightened instantly and nodded, quick and eager. Yeah, yeah! We’re going to see that Linebeck guy. Link’s real excited about it. Says he’s missed the dude. I don’t see why. He’s a real dick.

Long journeys together can do funny things to a relationship. Ocarina glanced up. Wild was looking more comfortable already. Where did Tetra go?

She’s watching from the crow’s nest, Niko informed him, but Ocarina had already forgotten the question. After a second, he glanced at Navi.

Tell Legacy not to arrive complaining, he told her, and returned his attention to Wind and Wild as Navi darted off.

Not anything? Wind asked, with the wide, worried eyes he gave to people who were telling him terribly sad things. Wild shrugged, not seeming to notice the gravity of Wind’s reaction.

Bits and pieces over the years, he said nonsensically. I kept all my muscle memory though. You really forgot completely how to use a sword?

It was a hell of a blow to the head, Wind said sheepishly. I mean, I did fall off a boat and everything. I never lost all my memories though. That’s terrible. Do you think you’ll ever get them back?

All of them? No, Wild said bluntly, and Ocarina thought he looked tired. But I think I’ll be remembering things for the rest of my life. He nudged Wind’s foot with his own. Don’t look so sad. It gets easier every year. And I’m glad you got to remember everything.

I’m sorry you didn’t, Wind replied immediately, and Wild softened.

It was at that moment that a grouchy Legacy stumped over, his drawn face showing that the journey there had cost more than he’d admitted. He was wearing a deep scowl, but he didn’t come up bitching about having just been sent to bed, which meant that Navi had gotten across the gravity well enough.

Go ask Wind and Wild what they’re talking about, Ocarina instructed him. Legacy raised an unimpressed eyebrow. It’s important.

That was all Legacy needed. He went and inserted himself into the conversation, and while Wild looked immediately uncomfortable, he didn’t move away.

I was telling Wild about how I hit my head and forgot a bunch of things after Tetra and I boarded the Phantom Ship, Wind explained, tapping his feet restlessly on the deck. And Wild got really worried and asked if I still couldn’t remember.

I know that story, Legacy agreed, but his eyes were on Wild. Wild shrugged, pressing back against the rail in discomfort.

I lost my memory before I started traveling, he said at last, when no one looked away. It was pretty complete, so I... worried.

Legacy’s brow furrowed. How complete is complete?

I tried to roast bokoblin meat a couple of times, Wild said.

“Ew!” Wind exclaimed. Why?

Wild shrugged sheepishly. Meat is meat, I figured it wouldn’t matter much. Tasted putrid though. Wouldn’t recommend it.

And you did this more than once? Ocarina asked, unable to help himself.

I always forgot just how bad it tasted, Wild admitted. If I was really tired and couldn’t go hunting I’d try and tell myself I could cover the taste with Goron spices or honey or something. Not true, by the way.

Is this why you’ve been dodging questions about your past? Ocarina prompted gently. Wild pressed his lips together, but after a moment, he nodded stiffly. Then I’m sorry for pressing. Exploring your Hyrule, is that most of what you remember?

Wild nodded. Woke up in the middle of nowhere, in... He hesitated for a moment, visibly made a decision, and said, In the shrine of resurrection.

Ocarina looked at Legacy. Legacy’s entire demeanor had closed off abruptly, and Wild was very deliberately not looking directly at him.

Glad it came in handy, Legacy said at last, confirming Ocarina’s suspicion. That had been part of Legacy’s blueprints. Sorry it had to. Was the one you remember your second journey?

I don’t know, Wild admitted. Maybe. Kind of. I... don’t know what all happened before that.

Legacy sighed, reaching up to scrub his face before he replied. Of course not, sorry. Do you know what happened to put you in there?

Yes, Wild said, and then refused to elaborate.

Ocarina nudged Legacy pointedly, and then asked Wild, Did you have to learn everything from scratch, then?

Wild relaxed a little and made a so-so motion with one hand. It depended. I didn’t know who or where anything was, and I was missing a lot of details about different things. But I kept most of my skills. I could still cook, for example.

A skill most of us haven’t managed to grasp even without a handicap, Ocarina noted playfully. Wild smiled, eyes glinting.

I doubt I knew Hyrule as well then as I do now, anyway, Wild noted thoughtfully. Before the Calamity, Hyrule had roads and cities and all, and I assume I used them. But I don’t pay them a lot of mind these days unless I’m on business.

The Calamity – something about that was bothering Ocarina, and he almost wanted to ask. But Wild was still tense, and Ocarina didn’t want to push him right now. There was time.

All the more reason to call you Wild, Ocarina said, and Wild chuckled and nodded, relaxing at last against the boat’s rail.

Did you go hunting for treasure?

The motion from Wind made both Ocarina and Wild jump sharply; they’d all but forgotten he was there, he’d been so still.

That was the thing about Wind. At fourteen, it was easy to think of him as being a brash teen. But he wasn’t, really. Not at heart. Whatever expression he’d been wearing as he watched, though, it was gone now, and he was giving Wild a small, gentle smile. Wild tilted his head and hummed.

Yeah, sometimes. There were a lot of ore deposits and ++++ around, and I could get gems from those and sell them to the Gerudo. But most of the stuff I gathered was food or monster parts.

I don’t recognize that sign, Wind said, echoing the same one Ocarina had missed.

T-a-l-u-s, Wild spelled out. Rock monster about the size of two houses put together? Wind shook his head. Odd. Well, they do take a really long time to grow. Why? Do you hunt treasure?

All the time, Wind said enthusiastically. And I’ve got a friend, Linebeck, who loves treasure! Or money. Or both. It’s kind of hard to tell. But we’re on our way to talk to him, see if he’s found anything, and he’d be really pleased if you sold him something from your era.

Wild hummed thoughtfully. I’ve got a couple things on hand, sure. We’ll see.

Ocarina was pretty sure Wild was about to come to blows over this debate.

Star fragments disappear when they fall into water, there’s no way they’re more common here than at home, Wild argued, bristling like a cat. Linebeck scowled back at him, unimpressed.

Do you think I don’t know when someone is trying to cheat me of money? Linebeck asked haughtily. Stop talking up your product and accept the price. Seventy-five rupees, no more. Take it or leave it.

I’m not selling you a star fragment for seventy-five goddamn rupees, Wild snapped.

“Other wares, Wild,” Wind advised him, leaning on his hands with a bemused smile. Wild scoffed at Linebeck and put the star fragment away with such care that Ocarina had no doubt that to Wild, at least, it was one of the treasures of greatest value in his possession.

“If that’s the best you have-!” Linebeck sneered, and then Wild took out a delicate circlet. A set of earrings. A pretty bracelet encrusted with rubies. Wind cooed in interest, leaning over to look. “Oh, now we’re in business.”

Wild had apparently accumulated a lot since whenever he had last sold goods, because in the end he made close to a thousand rupees, and Linebeck was preening over his acquired goods.

Was the star fragment really worth more than any of that? Ocarina had to ask. Wild nodded without hesitation.

It would’ve had to be a really good price for me to sell it anyway, he signed dismissively. But I thought a treasure hunter would like it, and Wind said he was a friend. He stuck his tongue out briefly at Linebeck, who shook a fist back at him. Wild was unimpressed. None of that jewelry was enchanted more than two levels, and some of it wasn’t enchanted at all. You need a star fragment to enchant magical jewelry to the third and fourth levels. He tapped the circlet on his head. From forging to the final enchantment, this took twenty-five diamonds and two star fragments.

And you said it’s as good as a cuirass, right? Ocarina prompted. Wild nodded.

It also helps shield from guardian beams, he said, oblivious to the significance that now held to Ocarina. It took a long time to build up, but me and Zelda both have one, and I have an extra that I keep on me just in case. No, it’s not for sale, you ungrateful fuck, he added to Linebeck, who grumbled.

Ocarina thought back to Wild’s reaction to the beamos, and he had to ask, Do you ever take it off?

Wild hesitated, and then he admitted, Not really.

Chapter Text

Legacy spent the trip back teaching Wild how to sail. It seemed like Wild had retained most of the information Legacy had talked about on the way back, and he was clearly delighted to get more hands-on about it. Ocarina didn’t really see the appeal, but it was nice to be able to lean against the boat wall and keep an eye out for sea monsters.

What did you think of Tetra and her crew? Ocarina asked Wild between bouts of work. Wild hummed, and Ocarina was pleased to see that he seemed to have worn down Wild’s will; he didn’t look surprised to have been asked.

They were a lot, Wild said at last, and laughed. Weirdly, they kind of remind me of Bowlcut and company- the founders of Ground-Up Town, I told Legacy and Charm about it. They have that same kind of optimism and determination. I like it. I don’t think they appreciated having us there though.

Ocarina chuckled sheepishly. No, they’re kind of insular, and Tetra is very focused on getting Hyrule running. She doesn’t like to admit it, but she’s Zelda’s heir through and through.

Wild was still for a couple of minutes, watching the sail ripple, and pulled on the line when Legacy directed him to.

Zelda always takes care of Hyrule, doesn’t she, Wild said at last, without the inflection of a question. He looked more pensive than anything.

One thing you can always count on, Legacy agreed. And thank the goddesses, or we’d be in a hell of a lot of trouble. Link’s not enough on his own.

Wild covered the back of one hand, staring out over the water with an unreadable expression. It seemed like an eternity before he spoke again, and when he did, it was to change the subject entirely. Who are we seeing next?

It took a day and a half to sail all the way back to the Tower of the Gods. Legacy and Wild started to take turns directing the boat, though Legacy was usually at least half-awake while Wild worked, keeping an eye on him. It gave Ocarina the chance to notice a few odd habits that he hadn’t previously: the unusual set of stretches that Wild did at least twice a day, the sporadic and restless pattern of his sleep, an occasional wince where it didn’t make sense.

Neither Ocarina or Navi could figure out what it meant, but hopefully, if Wild continued to get more comfortable with them at the rate he was now, they could ask.

How did you meet Navi? Wild asked suddenly, once when it was his turn to doze.

Ocarina blinked. I didn’t say? he asked, surprised. The Great Deku Tree sent Navi to me when he sent me on my journey. She’s been with me ever since.

Well. Ever since, except that little blip they didn’t talk about. Navi brushed against him gently, patting his cheek in apology. Wild looked thoughtful, oblivious to the byplay and the quest that Ocarina never mentioned. (Three days, twenty-two hours, thirty-seven minutes since they arrived in Wind’s era.)

Is that what you meant? Wild asked at last. When you asked if I had anyone with me for my journey?

“Kind of,” Navi said. “No one had a fairy but my Link.” She pinched Ocarina’s ear, and he snorted and tossed his head to make her squeak. “But there’s usually somebody. Sky had Fi, even before she was the Master Sword. Wind had the King of Red Lions. Twilight had Midna. I think the only other Link that never had anybody was Lonely.”

And you worry about Lonely a lot, Wild said, with unexpected perceptiveness. He shrugged at Ocarina’s look, shifting in place. You’re very mindful of him. Are you close?

Very, Ocarina said without hesitation, feeling a flicker of warmth at the thought. Lonely and I were the first two to meet each other – Lonely was actually my nickname for him, before there were enough of us to make a habit of naming ourselves, and he kept it later on. I’ve never seen him take to anybody like he did you, though.

Wild started, and then ducked his head too late to hide a smile, looking pleased at the thought. Ocarina had to smile too.

I think he’d like your Hyrule, he added, and then, before Wild could start to get defensive, It seemed lively, and from your stories the people seem kind. A lot of the people in Lonely’s era are rather... cool and distrustful. Particularly where he grew up. He’d like to see Hyrule so close-knit.

Wild relaxed, surrendering a hint of a smile, and shrugged.

Eventually, Ocarina directed their careful path through the Tower and back to the Master Sword chamber, avoiding any beamos, and finally, he pointed out Tracks’ portal and led them through to the era right after Wind’s.

Tracks had one of the best libraries out of all of the eras they had access to, which meant that Minish and Four could be found there nearly as often as not. Ocarina was pleased to see that today was one of the former.

“Some at mine are pre-Sky,” Minish was telling Wild earnestly, dragging Wild by the hand all around the library as if it were his own. Luckily, Wild looked amused and indulgent. “Oh, here-” He pulled a title down off the shelf and offered it to Wild, who took it and looked curiously. “Legends between Ocarina and Wind, they- when are you?”

Ocarina hadn’t even had time to introduce Wild yet, but they’d clearly caught Minish in the middle of a full research frenzy, enthusiastic and eager to share. There were books scattered across the table, and Four was still reading much more quietly, but Tracks had sat back to prop his feet on the table and laugh at the two of them.

Legacy’s timeline, after Lonely, Wild provided, and his growing smile fell as soon as Minish’s did. Minish definitely noticed that, and he made an effort to perk up again only a minute later.

Do you have a library? he asked earnestly. Wild bit his lip. It’s okay if you don’t, I know what that timeline is like. But do you?

I do, Wild admitted with a wry smile. I... don’t really want people there yet, but maybe eventually.

I can wait, Minish assured him, and returned his attention to the book he’d directed Wild to. “Lokomo legends, before the flood!”

Minish continued showing Wild around like they hadn’t been interrupted at all. Ocarina gathered after a while that he had gotten into researching old legends outside of Hylian lore – Gerudo legends, the history of the Twili, and, of course, the Lokomo. Ocarina would have to direct him towards Legacy. It might take some cajoling, but Legacy was definitely the most well-traveled of any of them.

You really wouldn’t think that Wild was the younger of the two, Ocarina commented wryly to Tracks, who snorted.

He’s been like this all day, Tracks said. I don’t understand how his brain doesn’t pour out of his ears. Or how Four puts up with him.

About the same way Lonely puts up with me, I think, Ocarina said with a small smile. Are you here supervising?

Minish would never hurt a book, Tracks dismissed. But I thought it’d be a shame to have the two of them here and not be nearby. I’ll drag them out for food eventually. You three can come too. We’ll confuse everybody.

Ocarina chuckled. Sounds like a plan.

Legacy had made his escape as soon as he noticed Minish’s mood; he didn’t have a particular affection for libraries or books, so the bookish incarnation’s enthusiasm found no outlet in him. Wild didn’t seem to regard the library with any particular familiarity, but he opened books when Minish handed them over, and he nodded along as Minish talked about the legends he’d been researching.

Can you tell me about the Four Sword? Wild asked after a while, looking up at Minish. I’m not familiar with them.

Minish straightened, eyes bright, and turned to call out to Four. “Four! Four Sword!”

Four looked up, frowning slightly in question, and Minish nudged Wild over to the table to sit down. He drew his sword, a beautiful golden-handled blade, and set it on the table.

The Four Sword doesn’t seem to have a spirit like the Master Sword does, Minish explained to Wild, but I helped its power grow the same way Sky did hers. It has the power of elements instead: wind, earth, fire, and water. Down the timeline- Minish gestured to Four, who gave Wild a small nod. -that influenced the way that duplicates of its wielder manifested.

Wild tilted his head and looked at Four, who elaborated, The Four Sword has the ability to split its wielder into four duplicates of themselves. In Minish’s time, they were just shades, but by the time it passed to me, it was able to split me into four incomplete people. He tapped the side of his head, and his eyes flashed through the spectrum of the sword’s elements. As long as I hold it, I can split and merge as much as I like.

Does it get confusing? Wild asked.

Four shook his head. Not as much as you’d think. They’re all a little different from me, because they share my personality between them. So Wind, Green, has a concentrated form of my drive, but Water, Blue, has most of the compassion. It makes the memories and thoughts easier to distinguish.

That’s amazing, Wild said, and Four gave him a small smile.

“Mother hen,” Tracks said beside Ocarina, making him jump. Ocarina smiled sheepishly, and Tracks gave him a half-smile in return. You’ve taken a liking to the new boy.

Ocarina blinked. Have I really?

Navi giggled in his ear. “Oh, Link,” she sighed fondly. Tracks snorted.

Looks like it to me, anyway. You’ve usually relaxed after a few days. What is it about him?

Ocarina considered. What was it that had attached him to Wild so quickly?

I don’t know, he’s endearing, he said at last. I think I just have a soft spot for people I can coax out of their shells. It’s rewarding, you know? Spirit Princess would agree if you asked.

Tracks ducked his head, looking faintly embarrassed and even more faintly pleased, and shrugged. Sure.

Ocarina chuckled and looked up. The other three were still at the table, and all of them were now leaning to look at Wild’s slate. Ocarina hoped that he was showing them the compendium; Minish and Four were both certain to love that.

Do you think we could go home with you for a day or two? Ocarina asked suddenly. Tracks pressed his lips together. We don’t have to. But Wild was a royal guard before he ever went on his journey. I thought we could introduce him to Alfonzo.

It was adorable, the way Tracks immediately lit up at that, reservations forgotten. Yes, definitely! I think he’d like that. I mean, he really likes being a train conductor and all, but he’s not as bored of the sword as he likes to pretend he is. I bet if Wild mentioned that, we could talk them into sparring.

Ocarina had to smile. I’ll talk to Wild about it, he promised.

Wild was completely inaccessible during the entire train ride to Aboda, leaning out the window to watch the landscape rush by, and Ocarina still hadn’t decided whether that was more adorable or amusing.

I think this is the dreamiest I’ve seen him look, he said to Legacy. Legacy was looking out the window, too, but he was just scanning for monsters; there was no faraway lull to his expression.

That’s reassuring, Legacy said, and Ocarina could tell that he meant it. He couldn’t bring himself to disagree, either; Sky and Minish and, yes, Ocarina were all so absentminded that it was somewhat unsettling to see the quality apparently nonexistent.

That was probably one of the reasons Legacy made him uneasy.

Minish’s nose was still buried in a book, and his pack bulged with a few more he’d borrowed from the library. Ocarina thought that it was another recollection of the years after the flood. Beside him, Four’s eyes were flickering in a way that indicated he was communing with himself, which was interesting. Ocarina would have to ask later what he was thinking about. Navi was sitting in Minish’s hair, reading with him.

Do you ever daydream? he asked without thinking, following his previous line of thought. Legacy snorted, and Ocarina had to give him a sheepish smile, though he didn’t take the question back.

How do you think I passed the time when we were sailing the other day? Legacy asked, dismissive and amused. But I don’t do it a lot, I grant you. Spend too much time worrying about something-or-other.

Ocarina hummed softly, and then followed Wild into letting the train ride slip away in a haze of trees and fields.

Aboda was a small, sleepy little family town, with only about a dozen dwellings in all. They went right from the train station to the home Tracks shared with Niko. Ocarina was the last in.

“I can’t believe Old Link can’t take a little time to meet with an old friend,” Niko was complaining as he entered, shaking his head in exaggerated disappointment.

“He’s with you,” Tracks pointed out, eyes glimmering with amusement. Niko scoffed.

“Bah! At that age I didn’t know a weasel from a fox,” Niko declared. “He ought to visit an old man more often while he still can!”

“What does that mean,” Tracks deadpanned.

“My days, boy, they are numbered-!”

“Weasel fox?”

“What are they teaching kids these days?”

Ocarina left the two of them to it.

Wild had, apparently within seconds, found Niko’s book of stamps and was flipping through it. Ocarina, who had never actually lingered over the book before, went to sit beside him and looked over his shoulder curiously. Wild shifted so he could see it better.

I like these, Wild said, completely unprompted. He wasn’t smiling, but his eyes were warm. Are these all places Niko visited?

Tracks, actually, Ocarina said with a smile. He collected them as a favor to Niko, since he was traveling anyway. I wish I’d had a book like that.

Wild nodded, looking down at it again. I think it would be fun to pick places to put something like this, he said wistfully, and Ocarina had to bite down a laugh.

Minish still hadn’t come up for air, and Four had actually guided him into sitting down, since Minish refused to look up from his book. Legacy picked his favorite corner spot and settled there, leaning against the wall watching the window, and Tracks had stopped bickering with Niko and disappeared.

“He left,” Navi said before Ocarina could worry, tugging his hair. “I think he probably went to get Alfonzo.”

Ocarina hummed, nodding his agreement; that made sense. Niko was hobbling in their direction.

“I don’t know why all you young people insist on sitting on the floor,” Niko grumbled, thumping into a chair nearby. Ocarina blinked, looking around.

I hadn’t noticed, he admitted, bemused. I don’t know, I don’t like chairs.

“Bah,” Niko said. “You’re in your introductory rounds, aren’t you, Wild? You had better be! I don’t want to hear that you met me any later than that!”

Wild blinked, tilting his head, and then looked at Ocarina.

You didn’t speak to him when we were on Tetra’s ship, did you? Ocarina asked. Wild shook his head. He’s still met you – I mean, you’re going to speak to him there sooner or later, so Niko remembers things that haven’t even happened for you yet.

Wild pursed his lips. Did that make things weird for Tracks?

“Bah,” Niko said again, and smacked his cane against the ground. “Young whippersnapper avoided me all those years! Fooled me like a fool! I tell you, there was no reason to keep us apart, my lips would’ve been sealed like a dolphin’s-!”

Tracks doesn’t meet his younger self because yes, it would make things weird, Ocarina said to Wild, ignoring Niko. Tracks needed time to be himself before Niko knew he was one of us, you know?

Wild nodded solemnly, and then the door opened, drawing their attention. Ocarina smiled and waved as Alfonzo walked in, looking over the arrangement with obvious bemusement.

Things have gotten weird since more of you started showing up, he told Tracks without missing a beat, and then immediately focused on Wild, curious. Link tells me you were a royal guard before your quest?

Wild tilted his head, focusing intently on Alfonzo, and then nodded. Alfonzo smiled.

As it happens, I was a royal guard before I was a train engineer, he said. I know it’s a bit of a foregone conclusion, but would you be interested in a spar? To yield, no stakes but pride.

Wild smiled, and without hesitation, he nodded.

There were no formal training grounds in Aboda, but there was still plenty of empty space. They settled in a field nearby, and Alfonzo and Wild went to stand a few yards apart, swords drawn, no shields. Wild’s eyes were glittering with anticipation, and Alfonzo had the start of a suppressed grin too. (Tracks looked extremely pleased with himself.)

Wild lunged first, and then they were off. Alfonzo sidestepped that first jab and swung his sword, and Wild parried, trying and failing to throw Alfonzo’s guard wide. Alfonzo stepped inside Wild’s guard, and Wild lunged past him and forced him to turn on a dime or be cut. Both of them were swift and sure in their movement, as much a dance as not and already flushed with exertion.

Ocarina hadn’t seen Alfonzo fight before. He was skilled. Not like them, sure, but it was impressive to watch regardless, and a much closer match than Ocarina would have expected.

The match finally ended almost ten minutes later when Wild knocked Alfonzo off his feet and set the point of his sword just above Alfonzo’s chest, and Alfonzo laughed for several seconds, adrenaline and pleasure, before he panted, “Yield.”

Wild sheathed his sword, smile turning pleased, and leaned down to help Alfonzo to his feet. Alfonzo was rubbing his side ruefully.

“Brilliant fight,” Alfonzo said honestly. Wild nodded, and he hesitated for a moment before letting go of Alfonzo’s hand.

You have an injury? he asked, indicating Alfonzo’s side. Alfonzo winced.

Is it that obvious? he signed, gingerly taking his hand away. Yeah. It’s a few years old now, but I never fully recovered from it. Probably won’t ever be quite up to par again.

Recovery is tough, Wild said sympathetically. It’s okay. You compensate really well. Was it while you were a royal guard?

After, technically, but it was in service to Princess Spirit Princess, Alfonzo said. Worse ways to get my grand finale, I suppose.

“What’s wrong?” Navi asked, startling Ocarina. He looked up at her, failed because she was on his hat, and looked at Legacy beside him. Legacy was frowning.

I don’t know, Legacy admitted. Something’s bothering me about Wild’s reaction.

Ocarina shrugged. We know he has secrets. By the way, this reminded me. Wild seems to struggle a lot with stamina, which is odd for someone of his place in the timeline. I was thinking we could help him with some conditioning training. You’ve done that, haven’t you?

Legacy chuckled. I sure have. Alright, I’ll bring it up tomorrow. We can try it out before we move on.

Chapter Text

Wild seemed oddly hesitant when Legacy proposed the exercise, but after some coaxing he agreed to give it a try. So after breakfast they went back to the clear field, Legacy as a trainer and Ocarina more as moral support, and they did conditioning training together.

Really, it was just a lot of running. Ocarina spent most of it alternating between thinking about chairs and checking on Wild.

To his credit, Wild was coping well with the exercise. It didn’t take long for his cheeks to flush under the strain, and Ocarina could see sweat sticking his hair to his face, but his breath stayed carefully controlled and his movements never turned sloppy. He kept perfect pace with Legacy – though admittedly Legacy was easing up for Wild’s benefit – and turned on a dime every time Legacy did.

“Stop being lazy,” Navi scolded, since Ocarina was lagging behind a little in his distraction. Ocarina huffed and sped up, offering Wild a smile that the younger was too focused to return.

Ocarina had to admit, Legacy definitely seemed to know what he was doing. All of his attention was on Wild, keeping an eye on his condition, and as time went on he seemed to be impressed. After a while, they even started talking in bursts while they ran, Legacy asking about Wild’s battle experience and the monsters he was used to. Wild’s answers were curt and sporadic, but he did answer.

The only warning they got was a slight tremble in Wild’s hands, a little fumble as he tried to explain something about lynels. Then he stumbled, tipped, and hit the ground, and Ocarina thought at first that he had fainted.

Ocarina skidded to a halt, but Legacy was already there, helping Wild sit up and put his head between his knees. There was something odd about the way Wild was gasping for breath, a sort of hitch that didn’t make sense for overexertion. Worry bloomed in Ocarina’s chest, and it took effort to keep his distance instead of going to pat Wild down.

And that was before he registered the fact that Wild was whimpering quietly.

“Oh,” Navi said, very softly, pitched high with worry.

Legacy was shushing Wild patiently, waiting for him to catch his breath, but he was frowning when Ocarina met his eyes.

Is he injured? Legacy asked Ocarina, and Ocarina shook his head.

Not that he’s mentioned to me, or that I’ve noticed, he said, concern growing by the moment. He went to kneel beside Wild. Wild’s whole body was twitching with each labored breath. He spoke softly. “Wild?”

Still breathing raggedly, Wild turned his head just enough so that Ocarina could see his eyes. His face was still flushed with strain, sweat gleaming off his forehead, and his eyes looked almost glazed.

Are you injured? Ocarina prompted gently. Wild shook his head, and then twitched and whimpered again, the softest little sound of pain. Are you being honest with me?

Wild looked away from him, nodded into his knees, and then curled up even harder, as if hiding. Ocarina and Legacy exchanged a helpless look over his head.

Sorry, Wild signed without looking up, panting unevenly. Sorry.

I thought you were watching for this, Ocarina said to Legacy, more accusatory than he’d intended.

I was, Legacy snapped. He must have undergone more disciplinary training than I realized. He went straight from the edge of his stamina to collapse. Not a lick of warning.

Without much else to do, the two of them waited with Wild until he caught his breath, some of the whipcord tension easing away as it deepened into a more natural rhythm. Ocarina’s attention was caught again when Wild tried to stand, squirming to push himself to his feet, and then immediately collapsed back down with a gasp. His hand clasped over his side, exactly like Alfonzo’s had the day before.

“Let me look,” Ocarina said firmly, and reached for the hem of Wild’s tunic.

Wild elbowed him roughly away, knocking him back. Fuck off!

Wild’s eyes were wide and frightened, and Ocarina wavered, looking at him.

“You can’t leave him like this,” Navi murmured to Ocarina.

Navi was right. There was clearly something badly wrong, and even if he wasn’t actively injured, Wild definitely needed seen to. Ocarina was sure that it wasn’t anything fatal, but it was obvious enough that Wild was in significant pain that Ocarina would be extremely remiss to let it slide by unremarked.

On the other hand, Wild was reserved and private at the best of times, and he looked panicked at the idea of letting them look under his tunic. It had taken a lot of work to build Wild’s trust so far, and Ocarina didn’t want to destroy the progress they’d made.

“Okay,” Ocarina said at last, low and soothing. Wild relaxed a little, but his eyes were still wide. “Okay.”

Legacy growled in warning, his brow furrowed deeply, but Ocarina wasn’t done.

If one of us went to go get Lonely, he said, would you let Lonely have a look?

It’s nothing, Wild insisted. I’m fine. I’m just being a baby.

His breath hitched and caught again, his hand going back to his side.

Would you? Ocarina repeated. He doesn’t have to tell us anything, just make sure you’re okay. He’s got some medical training. He’ll know what he’s looking at.

Wild stared at him, and then dropped his forehead to his knees and nodded. Ocarina looked at Legacy. Legacy needed no further invitation to bolt.

Of course, that would still take hours. With nothing else to do at the moment, the conditioning exercises firmly aborted, Ocarina and Wild returned to Niko’s home. Wild’s second attempt at standing went better than the first, though he stumbled a little (Ocarina had to refrain from catching him) and one of his arms stayed wrapped protectively around his abdomen.

Neither of them spoke on the way there, and when they arrived, Wild went immediately to a corner and sat in it, laying his head on the wall. His breath was a little heavy again, and took a minute to ease.

“What happened?” Minish asked, abruptly bolt upright, book forgotten.

Conditioning training went badly, Ocarina answered. Wild hid his face, tension stiffening his shoulders.

Four was frowning. Conditioning training shouldn’t cause that.

Yes, that’s why we called a halt, Ocarina said wryly. Wild peeked up warily.

I thought this was supposed to happen? Pushing my limits? he said. Ocarina winced.

You were supposed to get exhausted and out of breath and sore, he said. But you shouldn’t be in pain. That usually means something’s wrong.

Wild mumbled something wordless and hid his face again. Humiliation was starting to visibly creep over him, and Ocarina wavered, trying to decide what to do about it. He hoped Legacy was able to get back quickly.

Before he could make a decision, Minish did. He crossed the room to sit next to Wild and said, “Do you want to fuse kinstones?”

Wild peeked up, warily taking in Minish’s gentle smile. Minish took a satchel off his hip and opened it, dumping the contents between them.

Pick one, Minish signed. I’ll look for its match. They say that if two kinstones fit perfectly together, something good will happen.

Wild’s expression eased into a small, weary smile, and he reached down to nudge the stones around thoughtfully. After a few minutes, he finally picked up a red kinstone with a deep triangle cut into it, and he showed it to Minish. Minish smiled at him, and then rummaged around in the pile. In seconds, he produced another red kinstone and slid it neatly into Wild’s. They fit perfectly.

Minish wrapped Wild’s fingers around the combined stone and pushed it toward him.

“Keep it,” he said. “It’s good luck.”

Wild laughed quietly, nodded, and put it in his pocket, looking much more relaxed.

Ocarina kept a close eye on Wild for the rest of the day. To the best of Ocarina’s ability to tell, his condition improved steadily over the first hour, and he got up and started moving around again. After that, though, it seemed to stall. His posture stayed stiff with discomfort, and he moved slowly; it was almost as exaggerated as Niko’s gait was. For some reason or another, the morning’s hard run had really messed with Wild.

Eventually, Ocarina sent Navi to whisper a request into Minish’s ear, and without hesitation, he ambushed Wild. Within minutes they were sitting together in a corner, Minish telling him all about the legends he’d been researching. Wild paid close attention and nodded along, and Ocarina remembered that he’d mentioned doing deep research into the history and legends of the hero.

“That’ll be you someday, boy,” Niko said with a friendly nudge, startling Ocarina out of his thoughts. Ocarina blinked at him owlishly.

What? he asked.

“Our bodies defeat us all in the end,” Niko said cheerfully, and then, with a little more seriousness, “Link, your Wind- he was having trouble by the end of his life too. The years of battle were bound to take their toll.”

It was odd to think of Wind being old. As it stood, he was the youngest by a decent margin.

I don’t know what you’re implying, Ocarina admitted. Niko blinked, and then scoffed, smacking himself in the head.

“Of course not,” he muttered. “Introductions, introductions. It’s the early days of friendship yet.”

Ocarina decided to ignore him. Navi tugged at his ear.

“Ask Four what he was thinking about earlier,” she whispered. Ocarina grunted in surprise and nodded his agreement.

Four was sorting the books on one of Niko’s shelves, which Niko hadn’t noticed yet and probably wouldn’t for at least a week after they were gone. Ocarina sat beside him and leaned over to look.

How are you sorting them? he asked without thinking.

Four put the book he was holding in his lap to answer. Subject matter. There’s not a lot of variety, but enough that this is better. Trains and botany and geography and etiquette.

I think the train and etiquette books might belong to Tracks, Ocarina said.

Four nodded. I’m sorting those too. The train and etiquette books will go on the other shelf.

Ocarina nodded thoughtfully, and then shook himself when Navi coughed in his ear. That wasn’t what I came to ask. You seemed preoccupied on the train ride here, is something wrong?

Four blinked at him slowly. Ocarina was reminded of a cat.

Violet says that Wild feels cursed, Four said at last. Like Ganondorf’s dark energy is on him somehow.

Like possession? Ocarina asked, instantly concerned. Four shook his head.

More like a parasite, Four said. Holding onto him and draining his energy. Violet doesn’t think he’s himself a danger, but he’s not healthy either. He nodded over at Wild still sitting with Minish. I don’t know what happened earlier, but I think it just adds another point in favor of Violet’s theory.

What do the others think? Ocarina had to ask.

Four shrugged. Blue agrees, and he’s worried about Wild. Red is scared but doesn’t want to admit it. Green just wants to know what it is. Violet is prioritizing how to avoid getting the same curse.

Ocarina paused. I thought Violet was the one who came up with the theory.

Four blinked at him again, slow and placid.

Violet can have more than one opinion, he said after a moment.

Ocarina stared at him.

Okay, he said at last, discarding the confusion. Should we bring it up to someone?

Four shook his head. If he doesn’t even feel secure enough to let you check for injuries, then he definitely won’t want us talking about his malice parasite. Unless he starts getting worse, it’ll be better to leave it for now.

Ocarina had to admit to himself that he was grateful that Four shared the same opinion as him. Then that’s what we’ll do. We can’t let it slide for too long though.

Four nodded, and the two of them were spared any further discussion by the opening of the door. Ocarina was perking up even before anyone entered, and he was unabashedly relieved to see Lonely leading the way through, footsteps brisk and focused. Without looking at anyone else, Lonely gestured at Wild and then disappeared into Niko’s bedroom. Wild hesitated, Minish nudged him, and reluctantly, Wild got to his feet and followed Lonely inside.

“Oh, sure,” Niko said. “Go ahead and use my room. It’s fine.”

Legacy went to Ocarina instead, looking thoughtful. I didn’t know Lonely liked Wild.

Wild is good with kids, Ocarina explained, feeling a flash of fondness. Where’s Mattie?

Rusl and Uli said it was fine to leave the tyke with them, Legacy said. Since it was an emergency and all, and only for about a day besides.

Ocarina nodded absently, trying not to bore holes in the door with his eyes. Thanks for making such good time.

Legacy shrugged. Like I said, an emergency. Wild doing any better?

Kind of, Ocarina said, frowning. But it’s obvious he’s still feeling it, and it’s been the better part of a day now. I don’t like it.

I’d wager he doesn’t either, Legacy said dryly.

Tracks was the last back in, still in his engineer uniform. How’s Wild? he asked, almost as soon as he was in. Legacy snorted.

Doing better but not great, Ocarina repeated. Did the trip go well?

Went off without a hitch, Tracks said cheerfully, plopping down on the carpet. What’s Four doing with the books?

Sorting them by subject, Ocarina answered. The train and etiquette books are all yours, right? Tracks nodded. Four said he’s putting them on that shelf.

Yeah, that’ll last about a week, Tracks said, amused.

It’ll give him something to do next time he visits, Ocarina said, and Tracks laughed.

Lonely and Wild took longer than Ocarina had expected, and he was beginning to worry anew by the time they emerged. Wild looked withdrawn and unhappy, clearly not thrilled with the scrutiny, and Lonely, frowning deeply, looked at Ocarina, gestured, and then went outside.

Ocarina glanced at a grim Legacy and followed Lonely out.

How much can you tell me? Ocarina asked, as soon as the door closed behind them.

Lonely shrugged. I can’t heal him, he signed frankly. I can ease the pain.

That was not an auspicious beginning to this conversation. The pain? Ocarina asked, at almost the exact same moment Navi did.

Lonely ignored the implied inquiry. He’s okay, by his standards. Don’t push him. He knows his limits. He considered for a moment. Don’t move on until tomorrow.

Ocarina took a breath, trying to catch up. That was more than Lonely usually said at one time, and it was as clipped and concise as was characteristic of the older Link. He turned Lonely’s instructions over for a minute before he replied.

Wild’s okay is not our okay, Ocarina checked. Lonely granted him a small smile and nodded. Okay. And he doesn’t want to talk about it. Lonely didn’t grace that with an answer at all. Ocarina exhaled, and shoved down about a dozen worried questions he wanted to ask. He just needs rest?

Lonely nodded. Ocarina sighed, and it was probably relief. Mostly.

Thank you for looking at him, he said honestly. I know you don’t like being called away from Mattie. Lonely shrugged. A thought occurred to Ocarina. You said there was pain. Is it enough for him to take something? We could ask Niko.

He keeps something on him, Lonely said, then looked down at his hands, looked back up, and added, a little more hesitantly, He liked my magic.

Ocarina made the connection and had to smile.

I think it would be good for you to hold someone that isn’t Mattie once in a while, he said. If you think you’d both be comfortable with that.

Lonely stared at him for a moment, and then, without replying, turned and went back into Niko’s house. Ocarina covered his mouth to hide a chuckle, eyes glittering with amusement, and went back in after him, just in time to see him join Wild by the bookshelf Four was working on, sign something, and then settle one hand on Wild’s stomach. Wild relaxed instantly, sighing.

Twenty minutes later, Wild was asleep on Lonely’s shoulder.

Chapter Text

By now, Ocarina wasn’t at all surprised to see Wild’s utter rapture when they set foot in the Lost Woods that held Twilight’s Master Sword pedestal. As soon as they were there, Wild was wandering off, touching and looking at the ruins and the foggy woods, completely enchanted.

Do you want to go on ahead? Ocarina asked Lonely. We’ll probably be here for a while.

Lonely shook his head, and the three of them – that is, Ocarina, Lonely, and Legacy – ended up waiting by the Lost Woods’ exit while Wild wound around and around, taking every route through every clearing. Legacy polished his sword, Lonely was, oddly, looking at a map of his own Hyrule, and Ocarina watched Navi sleep on his knee.

Mattie likes it here too, Lonely said, abruptly setting the map down to speak. She and Wild could play.

Ocarina beamed at him and nodded firmly. I think they’d both like that. Twilight could probably invite a few of the village kids too.

He’s not a child, Legacy pointed out.

No, but he sure knows how to play like one, Ocarina chuckled.

Wild did eventually come across them, glowing with satisfaction. Legacy reached out to ruffle his hair, looking amused, but stopped short when Wild politely angled himself away. Then they were leaving the woods and heading on to Twilight’s particularly hazardous path back to the main road.

Ocarina, Legacy, and Lonely were all well familiar with the route, able to comfortably cross it with what tools they kept with them. Wild seemed wary of the wider jumps, and a couple of times he opted to climb knotted walls and cliff faces rather than attempt them.

To each their own, Ocarina supposed.

This era’s Faron Woods was always thick with monsters, which meant essentially nothing between the four of them. Wild did kneel down to study the poison fog for a while, curious and thoughtful, but he never attempted to approach it, which was wise.

Wild looked out into the deeper parts of the forest lost in the fog. He looked openly wistful, and for a moment Ocarina thought that he would jump up, start climbing trees, and disappear into the uncharted distance.

“No no no,” Ocarina said without thinking, and tugged him away. Wild pulled his arm back, sending him a reproachful look, but followed along without further obvious thoughts of dalliance. Feeling a little sheepish – he’d forgotten Wild’s reaction to Groose’s attempts to touch him – he explained, The fog is dangerous, you don’t want anywhere near it. It’s not just poison – Twilight said that it started to burn as soon as it touched him.

Wild’s expression turned wary, and he nodded, straightening a little as if suddenly attentive. Ocarina smiled reassuringly, and then turned to keep going. Unexpectedly, Lonely dropped back to keep pace with Wild, and when Ocarina looked over his shoulder, they had started to discuss something about magic causticity; it was a little over Ocarina’s head.

It took Wild a little longer than the rest of them to get across the dangerous swampy area, but it wasn’t for a lack of athleticism. Still preferring to climb rather than jump, Wild ended up scaling a few of the taller trees, and then using his sailcloth to glide across the ravine. Ocarina was a little jealous; it looked like fun.

Lonely lit the way through the short cave system, and Wild seemed interested and delighted enough that Ocarina steered them right instead of left, where Coro lived.

He knocked on the door, and almost instantly, Coro answered, bright-eyed and curious. “Hey! Link!” he said cheerfully. “You need a second lantern or something?”

Ocarina snorted and shook his head, and then looked at Wild.

I thought you might like a lantern, he explained. Coro always has a few on hand, and they’re not too expensive. They hold up pretty well too.

Wild hummed with interest and stepped forward to talk to Coro. Coro wasn’t fluent in sign language, but he did live right by Ordon village, so he knew more than enough to conduct business with even the nonverbal incarnations.

I don’t get how you’re such a people person, Legacy admitted, while Wild was negotiating with Coro. How did you even know he’d want a lantern?

Ocarina rocked on his feet and shrugged, a little embarrassed. Call it a guess. I felt like he would’ve wandered off if he had one of his own, and I think he’d like to explore a cave system. That’s hard to do without a lantern.

That’s not a guess, Legacy said, but he looked amused, maybe even fond, if Ocarina was generous. Wouldn’t have thought to call you perceptive.

Yeah, that was a learned trait. Watching the same people in a three-day time loop for months on end, you get to know them remarkably well, and once you learned them, the signs and skills weren’t difficult to apply to other people.

Ocarina didn’t explain this, obviously. We all grew up fast.

Legacy inclined his head in concession, and looked up just as Coro handed the lantern and two full bottles of oil over to Wild, who wore a pleased smile.

Lonely glanced up from his distracted gazing, and stepped forward before Ocarina could think to. He showed Wild how to light the lantern, how to light a fire with the lantern, and how to extinguish it again before stepping back, leaving Wild to give him a grateful smile.

Lonely looked at Ocarina. Mattie.

That’s our cue, Ocarina said to the other two, and with a last wave to Coro, they were headed toward Ordon Village. Ocarina was looking forward to it; something about the place reminded him a little of Kokiri Forest, and he thought it might be the warmth the place held. It was one of the most welcoming places Ocarina had ever set foot in, and it was an honest pleasure to spend time there.

Twilight lives up there, Ocarina explained to Wild, pointing up at the treehouse as they passed. Wild’s eyes sparkled, and Ocarina had to smile. Yeah, I thought you’d like it.

Navi darted on ahead to let Rusl and Uli know they were nearly there, and a few of the villagers waved cheerfully at them as they passed by. Before they were halfway through the village, a happy shriek reached them.

“Daddy!”

Lonely knelt down in time to grunt as Mattie slammed into him, and he let a small smile slip, reaching up to briefly run his fingers through Mattie’s loose hair. Where’s your braid?

Mattie stuck her tongue out. “I didn’t want Uli to braid my hair!” She doesn’t do it right!

Did you ask Twilight? Lonely asked her. She rocked on her heels and huffed.

Nooooo, she said, dragging a little O dramatically through the air.

Lonely huffed softly, amused. I’ll do it at Uli’s. Come.

Mattie grinned at him, wide and delighted, and then ran off back toward Uli’s – or tried to, but was deterred by her own firm grip on Lonely’s hand. Lonely wasn’t really one to hurry.

You ever glad not to have a kid? Legacy asked, as soon as they were gone. Ocarina snorted, continuing forward now that the entertainment had passed.

That was nothing. Have you seen her throw a bedtime fit? Exhausted children become tiny little bokoblin.

I know, Legacy said, with unexpected warmth.

At Rusl and Uli’s, Ocarina knocked on the door again to warn them before they came in, but didn’t bother waiting for an answer; the two of them had made it clear that Link was always welcome in their home, even just for a snack and a nap at the table.

Uli was sitting in her rocking chair, leaning back with fond amusement to watch as Mattie and Mae worked together to harass an exceptionally tolerant Lonely. It was pure luck that Mattie was about the same age as Uli’s youngest, but it had certainly helped warm Twilight to Lonely much more quickly.

Lonely deals with that much better than Link does, Uli said to Ocarina, nodding at Lonely with undisguised affection. Link would have been getting overwhelmed by now.

Ocarina chuckled softly and nodded. Good with children he might be, but Twilight did not deal well at all with, say, tiny hands patting their mischievous little child palms all over him. Ocarina couldn’t say he didn’t sympathize; children were masters of ‘too much, too fast.’

Lonely’s very patient, he said. Thanks for watching Mattie overnight. I know it was short notice.

Of course, it was no problem, Uli said, but her smile had faded a little. What was wrong? Legacy looked very upset when he arrived.

Upset? Ocarina asked, instantly concerned.

Grim, Uli amended, giving him a wan smile. I was just worried – he’s usually cool as a cucumber.

Ocarina made a soft noise of comprehension, and he nodded toward Wild, who had gone to rescue Lonely and was now entertaining Mae and Mattie with what appeared to be a dragon scale.

Wild’s new, he explained, but we’re pretty sure he’s from Legacy’s timeline. He had a bit of a... health scare, let’s say, and he wouldn’t let anyone look. He agreed to let Lonely check him over, so Legacy came running.

“Oh,” Uli murmured, surprised and still concerned. Was he alright?

Ocarina resisted the urge to make a so-so motion. He was fine. It was mostly a misunderstanding of his overall condition. You know how it can be to get to know new people.

Not really, Uli said, a smile playing around her mouth, and Ocarina barked out a laugh.

Wild had taken over entertaining Mae, showing her what appeared to be a severed octo balloon, which easily inflated itself when Wild pinched it shut. Every time Mae snatched at it, it would slip free and deflate again, and Mae was giggling so hard her face was pink.

With Mae occupied, Lonely had managed to coax Mattie into sitting still, though she was looking at the balloon with longing. Lonely was braiding her hair, a small strip of leather dangling from the corner of his mouth.

Where’s Twilight? Ocarina asked. I think he and Wild will get along.

He’s helping Fado with the goats, Uli said. He probably won’t mind an interruption. He gets a little bored milking goats.

Ocarina had to smile. Twilight was such a farm kid. We’ll go find him soon then. What about Rusl and Colin? I want to take Wild to Castle Town, but definitely not without introducing him properly.

Uli gave him a warm smile. They’ve gone to fish. If you don’t mind staying at least that long, you can stay for dinner.

Of course, Ocarina agreed instantly. Uli’s cooking wasn’t extraordinary, but dinner with Twilight’s family always felt so much like home.

Now, do I ever get to meet Wild, or is he just going to play with my daughter? Uli asked. Ocarina looked over just as Lonely was tying off Mattie’s braid. He patted her shoulder, and she jumped to her feet with a squeal that made Ocarina wince.

Ocarina whistled, and Wild looked over and cocked his head, then tied off the balloon and gave it to Mae, who immediately carted it over to Mattie.

“Hello, Wild, my name is Uli,” she greeted as soon as Wild joined them. As she said her name, she fingerspelled it rapidly – Twilight had never stopped signing her name that way, quick and simple as it was. Are you a city or a country boy?

The question visibly surprised Wild, but it made him smile. More the second than the first, he told Uli. I’ve never been in a small community like this before though. I mostly travel on my own.

You must be very independent, Uli said, and Wild shifted and tugged at his hair, clearly unsure of how to react to the praise.

Where did Legacy go? Ocarina asked Navi, suddenly noticing that the man seemed to have disappeared. She pulled on his ear, amused.

“He went outside,” she murmured, just loud enough for him to hear. “He might be looking for the older kids.” She tugged again. “You should ask Wild if you can tell Twilight about his amnesia.”

Why would- oh, of course. Ilia. Twilight understood intimately the impact of losing your memory; even if he hadn’t experienced it directly, he’d still had his childhood friend look him in the eye without a spark of recognition. He’d helped her regain it and been her biggest confidante after she had.

He nodded to Navi, and then went to sit by Lonely, who was lazily batting the balloon back to the girls every time they tossed it at him. They seemed to be making a game of trying to make him miss. Ocarina joined in, amused.

Eventually, of course, they did have to move on. On their way up the road, Ocarina silently asked Legacy to go on ahead, letting Ocarina and Wild drop behind him. By the time they’d rearranged themselves, Wild was frowning.

It’s nothing bad, Ocarina said before anything, at this point a little fondly amused by Wild’s persistent wariness. Twilight’s best friend, Ilia, lost her memory at the beginning of his journey, and it took her the better part of a year and some help from Twilight to get it back. Sure enough, Wild’s expression softened instantly. I wanted to know if you’d be alright with me telling him about yours.

Wild didn’t answer for a while, and they were almost at the ranch before he replied. Why?

You seem like you’re still dealing with it, Ocarina explained. And Twilight makes a good friend. I think you’re a lot alike. The corner of Wild’s mouth twitched. Don’t look at me like that. You have similar backgrounds and habits. I bet telling him about your memory would give you a strong connection right away.

Wild considered it for a few more moments, and just before Legacy reached the gate, he nodded. Okay. You can tell him.

You ever milked a goat before? Legacy asked Wild. Wild shook his head. Me either, so if you plan to help out we’ll have to hassle Fado. He’s an easy target though.

Wild chuckled softly, and Ocarina hid a smile and turned away. Sure enough, Twilight was inside, halfway into one of the stalls, tugging briskly at its udders. He seemed to be about a third of the way through the barn.

Ocarina whistled a few notes, and Twilight looked up at him, straightening slightly when he realized who it was. He didn’t stop working, though, just slowed down a little while he waited for Ocarina to speak, looking expectant.

Ocarina sat down just outside the stall.

I found a new era almost two weeks ago now, he told Twilight after a moment. His name is Wild, I’ve almost finished introducing him to everyone. He loved your Faron Woods, by the way. If you’ve ever wanted to explore some of the outer stretches, I think Wild would make a good companion.

Not taking the bait, Twilight pursed his lips and waited, correctly guessing that Ocarina had more to say. Ocarina exhaled, smiling a little sheepishly.

He mentioned something when he met Wind, Ocarina said. Apparently he lost his entire memory at the start of his journey, and most of it never came back. He told me everything he remembers can be measured in minutes.

Twilight mulled that over for a few moments, then nodded, let go of the goat, leaned back and signed, Ilia is still having trouble with it too, and she remembered everything. She says it’s disorienting.

Twilight stayed kneeling instead of moving onto the next goat, head tilted back and eyes distant, and Ocarina let him think.

What’s he like so far? Twilight asked, without looking away from the middle distance.

He’s pretty reserved and he gets a little bleak sometimes, Ocarina said thoughtfully. But it’s clear he has a lot of passion in him. He likes exploring and potions and shops. He likes children. I was wondering about taking him to your Castle Town, but he gets agitated around crowds, so I don’t know how well it would go.

Abruptly, Twilight’s expression hardened into determination, and he nodded.

I’ll take him, he said without hesitation. There are some good areas without much crowding, and plenty emptier shops where we can hang out in between. I was the same way at first.

Then, without another word, he grabbed the bucket and moved onto the next stall. Ocarina smiled, pleased, and then went to grab another bucket to help.

Between the three of them, it didn’t take long to finish milking the goats, and Fado let Twilight go early. Twilight immediately dropped in beside Wild and introduced himself, and Ocarina tried to be subtle about his observation as he watched how it went.

Have you met the village kids yet? Twilight asked Wild.

Just Mae, Wild said. She’s the youngest by a lot, right?

Youngest in my immediate family, Twilight agreed. She’s only a couple of years younger than Malo though. I’ll take you around to meet them all. Did you interact with kids a lot while you were traveling?

Wild smiled faintly and nodded. I wasn’t in one place long enough to get to know most of them, but Kakariko had a couple that I visited very often-

A grunt made Ocarina look away, and he transferred a questioning gaze onto Legacy, now beside him. Legacy looked amused.

Twilight’s never gonna let Wild out of his sight now, Legacy said. Ocarina tilted his head. I’d bet you anything that Wild has at least one older sibling. Something about the way he interacts with people around his age.

Most of us are at least a couple years older than him, Ocarina pointed out, but he was smiling. Maybe. Do you know when Sky was planning on coming?

I didn’t know he was, actually, Legacy said. Ocarina snorted.

Him, Minish, and Four, Ocarina said. Twilight’s been wanting some help working with the older soldiers. You’ll probably be the most helpful if you want to join in.

I’ll think about it, Legacy said, which was as good as a promise. How long?

Just for a couple of days, Ocarina said. We’re almost done with our rounds, I don’t want to occupy Wild too much longer. He’s been away from his own era a couple of weeks already, and it definitely still needs him.

Let’s hope he survives Twilight’s herd of younger siblings then, Legacy said, and with a smirk, he nodded down the road. Apparently the village kids had caught wind of the arrivals.

Chapter Text

Ocarina had to admit, he loved spending time at Twilight’s home. The children in Ordon were enthusiastic, the adults all friendly, but the little group that made up Twilight’s family were quiet, sweet-natured people, soothing to be around. Ocarina hadn’t gotten the story of how Twilight came to be a part of their family – Uli was a shade too young to have birthed him – but he suspected that it was simply because they fit too well for anything else.

I’ve half-forgotten what I’ve been up to, Ocarina admitted to Uli, smiling with some embarrassment. The past couple weeks I’ve been busy looking after Wild.

You are a natural caretaker, Uli signed warmly. You and Dreamer were working on Hyrule’s development, weren’t you?

Ocarina perked up and nodded quickly, the simple prompt enough to bring the project to the front of his mind again. That’s right, thanks. Zelda’s had me working on training the soldiers a little, but I’m no teacher, no matter what Twilight says. And she’s been thinking about having me explore the surrounding area so we can build a few more villages – I might have her put that off until I can take Sky and Wild along. They both know a lot better what to look for.

It dazzled Ocarina’s mind to think that, traveling through their eras, they could watch Hyrule grow from the tiny settlement Sky’s people were working on, to the two modest towns Minish and Ocarina both had, and then to the thriving kingdom that Legacy, Charm, and Twilight all boasted.

You’re all so ambitious, Uli sighed, but there was a sparkle in her eyes that said she was proud. Rusl’s been talking about moving to the city, since Twilight Princess has made it so clear that she wants Link there-

Ocarina followed along attentively as Uli shared, one of a few quiet conversations going on in the room. Twilight and Lonely were tag-teaming the task of keeping Mae and Mattie occupied at the table, and Rusl and Colin had captured Wild’s attention while Legacy watched everything from his favorite corner. Colin was attempting to explain a fishing rod to Wild. Wild looked dubious.

Ocarina wished Colin luck, because he certainly hadn’t had any.

Twilight still hasn’t made his own decision about living in the city, Ocarina said, returning his full attention to Uli. He says he’s a country boy through and through. I think he’s uncomfortable with the bustle and the ceremony.

That’s our boy, Uli agreed, the corner of her mouth twitching. We won’t push him, but Rusl wants to be ready if he ever does make the decision to go.

Ocarina nodded his agreement, sticking his spoon in his mouth almost as an afterthought. How did you meet Twilight?

Uli blinked, looking taken aback by the sudden change in topic, but aside from that she took it in stride. He showed up as a little boy while Rusl and Fado were working on the tree house he lives in now. Started sleeping on the foundation before they even put a roof up. Rusl liked him immediately.

Ocarina snorted. So, you adopted him like a stray cat?

Uli smiled, wide enough that her eyes crinkled around the corners. Yes, more or less.

That sounded about right for Twilight, if Ocarina was honest – for any of them, really. As Ocarina recalled, Pipit’s family had acquired Sky when he was a young boy too – though how Sky had come to be alone had never been mentioned, now that he thought about it, which was particularly odd. The possibilities were few and far between, small as Skyloft was.

When Uli began to look concerned, Ocarina realized that he’d been staring off into space for a while. He gave her an apologetic look and took another bite, and then said, I was thinking about how many of us were adopted as young children. It’s odd. I think Minish is the only one I know who still knew his father.

Uli’s gaze hardened briefly, but before Ocarina could question her, she changed the subject. The uncharacteristic look was gone as soon as it came. Where is everyone planning on sleeping tonight?

They lapsed into idle conversation, and Ocarina let his mind drift again even as he politely turned down Uli’s offer to stay with them; he suspected neither Wild nor Legacy would sleep a wink in a house with so many people.

He wondered how many of them had been abandoned for being difficult children.

He shook off the thought, barely suppressing a grimace, and pointedly shifted his attention. Sky was supposed to arrive sometime the next day – knowing him, it’d be either in the afternoon or the evening, which gave them another half a day in Ordon.

Ocarina would like to help Twilight finish his chores early, which might well take the whole half-day, but Wild hadn’t been to see the spring yet, and that was a shame; Twilight’s springs of light were one of Ocarina’s favorite things about this era. Ocarina supposed there was no reason they had to leave right away, Twilight hadn’t mentioned being on a particular schedule-

Uli looked away, and without thinking, Ocarina followed her gaze to Rusl, Colin, and Wild. Rusl had lifted his shirt a little, showing off the vicious scarring that had clearly, once upon a time, turned most of his left hip into bloody mincemeat. Wild looked concerned and, like with Alfonzo, sympathetic as well, and without replying to Rusl, he started fidgeting with his storage slate. After only a minute, he produced two bottles, one of a thick blue liquid and another of a thick red.

You can keep those, I have a lot, Wild said first, and then tapped the blue one. This is a salve to soften scar tissue and make it pliable, and this one- He tapped the red one. -is for days when it’s especially stiff. Gerudo Doctor says the warmth helps the muscles loosen around it too.

Rusl’s jaw clenched slightly, and Ocarina winced even before he replied. I appreciate your concern, but I don’t need cheap tricks to weather my burdens.

Wild shut down, hard and fast; Ocarina probably would’ve noticed it even if he hadn’t been watching.

Lucky you, Wild said coolly, and pushed himself back, clearly dismissing himself from the conversation.

Rusl covered his face and cursed under his breath, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. I wasn’t thinking. I didn’t mean to imply anything.”

“Just take them, Dad,” Colin murmured to Rusl, and Ocarina had never met anyone with a more naturally earnest face.

Rusl still hesitated.

Does it hurt? Wild asked evenly, without looking up at Rusl. Rusl clenched his jaw again. Fucking take them then. Don’t be stubborn.

Without waiting for a response, he stood up and went to wash his bowl, leaving a heavy silence in his wake. Even Mattie and Mae were quiet, sensing the tension in the air. Beside Ocarina, Uli exhaled, and at the table, Lonely exchanged a few signs with Twilight, and then got up to follow Wild. Twilight reached out to stop Mattie from following him, and quickly distracted her with an extra chunk of bread.

“I’m sorry, my husband is a very proud man,” Uli said to Ocarina, so softly that he doubted Rusl could hear her. “He’s never been able to admit that his injuries affected him at all, but he’s no longer a young man.”

Ocarina nodded absently, already turning over the problem in his mind. He wished he knew more about Wild’s situation; it would be easier to help him and Rusl make up if he did. Excuse me, he said at last, and went to take Wild’s place beside Rusl.

“I don’t know what came over me,” Rusl said even before Ocarina sat down, clearly frustrated. “But for goddess’ sake, I’m fine.”

Ocarina ignored this, still picking his words carefully as he settled on an approach.

Can you take them just to humor him? Ocarina asked Rusl at last. Maybe ask a little about what they help with. You don’t have to use them if you don’t want to.

Rusl laughed, ragged and wry, and leaned back on the wall. Will that make me seem like less of a jerk?

The corner of Ocarina’s mouth twitched up. A little. I think it’ll make him feel better, anyway.

Rusl loosened, apparently placated by the notion. He has injuries of his own, doesn’t he? If I’d been using my brain, I’d’ve guessed that sooner.

Ocarina hesitated for a split second, and then nodded. I don’t know to what extent. But a pacer exercise made him collapse, and he didn’t move right for the rest of the day. Rusl sighed, tipping his head back, and Ocarina took pity on him. He doesn’t talk about it either. Wouldn’t even let me look. What were you talking about?

I don’t remember, Rusl admitted.

Wild asked Dad about his fighting experience, Colin said, suddenly enough to make Ocarina jump. He met Ocarina’s eyes without flinching. Dad was talking about that time monsters attacked the village. That was when he got hurt and all of us village kids got kidnapped.

Oh, Ocarina knew this story. That had been the catalyst to Twilight’s travels.

Probably one of the worst days of your life, Ocarina said. Rusl didn’t reply. It’s okay. We all get a little touchy around old regrets.

It was at that moment that Wild and Lonely returned from the kitchen, Wild looking noticeably calmer than when he’d gone in. Lonely went back to Mattie with a nod to Twilight, and Ocarina just caught Twilight asking how it had gone before he turned his attention back to Wild, settling himself nearby again.

I shouldn’t have assumed you wanted help, Wild said abruptly, leaning back on the wall. Sorry.

Rusl laughed, short and rough. Don’t be. Seems like I could learn a thing or two from you about taking things in stride. Tell me again what these things are supposed to do?

Wild tapped the blue one and started to explain without any apparent grudge, and Ocarina relaxed, smiling faintly.

To no one’s surprise, Sky arrived in the late afternoon, only a short period before Twilight, Ocarina, Wild, and Legacy successfully finished Twilight’s chores – or more realistically, Fado’s chores – in record time. He waved to them from just outside the pasture, and then turned and disappeared toward Ordon.

Ocarina snorted, getting to his feet only a moment after Twilight. Are you in a hurry or do we have time to stop by the spring before we go?

I always have time to stop by the spring, Twilight said, giving Ocarina a small smile. Just give me a minute to say goodbye to the kids first.

Ocarina nodded indulgently, and didn’t try to keep up when Twilight sped on ahead. Instead, he waited for Wild and Legacy, close behind him, and then followed at a more sedate pace.

Do you know who makes the goat cheese? Wild was asking Legacy. Legacy shook his head. I’ll have to ask Twilight sometime, then. A lot of the stables in my era have goats, but I don’t think any of them make cheese.

You wanna take the process home? Legacy asked, amused. That’ll be a hell of a conundrum for historians to figure out, how people just pulled the recipe out of their asses one day.

Wild laughed.

You can ask Twilight about it on the road, Legacy added. We’ll have to pass back near the village to return to the Lost Woods anyway.

Wild smiled, eyes bright with pleasure, and nodded.

“It’ll be a shame to see Wild go,” Navi murmured to Ocarina, riding on his shoulder. “It’s been really fun to have him around.”

Affection bloomed in Ocarina’s chest, and he nodded. But he’s having a good time. I’m sure he’ll be back around when he can.

Navi hummed her agreement into his ear, and then they were passing back into the village. Ocarina snickered under his breath, watching Twilight field a small swarm of protesting children. Ilia was a few feet away, shamelessly laughing at him. Mae was even clinging to his leg, and Mattie had the other, presumably just for fun.

After a minute of looking, Ocarina spotted where Sky was waiting and climbed the large Ordon tree to join him. Sky didn’t even notice until Ocarina grunted from a few feet away, at which point he jumped so hard that he nearly fell. Ocarina laughed at him, and Sky scowled playfully.

Thanks for coming, Ocarina signed warmly. Everything going well at home?

Sky’s eyes crinkled in a smile, and he nodded. Pipit wanted to come and help, he said, amused. I told him that too many hands in the kitchen ruins the soup, or whatever. He seemed kind of relieved, honestly.

Ocarina snorted. Pipit did always seem a little overwhelmed whenever time travel came into play, but apparently his sense of duty overruled that without exception. Twilight’s pleased. He wasn’t sure how much he’d be able to do on his own.

Lack of formal training will do that to you, Sky said, and Ocarina rolled his eyes. Him and Four, honestly.

It took nearly half an hour for goodbyes to wrap up, which made Ocarina more fond than anything; Twilight really was the golden child of his village. But finally they were on their way, passing Twilight’s house on the way to Ordon spring.

Wild’s eyes went wide as soon as he took the spring in, the beautiful sparkling water and the fairies that danced together above the surface; Navi even joined them, flitting happily among them for as long as Ocarina was content to stay. He had to smile.

Beautiful, aren’t they? Twilight said, with a small grin. The Great Fairy released them as a gift for completing certain trials. I think they seem happier about it than I do, though.

Wild nodded quickly, eyes glittering with delight, and then stepped forward, wove through the fairies for a few awestruck minutes, and finally turned to the waterfall to look up onto the higher ledge. Then he tried to hop it, over the waterfall and onto the higher step. Twilight had to gently pull him back. Wild frowned at him.

That’s the sacred part, Twilight explained, which was enough to make Wild pull back, returning his attention to the fairies.

Mattie splashed through the spring, screeching in joy, and batted at a fairy who seemed happy enough to dart just out of the little girl’s reach.

Ocarina snorted and sat at the edge beside Lonely, who leaned back on the rock wall and watched his daughter. Ocarina clicked his tongue quietly, and when Lonely looked at him, he signed, Did you have a good time in Ordon?

Lonely blinked at him slowly, and then a small smile curved his lips. He nodded, and Ocarina gave him a pleased smile.

I think Mae and Mattie will grow up to be good friends, he continued, casting his mind back to the village. It’s good for her to spend so much time around someone her age. Where have you been staying when you spend time here, though?

Twilight’s storage room, Lonely said, and the corner of his mouth twitched when Ocarina frowned. I picked it. It’s quiet.

Ocarina laughed, bobbing his head in sudden comprehension. The kids wake him up at all hours, don’t they? he said fondly. Alright, as long as it works for both of you.

Lonely didn’t grace that with a response, just returned his gaze to the spring. Ocarina followed suit, feeling pleasantly content. There was something inexplicably peaceful about Twilight’s era, especially Ordon and the surrounding area. Hard-won the peace might have been, but it was simply nice.

A few minutes late, Legacy joined Twilight and Wild in the spring, dropping carefully to one knee. Ocarina averted his eyes, oddly embarrassed to watch the gruff man pray.

Sky joined Ocarina and Lonely, picked one of the horseshoe flowers Twilight liked so much, and started playing it like a flute.

Eventually, they moved on, passing over the bridge that would take them on to Hyrule Field. The bridge was a long, rickety thing, well-maintained but still unnervingly precarious, and Wild kept leaning over the edge like he wanted to jump down.

Please don’t, Ocarina signed to him, and Wild huffed.

It would be about two days’ journey to get all the way to Castle Town, but all of them were used to long, hard travel, so Ocarina figured that it was essentially fine. This would have to be the last stop, though; he really did need to get Wild back to his own era. He could tell that Wild was starting to get anxious.

They grouped up and broke apart as they walked, holding silent conversations along the way. Lonely was carrying Mattie again, the little tyke riding on his shoulders while he held firmly onto her ankles, and she did most of the talking for him. Ocarina spent nearly an hour holding a very serious conversation about forest wildlife with her. There were a lot of forest critters that would happily prey on Kokiri-sized folk, and Mattie was delighted to hear about all of them.

By the time night fell, they were nearly at the northern end of Faron, so they were satisfied as they set up camp. Wild had a cast iron pot that he set over a fire to cook with, and the stars glimmered overhead while Legacy and Twilight kept watch for stalfos.

You know, I always figured the stalfos were an effect of the Calamity, Wild admitted, and then stirred whatever he was making.

No, nearly all of us have them, Ocarina assured him, but the comment made him frown. I’ve been meaning to ask. I’ve never heard of a Calamity before, at least not the way you speak of it. Do you know where it came from?

I’ve heard the name, Lonely said unexpectedly. The firelight danced across his face, animating his otherwise flat expression. Calamity Ganon.

Ocarina went white.

You’ve never called him that before, Ocarina said, unable to think of anything else. Lonely shrugged, nudging Mattie away from the fire.

It’s not common, Lonely said. Mostly legend and song.

Legacy’s jaw was clenched, and when Ocarina looked at him, he scowled. I haven’t heard it, he said grudgingly. But I’ve heard cataclysm. That’s what Sahasrahla called it when Ganon rose. It’s not that far a leap.

Wild was looking back and forth, following the conversation, faintly puzzled. It’s gone by that name for a long time by my day, he said. Even the history books speak of it. The volcanic activity, the rise in the aggression of monsters, the unpredictable weather, they’re all signs of the Calamity.

Ocarina felt sick. He’d preferred it when he thought that the Calamity was a whole new beast, not- Ganondorf.

I don’t think Ganon is that powerful, Sky said carefully, slow and stiff. He always got a little weird when the topic of Ganondorf came up. Legacy scoffed. Don’t make that noise at me. Ganondorf is a monster of a man, but that’s all he is. What Wild’s talking about, that’s- that’s more like Demise.

Mattie had gone quiet and small, eyes round with anxious confusion. As Ocarina glanced over, concerned, Lonely just shifted and drew her back into his lap, providing a silent form of steady comfort. Lonely was good at that.

Wild shrugged, but he was getting tense too. I don’t know what to tell you. The Calamity is a beast and we call it Ganon.

Those were all things we saw when Ganon rose here too, Twilight said, and he was frowning deeply, firelight flickering across the talon marks that scored his face. I don’t think anyone thought much of them, but Zelda says that the monsters hadn’t been this aggressive in generations. That’s why the soldiers were so unprepared.

Why is this bothering you so much? Legacy asked Ocarina, brow wrinkling warily. You seem shaken.

Ocarina bit his cheek. He’d promised he wouldn’t tell anyone what he’d seen in Wild’s era, but the ruins, the desolation, the blood moons – they were all very hard to reconcile with the man who had sat on a horse and laughed at Ocarina.

That man was the figure of Ocarina’s nightmares. But he was just a man.

“Is that why you mentioned that curses get stronger?” Navi asked quietly. “When Sky told you the story?”

Wild stirred the pot again and nodded, then reached out and took it off the fire.

I used to wonder, he signed without looking up, why everyone before me had been able to defeat the Calamity, and I was going to fail. I was trying as hard as I could, but right up to the day I beat it, I was certain I’d fall.

Sky snorted, but his attempt at a smile was thin and strained. It does feel like that, doesn’t it? But Hylia wouldn’t have chosen someone who couldn’t face anyone and win.

Wild didn’t smile back. Sky’s flickered and fell, anxiety taking over his expression.

It’s a lot, Twilight agreed, soft and grim. It... makes sense, that he became stronger as time went by. More a beast too.

A long moment of heavy silence went by.

It’s not good news, Legacy said at last. But there’s not much we can do about it. As Ganon becomes stronger, we do too. That’s about as much as we can count on.

Wild nodded, but understandably, he didn’t look reassured, just solemn and tired.

All we’ve ever done is keep it down, he said.

“Stop that!” Sky snapped out loud, making half of them jump. Wild looked up to frown at Sky, puzzled. “Stop calling Ganon-” He made an aggravated, stressed sound and pointed at nothing – it took Ocarina a moment to recognize what he meant. “It!”

Huh. Ocarina hadn’t even consciously registered until that moment that Wild had been speaking of Ganon as an object instead of a person – as simple as pointing with one finger instead of two.

When he looked over, Wild was clenching his jaw, eyes dark with stormy resentment.

Why should I? Wild said tightly. It’s nothing more than a monster, if that.

That’s not your decision, you bastard! Sky snapped. You can’t just decide that someone isn’t a person! That’s the kind of thing that makes you the fucking monster!

Before Ocarina could react, Wild had reached out and grabbed the front of Sky’s tunic, yanking him forward and almost into the fire. Then he shoved him to one side, and if Sky hadn’t caught himself his head would’ve hit the ground hard.

It was aggressive, and incredibly unlike the Wild that Ocarina had gotten to know. Hell, it was unlike any of them. Sky’s eyes were wide, equal parts angry and surprised, and Legacy and Twilight had both made false motions to interfere, alarmed.

I don’t give a damn what you think of it! Wild snarled. It took everything from me! Do you understand that? There’s nothing that beast didn’t destroy and it can go rot before I pay it an ounce of respect!

Wild’s eyes were glimmering and wet, overbright with something that edged horribly close to hysteria. When Ocarina looked over, oddly, Sky was wearing nearly the same expression.

Alright, this had gone too far. Ocarina met Legacy’s eyes and nodded at Wild, and when Legacy nodded back, he turned to grab Sky’s hand and tug him away. On the other side of the fire, Legacy was doing the same to Wild.

By the time they stopped, Sky had apparently recovered from the shock and was fuming.

You should have let us finish, Sky snapped.

No, I shouldn’t have, Ocarina said firmly. You’re both getting upset. I know why Wild is upset, and... he wasn’t lying when he said he lost everything. But you are too. What’s wrong?

Sky’s furious expression wavered a little when Ocarina supported Wild, and it fell entirely when Ocarina prompted him. He crossed his arms stiffly, and he ground his teeth, and he looked like a miserable child.

You can’t tell anyone, Sky said at last. Ocarina nodded encouragingly. I’m serious. Not anyone. Not even people involved.

...I promise, Ocarina said, a little more wary. What is it?

I think Groose is Ganon, Sky said in a rush, and now his eyes were glimmering too, horror and grief and fear. I... everyone else there got caught up in Demise’s curse. Me and Zelda and Impa, we’re all part of it, even if it’s in, in different ways. And I know we think that it’s always the same Ganon, because he’s always sealed instead of killed, and... I can’t explain it very well. But I’m sure.

A hole opened up in Ocarina’s stomach, and all he could do was look at Sky.

There’s something else, he prompted gently.

It’s stupid, Sky said miserably.

No, it’s not, Ocarina said.

It’s his hair, Sky said, and scrubbed at his cheek. It’s his stupid fucking, it’s his hair, it’s red, and his eyes are gold, and... he. He looks like Groose.

For a moment, Ocarina didn’t want to believe it. He’d met Groose, and Groose was bumbling and kind, he was cheerful, he was loyal, he wasn’t Ganondorf. He wasn’t a man that strangled children and smiled about it.

But the lingering curse of Demise’s hatred had horrific ability to corrupt everything around it. It wasn’t as difficult to believe as Ocarina wanted it to be.

He closed his eyes, nodded, and then opened them again.

I’m sorry, he said sincerely. Sky squeezed his eyes shut and nodded stiffly, forced himself to relax, and looked at Ocarina again, and Ocarina continued, I still have to ask you to go easy on Wild. He lost a lot. I’m not saying that makes him right. But I’m not going to ask him to be kind to his Ganon, and I don’t want you to either. He reached out and squeezed Sky’s arm. But thank you for telling me. I know you’re scared for your friend. And I won’t mention it to Groose. That’s on you.

Sky nodded stiffly, and Ocarina waited with him silently until he was ready to go back to the others.

When they returned, Legacy seemed to have successfully calmed Wild down too. The food had been passed out, with two bowls waiting for Ocarina and Sky, and Wild was leaning heavily on Lonely, Mattie happily caught between them, and Lonely’s hand resting on Wild’s stomach, glowing faintly with magic.

Chapter Text

Early the next morning, before they continued on toward Castle Town, Lonely left Mattie with Wild and took Ocarina aside. There was a steely look in his eyes that Ocarina had never seen in him before, and it was as unnerving as it was plainly worrying.

I want to take this to Hylia, Lonely said directly, meeting Ocarina’s eyes. It took Ocarina a moment to understand.

Are you sure? Ocarina asked, more confused than anything. I thought we decided there wasn’t much we could do about it.

Lonely’s jaw tightened, a muscle jumping in his cheek.

If it’s a curse, then it can be broken, he said. As if in support, his sword chimed softly.

It was a swooping, dizzying thought, the idea of just... It was a reality that they’d been living with for so long, the damning curse that stalked Hyrule like a shadow, replayed the same story in different ways every few generations.

You really think so? Ocarina asked.

We have to try, Lonely said.

Ocarina nodded, and then he spoke to Twilight, to Legacy, to Wild, to Sky. All of them agreed, and they turned around and headed back toward Faron.

It was a quiet, heavy trip. Twilight caught the postman when they happened to pass him and scribbled down a message for his Zelda, and Wild kept himself distracted entertaining Mattie, clearly uncomfortable with the change in atmosphere. When Ocarina looked at Lonely, he imagined that this was what Lonely had looked like during his own sacred quest. Grim, resolved, stern- normally, he just looked tired.

Navi murmured commentary and encouragement to Ocarina, trying to keep him upbeat while his mind wandered. She pointed out the rabbits on the side of the road, the squirrels in the trees, and he nodded along without really hearing her.

Of course, it took nearly the full day to get back to Faron, and then they had to forge back through the swamp, over the difficult climb back to the Lost Woods, through the Lost Woods and only then did they arrive at Twilight’s Master Sword pedestal. Ocarina had never resented the journey so much.

When they finally arrived back in Sky’s era, it was close to nightfall. Didn’t matter. Sky went right to the stand-in town hall and knocked on the door until someone answered, and as soon as Gaepora opened the door, he asked for Zelda.

Whatever expression Sky was wearing made Gaepora turn right around and go get her, and ten minutes later, they were in a secluded clearing and Sky was on his knees, signing to the girl across from him.

Ocarina liked to think he’d seen the range of Sky’s reactions to the situation thus far. He’d seen the grief, the fear, the steaming resentment toward Hylia for, however unintentionally, inflicting the brunt of this curse upon him. He’d never seen Sky like this, pouring his heart out as frantically as if it had been his idea to come here rather than Lonely’s.

Whoever else she was, Zelda was still Sky’s friend.

I don’t think it was supposed to be like this, Sky said for the second time, Sky who’d been walked through every step of his journey, who had every ounce of the strength they shared but had never carried the same uncertainty.

It wasn’t, Zelda said miserably, and then she shifted in place, rolled her shoulders back, and Hylia said, What do you want me to do?

Help us end it, Sky said immediately. Lonely thinks that the curse can be broken. It would take a lot. But we have... Sky swallowed, hands faltering. We have all of us. Surely we can do something.

Hylia closed her eyes and nodded, and then she said, Let’s discuss this in the sky. The old libraries are still there. I want to look into it overnight, and in the morning, we can make a plan. We can fix this. I promise.

“Okay,” Sky whispered, and he dropped his head. “Okay.”

It was a long night for all of them. Ocarina spent most of it tossing and turning, thinking about everything he’d learned about the timeline following his failure, the things that changed, thinking of Wind’s timeline, of his own, thinking of Minish and the centuries where there was no sign of Ganon. Thinking of how they’d not met any Links from Wind’s timeline after Tracks. Navi flickered and hummed around him, but it was clear she’d run out of consoling words, so all she did was stay.

That was enough, most of the time, but it wasn’t enough to let Ocarina sleep.

He gave up on sleep when sunlight began to spill through the window, and he rolled out of bed and jogged out, trying to remember where the Skyloft library was. After only a minute, he turned up the stairs and headed up to Headmaster Gaepora’s room, and sure enough, Zelda was there, and so, to Ocarina’s surprise, was Sky; he just caught the tail end of Fi disappearing back into herself as he entered.

Couldn’t sleep, Sky said when their eyes met, wearing a dry, tired smile. There was a book open in front of him. He wasn’t reading it.

Zelda looked up, and the odd glimmer of hallowed power had left her eyes overnight, leaving only Zelda herself. “Oh, Ocarina, I wasn’t expecting- I’m not finished yet, I have a few more...” She fumbled.

It’s alright, I just couldn’t sleep, he signed reassuringly, sitting heavily in a chair nearby. As soon as he was down, though, he sat back up. Have you eaten? You look like you haven’t slept all night.

“I haven’t,” Zelda murmured distractedly, flipping a book to the back to check its index. “I haven’t the time, I just- I think I may be on to something. I hope. There’s something ringing a bell about the breaking of curses...”

Belatedly, it occurred to Ocarina that it was ringing a bell for him too. Then he realized what it was. I know a man who breaks curses, he signed before he could think better of it. Zelda sat bolt upright. Ocarina shrugged, hiding a grimace. He turns them into masks and carries them around on his back. I don’t know if that helps.

“It does,” Zelda breathed, eyes wide and glittering. “Yes, that- that takes care of where to put the magic, there’s no truly disposing of a curse this large, but- oh, goodness, prying it off your soul is still, um, still quite a task...”

She trailed off, pushed the book in front of her aside, and went to search the shelves for another.

Slowly, over the course of the next few hours, the others crept in one by one. Legacy came in after Ocarina and settled himself in a corner, accepted a book gracefully when it was thrust upon him. Then Twilight, fidgeting and tapping his feet, scratching anxiously at his knee, and finally the sound of Mattie screeching outside, which presumably heralded Lonely’s awakening.

That just left Wild, and by the time the sun was high in the sky, he still hadn’t appeared and Ocarina was frowning.

“I’ll look for him,” Zelda said as if reading his mind, pushing herself upright. “I need to stretch my legs anyway, I’ve been at this for hours.”

She shook herself off and headed out the door, and Ocarina sighed as soon as the door shut behind her.

Why didn’t we try this before? he asked no one in particular.

No urgency, Legacy said, with a bitter little smile. All of us had finished our journeys up, Ganon was down and out, not our problem anymore.

Ocarina sighed, reached up, and rubbed his face.

Stupid. Arrogant. Foolish.

Doesn’t matter, Legacy added. We’re handling it now.

Ocarina nodded wearily, and for a while they were quiet, all of them lost in their own thoughts. Eventually, though, he could no longer stand it, and he rose to his feet, heading silently out the door to go see what was keeping Zelda. Had she needed to go out looking for Wild? It seemed likely.

But no. The door to Wild’s bedroom was open, and Ocarina could hear the murmur of Zelda’s soothing voice coming from it. His concern ratcheted up instantly.

“Easy does it, you’re almost there. Breathe. And up-”

Ocarina and Navi exchanged a worried look, and Ocarina took the last step forward to look inside the room. His breath caught.

Since his collapse, Ocarina had been trying not to wonder too much about Wild’s health; it seemed intrusive. But the questions had come up anyway, and Ocarina had spent time wondering what could have happened to put him down in such a pervasive way. The answer was worse than he had expected.

Inside Wild’s room, Zelda was helping him sit up. She had one arm around his back, supporting him, and the other stretched out for Wild to hold onto, pulling himself upright. The reason for his difficulty was blindingly obvious; at least half of the skin that Ocarina could see on him was knotted, bunched, and dark in color, and it looked oddly lumpy even for such awful scarring. It looked painful.

Sorry, Wild signed stiffly, leaning against Zelda. Neither of them had noticed Ocarina yet. I didn’t realize how-

“A-ah,” Wild croaked aloud, muscles twitching and taut. It was a thoroughly unmistakable whimper of pain. His fingers flexed and clenched briefly into fists before he forced them to loosen again.

-How late it was, he finished weakly.

“You never do,” Zelda murmured, most of her focus clearly on keeping Wild steady. “I...” She trailed off and blinked a couple of times, and Ocarina could see the shine of divinity appear in her eyes for a split second. “This is Demise’s power. It lingers in the wounds.”

Demise’s power. Meaning, Ganon’s power.

Ganon had done this to Link.

Wild grunted and nodded, eyes slipping shut like just staying upright was taking all of his concentration. His breath was ragged and uneven. Yeah. Malice burns, mostly. Don’t do as much damage as a guardian’s blast, but they hurt three times as much.

One of Zelda’s hands moved up to the most knotted, awful scar, an area close to his right shoulder. But of course, Hylia had given up her divine body; she had no power to heal. “It may be the elevation that is aggravating your wounds. I’ve known old warriors to suffer similarly when climbing mountains. We’ll have to return you to the surface as soon as possible. In the meantime, the infirmary may have something to help.”

No, Wild signed clumsily, without trying to straighten up. His eyes were glassy and struggling to focus. I have something in my slate. Can you grab it?

Zelda shifted to reach, and Wild’s breath caught on another whimper, his whole body jerking. Zelda froze, with an expression that Ocarina had never seen on her face before.

Without thinking, Ocarina broke cover to stride inside, picked up Wild’s slate, and crouched beside the bed to hold it out to him. Wild’s eyes clouded over with confusion, then shame, his feverish flush deepening in humiliation.

Ocarina barely waited for Wild to take the slate before he spoke. Sorry. I was worried. Unable to resist, he glanced fleetingly over Wild’s body again. He was wearing trousers, but not a shirt, and he was sweaty. He looked small. I...

He found that he was lost for words, signed or otherwise. Wild looked away quickly, fiddling with his tablet instead. After a moment, he took a bottle out of his slate – how many of those did he have? – and shook out about eight odd little pods into his hand. Ocarina smelled an odd wisp of something burnt before Wild swallowed all of them in one go.

Goddess, don’t look at me like that, Wild signed at last, and let his head drop to Zelda’s shoulder. He looked exhausted, and it was barely past morning. This is... what happened what I fought the Calamity and lost. I don’t like talking about it, so I didn’t.

No, he certainly hadn’t. Ocarina took a breath and pulled himself together, forcing his mind to work until it came up with something to say.

It must have taken incredible determination to face the Calamity again after that, he said at last. Surprise flashed across Wild’s face, followed by a soft smile.

Yeah, he agreed plainly. I had to, though.

Ocarina hadn’t felt Lonely’s sense of urgency before, the flare of near-panic that had made Lonely confront him the day before. He did now, and before he could think better of it, he glanced up at Zelda, holding back fear. Zelda inclined her head, eyes solemn.

“When you can stand,” she said to Wild, voice soft, “we should return to the surface. You’ll feel better there.”

Wild gave a strained nod, and then, almost meekly, There. May be a problem.

“Hm?” Zelda prompted, frowning.

...I don’t think I can put on a shirt, Wild said, without looking at either of them. I’d need to lift my arms, and that... hurts.

Zelda took a breath.

“We’ll find something that buttons,” she said quietly. “I’ll help you.”

Let the others know we’ll be leaving soon, Ocarina told Navi, and then went to help.

Over the next twenty minutes, they found an old, loose button-up belonging to Groose and carefully worked it up Wild’s arms and over his shoulders. Wild tried to cooperate, but any movement seemed to make his breath hitch and stutter, and he kept letting out soft hisses and grunts when he was jostled. His whole body was stiff and tense.

Did that herb help at all? Ocarina had to ask after a while.

Moving, Wild said, strained, which didn’t really answer Ocarina’s question.

But finally they got him dressed, and he didn’t need as much help to stand or stay upright, though he did stumble a little when he got to his feet. He rubbed his face, cheeks pale and wan, and then finally moved forward. He and Zelda went straight for the door, and Ocarina went to get the others. When he came in, Legacy was frowning.

What’s wrong? he asked as soon as he saw Ocarina. Ocarina hesitated.

Wild’s... scars are acting up, Ocarina said at last. Zelda thinks it’ll improve if we return to the surface.

Sky’s nose scrunched up. His face scar?

Ocarina laughed weakly. No, it turns out he has a lot more than that. A lot more.

Twilight nodded, looking faintly sympathetic, and Ocarina winced. He had a few aches himself on very rainy days, but until Wild had arrived, Twilight had had the most scars out of all of them.

By the time they caught up to Zelda and Wild, Lonely had already found them, and he was crouched in front of Wild, frowning.

Show me, he said, and to Ocarina’s surprise, without hesitation, Wild obeyed, clumsily undoing the buttons on his borrowed shirt. As soon as it fell open, revealing the knotted scarring once again, he heard Sky inhale sharply and Legacy hiss through his teeth. Twilight didn’t make a sound; Ocarina had to glance over to see his narrow, wary eyes.

Mattie tugged on Lonely’s sleeve, and Ocarina caught a glimpse of wide, frightened eyes beginning to tear up before Lonely turned and blocked her from his sight. She signed something, but Ocarina could only make out Lonely’s response.

He got hurt and never healed, he explained, gentle but plain. Don’t touch. They’re sensitive.

Mattie nodded rapidly, and Lonely turned back to Wild, reached out, and set his fingers on Wild’s skin with a gossamer touch. His hand glowed gently, and after a moment, Wild exhaled and slumped down a little, hopefully in relief.

Satisfied for now, Ocarina looked over, met Sky’s anxious gaze, and signed grimly, He said they’re from the Calamity.

Horrified comprehension spread across Sky’s face, and Ocarina had to look away.

Legacy crossed over to kneel down beside Wild, and when Wild looked at him, he asked, solemn and even, Why didn’t you say anything?

Wild’s breath hitched again, but it smoothed out in seconds.

I... didn’t want to seem weak, he admitted. He looked exhausted. What kind of hero gets hurt and can’t even heal right? Love of Nayru, all I did last night was sleep, and when I woke up I needed help to sit. That’s so stupid.

His eyes were shimmering. Legacy reached out and ran rough fingers through Wild’s still-undone hair, steady and reassuring. Wild calmed a little.

Even the best of us have mortal bodies, Legacy said simply. What happened? The Calamity?

I lost, Wild blurted out, so quick and clumsy that Ocarina nearly missed it. Ocarina’s breath caught, and Navi inhaled sharply. I’m sorry. I lost and Hyrule fell and Zelda had to hold Ganon for a hundred years while I slept. When I woke up everything was in ruins and seven towns were gone and there were a dozen monster camps on every damn road and...

He reached up and scrubbed his face, jerking in an awkward, painful sob. Lonely made soft, scolding clicking noises, pressing a little closer like the weight of his hand on his stomach and shoulder would calm Wild. It seemed to work. Ocarina’s chest ached in sympathy. Legacy’s expression had closed off, his head lowered to block Wild’s view of his eyes. Twilight, who hadn’t known his kingdom was dying until it was nearly gone, had lifted his hand to his bangs, fidgeting with them to block his eyes too.

Ocarina thought back to the averted timeline, with a Castle Town full of redead and ghosts.

“And then you woke up and you won,” said Zelda, with a wrecked edge to her voice. Ocarina couldn’t bring himself to look away from Wild.

Yeah, Wild said, so miserably that it was obvious he felt no pride.

“Link,” Hylia said, with so much gravity that Wild actually looked up and met her eyes, flickering with hallowed power again. “That was so much more than I ever meant to fall on your shoulders. I’m sorry.”

Wild blinked, dazed and looking faintly dubious, still allowing Lonely to work him over, patiently passing over every inch of heavily scarred skin and drawing the tension out of Wild’s overwound body. Sky moved past Ocarina to sit beside Wild, and shifted the shirt a little to get a better look, revealing some of the scars on Wild’s back as well.

Sky looked up at Hylia, and Ocarina had seen him look resentful, frustrated, bitter, but never as near to hopeless as he looked now. He looked like a child that had been handed a grief too big for him.

Why did you choose me? he asked abruptly, and then, cutting Hylia off without remorse, I know you didn’t mean this to happen. I just... why me at all? You could have picked anyone.

Hylia took a breath, and sat down now that it was clear none of them would be moving for a while. All of them shifted a little, not a one of them able to even pretend that they didn’t want to know her answer. She bore the scrutiny well, and spent a few minutes mulling it over before she finally answered.

“Before I abandoned my divinity, I cast my gaze across all of time to look for a hero that could help me save my children,” she said quietly. “And in truth, there were dozens that would have been suitable – who were strong enough, clever enough, good enough. But I was greedy. I didn’t want good enough. I wanted you.”

Sky pressed his lips together tightly, looking away, and it was clear he wasn’t satisfied with that answer. Wild hadn’t looked away from Hylia since she started speaking.

“Link,” she murmured, sincerity wrapping her voice. “You are everything I believe a hero ought to be. Not the strongest hero, or the fastest, or even the smartest, but you are brave, you are resourceful, and you are kind. There is very little I value as much as that. There are... not enough heroes in this world that will spare the time to take in the world around them.”

Hylia smiled at Sky, her eyes sparkling with pain.

“I believed in you. And all you’ve done is prove me right.”

She inclined her head toward the rest of them – Ocarina and Twilight, Legacy and Lonely and Wild. Ocarina felt oddly shaken, but it was a good kind of shaken.

Even me? Wild asked after a moment, looking so unsure that he jumped when Hylia smiled at him.

“Even you,” she agreed. “Link, who else do you think could have found themselves in your situation and still find a way to stay kind and stay strong?”

After a moment, Wild smiled, warm with tangible relief.

Eventually Lonely sat back, looking a little worn out, and they were able to divide into enough groups to return to the surface. Wild sat with Zelda, just behind her, and still visibly weary from the morning’s trials; Twilight was behind him, and Ocarina suspected it was to guard him from falling.

They ended up back in the town hall before they properly discussed what they were going to do next, seated around a table with the door shut tight. Wild and Lonely were seated close to each other, and Lonely’s arm was around Wild, as if to support him, glowing with soft healing magic again. The rest of them were focused mainly on Hylia.

“The first thing I want you to do,” Hylia said to all of them, swift and sure, “is contact the other eras. Tell them what you’re going to do. Then get together, find as many experts on magic as you can, and bring them here. I have a framework to build the ritual around, but I’d like as many opinions as possible to develop the final product. Ocarina- Link.” She met Ocarina’s eyes, deadly serious. “I would like you to find the mask salesman.”

Ocarina felt the blood drain out of his face.

He understood. That was the worst part. He’d been halfway to expecting it before Hylia even started to speak. He nodded. Lonely reached out to squeeze his hand.

Twilight grunted, soft and unsure, and Hylia looked at him. He signed hesitantly, I- there’s Midna. But she’s in the twilight realm. The only portal shattered when she left the world of light.

“With a few more hands, I’m certain we can open a path,” Hylia said fiercely.

“What so far?” Sky asked softly. Hylia’s gaze flickered down with guilt, but it only lasted for a moment.

“We’ll need to do a ritual in each era,” she said. “Because there are so many timelines involved and because of the changes over time. It’ll need to be performed at least partially by you, as the subject of the curse, and in a place that is deeply connected to it as well. And, with the help of the mask salesman, I would like to consolidate it into a mask. It will require plenty of layering, but it would be a remarkably safe way to dispose of such dangerous magic.”

Sky nodded, looking a little relieved by Hylia’s certainty, and Ocarina exhaled, feeling much the same. He looked at Wild.

You didn’t want anyone to see your era before, he said bluntly, watching Wild shift to better face him. Would you be alright with it now? It’ll take a while to round everyone up, but you definitely need to check in at home, and we need to stick together until we’ve resolved this.

...Yeah, Wild agreed at last. Yeah, okay. Let’s go.

Chapter Text

Wild needed half a day to recover before they left, so they settled in to bide their time for a while. Legacy and Twilight helped with the construction, Lonely watched Mattie pester the builders, and Ocarina kept an eye on Sky.

“It would be better from you,” Zelda said gently to Sky, squeezing his hand as if to make her point. Ocarina wondered if Sky had told her his theory, or if she’d figured it out on her own. “And it’s not unlikely that we’ll need his help with the ritual. It can’t stay secret forever.”

It’s going to hurt him, Sky said, frustrated.

“Yes, it will,” Zelda agreed, looking just as unhappy about it as Sky. “But he’ll want to help. You know he will. And it’ll make him feel better about it. He won’t have that if he doesn’t find out until after it’s over.”

Damn it, Sky snapped, and then deflated. You’ll be there for him afterward?

“Of course I will,” Zelda said, offended.

Sky sighed, and then he got to his feet and looked around. He noticed Ocarina almost immediately, and hesitated for only a moment before heading toward him. His expression was pinched.

You were watching? he asked, and waited for Ocarina’s nod before continuing. Can you... come with me to talk to Groose? I...

He scowled, and Ocarina hummed reassuringly. It was hard to admit you needed support.

Of course, he said. Sky relaxed, giving him a strained but grateful smile.

Groose was helping to build the school, but he was willing enough to be pulled aside to talk to them. He was smiling when Sky first called to him, frowning by the time they were some distance into the forest, and by the time they reached the pond in front of Skyview Temple, he looked openly worried.

“Something the matter?” he asked, stilted. Sky grunted and sat down on a rock, indicating for Groose to do the same, and Ocarina sat cross-legged nearby, just out of easy sight. He and Navi held each other’s gazes, equally worried, but stayed quiet. This was Sky’s burden.

“Groose,” Sky said aloud, very quiet and very solemn. “Remember the curse?”

“...Yeah? What about it?”

“It’s in me. And Zelda. Impa, a little.” Pause. “We think... it’s in you, too.”

A bird let out a hoarse, cracking caw. Ocarina cupped Navi between his hands, uncomfortable, and glanced up. Groose looked lost, and Sky still wore an expression like he was announcing someone’s death.

“Wh- are you sure? No one’s ever recognized me before. You sure you aren’t imagining it?”

“I’m- mostly. It’s... Groose.”

“Link, you’re kinda scaring me here.”

“Sorry. Groose. The curse has three parts. It, the...”

“Master Link, may I?”

Ocarina looked up sharply, startled. Fi had emerged from Sky’s sword, her expression soft and solemn, and Sky looked as relieved as Groose did panicked. He nodded quickly, and Fi turned to Groose.

“As Master Link said, Demise’s anathema curse has three primary components,” Fi said quietly. "Two of these are, of course, the soul of the hero and the bloodline of Zelda’s family. The third is the incarnation of Demise’s hatred. While we initially assumed that it had manifested itself, it’s not unlikely that it found a host of its own.” Her lips pursed, very subtly, before she finished softly, “Due to the known corruptive properties of Demise’s magic, and a certain physical resemblance... We believe that Ganondorf may have once been, instead, you.”

Groose stared at her blankly for a long moment, mouth hanging open, and then his panic ratcheted up several notches. “Wh- that can’t be! Link, buddy, you- you know I’m not like that, you know I wouldn’t do that. I mean, we didn’t always get along, but I’m not- I’m not like that.”

Sky looked away, grief and frustration pulled around him like a cloak, and Fi interrupted quietly, “By the time Ganondorf appears, Demise’s magic would have had, at the very least, several centuries to infect your being. It’s likely that the situation would have rendered your soul gangrenous. That you had become unrecognizable is a given.”

There were tears in Groose’s eyes. “I- what the hell am I supposed to do about that?”

“We are already taking action to dispel the anathema curse,” Fi said, quiet and calm. “Master Link has had this suspicion for some time now, but since your participation in the dissolution of the curse may be required or simply helpful, it has become vital that you know.”

“Wh- you weren’t gonna tell me?” Groose demanded of Sky, slightly hysterical.

I wasn’t sure yet, Sky signed defensively, curled as if to hide. And it didn’t- I’d have said something eventually. But it’s such a terrible thing to say.

Ocarina slid closer, just enough to draw their attention, and said gently, He was always going to tell you. But we’ve all viewed the curse as immutable for so long. I’m sure it seemed unnecessarily cruel to tell you while we were so helpless against it, and he wanted to be sure of how to do it.

“Damn it...” Groose cursed, soft and hoarse, and then, surprising no one, “How can I help?”

Something shifted in Wild as soon as they moved into his era. He’d relaxed over the last week or two, becoming more comfortable in Ocarina’s company, but something in him opened up the moment he was home; his eyes lit up with excitement.

Korok forest, he explained to the others, stepping away from his sword pedestal to make room. It’s inside the Lost Woods, so be careful where you go – there’s a shortcut out nearby, but don’t wander far. The forest’s magic will send you right back here.

The Deku Tree yawned, just loud enough between groan and rustling leaves to catch all of their attention, and a few of them glanced up at the tree with some surprise.

“It seems to me that you’ve invited quite the party,” the Deku Tree murmured to Wild, faintly amused. “What brings you all to this dangerous time?”

There were a lot of them there – Ocarina and Wild, Legacy and Lonely, Twilight and Sky. Lonely had even asked Legacy’s uncle to take Mattie for the week, once Wild had made it clear he didn’t think his era was safe enough for her.

Ocarina stepped forward before any of the others could, lifting his head to meet the Deku Tree’s eyes. We want to understand how the curse grew over time, he said clearly. Navi’s gone to get the others. We’re going to try to break it.

The Deku Tree rumbled in understanding. “Then I wish you the very best of luck.”

Ignoring the conversation, Wild had knelt at the edge of the pedestal, and he was laying a few things out in plain sight: two little handles like you would find on a shield, an unstrung bow, and the hilt of a sword. Then he stood up, turned to face them, and passed very similar implements out to them.

Legacy figured it out immediately, and as soon as he grasped the handle Wild gave him, a glowing blue shield bloomed around it. Clever, he said, and put it away. Wild gave him a fleeting smile and a nod.

Five odd arrows each went to Ocarina and Twilight, and then a sword to Sky and Lonely.

We shouldn’t run into any guardians, but it’s better to be safe than sorry, Wild said, and then looked at Ocarina, a little unsure. Am I taking you straight to Hateno?

Ocarina gave him a small, understanding smile and shook his head. Not unless you want to, but if there’s somewhere you’d rather show us...

Wild was already smiling, looking faintly pleased, and he nodded in understanding.

Ground-Up Town, then, he said, and then waved them forward, turning toward where Ocarina remembered the exit tree being.

Sky looked at Twilight. Twilight looked at Legacy. Legacy looked at Ocarina. Ocarina followed Wild.

It felt odd not to have Navi with him. They’d had a lot of debate around who would go to fetch those still in other eras, but in the end, it was only Navi and Ocarina who’d been in Wild’s Hyrule before and could bring the others to a meeting point. Ocarina didn’t want any of them making the same mistake he had and beelining for the castle.

Wild paused right before climbing into the stump, took a deep breath, and then hopped in; the fog thickened around him for a moment, and then he was gone. Legacy muttered something incoherent under his breath, and then followed.

When Ocarina came out the other side, the others had spread out along the path, and as soon as Wild saw him, he nodded and turned to lead the way. Ocarina wondered if the others noticed how tightly wound Wild was, unwilling to look directly at them.

Legacy glanced over at Ocarina and answered his unasked question. What’s wrong with him?

There are some pretty rough ruins on the right as soon as the treeline breaks up, Ocarina explained, trying not to wince at the memory. I think he’s worried about how you’ll react.

Legacy’s mouth tightened, and he nodded. At the same time, Twilight sped up enough to fall into step beside Wild, and he asked, Where are we headed?

Ground-Up Town, T-a-r-r-e-y town, Wild said, loosening subtly. It’s the only new town that’s been built since the Calamity, and everyone worked really hard for it. It’s right in the middle of a big lake, at the base of a waterfall-

Twilight nodded along as Wild happily described the landscape around Tarrey Town, looking faintly indulgent, and Ocarina relaxed.

Of course, it was only a few minutes after that that the treeline opened up. Sky cursed softly, stepping right up to the steep drop, and Wild stumbled to an abrupt halt.

Sky stared out over the ruins for a long moment, and then looked at Wild.

What did that used to be? he asked, unexpectedly. Wild shifted, crossing his arms before he answered.

Military training camp, according to my slate, he said at last. I can see it, kind of. There’s some old soldiers’ weapons there, a lot of stored arrows. Not as many monsters with Hylian weapons as I would’ve expected, though, and... He waved vaguely. Too much of it is submerged to really tell what happened there.

Sky looked at the ruins for a few seconds longer, and then nodded, turned away, and hopped back down to the path.

There was wildlife on this road; Ocarina had forgotten that under the stress of his discoveries. But he could catch glimpses of deer and boar between the trees, lizards scurrying through grass, and a few times, Wild stopped to casually harvest a mushroom or a flower, slicing through stems with a knife that had come from nowhere.

Wild stopped by the stable to talk to the stable head for a few minutes, and then returned to wave them on. He took his slate off his hip to look at it for a moment, frowning, and then made a sharp left turn off the road.

What’s wrong with the road? Ocarina asked, concerned. Wild shrugged.

Nothing, really. But I try not to stay on roads for long. It’s easier for Traitor Sheikah to find me there.

Traitor Sheikah? Ocarina asked, and then turned the thought over. Alarmed, he asked, Y-i-g-a? You have them too?

Wild tilted his head, and then looked at Lonely, who gave him a nod. He winced, but nodded. They’ve got a headquarters near the Gerudo Desert. Their leader died fighting me, so they’ve got a bit of a chip in their shoulder these days. He stuck his tongue out, visibly annoyed. I didn’t kill him, though. Moron knocked himself into the death pit behind their base.

Legacy snorted, and Sky hid a grin. Wild made a noise halfway between exasperation and aggravation. Even Lonely looked faintly amused.

The levity abruptly burst when something came into view ahead of them, and Wild, frowning, sped up to have a look. When the rest of them caught up, and Ocarina’s heart dropped into his stomach.

It was another set of ruins – old crumbled buildings, shattered wood, rotting cloth. Wild wove through the village for a moment, looking faintly distressed, and then looked at his slate and back up at the village. Legacy looked grim, his expression tight and unhappy. Sky almost looked winded from the sight.

...I must not have passed this way before, Wild said at last, weakly. He looked down at his slate again, tapped on something, and stared down at it for a moment.

Legacy went to look over Wild’s shoulder, and then went still.

The skulls, he said, after a moment. Are they all ruins?

Yeah, Wild said, and didn’t resist when Legacy took his slate from his hand. I... like to mark the ruins that aren’t labeled on the map. So I remember them.

That’s good, Legacy signed one-handed, without looking away from the slate. Sky looked over Legacy’s shoulder, and the blood drained from his face.

You really meant everything, Sky said after a moment. Wild glanced fleetingly away, crossing his arms uncomfortably. Sky wasn’t done. I... Wild. What happened here?

Really? Wild asked, but everyone was looking at him now. He kicked the ground. I- fine.

He sat down, gestured for the slate, and paused long enough to pass some food out to everyone – roasted nuts and palm fruits, easy enough to crack open. Ocarina took his eyes off Wild while they dug into them, giving the man time to gather himself.

Wild looked haunted, and he hadn’t even started talking yet. The summary he’d given Ocarina just a few weeks ago had been clinical at best; he had a feeling that this one would be much more raw.

The king knew that the Calamity was coming at least a decade before it did, Wild said at last. Everyone was dead quiet, with only the little motions of fidgeting to break the stillness. Sky’s face had finally set into the same grim determination that the rest of them had settled on. There’s... by this time, there’s both history books and legends about the hero’s soul, and enough overlap between them that they’re hard to distinguish. But there was a Sheikah book that spoke of ancient technology that had once been used to support the hero and the princess against Ganon. Make them unbeatable.

The king ordered people to start digging for it, and eventually they started finding things. Shrines, towers, guardians, and four divine beasts. Their original names were lost, so we called them Vah Ruta, Vah Rudania, Vah Medoh, and Vah Naboris. He spelled each of them out following their sign, and Ocarina remembered suddenly the description of Vah Ruta that Wild had given to Ruto. Nabooru, too? A champion from each kingdom was chosen to pilot the beasts – Peacock from the Rito, U-Lightning from the Gerudo, Rock Roast from the Gorons, and Gentle from the Zora. Zelda began her training at a very young age, trying to unlock her divine power, and... she tells me that I found my sword after wandering off during training.

She tells him? Sky asked Ocarina, in small gestures.

He lost his memory when he fell, Ocarina explained, and it said a lot that Sky’s eyes only darkened this time; the stricken look was gone.

It’s troubling, Legacy signed slowly, expression grim, that you were afraid enough to go to such lengths. At Ocarina’s look, he elaborated, The divine beasts post-date me. I’m not allied with either the Rito or the Gerudo. There must have been later additions.

Wild shrugged. Zelda struggled a lot to unlock her power, he said, apparently continuing as if he hadn’t been interrupted. The king insisted that prayer was the way to reach it, so Zelda devoted herself to it. She prayed in the morning, the afternoon, and at night. She prayed when she dressed and when she bathed. She travelled to sacred springs and spent hours there, praying in the water.

Ocarina glanced at Lonely, who shrugged, and then Twilight, who shook his head. Neither of them knew of their princess experiencing such difficulty. But Sky got it almost right away.

“The bloodline,” Sky said aloud. When the others looked at him, he elaborated, It’s been thousands of years since Hylia was Zelda. Princess Z must have a sliver of the divine power Lady Sky does.

Oddly, instead of looking comforted, the discovery of each new handicap Wild had suffered seemed to make him more miserable.

She tried, Wild insisted helplessly, like after all this time he still didn’t understand why that hadn’t been enough. Maybe he couldn’t. She did everything she could. She was begging the goddesses to let her have her power.

And what then? Legacy prompted, oddly gentle for all his brusqueness. Wild took a breath, shaking his hands out briefly before he continued.

The Calamity hit on our way back from the Spring of Wisdom, Wild said. I... don’t remember much, obviously, but it was visible from miles away. More than twice as far from the castle as we are now. A cloud of malice bloomed over the castle, the beast swamped the parapets- He swallowed thickly, staring at the memory of the horror. We weren’t prepared at all.

I don’t understand, Legacy said, leaning forward to catch Wild’s eye. His face was solemn. Swamped the castle? Ganon did?

Like a fog, Wild confirmed, and his eyes were shimmering again. He was a couple years younger than Ocarina, he recalled. It was still there when I crawled out of the shrine. It was... you could see the thing from anywhere. Anywhere you could see the castle. Fire of Din, you couldn’t see the fucking castle. You could just see the monster writhing around it.

Legacy nodded. Lonely gestured minutely for Wild’s attention.

Breathe, Lonely said. You’re telling it, not reliving it.

Wild took a breath and nodded quickly, and it was a couple of seconds before he’d gathered himself enough to continue. I don’t know exactly what happened next. Zelda’s told me some, but neither of us really wants to talk about it, so... He trailed off. But at some point, it became obvious that the Calamity had won effortlessly.

Another deep, slow breath, and then another, and another- it was a while before Wild continued. His face was flushed and splotchy. His mind might not remember everything, but it was clear that his body did.

He took all of the guardians. We’d filled the castle with them, so the castle was lost. Akkala Citadel was flanked by them, so it was gone too. There were even more in the ground, ones we hadn’t dug up, and those crawled free. They were everywhere, there was nothing left of Castle Town, they tore through every village and military outpost in Central Hyrule, they turned them to rubble-

“Wild...” Sky said softly, and Wild had to pause to catch his breath again. Ocarina had to turn his head to look at Legacy. Legacy had bent over, head in his hands, still watching Wild through his fingers like he couldn’t look away.

Zelda says that we helped some of the villages evacuate, Wild said at last. Guarded them all the way to Hateno Village, then started to head back to the castle. Goddess knows why. It had been days by then, Zelda and I were exhausted, but they just kept coming. By the time we passed through Fort Hateno again... I remember, but I don’t really remember, honestly. I was too tired to think. I was in so much pain. Eventually a guardian got close enough to aim, and I couldn’t do anything but look at it and its, its stupid glowing awful eye.

He paused. Ocarina’s throat was thick with sympathetic grief.

(Eye, Wild had fumbled out when the beamos scared him, it had an eye, it had an eye.)

I... it didn’t fire. Zelda... unlocked her power right then, and felled every guardian in the area in one wave. But it was... He looked down at himself and swallowed. I guess it wasn’t too late. It almost was. I collapsed, two Sheikah scientists rushed me to the shrine of resurrection, and I didn’t wake up for a hundred years. Plenty of time for monsters to infest the land and ruins to collapse and rot.

Someone was sobbing. Ocarina looked at everyone else – at Sky, then Lonely, then Twilight, even Wild – before he finally realized it was Legacy, shaking and weeping uncontrollably. It was an awful, hopeless sound.

I’m sorry, Legacy signed after only a minute, hands trembling, eyes on the ground. I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make things harder. I didn’t mean- they were supposed to help. They weren’t supposed to hurt you. I didn’t mean for them to hurt you. I’m so sorry.

Wild looked blank for several long seconds, but eventually, recognition glimmered in his eyes, and they immediately dimmed with understanding.

I believe you, he signed at last, and dropped his gaze too.

The silence of the next twenty minutes or so was suffocating. All of them silently agreed that they would go no further that day, so they set up a light camp by one of the ruins – none of them could bring themselves to sleep in any of them, though Wild claimed he did sometimes. Wild set a fire under a convenient cooking pot, and then started tossing ingredients into it. Vegetable curry, Ocarina thought.

After some contemplation, Ocarina caught Twilight’s attention. Legacy or Wild? he asked. Twilight took a minute to catch on, but he gave Ocarina a curt nod and went to sit with Wild. That left Ocarina with Legacy, who still hadn’t come anywhere near regaining his composure.

Are you okay? Ocarina asked softly.

Fuck you, Legacy said, without feeling. The tear streaks on his face were just starting to dry.

He’s not mad, Ocarina said instead, trying to get a feel for Legacy’s internal state. Legacy scoffed.

I don’t care if he’s mad, he signed. It was- they were supposed to be a good thing. I wanted them to be a good thing.

Ocarina knew. They’d been the ‘legacy’ Legacy wanted.

I know, he said after a moment, as gently as he could. It looks like it worked for at least a few generations, too. It’s not your fault that Ganon stole that from us. That’s the nature of his malice.

...What happened to the champions? Legacy asked instead of replying, like he needed, desperately, to know. Ocarina frowned.

I don’t know, he admitted, troubled. But... I know all of them died.

Including Wild’s fiancée. It was somehow much worse with context.

Legacy moaned and covered his face again. No, he said nonsensically. No. No. No.

Ocarina squeezed Legacy’s forearm reassuringly. The man’s grip in return was nearly crushing, like Ocarina was his last line to shore.

Across camp, Twilight was gently telling Wild about the evil magic that had infested his era’s Hyrule right under his nose, and Sky was climbing a slope, clearly intent on getting a look at the castle in the distance. Lonely looked lost inside himself, watching the fire.

Sleep wasn’t going to come easy that night.

His attention was drawn back to Legacy when the man let go abruptly.

Goddess, I have to do something about this, he signed clumsily. I... we can’t use the guardians. They’ve got to go, I- as soon as I go home, they have to go. The guardians, the skywatchers, the, the shrines-

Ocarina clicked his tongue a couple times, trying to soothe Legacy’s agitation.

The shrines stayed good, Ocarina reminded Legacy firmly. The towers stayed good. He uses the slate for everything. The shrine of resurrection saved his life.

It didn’t even fucking heal him, Legacy snapped. It left him in agony.

...Ask him what he thinks about that one, Ocarina conceded reluctantly. If. If we’re lucky, it won’t matter. We’re trying to break the curse, remember? It’ll become a non-issue.

Fire of Din, Legacy signed, exhausted. We have to break this goddamn curse.

Chapter Text

Wild steered them far around the monster camps nestled at the bottom of the valley.

No one passes through here, he explained, leading them over a ridge that rimmed the southeastern side of the valley. And there’s nothing valuable that anyone might need. It’s better to just leave them be.

It bothered Ocarina to leave a monster camp intact, but with the blood moons, he could understand Wild’s rationale. Anyway, it was Wild’s era, Wild’s rules.

After the previous evening’s conversation, the mood of the group was still subdued. Legacy’s shoulders were slumped with guilt, and Sky’s eyes hadn’t regained their usual light. Wild was doing his best to cheer them up, pointing out sights as they passed.

That’s Vah Ruta up there, Wild signed, pointing up at a towering, luminescent elephant-shaped machine that stood upon a ridge in the distance. He smiled. She’s served her purpose already, but we weren’t sure exactly what to do with the beasts afterward, so they’re still watching the castle.

It looks impressive, Legacy said without smiling, and then his gaze dropped to the wetland below. Is that a monster camp down there?

Wild frowned, but nodded. Lizalfos. I told you about it. It’s right at the base of the road to Zora’s Domain. There’s a road around it, but I’ll have to clear it out when I can anyway. I’ve been gone long enough that it’s as likely as not that another blood moon’s passed.

The view from here is amazing, Ocarina told Wild, because someone had to. Sure enough, Wild’s eyes crinkled in a smile.

I know, he said happily. The roads really don’t do the land justice. Just wait until we’re overlooking Tarrey Town.

As they approached one of the large glowing towers, though, Wild frowned, took out his slate, and clicked his tongue in irritation. He put it away again.

Too far southeast, he said apologetically, turning sharply back onto the road. Watch out for Yiga teleporting in. Looks like we’ll be on the road for a while anyway.

Between all of us, I think we can handle it, Legacy said dryly, and Wild laughed.

Sure enough, almost as soon as they set foot on the worn path, an orange flash heralded the arrival of a tall, disguised Sheikah – no, not a Sheikah; the eye was inverted. The next moment, they were gone again.

I think they weren’t prepared for all of us, Wild said with a snort.

That must be Death Mountain up there, Twilight remarked with curiosity, gesturing up to a volcano in the distance. At Wild’s nod, he continued, Do the Gorons still live there?

Yeah, Wild said. They’ve only got one town at the moment, but there’s still a couple of active mines and some hot springs.

Death Mountain always has the best hot springs, Twilight said wistfully. Are we going that way?

Wild shook his head. No, sorry. Tarrey Town is pretty mixed, and Death Mountain’s too hot for anyone but Gorons to live there. We’ve passed as close as we’re going to. He gave Twilight a small smile. Maybe another time?

Sure, Twilight agreed, smiling back.

A while later, Sky’s footsteps faltered.

More ruins, he commented softly, eyes on the right side of the road. Wild looked over and exhaled.

Yeah, he agreed. I almost want to take Zelda to all of them and ask what they were. But that would break her heart.

There aren’t many people, Lonely said, looking back behind them. Wild clicked his tongue for Lonely’s attention, and then gave him a small smile.

The area is pretty vast, so it’s easy to feel that way, he admitted. But we’ve actually passed close to a few people already. There’s a couple of shield-surfing enthusiasts that hang around on a hill near the ruins we slept in last night, and a Gerudo gem merchant that travels on this road to get to Goron City. A couple of adventurers like to treasure hunt in the area too, or visit Akkala Citadel to honor the fallen. He shrugged. They can be few and far between, but they’re around.

Lonely granted Wild a small smile, eyes softening at the description. They sound friendly.

Always, Wild said wistfully.

The road started to slope downward, and Wild started telling them about how Tarrey Town had been built – Hudson’s ambitions, the locale he’d found, the people that Wild had found and invited one by one. It sounded fun, and more than that, Ocarina liked the way Wild’s eyes lit up as he talked about the event. He looked incredibly proud of the hard-working group.

Sky eventually stepped forward, and Wild tensed a little, but all Sky said was, That sounds a little like how building the first city on the surface has been going. Do you think you’ll cultivate the land next?

I don’t know if we’ll even need to, Wild said, somewhere between wistfulness and pleasure. I mean, the monsters have to go and all, but there’s plenty of food growing wild already. I think the land still grows the way we’ve asked it to.

That’s lucky, Sky said ruefully. The surface is a mess. We might have to establish a few small farms to keep us going while we court the forest.

Ocarina nearly shook his head, smiling fondly. Sky and Wind had first bonded over a shared passion for agriculture too. Apparently there was a lot of devotion involved in training the land to grow a kingdom’s worth of food.

Agriculture turned into infrastructure turned into the training of swordsmen; the two endpoints of the timeline seemed to have found their common ground at last. Ocarina left them to it and crossed to Lonely, who had taken to walking quietly at the back, watching the landscape.

Is it still bothering you? Ocarina asked, and only glanced at Lonely’s blank look before elaborating, The isolation.

Lonely blinked, but it was to tilt his head and consider quietly. He turned his head to scan the horizon. No, he decided at last. We’re going to Ground-Up Town.

Even Ocarina couldn’t quite unravel that into its full meaning, but it made him smile anyway, and he nodded and looked ahead. Yeah. I’m proud of them too.

Lonely smiled faintly, and that was all they needed.

They reached a river before very long, broken up into chunks, and Wild led them over the bridges without hesitation, though he’d turned to look wistfully off into the horizon. There were lizalfos and bokoblin around, but they were easy to dispose of, and none of them held the group up for more than a few minutes.

Goddess, you and Sky are so gross, Legacy complained, watching Wild cut the tail off one of them. Wild laughed at him, and Sky did too when Wild relayed Legacy’s complaint.

By the time the horizon cleared up enough to let them see Tarrey Town, perched on its tower of stone in the middle of the lake, their collective mood had lightened, and Sky had taken to following the edge of the path, catching beetles and crickets some way behind the group. A couple of times, Wild stopped to kneel near him and point out certain plants. Ocarina made a mental note of most of them, and tried to forget about the bugs. Better not to think too hard about what went into potions.

He missed Navi. The parts of Hyrule Wild had been directing them through were beautiful, the ruins far fewer than Ocarina had seen before, and where they were now, he felt like he could see forever. Navi would have been in awe.

Once they were back together, he promised himself.

It was dark when they finally entered Tarrey Town, but a few people were still awake and bustling around. A Gerudo woman packed up a display of fabric and clothing, chatting quietly with a man that Ocarina strongly suspected had the namesign Bowlcut. A Goron was dozing against a nearby rock, with a much younger pebble curled against him, an assortment of gemstones loosely wrapped in cloth by his knee. There was also a bird.

Is that a Rito? Ocarina asked Wild, who gave him a quick smile and a nod before bringing his fingers to his mouth and whistling loudly.

The busy shopkeepers all looked up, and in a brief cacophony, called out in greeting. Wild waved back and finished crossing the bridge into the little village.

Who you brought? Hudson asked Wild, beady eyes roaming thoughtfully across the party. Ocarina gave him a sheepish smile and a wave. Now this was one introduction that never got any less awkward.

Wild considered that seriously for a few minutes, and then signed carefully, Link from different times and places. They’re visiting.

My sign better, Hudson protested, and Wild’s smile softened fondly. He immediately loosened up his language.

A door opened up near where my sword is kept, he explained. It led to other eras, and... You know the legend of the hero’s soul.

Hudson’s eyebrows lifted, and he glanced at the rest of them with clear curiosity. Your other lives? he ventured after a while, and Wild nodded.

“Hon, can you translate for those of us that only caught about half of that?” the Gerudo asked mildly, though it was belied by the way she cuffed Hudson over the head.

Wild caught Ocarina’s eye while Hudson translated and introduced Rhondson, Fyson, Greyson, and Pelison one by one. All of them seemed very happy to see him. Fyson offered Wild arrows, and Wild started to smile before reconsidering and whistling for attention.

Ocarina, Twilight, you want a look? he asked, tilting his head toward Fyson. I didn’t see most of the arrows they make here in anyone else’s eras.

That drew all of them over, regardless of what Wild had actually said. The promise of novelty was difficult for any of them to pass up.

“This is the weirdest thing you’ve ever done here,” Fyson told Wild, but he rolled out the cloth and explained the different arrows to his new audience, looking tired but amused.

“What’s this?” Sky asked, tapping the mechanical part on one end of the table. It didn’t look particularly special, but Fyson immediately perked up.

“It’s an ancient gear!” he explained cheerfully, pushing it forward for them to look at. “Link’s the best supplier of them, obviously, but a lucky traveler can pick some out of the old guardian corpses if they open them up. Risky business, that, but they last forever. You could build a grandfather clock out of nothing but ancient pieces, and it would still be running a thousand years from now.”

Ocarina winced, shooting Legacy a swift glance. Legacy was clenching his jaw, but grim resignation had taken place of the previous evening’s grief and guilt.

Aside from that, though, Fyson’s selection of arrows was fascinating, and Ocarina and Twilight ended up all but fighting for them. Wild eventually stepped in to promise Ocarina that a trader in Gerudo Town offered the same ones, if he wanted to visit, and that made Ocarina give in. Mostly. He still snagged a few electric arrows.

After that, most of them broke apart to explore the smaller crannies of Tarrey Town, and Wild drifted over back to Rhondson and Hudson while Ocarina kept an eye on him, seating himself not far from the goddess statue in the fountain.

Have supplies been coming in alright? Wild asked Hudson with clear concern. I know I’ve been gone a while.

Supplies coming in well, Hudson assured Wild, chuckling. Beedle came four days ago. Brought milk, sugar, butter, meat.

Wild gave Hudson a swift, pleased smile. Good. What about the monsters? Have any been encroaching on the area?

Hudson started to shake his head, then hesitated.

No monsters, but the guardians down there scare people, he said apologetically. Break them before you go?

Wild’s lips pressed together, and he nodded seriously. Rhondson bumped him lightly on the shoulder, and instead of jumping, he just looked up at her in question.

“Lighten up,” she scolded. “They’ve never come up here before, and I doubt they ever will. It just sets people’s minds at ease.”

Wild relaxed a little and gave her a firm nod. I’ll take care of them tomorrow morning, he promised, and then dove back into asking... something about the development of the village’s infrastructure. Ocarina let the conversation slip from his attention, satisfied.

When did you get here? Ocarina asked Lonely, who had at some point sat next to him. Lonely snorted. I was preoccupied!

Yeah, Lonely said, amused.

Ocarina huffed, but relaxed quickly enough, leaning against the wood fountain. They’re really making the best of it, aren’t they? he asked wistfully, thinking of how downtrodden people had seemed in his own alternate timeline. Lonely nodded. Do you think some of the towns in your time were built this way?

Lonely didn’t answer for a long moment, and Ocarina worried at first that he’d overstepped. Then the line of Lonely’s mouth curved. Yeah.

Lonely didn’t often smile when he spoke about his own time.

Ocarina smiled back.

Early the next morning, they crossed the stone bridge and headed left, down to the wetland where the guardians Hudson had asked Wild to handle roamed. Sky was rubbing his eyes and complaining out loud in half-coherent mumbles. Ocarina was doing his best to hide his yawns, but probably mostly failing.

Wild led the way, looking sharply attentive, and Legacy was right beside him, not a trace of tiredness on his face. Well, of course there wasn’t.

What are we looking for? Twilight asked Wild seriously, on their way down through the sloped field.

Ocarina called them beamos spiders, Wild offered, amusement flickering across his face. But you’ll see in a few minutes. There’s a lot of dead guardians in this wetland too, and the live ones are on the far side. He paused, frowning, and tacked on, But be cautious with the guardian corpses. One of them is actually still alive, just immobilized.

They’re supposed to shut down when they get too injured to move, Legacy protested, scowling, seemingly unable to help himself.

Wild glanced over, and Ocarina thought he caught a glimpse of pity in his eyes before it cleared away. Yeah. But they wake up if someone comes close.

Legacy snarled at the ground and reached up to rub his face. So it just makes them difficult to find.

...Yeah, Wild agreed after a moment, and it was definitely pity this time. Out of place, under the circumstances. He looked at Twilight and added, But the stalkers, we’ll see before they see us. Just keep an eye on the trees ahead. Guardians patrol in a set pattern, and they won’t deviate from it unless they see something.

There’s more ruins here, Sky said, and Wild winced.

I don’t know what they were, he said, anticipating Sky’s question. Sorry.

Me too, Sky said, and Wild looked away sharply, face flushing.

They’d just left the hills behind when Wild chirped, and Ocarina looked over to see him crouching at the base of one of the trees, harvesting a mushroom with his ever-present knife.

Aren’t you worried about... Ocarina trailed off and gestured vaguely to the woods ahead, but he couldn’t help smiling bemusedly.

We’ll see them before they see us, Wild repeated, and disappeared the truffle into his slate. He looked up with a faintly abashed smile. And this is one of the best places I know to find good hearty food. There’s a lot of it here.

Goddess, Wild had no right to be so endearing. Ocarina chuckled and offered Wild a hand up, which he accepted.

The rest of them relaxed a little after that, and Wild showed them the plants to look for in the area – a bright green herb, a radish with a vividly pink bloom, the truffles he seemed so happy to find. If Ocarina hadn’t been watching both of them, he wouldn’t have even noticed Wild sidling toward Legacy to speak to him.

They’re not afraid, Wild said to Legacy, just barely at an angle Ocarina could read. They’re wary. It’s not the same thing.

It sure feels like it, Legacy said tersely, and then exhaled. Sorry. I know this is much more your problem than mine.

Wild gave Legacy what was quickly becoming his characteristic small, patient smile. It’s alright, I understand, he said, and then continued, You know how the guardians work. They don’t go off their patrol routes. That makes them safer than monsters. As long as they don’t do anything stupid, no one should come across one.

The corner of Legacy’s mouth twitched. And what did Ocarina do that was so stupid? His gaze flicked over to Ocarina, making it clear he knew Ocarina was there. Wild, still oblivious, chuckled.

He went straight for the castle, Wild said ruefully. You, uh... You don’t do that if you want to live. Legacy winced. Too bleak?

Legacy snorted, loosening up. A little. Alright, where are we looking?

You can actually see them from here, Wild said, and pointed. Ocarina followed his finger to the woods in the distance, and sure enough, when he focused, he could see the faintest shine of movement flickering between the trees.

Let’s go, Legacy said, and he and Wild broke off from the group. Ocarina shook his head at their backs, but he was more than confident in their ability to look after themselves, and he let them go.

Lonely was rummaging in one of the guardian corpses.

Wild said to be careful with those, Ocarina had to point out.

It didn’t wake up, Lonely replied, and then pried it open. Ocarina sighed, but curiosity obligated him to look inside.

The parts inside the shell were mostly cracked and half-melted, but Lonely reached in and pulled out a shiny screw, and Ocarina was able to unearth another one of the eerily perfect gears.

A grandfather clock made out of monster parts, that would keep ticking until the end of time. What a nightmare.

He pocketed the part.

A loud whir like a fan, followed by a crash, made Ocarina look over, but he didn’t jump; he was already expecting the sight that greeted him. It looked like Wild and Legacy had taken down the first of their quarries already, and the second followed before any of the rest of them could get halfway there.

Neither Ocarina or Lonely moved to go after them. Lonely was oddly intent on the guardian remains, and Ocarina had to admit that he was curious too, and a few times he even climbed one for a better vantage point on the area. But another whir made him look up sharply. Lonely had found the decayed guardian.

Its eye locked onto Lonely, a large red dot splashing across most of his friend’s face, and despite himself, Ocarina felt his heart skip a beat. He dropped the parts he was carrying, alarmed.

But Lonely had clearly been expecting it, because the borrowed sword came off his hip, and it cut through the broad chassis like butter. He only had to duck under one blast before the thing went quiet again. Ocarina had the fleeting thought that it was almost sad, for it to die so quietly, flinching and flailing. Then he looked at the ruins beside them, and the feeling died just as swiftly.

Are you alright? he had to ask as Wild and Legacy returned, searching Wild’s eyes. He didn’t look rattled.

Wild gave him a brief smile.

It’s easier here, he said. I know exactly how many there are and where they are. No surprises.

No surprises. Fair enough.

That was all we needed to do here, Wild added, so I can take you to Hateno to meet Zelda and wait for the others if you’d like. But I’ve got some chores to take care of before I settle.

Ocarina quirked an eyebrow and wondered if Wild actually thought they were going to agree to that. Some chores?

Wild looked flustered, gaze flicking away in clear discomfort.

I... He faltered, and then continued slowly, The roads. There’s probably been a blood moon by now, and Lurelin needs access to Aris Beach, and the road to the desert gets so dangerous, and the road to Zora’s Domain is completely impassable until it’s cleared...

Easy, Wild, Ocarina signed, making Wild stop. We can help with that.

Wild looked at him for a moment, and then smiled, soft and oddly shy.

Chapter Text

It was the hardest that any of them had fought in months. For some of them, like Ocarina, it had been years. Wild took them first to a little fishing village on the coast, and led them down a couple miles of beach to a large monster camp. For a group like theirs, that was easy, especially when all they really had to do was shove the monsters into the water and let them drown.

But then he took them onto a desert road thick with bokoblin, most of them perched high on wooden platforms, so that they had to either shoot the monsters down or climb up to meet them. It took hours, and at the very end of the road there was an enormous, towering hinox, the biggest Ocarina had ever seen. Three of them worked together on that, though Ocarina assumed that under normal circumstances, Wild handled it alone.

Then it was a herd of mounted bokoblin stationed right in front of a stable. That one was quick, at least, with three snipers with them, but Twilight took an arrow to the arm, and they had to stop to fix it up. And then they went up the road, passed an enormous monster camp that Wild insisted wasn’t important, and cut across the easily recognizable Bridge of Hylia. A couple of crashed covered wagons clearly illustrated why the lizalfos in the middle had to go.

Then the lizalfos camp that Legacy had pointed out the day before, which was indeed exactly as unpleasant as it looked; Lonely even fell into the water, and Ocarina had to reach down and pull him out. And though by then it was dark, and also pouring rain, they weren’t even done. There was still the road to Zora’s Domain.

“A-ah!”

Wild’s weak grunt drew Ocarina’s attention, and he looked inquisitively over his shoulder, jolted out of his thoughts.

Can we slow down? Wild asked. He looked pale.

All at once, Ocarina was slammed with the image of Wild’s injuries, his broken whimper when Zelda helped him sit up in bed. His collapse during the failed attempt at conditioning, and his wan look for hours afterward.

If Wild was asking for a break, he was damn well going to get it.

Ocarina put his fingers to his mouth and whistled, and when the others looked back, he simply said, “Stopping.”

Despite the rain and the impatience and the curiosity, they stopped. Wild directed them to a shielded rocky outcrop, with a fire already set underneath it, and then collapsed against a rock, arms wrapped tightly around his stomach. Ocarina looked at Lonely, and without hesitation, Lonely went to sit by Wild and work his magic. None of the rest of them spoke; it was too obvious what had happened, and Wild’s expression was scrunched in shame.

How do you do this on your own? Sky asked Wild after a while, his expression slightly pinched as Wild struggled to catch his breath.

Slowly, Wild said, unwinding under Lonely’s touch in increments. Usually spread the rounds out over four or five days. He tipped his head back. Sorry, it’s just- a lot of movement, and climbing, and shoulders and fuck it hurts.

We’d gathered, Legacy said dryly, his shoulders still a little slumped as he watched.

Lonely shifted his hand to one of Wild’s shoulders, and Wild relaxed a little, relieved, and within minutes had curled himself against Lonely with the general air of a child seeking comfort. Lonely handled it gracefully, just shifted Wild to be more comfortable and kept going. Ocarina entertained the idea that Lonely looked calmer, too.

After a while, Wild took something from his slate and swallowed a couple of seed pods, and then passed out meals that he’d apparently prepared in advance. They ate dinner under the outcrop, shielded from the downpour. Finally, an hour or two later, Wild climbed to his feet with a grimace and jerked his head up the path, which was their signal to move on.

Wild took a backseat for the rest of the night, sticking to firing arrows with his off hand, but his expression stayed steely and determined, and he moved with surety from one point to the next.

The moon was high in the sky by the time they were done, but Wild was glowing with satisfaction. If Ocarina was honest, he felt the same sense of accomplishment through his own exhaustion. It had been a while since he’d done something that felt so important.

Without a word, Wild opened his slate and beckoned them closer, and in another few seconds, strands of blue light wove around them and tugged, and then they were in Hateno, just like Ocarina remembered.

They washed in the river, probably infecting whatever was at the end of it with an obscene amount of monster blood, and then Wild took them all home, just as he had Ocarina when they first met.

Hm. Wild’s home was smaller than Ocarina seemed to remember. He bit his cheek on a smile, then lost it as he remembered that Wild had a ticking grandfather clock.

And that’s it until the next blood moon? Legacy asked Wild, sitting down heavily to lean against the wall. Wild shrugged, looking twice as exhausted as the rest of them despite the help. Ocarina wondered how much of that he would have covered on his own.

It’s abbreviated, Wild admitted. But it’s everything vitally important. Lurelin’s fishing beach, the threat to Highland Stable, the Bridge of Hylia, the Gerudo and Zora’s trade route... He waved vaguely. There are other monsters along the roads that I like to clear, but people know they’re there. They’ll stay away.

Lot of work for a month, Twilight commented softly. Wild gave him a small smile.

They can survive without it. They did for decades. This is just... better. So I try to do it whenever I can.

I would too, Twilight told him, and then set his head on the wall where he sat in the corner and closed his eyes. Unceremoniously, they scattered across the floor, collectively too tired to poke around the house, and fell asleep.

Ocarina stood up, stretched with a wince, and went to pass out by the pond outside. Only a few minutes after, he heard the door open and close, and the briefest flash of malice before Twilight came trotting around the corner in wolf form. With a faint smile, Ocarina lifted his arm, and Twilight curled up under it, against his chest.

Twilight was good with nightmares.

Ocarina didn’t wake up until the sun was high enough to spill against his face, when he groaned and mumbled in complaint, then sat up. Twilight had already disappeared off somewhere, probably inside. Ocarina made to do the same; he could hear voices coming from the house.

Almost as soon as he was inside, Wild’s eyes met his, and then shifted to the grandfather clock. Sorry, Wild signed to him, and Ocarina shrugged.

He sat beside Lonely and glanced around. Sky hadn’t woken up yet, sprawled under the staircase. Looked like most of them had eaten breakfast already, with clean plates in front of them. Twilight was still eating, and as Ocarina looked around, Wild set a plate near him too.

Thanks, Ocarina said, giving Wild a warm smile before he dug in.

Hunting monsters had been a good distraction for them. Without that, anxiety was starting to come over the group again, and even Ocarina found himself worrying about what was to come.

Link didn’t usually need to ask for help. Not like this.

“Oh!”

The sudden squeak made Ocarina look up, and he saw a head peeking over the railing from upstairs, eyes wide. She was definitely this time’s Zelda; she looked too much like Hylia to be otherwise. There was something about that line that always showed up in the eyes, like a hint of her divine power never left them.

Zelda was also clearly still sleepy, hair mussed and one sleeve falling off her shoulder. A second later, she disappeared, and Ocarina had to hide a chuckle.

Wild shot him a smile, and then headed up the stairs. Ocarina finished his breakfast, and then went to wake Sky up; he always wanted to meet Zelda, whatever time they visited.

A few minutes later, Wild returned, closely followed by Zelda, now with her hair neatly brushed and braided back like a makeshift crown. She also looked stiff and formal, in such a determined way that Ocarina thought it looked vaguely defensive. And no wonder. She probably felt the same way Wild did.

Good morning, she signed, carefully stepping off the bottom stair and seating herself at the small table. Her shoulders were tense. Link’s told me about... this. I apologize, I didn’t know you were coming, so I wasn’t prepared to greet you.

You must be Princess Z, Ocarina signed, scooting forward a little to catch her attention. He gave her a small, reassuring smile. Wild’s told me a lot about you. I’m Ocarina.

He introduced the rest of them, one by one. Sky peeked out from under the stairs and squinted sleepily at Zelda, and she actually smiled for a second.

Then she looked back at him, hesitated, and asked tentatively, Is... something the matter?

There was something like dread flickering in her eyes. Ocarina didn’t like it.

Isn’t there? Ocarina said, as gently as he could. Wild and his Zelda were the ones who’d taken the worst of it, after all.

Zelda lifted her chin defiantly, which conversely made Ocarina relax. There was Zelda’s usual fire. He’d never met one without it.

We did everything we could, she said fiercely, hands cutting through the air with forceful deliberation. Link and I gave Hyrule everything we had. He worked himself to the bone after he crawled out of the shrine of resurrection. We gave everything and we won, and I... And I don’t care to hear otherwise from anyone, even any of you!

There was a slight tremble in her shoulders, revealing her words for what they were – a shaky wall of confidence plastered over her terror and insecurity. Of course, the safety of Hyrule was as much her responsibility as Link’s.

We know, Ocarina promised her, which made her deflate all at once, pain and uncertainty flickering in her eyes. It was always a stupid idea to let a devastatingly powerful curse cling onto our soul for so many thousands of years. We’re going to try to break it, and Wild offered to host while we gather what we need. That’s why we’re here.

Her eyes went wide, and she shot Wild a glance. Wild gave her a weary smile and a short nod, and she took a breath, bracing herself before looking around at everyone again.

How can I help? Zelda asked, with clear determination in her eyes.

Wild told us what happened here already, Legacy said, lips pressed into a thin line. Do you think you can elaborate on it at all? Maybe anything he could have missed?

I’m not sure what you need to know, Zelda admitted at last. The Calamity emerged from the depths of the castle, as we always knew it would. I held it there until Link woke up.

I’m still unclear on what you and Wild think Ganondorf is, Sky admitted, with hunched shoulders as if to brace for the answer.

...Legend says that the Calamity was once a man, Zelda signed after a moment, with the same slightly doubtful solemnity that Wild had treated the idea with. It isn’t, not anymore. It was- I don’t know. A natural disaster. A miasma of evil magic that could twist itself into whatever shape it pleased. It left its residue all over the land, where it remains a hundred years later.

Sky lowered his head, hiding his eyes from sight. Ocarina felt a stab of sympathy.

What do you think you’re going to need to do to dissolve the curse? Zelda asked suddenly, sweeping an anxious gaze across them.

We haven’t figured out all of the details yet, Sky said, scooting closer to draw their attention. When the others come back, we’ll figure out where to find as many magic experts as possible. But Lady Sky thinks it’ll require a ritual.

Zelda bit her lip. Will you... have to fight? Or... She trailed off, visibly struggling to express something. Ocarina clicked his tongue softly.

Are you worried about something? he asked.

I... She hesitated again, and looked at Wild, who cocked his head, uncomprehending. I don’t know if Link told you the extent of the damage the Calamity did to his body.

Wild’s face darkened with understanding, and he said, I don’t want to talk about this. But you can. It probably needs to be said.

Zelda winced, and watched Wild as he abruptly stood up, crossed to the door, and left, leaving the rest of them behind. Twilight looked conflicted for a moment, then nodded sharply at Ocarina and went after him. Zelda looked guilty.

The pain made itself pretty clear, Legacy said, searching Zelda’s eyes with a frown. What else is there?

There’s a lot of lingering physical trauma, Zelda said, slow and cautious. The guardians cooked him from the inside out in some places, so... There’s muscle damage in his abdomen and back. He struggles with lifting or pushing anything too heavy. His stamina is somewhat limited, I think for the same reason. New burns almost inevitably become infected before healing. She frowned, brow pinched; Ocarina thought she might be trying to remember more. Sorry. Link went over this with me, but it was a lot to take in. He seemed invincible, once.

Legacy shoved his fingers through his hair, frustrated, and then signed, You saw him before he went into the shrine. How much did it heal him? Really?

Zelda blinked, and then softened, more with grief than any kind of gentleness. I know it doesn’t seem like it, but- really, truly, an incredible amount. He looked so awful. He couldn’t walk on his own by the time we reached Fort Hateno. He was barely conscious, I don’t know how he was still moving. He was soaked in blood and it was all from burns, and he was- She cut herself off and wiped her eyes. I’m sorry. That was... She laughed raggedly. That was perhaps the worst day of my entire life, and I wasn’t hurt at all. He was- he was assigned as my guard, previously, and he took the duty very seriously.

Ocarina distantly remembered Wild telling him that. It felt like an eternity ago now.

One of the Sheikah that carried him says that his heart all but stopped twice on the way there, Zelda added after a moment. Really, I... Every time I think about it, I’m truly surprised that even ancient technology could save him. The shock alone would’ve been the death of anyone else. An elixir of fairy dust and dragon scales wouldn’t have been enough.

Lonely whistled. When Zelda looked at him, all he said was, Move on. You’re brooding.

Ocarina had to smile at Zelda befuddled look, the faraway glaze of her eyes clearing up all at once. Lonely’s very direct, he said gently. He means that you’re working yourself up, so we should probably talk about something else. Is there anything else we need to know about Wild’s injuries?

Zelda thought about it for a moment. Just please try to remember that his core strength is damaged. He struggles with balancing as well.

I’ll remember, Ocarina promised her, and then, Wild hasn’t gotten to tell you about the others yet, has he? We’ll all be here for at least a week or two while we... well, while the magical experts design the ritual.

Zelda shook her head, eyes lighting up with curiosity, so Ocarina got to his feet.

I’ll go get him, he clarified at her anxious look. He’s had a good time these last few weeks. I think he’ll want to tell you about everything himself.

A bright, pleased smile spread across Zelda’s face, and she nodded at him without any further reluctance. Ocarina turned away and went out the door, looked around, and eventually found Twilight and Wild seated by a pond nearby – not the one right next to the house, one a bit further away. He paused to watch, gauging Wild’s mood and the conversation he was about to interrupt.

There are regular wolves too, obviously, Wild was telling Twilight, and you should stay away from those, by the way, they do attack travelers. But there’s another one that’s just... different. I never see more than a glimpse or two of them, maybe some food left nearby or a ravaged monster camp – but it’s always when I’m especially hurt and alone. He shrugged. Seeing you reminded me of them, that’s all.

Twilight bumped their knees together gently. Glad to help – even if it was just to make you think of something good. But we should travel together sometime. Maybe explore my Faron Woods like Ocarina suggested.

Wild smiled and nodded firmly, and Ocarina took the opening to approach, waving to catch their attention. Wild’s smile disappeared.

Princess Z said everything she wanted to say, Ocarina reassured him, stopping a few feet away. Don’t worry, no one’s worked up – except maybe Zelda. I thought you could tell her about how the last couple weeks went. She’ll be meeting everyone soon anyway, assuming she’s planning on being around while we’re working through the ritual.

She will, Wild said without hesitation, and he’d relaxed again by the time he climbed to his feet. Zelda’s a good friend. Do you... He glanced at Ocarina, faintly uncomfortable, but he didn’t waver as he said, Where do you think they’ll have to travel, if they have to see anything specific?

I don’t know a lot about magic, Ocarina said thoughtfully. But... I’m sorry, I don’t know how much I’m asking- but it might be a good idea to clear the castle.

Wild’s lips pressed together in determination, and he just nodded.

I’ll make sure to do that, he said, and then hurried on ahead to talk to Zelda.

Chapter Text

Linebeck was a good friend. He wasn’t predisposed to the sort of grim conviction that Link was, but he treated Wind’s request with all of the gravity that Wind could have asked for, and within a day, the boat was setting off over the water.

“You remember how to chart a course, don’t you, Link?” Linebeck asked without looking back, steering the boat into the open water. “I certainly hope so, because I sure as hell don’t remember where to look for the Ocean King.”

“Yeah!” Wind assured him, already spreading out the map in front of him. Legacy crouched down beside him, and Wind turned the map a little so he could see it better. He pointed at a few different points for Legacy to see, and when Legacy nodded, he started marking out a course for them to follow.

Wind was nervous. In any other circumstance, he wouldn’t have even considered trying to reach out to the Ocean King – who, by all appearances, had vanished into the void between worlds after being restored. But this was different. This was thousands of years of suffering that they could maybe, if they were very lucky, help Hyrule to avoid.

They hadn’t met a Link from Wind’s timeline after Tracks. Wind worried a lot about that.

“Haven’t spoken to either of you before,” Linebeck said gruffly, when they’d settled into their course. He glanced back to look at Legacy and Sky, curiosity unmistakable. “Which ones are you?”

“I’m Sky, the first,” Sky introduced evenly, with his head turned to look out over the water with a look close to longing – Wind was pretty sure he hadn’t spent much time in open water. “Legacy is- after Ocarina falls.”

Linebeck was quiet for a minute. When Wind looked at him, he looked almost unnerved.

“That sure was a lot of words for Link,” he said at last.

Sky smiled a little. “It’s just me and Minish that talk much,” he said. “It’s harder, down the timeline.”

“I don’t understand everything that’s going on,” Linebeck admitted, leaning on the wheel to drift right. “Never have, frankly. It’s the reincarnation that you’re trying to stop, isn’t it? Why would you do that? Seems like a pretty sweet deal to me.”

Sky opened his mouth, frowned, and glanced at Wind. Wind considered their options, and then went to sit himself in front of Linebeck, just within his view. Brow furrowing, Linebeck gave him a short nod.

Reincarnation is only one part of it, Wind explained. But Link reincarnates to fight against evil, and the cycle was born because of a specific evil. We’ve always known that both the evil and we get stronger with every cycle, but we learned from Wild that the evil outpaces us eventually. We need to end it before it gets much worse.

Linebeck shook his head, and frowned at the water for almost a minute before he finally replied. “It’s that old legend, isn’t it? The hero of time.” Wind nodded. “You never mentioned that to me.”

Sky gave Wind a surprised look. Wind knocked his boot against the side of the boat, uncomfortable, and turned his head away from Linebeck.

It never mattered, he said at last. I’d already fought and sealed Ganondorf by the time I met you. And Tracks, who comes after me, fought someone else. He shrugged. I don’t really like talking about it anyway, and it never seemed very important that you know all the details. Until now.

When he glanced back at Linebeck, his expression had turned oddly pensive.

“I always knew there was something special about you,” Linebeck said at last. “It doesn’t surprise me like it should that it’s something like this.” He was quiet for another minute. “Can’t your goddess do something about it? Hylia?”

Wind shook his head. It’s an anathema curse, she says. He fingerspelled the word when Linebeck frowned. Cast by a human, a curse like that can last for several centuries and takes multiple strong sorcerers to break. But this one was cast with the demon king’s final breath. Its potency is unthinkable. It’s a long shot to think we can dissolve it at all, even with the help of gods.

Just thinking about it made Wind anxious. He pressed his fist against his chest.

“Hey,” Linebeck said, unusually gentle. “If anyone can do it, you can.”

Wind surrendered a wavering smile, and he nodded, looking over the water.

It took a couple of days to reach the Ocean King’s temple. Linebeck and Legacy took turns steering the boat, occasionally checking their course against Wind’s map, and Sky mostly watched the water, lost in thought. Wind tried to stay close to him; he probably needed the support.

“Legacy,” Wind said on the second day, when Linebeck was just taking up the wheel again. Legacy cocked an eyebrow. What makes what happened to Wild so different from Ocarina? We already knew we could lose.

Legacy pressed his lips together tightly, something dark in his expression.

The thing is, Wild didn’t lose, Legacy said after a moment. Not really. But it cost so damn much for him to win. Wind, he’s too injured to lift heavy objects now. It’s a fucking miracle that he won. He jerked his head once, sharp and frustrated. How many cycles do you think it’ll take after Wild before it’s impossible to win at all?

...He seemed fine when we met, Wind signed, dismayed. I mean. He was skittish. But which of us isn’t?

Legacy exhaled. Yeah, he’s... holding up pretty well, all things considered. But it wasn’t just him either. We only met for a couple days, but Princess Z is a nervous wreck underneath her pride. They were stretched to their breaking point. He worried his lip for a moment. I think that’s what’s bothering me, actually. We’ve struggled before and we’ve failed before, but Wild and Princess Z – Goddess, they make Lonely and Princess Triforce look well-adjusted. Me and Maiden aren’t as stressed out as those two.

“Oh,” Wind said softly. That’s bad.

Legacy glanced down at him and visibly forced himself to relax. Yeah. But that’s why we’re handling it.

They finally moored at Mercay Island, and Wind hopped out first to lead the way toward the Temple of the Ocean King. Linebeck stayed behind, allegedly to check over his boat, but Wind thought he probably just felt uncomfortable inserting himself into the proceedings.

You really think this will work? Wind asked Sky on the way there, fiddling anxiously with the damp and frayed hem of his sleeve.

There was clear strain in Sky’s expression, a note of seriousness that hadn’t left his eyes since he’d set foot on Linebeck’s ship. But he nodded. Fi is certain that he’ll hear us, he said, and to Sky, if Fi said it was true, there was no question at all.

They didn’t need to go into the life-leeching parts of the temple; they stayed in the front room, and climbed the steps to the altar.

Sky stopped dead center in front of it, facing away from the door, and took his goddess harp from his bag. He took a breath, and then started to play.

Zelda’s lullaby was a melody too old to have a true name. It was the music of Hylia’s soul, and even now, its gentle tune made Wind close his eyes to listen, soothed by the familiar notes. According to Fi, to play it in the Temple of the Ocean King was as good as invoking her name when they called for him.

And sure enough, halfway through Sky’s second repetition of the song, the wall behind the alter blurred and warped, and Oshus plodded through, brow furrowed deeply in concern. Sky ceased playing immediately, somehow looking both relieved and stressed.

“Good evening, Link,” Oshus greeted quietly, hand on his cane. “What brings you here in dear Hylia’s name?”

Wind exhaled, relieved.

Thank you for coming, he said first, bouncing on his toes restlessly. We- I wanted to ask for your help. Please.

“For you, anything,” Oshus said without hesitation, which gave Wind a rush of warmth through his surprise at the easy concession. But it didn’t quite soothe his anxiety.

Let me explain first, he requested, meeting Oshus’ eyes evenly. I’ve- always wondered if you knew who I was when you asked me to face Bellum.

“I hadn’t,” Oshus admitted, and looked from Wind to Sky to Legacy. “But it’s quite apparent now, I admit. You’re Hylia’s chosen, aren’t you? You did seem peculiarly unperturbed by the task I set you.”

Wind gave him a wavering smile and a nod. Yeah. After Ganondorf, I- figured it was better me than anyone else. He shook his head, rolling his shoulders to discard the tension, and bit his lip before looking at Legacy. Can you explain this part? You know what happened better.

Legacy nodded once, looking over at Oshus. Wind was reminded, oddly, that Legacy was over a decade older than him – than most of them, really. It was something about the unflinching, almost stony look in his eyes.

The stakes are too high to let our curse haunt Hyrule any longer, he said. It’s damnation for Hyrule, a plague on Zelda’s line, and- for Link, the promise that our soul will never rest. It’s too much to bear. But it’s such a powerful spell that we can’t dissolve it on our own. We’re asking some of the people we’ve met across our journeys for help. Would you be willing to lend your aid?

Please? Wind added, unable to help himself. I don’t know where else to turn.

“Please,” Sky echoed softly. “It was never supposed to be like this.”

Oshus took a breath.

“You helped me without question in my darkest hour, and asked nothing more than that I save your friend’s life,” he said quietly. “For you? Anything.”

“Are we there yet?” Mattie asked, hanging off of Lonely’s neck with her eyes on Minish. Minish suppressed a laugh.

“Almost,” he promised.

Lonely adjusted his grip on his daughter and tilted his head down the path.

“We’ll go off the path,” Minish told him. “It’s not meant for big people.”

Minish felt a little wistful despite himself. It had been a long time since he’d been young enough to even think about visiting the Picori. He’d stopped seeing them on bookshelves when he was fifteen, and it had damn near broken his heart.

True to his word, Minish steered them into the dense brush only a few more turns down the footpath, and the two of them carefully picked their way through the undergrowth. After some searching, he finally found where water seeped out of a tiny gulley, forming a little, shallow pool that whirled gently. Minish had never seen it while he was big before; it had looked like a lake when he was tiny.

“This is it, Mattie,” he said quietly, and knelt down beside the pool, soaking his knees in the wet soil. “Can you sit next to me and call out to the Picori, please?”

Mattie nodded eagerly, and Lonely set her carefully on her feet. Mission accomplished, he sat against a tree a comfortable distance away and watched.

Minish didn’t think he’d ever spent this much time with Lonely before. It was more comfortable than he’d thought it would be; something about Lonely’s silence was almost companionable. Despite the fact that he spoke as little with his hands as with his mouth, he didn’t seem dismissive or disinterested. Just mellow.

At least part of that was probably his daughter.

Mattie knelt down in the pool with a splash, and Minish winced sympathetically as water soaked into her loose trousers.

“Picori!” she cooed, fingers buried in the mud as she leaned down, trying to look through the brush to Minish Village. “Minish people! Picoriii! Pico pico! Ezlooo! Ezlooo?” She paused, watching the furrowed ground, and then added coaxingly, “Link needs to talk to you! Please? Pretty pretty please? Pretty please with a bowl of milk and berries and cream and- oh!”

Minish looked down, but of course, he didn’t see anything. He felt a pang of wistful sorrow. Mattie leaned down further, looking intent.

“Are you Ezlo?” she asked. “You really are as tiny as Minish said! Is it scary to be so small? I’m not as tiny as you and everything is still really big!” Pause. “Oh. Yeah, Link is with me! I mean, Minish Link is next to me, and then Dad Link is over there.” She waved vaguely. Minish cleared his throat, fond despite himself.

“Is it Ezlo, Mattie?” he asked quietly. Mattie nodded without hesitation, hair flying around her face with the force of it. “Thank you. Ezlo...” He hesitated. He wished he could see his old friend. “I’m sorry to ask after so long. But I need your help.” Mattie nodded at him encouragingly. “My soul is cursed. It’s... really bad, Ezlo.”

He bit his lip. This was hard already, but it was harder without any feedback.

“I know this!” Mattie said brightly, and without asking, she leaned down again, focusing on where Ezlo must be standing. “Link gets born every time someone needs to fight a monster! But everyone got really scared when we met Wild, and they want to stop. And Minish said you can help!”

Minish laughed, rough and awkward, and reached out to pat Mattie in thanks.

“Yeah, that’s about it,” he agreed quietly. “We’re asking others to help too, Ezlo, but I know you’re smart. Will you help?”

One heartbeat passed, then two, then three.

“Okay,” Mattie said, and she cupped her hands and set them down on the edge of the water. “Don’t worry, I can be really careful!”

Instinctively, Minish steadied her as she stood up, because despite her words she was still wobbly and rough about it. He followed a moment later, overly conscious of how much older he’d grown since he and Ezlo had adventured together.

“Thanks,” he said softly to Mattie’s empty hands, and then nodded to a fallen branch. “I think that the nearest Minish portal is that way.”

He looked at Lonely, who was climbing to his feet as well, and Lonely came over to pick Mattie up and put her back on his hip. She leaned comfortably against him, looking ahead through the forest.

The walk there was quiet. Minish recognized the right stump as soon as he saw it, and he knelt down to direct Mattie to the knot at the base. She knelt down and set her cupped hands on the ground, and then stood up with a bounce. Minish tucked his hands behind him and held his breath, watching the portal.

Only a minute later, he heard a low grunt. Then a white bun appeared over the edge of the stump, and then a green sleeve, and then Ezlo pulled himself out of the portal, shaking his head.

“Ezlo,” Minish breathed, choked with longing. Ezlo paused in brushing himself off, and then lifted his head to meet Minish’s eyes. Ezlo’s eyes were glossy black, with only the barest shadow to indicate iris and pupil, but they were warm and kind.

“Hello, lad,” he greeted, the corner of his mouth twitching up with amusement. “It’s been some time, hasn’t it? Why, look how you’ve grown.”

Minish muffled a laugh into his hand. “Ezlo,” he repeated with relief. “I’m so happy to see you.”

“And I you,” Ezlo admitted, and took a few more steps forward, his wooden staff clutched in one hand. “But now that we are once again eye to eye, could you perhaps explain yourself better? I don’t believe Vaati ever got the chance to curse you, particularly not in any enduring manner. And who is your friend? ‘Dad Link,’ the little one called him?”

Minish let out a slightly broken laugh and sat down hard on the path, inviting the others to do the same with a gesture. Ezlo did so with a grunt.

“This is Lonely,” Minish introduced, waving to Lonely, who gave Ezlo a curt nod. “He’s from, um, two or three thousand years from now. It’s okay if he doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t.”

“Doesn’t he, now?” Ezlo murmured, eying Lonely speculatively. “He quite resembles you.”

Minish took a breath. It was a uniquely strange situation for him; Sky had known the source of the curse right away, and Ocarina was one of the first. Everyone else had already known about the hero of time, and usually the cycle as a whole as well. But Minish- no one knew about the soul of the hero in Minish’s time.

“He’s a reincarnation of me,” Minish said quietly. “Vaati didn’t curse me. No one cursed me.” Minish exhaled, frustrated. “It was- I’m the third or fourth incarnation. The first is- Sky. He’s the one that was cursed.”

Ezlo opened his mouth, looking vaguely exasperated, and then paused. He closed his mouth. Then he reached out, and rapped Minish briskly on the forehead with the tip of his staff. Minish yelped in protest, but only a second later, a swirling cloak of violet erupted around him, whirling like a dust devil. Then it vanished, leaving Ezlo looking stricken.

“I didn’t even notice,” he breathed, looking at Minish like he’d never seen him before.

Minish shrugged helplessly.

“It’s early,” he said. “Not common knowledge yet.”

Ezlo lifted his fist to press it briefly against his forehead, looking frustrated and tired, and Minish felt as helpless as if Ezlo was the one cursed.

“What happened?” Ezlo asked at last, softly.

Minish explained the best he could, the same explanation he had gotten when he joined the fold; he’d been the last before Charm, and Sky the last before him. By the time Minish arrived, everything had been in the open. Ezlo listened intently, a deep frown slashing his face, and he looked older with every word.

“What a terrible curse it is,” he said when Minish was done, “to be loved by a being who lives on such a grand scale.”

Minish nodded silently. With one miscalculation, despite the dozens and dozens she’d accounted for, Hylia had damned Link and Hyrule to generations of suffering and turmoil. He wondered what would have happened had Demise won, and shivered.

“I’m sorry, child,” Ezlo said quietly, and then lifted his head. “Of course, I will lend all of my expertise to see this error corrected. You mentioned you were asking others? Who?”

Minish shrugged and shook his head. “I don’t know. Old friends. Hylia promised to help.”

Ezlo snorted.

“What an incredible boy you are,” he murmured. “Knowing you, I’m certain that the group will include some truly extraordinary folk. Any from you, lad?”

I brought Mattie, Lonely dismissed without looking over. Minish winced at Ezlo’s blank look.

“He said he brought Mattie,” Minish translated. “Do you have a spell? Almost no one speaks well. They use mostly sign.”

“I do,” Ezlo promised, looking thoughtful. “I did notice that your own speech was, ah...”

“Childlike,” Minish agreed, unabashed. “I know.”

Ezlo shook his head, bemused. “I’ll cast it once we arrive. Shall we be off?”

Minish felt himself smile in relief, hesitated, and then leaned forward to hug Ezlo tightly. Ezlo stiffened for a moment, then relaxed, and then carefully hugged Minish in return, gentle and firm.

“Thanks,” Minish murmured to him, and then let go.

Chapter Text

A couple of weeks after Hyrule and Lorule had parted ways, Charm had noticed something: the crack just outside his house had stayed open. He wasn’t sure if Hilda and Ravi had left it that way on purpose, and he hadn’t gone through yet. But sometimes, he’d lean against the wall and stare at it for a while.

A few hours after he was asked for help, he put Ravi’s bracelet on and stepped through.

Lorule was brighter than he’d remembered; he supposed that he should have expected that, since the triforce had duplicated itself, but it made him smile nonetheless. The air wasn’t as heavy, and the faint smell of rot had disappeared. He wondered how the people of Lorule’s Kakariko were doing.

On impulse, Charm went to the mirror image of his own home and knocked on the door. There was a faint crash from inside, and he smiled to himself, amused.

“Just a moment!” Ravi.

Charm bounced on his toes with delight at the sound of his friend’s voice, and he was still smiling when Ravi opened the door, coming face to face with Charm, no hood in sight. Ravi’s eyes immediately went wide, and he reeled back, tripped over his own feet, and hit the ground hard, staring up at Charm in shock.

Charm laughed and reached down, and Ravi accepted the hand up, still staring.

“M-mr. Hero?” Ravi stammered after a moment. Charm let his smile soften and warm, and he nodded. “W-w-w... i-is something wrong? A-are you o-okay?”

Everything is fine, Charm reassured him on automatic, and then winced. Sort of. Do you have time to talk?

“Of course!” Ravi said earnestly, and grabbed Charm’s hand to pull him inside. Soon they were seated at a table, and Ravi disappeared into the kitchen long enough to retrieve some fruits, which he shared with Charm. “W-what is it?”

Charm peeled the orange he’d been given – apparently Ravi was enjoying his acquired wealth – and considered quietly for a minute. Then he said, Are you familiar with the hero’s curse?

Ravi jittered uncomfortably, but nodded without hesitation. Between pensive bites of fruit, he said, “Y-yes. O-o-ou... Lorule’s v-version d-died with the t-t-triforce. But we kn-knew yours would, would still be a-active. Th-that’s why Hilda chose you.”

His eyes flickered briefly to Charm’s mouth. They always did when Ravi felt guilty. Charm gave him a small, weary smile.

A couple of months ago, my time was linked into a network of other Hyrules, Charm said. Some from my timeline, some from other timelines, but all of them were Hyrule. And as Hyrule goes, my era is... pretty much the peak of my timeline.

Ravi’s brow furrowed, fruit forgotten. “What do you mean?”

There’s three others in my specific timeline, Charm explained, looking down at the table between them. He picked at the peel for a minute, and then continued, with the peel still in his hand, One before me and two after. The one before me had to put Ganon down multiple times. Both the ones after me lived in eras that had been decimated by him until they could barely put up a fight.

“You’re scared,” Ravi said quietly, without a hint of a stutter.

That was what Ravi didn’t understand about himself. When it came to helping others, he was brave. It had taken courage to go against Hilda’s orders. It had taken courage to find Link and give him what he needed to succeed. And it had taken courage to go back to Lorule to talk his princess down.

Ravi might not have the hero’s soul, but he was an amazing person all on his own.

In the privacy of Ravi’s home, so much like his own, Charm nodded. Lonely’s Hyrule had been bad enough, but his Ganon had never managed to do more than stir weakly. Wild’s had been terrifying.

“What do you need?” Ravi asked, like Charm had known he would.

We’re trying to get together all the magical experts we can to try and break the curse for good, Charm said. It was a nearly absurd idea, when he was still getting used to connecting with the rest at all, but it was- it was a comforting thought. His cheeks twinged painfully. You’re one of the smartest people I know. I have no idea how you managed to enchant most of the things you did, and I know you went and found some of them but... and I think knowing about Lorule could help too, and I know you and Hilda did a lot of research trying to fix it, and...

Ravi reached out and Charm stopped, looking away sharply. He swallowed, and took a moment to compose himself before he looked at Ravi again. Ravi was shifting and squirming anxiously, rolling his shoulders.

“I d-d-don’t kn-know,” Ravi muttered, jittering violently. “I’m not that smart, I mean, w-w-we d-didn’t fix anything- y-you and Z-Zelda did! A-and most of the stuff I just, I found, a-and if you c-couldn’t handle it I-I don’t think...”

I believe in you, Charm interrupted, and scooted closer, a little bit desperate. It wouldn’t be just you, so no harm done if you can’t help after all. But I think you can, and knowing about Lorule could, and... Charm took a deep breath, forcing himself to settle. He rocked in place a little, steadied himself, and continued, I know it’s a lot to ask. And I know that it might not be possible at all. But I would really like your help.

Ravi bit his lip, searching Charm’s eyes anxiously. “Y-you really want m-m-my help?” he asked at last, like he couldn’t quite believe it. Charm managed a smile for him. Ravi thought far too little of himself.

Really, he said. I couldn’t have helped Lorule without you, you know? I thought of you right away when Ocarina said we needed experts on magic.

Slowly, a hesitant smile spread across Ravi’s face, and at last he dipped his head.

“O-okay,” he said. “I-I’ll do what I c-can.”

Legacy had a checklist in his head, all the time, of everything he needed to do. He’d been adding items to it very nearly since he’d met Wild, and it only seemed to be getting longer.

“You’re sure that you’re not acting in haste and guilt?” Zelda asked him in a low voice. She looked tired; Legacy’s Zelda always did, his own exhaustion reflected back at him. But he nodded.

The damage was too great to risk leaving the guardians intact, Legacy signed. We can start looking for a solution early, of course, but they need to be destroyed if we can’t find one. It’s... I can’t tell you how terrible the destruction was.

Zelda lowered her head, hair hiding her eyes, and Legacy felt a pang of grim guilt. He’d felt the same about ordering the guardians decommissioned. But they had very little choice.

Has Farore arrived yet? he asked. He’d sent a messenger when he and Lonely had dropped Mattie off with Legacy’s uncle, but there was some distance between Farore’s kingdom and Hyrule. Remember, if this works it’ll all become a moot point.

Zelda laughed raggedly, putting her hand to her forehead. She nodded.

“Wouldn’t that be a dream,” she murmured. “Yes, give me just a moment- I’ll send for her.”

Legacy watched her get to her feet and cross the room to speak to a servant, and he leaned wearily against the table, running his fingers through his hair. Goddess, so much had changed in so short a span of time. And he couldn’t stop thinking about the fortune-teller’s words.

You know the shape of your prison, but you do not know your sentence.

Zelda sat down nearby again with a weary sigh, but after a moment she spoke to him. “What was he like?”

Wild? Legacy asked. Zelda nodded. By default, he was... dutiful. He reminded me a little of Four at first. He was enthusiastic about exploring and gathering, which is an improvement from Lonely – I suppose that’s the contrast between trauma and neglect. Legacy exhaled. He was... holding up. I don’t think the next cycle would have been our last, or the next, or the one after that. But it was wearing on him.

Doesn’t it wear on us all, Zelda signed, eyes shadowed. But that’s good. I’m glad he’s okay, more or less. She shook her head. We’ve all seen what you can endure. I don’t ever want to see what could break you.

Would it be vain if Legacy agreed?

Legacy nodded anyway, and then the door was opening, and they were both turning toward the newcomer. Farore, almost sixteen now, strode over confidently, brow pinched with concern. Her guard waited outside, with Zelda’s.

“Good evening, Link,” Farore said, sitting down without waiting for invitation. The oracle crossed her ankles without looking away from him, faintly puzzled. “Unusual for you to call instead of visiting. Is something the matter?”

I needed to ask for your help, Legacy said without preamble, exhaustion weighing on his shoulders. He wondered how he’d managed to go all of his many quests without running into a single master that could help them. Me and the others... are consulting some magical experts to design a powerful ritual. I was hoping you could lend your talents.

“I don’t know nearly enough magic for that, Link,” Farore said quietly, eyes steady on his. “I’m only an oracle. I’ve never studied; I was born with my gift.”

Legacy nodded, running his fingers through his hair again before he answered. I know. But you’re the oracle of fortune, aren’t you? You have some foresight in you. Farore tilted her head. You could help them pick between possibilities. One song or another, one instrument, one phase of the moon... I don’t know. But something. Anything. I promise, every little bit is going to count.

Farore frowned at him, and her hand went to her ocarina, dancing over the holes without looking. Green light reflected off her eyes like it was shining through an emerald, and then they cleared.

“You’re breaking a curse,” Farore said, and then, “You’re breaking the curse.”

There was a hint of wonder in her voice, and not a hint of doubt. Legacy chose to take that as a good sign.

I know you can’t help build the ritual, Legacy said. But if the others think of more than one, you can point out which one has the best possible chance of success, can’t you?

“Certainly,” Farore said without hesitation. “Will I be the only fortune teller there?”

Legacy cast his mind back to the names the others had suggested. I think so.

Farore nodded thoughtfully, and then sighed.

“I was such a young girl when you came to my kingdom to help us,” she said fondly. “I wasn’t old enough then to help you but to give you my ocarina. But I can work side by side with you this time. Let me send a message to my king, and then we can go. I know you’ll protect me wherever you might take me.”

Legacy nodded, hesitated, and then added, Bring your ocarina. We might need it.

You know the shape of your prison, but you do not know your sentence. Once you do, a sacred melody will set you free.

Twilight could hear Ezlo swearing and grumbling a few steps behind, leaning on Minish to help him keep the footing on the sand and broken stone. Behind them, there was Charm minding Ravi, who was clutching onto him fearfully. From Charm’s indulgent smile, this wasn’t anything unusual.

Oddly, Twilight had never minded Arbiter’s Grounds very much. It was creepy and hazardous, certainly, but he’d also been well into the rhythm of his adventure by the time he’d walked inside. He’d almost enjoyed the place; it was fascinating, and he desperately wanted to know what it had once been. It must have been something grand.

Minish, Charm, and Ezlo seemed to all take roughly the same view of it, Ezlo with perhaps a bit more trepidation, but it was clear that Ravi was not enjoying the trip through the trap-laced halls and quicksand pits of the ancient ruins.

It took most of a day to reach the outdoor amphitheater where the Mirror of Twilight was kept. Even now, it was peculiarly beautiful, especially under the clear half-moon.

He led the way down the stairs, stopped by the pedestal, and turned to the others.

This is where it was, he signed. I only saw the mirror in action a couple of times, but I’ll tell you anything I can remember.

“I don’t think that will be necessary,” Ezlo said dismissively, not looking at him. He paced closer, squinting at the air as if at something Twilight could not see, and then started muttering. The air shimmered.

Twilight looked at Ravi. Ravi flinched, and then smiled nervously, tugging his hood up a little higher. Odd bunny ears flopped back comically.

“I, ah, I- Are there any large pieces of the mirror? O-or even just a bigger fragment?”

Ravi looked like a Link, except for the color of his hair. But he acted so different that it was oddly disconcerting.

Twilight nodded at him, then led him up the stairs to the broken stand. He pointed at the intricate carvings first, running his fingers slowly down the aged brass, and then knelt down. He picked up a couple of shards, none of them larger than half the size of his palm, and then offered them to Ravi.

Ravi took them with care, and his nervousness seemed to melt into concentration. He sat down, and then started taking instruments and vials of colored dust and fluids from his coat.

Twilight left the two of them to work, and instead leaned against the stone stairway to nowhere, looking up at the empty arch. Minish came up beside him and leaned against the stairs too, looking at Twilight, hands in his pockets.

You missed her, didn’t you? Minish asked. Twilight nodded.

I wanted to respect her desire to separate our worlds, but... yes. I would have liked to see her again. In that way, I guess this works out for me.

He hadn’t decided how he felt about it yet. Mostly, it was melancholy. It was easy to fall into a funk when he was far outside Ordon, away from his family. He wondered again why Midna had wanted to part ways. Perhaps it was a fool’s errand to ask for her help at all. After all, unlike many of the others, he and Midna had more or less cut even in the end.

Minish gave him a small smile, and confided, I was happy to see Ezlo again, too.

They were quiet for a few more minutes, lost in thought while Ezlo and Ravi worked, now murmuring together over the pile of broken shards. Charm joined them after a while, rubbing one of his cheeks absently.

You know, I’d never thought a lot about magic before this, Charm admitted. I mean, I used it all the time. But I mostly just knew enough to bring supplies and ask for things. I’d never thoughts about...

He waved at the broken mirror. Twilight nodded.

Midna knew a lot about it, but I never bothered asking, he said, oddly wistful. My goals never really had anything to do with magic, and hers had everything. He dipped his head a little, watching the cracks in the ground, and then added, I wonder what she’ll make of the cursed swamp in Wild’s home.

I suppose we’ll find out, won’t we? Minish said wryly. Twilight grunted.

He felt helpless, he realized after a while. Link did not often feel helpless, but now... now, he was depending almost entirely on other people. They were depending on the goodwill of others.

He didn’t like it at all. It was somehow easier when he was able to tackle the world’s problems by himself, and bring Agitha golden insects in between.

At last, Ezlo and Ravi climbed the stairway, and Ravi fused a few of the largest mirror shards together, binding them clumsily with a strange, thick fluid that hardened in seconds. He and Ezlo tied them magically to the old mirror’s base, and Ezlo grunted, thrusting out his staff with his eyes narrowed in concentration.

A portal bloomed outward, missing the ethereal steps Twilight remembered, but close enough for him to jump the gap.

“Go,” Ezlo said, slightly pale. “I will hold it until you return.”

Twilight gave him a nod, and then he darted up the stairs, jumped, and then he was diving through the portal. On the other side, he hit the ground rolling and looked up.

Sure enough, he was in the twilight realm.

Chapter Text

It didn’t take long for Twilight to realize that Midna’s realm was different from how he remembered it. It was different even from how it had looked after retrieving the sols. It looked better, more like a real village – or, perhaps more appropriately, a real city. There was one group of twili dancing to an eerie melody, what looked like a market a few bridges away, and a few twilit raptors soaring through the air.

Heads turned and voices hushed as Twilight made his way through, and he reached up to tug on his cap with a grimace, self-conscious. He stood out among the twili, who all had skin like moonlight dipped in shadow, and his clothes were the brightest splash of color in sight. Everywhere he looked, he could see twili watching him with red eyes that reflected light, like a cat’s nocturnal gaze.

Twilight remembered the way to the palace, so he headed toward the gates that would lead him there, pretending not to notice the stares. He passed one of the sols on the way, but noticed with a frown that some of the shadow waterfalls he’d encountered before still clung to the walls.

Twilight hadn’t explored very much of the twilight realm. He wondered if it had districts – if there was a residential one that he’d simply never visited, where all of these people lived. He wanted to know what made Midna love it so much.

Before he reached the palace, two twili suddenly intercepted him, blocking his way with viciously curved swords of black metal, which glittered ominously. He stopped to consider them. His own sword was still on his back, but that wasn’t exactly a good way to appeal to his old friend.

One of the twili burbled something in the throaty, reverberant language of the twilight realm, and Twilight just shrugged.

“Midna,” he said quietly, hoping that that was explanation enough. The two guards spoke to each other for a minute, and then one of them nodded at him, made an unmistakable beckoning motion, and started toward the palace. Pleased, Twilight followed him.

He recognized the ballroom when they passed through it, and a few that were furnished with seating arrangements or instruments or both. One was a library, the most ordinary-looking room he’d seen so far.

The guard grabbed him to stop his progress, and Twilight scowled at him, barely suppressing the urge to jerk away. He carefully twisted his arm free instead, nodded when the twili looked at him, and the guard disappeared into the next room over.

When they returned, Midna was with them. His breath left all at once, chest tightening painfully.

“I must say I’m surprised, Link,” Midna crooned, dismissing the guard with a flick of her hand. Despite her smile, her eyes were hard and flinty. “I didn’t think you had it in you to find your way here on your own.”

Twilight took one breath, then two, trying to reach for his voice. But his throat wouldn’t cooperate. I had help. Sorry. This isn’t a social call.

Midna laughed. It sounded exactly the same, impish and derisive, and somehow suited her even better in this form than in her cursed one. “And what makes you think you can march in here and make demands, hero of the goddess? I have a kingdom to rebuild.”

I’m not demanding. I’m asking, Twilight said, jaw clenching despite himself. Goddesses, Midna knew how to make herself a chore. I can’t think of anyone who knows more about Ganondorf’s evil magic.

Midna’s eyes sharpened in an entirely different way; he’d caught her interest. “I can’t imagine what use you would have for that. Ganondorf is gone.”

But that magic isn’t really his, is it? Twilight asked. It’s older than him. It’s rotten and sticky, and it’s all over him, but it’s not his.

Midna descended the last few steps from the dais to meet his eyes from a foot away, deadly intense. “Who told you?”

I kind of gathered it, Twilight admitted, glancing away with a grimace. From everything Sky said about the demon king, and what happened in Wild’s era, and everything we saw together... The curse on all of those temples wasn’t twilight magic at all, was it? It was more of the same. Yeta too.

Midna’s lips pursed. “You always make it so easy to forget how clever you are,” she murmured. “No, it was nothing like the magic of my people. I don’t know how old it is – the rot makes it hard to tell. But ancient.” She was quiet for a moment. “What favor did you want to ask? Tell me before I change my mind.”

Premature relief rushed through Twilight. I need you to help figure out how to clean it. Pry it off two souls and a bloodline.

Midna understood immediately, her eyes narrowing. “Your curse.”

Twilight nodded, and rocked on his heels despite himself, agitated. I’ve traveled through time a bit more since we parted ways. It only gets worse from here. Ganon gets stronger, and I stretch thinner, and Zelda’s bloodline weakens- in Wild’s time, Ganon’s magic is as thick as slime. He has burns from it.

“Are you scared?” Midna taunted, eyes glittering, with the faintest smirk tugging at her mouth. Twilight held her gaze, and then dipped his head once. All amusement fell away. “...I don’t know how much I can do. You saw the walls on your way up, I assume. I haven’t even completely cleansed my kingdom of it.”

Twilight exhaled hard, feeling slightly shaky with relief. She was entertaining the idea; that was all but a promise. I know. But it’s the only chance we have, I have to take it.

“I can’t stay too long,” she warned. “My own people need me.”

Twilight nodded quickly. However long you can. We’ll bring you right back.

Midna sighed.

“The things I do for you, Wolfie,” she said, and then she stepped forward, wrapped her arms around Twilight, and hugged him tightly.

Lonely tapped Ocarina on the shoulder, drawing his attention away from the staring contest he was having with the mask shop’s door.

I can do it, Lonely signed, without inflection. If you’d prefer.

Ocarina took a breath, shook his head, and stood, taking his weight off the fountain. He looked left, then right; the streets of Castle Town were always abandoned at night, but he still felt oddly paranoid about being seen interacting with the mask salesman.

When he felt he could put it off no longer, Ocarina walked forward, pushed the shop door open, and met the shopkeeper’s chilling eyes the moment he walked inside; the man was already looking at him. He was not smiling.

He swallowed. His mouth felt dry.

Ocarina took three steps forward, letting the door swing shut behind him, set his hands on the counter, and leaned forward. He hadn’t looked this man in the face since he was twelve. Though his hands were still, he felt like he was trembling.

“You owe me,” he rasped.

The mask salesman held his gaze for an interminable moment, expression inscrutable, and then he smiled.

“So I do,” he said, and he got up, hefted his enormous backpack onto his shoulders, and followed Ocarina out the door without another word.

Thankfully, Hylia took on the task of explaining to everyone the more intricate parts of the magic they were trying to unfurl; Ocarina wasn’t sure any of the rest of them understood much more than the basic concept of an unbinding ritual.

Though he only knew a few of them, there was something reassuring about the diversity of personalities sitting around the wooden table in Korok Forest. Link had made a lot of friends over the millennia, all the way from kings and gods to hermits tucked away in the mountains. If it could be done, the people gathered here would be able to do it.

There were far too many of them for everyone to fit inside the Great Deku Tree’s hollow interior, so most of them had spread out into the forest. Ocarina, Sky, and Wild had stayed, Sky openly watching the briefing with worried eyes while Wild leaned against the wall with his eyes closed.

Until now, Ocarina hadn’t seen Wild wear hero’s clothes, but of course, they still seemed to suit him. They were lighter than the ones most of them wore, all soft cloth without any chainmail to reinforce it, but the magic on them was tangible in its strength. Even the boots looked soft, while the shortened sleeves and leggings exposed the scarring on his forearms and knees.

Ocarina sat next to Wild, and Wild opened his eyes and looked at him.

Are you okay? Ocarina asked, concerned. Wild gave him a small, weary smile.

Yeah. I’ve just been very busy. Another blood moon hit last week, so I had to do my rounds and clear the castle out again. He glanced at the table, eyes soft. You all found a lot of people to help.

Yeah, Ocarina agreed with pride, and then, more seriously, Thank you for going out of your way to keep them safe. I appreciate it.

Wild softened, looking pleased. He nodded.

Are you sore? Ocarina couldn’t resist asking, glancing worriedly over Wild. I can go get Lonely.

Wild shook his head. You don’t need to bother him. It’s not so bad right now. I’m just tired. As if to illustrate his point, he yawned. I’ve been so nervous that after I cleared the castle, I just kept going. I don’t think Hyrule Field has been so safe in a century.

All the better, Ocarina signed warmly. Why don’t you sleep for a while? I’ll wake you up when we’re needed.

Wild shook his head again, hesitated, then sighed and nodded.

Thanks, he said, and stood up to disappear into the next room. Sky glanced over.

Is everything okay? Sky asked.

Wild’s taking a nap, Ocarina explained. It sounds like it’s been a rough week.

Certainly has, Sky said, with unexpected wry humor.

“Ocarina,” Hylia called, making Ocarina start. She beckoned, and he got to his feet and went to stand with her, cocking his head on the way. She gave him a slightly strained smile. “I believe you know everyone best. Can you describe the escalation over time as best you can, please?”

Ocarina nodded thoughtfully, and then turned his gaze on the group. He’d been introduced to them all as they arrived: Ezlo the Minish sorcerer, Midna with her headscarf and icy eyes, nervous Ravi curled to hide behind his knees, an old man that had been introduced as the Ocean King, Farore the young oracle. And, of course, the mask salesman, smiling placidly with no regard for his present company.

Extraordinary people all, focused on the head of the table.

My era is the first time any of us saw Ganondorf, Ocarina said. I knew him as a man, magically talented but nothing exceptional. Zelda and I both had nightmares for months leading up to his rise though. This would’ve been... we think a couple centuries after Sky, maybe four or five. After that, the timeline splits. If I can’t seal him, then Ganondorf ravages Hyrule for about a century before he’s first sealed...

Ocarina walked them carefully through each of the timelines: the weakening seal in the failure timeline and Ganondorf’s corresponding descent into animalistic rage, and then the low and grinding stalemate of the child timeline while Link and Hyrule slowly lost ground against Ganon’s growing strength – not yet as horribly as had happened in the failure timeline, but with a chilling sense of inevitability.

“I can’t help but notice,” Ezlo said suddenly, when he finally wound down. He leaned against the wooden table, eyes solemn when they met Ocarina’s, “that you did not mention the worsening nature of the injuries you take as the timeline goes on.”

Ocarina crossed his arms and glanced away, uncomfortable. That’s not as much to do with the strength Ganon’s magic gains over time, though. Just a measure of how bad things get overall... and how unlucky we are.

“I wouldn’t put my money on that,” Midna said, examining her nails. “Anathema spells are rarely that straightforward.”

Ocarina flushed, and it was a few minutes’ struggle with himself before he relented. I don’t know what to tell you. The boys from Legacy’s timeline have had it the worst, I suppose, but I put it down to circumstance. Midna gestured impatiently, and Ocarina shrugged. Legacy’s first of those, and he’s completely exhausted from having to put Ganon away so many times. Charm has the scars Yuga cut into his cheeks. Lonely grew up so neglected that he still speaks very little. And Wild’s burns were devastating. I think half his body is scar tissue.

“Unluckier and unluckier,” Midna said, looking unsurprised. “We won’t stand a chance if we start at the end. We’ll have to pull it out by the root.”

“Sentiment will serve us well in this endeavor,” the Ocean King said intently. “Rage cast this curse and forgiveness will undo it.”

“I don’t think Ganon is going to be open to cooperation,” Midna threw back.

“Groose would,” Hylia said instantly. “And he is most likely Ganondorf’s starting point. We could easily conscript his help.”

Midna clicked her tongue, but Ezlo nodded thoughtfully.

“It would have more staying power if it latched onto those nearby,” he said. “In this case, it is good that that was a close friend of Link’s. Is there a particular aspect of Hyrule that it is tied to? Link’s sword, perhaps?”

“That sword has been blessed a thousand times over,” Midna said, before Hylia could. “The demon king himself would be exorcised before he could hold it in his hand. The curse is on her bloodline.” She nodded at Hylia.

“It is true,” Hylia admitted. “That is itself both a blessing and a curse, for it is also my bloodline which lends half the ability to fight this evil. But even that thins in the end, doesn’t it?”

Ocarina started when he looked at her, and then nodded. Princess Z struggled to grasp enough power to even hold Ganon, let alone seal him. I hate to see what it’ll look like in just a few more generations.

“That’s a natural degradation, though,” Ravi piped up, and then ducked his head when everyone looked at him. Muffled, he continued, “I-it’s not part of, of the curse. A g-g-goddess’ blood h-has stay, staying power, b-but not that much.”

“Stop quivering, you’re making me sick,” Midna said. Ravi squeaked.

“Don’t be harsh now,” the Ocean King chided. “Timidity does not decrease talent, and he makes a good point. It would be interesting to know if the curse would begin to dissipate without the princess’ bloodline to hold it, but I’m afraid the risk is by no means worth the possibility. She’ll need to be a part of the ritual, however.”

“Perhaps we could examine the castle all the same,” Ezlo said mildly. “Perhaps the primary tie is to the bloodline, but it still must manifest somewhere. Ocarina, was it? Can this be arranged?”

Ocarina had been expecting this, though he’d hoped Wild could get a little more rest. He nodded. Wild already secured the area. I’ll go get him.

Chapter Text

In total, there were eighteen people on this excursion: the eleven incarnations of Link, different enough in their ages and lifestyles to look more like family than duplicates, and the seven old friends. It was enough that they had to carefully plan how to spread out and move, made a little more complicated by personality quirks.

Without thinking, Ocarina moved to take charge of that, and the others let him. He sent Wild to the front, where he lingered at the base of the stairs they’d travel up, looking relieved. Sky, Minish, Charm, and Tracks went to mingle with the company to be protected; caution paid well. Twilight and Lonely went to the front as well, leaving Wind, Legacy, Four, and Ocarina himself at the back.

“Those three in front look like they’ll crawl out of their skin,” Ezlo murmured, with a faint, wry smile on his face.

That’s why they’re at the front, Ocarina explained, amused despite himself. They’re accustomed to isolation. Sky, Minish, Charm, and Tracks are more used to cities and crowds.

Ezlo’s eyebrows rose. “I suppose that would make the lot of you quite a study in nature versus nurture.”

Ocarina chuckled and nodded. Ahead of them, Lonely turned to the mask salesman and beckoned him forward. The man shuffled over, smiling unperturbedly. “What ever is the matter?”

You scare Ocarina, Lonely said shortly, and turned away without any further explanation. Ocarina flushed a little, and then winced when both Oshus and Hylia glanced at him with mixed curiosity and concern. He looked away.

Ready to go? Wild asked. He received a general assent, and turned to head up the staircase, with the rest of them following in a loose spread. Ravi and Charm chatted in small motions, and Midna glowed subtly in the shadows, while Hylia’s expression was set and solemn.

Ocarina braced himself. Wild had not said an extraordinary amount about the state of his castle, but he had said enough for Ocarina to know it was terrible. Of course it was; what part of Wild’s Hyrule had not been ravaged?

“The air here is thick with malice already,” Midna remarked, waving one hand through the air to gather what turned out to be a handful of wispy, ashy magic smoke, which dissipated only a second later. “Stale. Was it worse when Ganondorf was still active?”

Wild looked over his shoulder and nodded at her, and then continued on.

“How does it compare to Lorule? Is it similar?” Midna asked Ravi, too focused to even be disdainful. Ravi meeped.

“Um...” Ravi hesitated, glancing around nervously, and seemed to calm as he thought about it. “Y-yes, actually. R-right after we broke, broke the Triforce. It w-was never this b-b-bad, and it thinned out over t-time, but it felt the, the, the same.”

“Magical backlash,” Oshus suggested, contemplative. “Perhaps the destruction of the Triforce broke the curse, without containing the energy.”

Hylia nodded. “Something to bear in mind later,” she said softly. “Backlash is the last thing we want.”

“That is the reason I’m here, isn’t it?” the mask salesman said lightly. Ocarina shivered. Ezlo and Ravi had both treated the salesman and his backpack like it was full of lit bombs, and even Midna seemed wary.

At the top of the steps, Wild’s slate lit up. He gestured with it, and an old metal crate pushed against the blocked exit, letting light spill through. Without thinking, Ocarina glanced at Legacy, who sure enough was smiling with an odd mixture of self-recrimination and pride.

Such a heavy silence fell over each person as they filed through that Ocarina’s heart was dropping before he could even see anything- and then he stepped through. Then he flinched.

They’d come out of the tunnel in a library – not just a library, but a ruin of a library, scattered with rubble, broken tables, torn and rotted books and book covers. Broken glass sparkled on the ground, long since pounded into dust, and the corpses of a few lizalfos could be seen dotting the filth, almost certainly less than a week old and missing their tails. One was nearly in shreds, barely recognizable by the patches of scaly skin. Rain fell through holes that had been smashed into the ceiling, and there was something oily and evil-looking at one end of the room.

“Oh,” Wind said, soft and painful, echoed a moment later by Sky and then Hylia. Ezlo bowed his head, and even Midna’s mouth was turned down, pity in her eyes as she turned to take in the whole of it.

“This alone is so much to lose,” Minish said quietly, and both Four and Sky nodded in agreement. Minish looked at Wild. “Did you save any?”

Wild gave him a small smile and a nod. Some of them got lucky. Most of those have been taken out already. Zelda was very thorough when she came to look – there weren’t so many on the ground before.

“Your princess knows well what to value,” Oshus said, and Wild nodded again. Hylia smiled, soft but strained.

Inside or out? Wild asked. I don’t know what’s more important.

“Inside,” Ezlo said decisively, and Midna nodded.

“We can cover outside later. But the anchor point, or the closest thing to it, is more likely inside.”

Wild nodded thoughtfully, and then turned to lead them toward the far end of the library, weaving between broken stone and shattered tables and piles and piles of books. They went up another set of stairs, and Hylia stepped up to lend an arm to Ezlo, who was grimacing through the exercise.

Then, to Ocarina’s surprise, Wild waved Twilight and Lonely away from the door out, and turned back to return the way they’d come, now on the upper level. As soon as he turned, though, Ocarina understood why; thick muck heavily plastered the other side of the hall. The way must be blocked.

Likely coming to the same understanding, Twilight and Lonely hopped across the gap that had crumbled out of the upper level, one after the other. Sky climbed up the wall to look outside, and Twilight turned and offered his hand to Wild just as Wild went to press himself against the wall, and he hesitated for only a moment before he accepted the assistance to jump the gap as well. The rain drizzled down on them through the broken roof.

“If you’d only said something, I could have lifted us all up before we came all the way over here,” Midna said impatiently, and snapped her fingers. Ezlo, Oshus, and the mask salesman, with his large pack, were lifted across and deposited to the other side. She eyed Wild critically. “Why did you need help?”

“Midna,” Twilight said, soft with warning, while Wild flushed deep pink.

Old injuries, Wild answered tersely, and continued hastily on before anyone could inquire further. Midna looked at Twilight and raised an eyebrow.

There’s enough pain and weakness in his abdomen that I thought I should offer, Twilight said, without looking away or lowering his gaze. You saw him though. He’d’ve gotten across on his own.

“Hm,” Midna said, and continued on without further comment.

Charm helped Ravi jump the gap as well, and Wind let out a shout of effort when he leapt, but the rest made it across without difficulty. There was another gap further along, but with more room to maneuver, which only Ezlo and the mask man needed help with. Ravi stopped to crouch by the first patch of oily malice that they’d approached, and Wild grabbed his wrist to stop him from reaching out to touch it. Ravi looked up at him, confused, and Wild tapped his own exposed forearm before letting go.

Ravi’s eyes widened. “Are those scars from this?” he asked, a little high-pitched.

Midna frowned and pushed through the group to look, grabbing Wild’s arm. Wild growled at her and tried to pull away, but she ignored him to examine the scarring, and after a moment he grudgingly stopped.

“These are similar to the injuries some of my people took when Ganondorf’s smog started to roll in,” Midna announced after a while, letting go. “Looks like Wolfie was right when he said it thickened over time.” She stepped back to look Wild over, and frowned when her gaze caught on the matching marks on his knees. “How far do they go?”

Wild gave her a resentful look, but after a moment he started to indicate parts of his body – an open hand sweeping from his right shoulder, over his chest, and making a circle around his stomach, and then he tapped his left shoulder. He leaned down to indicate part of his right calf and his left foot, and then straightened up, turned around, and pulled aside his ponytail to reveal the start of a line down the back of his neck, which he indicated went down for more than another foot. He considered for a moment, then patted a few more concealed spots on his arms and shoulders, and then finally turned back around and crossed his arms with finality.

“Goddess, did you lay down and roll around in it?” Midna demanded. Wild shot her a filthy look and didn’t answer.

“I suspect he was thrown, Lady Midna,” Oshus said, gentle but firm. Midna’s expression tightened with disapproval, not directed at Wild, and she didn’t reply, instead turning to the mire.

“It’s hard to imagine that this is byproduct,” Ezlo said, stepping up beside her. “The curse must be constantly generating new energy. What did the... Calamity itself, the moment it hit, what did it look like?”

I don’t know, sorry, Wild signed, expression softening into something apologetic. Ezlo glanced down at Wild’s injuries, and pity flashed across his face.

“No, I suppose not,” he said quietly.

After an eternity, they finally kept moving, skirting past the malice swamp with care. The next few rooms and halls were piled high with rubble and dust, such that it was impossible to tell what they had once been, but eerily, all of the pictures looked like they’d been clawed open, as if lizalfos had sharpened their talons on them. One was full of weapons, and Wild led them up what turned out to be less than half a staircase; Wild took to the wall and climbed across the gap, but Midna snapped her fingers and moved the rest of them.

A few turns later, Wild glanced down the hallway and then to Hylia. There’s nothing of note down there. Lots of rubble, some malice, and a lot of stairs. He tilted his head toward Ezlo to highlight the subtext. But the dining hall will lead outside.

“Then outside it is,” Hylia said, giving Wild a soft smile.

Wild nodded without smiling back, and then led them through the wreck of a dining hall: rotting carpets and tapestries, the disemboweled corpses of a couple of moblins, long smashed tables and chairs. Sky stopped for a moment to look at something on the way out, and Ocarina paused, following Sky’s gaze; one of the doors had been ripped entirely off its hinges, broken in half across the ground.

Then they were outside in the pouring rain. Wind shivered, rubbing his arms for warmth, and Sky shielded his eyes and squinted through the deluge, stepping almost right up to the edge.

“...Is that Castle Town?” Sky asked softly. Wild grunted in gloomy affirmation, and a few of the others, Minish and Four and Tracks, stepped up to look, with Ocarina following a moment later. Sky voiced Ocarina’s thoughts first. “There’s nothing left.”

That drew everyone else over as well, looking out over the precarious edge to examine the land in the distance. And they found that it was true. There was nothing left. There was the broken city wall, and a fountain, and a dozen swamps of liquid malice, but there was not a single recognizable building in the massive, tiered area – no homes, no shops, no chapel or hall or anything that a city ought to have. From this distance, Ocarina couldn’t even see any ruins.

“Oh-” Ravi choked off whatever deity he was going to swear by, tears gathering in his eyes as he looked back and forth across the ravaged city. “Oh.”

All at once, he turned, took a few steps, and embraced Wild tightly. Wild stiffened, and Ocarina prepared himself to pull Ravi away, but only a moment later Wild softened. He returned the hug, fleeting but earnest, and then gently pushed Ravi back, looking him in the eye.

There are a few big towns still, Wild promised. Hateno is a beautiful and busy place, Zora’s Domain is grand, and people are in and out of Gerudo Town all the time. This isn’t the end.

Ravi smiled at him, shaky but broad, and wiped at his eyes before he replied, unexpectedly fierce, “Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not strong. It must have taken so much to survive after this.”

Wild blinked in surprise, and then looked touched. He smiled at Ravi, knocked him gently on the chest in thanks, and turned to the others. Castle Town hasn’t been inhabited in a century, and there’s nothing there but malice and broken guardian stalkers. I didn’t think you needed to see it, but I can still take you through if you think it’ll help.

“No, child,” Oshus said quietly. “I think that we have seen enough to understand.”

All of them were drenched by then, and they didn’t bother hurrying on their way up the path. Sky kept looking around, seemingly trying to take in everything at once, brow pinched in an uncharacteristically fretful look. Ocarina started as Hylia suddenly cut through the crowd, grabbing Sky’s hand and his attention.

“Hey,” she said softly, stepping close to him. “We’ll fix this, and then we’ll go home and you can fly again. I’ll let you daydream as long as you like. Okay?”

Sky let out a soft, cracked laugh and dipped his head, then kissed her on the cheek in thanks before he turned to keep walking. Ocarina caught Midna’s frown in time to stop her from intercepting him, tugging her sleeve so she would look at him.

Sky is a carefree and easygoing sort of person, Ocarina explained. He loses a lot of that over time, and sometimes it hits him pretty hard. Ocarina nodded ahead of them. Look at the difference between Sky and Twilight. How many lifetimes of battle does it take to go from guileless to guarded?

Midna frowned ahead of them for a moment, and then, to Ocarina’s mild surprise, raised her hands to reply. I suppose I never thought about what could make a country bumpkin so naturally fierce.

Ocarina snorted, and Midna flashed him a smirk before continuing on, following the group up the road. Wild led them into a gatehouse, and Charm let out an exclamation before darting in. Ocarina heard him whistle, and then a thump. When he joined them inside, he was examining the butchered corpse of a lynel, visibly impressed.

Wouldn’t want to face this thing in confined quarters, Charm said. This was kept here as a trap?

Wild nodded. One here, one in another gatehouse further back. Not sure why they bothered. If I really didn’t want to deal with them, I could’ve gone around.

Charm laughed and nodded, and then abandoned the lynel corpse to move along. His smile fell quickly; the scars on his cheeks gave off the illusion that he was still smirking. The mask salesman made as if to linger, but Lonely nudged him along pointedly, herding him until he gave in. Ocarina let his breath out.

It wasn’t much further from there. They stopped a couple of times on the heavy slope, letting Ezlo, the mask man, and (discretely) Wild catch their breath. But finally, they reached a high, arching gate, and Wild led them inside before turning around.

This was where Zelda kept the Calamity sealed for the last century, Wild said. If I had to guess at where it sprang from, it would be here.

“Yes,” Oshus said quietly, before anyone else could. He took a few steps forward, looking intent, and glanced around. “Yes, I do believe you’re right.”

The experts spread out to examine the area, leaving the Links to their own devices. Sky, Wind, and Twilight all looked at each other before hauling themselves up to the next level, perching high to keep watch from the windows. Wild went to collapse against a wall, grimacing, and without thinking Ocarina went to brush his soaked hair out of his face, dropping to one knee next to the other.

“Alright?” Ocarina asked softly. Wild gave him a stiff nod without looking up.

Just sore, Wild answered. I was pacing myself pretty carefully, but the rain takes a lot out of me no matter what I do.

Then he groaned under his breath and wrapped his arms around his stomach.

You did a good job, Ocarina assured him seriously, making him look up. The rest of us will take it from here.

Wild gave him a weary smile, and then leaned his head back and closed his eyes.

Hours passed. The rain dried out of Ocarina’s hair, and the Links on watch rotated between each other, more out of restless impatience than any distrust of Wild’s caution. Wild took medicine, fell asleep, woke up and took more medicine.

The wizards and sorcerers and gods talked about rituals: about marriage and divorce ceremonies, adoption and disownment and sanctification and life debts. They talked about intent and symbols and power, transitions and transformations. Most of it went over Ocarina’s head. The mask man passed around a blank white model mask, and each of them touched it and nodded. Night fell, and Wind did a round through the chamber to light the torches. The assembly ran through lists of options, and Farore nodded and shook her head.

Hylia got up and started to model movements, frowning in concentration. They weren’t quite dances, but they were deliberate and careful, and they discussed them in low voices between variations. With a brush from the mask salesman’s pack – apparently he had things other than masks there – they painted a triforce onto the ground and placed the blank mask in the center, and she repeated the movements along the lines of the triforce. Then they painted a goddess sigil into each remaining triangle, and she did it again.

When dawn was just beginning to bloom, five hours, forty-eight minutes, and thirty seconds after midnight, Hylia called out to Ocarina and asked, “Do any of you know a bard that could turn a story into a song with precise syllabic specifications?”

Before Ocarina could think about it, Wild stirred, stretched with a wince, and whistled softly. When Hylia met his eyes, he said simply, I do.

“Then our task is almost finished,” Hylia said.

Chapter Text

While Wild went to find his bard, nearly everyone else took the opportunity to sleep, most having been awake all through the night. It was quite a sight: some of history’s most powerful people sprawled across age-thinned sofas and carpets, with the mask salesman using his pack as a pillow and Midna leaning against Twilight and Hylia with one leg fallen off the threadbare couch she occupied, Sky’s head pillowed on her stomach. Even Navi was dozing, once again safely tucked into the crook of Ocarina’s arm; she didn’t like the malice-laced atmosphere of the castle.

He came back close to noon, accompanied by a large blue Rito whose face was set into an expression of nervous determination, an accordion under his wing in a death grip. Wild turned to made eye contact with him, and when the Rito smiled, Wild smiled back and went to set up by the cooking pot Ocarina hadn’t noticed.

The Rito looked around until he caught Ocarina’s eye, and then came over to sit beside him, smiling kindly. Ocarina cupped a hand over Navi’s sleeping form to shield her from any noise, and then gave Kass a nod.

“My name is Kass,” the Rito informed him quietly, gaze unwavering. “Link indicated that my skills may be of some use here, but I see...” He nodded at the rest of the room. “That it might not be so for a few hours.”

Ocarina smiled a little and shook his head. They were up all night. Let them sleep a little. Wild’s cooking is good; it’ll be nice to let them wake up to it.

“Indeed,” Kass agreed, and then looked around again, clearly curious. “Goodness. Everyone in this age knows the legends, but it’s quite different to see it for oneself.”

Isn’t it? Ocarina signed wryly. He nodded toward Wind, perched up high again to look outside. You should talk to him at some point, I think Wind would be delighted to meet you. He’s the only other one of us familiar with a Rito nation, but they’re rather different in his time. Closer to Hylians blessed with wings rather than avian like yourself.

“Fascinating,” Kass said softly, giving Ocarina a small smile. “I’ll make sure of it, then.”

Preparing their late breakfast took Wild quite a while, though Ocarina thought the process calmed him. Between what he made right then and what he took from his slate already prepared, they had a spread worthy of a feast, or at least far better than anything Ocarina had had on the road before – a large platter of crepes set out with a bowl of honey and another of wildberries, two loaves of sliced nutcake, a large bowl of various fruits, and when the others started to wake up and investigate, he was making omelets.

Wild nodded along as people started to make requests, and people picked up what had already been set out and settled nearby, even falling into conversation amongst each other; the introduction of food could apparently put anyone into a good mood. Ocarina nudged Navi awake, and immediately placated her with a slice of the nutcake, which she immediately loved, as he’d expected.

Hylia accepted a safflina omelet and a slice of nutcake, and then approached Kass.

“Hello,” she greeted, eyes studying Kass intently. “Are you Link’s bard, perchance?”

Kass smiled broadly, apparently delighted to be identified as such. “I am. My name is Kass. I would be delighted to be of service.”

Hylia smiled back. “Hello, Kass. I am Hylia. May I sit with you? We have much to discuss.”

Kass’ feathers immediately ruffled in shock, but to his credit he kept his head otherwise, just nodded mutely and gestured in invitation. Hylia sat gracefully beside him, and then began to explain what the group had accomplished so far.

Wild gave Ocarina an ironshroom omelet with a generous amount of butter, and he finished off his honeyed crepe, licking the sticky off his fingers, before he took it with a nod of thanks. Then he retreated to watch the byplay, content to remain quiet while the dynamic settled into place.

Ezlo asked for an omelet garnished only with chopped herb, and then sat near Lonely and Legacy – Ocarina noticed after a moment that they were the two oldest of the Links, and hid a smile. He ate quietly for a while, but Ocarina was still watching when he paused to ask, just loud enough to carry to Ocarina, “How old are you boys?”

Legacy glanced at Ezlo, a little bemused, but set down his radish-and-razorshroom omelet to answer him. Thirty-one.

Twenty-three, Lonely contributed a moment later. Ezlo hummed.

“Still quite young for such trials,” he murmured. “And your little girl?”

Four.

Ezlo chuckled softly. “It is difficult to imagine the eager young boy I traveled with growing up and becoming a father,” he said. “What a treat to see it before my very eyes, even under such circumstances. I hope she’s repaying you in full for what a troublesome child Link is.”

Startled, Lonely let out a snort and flashed Ezlo a real smile before he shook his head. No. Mattie’s sweet. Not feral like Link.

“Ah, the injustices of the world,” Ezlo said with humor. “And feral is the perfect word to describe it, thank you. The stories I could tell you of clinging desperately to that boy’s head while he clambered over every inch of that mountain...”

Legacy snorted, and after a moment of consideration gave Ezlo a small smile as well.

Given that a couple of us were literally fished out of the woods by our adoptive parents, I can’t imagine any other apt descriptor, Legacy signed dryly. Trust me, your Link is tame by comparison.

“My word,” Ezlo snorted, reaching up to cover his mouth and completely failing to hide his smirk. “Which ones? You must tell me now.”

“He’s talking about you,” Navi whispered to Ocarina playfully. He flicked her leg fondly without replying.

Legacy pointed, introducing them only after he’d indicated each one. Twilight, Ocarina, Lonely, and Wild. Though Lonely and Wild effectively raised themselves, and I think Twilight fished himself out of the woods, so perhaps my claim was a little exaggerated anyway.

Ezlo hid a cackle behind his hand, dark eyes sparkling with amusement. “Oh, I can only imagine what Link’s journey would have looked like if he had been left to his own devices the entirety of his childhood. Perhaps I should count myself fortunate.” His smile faded a little, and he looked down for a moment to cut up his omelet. “Though if I may, Wild seemed quite... focused, for Link.” He shook his head. “No, not just that. He seemed weary. As do, if I may, both of you.”

Legacy sighed, and gave Ezlo a halfhearted shrug. Our timeline never really recovered after Ocarina lost his fight, he said plainly. It had its good times and bad times, but it never regained the ground it lost. And of course, Link is only born when things come to a head, so...

It’s fine, Lonely cut across him, lifting his head to meet Ezlo’s eyes. In our timeline, Link is damaged. He is not Sky anymore. But he is not unhappy. Wild is cheerful. You saw him cook. Lonely shrugged. It’s fine.

“I’ll be the judge of what I ought to feel guilty for, child,” Ezlo chided, but his expression had softened again. “But that is a refreshing perspective. I will have to keep it in mind.”

Lonely gave him a nod, and then returned to his food, a plain voltfruit sliced in half that he was eating with a spoon.

Ocarina hid a smile against his wrist and shifted his attention, searching out who had settled where. Wild seemed to be almost done cooking now, only a few people still waiting; Wind had half a palm fruit in his lap and was eating the white flesh with his fingers.

Navi tugged on Ocarina’s hair and pointed, and he followed her gaze.

Sky was sitting with Ravi, and there was a split hydromelon between them, half the insides scooped out as they shared it. Sky had a mushroom omelet in his lap; Ocarina could see the bright blue and yellow of chillshrooms and zapshrooms from where he was sitting. Ravi had a crepe, generously drizzled with honey and butter.

“N-n-no, I think I just look, look like you because H-Hyrule and Lorule mirror e-each other,” Ravi was saying to Sky, soft and embarrassed. “I don’t, don’t even have y-your name. A-anyway, I’m n-not a hero like you.”

There was too much self-recrimination in his voice, Ocarina thought. Sky just shrugged, looking down at his plate.

“Not like me,” Sky agreed, picking at his food. He looked up at Ravi and smiled wryly. “But I think... you and I are alike anyway.”

Ravi’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“It’s not fair, you and Charm,” Sky said. “Charm’s soul is a thousand years old already.” He tapped himself on the chest. “Mine’s... raw.” He smiled at Ravi. “I oversleep. Lose track of time. Play with birds instead of working. So slow.”

“But you’re a hero,” Ravi said quietly.

“Yeah,” Sky agreed with a small grin, eyes sparkling. “But you are too, in your way.” He bumped his elbow against Ravi’s. “Charm told me about you. You did good. You came looking for him. Gave him what he needed. Stood up to Hilda.” He shook his head. “You didn’t need to explore dungeons. Be Link. You saved Lorule anyway.”

Ravi blinked at Sky a couple of times, and then beamed at him broadly, color dusting his cheeks in his embarrassment.

Ocarina smiled and looked away again. The Ocean King was sitting with Tracks and Minish, and Tracks was intently telling them about the Lokomo and the Spirit Flute his Zelda had, a bowl of honey-sticky apples forgotten in his lap. Farore was keeping Wild company as he finally settled in to eat, telling him about the time in between Ocarina’s defeat and Legacy’s rise, legends she seemed to know by heart.

Charm had approached the mask salesman, undeterred by the berth most everyone else was giving him. He’d finished his food, so at least his hands were free, and he still sat a few feet away from the mask man before he addressed him.

“Oh,” Navi said softly, leaning into Ocarina.

Do masks count as fashion magic, or are they something else? Charm asked. The mask salesman paused in his eating – just a couple slices of nutcake – and looked at him with a placid smile.

“Fearless, aren’t you?” he asked. Charm shrugged.

I’ve faced worse, he said brazenly, his gaze not wavering from the salesman. You carry power around on your back, but so does everyone else here. I’m not afraid of you. How do your masks work?

“Wise,” the salesman smiled, and popped another chunk of nutcake into his mouth. Charm raised an eyebrow, unamused, and the mask salesman gave in. “You’re correct. Their magic has the same root as fashion magic. There is always power in how one presents oneself.”

Charm nodded. Why masks?

“Best to control how the magic presents,” the salesman said cheerfully, playing with the cake in his fingers. “Make a curse into a statue, and goodness, anything could happen. But a mask... a mask must be worn.”

Were any of these curses already masks when you found them? Charm asked.

“Only one,” the salesman said, and he looked Ocarina in the eye and smiled. Ocarina flinched so hard he actually scooched away, and saw the man chuckle, gaze dropping back to his meal. “Of course, they’re immensely dangerous when worn.” He smiled again. “I suspect that the mask I get from this endeavor will be the least dangerous mask I own.”

Something told Ocarina that the mask salesman wasn’t being completely sincere in that, and his stomach turned. He looked away quickly, searching for a distraction, and after a few passes over the room, Navi whispered, “Where’s Four?”

Ocarina frowned, glanced around to realize he couldn’t see Four or Midna, and then looked at Lonely. Lonely, ever reliable, nodded toward one of the alcoves, which Ocarina got up to head toward, ears pricked.

He got lucky; Four caught his eye as he approached, but didn’t react at all. His normally blue-grey eyes were a clear violet, fixed straight ahead of him, where Ocarina suspected Midna stood.

I’m not as late in the timeline as Wild, but you’re from only a century or two behind me, Four said to Midna evenly. And you’ve already seen injuries like Wild’s. Is it really a surprise there’s some malice magic in me?

“Burrowed so deep, in a soul blessed by Hylia? Yeah,” Midna said, sounding unimpressed. “I’m not saying you’re evil, I’m not a fool. But I’m very, very curious as to how it got there.” Four stared at her, and after a moment, Midna gave in, her voice dropping a little lower. “...And if you need it out.”

In the literal blink of an eye, Four’s eyes changed from clear violet to vivid green. Can you extract the malice from Wild’s injuries?

“That’s a neat trick,” Midna murmured. Green stared at her. “That’s not a yes-or-no question. Is it possible? Sure. But it depends on how deep it’s dug its claws in. I’m not a healer, and the malice here is... it’s old. Sticky.”

Four blinked again, and the violet returned to his eyes. He considered her for a moment. You care about Link.

“Don’t push it,” Midna muttered. Four tilted his head, and the violet faded from his eyes.

...You’re from a century before me, he repeated after a minute. You know how powerful Ganondorf is by then. You saw what it did to your kingdom, you know what it did to Twilight’s. He shook his head. We knew the end was coming. We were reaching the end of our power. We needed an edge. Any edge.

“So you-” Midna cut herself off, but there was no mistaking the incredulity in her voice. Four lowered his head.

We were desperate, he admitted. We were scared. If Link falls behind, is it even possible to catch up again? He shrugged. Using the power that’s constantly growing to enhance what we already had... it didn’t seem like such a bad idea, that’s all.

“Oh, damn it all,” Midna murmured, and then, softer, “Answer me. You know the curse is on its way out. Do you want the malice out too?”

Four was quiet for a moment, clearly thinking it over, and Midna remained quiet as well, waiting with unexpected patience. Finally, though, Four shook his head.

It’s not very much, he said. Little enough that it still melds well with the rest of me. There’s not enough of it to truly be a foreign entity. It’s just- me, at my most powerful.

“At your coldest,” Midna corrected fiercely. “At your most ruthless and uncaring. Your most bitter and most afraid.” At Four’s look, she added, “I know Link, my Link. He went through his good times and bad times with me.”

Four quirked a smile. I think that permanently embedding the power of desperation in my soul was a rather smart move on my part, he said simply. It would have worked.

“...Yeah, it probably would have,” Midna agreed, and then turned and left the alcove. Abruptly, a few feet out, she looked over her shoulder, narrowed her eyes disapprovingly at Ocarina, and then looked at Four. “Come on. I’m gonna have a look at Wild. He and my Link have been getting along anyway, may as well make it a party.”

Sheepishly, Ocarina returned to the floor. Midna crouched by Wild and spoke to him for a moment. Wild looked hesitant, but after a minute, he got to his feet and followed Midna to the edge of the room, where she sat down beside him, set a hand on his shoulder and started to murmur. Wild shuddered, face scrunching, and black smoke started to curl off of him and dissipate.

Kass drew Ocarina’s attention next, making him look up. Kass gave him a small smile.

“Excuse me,” he said, “but would you mind staying nearby and playing the lullaby when I ask? I’d like to be able to make sure the rhythm works well.”

Ocarina smiled and gave him a nod, and resettled himself to face Kass, who sat down in front of him and started to scribble in a small notebook, murmuring to himself. Ocarina put his instrument in his lap and waited patiently, fingers resting on the notes.

Chapter Text

I didn’t even realize we were built differently, Ocarina admitted, rolling his shoulders to try and loosen the borrowed clothing. But I guess you’re still developing, to an extent.

Might be lifestyle too, Wild pointed out, standing back to look at him appraisingly. I didn’t finish my journey that long ago, and I still spend a lot of time in the wild. Not that you’re idle, but I burn food as fast as I eat it.

That’s true, Ocarina agreed. At any rate, thanks for letting me borrow it.

“It would look so pretty if it wasn’t so tight!” Navi teased, circling Ocarina to examine him closely. He rolled his eyes.

It turned out that Wild had a few sets of the Gerudo vai clothing he’d suggested, each in different colors: one that he said was the outfit he’d originally gotten from his friend, one in a pretty, delicate white, and the one Ocarina had picked, which was a rich green. Wild was wearing the original, but Charm had apparently remembered Wild’s promise to show them Gerudo Town, because he’d brought his Hytopian dress.

I haven’t seen you do anything with magic ink, Charm said to Wild, looking over his shoulder to watch him work with the tablet. Did you just happen to notice it while you were exploring?

I probably would have anyway, Wild said thoughtfully, but I do actually have a use for it, I just don’t bring it out often. One of my... here, look. He shifted to show Charm the surface, and Charm hummed. I use ink to make the runes that give that armor most of its power.

Unable to suppress his curiosity, Ocarina stepped up on Wild’s other side. Wild grimaced, and Charm clicked his tongue and moved away before Wild could do more than squirm. Ocarina flashed him a grateful smile and looked down.

Barbarian armor, it was labeled – it looked old, though it was nothing Ocarina recognized.

Found that one hidden in a couple mazes across Hyrule, Wild explained. Even if they hadn’t also been shrines, it would’ve been worth it, honestly.

Ocarina smiled. You might not have found any hero’s tools, but it looks like there’s other legacy items you found along the way.

I hadn’t thought about it like that, Wild admitted. But you’re right.

Wild looked pleased by the thought.

The travel gates in the Sheikah slate let them go straight to the desert. The difference was startling; the air around the castle was damp and cool, and one moment they were there, the next bathed in dry heat. It was pleasant at first, but Ocarina figured it wouldn’t stay that way for long.

As Wild had promised, the guards let them through the gate without batting an eye. Wild even waved to them as they passed, and one of them nodded back.

It’s beautiful, Ocarina said with genuine wonder, not even minding as Navi immediately darted into the busy market, excited in her own right. The Gerudo settlement I saw was more of a compound.

Wild nodded. That meshes with Gerudo oral history, I think. Forts used to be the only kind of semipermanent settlements they had.

A warrior people to the end, Charm said with a crooked, marred smile. Without the Gerudo veil both Wild and Ocarina wore, his scars were on full display, and Ocarina wondered if that was some of why he’d turned it down.

They hung around the springs that cooled the area for a while, but Wild looked eager and impatient, so Ocarina eventually nudged Charm along to follow.

Wild led them directly to a shop not far from the entrance, labeled Starlight Memories in elegant lettering. The door was propped wide open, but a magic bell still rang as they passed through, and someone appeared from behind the counter. Wild waved to her and turned to Ocarina and Charm.

This is Headdress, she makes all of the enchanted jewelry I use, Wild explained, tapping her diamond circlet for emphasis. It can get a little pricey, but it goes down if you bring gems, and I’ve got those.

“You must be friends of Link,” the woman greeted when Wild was done, looking at them appraisingly. After only a moment, she smiled, and Ocarina was struck once again with the difference from his own Gerudo. He’d have to tell Zelda. “My name is Isha, welcome to Starlight Memories. You’re welcome to browse; I think Link alone has provided fully two-thirds of my business for the last year, never mind the supplies she sells me.”

“Supplies?” Ocarina asked, while Charm moved along to examine the wares, looking delighted by the delicate jewelry.

“Most gems come from Death Mountain,” Isha explained. “Link tells me there are good deposits on the eastern coast and in Hebra as well, but she’s the only one that knows where to find them. So any other stones need to cross all of Hyrule to reach the city – at a heavy curve, too, lest they risk encounters with the guardians in Central Hyrule. The whole journey can take weeks.” She shook her head. “The Gerudo need to buy gemstones and the Gorons need to sell them, so we make it work, but it’s slow going.”

That did explain why Wild spent money so freely. Ocarina nodded and signed a quick thank you without thinking, and then moved on to join Charm, who was already looking wistful and torn.

They spent a little while there, Isha explaining the basics of the enchantments and a few times drifting off into shop talk. In the end, Charm settled for a sapphire and ruby circlet set, which Ocarina envied just a little, though the price made him wince even once Wild traded in a few gems to lower it. Wild got a couple of hair spirals that didn’t do anything at all, according to Isha, but they looked like they’d wrap beautifully into the fringes of his hair.

All of the items were pretty, but there was really only one that stood out to Ocarina: a set of amber earrings, bright and clear, with heavy enchantments that Isha promised rivaled the diamond circlet. Navi tried to lift one of them and tumbled head over heels instead.

Are you sure this is all you want? Wild asked him when they were on their way out.

I’m not really a jewelry person, Ocarina admitted. They’re beautiful, but I wouldn’t wear them. I think that Twilight would like these though. He shook the earrings lightly. The color suits him.

Wild hummed in agreement and approval, and then they were crossing the plaza.

It was a good, idle afternoon, the three of them taking their time working through the town. Both of them got measured for their own Gerudo outfits at Fashion Passion, and Ocarina finally got to buy some of the sophisticated arrows that Wild had shown off at Tarrey Town.

Remind me to take you to see --- sometime too, Wild said to Ocarina, giving him a smile that he could see in her eyes. Ocarina marveled at how much she’d loosened up over the past couple weeks, even if she was still quiet and reserved. Ancient arrows are most useful against guardians, but in a pinch, they can decimate almost anything else too. It’s brutal.

As long as you don’t think he’ll mind, Ocarina said indulgently. It did sound useful to have in an emergency. What was that sign?

Wild repeated the namesign, a casual ‘L’ dragged sideways across her eyes, and smiled sheepishly. R-o-b-b-i-e. He was instrumental in repairing the guardians a hundred years ago, and the L is a gesture he makes sometimes.

It only took Ocarina a moment to make the connection between Robbie’s namesign and Wild’s sign for ‘guardian.’ So he’d know best how to take them down.

Wild smiled at him brightly and nodded.

Think it’s time for a snack? Charm asked hopefully, throwing a look over his shoulder as they passed some fruit stands. Wild looked at Ocarina, and Ocarina nodded. Wild steered them over to the stand, knelt down, and started negotiating with the shopkeeper.

It wasn’t the most filling meal, but it was sweet and simple; the variety of fresh fruits might have been Ocarina’s favorite thing about Wild’s Hyrule. Centuries of time spent marrying them into the ecosphere had clearly not been wasted.

It must have been hard when you first got that outfit, Charm said suddenly, nodding at Wild’s torso. Puzzlement flashed across Wild’s face, and then she looked down and grunted in comprehension. Ocarina frowned, glancing at Navi in question. She shrugged.

It was, Wild admitted, smiling ruefully; her eyes were very expressive. Especially since I didn’t understand at first just how abnormal they were, and I was a little younger when I started my journey too. People would look at me and start fretting almost right away.

I’m sure you could have gotten something more concealing if you’d wanted, though, Charm prompted, eyes intense. Wild shrugged and nodded.

Fashion Passion sells some mesh undershirts, if you don’t want to show that much skin, she said, which was when it clicked for Ocarina: Wild’s scarring was extremely prominent in the revealing Gerudo outfit. But honestly, I didn’t see the point. I have so much of it that it’s just easier to get used to being seen than to try and hide all that skin all the time.

Charm reached up and touched his cheek, and held that pose for almost a minute before he replied. I thought about trying to cover it, he admitted. A veil like yours would have done the job. But it would have been so obvious. I’d have needed to keep explaining it, or refusing to.

Wild gave Charm a solemn, sympathetic look.

Face injuries are just different, she agreed, and tapped her own, the broad burn across her cheek and nearly to her ear. This came later, for me. I was surprised by how hard it was to get used to.

Charm smiled wearily back, the ends crooked up at an awkward angle by the scarring. Unsettling, isn’t it? Suddenly you don’t look like you anymore.

At first, Wild agreed, giving Charm a small smile. But I was lucky, I think. I was already used to relearning who I was.

I never thought of it that way, Charm said thoughtfully, and tugged at the skirt of her dress. But I suppose that’s as good a way of describing it as anything.

Wild nodded, and then stood up and brushed herself off.

We should probably pick up that magic ink before we’re missed too sorely, she said, gently ending the conversation.

“Twelve verses, three parts with four couplets each,” Hylia explained for Kass, politely not mentioning the dozens of scrapped drafts that littered the ground around their feet. “Every generation’s Zelda should be able to sing her own part, I think, and that will bolster the power significantly. For obvious reasons, Groose will have to fill in for Ganondorf in every iteration of the ritual, but I think he’ll be more than willing. And I will sing the part for every Link that needs it.”

Wild exhaled, looking relieved. Ocarina felt much the same. He wasn’t as strictly nonverbal as he had been as a child, but he wasn’t sure he could manage that much at once without stumbling and faltering.

“Won’t that make it weaker?” Minish asked with concern. “Both Groose and you.”

“Somewhat,” Hylia admitted. “But there’s no helping it. The ritual itself should have enough power to make up for it. You’re quite a talented bard, Kass.”

“Thank you, my lady,” Kass said, with a touch of a bow.

“Ravi, Midna, if you could help me model what it will look like?” Hylia requested. Ravi hastily scrambled to his feet, and Midna just nodded and rose.

“It’s based upon the ritual to end a blood feud,” Farore explained, and gestured to Ezlo. “It was his idea- one of the cleverest, I think, since a blood feud is as close as you get to an anathema spell without the caster’s death. The three parts run counter to the three shards of the triforce. The flaw of courage is stubbornness, and the end of stubbornness is concession; Link’s verses emphasize that.”

“And you have to be sincere,” Midna added sharply, from where she stood on the corner of power. “It won’t work if you don’t believe it. You have to understand that the function of this ritual is to surrender the fight.”

Farore nodded her agreement and continued. “The flaw of wisdom is pride, and the end of pride is apology. That’s Zelda’s part.” She indicated Hylia. “And the flaw of power is malice, the end of malice, comfort. That’ll be Groose.”

Ocarina didn’t know a lot about magic, but it all seemed sound to him. He nodded solemnly, reaching up to cup Navi where she was huddling close to his ear, anxious and insecure. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank us yet,” Ezlo said seriously. “It still has to work.”

You’ve tried, Ocarina signed back. That means a lot all on its own.

“Watch carefully,” Hylia said, and she, Midna, and Ravi modeled the ritual.

All three of them stood at a corner of the triforce, facing away from the center, which held a block of plain stone in place of a mask. Ravi had the harp first, and he began to play, plucking uncertainly at the cords to make Hylia’s gentle melody.

“In the center of the forest/Mother, can you hear the wolf cry?” Ravi sang. His voice wavered, the tune slightly off-balance, but he didn’t stutter, too much of his focus on the music.

Then, fluidly, he stepped down one line of his triangle, completing one spin in the middle before he landed at the midpoint, facing Hylia.

“He’s been wounded by his efforts/and he’s tired to the bone.” Ravi’s resemblance to Link had never been so pronounced, his expression set in a sort of focus that he was normally too nervous to display.

Every Link was dead silent. Scattered across the floor and some of the perches, watching the rehearsal of the ritual that could set them free, most of them were too nervous to even think about looking away.

Ravi stepped down the next line, doing the same single twirl before he landed at the other side, facing Midna. “His hunt is at an end tonight/And now he needs a place to rest.”

Oshus mostly just looked tired, watching the rehearsal with a face lined with worry, and Ocarina wondered if he had his doubts about their success. Ezlo’s head was bent, eyes dark and solemn, and Farore had her hands clasped behind her back, biting her lip.

Ravi danced the last line, which brought him back to where he’d started, now facing toward the center instead of away from it. “There’s a lonely cave by a stream/The wolf can sleep without a care.”

He held out the harp to Hylia, who took it without looking at him, eyes focused straight ahead. Her playing was beautiful and flawless.

“Above the wolf chirps a songbird/Her voice as beautiful as dawn,” Hylia sang, slow and even and with power that Ocarina thought he could feel stirring in the room already.

She stepped down the first line, spun once, and landed facing Midna, still playing while Midna faced away.

“The whole forest does hear her call/And too it knows she loves the wolf.”

It was hard, Ocarina realized suddenly, to tell completely whether she was Hylia or Zelda at present. Something about her expression hovered perfectly between the two. She stepped aside, twirled, and landed on the midpoint to face Ravi, so they were looking each other in the eye.

“She says: my brave one, my sweet one/I never meant to bring you harm.”

Step, spin, and Hylia landed on the corner of wisdom, facing the center.

“I swear to you I’ll ask no more/This oath I take unto my end.”

Ocarina didn’t think sincerity would be a problem on the part of most of the royal line... though he did have his private concerns about Lonely’s era.

Hylia held out the harp to Midna, the only one now facing outward, and Midna accepted it. She was nearly as skilled with it as Hylia, it turned out, though something about her lilt was more brisk than the goddess.

“The hunter hears the songbird quiet/But he’s a promise of his own.” Midna spun toward Ravi, and Ocarina was startled by the intensity of her eyes. “It was his strike that hurt the wolf/And he intends to make amends.”

Twilight was watching Midna. Ocarina thought it might have been the softest he’d ever seen the other Link look.

Midna stepped, twirled, and faced Hylia.

“He finds the wolf in his dim cave/And he kneels for the injured beast.” Midna took her last step back to the corner of power, faced the center, and finished, “He’s gentle as a young lamb now/And this way soon the wound is soothed.”

Then, as one, all three of them stepped into the center of their triangles, took the blades that Ocarina had only half-noticed at their hips, and cut open their palms, spilling blood onto the stand-in stone in the middle. Not one of them hesitated.

The air seemed to flash without light, crack without sound; it was an echo of the true power the ritual held.

“If we’re lucky,” Hylia said softly, watching blood trickle down the piece of rubble, “that will be enough.”

Chapter Text

“It’s a sacred instrument, Groose. You’re not going to break it.”

“If you say so,” Groose mumbled, and started to pluck at the strings a little harder. “Are you sure I’m not too clumsy for this?”

“If you’re deft enough for mechanics, you’re deft enough for this,” Zelda said. “Don’t worry about how it sounds just yet. Memorize the notes first.”

Groose nodded distractedly, and for a few minutes, all three of them were quiet as Groose attempted the first few bars of Zelda’s lullaby. He winced when he messed up and shook his head. “Uh, is there a time limit or something?”

“No,” Zelda promised him. “Take as long as you need. You’ll be doing it quite a few times, after all.”

“I’m gonna be an expert by the end of it,” Groose said, and held it out to her. “Uh, can you show me again?”

“Of course.” Zelda took it and played, slow and deliberate so each note was clear. Then she chuckled softly, watching the strings of the harp. “Goodness. Who would have thought that this was where we would end up?”

“I’d’ve laughed,” Sky said with some amusement. “It doesn’t suit us.”

“It didn’t suit us,” Zelda corrected. “We’ve grown up.”

She handed the harp back to Groose, and he settled it in the crook of his elbow, brow furrowed in concentration. Sky leaned back to watch, hands in his lap, and felt Fi flicker reassuringly without leaving the sword.

It was hard to look back at how far they’d come from where they’d been as children – like trying to retrace your steps on a winding path, every thought seemed to lead back to where they were now. Everything that had happened, everything they had learned.

“Hey, Groose?” Sky asked suddenly. Groose grunted. “Why did you hate me?”

“Huh?” Groose missed a note and cursed, starting over. “Jealousy, I guess. Alright, it was definitely jealousy.”

“Of me?”

“Yeah, obviously.” Groose frowned at the harp, and then started over again for no apparent reason. “I hate to break it to you, Link, but you were incredible even as a kid, and we all knew it. You were the best at flying, the best with a sword, best friends with Zelda, the most popular- it was ridiculous. And I might be a superstar now, but as a kid I was like, I don’t know, slightly below average.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Groose,” Zelda chided softly. “You’ve always had your strengths. None of the rest of us had your knack with tinkering; I was always surprised you didn’t apprentice at the repair shop.”

“Convinced myself that didn’t count,” Groose said. “No idea why. Anyway, being a knight seemed cooler.”

“Not everyone liked me,” Sky said quietly.

“Yeah, well, your parents got voted off the island for neglect, didn’t they?” Groose closed his eyes to concentrate, and didn’t speak again until he’d finished his first full run of the song, off-beat and with a few errors. “I’m not saying it made sense or anything. But man, I was frothing-at-the-mouth pissed at you for it, and twice as much because you didn’t even hate me back.”

Sky snickered. “Sorry. I wasn’t good at paying attention.”

“Yep, noticed.” Groose shot him a grin, then started over. “Didn’t help that I was kind of a natural asshole even then. I wasn’t exactly making a lot of friends.”

The corner of Sky’s mouth twitched. “So you got more mean?”

Groose rolled his eyes. “Kids are dumb, Link. I don’t know what to tell you.” He held the harp out to Sky. “You show me. I want to see it from someone other than Miss Goddess.”

“Watch your tongue,” Zelda said, with a smile that took all the heat out of it.

Sky took it, shifted to let Groose see, and played, frowning in concentration. Despite everything, Sky still didn’t have Ocarina’s musical talent; it required too much focus to interest him.

“Man, you’re still obnoxiously good at things,” Groose complained when Sky was done, but he accepted the harp back and played again, a little more smoothly. “It’s like you don’t even have to try.”

Sky cast him a faintly resentful look. “I try,” he said defensively. “Different things are hard for me. Focus and boredom are easy for you.” He rolled his shoulders. “Impa didn’t get it either. Focus takes effort. Wears me out fast.”

“I know, buddy,” Groose said, smiling gently to take the sting out of it. He finished the run carefully, started over, and added, “Even as a kid I kind of knew it, honestly. It just didn’t make sense. You did more in a day without paying attention than I ever could with it.”

Sky shrugged. He didn’t really get it, either. But Zelda was smiling, soft and fond.

“That was what made Link a good choice,” she explained, eyes focused on a faraway memory. “Someone more task-oriented would have gotten most things done faster, but they wouldn’t have done as much. They wouldn’t have helped Bartreaux or looked for Kukiel or...” She nudged Sky playfully. “Knocked down the chandelier at the Lumpy Pumpkin and paid Pumm back for it.”

Sky grinned, unabashed, and Groose laughed.

“Yeah,” he said fondly. “Link’s something special. I’m man enough to admit that.”

“I’m only sorry it ended up like this,” Zelda said quietly, without looking at Sky. Sky’s smile faded. “I know you’re angry. You have every right to be.”

Sky exhaled, dipping his head just enough to hide his eyes.

I didn’t even agree to it, Sky signed stiffly, terse and unhappy. A thousand lifetimes of battle, for fighting a monster I never offered to. He shook his head sharply. I wasn’t mad about this lifetime. Really. But I didn’t choose it. I didn’t choose to do it and I didn’t agree to suffer for that choice for so long.

“I’m sorry,” Zelda repeated softly. “...And for the record, Hylia is too.”

Sky smiled, weak and tired. How much difference is there, really?

Zelda actually thought about it, surprising Sky, and Groose played two nearly-perfect renditions of the song before she spoke again. “To be honest, it’s really only a difference in scale. Hylia is very grand, and Zelda is very small.” She gave Sky a small smile. “You’re Zelda’s best and oldest friend, and Hylia’s most trusted knight. But I love you either way.”

Sky softened despite himself, reached over, and squeezed her hand. “I still love you too,” he promised quietly.

They did the ritual at dusk, in the chamber where Fi had passed the centuries. Ravi and the mask salesman painted the triforce and goddess sigils on the floor, large and clear, and the salesman placed a true effigy in the central triangle; it gave Sky chills just to look at. Then he joined the rest of the group against the wall of the chamber, watching attentively with his same eerie smile.

Sky, Zelda, and Groose placed themselves at the three corners of the triangle. Groose looked as nervous as Sky felt, but Zelda looked so focused she might well have been tuning out the rest of the world.

Fi chimed reassuringly on Sky’s back, and he took a breath. Then he played.

“In the center of the forest/Mother, can you hear the wolf cry?” Sky’s voice wavered through the words, straining in odd places; he couldn’t help it. The cadence was strict and his attention split between his mouth and his hands, fingers plucking gently at the cords.

He took a step and let the room spin around him, and landed flawlessly on the courage-wisdom midpoint, eyes on Zelda’s long, blonde hair. The light in the room started to darken and warp, something purple reflecting off her hair, but he didn’t dare look and interrupt the ritual.

“He’s been wounded by his efforts/And he’s tired to the bone.”

He knew that Hylia hadn’t meant anything by it; at its core, her choice had been the highest statement of faith and trust that anyone could possibly receive. He was still humbled by the thought that out of everyone that had ever lived, she’d wanted him, goofy ditzy Link, to be her knight.

But Goddess above, he hadn’t wanted this.

He stepped away and spun again, landing at the second midpoint with his eyes on Groose, who was still so tense that Sky could see it in his shoulders.

“His hunt is at an end tonight/And now he needs a place to rest.”

Despite all of that, Sky thought this was the most eviscerating and awful thing about the curse. It wasn’t Demise that he had been cursed to fight for all eternity; it was Groose, his friend, being puppeted by Demise’s hatred.

Even before his journey, before Groose had grown and matured, Sky wouldn’t have wanted this for him. They’d grown up together. He’d watched Groose meet his loftwing for the first time, sparred with him in the training hall. Groose had come looking for him when he’d wandered off almost as many times as Zelda had.

He didn’t want to fight Groose.

He stepped away and spun, and landed back on the point of courage, eyes on the center. His breath caught.

There was an orb of glowing malice hovering above the effigy mask at about knee height, small and flickering, such a concentrated ball of evil that Sky could almost feel it sucking at him. Even worse, there were traces of malice swamp along the lines of the courage shard, following his footsteps. He’d stepped in one, saved only by his thick boots.

Zelda made the tiniest desperate gesture, and Sky forced himself to focus.

“There’s a lonely cave by a stream/The wolf can sleep without a care.”

His voice wavered so sharply that it almost broke halfway through the first half of the couplet, but Sky forced himself through; it would either work or it wouldn’t. He’d done his best.

He held the harp out to Zelda, and she accepted it without looking and played. She played a little differently from Hylia – crisper, quicker, like she wasn’t as patient. The corner of Sky’s mouth twitched. That was Zelda.

“Above the bird chirps a songbird/Her voice as beautiful as dawn.” This time Sky could see the energy gathering and dripping around Zelda’s feet, swirls of it being swished around as she spun to face Groose, leaving little smears on the ground like condensation. Groose’s shoulder twitched slightly, like he wanted to turn and look at her, but Zelda maintained her focus. “The whole forest does hear her call/And too it knows she loves the wolf.”

Sky had been honest while they were teaching Groose; he had never doubted that she loved him, never even doubted that she had never meant this curse to fall on his shoulders.

Intent didn’t fix everything.

Zelda cut across the triforce to face Sky, balanced on the courage-wisdom midpoint, and their eyes met. Zelda had never been especially prone to outright remorse, preferring to fix things briskly and decisively, but there was no mistaking the shadow in her eyes now. The apology written there alone was almost enough.

“She says: my brave one, my sweet one/I never meant to bring you harm.”

Sky inclined his head, just a little, and had enough time to watch her gaze soften before she stepped away, returning to the corner of wisdom to face the center. The orb of malice pulsed and grew, becoming almost the size of Sky’s fist, and Zelda’s eyes sharpened when she saw it.

“I swear to you I’ll ask no more/This oath I take unto my end.”

She held out the harp to Groose, who accepted it with a slightly tremulous hand, and Sky heard him take a deep, shivery breath before he started playing, slow and awkward.

Goddess. Groose tried so hard. Sky glanced over at Zelda without meaning to, and she managed a small smile for him, nodding once.

“The hunter hears the songbird quiet/But he’s a promise of his own.” His voice came out steadier than Sky had expected, for how dubious he’d been about the idea at first. But he meant it. He really meant it. Groose stepped and spun away, leaving behind a faint trail of lavender fog, and landed facing Sky, gold eyes intense with concentration. “It was his strike that hurt the wolf/And he intends to make amends.”

Sky smiled as much as he dared, trying to offer Groose what comfort and reassurance he could. It wasn’t Groose’s fault that he’d gotten caught up in this spell, and Sky refused to believe that anything he’d done under the influence of Demise’s hatred had truly been his fault either. He thought Groose almost smiled back before he stepped across the triangle, spinning to face Zelda.

“He finds the wolf in his dim cave/And he kneels for the injured beast.” Zelda gave Groose a small smile and a nod too, and Groose relaxed, just a little, before he stepped away one last time, back to the corner of power to face the center. The malice orb flashed and swelled again, more Groose’s fist than Sky’s now. “He’s gentle as a young lamb now/And this way soon the wound is soothed.”

Groose tucked the harp under his arm and grabbed the knife from his waistband, and first Zelda, then Sky, then Groose stepped to the center, a half-second of hesitation apart. Sky braced himself, then sliced open his palm and held out his hand. Blood trickled down his palm, then over the length of his ring finger, and dripped through the malice orb together with Groose’s and Zelda’s to land on the blank mask.

The orb turned bright gold, pulsed once, and then slammed into the mask. Sky had to blink the spots out of his eyes before he looked at it again and inhaled sharply.

The mask was no longer blank. Instead, it had shaped itself to match Link exactly, expression set into bitter determination, eyes glazed with the empty look of a doll.

“It worked,” Zelda said, giddy with relief. “It really, really worked!”

She lunged over to hug Sky, deftly avoiding the shallow smears of malice, and then did the same to Groose, tight and relieved. Groose laughed and hugged her back, then Sky, pounding the latter on the back.

“It worked!” Groose echoed cheerfully, looking oddly wan with relief. Sky gave him a grin and a nod. “Feel any different, buddy?”

Sky shook his head instantly, but couldn’t help smiling anyway. “No. Don’t need to.”

He was startled by the appearance of the mask salesman, who had crossed the room silently. He leaned down to pick up the mask and regard it thoughtfully, and the three of them fell hushed and silent.

The mask salesman smiled.

“The Hero’s Curse,” he said mildly, and tucked the mask under his arm. “I’ll look after it.”

There was a surprising sincerity to his promise, and Sky wondered if he’d gotten other masks this way. He must have, if he’d had the effigy on hand.

“Thank you,” he said, and Ocarina might have been afraid of this man, but Sky was nothing but grateful.