Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sky was whittling by the fire. The smell of their burnt rice was fading away with the wind, allowing the smell of grass and flowers to encircle the camp. The sound of crackling fire was calming, adding a relaxed atmosphere. The light of the roaring fire danced across their faces, bathing everything in it's beautiful glow. The motions of this carving relaxing and mindless. He was carving an animal he saw earlier, it was white and orange and very cute. His companions claimed it was a 'Fox'. He knows it's not gonna be accurate, a carving based on something he'd seen only once by memory, but he feels like he carved enough birds (for now).

"Wow, yer not carvin' a bird. Would'ja look at that?" Legend teased from his place by the fire. They were set up in a square around the fire, Legend was leaning on the log to Sky's left, his right hand cradling his face with his elbow high on the top of the fallen tree, just for the added show.

"Oh please, I carve more then just birds." Sky answered in a low voice, he added a fond eyeroll to counter Legend's arm exageration.

"Oh yeah? I dare you to reach into that wood pouch of yers," a snort was heard behind Legend, to where Wind was sitting, his mind did a leap with his boyish sense of humour to conclude in an inappropiate joke. Sky raised an eyebrow aimed at Wind. Legend continued, ignoring the blue boy, "An' pull out," another snort, "Three carvin's that aren't birds, and no lookin'."

Sky briefly wondered if he should take this golden opportunity that Legend just presented him with, keeping a smirk to himself, he took it.

He reached into his bag and pulled out two figures, a bird and a frog, and raised one finger to Legend, "You were close, only two birds." Sky said as sweetly as he could, placing the figures back in his pouch. He cherished the look on Legend's face as he made the mental connection to how he set himself up, Sky felt the word 'Incredulous' would work. As he was cherising, his eyes flicked to see if anyone else saw. Wind was trying, and failing, to cover up giggles, and to Time; who was struggling to contain a smile. Time was across from him on the other side of the fire, he was talking to Hyrule, who looked confused at Time whose shoulders were slightly spasming too.

Legend's face stayed the same as he pulled his hand from his face, but kept his elbow high on the log to point at Sky."...Didn't think ya had it in ya." He gave a face surprised impression as he turned to Wind to try and make him stop laughing.

"I should have bet on that," Warriors commented quietly beside him, he didn't look up from his sewing, "I could've gotten a couple ruppees out of him." He was sewing another mini dress, this one was blue and frilly. He twirled it on his finger twice, the frills flowing for with the spins, and went back to working on a shoulder.

"Never interrupt an artist when their workin'," Twilight's low comment traveled to him as he looked to his left, down at Four, who was hyper focused on a sketch he was doing. It was probably another sword or weapon, it seems to be the only subject he never has to decide on, anything else seems to require a mental debate. "They bite if they lose their focus." Four turned with a squinted up face with what looked like a smirk, he nipped his teeth Twilight. The littlest hero immediately went back to his sketching. Twilights head flew back with laughter, Sky's hand shot up to his mouth, a high laugh squeaked out of him .

Sky looked around the camp, his hand lowering with each short turn, allowing the warmth of the moment to fill him. It was nice, all of them together. The feeling seeped slowly out of him as all of his distractions were on hold, in flooded the feeling he was trying to ignore. He looked down at his fox, pretending to continue his whittling.

It was hard to go back to his distractions as the overwhelming feeling of being watched reached his heart.

---

Sky looked up at the giant hue of blue above him, clear and bright, with a gentle breeze tussling his hair. If he closes his eyes, he can almost feel like he's on his Loftwing, high above the clouds. This Hyrule was beautiful, wildlife and nature as far as the eye can see. Although, their arrival was less then ideal. The portal was straight up in the air, in the middle of the night, and dumped them all on top of one another, forming an unwanted dogpile.
-
"Get you're ass out of my face!"

"GET YER FACE OUTTA MAH ASS!"

Looking back on it, it was kinda funny. Although Sky, who was at the top of the pile, face up, got a rather unpleasant surprise as Time's fully armoured person came crashing down on all of them, but mostly on Sky's belly. It took everything in Sky to not vomit on himself and whoever was underneath him. Time, with a very apologetic look on his face, slid off as fast as he could without hurting anyone else. The one-eyed man helped Sky off first and layed him on the ground, a 'sorry' was said through clamped teeth and a worried face. Sky waved him off with no bitterness, just soreness as he hugged his stomach and turned to his side, the smell of ozone not helping. Once most of the boys were off, Twilight, who was the poor soul at the bottom, pushed the still arguing duo, Legend and Warriors, off of him. Once they were off, Twilight made no immediate move to get up, just catching his breath now that he has access to air again. The Hoarder and the Soldier were still arguing.

"That was more of you then I ever wanted to see." Warriors declared, his arms gestering out to put more emphasis on his point.

"An' that was more then I evah wanted ta experience from you evah again!" Legend quipped back, smoothing out his tunic in motions a mother would call "attitude".

Four, who was enjoying the ground along with Twilight and Sky pipped up, asking the most frequently asked question among the group.

"Where are we now?"

At the bottom of a cavern, was the answer. At a deadend but not trapped. Walls of rock surrounding them, towering, framing a trail to what lead to, presumably, a field. Once they regained their composure, they scouted the area just to make sure their are no lingering monsters. Once done, they set up camp, attempted (and failed horribly) to cook some rice they found, placed Legend to watch the, seemingly, only exit and entrance to their little corner and went to sleep. None of them looked all the way up, if they had, they might have noticed the pair of bright blue eyes staring at them.
-
They decided to follow the shear wall of rock, hoping it would lead them out of this thin valley. The natural rock wall morphed into a decaying man made structure, it felt too large to be a building, but all of them travered temples and dungeons much larger then at first glance. Hopes were granted as they came upon a familiar sight, but the unfamiliarity surrounding it struck some confusion.

"That's the Bridge of Hylia, so this must be Lake Hylia," Twilight declared, a look of confusion on his face.

"Wow, great observaion skills." Legend muttered without moving his lips, quiet and deadpan. Twilight gave him the side eye for a second before continuing.

"But with the blue tower and the split mountian, this is definitely not mine, and none of y'alls," Twilight let the sentence hang, the other's long since figured out what he was getting on.

"Another one? There's already eight of us." Wind jumped in, hands on his hips looking up at Twilight.

"What's one more, I guess." Four shrugged, "We thought seven was a lot then Wars came along." His eyebrows furrowed. "It has been a while though..."

"Is this group just gonna keep growing 'til we have an army?" Legend crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. He rolled the thought in his head a little more, seeming more disgruntled with each roll. "I...really don't want that..."

"I don't think any of us do, it'll be...a lot," Time pitched in, "Come on, let's head towards the bridge before we lose daylight." an awkward end to an awkward conversation, but it got them moving again.

Sky looked up at the giant wall, reaching a turn it appeared to be less like a building, which was his first thought, and more like just that, a wall. It looked so, old though. Same with the bridge, and he's surprised no one said anything yet. It was basically destroyed, more like a broken puzzle then a wall. How long has that been here? How long has it been? He looked up to the top of the mass to study it more, eyes widening slightly as he caught something flowy and gold quickly go behind a finished stone on the top of the structure, just as he was about to say something to his companions.

"Hey! I think I see the castle!" Wind hollered, he ran ahead to get a better look around, not going to far, per Time's instructions.

"Oh, perfect. We can head there," Warriors suggested nonchalantly, "Hopefully the princess is there."

Wind was taking out his spyglass, "Yeah, but it's a little far," he unfolded his glass, "Don't the portals open near where we need to be?"

"Maybe we need to do something on the way?" Hyrule threw out, uncertainly.

"Or maybe we need ta go to the bridge? Otherwise, why would we be so close?" Legend countered, not as a challenge, but a suggestion.

"Um, guys?"

"Maybe we should head to the castle? We don't know the land, and with the castle there should be a Castle Town, people, info and all that." Four joined to the sparking argument, "It's the only place we can be sure has people."

"Guys?"

"Why would we be placed so far then? The bridge is right here, let's just investigate it." Twilight argued, inching towards the bridge.

"As Four said though, the castle could have what we need," Warriors retorted, "Besides, I'm sure Sky would want to meet her, part of his bloodline and all that."

Sky, whose focus has been shifting back to the top of the wall, winged his head around at the mention of his name. "Huh?" Confusion was crystal clear on his face.

At the realization Sky wasn't even paying attention, Legend huffed. "We're trying to figure out if we should go to the castle or continue the bridge, birdbrain."

"Oh, ugh..." Sky stalled to think, he might need longer to decide.

Legend sighed, "Nevermind," he turned to Time, "Old Man, you have anything to add?"

If Sky didn't know any better, he'd say he saw a slight hint of panic in that one blue eye. Just as the Old Man breathed in to say a word however,

"HEY LISTEN!!"

Time's head whipped around the quickest to Wind, almost breaking his neck in the process, but it was Legend that responded. "WHAT?!"

"The castle..." Wind had a look of despair, "It's..."

Time and Sky ran up to meet Wind, shortly followed by the others. Time held out his hand to Wind in a silent ask for the spyglass, Wind placed it in his hand. Looking towards the castle, Time can see what has Wind so disheartened.

"It's in ruins..." Wind finally finished for the others. The glass was passed around so everyone could see, each with a somber look.

"We go to the castle." Time stated, emotionless, guarded.

Everyone nodded, all embers from their argument completely drenched. They marched on.

----------

Link was munching on his fifth apple in a row laying down on a straw bed, he has about nine hundread of them, he might as well get started. Throwing the core out the window, he reached for his sixth. The Great Plateau was his special place; it was the place he took his figurative baby steps into the new awaiting world he found himself in. The new world he instantly fell in love with, the wide expanse of beauty that was spread before him and it was his to explore. From freeing the Divine Beasts to looking under every nook and cranny for Koroks, he always finds himself back at the Plateau.

The Old Man's, or King Rhoam's, cabin was; cold, leaky and poorly built, and he loved it. It was the first bed he ever slept in (since his Awakening). The first time he slept in it, he didn't even put the blanket on (not knowing any better), and when he woke, a blanket was over him, with the Old Man by the fire.

"Oh, ho ho. Cold nights are often better with a blanket."

The dead king was his guide in the world he forgot. Teaching essential basics to him with patience and a joke, gifting him a warm doublet after cooking his first meal, or just sitting with him by the fire. The first time he cooked something, the smile on his face seemed to catch the man off-guard, after a second, he gave a small smile back. Thinking back on it, adding the memories Link's recovered, that might have been the first time the king saw him smile. Learning more about the king during his journey split him in two; one side was angry. Angry at how hard he pushed his daughter, and his narrow sightedness on his kingdom. The other side is thankful for him; for waiting for him, for teaching him. The Old King found confidence in Link to confess his wrong doings, his guilt that only death made him see clairvoyance. Giving him his mission and one final gift, the paraglider, he vanished. Leaving behind for Link that little cabin, and his fallen kingdom.

Being on the Plateau reminded Link back when everything was simple, even if it was only for a few days, when he woke up. Just existing and exploring, discovering everything for the first time. While he has a home he loves in Hateno, the Great Plateau has his heart in a vice. While he loves it, if he stays too long a silent woe will worm it's way into his mind, with almost anywhere else being the antidote.

Throwing the apple core out the window, with the food and the tranquil hush around him putting him in a sleepy mood, looking out the window, the fact that it was also night might play a factor in his sleepyness. Turning over on his stomach, bringing a leg up with his arms nesting his head, he was preparing himself to sleep 'til morning...maybe noon, he could spoil himself, he spend a full day taking care of all the monsters here.

Just as he was about to drift the dreamland, he heard...something. If he had to describe it, it would be a Guardians beam just about to fire, but much lower. Grabbing this sword, shield, bow and slate, he jogged off towards the noise.

It wasn't far, at the place where he found the Old Man chopping trees by the shear drop of the cliff, he looked down. A purple vortex was in sight before vanishing before his eyes. Once it disappeared, below he saw people. Different people. Pulling out his slate and turning on the scope, and what he saw was...pretty funny. Just a pile of people shouting, if they're Yiga (which he doubts) they're starting to get sloppy. He can tell they were shouting, but was too far away to make out anything coherent. A giggle rised out of Link as he saw one of them launch two others off themself.

While Link was curious and interested in these people, he doesn't want to interact with them right now, he doubts their Yiga but he still need to exercise caution with heavily armed strangers. For now, he's content with just watching them. He lays down on his stomach, kicking his legs up, resting his head in one arm, the other arm stretched out with the scoop. As he watched them, and was aghast when they somehow managed to burn rice, he decided to keep an eye on the odd group for now. Eight strangers armed to the teeth just appearing out of a swirling vortex; it can cause some suspicion. Beside, this was the first new oddity he'd seen in a while, this could be his entertainment for a time.

Once the group below went to sleep, after putting the grumpy red one on look out, he stretched and got up. Setting an alarm in his slate, he went back to the cabin. The was gonna follow their lead and drift into dreamland too. His slate is set just before sunrise, he wants to catch them just before they leave the cavern and if he misses them before that, well, he can track them.

---

Link managed to catch them just as they were leaveing the cavern, he kinda panicked when he realised he slept through his initial alarm, after the energy and adrenaline wore off after the arrival of the group, his previous tiredness slammed into him. It apears they're gonna follow the wall, which is perfect, he doesn't even need to come down yet. He's not without vigilance, however, since the one in the white cape is now transfixed at the wall, scanning up and down. Through his scope he saw White Cape's eyes land on him, which made him jump behind a piece of stone. Straining his ears, he heard no attempt at scaling the cliff, or a change in conversation. Risking a look back, he saw they moved further, but argument has began; apparently about which direction to go.

Noticing the little blue one was missing, a quick surveillance and he was spotted up ahead, looking through a tiny version of the large cones Robbie and Purah had on their labs, a telescope, it was called.

Blue Kid tried to get the attention of the group but their arguing only got louder, the kid shouted "HEY LISTEN!" so loud, Link could clearing hear it, even when he's so far up (along with an equally loud "WHAT" from the Red Grump).

When everyone got to the blue boy, each taking a turn looking through the scope, Link saw their faces becoming washed into saddness. Tracing their line of sight, Link zeroed in on what they were looking at. The Castle. They were saddened by the ruins of the castle. But, that's nothing new, everyone avoids the castle aside from the most daring, who plunder it for treasure and weapons. Hell, even when Calamity Ganon was swarming around the castle for a hundred years, the people look upon it with an unease contentment. With the collective understanding of; yes, it is gonna kill them all one day. Everyone had a lifetime to contemplate this doom, they looked to the castle with begrudging indifference. This is the first time he'd seen sadness when someone gazed upon the castle (thinking more on that statement, it's likely untrue. Link swore, even if he was transparent, King Rhoam had glassy eyes when regarding the castle).

Turning back to the group, the one-eyed man said something, and heading north, towards the castle. Link had a moment of confusion; why head towards the castle? There's nothing there but danger and ruins. The mark of failure.

Link is starting to question his actions. Should he show himself, find out what these people are doing here, if their dangerous and confess that he was watching them? Or, he could continue to watch over them, see what their intentions are, then find a way to warn others or confront them then.
Maybe Link was over thinking this, but he had to make a choice; to face, or to follow.

As the eight men walk away, Link closed his eyes to rack his brain a bit. He's gonna follow them, stay on the safe side and see what he's up against. This is outside of his usual bomb first and ask questions later method, he does it nine times out of ten. But after trying that with a Lynel, he started throwing some caution into his method.

He sprinted a bit to catch up with them, not wanting to risk losing them so soon.

Link put on his shiekah outfit, but left his hylian hood on. He looked into his food bag, spotting the apples and nuts, just cause he's gonna be a little more weary of these people, doesn't mean he's not gonna have fun while doing it. They marched on, a silent air was encased around them. With nothing really to look at anymore, Link just trotted along, playing with his long hair, following with soft discretion.

Chapter Text

Sky looked away from the giant wall to gaze over the moss covered ruins of what might have been a house. Much like the wall, it too looked like it was destroyed long before it became ruins. A breeze brushed past them, shaking the trees and gliding over the grass, kicking up a few stray leaves.

The group was walking under a small cluster of trees. Some rustling in the bushes snapped the group into attention. Hands flew to handles or pouches, heads whipped to the direction of the sound. What was seen sprinting away was a horse-like creature, the difference being no mane and a fluffy tail, as well as being much smaller. Maybe they told him the name for this animal, but he can put a pin on to what.

Twilight strained his neck a little to watch the animal run off, looking a little disappointed to see it leave. Animals are one thing Twilight and Sky love; Sky for his curiosity, Twilight for his upbringing. Whenever Sky had a question about one of the many Surface animals, Twilight was always the first to answer, with an excited eagerness. The critters and creatures on the Surface fascinate Sky, they were all so cute! However, he has stopped his mission of hugging all of them after having a run-in with a huge animal he was told was called a bear.

With a collective exhale of relief, one by one, they returned to neutral positions. Just as they were going to continue on their march, Sky felt something hit him right on top of his head with a ‘clonk’, followed a small thud on the ground. His hand shot up to his head as a sound of surprise escapes him, causing the others to bring their collective attention to him.

With a hand on where he’s been hit, Sky had a small blush rising at the sudden attention. A rise of awkwardness aired around him, and he looked over to where the thud sound was, wanting to get their eyes off him.

After a few seconds of embarrass desperation, he spotted what he assumed was the offending attacker.

An acorn.

He picked up the seed, turning it over a few times before looking up towards the trees to his right, confusion crossed his face. The acorn wouldn’t have hit that hard if it was thrown from that height. He didn’t have that much time to ponder over it when he heard Legend start to laugh at him.

“Guess ye got a little too close to tha tree ther’.” Legend’s mocked. Anything he was going to say next was cut short when a similar sounding ‘clonk’, followed by a grassy thud. Warriors and Wind wasted no time to revel in the instant karma that befell Legend, pointing and laughing with glee.

The whole simulation devolved into Legend shouting at Warriors with a hand on Wind’s head; not pulling or anything, just moving Wind’s head back and forth. Wind is still laughing.

With a sigh, Time shook his head and motioned them to keep going, “Come on, with the time we have right now, we can possibly get about halfway before night fall,” he commanded.

Everyone was, in someway or another, disheartened by the implication of a two-day walking trip. Nevertheless, they all begrudgingly started moving again, grumbling along the way.

Sky’s eyes glanced back to the intimidating rocky cliff. If the acorns fell from there, the impact would make more sense. As Sky naturally slotted himself near the back, he didn’t notice Hyrule walking up to him, eyes still trained on the massive rock.

“... You’ve been staring at the wall ever since we got here,” Sky’s shoulder’s seized up for a second, relaxing when he turned to Hyrule, “Something wrong?” Hyrule curiously asked, taking the acorn from Sky’s hand, putting it in his seed pouch.

“Maybe?... I don’t entirely know. I could have sworn I saw something move from the top,” Hyrule’s eyebrows went up, “It might have been a fox though.” Sky added quickly, not wanting to raise a fuss with the others.

“Well, yeah, it could be that.” Hyrule mused, “If I had to guess, I think it’s elevated land,” at Sky’s confused look, Hyrule elaborated, “It’s like a mountain but flat, it’s called a Plateau if I remember right.”

Sky gave a nod of appreciation, turning back to the, now named, Plateau. He heard Hyrule mumble beside him, “I really wanna see what’s up there…”

“I don’t think Time will be very happy if you sneaked off now.” Sky said in a low voice, but just loud enough for Hyrule to hear without looking at him. The nervous sputtering sound behind him caused a chuckle to escape him.

“I-I wasn’t gonna ‘sneak off’,” Hyrule stammered, frantically hushed so no one else hears him, “Besides, I don’t really see a way of getting up there…” there was a tone of disappointment in his statement.

As Sky was debating using his clawshots, shouts and running footsteps came from the front of the line. Sky’s hand rushed for the Sword, ready for a monster, only to see that Warriors has run ahead of them. After a moment of brief indecision, they all followed suit.

Warriors stopped where large flag banners stood tall. When the others caught up, they saw his eyes going over the rubble. Judging from the banners, this place once held importance, maybe military importance, if it has Warriors acting like this.

“What the hell?” Legend demanded, “Why’ja run off? What is this?”

Warriors, seemingly having calmed down, turned to the group to explain, “This was a Military Outpost, used as defences against special attacks and such,” the Captain’s ears turned down slightly, looking away, “I, may have, overreacted, but… it all destroyed. I was wondering,” he turned to the group, “Is everything like this? Destroyed to not even ruins, but rubble, and abandoned.”

Everything fell silent, as the group contemplated over Warrirors’ question. Was this whole land nothing but ruins, memories of a distant time and completely deserted and dead. From the wall they’ve been following, the house they just pasted to the Bridge of Hylia, and now an entire Outpost obliterated, it was quiet and still, save for the wildlife.

All of it was ruins. Ruins, ruins, ruins, that word could be labelled at everything they came across.

“... The Castle might be the same way,” it was the Sailor that broke the silence, “Should we even go?” It added to the ever-growing uncertainty that surrounded them. Ever since they started travelling, they were never giving any form of instruction. All they know it that they pick up a hero here and there and find a way to destroy their current foe.

Time gave a sympathetic sigh, “The Castle is the only landmark, all-” his eye flicked to Sky before continuing, “Most of us have in common. I’m hoping we can find what we need there.”

A brief discussion was had at the blue tower above the wall before they went on their way.
(“What even are these things? Are they magic?” Legend asked, his arms crossed, a sign he was thinking.

“Maybe they’re beacons?” Four added, “There was another across the bridge, we all saw it. To help people find their way? They do stick out a lot.”

“... This land is strange.” Legend finished, he and Four walking off.”)

Time didn’t look at them in the eyes as he turned and marched on. He may be their default leader, but he was still the same as them. So it can go unsaid that this was the only idea Time has. The rest followed.

A few minutes passed, Twilight was trotted up to Time to try and talk, if they were talking it was close to noiseless.
They were close to passing a section of the wall that had a hill of dirt that appeared to be blocking an arch way. The entrance, perhaps.

The growling of a stomach snapped most out of their melancholy, it dawned on all of them that not only have they not eaten last night (just rations) they didn’t even eat breakfast. The stomach in question belonged to Wind, whose face has gone red with all their eyes on him. While they all promised not to baby him for being the youngest, he was still the youngest. A growing boy needed to eat, no matter how heroic he was. Sky spied Warriors subtly digging in his bag, hoping to find any leftover rations to give to Wind, others followed his lead, wanting to give Wind something to eat. Dismay flashed onto the faces of those who were looking through their bags, Sky was one of them.

Nothing. They were out of food. Great.

If this group had one thing in common, it was that they all loved food and eating. However, none of them were very good at making or cooking food. On a good day it was burnt, on a bad day they may have created a new species of Chuchu.

A group of people that loved to eat, but had no food, were going to get cranky fast. Sky can see it now, in about an hour it was gonna be nothing but arguing. Twilight can probably hunt something and Warriors can make jerky, it wasn’t the best jerky by any means, but it was better than starving. He speed-walked to Warriors to tell him his plan before asking Time, when several thuds came from the dirt pile they were now beside.

Apples.

Hylia either saw their plight and decided to grant a rare form of mercy, or,

“There’s someone up there.” Sky finally stated what has been on his mind since they got here. He felt less crazy about it since now he has proof.

“Let’s just hope they have goodwill towards us.” Time said, picking up one of the many apples that fell. He polished it off before inspecting it, it looked okay. But, as they say; looks can be deceiving. Rather it be him than his boys, Time took a cautious bit. Not tasting anything off, he swallowed. All could hear the metaphorical ticking of seconds go by, before Time turned to them and nodded, deeming them okay to eat. Without wasting more seconds, everyone grabbed an apple and ate. There were enough for two each, most saved the second one for later.

“Should… Should we say thank you?” Hyrule asked, after he finished enjoying his apple, like the others it didn’t take him long, he was shaking out the seeds from the aforementioned apple into his pouch as he asked. Before anyone could add any input to the question, Wind cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted above the wall,

“THANK YOU!”

“Wind!” Time, Twilight and Warriors chastised.

“What?! It’s polite to thank someone for giving ya a gift!” Wind argued back, “That’s what Grandma always said!”

Before anyone could agree or disagree, more apples fell from the wall and rolled around their feet.
“... Thank you!” it was Hyrule this time, although not as loud as Wind, and went to grab more apples.

With their fill of apples, they continued on their way, although not without keeping their nice stalker one of the main current subject.

“How long do you think they’ve been following us?” Legend asked casually, his head was at an angle, eyeing the wall inquisitively.

“Somewhere between last night and now, if I had to guess.” Legend slowly turned his head down to look over his left shoulder to glare at Wind, all the while, Wind having a cat-smile plastered on his face.

“Maybe when we first left the portal,” Sky muttered, mostly to himself, “I did feel like we were being watched…” he trailed off, he almost missed when Time turned his attention to him.

“You knew we were being watched, and you didn’t tell us?” Time stopped to look at Sky, arms crossed, it was a gentle-sounding accusation, but Sky’s ears still turned down as his shoulders went up.

“I-I didn’t know, I just had a feeling. I just assumed it was one of those foxes and thought I was going crazy…” Sky, once saying it out loud, realized it sounded rather stupid. He should've told the others, but he just brushed it off. “It didn’t feel malicious or anything like that…” he added to his case.

“Sky, you know people like us don’t just get ‘a feeling’ without there being a reason, you most of all.” Sky never really shared his Gift with the others, but they know his instincts are very good. Sky looked away from Time.

Time, knowing it’s a little too late for a lecture, just sighed, “Not much we can do about it now, just, please tell us next time. A threat or not, just so we’re all in the know.” Sky looked back at Time, a short nod with a sincere look on his face, it seemed to satisfy Time.

At the fork in the road, it was an easy decision to just ditch the road (to Hyrule’s not-so-secret delight), and make a straight shot across, what they assume to be, Hyrule Field.

As the group dissolved into light conversation, they spotted another tower in the distance.

“Can we just, take a close look at one of those towers? The more I see them, the more curious I get.” Four asked, Hyrule nodding beside him, adding, “Yeah, it’s not that out of the way, and we can get back on track.”

“I am wondering if they’re magic or not,” Legend threw in, “Just a little detour.”

It was surprisingly Twilight who jumped in next, “I’ve been a little curious too…”

“Alright! If you all wanna see it so bad!” Time yelled, all who asked had a nervous smile with a pleading look as Time stomped towards the tower, seven pairs of feet trotting along behind him.

‘Well, at least we got our field trip.’ Sky thought, speed walking to catch up.

—

The walk was peaceful, the lake they rounded was clear and still. Despite the near disturbing amount of ruins, the land itself was vibrant, vivid and breathtaking. As well as huge! This might just beat Twilight’s Hyrule in sheer vastness.

They’ve been walking all day and Sky was TIRED. Once they arrive at the tower, Sky hopes they’ll set up camp right then and there, so he could lay down and not get up.

Said tower was only over a hill, Sky was relieved that there’s only one last trek before rest. He pushed himself up the hill. Twilight was already there, he stopped walking, probably to wait for the others, that’s nice of him. When everyone got up the hill, they stopped right beside Twilight, not moving. Sky tried to hide his huffing and puffing as he made his way to Twilight’s side, when he got there, he can see why everyone stopped.

Down the hill around the base of the tower were more ruins and large, purple and blue, spider-like things. They looked mechanical, patrolling around the tower. He turned to see one was, supposedly, looking at them with the single blue ‘eye’, but didn’t move. Sky turned to Twilight, hoping to get some kind of input on the situation, only to spy a red dot on the brunet’s forehead. The red dot had a thin trail that lead back to the spider machine, a bad feeling filled Sky and, listening to Time’s advice, acted on it.

He tackled Twilight to the ground, a mere second later a blue and black laser beam shot right where Twilight’s head was said second ago. Sky got off Twilight, his blue eyes, wide and blown out, looking up at Sky, his mouth barely moved as a small ‘Thank You’ was uttered. Sky nodded, just happy he’s okay, for now.

“Shit! It’s coming this way! Run!” Time frantically yelled, he grabbed the closes' people near him, which happened to be Wind, Hyrule and Four, and pushed to down the hill to get them running. Everyone soon followed suit.

Sky grabbed Twilight’s hand and pulled him up fast, pushing him down the hill, mimicking Time. A quick look around made sure there was no one still frozen, and started running himself. The adrenaline was a great boost, but his body was so tired from the walk, and he was slowing down. He didn’t dare look behind him, he can hear the heavy, fast thumping of the… Thing behind him. Everyone else was already way ahead of him, they didn’t notice how far behind he was, that they were leaving him.
If Sky wasn’t running for his life right now, he could feel the need to cry.

With adrenaline and tiredness mixing in his body, he was getting flashes of memories. Newly arising panic and distraught were making him feel something he only felt during the Trials. Everything slowed as he heard the charging of a laser, it was similar to Beamos, but so much worse. He could feel the red dot on him like a knife in the back.

His lungs were on fire, each breath was pain and his vision blurred. What he last saw before diving into memories was Legend looking back at him and screaming at the others, turning around to run to him.

The last Tear, where was the last Tear?! The beacon said it was right here! He has to find. He has to leave, all he wants to do is leave. To return to Fi and hopefully never have to return here again. Everything turned red. Everything was bathed in blood-red, he can hear them coming. He runs around the area, desperately looking for the Tear. He dodged a club, only to meet a scythe raised above, and it all too quickly came down-

The laser fired.

—--------------

They stopped by one of the ruins, they were just staring at a deer that ran past. Now would be a good time to enact his plan, them being right next to trees and all. He dove his hand into his bag, shifting around until he found his prize, an acorn.

Getting down on his stomach, he peeked over the edge and aimed the acorn at White Cape’s head. White Cape’s been doing nothing but stare at the wall, making it harder to trail them. He doesn’t throw it out of anywhere negative, but maybe a bit of frustration.

He lets the acorn fly, and is delighted to see it hit its mark. He pulls out his slate again to use the scope, the Red Grump started laughing loosely. He had his next target.

He pulled out another acorn and tosses it. Another hit! Quickly pulling out the scope again to see everything just morphed into laughter and shouts. Good, they kinda got gloomy to look at when they spotted the castle, he hopes it might lighten the mood.

It did work, for a short time, but the one in the blue scarf bolted, surprising everyone out of the lull they were in. They ran after him, Link following close.

Scarf came to a halt right in front of the Outpost Ruins, he didn’t move. Link was confused by his large reaction. Yes, they were ruins, but they’ve been there for centuries. Sure, he guessed it might come across as strange to a newcomer, a land of ruins claimed by nature, but he didn’t think it would leave people in a saddened awe.

Link just waited for the others to catch up, trotted a bit further ahead to get a different angle. Once everyone was gathered, they talked, probably to make sure Scarf was okay. They stayed for a few minutes, Link having to hid himself again when Red Grump and the multicoloured one looked towards the tower on top of the Plateau.

They walked away after some time past, but not long before a new issue rose up. Blue Kid subtly put his hand over his belly, the action was followed by some others not so subtly rummaging through their bags. It wasn’t a large logic leap to guess the kid was hungry, he didn’t see them eat breakfast and last night they just had strips of jerky (he guessed). It was also in the late afternoon by now, all of them had to be hungry. He could feel the dismay rising from them as they pulled their hands out of their bags. Were they out of food? That’s never good, everyone needed to eat.

He didn’t want to give away his hiding spot, but he didn't want them to go hungry. From watching them, even if it was just a short time, he developed a caring feeling towards them. It was odd, he didn’t even speak to them, why did he feel connected to them?

He could throw apples down, he didn't want to risk it splattering though, that would just be a cruel tease. He looked at their position, they were almost right in front of the blocked entrance, the dirt pile can act as leverage, so the apples can land without much damage. Maybe. Worth a shot.

He dropped about sixteen apples down, luckily, they were okay. None of them smashed, which was remarkable considering they were so high up.

As bright red fruits rolled to the travellers’ feet, they all just stared at it, backing away a little. Well, yeah, no duh they were gonna be suspicious, the answer to a silent wish seemingly falling from the sky. He would also think it was a trap or poison.

He watched as the armoured one made the first move to approach the apples slowly. He picked one up to observe, turning it over in this hand a few time, polished it, then took a cautious bite.

He saw the rest wait with bated breath to see it their (assumed), leader would kill over at a moment's notice. At a nod, the strangers scrambled to gather apples like children to candy, but also having the piece of mind to make sure everyone grabs their share.

Within mere seconds they inhaled first apple, with a split between also inhaling the second one, or saving it for later.

He barely had time to duck when he saw Blue Kid turn towards the wall. A very loud ‘THANK YOU’ echoed from down below. A beat was all it took before a laugh burst out from Link. Hands flew over his mouth, but his shoulders still shook with giggling. He got a hold of himself enough to pull out at least eight or so apples and drop them by the green one.

If he strained his ear, he could almost hear Greenie shout a skittish ‘Thank You’ as well. A fresh giggle raised out of him, he was happy to have lightened the mood again. A feeling deep in his heart was euphoric in a sense, it was something about seeing them joyful and feed.

He normally doesn’t question that feeling. When he first stopped at a Stable and cook, he developed a small audience to watch him cook, enraptured by the smell. Seeing the merriness and satisfaction on their faces filed him with those same feeling, it was almost addicting. He’s almost always accepted for a free bed whenever he stops by, if he just cooks something, but he always incites on paying the Stable masters.

He swayed in the feeling for a short while, said feeling fading away too soon as he saw the motions of them getting ready to leave.

They, once again, started moving towards the castle. Link bit his lower lip slightly, sooner or later they were gonna find trouble if they continue, he prayed for them to turn towards the road that leads to the stables, but they ignored his silent plead and went off-road, a straight shot to the castle.

Link sat cross-legged on the crumbled, cracked, stacked stones of the wall that lined the whole Plateau, watching the strangers walk away.

After viewing their mannerism, he doesn’t see them as the threat he originally anticipated. Looking past their weapons, they were more of a group of confused travellers. The fact they plopped out of an apparently magic portal did flash in his mind, it is a very important fact to add.

He bounced his knees up and down as he pulled his gold ponytail over his shoulder, fiddling and braiding as he thinks. Why was he so worried over this? What was it about these strangers that had him this worked up?

What would Zelda do here? Heck, what could he do here?

He spent so much time thinking it over that the strangers in question have already made it around the pond, in the birchwood trees already. Link stared unfocused in the general direction towards Hyrule Field, the layout of the land crossing his mind, he halted on it when he thought about the Guardians still crawling around. His eyes flicked around wildly, trying to spot the group again and, wow, he really did spend a lot of time overthinking this because they were already over halfway to the Central Tower. If he remembers right, it has two Guardians around it.

Mind made up, he jumped over the edge of the Plateau and pulled out his paraglider, gliding and landing by the Gatepost Ruins. His hood blowing off in the process, his long hair coming undone from the loose braid. He took off after them when he saw most of them climbing over the hill and just stand there. He felt his stamina start to run out when a beam of blue fire just past the group, it only took a beat before they bolt back down the hill.

He started to huff more when he noticed that White Cape was going more slowly than the others, the Guardian climbing over the hill fast. He pulled out his slate and went to his runes, and just hoped he had enough fuel, he aimed ahead of himself before pressing on the tab.

The Master Cycle Zero started to materialized in front of his eyes, and just finished by the time he jumped on it and accelerated.

He saw the red dot target White Cape’s back, locking on. He pushed the Cycle more, needing to gain more speed. He was driving right between them when the laser charged, he leaped off and pulled out his shield, raising it.

He didn’t have enough time to properly parry, as the laser blast and bounced off his shield in a random direction. Not wanting to give the thing time for another charge, Link unhooked his Ancient Bow, it unfolded in his hand, and grabbed an arrow without looking. A Shock Arrow, he was aiming for an Ancient Arrow, but it’ll have to do before he has another shot. He aimed for the eye and fired, hitting it directly. As the head spun around, he risked a look into his bag, locating the arrow he needs.

His prize in hand, he notched it in time when the Guardian came into focus again. It, too, unfolded as he drew the glowing string back, blue light highlighting his face.

He aimed true as the arrow found its mark for the second time, the Guardian spun and malfunctioned before exploding into scraps. He breathed out a breath he didn’t even know he was holding, relieved. Normally he would immediately go and get said scraps, but he needed to check on the stranger he just saved.

He hooked the bow back onto his back as he turned to look at White Cape, he didn’t look too good. He wasn’t hurt, at least not clearly, but he was breathing heavily with eyes blown wide. Mouth going into a flat line as he speed-walked over to squat down in front him.

“Hey,” he said softly, “Are you alright?” White Cape clearly wasn’t, but he couldn’t think of anything else to say or ask. White Cape started to calm down, his breathing evening out as his eyes scanned over Link’s face.

It didn’t take Link long to realize White Cape was looking over his scars.

He didn’t really think much about them, the people of Hyrule long since stopped reacting to his scars, it was odd to see the reaction now.

Before the two of them could say anything, many footsteps approaching fast were heard. Link crawled away, using his knuckles to help balance, as he was still crouched. The many strangers surrounded their friend with apologies and concern pouring from their lips.

Almost one by one, the strangers look towards him. They, too, scanned him over as he kept low to the ground.

“Thank you, for saving our Brother,” Armour carefully spoke, after some hesitation, “Truly.” Sincerely.

Link stood up properly, the action letting the surrounding air to feel less like lead. He nodded once, showing appreciation for the thanks. Several seconds went by as no one said anything, in the awkwardness, Link pulled a lock of hair over his shoulder to fiddle with, he felt like he’s been doing this a lot recently.

“Were… Were you the one who was following us?” White Cape sounded raspy, but his breathing was calming down.

Link looked away and nodded, maybe watching from afar wasn’t a good way to build relations, but he didn’t really think this was where everything was heading.

“Thanks for the apples!” yelled Blue Kid, it wasn’t even that loud, but with the surrounding silence it felt like it rumbled around them. Link’s head snapped to Blue Kid, a moment of breath, then a gentle smile spread across his face.

“Well, you were hungry…” he trailed off, Scarf stepped forward after checking over White Cape.

“How long have you been following us?” he asked firmly, but gently.

“... Since you first arrived, I think,” Link answered, the gentleness of the question helping, “I first saw all of you fall from that, vortex, thing, and I kept an eye on you since then…”

“... Did you throw the acorns?” White Cape asked, after a beat of more silence.

A giggle came out by accident, he nodded, “... Yeah.” he finally said with a nervous smile.

“Why?” a very annoyed question, was shot from the back of the group. Link flicked his eyes to see Red Grump with a very comical frown. Link’s shoulders spasmed, more giggling breaking out. “... It was funny,”

Some of the other’s nodded, “Yeah, a little,” Colours added with a nod.

Armour stood up, helping White Cape up with him. “Well, thanks again, but,” he arched his head to look behind Link, at the scraps of machine parts scattered across the ground, “What was that?”

“Oh,” Link needlessly turned around, looking at the remnants of the mechanical soldier, he turned back, composing himself, “They’re called Guardians, robots that patrol some areas of Hyrule, this area has the most.” Link quickly hopped over to the remains to gather them, there were some Ancient Shafts and an Ancient Core, he always could use more of them for Ancient Arrows. In no time at all he hopped back to were he was standing.

“So we should leave, huh?” the one in the pelt and familiar eyes asked, said eyes moving back and forth between Link and the hill.

“Yeah, we really should,” Link took leaping steps around the group, “There’s a Stable in this direction, I can show you.”

Ears perked up at the suggestion of people, attentions peaked.

Scarf brought a hand up to halt Link, “Wait, as happy as I am to know that people are here, we need to go to the castle. Is there a safer route?”

Link went back to acting skittish, bringing his hood up, “Why do you want to go there? It’s just monsters and even more Guardians. It’s a death trap, especially for such a large group.”

A stunned look graced their faces, fumbling like he grew a second head. It was Armour that spoke next,

“... The Stable it is.”

Greenie quickly looked over White Cape, deeming him okay to walk. They started following Link as he took the lead.

Chapter Text

Thankfully, the trek to the Stable was uneventful, which gave them time to question their new friend.

“So… What’s your name?” White Cape asked, a fair enough question, all things considered.

“Oh, it’s Link.” White Cape nodded, a smile on his face suggested that he already knew, but was happy for the confirmation.

“What’s yours?”

White Cape hesitated for a second, before answering, “You can call me Sky.”

Link’s brows furrowed a bit in curiosity at the word choice, “I can call you that, it’s not your name?”

“We all go by nicknames, cause, well, we all share the same name.” Before Link could ask any more about it, mouth already open to ask, Blue Kid jumped up right in his face.

“I’m Wind!” he stated proudly, when he landed he puffed out his chest, “The best one here!”

“Ye sure are.” came a sarcastic reply from Red Grump, back turned, “If we’re just gonna go down the list, we might as well get names out of the way first,” he looked over his shoulder to Link, “Mah nickname is Legend.”

“That’s quite a grand nickname.” surprised amusement was slapped onto Link’s face. “Ay, it’s not like I chose it, our nicknames were given to us.” Legend retorted.

“Oh, who gave-” Link was cut off from his question by Greenie popping up to his side, “I’m Hyrule!” curious brown eyes matched Link’s blue with the same curiosity.

“You’re… Nicknamed after the Kingdom?”

Hyrule gave a needless apologetic smile, “As Legend said, they were given to us.” Before Link could ask anymore, something apparently caught Hyrule’s eye, and he darted off before Legend could grab him, “Hey!”.

“I’m staying close, I just wanna look at this real quick.” Hyrule shouted back, true to his word, he didn’t go far and stayed within shouting distance.

Just as the thought of joining Hyrule crossed his mind, Colours slowed his roll and was now next to him, “I’m Four.”. Eyes the colour of… Actually, Link wasn’t sure what the colour was, but whatever it was, it was pretty, his eyes were also older than his height suggests. Just as Link opened his mouth, “That’s my nickname, not my age.”. Link felt like if he challenged that statement, it would not end well for him, not that he was going to try. With a smile and nod of acknowledgement, Link looked up to see that they were coming up the road by Whistling Hill, still a little ways ahead.

He turned to Sky, only to see Pelt next to him instead, “Oh,” he jumped a bit, but just as quickly composed himself, “What’s your nickname?” he found himself interested in all these strange names.

“Twilight.” A polite nod was sent his way.

“That’s pretty,” Link said, genuinely, he turned a little more and spotted Sky right behind them, “Sky too.” Sky gave a kind smile - and a slight blush - as thanks.

Twilight spun around to walk backwards, Link followed as he spoke, “The last two, are Warriors and Time.” Twilight pointed to Scarf and Armour respectively, Warriors gave a two finger salute wave as Time nodded the same way Twilight did. Link gave a small wave as courtesy.

Link turned to Sky again, “So, you said you all share the same name-”, he was cut off again by Wind, once again in his face, “What was that… Thing, you rode in on? It looked so cool! Where’d it go?”. A quick look around showed that everyone was subtly interested in the Thing too, some faces didn’t show it (Legend), but all ears were perked up at attention to him.

“That’s my Cycle.” Link brought up his Slate to look at his Runes, “Cycle?” the question came from a few voices, two he was sure of were from Sky and Twilight (being right next to him). Aiming his Slate to the right of the group, he summoned his Cycle, materializing in blue strings of light before taking full shape (much like his teleporting). A glance around his new companions showed slight surprise, but mostly astonishment. Wind bounced up to it, Four not so far behind.

“WOW! So it can just appear?! What is it?!” eyes the size of the moon looked back at Link, Wind kept his hands to himself in fists, having enough state of mind to not touch it, but clearly wanting too. Four was walking around it, taking in every detail, it reminded him of Zelda, analyzing.

Link strode up to Wind, Sky followed him and kept going to look at the head of the machine, “It’s my Master Cycle Zero. It’s like a… A mechanical horse with wheels,” he glanced at the fuel gage, a bit low, “Like a horse, it needs fuel too.” Link reached into his bag and pulled out three apples, with a flick of a button on the dash the seat opened up, he tossed the apples in as it closed.

Once he finished, Wind and Four were staring at the seat that just closed, eyes practically sparkling. Looking to Sky, he saw that Twilight joined in observing the head of the Cycle. Turning behind his shown the others watching in curious amusement.

Link turned back to Wind, “Would you like to climb on?” Wind whipped his head to Link and stared like he’s just been offered a million rupees. With an enthusiastic nod, he crawled up to hop onto the seat. Link looked down at Four, “You wanna climb on too?” Four looked hesitant, but nodded excitedly as he climbed up too and sat behind Wind, both now about the same height as Legend and Hyrule.

Link looked back to Sky and Twilight, both talking over the horse head of the Cycle, probably about the horn, not really pay attention to him. Well, this is perfect. With a mischievous smirk creeping on his face, he reached over to the handle and revved it, loudly.

Sky and Twilight jumped back as Wind, along with Four, giggled at everything. Behind Link, the rest of the men laughed at the scare. Twilight and Sky, once they got over the scare, gave huffed breaths with easy smiles.

Wind and Four hopped down and Link called the Cycle back, they still had a hill to go over - yes they could follow the on coming road and go around said hill, but it will take too long, and it was getting close to sundown. Link told the group such and started to climb, but not before spying a disgruntled look on Sky’s face at being told he has to climb more.

Link hanged back near Sky, a silent encouragement and not wanting him to feel left behind. In silence - aside from Sky’s huffs and puffs he’s trying to hide - Link looked away to pondered over unanswered questions. Where did they come from? Who were they? What was that purple vortex? What business did they have at the castle? They didn’t choose their nicknames, so who gave it to them? What was the shared name, and why did it seem like they were dodging it?

Why did he feel so connected to them?

Two taps on his shoulder had him whipping his head back around to Sky, his ponytail almost smacking Sky in the face, and almost his as it made a full circle.

“Sorry!” Sky apologized, “I said your name but, you looked distant,” Link blinked a few times and shook his head, focusing himself. If he couldn’t even hear someone not two feet away, a vengeful Yiga would've taken his head right then and there.

“Sorry!” Link shot back, “I was just thinking,” he gave a nod to Sky, cueing him to continue what he wanted to say.

“Well, I just wanted to ask… What happened to the Castle? Why is it… The way it is?” Link could tell Sky was trying to ask gently, and he did, in voice. In words however, there wasn't really a better way, none that Link could think of, to ask, aside directly.

Link looked past Sky to the Castle, even if it’s been a year, no one, not even him or Zelda, made a move to rebuild it. The monsters and Guardians were still there, and leftover magic from Ganon still emits from the core of the Castle, spreading through the air, acting like spores. Poisonous spores. The very air was sick with the residue and spreading, harming anyone who breathes it. Zelda was in the middle of making a mask to help breathe inside the area, any current mask can only stand the surrounding area for a short time.

Link breathed in, and out. He doesn’t have any real reserves in talking about it, he can talk about his scars just fine, physical ones, anyway. He had to explain his memory loss over and over, this was more or less explaining common knowledge.

He must have been staring for a while because Sky, with a worried look, chimed in, “If… If you don’t wanna talk about it, I understand, I just wanted to know-”

“No. No, no, I- I can talk about it… But maybe fully once we’re all settled at the Stables,” Link offered, Sky nodded, not wanting to press, “Just… Ganon,” Link added, hoping it would blanket over the full explanation for now, it always had before. Sky nodded.

Link gave a nod back, turning his head forward, to see that they were three steps way from the top of the hill. The rest of the group were waiting for them, most offered smiles while others were gazing over the other side.

“What’s that glowy thing beside the… Horse?” Hyrule asked as Link walked over, “That’s a Shrine, the Sheikah made them a long time ago.” Link explained.

“Them? There’s more?” Legend, with crossed arms, asked, “Yeah, about a hundred and twenty.” Link answered, very matter-of-fact like.

“Oh, wow, okay, that’s a lot,” Legend muttered and turned, Link could just see a glimpse of a ‘Well, alright.’ face.

“What are they for?” Four asked next, “From my experience, puzzles mostly.” Link replied, humorously flat. “They also work like a teleport point.”

“Teleport?” came for a few, sparking interest, “With this,” Link unclipped his Slate from its place on his hip, “I can teleport to any Shrine or Tower I’ve been too.”

“So the Towers are magic.” Legend added, as if he just confirmed something to himself.

“Um, not really,” Link said, a nervous smile on, “It’s technology. The Towers scans the information and landscape of the surrounding region and I download that information into my Slate for my map. To Teleport, I have to first connect the Slate in someway to a Tower or Shrine, the information gets saved, and I can teleport. I don’t really know how the teleporting itself works, however…” Link trailed off, Zelda explained it to him, albeit in more words, but he got the gist of it. Looking back at the group, most looked lost, aside from Sky who nodded along but looked like he was missing a few pieces.

Hyrule raised his hand, “Yes?” Link pointed to him, “Yeah, what does ‘download’ mean?” Link just sighed.

“The transfer of information for one device to another (?).” Hylia bless Sky, even if Link heard a hidden question mark, Hyrule nodded, looking away with each nod. Then he looked back at Sky, “How?” Sky sighed this time.

“So, not magic?” Legend asked, wanting clarification, “No, not magic.” Link confirmed, if Legend was disappointed, he didn’t show it, much.

“C’mon, Leg. Not everything is magic.” Warriors said as he walked past them, heading towards the horse shaped building down the hill. Legend ran up to him.

“I disagree, every other Hyrule or land we’ve been to has magic flowing through them. I have no reason to believe that this one is no different,” the conversation faded the farther they went. Every other Hyrule? What?

More of the group travelled down the hill, until only Link and Wind remained at the top. Link liked this kid’s energy, he wondered how much he still has left. Link glanced at the Slate, and with a few slides and taps, the Travel Medallion was placed at his feet. He looked over to Wind, how had his telescope out, looking over the land.

“Hey, Wind, wanna see something fun?” Link began, Wind turned to him fast with excited eyes at the word ‘fun’.

“Yes! What is it!?” Excited, Link unhooked his shield to show Wind, “Oh, nice shield, but-” Before Wind could finish, Link ran down the hill a few steps before hopping onto the shield, surfing it the rest of the way down.

He passed the others, how were about halfway down, with a quick wave. He didn’t see any of their faces, as he needed to see where he was going, but he heard yelling and smiled. Just as he reached the drop from the hill and the road in front of the Stables, he jumped and pulled out his paraglider, landing in front of Ember. Ember stopped being surprised after the third time he’s done this, he gave a fond sigh as Link walked up and inside.

“Hello, Link! It’s been a while since you were here. It’s almost sunset, need a bed?” Ember greeted and offered, Link nodded, “I saw some people walking down the hill, are they with you?” Link nodded again.

“I was wondering if there’s a way you can fit nine people in here for the night?” Link asked, “I’ll pay for everything.” he added, he had more rupees than he knew what to do with, and each bed was only twenty rupees each. A hundred and eighty rupees is nothing to him.

“Probably, we can drag out some cots or some can share,” Link was relieved with that answer.

“Also, just a quick question,” Ember started. Link smirked, already knowing what he was gonna ask, “Considering I saw them burn rice, yes I’ll be cooking tonight.”

“Yes!” Ember excitedly said. After quickly stepping into a side room to change into his normal Champion's Tunic and trousers, Link hurried out of the Stable to see his new acquaintances just reaching the bottom of the hill.

“I’ve got all of you seated for the night, that is, if some of you don’t mind sharing a bed or using a cot!” he yelled, even if they weren’t that far.

Time winced a little at the volume, stepping down the slope, “That’s perfect, thank you so much for this.”

“Honestly, anytime we don’t have to sleep outside is a blessing,” Warriors added, hopping down from the steep slope, turning to stick his hand out to Legend, who slapped it away.

“HEY!”

Wind came speeding down the hill, jumping high off from the start of the slope. Time had a flash of panic on his face as he sped to where Wind would presumably land and caught him. As soon as Time put him down, Wind raced to Link.

“That was cool! Can you teach me that!? Please!” Wind brought his hands up in fists to his chest, hopping up and down.

Wind turned to Time before Link could even think, “Can he teach me?!”

Time’s lips barely moved as he muttered, “After the stunt you just pulled…”

Link decided to speak up, “I’ll be with him and make sure doesn’t fall.”

Time rolled his eye, “I’m too tired for this, just be careful and don’t get hurt.” he clambered away from the two to pick out a bed.

Wind cheered, that cheer dampened a bit when he turned to the hill, “Oh yeah, we have to climb back up…”

Link chuckled, pulling out his Slate, “I put my Travel Medallion on the top, we can teleport up there in no time.”

Wind brightened up, “Oh, perfect.”. Link kneeled beside Wind and lopped their arms together, he tapped the medallion icon on his slate, they raised up as they morphed into blue light and broke apart, reappearing at the top of the hill.

Wind waved down to half of the group, the other half were probably in the Stable debating over a bed or cot. Twilight and Hyrule waved back, Twilight turned to Time, got Sky, then ran off to one of the corrals behind the Stable where the sheep are.

Link pulled out a Royal Shield, one he hasn’t used yet, and gave it to Wind, “First off, we’re going to the middle of the hill to practice. I don’t wanna get yelled at if you get hurt.”

Wind just nodded, “Understandable, even Twilight admits he fears Time’s Glare of Disappointment,” Link shudders at the thought.

Once they got to a reasonable point on the hill, Link started instructing Wind on balancing and stopping. Once they started practising, Link made sure they went slow. Wind fell over a few time - true to his age, he did pout - but was determined to try again until he got it right. Once Wind got better at balancing, the started going faster and faster.

The sun was kissing the horizon by the time Wind got a perfect run, Link thought it was time for a trial.

“That was perfect! We’re gonna do one more run before we go back.” Wind was saddened for a second from hearing that this was coming to a close, but was happy for one more run.

“At the top of the hill.” Wind peaked up at that.

Wild looped their arms again and teleported to the top of the hill, “Are you ready?” Link asked, after they materialized again, Wind nodded excitedly, “Alright, on three.” Wind and Link got to an imaginary starting line, shields at the ready.

“One.”

“Two.”

“Three!”

They pushed off and jumped on their shields, curving and waving around each other, laughter echoed around them. About halfway down the hill, Link’s heart skipped a beat when he feels more than noticed a jerk in his shield, he knows that feeling well, uncomfortably well. With not even a heartbeat to think, his shield stutters more before completely shattering into bits. He unceremoniously launched and rolled down the hill like a rag doll, turning end over end.

He was approaching the slope fast, too fast for Twilight; who returned from petting the sheep with some wood he gathered for the fire, and who unknowingly walked right in front of the direction Link was very quickly heading. Twilight, once he noticed his approaching doom was not two seconds away, he threw down the logs on instinct just as Link barrelled into Twilight, knocking him off his feet and almost flat on the ground. Almost, because Twilight’s legs were sticking straight up for a comical second before they flopped down, joining the rest of the tangled limbs on the ground.

The air was still for a long moment before questions for their wellbeing and laughter for their misfortune filled it. Twilight made no move to get off the ground after having the wind, quite literally, knocked out of him, and Link was too dizzy from his tumble to even think right now. It was Warriors who dared approach the scene first, he kick-nudged one of Twilight’s legs, “I think he’s dead…” he joked, maybe. Twilight was still conscious enough to raise an arm with a choice finger at him, before that too, like his legs, flopped down to the ground.

Warriors turned to the hill to see Wind slowly coming to a stop right at the slope. At least he was okay. The Hylians that occupy the Stables just laughed and went about their business, like this was a usual occurrence.

Once Link felt like his head was back on straight, he profusely apologized to Twilight, who kept saying there was no need.

“That’s one way to get to know someone,” Legend smirked by the fire the others started before the tumble fiasco, his cheekiness was halted but a loud growl from his stomach, apples can only fill so much.

Link apologized to Twilight once more, which was meet with a sigh from the man, and walked over to the fire and dug into his bag, pulling out the first thing his hand made contact with, a mushroom. Cream of mushroom soup sounds lovely, and he can make plenty to give to everyone, a win-win.

He got out the rest of the ingredients when someone spoke up, “Wait, you can cook?” Link was about to answer, but Gotter beat him too it.

“You’ve never had Link’s cooking before? Why, it’s a thing of beauty! He can even make royal recipes! Beautiful food from someone just as beautiful, inside and out!” Gotter walked away after that, likely to tell the other residents of the Stable that Link started cooking. Link felt his whole face get red-hot from the praise, he was both flattered and embarrassed from the bolster given to his food (and appearance), he felt like he had to do a perfect job now.

“My, my. You have quite a reputation.” Warriors lightly commented, “I haven’t had the food yet, but he already speaks true on the beautiful part.” a light tease, but Link was stumbling for a response before settling on a quiet, “Thank you.”

“Are you flirting with him now?” Time teased from his spot, Warriors huffed at him, “I was merely giving him a complement,” Warriors playfully protested, before turning to Link, noting his very red face, “Unless it makes you uncomfortable,” he began, “If so, I apologize.” he stated earnestly.

Link undid his ponytail to pull his hair back into a bun, “No, no, it’s okay,“ he smiled at Warriors, “It’s not the first time I’ve been called pretty,”

It was Legend that joined in now, “Well, didn’t take you for the ‘Look-at-me’,” he dramatically flipped a lock of hair for effect, “Kind of person.” Link was bumbling now.

“I-I am not!”

“Hey! Can you stop teasing the cook? I’m hungry!” Four, whose eyes were now blue, interrupted with crossed arms.

Link shock it all off, he wasn’t offended by the teasing, just glad that they were comfortable around him to tease in general.

He took out the mushrooms, milk, rock salt, herbs and got started.

The crowd that grew closer tried not to, but almost couldn’t help themselves when the smell was so heavenly. The crowd was starting to get tight and making it hard for Link to work, after a few seconds of nervous tolerance, he had enough.

“It’s almost done, but I can’t really work if I can’t move,” he said quietly, but they were so close they could hear him fine. They said their apologies and backed off, Link thanking them.

As they backed off, Link spotted Parcy whisper to Ember, Link had a suspicion about what it was about, which was immediately confirmed when he saw Ember grab a torch and hurried off. The spores have been spreading closer and closer to Hylian settlements, and Stables have been acting like sentries if any plant roots, ever vigilant.

Link turned back to the soup, it was simmering and was pretty much done. The group hadn’t noticed Parcy and Ember, and Link didn’t know if it was a good thing or a bad thing.

Deciding that it was for the future, Link tapped the side of the cooking to get their attention, which worked fast, “It’s ready,” was all he said, in a flash everyone got a bowl. It happened so fast, Link wasn’t sure when he got his own bowl. There was a decent enough amount left in the pot when Parcy and Ember returned, Link giving them each a generous helping, to which they accepted gratefully.

The night continued in joyful interactions; Parcy and Warriors were talking about weapons, Twilight and Sky were asking Ember about the animals they keep here, and Gotter continued to speak of beauty in cooking.

Link, with a warm belly, was happy and content with the people around him. While he loves being alone, just him and nature, he also found joy in being with people. To talk and eat with, to laugh with or, in his recent experience, to teach (even if it ended with him hurtling down a hill).

He still has so many questions buzzing around his head about his new companions, despite a comfortable nature around them, the mystery was throwing him off. Never mind the fact they got spat out of a vortex, they never answered any of his questions, they pretty much avoided them.

Even with this connection he feels, and his caution from before dialed down, a feeling he can’t explain - all he knows about it is that it involves trust (or lack there of) - was with him well into the night.

Chapter Text

Twilight felt a weight on his heart. A guilt for his actions from last night. Sky saved his life when he was found dumbstruck, staring at the now named ‘Guardian’ (quite the oxymoron name if you ask him), and how does he repay him? By leaving him behind for the murder machine to target him, and almost succeed in the murder part.

Not really heroic, was it. Unknowingly abandoning Sky to what almost killed the both of them.

He should’ve noticed Sky was tired, should’ve noticed the way he was hiding his heavy breathing. He should have just noticed Sky, but he had no way of knowing this was the outcome of his ignorance.

Twilight decided that a good remedy for his heavy heart was to do what he always does for comfort, bury his face into something fluffy.

Twilight just couldn’t sleep, his mind kept on replaying the image of Sky, so far behind, with the mechanic monstrosity right behind him.
It wasn’t that Twilight was unfamiliar with horrific creatures, in fact the group has dubbed his Hyrule as the most scary (with Time looking lost in thought, with a hundred yard stare, like he had an objection).

This particular image was burned into his memory because it scared Twilight more than any monster ever had. He almost lost a brother. The horrified look on Sky’s face was clear, even from the distance between them. The look of being lost in memory, with the painful realization that you’ve been left behind. Sky said he was fine, but that look said so much otherwise.

It was maybe two in the morning when Twilight went to hang out with the sheep and goats, his back to the fence and a goat’s head on his lap. Twilight twisted his body to cuddle the sheep that laid down on his left. The wool was so soft that Twilight was nuzzling his face in it and just listened to everything around them. The lithe whispers of the wind talking with the trees, the way the water so shyly waving and rippling, and the distant sound of their small fire.

Twilight breathed in, and out. While most of the others didn’t like the smell of animals, specifically that cattle smell, it reminded Twilight of home in his precious, little village. It also reminded him of Miss Malon. It’s been a long while since they’ve been dropped at Lon Lon Ranch, they all miss her, most of all Time.

“Got room in this party for one more?” A voice from a safe distance away, not too close not too far, it was Sky.

He stood with a small smile on his face, waiting for a small sign of permission from Twilight to come forward. Twilight lifted his hand that was on the goat’s head, and pointed in front of him. He returned his hand to its rightful place, back on top of the goat’s head, giving it some scratches.

Sky stepped forward and sat down more on Twilight’s left side, where the sheep’s head is in reach, which Sky took advantage of by petting the sheep. They sat in silence, just petting the animals, before Sky finally spoke.

“What do you think of the new guy?” Sky looked at him with a sly smile, “You've met him on quite the physical level.” Twilight groaned.

“I would’ve preferred the civil way,” Twilight deadpanned, “He keeps the day exciting, I guess. He has a lot of energy.”

Sky chuckled and nodded, "That he does. He's very kind too."

Twilight nodded now, the kid was very nice indeed. He gave them apples in a desperate time of need, saved them from a rampaging machine, gave them a place to sleep and by the Goddess can he cook! When they cleaned off the soup, Link pulled out more food, fruits this time, and simmered all of it together. Everyone enjoyed the tangy sweetness, and Twilight never saw Hyrule's eyes go that big (aside from the look of his face he gets before sneaking off to explore, which is sometimes their only warning before he does so). Hyrule asked for any fruit scraps which Link, with slight confusion, agreed. Hyrule took any seed he found from the scraps and placed it in his pouch.

"About time we had someone that knows their way around food," Twilight mused, then somberd slightly, "Do you think he feels the Connection?"

"He must, otherwise I don't think he would have been this kind." Sky looked down, "I don't think he trusts us…"

"I don't blame him, he saw eight strangers plop out of a portal and have been actively dodging his questions. I'd be surprised if he did trust us, Connection or not." Twilight reasoned.

"I don't think he would believe us if we said who we are," Sky trailed, "I could just show him the sword," he suggested. The sword is easy proof if anyone was being difficult about joining, it's how they had Legend to begrudgingly agree.

The holy blade mentioned has its handle and scabbard wrapped up in fabric to keep it safe from prying eyes.

Twilight pondered it, "Maybe, but he could also claim that we stole the sword," he trailed off, Sky remembered when Twilight joined, he also claimed they stole the sword.

"There must be a Zelda here, they can usually help with this," it's how we convinced you, went unsaid but Twilight knew Sky was thinking it, "Or maybe an Impa," Sky trailed off again.

"There's no Impa in my era, there might not be one here either." Twilight added, he didn't want to play Devil's Advocate, but they must go through their options.

"He might lead us to someone who can help, if we just ask." Twilight offered, Sky nodded along.

"Yeah, if we just ask…" Sky jolted a bit, "Ask!" he whisper-shouted, "I forgot to ask him what happened to the castle!" he kept his voice down, but raised an octave.

"Hey! Calm down!" Twilight also whisper-shouted, "We can always ask on the road tomorrow." he offered.

Sky took a breath to calm himself, "Right, right. It's just, the evening was so pleasant, I didn't want to ruin it with quest-talk." Sky reminisced, "Plus! At last, we have someone who can cook! Finally, no more of whatever Time and Hyrule call food."

"You say that like you're not also one of the worst cooks here," Twilight teased with a smirk, "I was sure we had to fight whatever you cooked last time."

Sky sputtered and turned red, "It wasn't that bad!" he pouted, he turned away to mutter loud enough to hear, "Although, I didn't eat it either…" The memory of his cooking was rather haunting.

"Don't worry, no one did." Twilight said with a sly grin.

Sky stuck up his tongue at him.

Twilight stuck his own out in retaliation.

A beat passed, then muffled laughter erupted out of both of them. Even if they're a little far from where everyone was sleeping, they didn't want to ruin a good night's sleep for once.

When the laughter died, Sky gave the sheep a few good scratches before standing, reaching his arms over his head in a mighty stretch with a deep yawn. When done, his arms flopped to his sides with some swings for dramatics, "It's very late, are you coming to bed?"

Twilight patted the goat's head a little before answering, "Maybe in a bit, I wanna hang out with these guys a little longer."

Sky smiled, "Alright, just don't fall asleep out here. Good night." Sky wished, turned and started walking towards the Stable.

Before Twilight thought any better of it, or at all, he called out, "Wait!".

Sky stopped and made his way back, "Yes?".

Twilight didn't really think about what to say next, after a few seconds of gaping like a fish, he decided to at least start with a classic, "I'm sorry."

Sky looked confused, "For...what? The cooking comment? Don't worry, I agree with you."

Twilight shook his head, "No, no, not that," Twilight took a deep breath, "I'm sorry for, leaving you behind. For leaving you with that mechanical nightmare." Twilight might as well be blunt about it.

Sky looked at him with an unreadable expression, "Oh." was all he said before he sat down again.

"It's...it's alright, I know none of you didn't mean to-" Sky started before getting cut off.

"No, it's not alright! Sky, you saved my life, and what do I do? Just ran away without making sure you were alright. If it wasn't for Legend, we might've kept running. If it wasn't for Link…" Twilight trailed off with a soft sob, his head turned down. The goat moved its head during his outburst, and Twilight took advantage of it by getting on his knees.

Sky was close enough to put a hand on Twilight's shoulder, "Hey, it's okay, it's all okay now-" he was cut off again by Twilight looking up to meet Sky's eyes, tears were streaming down his face, Sky's breath hitched.

"Please! Please don't say that everything is okay! I was so scared that we were gonna lose you! That I was gonna lose you!" Twilight took a shaky breath, "Even though we were far, I saw the look on your face, Sky. You looked so scared… and so hurt." Twilight's sobs were starting to impact his speech, if he wanted to say more, his crying was cutting him off.

"Even if everything is 'alright' now, doesn't mean it was back there. Or that it's 'alright' in my heart. It still hurts." Twilight broke into full on crying now.

Sky was starting to cry too, tears welled in his eyes with a few falling. Sky realized that brushing this off is just going to make things worse, if Twilight is offering his soul to him, he might as well try to do the same.

"When… I noticed, you all were leaving me behind, it… it did hurt. It hurt a lot. I know, I know that none of you meant it, you didn't know, but I don't know if that makes it better, or worse. It reminded me of something else, a time when I have been that scared before, and watching you all… abandoning me like that…" it was Sky's turn to start sobbing, he looked down, the knowledge of knowing it was a misunderstanding did nothing to ease the ache in his heart.

Sky didn't notice Twilight had shuffled towards him until he felt strong arms pull him into a tight hug, "I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry-" over and over again was whispered into Sky's ear.

Sky hugged back as tight as he could, tears freely falling from his eyes. They stayed that way for Goddess knows how long, Sky's heart healing a bit more each second.

When they both finally quieted down, both whipping at their faces with respected shelves, Sky stood up, pulling Twilight up along with him, not letting go of his hand when he stood up.

"Come on, some sleep would do us both good." Sky said, pulling Twilight along towards the Stable.

Twilight chuckled, whipping his cheek, "Spoken from the master of sleep himself."

Sky turned his head to stick out his tongue again.

Twilight did the same.

A breathy laugh fell out of both of them, as they walked off to hopefully get a good night's sleep.

-------

Sky's wish for a good night's sleep went unheard when he realized he was having a Dream. Most of the time, he doesn't understand them, but he knows he must pay attention, he knows that this is a warning.

So far, he sees nothing, hears nothing. He jolted when the oppressive silence was broken by a wolf's howl from who knows where. He turned left and right until he saw a fire, a large one. However, it didn't feel threatening, it actually felt inviting, which confused him. He looked at the fire, trying to find a deeper meaning for it when it changed in front of him.

The bottom, where the wood was meant to be, was oozing a thick, black and purple goop and spreading, pulsing. The metallic smell of blood flooded his nose, the scent so heavy he choked. The fire itself changed into a pollen-like consistency, spreading wide. When the changes stopped, he turned around.

And came face to face with the looming, terrifying mechanical abomination and almost killed him. He felt, more than saw, the red target on his forehead. With Sky's eyes fixed on it, like a sick possession, it seemed like it was growing more and more, towering over him.

He didn't hear it charge, what he heard was behind him. The singing of a scythe being raised.

The thing fired.

The scythe swung down.

A wolf's howl was all he heard.

-------

Sky awoke with a gasp, eyes wide and confused. His eyes darted around his surroundings, nothing was familiar, which caused a thump in his heart. He felt movement from behind him, on the bed. He was on his side facing out, he curled a fist, ready to attack whatever was intruding on him. He turned, and…

It was Twilight. Memories from the night before flooded back into his mind. When they arrived at the Stable again they decided to share a bed, after their heart-to-heart neither wanted to be alone, and being the two biggest cuddlers of the group sharing a bed made sense.

If Sky had to pick one thing he liked about the group, it’s that they don't shy away from touch. Sure, some group members are more reserved than others, Time, Legend and, to an extent, Warriors. But they would never turn away a hug when someone needs it.

Sky flopped back down on the bed, ready to go back to sleep without another Dream. He closed his eyes for a few minutes, until Sky heard footsteps getting closer and closer, he cracked an eye open to see who. Warriors was approaching them with a smug grin on his face - great.

"Hey, lovebirds, we were nice enough to let you two sleep in, but we're almost ready to go. Breakfast will be gone in a few minutes," and then, with the threat of no breakfast looming over his head, Sky reluctantly peeled himself off and out of the bed.

Sky quickly pulled his things together with the entertainment of Warriors trying to get Twilight who was, miraculously, still sleeping.

"Come on, Mr. Right-Hand-Man! Get up already! Even Sky is awake before you." Sky huffed at the jab, but didn't deny the truth in it. Warriors was smacking Twilight's face with a pillow, after the second smack, Twilight finally woke up fighting back. Twilight sat up, caught the next swipe at face, yanked the pillow right from Warriors' hands, raised it above his head and hucked it at his midsection. Twilight, being the resident strongman, threw it so hard at Warriors' stomach that he kinda just collapsed like a sack of bricks.

Coughing a bit, Warriors hoisted himself off the floor and threw the pillow at Twilight's face, who easily caught it. Dusting himself off, he stepped towards the opening before announcing, "Good. I was worried I'd have to send Wind to get you two up." Warriors chuckled, "Although, if you're not out this door in two minutes I will send him in here." it was a threat, and Sky'll admit, he kinda rushed clasping his Sail Cloth.

When Twilight finished tying his things together and placed his pelt over his shoulders, he was out the door before the two-minute mark. They love Wind, truly, but when he wants to be annoying…

Glad to be spared of whatever Wind would've done, Twilight and Sky walked up to Time talking to Link, who was sitting at the cooking pot. They were at the tail-end of whatever they were discussing as the two approached them, Time turned to them, "Perfect timing. Link had offered to take us to Kakariko Village, apparently there's someone there who can help us." Time spoke as if he knew nothing of the place, never heard the name before, or that the person was presumably Impa.

Time was silently telling them to act ignorant, Sky wasn't sure it was the best course of action, but he also wasn't sure if they should tell everything to Link now. On one hand, it would get it out of the way, and they can fully welcome their new brother. But on the other hand, they don't know if it will go over well with the time length between their first encounter and now.

With Sky's Gift, he can see much deeper than the surface with his brothers. He can see when Time lacks confidence as a leader, even if there isn't a hint of it on his face. He can see behind Warriors' smile that he's longing for someone, Legend too.

Although, he doesn't really need his Gift to see that Legend is hiding chronic pain. From walking with the slightest limp, to going outside the Inn they were staying or into the woods and coming back smelling like smoke and acting a little funnier, no one says a thing. Just as no one says anything when Warriors or Twilight join him, returning and acting strange.

His Gift told him to go to Twilight last night. He's glad he did, it lifted the pressure off both their hearts, Sky could feel it.

He knows how his brothers feel, and he can tell his newest brother lacks trust in them.

He can see Link's logic in taking them to Kakariko to see Impa. Aside from Zelda, most of them have sought out Impa's wisdom before, no doubt Link would do the same for the bizarre situation he's in.

Link plated some food before standing up and spinning towards them, a plate of omelettes in each hand. With a bright smile, he shoved them into their respective recipients' hands. The smell was heavenly.

Sky and Twilight both stared with wide, sparkling eyes before digging in. The egg was so fluffy! Sky never knew an egg could get so fluffy. It tasted just right and before Sky knew it, his fork was scraping a clean plate.

They playfully pouted at their clean plates, slowly racking their forks across their personal plates at the fact there’s no more food on them. Link giggled as Time took their plates away, chuckling at their silliness.

Link unclipped his Slate from his hip, it lit up in his hands, after a few taps and swipes Link pulled his fist to his face with a curled finger pressed to his lips, clearly having an internal debate about something. After some unheard deliberation, Link flipped the Slate around, presenting a map on the screen for the three of them to see.

Link rotated between looking at them, then back at the map. It was then that Warriors appeared from wherever he was, to take a glance at the map. He seemed to be gazing at a particular spot, turned his head around to the Shrine, then back to the map again.

"You said the Shrines act like teleporting points, yes?" Link nodded, "Then I'm guessing the blue mark is where the Shrine is, and there's a similar one in Kakariko. Are you going to teleport us?" Warriors asked if so he could teleport them all there, it would save them a lot of walking. Warriors' hopes were deflated when Link pulled his lips back, showing teeth, and groaned.

"Well, I can transport up to two people at a time. However, the more people involved, the riskier it is. Even if I do two at a time, halfway through it'll get harder and harder, especially since it's a different person each time. There's a risk you could swap something with me, or…" Link trailed off in his warning.

Link thought back to his experiments with Zelda on the Slate. She wanted to test the capacity of the Teleporting mechanic, so they spent a day travelling from lab to lab. The Slate was configured to Link, so just himself, no matter the distance, was perfectly safe. They quickly found out the limit was two, after feeling downright awful when they travelled with one of the scientists, even if it was a short distance. Between the third or fourth teleport from a greater distance, during the journey, he and Zelda felt like it was mixing them more. When they landed, it felt like they were clay being pulled apart from itself. No parts missing or replaced, they were still each other, but they almost weren't.

Zelda promptly ended the experiment then and there to avoid anything… disturbing.

With some things left for the imagination, the four men in front of Link scowled in different ways. Sky had a panicked look, Twilight looked disturbed, as did Time. Warriors looked like he's going through a few different scenarios, none of which were pleasant.

A thought came to Time as he turned to face Link, his brow furrowed, "So wait, with Wind yesterday, you knew of the dangers yet-" Link, boldly, held up a hand to stop him. His face turned to stone, and he spoke formally.

"We tested the teleporting on this multiple times. We have set results that we are sure and confident in. I made sure to stay within the safety of those results." Link was firm in his explanation, more softly, still with a stone face, he added, "I can see how much you care, and I understand your panic. But I know what I'm doing with this," Link held the Slate up more, "Okay?"

Time, taken aback by the sudden shift in character but held his ground, nodded. Link exhaled, with it, it seemed some tension let go in his shoulders, and returned to his usual manner.

"I'm sorry," Link spoke again, "But after all I've been through with this," he looked at the Slate, "it's almost an insult to suggest I don't know what I'm doing with it."

"I apologize. It wasn't my intention to insult you. I just wanted to make sure Wind was safe." Time spoke sharp and to the point, he wanted his earlier intentions to be clear.

"I'm not made of glass, ya know."

During their exchange, the others formed a peanut gallery to watch said exchange.

Wind was the one to pipe up, he insinuated that Time was calling him weak and was defending himself.

"Wind, I know you are a capable fighter. I just worry for you like I do for everyone else." Time bowed his head low to Wind, Wind gave a single nod back.

Time turned back to Link, "Sorry again. While it's clear you have faith in that thing, I still worry about my companions."

Link looked away, his brow giving away his emotion, "I understand. You've probably never seen anything like this before, considering I have the only one," Link flipped his Slate around a bit, pondering for a moment, "Unless she can make one?" was barely whispered.

Link took a breath, squaring his shoulders, "Anyway, let's go, there's still a lot of ground to cover, but we should be there late afternoon." Link ducked quickly away to grab his bag, and clipped the Slate back to its rightful place on his hip.

Link obviously was trying to escape the awkwardness that bloomed from their talk, but everyone was glad it was over.

Double-checking their items, they said their goodbyes to the Stable residents and followed the road.

The group had naturally fallen into their usual place when they travelled, with Time, Twilight and Warriors holding the front, Four, Hyrule and Wind in the middle and Sky and Legend taking rear.

Link thought he would have fallen in front, considering he has the map, but it was a straight shot for now, so he could hang back for now.

It was five minutes into the walk and Legend was starting to get bored. He looked at Wind walking in front of him, an amused smile crossed his face. He elbowed the Newbie gently to grab his attention.

"Ye wanna see a good way ta pass the time?" Link's ear perked up and he nodded.

"Ay, Wind." When Wind turned to what Legend wanted, he was met with an assault to his cheek. With an indignant whine, Wind scrambled away from the offending hand, and shot a glare at Link and Sky when they giggled.

Sky went to copy Legend, but his hand was smacked away, expectedly. Sky's face showed no offence to this as he went for a pat on the head instead. Wind, with a scowl, accepted this.

Legend, not satisfied with just one pinch, borderline trotted next to Wind and tried again. Only for him to snap his hand back when Wind snapped his jaws at him.

Sky giggled again, "Careful, he bites." he needlessly warned, Legend turned to him with an exaggerated frown, an almost perfect circle.

Sky and Link huffed out laughs at the display, a 'humff' caught their collective attention as they turned to Wind; walking backwards with his cheeks puffed out and very pinch-able.

"The only person alive who's allowed to pinch my cheeks is Grandma!" if Wind was younger, he might have stomped his foot on the ground in antipathies, but he didn't, "You know whose cheeks you should pinch?"

Legend, intrigued by this, gave an encouraging, cheeky smile in return. Wind ran to the front of the line, capturing the attention of all he ran past, to where Time and Twilight were talking. Wind jumped up, and managed to grab a handful of Twilight's cheek before landing. Swiftly dodging a swipe for his collar, he ran back to the rear with the other three, who were trying to stop themselves from laughing too hard.

“Pinch his! He’s got, like, incredibly chubby cheeks!” Wind yelled as he hid behind a wall of Four and Hyrule, who were very much enjoying the show.

Twilight gave an indignant glare, “I do not!” he crossed his arms as he scanned over his possible attackers, those being; Warriors and Wind, maybe Sky. His guard was towards the wrong threats, as Time reached over for his face, and pinched his cheek with all the affections of a tease.

Twilight whipped his head around to look at Time with such betrayal, that Time had to overt his gaze elsewhere. Lest he’d fall into a laughing fit that would be too unfair at Twilight’s expanse.

As Legend went to the front to join Warriors to annoy Twilight, Wind hopped up next to Link.

“Ya know,” Wind began, a cat-like grin spreading on his face, “You have some chubby cheeks too,” he made a carb pinching motion with his fingers, Link’s hands dashed up to cover his cheeks, squishing his face in the process. The look on Sky’s face says he’s finding the whole thing very endearing.

“Aww, you look so cute like that,” Sky said, in the same way a mother would speak to their child. Link, with his hands still squishing his face, shook his head while making a negative sounding grunt. Wind produced a carefree laugh from the action before him, Link thought some pinched cheeks are a fair trade for that sound.

Chapter Text

Impa would know what to do, she always did. She could help them go…wherever it is they’re going or finding, and send them off. Link twirled a lock of his messy ponytail with a scarred finger, his tangled feelings towards the group he was travelling with were clashing with his heart and mind. What frustrated him more about this bout of anxiety, was his confusion on why he felt so strongly.

They were halfway up the Sahasra Slope to one of the two entrances to Kakariko Village. Well, there are many more entrances for him, with his climbing ability he’s mighty proud of. He wished he was scaling the peaking hills and mountains surrounding the Village, just for something else to occupy his mind. Hop and glide down to surprise Koko with new recipe ideas to experiment with, with her bouncing around and listing every vegetable she knows.

He’s mind’s been spiralling so much he didn’t feel the presence of someone next to him.

“Hey.”

He almost ripped out the lock he’s been playing with from the shock, he winced. Twilight eyes widened, though the rest of his face stayed still, and his hands were raised and open if he’s needed in some way. Link’s fingers dug into his roots to rub at the spot of scalp abuse, smiled to show he was fine and listening.

“Sorry fer the scare,” Twilight apologized with a lopsided smile, “I just wanted to ask ya somethin’,” his country accent grew heavy, more than before, “If, that’s alrigh’?” clearing his throat, his hand rubbed the back of his head, huh, Link did that too at times.

“No, it’s fine,” Link’s hand dropped from his hair, both thumbs naturally found themselves hooked in his belt loops, “I’ve been… spacing out more than I should,” he trailed, “Anyway, ugh, what’s your question?” his smile felt too big to be even considered natural, Twilight spent a moment to look him over once before answering.

“Yesterday, you didn’t answer Sky’s question about the Castle,” Oh. Twilight’s hearing is much better than he thought if he heard that from where they were, or Sky told him, “You said Ganon, which can usually cover everything,” speaking of Ganon so casually, strange, “But, it doesn’t really tell us what happened.”

Link was hoping this could have been saved for Impa, but he can give a brief rundown, just say a hundred years ago things went to absolute Hell in a handbasket, and he fixed it now. Just, leave out that he was also there a hundred years ago, not a lot of people believe him anyway when he says he’s 117.

When he slapped together a coherent enough story, he breathed in through his nose…

And smelled smoke. Heavy smoke.

He stared confused at Twilight for a second, how looked confused right back. Almost giving himself whiplash, he spun his head to the entrance that was a good fifty meters away and spied a look above. Black smoke that disappeared into the wind could be seen.

Next he heard was shouting, coming right towards them. It was one of the travelling merchants that frequent the Village all the time. He ran right to Link, grabbing his biceps with blown-out, fearful eyes, “Yiga! It’s the Yiga!” with a few jerked to Link’s arms, before almost throwing Link to the side and dashed down the steep hill. Link’s stumbling was caught in the shoulders by Twilight, helping to straighten Link back to standing, but also having the second job of anchoring Link to the spot.

After a breath that felt like a world had slowed to a crawl, he ripped himself off Twilight and pulled his sword. It was an Ancient Short Sword, the handle unfolded itself and a searing hot blue blade materialized.

His companions pretty much faded into obscurity as he ran, his ears picked up the many sounds of feet racing his way as well as the song of many swords preparing for battle. One singer sounded so familiar, it almost brought Link’s attention there, if it wasn’t already set for the Village.

Link full sprinted to the opening in the mountains, children were running past, crying. It broke Link’s heart to see them cry, but he’s more than relieved they’re alright. Sunlight was being blocked out as the smoke got heavier, and the area grew too hot.

Once passing the threshold to Kakariko, Link finally took a second to take in his surroundings. The others almost shrieked to a haul behind him, taking in the inferno they saw before them.

Most buildings were on fire, the Inn and Shop, as well as Impa’s House. There was a cacophony of noise, with a crying of blades clashing, screams and twisted laughter.

The Yiga were crawling everywhere like a newly hatched spider’s nest. For each Sheikah it was two or three against one, and they were growing tired. Thankfully, he saw only Yiga bodies on the ground, for now.

Unable to stand the sight anymore, he gritted his teeth, reached inside himself for the Stone Knight, and ran into the fray. He had to danced around a Yiga whose Sickle was a mere inch away from his throat. Link had quick work of him as he spun to doge another slice, halting behind the assassin to ram his burning sword through his back, and too easily coming out of the other side. The yell of pain from the Yiga was muffled by the chocked, wet gagging of blood rising in their throat.

If he wasn’t so focused on fighting, he might have seen Wind’s pale, shocked, horrified face.

With the sense of a malicious presence behind him, Link ripped his sword through the dead Yiga’s side, and in the same motion gracefully spun to slice another Yiga’s head clean off who landed behind.

With ragged breath, Link looked around. Time was locked into a fight with a Blade Master, his sword arching in powerful strikes that made the Yiga kneel fast. Wind has somehow predicted how an Assassin was warping and, with a dark-looking giant hammer, he collided it right where the Assassin materialized, knocking him out fast. The only other one in Link’s immediate sight was Warriors, each strike was made with grace and precision. Each slice and stab were calculated and efficient, despite the unyielding chaos that encircled them.

Just as Link made the decision to go, he heard it again. The familiar singer.

Behind him, by the entrance, Sky was fighting with the speed and ferocity of an angry god, something he wouldn’t have guessed, considering Sky’s gentle nature. It was frightening.

But, what truly took Link’s breath away from the sight, was the Master Sword.

The Sword that he pulled from her resting place under the watch of The Great Deku Tree. The Sword he first found when he was twelve and proclaimed the Hero. The same Sword he died with.

If it was a fake, he could tell from a mile away, he even had fake ones in his arsenal. The one in Sky’s hand was no fake, she sang too beautifully for it to be faked. So why does he have it? Did he steal? He put her back, knowing no one else could take her from the pedestal, only him and Zelda. How could he even steal her?

How did he wield her with such mastery?

He didn’t know how long it has been, but when he noticed Sky staring back, the look in Sky’s eyes was…an expectant look? Sky stared back with no surprise at Link, like he knew…something. Link’s head was spinning with wordless questions.

A fight between two Yiga and a Sheikah crashed in between them, flew in from the rooftops. Link pulled out his bow and knocked back a normal arrow. He covered the Sheikah’s back by firing right in the side of a Yiga’s head, the raised Demon Cleaver in hand slumped down as the body went slack and fell. The Sheikah countered a blow from the other Yiga with a stab in the chest, as the dead fell on the ground, the Sheikah, Cado, gave a short nod to Link before joining the fight again.

Link, the Knight, decided to deal with Sky later, these people are more important. A scream, loud and piercing, rang out from south-east gate. Not wasting a second, Link dashed up the trail, slicing a Blade Master’s arm off when he saw the Windcleaver raised at a cornered Steen.

When Link finally reached the top, dread, regret and absolute despair brought tears to his eyes.
Koko…

Sweet Koko.

Sweet little Koko, who loves to cook. Who loves her family, who protects her sister, who taught Link so many recipes and loves coming up with new recipes together.

Was dead.

Her little body was smashed to a bloody puddle. Her face, that would light up with delight when Link showed her new foods he found when travelling, was frozen in petrified terror.

In his periphery, he could see even littler Cottla give heart-render sobs and cries over Dorian’s body. Link can’t tell if he’s dead or unconscious.

He then looked straight ahead. Taller than any Blade Master he’s ever seen and towering over Link, was just an absolute mass of a body, clad in a pierced together Yiga outfit and mask. He bared no weapon, his giant fists splattered in blood. Koko’s blood.

The Atrocity before Link, this Mutant, caused every feeling in Link to go numb before erupting in an ugly, tormented cry that echoed through the inferno grove.

Before he even knew it, his body moved. Any grace or disciplined muscle memory was replaced with a burning outrage that felt hotter than the hellish purgatory encasing them all.

The Thing, reacted to his onslaught, slammed his overgrown fist towards Link. Link moved in time, jamming his sword into Its bicep, the burning blue caused the wound to hissed and boil over disgustingly. Unable to pull it out, Link abandoned it, he climbed over Its shoulder and hung on Its back. Pulling out a Broadsword, he brought it high, like making a sacrifice to a god, before plunging it into the Abomination’s neck.

Letting out a loud, pained moan. It reached back, grabbing Link by his whole upper half and hurling him right into the stone that circled the inflamed village. With all the air knocked out of him, all Link could do was stare up at the approaching Thing, mouth open, trying desperately to suck in a single breath.

Just as it reached Link, with a fist raised high, he tried to conjure the command to move in his brain, but nothing was clicking as he stared dumbly.

Just as he was sure the fist would have dropped already, It stumbled back. As it turned, Link spied an arrow sticking out the back of Its head.

With his breath finally back, Link scrambled up, using a hand to claw his way towards the Thing. The opening was too valuable to even think about who fired the arrow. He climbed towards the hilt of his short sword, with all the strength he could scrap together, he wrenched it out the Thing and into the top of Its head.

Link hopped down, as the Thing fell backwards. Out of rage and spite, Link heaved the short sword out and dragged it as Link straddled Its waist and stabbed the chest. Pushing as hard as he can, later he was sure he pegged him to the ground.

A loud whistle blared and echoed, someone yelled, followed by the multiple sounds of Yiga vanishing.

Shutting off the blade, the handle folded back in on itself, Link stored it. He stood up to retrieve the broadsword, yanking it out with disgust as black blood oozed sluggishly, tainting the ground below.

Link…didn’t want to turn around. Ever. It was proof that everything he just did, could never undo what he was about to see.

A simple, yet beautiful, melody filled the air, closely followed rain plummeting to the earth, dousing the inferno. Inside and out.

Each movement in stop-motion, Link turned. Apparently, it was Twilight who saved him. Twilight made use of himself by hugging poor, tiny Cottla to his chest, her cries loud and curdling. Twilight stared as Link trudged over to what was left of little Koko, falling hard on his knees before her.

He cradled what he could to his chest, bringing a hand up to close her eyes. She was sleeping now, forever.

—----------------------------

Impa was fine. She was protected by Paya, who still has blood splatter on her clothes.

Dorian was alive, making Koko, tragically, the only fatality. Dorian was trying to get his daughters safely out, only to be stopped by the Abomination.

They were at the cliff that looked out at Telta Lake, finally having an audience with Impa. No one spoke for a long time. Link perched himself on top of the pile of rocks, a blank stare landed on Sky, who was squirming under his eyes. Link, who later would not know if he was intentionally staring or not, didn’t really mean to stare, but he felt…separated from reality.

Only six hours ago. It was only six hours ago when, all of that, happened.

The Fire, the Yiga, the Abomination…

Koko.

Link was with Dorian when he finally woke, with only one daughter crying in his arms. Link, doesn’t think he’s seen a more broken man, as said man curled around his only child.

Link was appreciative of his companions. After the fight, they immediately spent their energy in recovery in the aftermath. They shift through until everyone alive was accounted for, stomp out any smouldering flames hidden and blocked from the rain, and Warriors applied first aid to anyone flesh wounds while Hyrule offered aid to more internal injuries.

In the small area, the group took precious moments to just exist and breathe. Wind was sitting by a corner of the fence behind the tree Impa was under, Legend and Four were talking to him. They made some progress, as Wind finally looked up after an hour.

Twilight was leaning his hip against the fence, looking past the lake at the sunset with a distant look. Time and Warriors were quietly conversing with Impa and Hyrule whispered with Sky.

Link closed his eyes and took a deep sigh in. In the near muted silence he might as well have screamed, when he opened his eyes again, everyone else’s were on him.

“You… Can’t be thieves…” the statement had a question built in, “You’re, too nice…” that statement was more solid.

“Thieves?” a whispered question from Hyrule. Link pointed at Sky, more specifically the Master Sword.

“You’re talking about the Master Sword,” Sky pulled out the blade, presenting it to Link, “We did not steal this blade.” Link stepped down from his perch, taking the blade to inspect.

He felt his Master Sword pulse with power, like a heartbeat, when he fought Ganon. But the sword in his hands now, the heartbeat was stronger and fierce.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought too…” muttered Twilight, who was still leaning against the fence. Link motioned to Twilight with his mouth forming the start of questions, but none said.

“They do not lie, Link.” Impa finally spoke, “What you hold now, is the Master Sword in its prime.”

“Her.” Sky gently interjected.

Impa nodded, “In Her prime.”

“... How?” Link was staring at Her.

“Before, you asked ‘what our shared name is’, right?” Sky spoke softly, he waited for Link to nod, “It’s Link.”

Link stumbled a bit, impossible, this must be a joke. A cruel joke at the worst time.

“Please allow us to explain,” Sky pleaded, “Throughout Time, Hylia has been gathering her Chosen Heroes to face a powerful Enemy. With portals, either conjured by Her or the Enemy, we have been travelling through our individual time periods. Us being here, means that that Enemy is here now, and you are to join us.”

“Ye also don’t have much’va choice in joining us…” came from Legend, no one looked at him, but he knew he was heard.

Warriors was next, “Our Enemy may be responsible for Infected monsters, their black blood makes them much stronger than the normal ones.” He took a breath, and treaded carefully, “Like that Giant from earlier.”

Link was silent, staring at the sword. Joining them, the heroes of the past, who all succeeded in facing their foes. Link didn’t know how his heart felt, so he used logic.

He doesn’t have much of a say in going or not, so what are his benefits? Revenge, for one. He kept his face stone, but the rage still burns. They also could help in stopping the spread of spores, so they could finally work on cleaning the castle grounds.

He could also learn what was erased from histories pages. Zelda would love a full, true and complete saga.

“Alright. I'll join you.” Link handed back the sword to Sky.

“Impa,” Time bowed before her, “If you may, can you please tell us the history of this Hyrule. So we may have a better understanding on how to help.”

Impa looked at Link, he nodded. She started 10,000 years ago.

The history of the royal family of Hyrule, is also the history of Calamity Ganon. A primal evil that has endured over the ages.
This evil has been turned back time and time again, by a warrior wielding the soul of a hero, and a princess who carries the blood of the Goddess.
With the passage of time, each conflict with Ganon faded into legend. So listen closely as I tell you of this “legend” that occurred 10,000 years ago.

Impa then shared a tale of an advanced society, the Divine Beasts and their Champions, along with the Princess and the Hero and their victory over Ganon.

“A hundred years ago, when we were foretold of Ganon’s revival, we were determined to followed our ancestors 10,000 years prior.” The companion's had bewildered looks on their faces, it probably doesn’t match up with any of their histories. Impa gave a down cased look, “However, despite our best efforts and calculated planning, we underestimated his Power.”

She raised her head, “A year ago, Ganon was finally defeated, thanks to the efforts of Link and Zelda.” she gestured to Link, “However, a problem has arisen. Leftover black magic from Ganon has started to spread in a form of toxic spores. Any plant life it clings to will grow rapidly, and its poison will seep into the surrounding area. If not immediately destroyed, said area will bloom with rot.”

She paused for a breath as the heroes digested the new information, she continued, “With the poison in the air, no living thing aside from monsters and machine can even get near the castle. For the moment, all we can do is stop it from spreading through our land. We keep it at bay with fire; the only thing that has any effect.”

“Zelda is trying to create a mask that can withstand the heavy, burning poison. Any mask we have are too inefficient.” Link added, “A good place to start is to see what progress she’s made.”

“But first,” Time interjected, “I believe I speak for everyone when I say that we offer our assistance into the recovery of your village.” No one denied Time, they all stood to once again offer support to these people.

Impa gave a slow, respectful nod to Time, “Your words are much appreciated. Paya,” Paya, who was beside her grandmother and sat so still she was almost invisible, stood, “Will lead you back, so you can place your skills where you see fit.” Paya, without saying a word, walked towards the passageway, stopped to wait for the heroes to follow.

As they poured out, Link stayed behind.

“They will not look down on you, you know.” Impa said, she could see right through Link, “They will not cast you out.” Link was silent in thought, he didn’t answer. Impa didn’t expect him too.

With a breath, Link spoke, “Their nicknames, those are their titles. They said it was given to them.”

Impa nodded, “They will give you a title soon.”

Small, self hating thoughts crept like a bug into his mind, thinking of what title he’d get. The Failure, could be a fitting one. Link smashed and squashed that thought away. It will do nothing to benefit him. The Savage, would be more tolerable, fitting too.
“The Resurrected, The Kind-Hearted, The Loving.” Link was sure Impa could read minds at this point, or he’s getting very easy to read, “The One-Who-Makes-Terrible-Jokes,” Impa continued, Link stuck out his tongue playfully at his centuries-old friend, who does the same. A light-hearted moment, in a period of sadness.

Link turned to go offer his help to the village, they must be hungry. He could make one of Koko’s dishes.

—-

An Assassin warped into the inner chamber of the Hideout, he kneeled with an arm over his knee before the one before the altar.

“Master Val, the Experiment was killed by the Hero,” a ‘tsk’ was heard from the being he was knelt before.

Master Val turned to stand tall and dangerous above the Assassin, who didn’t dare look up. The new Master’s clothes differ from his underlings in that he chose to wear a cloak-like cloth draped over him. The ends coming to sharp points, with one in front and two in back. His mask covered only the top of his face.

“Any good news before I gut you and leave you in the silence of your own screams as I take your tongue.” The threat was promised as Val pulled a throwing knife, slick black with a red gem embedded in the blade. The Assassin stay knelt.

“The hero needed help taking the Experiment down. He almost lost.” Val had his finger on the point of the blade, moving it up and down, looking bored, “And,” the Assassin added, with fear and haste, “We think, They, have arrived.” Val’s actions halted.

A dark grin grew on white lips, “Well,” he laughed out, “I’m sure, He, would like to hear this.” In cruelty, Val threw the knife a few inches away from where the Assassin stayed, for he has not been dismissed yet. The blade sticking in the stone floor cause the murdering, hardened killer to flinch hard. Val loved the look of fear and terror of those who must bow to him.

“You may leave with your life,” Val turned back around, “For now.” The Assassin could not have warped any faster.

Chapter Text

Four days are what it took with their combined efforts to clear the land and set up a suitable shelter, from there the Sheikah can begin to rebuild their home. Link offered a lot of his fruits and vegetables for replanting, as well as providing meals to everyone.

The sunrise is peaking over the horizon, bathing everything in a pink-orange hue, and with it a natural sense of calm. Link stood before the stones by the tree, his long free golden hair at the mercy of the soothing winds, he remembered finding Koko here, in the delicate hours of the morning much like now, crying. Her tears struck his heart, he could never turn away from a sad child. Something in him refuses to, a feeling that feels faint and old, but its presence is there.

Link bowed deeply and long, his hair falling over his shoulders, before the stones, where they buried Koko’s body.

Hyrule appeared in out the corner of his eye as he straightened up, walking with purpose.

“We’re gathering in the centre to discuss where we should head to first,” Hyrule jogged the rest of the way to hop down at his side, a kind smile on his face. Link did what he could to offer the same, it was a little difficult, be he managed.

Hyrule’s eyes slid past Link and travelled to the overlook, with an awed sigh, the brunette made his way to the fence. He leaned with his arms crossed over the wooden structure, relaxed amazement and appreciation graced his face. Link followed him, looking out over the gently rippling lake down below, the grass hills flowing with the wind and shining with the sun. The cooling gentle breeze blowing on their faces, relief from the sun blushing their cheeks. Link felt the wind play with his unbound hair, the gold strands flowing like the grass below.

A relaxed sigh brought Link’s attention over to the source, Hyrule had a calm smile on his face, “Your home is breathtaking. Honest and truly.” Link’s eyes cast downward as he smiled, he looked out back towards the scenery, “Yes…” he whispered along, “Yes it is.”

“What’s your home like?” Link asked, not wanting to disturb the tranquil silence with anything over a whisper.

“Not like - well?” Hyrule cut himself off, thinking about his answer more, “It is like this, it just looks different.” Link tilled to the side, “What do you mean?”

Hyrule closed his eyes to gather his thoughts, trying to think about what he means too. Link waited for him.

“They are… In two stages of the same thing.” At Link’s obvious confusion, Hyrule explained, “Both of our homes have been wounded and infected by Ganon, but, once we killed the infection, we just had to treat the wound. Which takes time and will leave marks, but it will be healed.” Hyrule looked at Link, “My home, my Hyrule, was burned to the ground long before I was born. Being a Healer I wanted to, well," he made a gesturing hand motion, “to heal it. To at least clear the infection. Now, I just have to go back,” he turned his body to show Link a pouch on his hip, opening it to reveal a farm’s worth of seeds, “and treat the wound.” Hyrule turned back to the overlook, “One day, it will look like this.”

Link was taken aback, he never thought of his home that way, a healing wound. Without thinking much about it, he asked, “You are so certain, how?”

Hyrule looked at him with a smile that reached his eyes, “Because I have faith.”

“Our Hyrule’s have been wounded, wounds heal. They will leave scars, yes, most wounds do. But scars mean you have survived, and grow, and live.” Link found his eyes wet at his words, he wiped a hand over his own scared cheek. He never thought of it like that, it was a comfort; a comfort he didn’t know he needed.

Hyrule dug into his pouch, bringing up a singular seed, “This is a flower seed, of what I have already forgotten, but, I don’t think that matters much.”

Link didn’t any more than that, as he was already kneeling and sinking his hands into the dirt. Hyrule joined him. Breaking the earth to make a tiny hole, Hyrule dropped the seed in and covered it. Both standing and wiping their hands on their respected shirts, something Warriors would have a thing or two to say about, Link dug into his own bag and looked at Hyrule.

“Here,” Link help out his hand, “if your bag is anything like mine, it will keep them fresh,”

Intrigued, Hyrule held his hand out under Link’s, what landed in his hand was five berries. Hyrule eyes widened at the gift, said eyes soon looked up at Link with clear appreciation. Link smiled without having to try.

Link took a few steps back, “Come on, you said they’re waiting for us, right?” Hyrule jolted straight, then quickly put the berries in his pouch, taking quick strides over to Link, and then past Link.

“Yes they are! Come on!” Hyrule turned to take Link by the hand to drag him back to the village, Link trying to keep pace as he puffs with laughs.

—-------------------------

The others were, as planned, around the centre of the village, in front of where Impa’s house use to be. The whole group was divided into seemingly three separate groups, Sky seemed to be inspecting his things, but his gaze was set on around Warriors and Legend, who were more than likely bickering. Four shifted his feet through the grass like he’s looking for something with a solemn look on his face as he spoke to Wind. Past the two, Twilight seemed to be in the middle of presenting his side of an argument in a rather amusing way to Time, who seemed to be humouring him with crossed arms and an entertained smirk.

As Link and Hyrule slowed their pace as they approached the others, Sky’s eyes moved to them. He nodded to them before turning to his previous distraction.

“Hey, Leg, they’re finally here, you can stop worrying now,”

Legend, true to his character, denied this, “I wasn’t worrying,” he said firmly, arms crossed, “I was getting tired of waiting.” arms still crossed, he twisted his body enough to look at the approaching duo, “Speaking of which, what took so long? Had to take a shit on the way back?” he smirked lazily as two pairs of eyebrows raised in a very unamused way.

Link didn’t say anything as he went to the group, he reached into his pouch to grab an apple. When he got close enough to Wind, he gave a short whistle, snatching Wind’s attention straight from Four, he tossed the apple in a high arch that Wind more than happily caught.

“At least I wasn’t just standing here with my thumb up my ass,” Hyrule responded to Legend with a very cocky smile, to which Legend gave a very overdramatic gasp at, with a hand on his chest and mouth wide. Warriors puffed out a laugh and Sky held a hand at a distance from his mouth, which did absolutely nothing to hide a smile.

Link unclipped his slate from his waist, the soft ping from opening the map acting like a dinner bell as it brought everyone’s attention towards him. “If we go back the way we came, I can pick up some horse back at the Stables. It will take a few days, but soon we’ll be at the Gerudo Canyon Stables,” Link hovered his finger above the screen, tracing the roads and paths, he curled that finger to press it to his lips, “The desert will be a hassle though…” he trailed off.

“You will not be going after the Yiga.”

Stern and aged was the voice, blonde and brunet heads turned to see Impa coming down the path with Paya, a messenger beside them.
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