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Chapter Text

           The Chain found themselves backed into a corner, an onslaught of attacks greeted them through the unforgiving marsh of Faron Wetlands. They pushed through the wet earth and damp air to gather their weapons and intel on what managed to swoop in under their radar.

      Wizzrobes.

      It just had to be Wizzrobes.

      The magic monsters danced around the chain, shooting out elemental beams at the sopping-wet heroes.

      Wild was quick to trade his standard garb for a fish head and then began shoving various jewelry onto those who didn’t pack different outfits. Legend pulled a fur coat over his head and shoved a dozen rings onto his fingers.

      With new outfits equipped, they began their assult.

      The Ice and Fire Wizzrobes were the first to fall to the might of Time and Legend. The old man taking on the brunt of the fire-based attacks as if they didn’t hurt, and the veteran doing the same for Ice.

      Landing blow after blow, hit after hit until their opponents were gone in a cloud of purple smoke.

      Wild took care of the Electric Wizzrobe, firing a barrage of arrows by the dozen as Four backed him up with his sword, Topaz Earrings engulfing his petite pointed ears as he waited until the Wizzrobe floated closer to the ground to strike.

      An arrow to the head finished it off.

      Wind whooped in delight.

      That had to be the easiest and quickest battle the group had had in a while. But just as they were about to put their weapons away and change outfits, a magic attack missed Twilight by an inch. It was by some miracle that Twilight leaned away when he did.

      The team jumped to surround the rancher, swords in hand as they searched for the new threat.

      There. Dancing in the near distance, was another Wizzrobe. But something was off with it, it didn’t blast them with any elements, or care about staying out of sword range. It was unusual, and for a monster, that means only one thing: Black-Blood.

      Time and Warriors took the lead, protecting their fellow heroes as the Wizzrobe unleashed sporadic attacks, most hitting the forests and lakes that surrounded them, draining the life out of nature and leaving rotting corpses in its wake.

      Great. Just great. Add that to the notes: Black-Blooded Wizzrobes = Dark Magic.

      Wind was beginning to rescind his earlier cheers. The monster's brethren had been of normal blood and elemental power, and were easily taken down in little time by the finely tuned team. But with this jerk they found themselves corralled by the stronger-than-usual monster.

      Back to back to back to back, they did their best to hold their own against the Wizzrobe, the archers taking their shots when it danced in front of them, the others pitching in with whatever items they had. Most of their heavier attacks missed as it evaded, taunting, and dancing in circles. It didn't allow itself to be hit with any attack larger than a paper cut.

      The dancing and laughing was starting to get on Legend's nerves, teeth grating as he threw a handful of Gale Seeds at the bitch, throwing them just as it reappeared in front.

      Legend was going to scream as he watched the Wizzrobe vanish in the blink of an eye before the newly formed tornadoes could take that son of a- back to Ganon.

      In the corner of his eyes, above the group he saw the monster with its arms raised back, gathering up a giant ball of Dark Magic

      Legend tried to push the group apart - the circle of heroes too close for anyone to be spared - but at most, he got a couple of them to look up, and another couple to duck and cover their heads. Both of which helped for nothing as the magic engulfed them, swirling around before sinking into their bodies.

      With a shudder, Wind was the first to recover, he felt the same as before, all his limbs right where he left them, and nothing odd seemed to be speaking to him.

      Throwing his boomerang blindly he pulled off a lucky shot as the Wizzrobe died in a puff of smoke, leaving nothing valuable behind, typical.

      One by one the heroes shook off the poor excuse of a spell. Wind packed his battle-winning weapon away just as Hyrule started checking everyone over for injuries. “Wassit just me,” Wind started, looking at his brothers in defeat, “or was that the lamest Wizzrobe ever?”

      Legend cracked his joints, allowing the aches and pains of being a veteran hero to weasel out of his constantly hurting body. “No shit. The others at least had the decency to try and paralyze us for a bit. That was a waste of Dark Magic and of my items.” With a groan, Legend got his neck to release with a pop as Time took stock.

      Not of items, of course, but of how the group was feeling. “Has anyone felt any different since that last attack?” When he was met with unanimous ‘no’s’ he started to ponder aloud. “Strange that a Dark Magic wielder would waste their energy on a spell that does nothing. Was it that its attack failed, or that it has yet to activate? If so, what causes it to activate? Was it a physical attack or an emotional one? Perhaps mental?”

      The sun was nearing the horizon, the world around them winding down for the night as the heroes found a place to make camp, still no different than they were that morning.

      Finishing up their dinners and rolling out their bedrolls, each hero gazed up at the starry sky, constellations regarded throughout the varying eras greeted them, a shooting star passed by urging them to make a wish and hold it close.

      One by one the heroes said goodnight to the stars and each other, ready to wash away the craze of the day.

      Happy to sigh in content and snuggle further down into their covers, hoping tomorrow would be a good day as well, “I had to kill my Bride just to see these stars again.” Something told them it wasn’t going to be.

Chapter Text

      No one could sleep. How could they with that looming over their heads?

      No one quite understood what he meant when he said he had to kill his bride just to ‘see these stars again’ but before they could think to ask him, he ran off.

      Fast.

      Faster than they knew he could run.

      It was instantaneous;

      First: weird cryptic message.

      Second: No more Link.

      The sound that ripped out of his throat as he forced his hand over his mouth and struggled to get up off the rough ground was downright dreadful. It was like an awful retch mixed with a rasp for breath. He was coughing and hacking past his hand, but he held his mouth shut, running off until they couldn’t hear him any longer.

      Needless to say, they rushed to find him.

-

      Those who had torches led the way, Wolfie carried the back, picking up on everything anyone else might’ve missed. “What the fuck was wrong with him?” Interrupted their search with an unconventional snap to it. Then it was quickly taken back in a storm of stutters, “I swear, I did not mean to say it like that. Does anyone know what happened? That’s what I meant. Like, why did he feel the need to run off in such a hurry?”

      No one took their eyes from the search, but they couldn’t help but shift in their skin, just thinking - reeling - over the sights and sounds that they were left with.

      “You heard what he said, how he reacted. He’s scared, if not because of the inability to know how we’d react to the truth, then because he’s uncertain why he felt compelled to tell us.”

      “Compelled?”

      “-You don’t force your mouth shut just for funsies!”

△

      After an eternity of searching with nothing to show for it, they decided it was best to split into two groups, each set to patrol a patch of land in the direction they originally saw him run towards.

      “We still can’t wrap our head around it. Why did he run?”

      “You heard why - he’s scared. He hates to be vulnerable, he always needs to have a guard up. He’s not one to expose more of himself than he can control.”

      “No no. We-we can understand that. What we mean is…  killing someone, is it that big a deal? We’ve done it before.” Forced silence, almost a mirror of the catalyst that set them off on this trek.

      Their hand slapped over their mouth, clawing at their cheeks and lips - fresh blood washing down onto their chin, but they fought to not let go. Words threatened to escape their prison, sputtering away into gasps as they refused to speak.

-

      “I hope he’s doing okay.” His search partner looked his way in between the calls for their friend. “I’ve never seen him look that small, that frightened. Did you see the way his ears shot up? And how his hair was standing on end before he sprinted away?”

      “Thought I saw his eyes dilate, guess I just chalked it up to the light.” They waited for the rest of their group to catch up, trading info on potential locations. Goddesses how they hoped they would find him soon, as the moon rose to near-peak, enveloping the ground with a layer of fog.

      They wouldn’t give up, no matter how long it took. No matter how far they had to travel. They were going to bring him home.

△

      They found him as far away as Lake Hylia.

      Sitting on the dirty sand, knees held tight to his chest as silent tears were lost to the vast waters below.

      No one was too loud, nor were they too quiet - they knew it would be unfavorable to spook him with any capacity of sound or lack thereof.

      Sky was the first to move, showing that he was approaching, then calmly wrapped his sailcloth around his brother’s shoulders. “-Legend-” It wasn’t an ask, a demand, or a suggestion. Just plain old.

      When Legend didn’t respond, Sky took that to sit down, showing his brothers - all of them, that it was going to be okay.

      Legend wiped his tears with the sleeve of his undershirt, sniffling away the remainders, tucking his head to his knees, “Suppose you want an answer.” He spoke, meek and wobbly. Not how they’d grown accustomed to, all bark and bite.

      Warriors began to open his mouth but paused from the look on Sky. Warriors had nothing important to say.

      “I don’t,” Sky promised, rubbing the veteran's back, calm soothing circles on the path of his aching bones and muscles. “We just want to know that you are okay. I am not going to ask anything, I’m not going to tell you anything. All I care about is that we return to the camp together in one piece.”

      They sat together in silence, watching as the moon began its descent into the trees, Legend raised his head enough to see the moonlight reflect onto the lake. The plops of fish jumping out of the water, and the pitter-patter of Hylia’s creatures swam through his mind, bringing him back down. Through the fog, whistling across the lake he heard…

Sleepers wake

Dreams will fade

Although we cling fast

Was it real;

What we saw?

      …sung with her sweet jingling voice, the one he swore he would always wake up to. When he closed his eyes he could see her long but damaged hair shifting with the morning breeze. She always gave him such a sweet smile before he left for the mountain and he always kept it with him as he turned back around, away from-

      But he swore he’d always wake!

      Through broken notes, he began to hum, with the words he learned breaking through gently. “Stay with me, by my side. Never leave.” He couldn’t take it, he had to stop.

      “That was lovely.” Time approached, fiddling with an old and worn ocarina, “Think you could teach it to me?”

      Legend nodded as he began to stand up, Sky offered support, silently saying that he didn’t have to be alone. “In the morning.” He wiped his face clean, eyes red and shaky, scrapes racing from his cheek to his mouth which he had been picking at - spilled liquid painted his fingernails. “I think it’s about time we got some rest.”

      If Wild hadn’t left his only good cooking pot at their previous camp, the shore would have made for a wonderful spot. Calm. Quiet. Serene.

      Alas, they had a muddy chunk of land to return to, but they were glad to; because it meant that they were back together again, even if the Lizalfos wanted otherwise.

      Sky never let go, hand on Legend’s hem, shoulder, own hand. Wherever Legend needed to anchor, the chosen hero was there.

      “I was 9, almost 10.” Legend spoke, soft, pitiful, and unsure. Head down as they followed the uneven paths out. “Ganon fell not long before, and the Kingdom was still recovering… I- I needed out. Out of my empty house, out of that hellish kingdom, out of being the hero. I begged Fable to come with me, to take a break just for a couple of days, but she had responsibilities she wasn’t allowed to ‘shirk from’.” Legend ground at his teeth, brow furrowed. It pissed him off everytime he remembered, “The staff never let her rest! She was just kidnapped, forced to watch her trusted maidens get sacrificed by a Mage her father allowed into their home, and then told over and over and OVER that it was all 'her fault'! Just because of some damn golden blood.

"We just saved the Kingdom, the whole freaking world, and still... no one let us rest!”

      The Chain shared a sympathetic look, darting from their vet to each other and then back. To have finished a perilous journey at such a young age, and then to be immediately greeted with unkindness. A break would’ve done wonders for their poor souls.

△

      Sky led him past the overgrown yard, slashing a path into existence as their camp came into view. Wild headed straight for his pot, throwing an armful of Apples, Sugar, Butter, and Wheat in, watching them bounce around and mix.

      The Chain moved their bedrolls closer to Legend’s and to Wild. Sitting, talking, waiting. Legend was quiet, hadn’t made so much as a peep after revealing how well his Princess and he were treated despite saving everyone. He shifted in his seat, picking at the grass, watching the others with constantly shifting eyes.

      “Will you tell us what she was like?” Hyrule asked from across, and Legend sat ramrod straight. Hyrule just smiled and tilted his head, he didn’t push.

      “...Marin.” Legend spoke with hesitation, sighing in relief as Wild brought him a slice of fresh apple pie.

      He poked at the crust absentmindedly, watching as his brothers tried (and failed) to act like they weren’t staring and listening. “Her name was Marin, and she was the most beautiful girl I’d ever met.

“She lived on a peaceful island in the middle of the ocean and saved me after I had been shipwrecked and stranded during a terrible storm.” He paused to take a bite, relishing in the warmth and familiarity of the meal.

      Wind had leaned closer, enveloped in the story when Legend mentioned water, and visibly recoiled at the storm. Like, don’t get him wrong, he trusted Tetra and her crew but it didn’t mean he liked getting caught up in a storm, especially on a single-person boat.

      “Her and her father took me in, introduced me to the villagers, and showed me all that their island offered.

“I didn’t plan on staying that long, just until I could get another boat and return to Fable. I was almost ready, but then monsters started appearing. They were outside the village, in the forests, near the shore. You could not escape them, the villagers were afraid to leave their homes. Except for Marin. She stood outside every day singing her song, she’d sing it so loud that wandering monsters would try and shut her up, and each time she just kept singing louder and louder!” He let out a small chuckle and sighed.

“I had to save her every morning, and every morning she’d ask me to take care of myself, then I’d go clear out the monsters and be back by noon to join her on the beach. We’d do the same thing day in and day out and I’d never get bored.” They let him finish his food, graciously accepting another slice when Wild prompted, and took a deep breath in.

      And then out.

      “When I was 11, a couple months from turning 12-”

      -Were they hearing him correctly? 2 or so years he was on that island-

      “- on the second anniversary of Ganon’s defeat, I was approached by a talking owl who warned me the monsters would only get stronger and their camps would spread further, and that the only way to stop them was to wake The Wind Fish that slept at the top of Mount Tamaranch. And I accepted.

“I loved spending time with Marin and the others, they taught me how to love and how to trust again, but I had gotten a taste of freedom and adventure I had only found in the crawl. Every morning I’d promise Marin to bring her a new flower to tie in her beautiful red hair. And every night she’d cry as I wrapped my wounds. I kept it up until one day she stopped me.

“All that week she hadn’t waved goodbye, or been singing her song, and I hate myself for not asking her sooner how she was feeling!” He bunched up his fist, nails cutting into the palm of his hand, shimmery liquid pooling across the lines. He wiped it on his shirt, uncaring. “That morning as I told her where I was headed, when I’d be back, and what I was hoping to accomplish…  like I had been for the past three months I’d been dungeon-crawling - she hit me. She pounded her small, unscarred hands against my battered chest, crying and screaming. Yelling at me, saying she hated seeing me off every day, never knowing if that’d be the last we’d ever see of each other.

“I didn’t realize at that time.” He stopped and fumbled with his words, “She had to tell me through broken sentences that it had now been two years since she pulled me out of the water. Officially the start of spring…

“…I didn’t go out that day. Or that week. I took a short pause and focused on helping out around Mabe Village and whatever Marin’s father Tarin needed help with.”

      The morning sun was peering over the horizon. Legend looked up to watch it grace their muddy land, taking this time to watch his comrades. He smiled as he saw Wind asleep sitting up, head placed in his hand repeatedly dropping and startling the young sailor awake.

      Sky was tucked into the spot right next to Legend, eyes blinking slowly as he promised to hear Legend through to the end. Hands absentmindedly rubbing over the stitching on his sailcloth, thinking of Sun.

      Time and Warriors were awake and alert, both watching the outskirts of camp for danger and Legend when they could.

      The rest were in varying stages of consciousness, wanting to give all their attention to him, but also fighting tooth and nail with sleep.

      Legend laughed to himself. Then thought back, this is what he ran away from? Was this who he ran away from? “I asked her to marry me!” Well, that woke everyone, as eight pairs of eyes stared at him, each with a different form of shock. Followed by ever-growing smiles. 

      Sky reached a tired arm out, “I’m happy for you.”

      “Haa, she said I was an idiot. Then she kissed me.

“When I had blurted it out we had only known each other for 2 years and a couple of months. Hadn’t been dating nor had we even discussed it before, but I knew I loved her more than I thought possible and would do anything to not see her in pain. She was the one that brought me back to the beach, sitting on a fallen tree, water lapping at our feet. Her eyes were as red as her hair, and she constantly worried about me. I think that’s why I asked, so she’d know I would fight to return home for her sake. When I told her as much she smothered me and began crying so loudly her father rushed down and pulled her away in a hurry. 

“It took us hours for Tarin to finally listen to us, then I had to deal with being paraded around town as he showed off his ‘new son’ Marin laughed for days afterwards.” Legend raked a hand through his hair, maybe he should have left that part out, but he was having a hard time skipping bits of the story. Some of it was nice to get out, to tell other’s about. Some others… He didn’t exactly want people to know that once upon a time he was not as bitey or as hard to pick up.

      When he heard the abrupt snorts of Warriors' annoying laugh, and the guffaw of Wind’s he pulled his hat over his face to hide until they gave up.

      A couple minutes passed before Legend could continue in peace. “I promised her I’d take it easy and not run into danger as if my life didn’t matter. I took more time between the dungeons and I didn’t clear them as fast as before. Then, I was given more clues as to what I needed to complete my task; 8 wonderful instruments.”

      “So those, back at your home?” Wind asked, recalling the very first time they made it to Legends era… First time they met Ravio too.

      “Duplicates. To remember.

“A year after I asked for her hand, and almost a year and a half since she last cried, we started planning the event. It was a pain to decide the date, I wanted to do it on her birthday, she wanted to do it on mine… We decided to wed on the anniversary of when we first met. With a date set, I wanted to finish my task before then, that way we would have a peaceful life together. So, I’d spend a couple of weeks tracking and recovering an instrument, then dedicate a month to wedding planning.

“In between I worked on forging her a ring. Silver, with a Piece of Heart carefully carved and set. I’d come across different gems on my journey and she’d pick her favorites to decorate the sides of the ring with. She loved anything pink, just like Fable.” He sighed, rubbing over the many rings that decorated his fists, twisting the few placed on his ring finger. 

“She was wonderful. As beautiful as a field of flowers, and as strong as the trepidatious waves of the sea. She held me to my bullshit, but would join in on occasion. In fact, once I needed her help to locate a dungeon, the road had been blocked off by a Walrus who wouldn’t move until Marin came and sang for him. She dragged me across the island for a bit, going to the cliff near where we met, jumping after me into a hole, telling me not to hurt the hens.” Legend yawned, smiling faintly behind his hand. “There was this game in town, you move a claw and grab an item with it. I could barely control it, my timing was all off. But she. She begged me to let her play it, and yet when she grabbed ahold of the controllers she picked up the person in charge and got us banned!” He looked down at his now trembling hands, by the goddesses how he missed her.

      “She sounds amazing, kid.” Time spoke from his watch, making sure to look at Legend when he did. He knew what it was like to be in love, and didn’t like how one of his own had to feel such a loss.

      Legend blinked away the pain welling up in his eyes, convinced he was fine and could get through his story in one piece. “I came across a sign. It was more a carving on a wall, but that’s not the point. It told of the power of the Windfish’s dream, ‘To the finder… The Island of Koholint is but an illusion. Awake the dreamer, and Koholint will vanish much like a bubble on a needle.’ And I refused to listen!

“With less than a week remaining until our wedding and the last instrument almost in my possession, I crammed that last Dungeon into a single night, finished her ring the next day, and checked with Tarin that everything was set up for tomorrow afternoon. Marin could hardly sleep, she burst into my room dolled up in her dress, covered in bright flowers and flowing fabrics, jumping and exclaiming loudly how impatient she was. I had to drag her to my bed and pile blankets on her until she passed out, I followed not too long after.

“The next morning, Marin told me to complete my task, to wake the Wind Fish and save the island… Sometimes I wonder if she knew, or figured that something would happen. Another part of me then wonders why she would be so happy and so adamant for me to wake him up. My only solace was Marin choosing to come with me to play her song. Still wrapped up in her dress, and the ring tucked safely in my pocket we traversed up Mount Tamaranch and I into the Wind Fish’s resting spot, setting out to clear the monsters and locate him before bringing Marin in. 

“The moment we approached him the instruments burst to life, swirling around us in the air, glowing and playing soft notes. Marin sang so clearly and so loudly, and one by one the instruments joined in, building onto her beautiful melody. When we played the final note, and the Wind Fish woke I began feeling sick. The edges of my vision were fading, and the noises of the island were getting garbled and muffled. Marin grabbed my hand, shaking, and asked me to never forget the song, or her.

“When I awoke on my raft I was less than a week from Hyrule, spring had just started, and there was no island anywhere near me. In my desperate attempts for a peaceful life and home, I destroyed the only thing that ever mattered to me. Mabe Village, Animal Village, Tarin, Marin. They were all dead because of me.” Legend’s voice tapered off, Sky dragged himself over and placed his sailcloth back on the vet’s shoulders. Letting soft words roll out of his mouth.

      “It’s not your fault,” being one of them.

      “It was though!” Legend snapped, hands gripping his hair, threatening to yank it out by the fistfuls. “I read the signs, the fucking monsters told me straight up, and even that damned owl warned me what would happen. But I kept telling myself that everyone was real, that Marin was as real as I was!

“When I woke up I still had her ring tucked away and scars from the monsters that roamed the dungeons, from the nightmares that wanted the island for themselves. I had physical- painful - proof that something happened, but there was no island on any sea chart, no legends of a magical floating sky whale, and the last storm documented was 3 months ago.

“I spent 4 years away, learned new things about the world and about myself, but I returned the rest of the kingdom was just beginning to rebuild from Ganon’s attack.” Legend rubbed over the Triforce insignia plastered on his hand, picking at his piece of courage. Hylia-dammit how he wished it’d give him the strength to finish. To then rest for the remainder of the day.

      Time thumbed a silent song on his old ocarina, praying to Hylia he’d soon see Malon again. And again. And again, until they both grew old and died in each other’s arms.

      Sky stared at the Loftwing figure he’d been slowly whittling away for Sun. Maybe a ring was more important to be focusing on. Tomorrow was never promised anyway.

      “I do thank the goddesses when I think too hard.” Legend continued, “I thank them for the fact that Fable didn’t spend close to five years piecing her kingdom back together brick by brick all alone. Not yet Queen, but expected to handle it like she was. I know I don’t have as much power as her, or the same respect in the kingdom. And for that, I thank the goddesses that we were finally united.

"Fable is my last living relative, I can’t leave her all alone.” Golden blood crusted under his fingernail, rubbed onto his shirt, painting his cheek now in the light for everyone to see. Legend didn’t feel fear, but learned to keep a guard up near any knights roaming or villagers chatting. Myths and stories of the doomed fate of the royal boys - tossed aside for the power and protection of Hylia reborn forced Legend to hide his lineage.

      Warriors clapped Legends back, “That means you’re related to our Skychild here! Or very least, Sun.” Sky was dragged into the pile as Time and Twilight smiled from their seats. Sky hid behind his sailcloth and Legend hid behind his fists when he wasn't hitting Warriors.

      Warriors barely escaped, and not too long after Legend stared at the ground, picking at the dirt. “And thanks, too,”  Legend said past his shirt sleeves, bundled up in his hands, the very ones he was resting his head on. “Thank you for listening. I don’t know what the fuck crawled up my ass, but thanks for not telling me I’m crazy or- I don’t know.”

      “Hey,” Four spoke for the first time that morning, pulling his scabbard and shield onto his back, twisting his sword around in his hands, “Can’t be any crazier than hearing multiple voices in your head.” Four wanted to rip their goddess-damned throat out and feed it to a starving Octorok.

      As all eyes glanced worriedly over to him, some barely stopping from questioning the sanity of the only guy they trusted near fire and a pile of weapons. Four’s face scrunched up, brow furrowing then relaxing, over and over.

      Before anyone could voice anything though, Four beat them to the punch, eyes a multitude of swirling colors, and hand constantly switching positions on the sword's handle. “How much do we have to pay for you all to pretend you didn’t hear anything?”

Chapter Text

      Four bribed them each with 100 rupees, digging out his extra kinstones as further collateral (mostly to get the collector off his back, Legend could be easily swayed by shiny new objects).

      The goddesses must have loved them that week, because each of them were able to find a match when they were forced through a portal the next day, landing near Dot’s castle.

      And the bribe worked too, not one question was asked about Four’s sanity. Their time with Dot was about as normal as they could hope; say hi to the princess, clear out some monster camps, fix Wild’s three broken blades! You know, a typical Tuesday.

      But seeing as it was Wednesday, something was bound to happen.

△

      It was as Sky, Wind, Hyrule, and Four were out getting supplies in town, the others either babysitting Wild in the forge, or meeting with the Princess for updates on monster-related problems.

      Four and the others just met up after ransacking the stores around for all of their supplies, “We still nee- Let’s go visit Dottie -d to visit Ezlo and check on the settlements to the east.” Four hardly recognized his mistake - if that’s even the right word - but when he met the widened eyes of his peers, and their opened flabbergasted mouths, he took a moment to think and reflect. “You didn’t hear that, right?” He asked like the buffoon he is.

      “The hell was that?!” Wind shouted, pointing a shaky finger straight at Four.

      “How did you do that?” Sky asked with wonder as Hyrule nodded beside him.

      “Would you believe me if I said you imagined it?” Four tried. He really did. But he was met instead with him being dragged back to his forge without a chance to escape.

      They sat him in front of the other heroes, after kicking down his door and screaming for the others to ‘get their goddess-damned butts over here!’ as Wind so eloquently put it.

      It was a bit awkward to be standing in his shop, being stared at by what was more or less his family. “Wind, please.” Four shot a desperate look to the sailor who kept bouncing on his feet, but Four’s face curved into a glare before he could convince the other to stop the parade, “I swear to all that is holy!” But it was gone in a flash, he returned to his usual aloof demeanor, “I do not appreciate being shown around like a prized pet, please stop.”

      Wind turned to everyone else, “Didja see that?” waving his hands around, looking back from the chain to Four, and back again to check their reactions. Sky and Hyrule still looked amazed and perplexed.

      Time, ever the leader, leaned back in his seat. “Neat trick you got there. Here I thought only Malon and the likes could flip on a dime like that.”

      Four’s face was burning as Warriors laughed, they pulled their hood over their head and buried deep into its plush fabric as he conversed with himself, checking what options would save his dignity.

      He turned away from the group to discuss it in private.

      “I’m not against pulling a Legend and running away, but I swear on Vaati’s decaying corpse, I am NOT gonna tell them anything.” He exclaimed, brushing his hair behind his ear.

      Only to push it back to shield his face, “Yes I will!”

      “No. I. Won’t.”

      Twilight stepped forward and tapped their shoulder, hoping to startle him out of his head, to no result.

      Four just continued his one-person argument. “Blue, you can’t-”

      “-Red I swear to all-”

      Another touch, this time Four flinched before speaking up, he still wasn’t talking to them, however. “-Blue, stop. Don’t you know how to listen? Haven’t you realized everyone can hear us?” Four’s eyes widened at his own words; a quick flash of color accompanied it, as he shot a look at the rest of the group who stood around him now, “There is nothing to protect anymore, just give up!”

      Four straightened out his hair, patting down the loose ends, then meticulously brushed over his tunic. He removed his hood as he turned and smiled hesitantly at his brothers. “I’m sorry about that. Where were we?” He played it off, keeping his arms down at his sides, shifting uncomfortably to one side as his smile would drop a smidge and come back crooked.

      “Oh no. You aren’t getting off that easily!” Warriors was the first to react, shoving his way to the front, “What was that?”

      But his question was rudely interrupted when Wind jumped onto his back to ask his own, “How did you do that?! Are you a wizard?”

      Four broke his front, letting a small laugh escape, “I told you so Vi, you’ve got to accept it now.”

      Before he suddenly stood rigid, and began messing with his fingernails in turn, “Just because I dabble, does not constitute me or us as a ‘wizard’ - it is an earned title, delegated by the Department of Magic, from which I was banned.” He dropped his hands only to immediately cross them in front of his chest as he rolled his eyes and huffed, “You create a bottomless pit of dark energy in your basement one time!”

      Hushed whispers of ‘why bottomless?’ and ‘dark energy?’ began floating around the room as Four’s usual dull eyes returned, shaking off the feeling crawling up the back of his neck.

      Twilight, who had not backed up since startling the young smith a bit ago, gave a short smile, trailing a tad on the ‘I’m worried about you, but trying to not let it show’ side, “You back with us Four?”

      Four shook his head, grabbing the nearest stool to sit, “Didn’t go nowhere.” He muttered, fixing his hair to how he liked it, “I think I’m coming down with something.” He provided, although he didn’t feel sick, nor had he done anything to cause him to be. He had no other explanation for the mixing his brain and the Colors were doing.

      Safe to say Four - RedBlueGreenVio - FOUR was under constant watch, for some odd reason the others didn’t think he was ‘in the right mind’ and shouldn’t ‘be unsupervised’ pah! Sure, it was strange to have bits of the colors seep out, but it wasn’t unusual; back when they first remerged he scared the town shitless with his constant one-sided conversations. This was different, true. The color’s weren’t separated, more like control was easier to nab and whoever had anything to say was heard.

      But Hylia above. Why?

△

      They left Dot and her kingdom a week later, falling into the twisting maze of Time’s Hyrule Castle. Everyone knew their roles and wasted no time completing them, except for Four, and Warriors - who was on babysitting duty.

Hoorah!!

      The two meandered down to the town, restocking supplies and window-shopping as well.

      Four tied his wallet close, the clink clack of the rupees lost to the crevice of his mind. He was still, eyes glazed and changing hue at dizzying speeds. “Four?” He didn’t think. Couldn’t even think about thinking, “Four? Hello.” No one was present, where did they go?

      He felt hands on his shoulder as he gasped back into the present, “Four!” Warriors looked panicked, sweat pooling on his forehead. “Four?” He asked softer, “You with me.”

      Four tried his mouth, opening and closing until words arrived at the gate, “I’m not sure who I am sometimes. Am I me, or am I them?” He nodded in response to Warriors. “I’m here, Warriors.” He frowned, that didn’t feel right. “We’re here. They’re here.” Both felt right, but at the same time not how he should explain the colors.

      Warriors dragged them to the nearest bench and forced Four to sit, grabbing some water from his pouch before thrusting it into Four’s hands. “What has been going on, Four? You’ve been off since last week.”

      Four let out a side laugh, waterskin up to his lips, “We’ve always been off.” He responded before taking a gulp. “They're just now a bit more off than usual.”

      Warriors brows tilted in, “We, they? Four have you been getting enough rest, enough food? It’s not wrong to ask for a break, you do know that, yes?”

      Four rolled his blue eyes, huffing, “We know, Sir, we’ve been doin’ this long enough to know our limits.”

      “‘Sides, we can tag out if it gets too bad - we’ve done it before and none of y’all have caught on.” Four was smiling. Like, goddess above actually smiling. He took another gulp of water, mouth stretched from ear to ear, rocking in his seat, kicking his legs without a care in the world.

      Warriors had to double-take the absolute 180 Four performed in less than 2 minutes. He shook his head clear as he watched Four jump off the bench, swinging his arms as he walked around Warriors. “Four?” He asked, unsure if some magician body-swapped his brother when he wasn’t watching.

      “Warriors?” 

      “You are Four, right? No offense, but you’re acting more like Wind on sugar.”

      “Should have figured, you’ve always been sharper than the others.” 

      Warriors took a step back, hand reaching for his sword.

      Four recoiled, tucking his arms into his sides, “I’m sorry Vio, I didn’t think.”

      “We’ll be fine, Warriors isn’t going to do anything. But please be more careful around the others.”

      “What makes you say I won’t do anything?” Warriors questioned, sword hanging limply at his side, watching Four(?) carefully.

      “Because, I have no qualms over killing ‘friends’.” Warriors took a step back, eyes sharp as he scanned Four for imperfections, proof that this wasn’t his brother. “Don’t think I haven’t thought out everything, ‘they’ll know, time will stop you’ I’m sure you’re thinking something along those lines… You have no idea how far I would go. How easy it would be: pin the blame on Dink, blame it on your war trauma, monster attack, food poisoning. Those are just the simple ones, but I’m sure you get the picture.” Warriors was Hylia-Damned scared of whatever stood in front of him. He did his best to not show it on his face, but the way his sword came up to protect him as Four walked closer and closer to him said everything. “Do you understand me?”

      Warriors gave a silent nod, which seemed to do the trick as Four became more recognizable, posture relaxing, eyes closing and opening with the kindness he had grown to know Four for.

      Whatever had washed over his friend was gone, he hoped forever, but Warriors knew he wasn’t that lucky.

Chapter Text

      When Warriors was assigned the task of watching over Four and making sure whatever sickness was working through him didn’t leave Four for dead, he thought it’d be an easy task. Four was sick, just sick.

      So why? Why was he threatening Warriors within an inch of his life?

      “I have no qualms over killing… Do you understand me?”

      Warriors blanched as Four began to stand down, he prayed to the skies above that Four wouldn’t reverse his decision to spare him.

      Perhaps he should have prayed harder.

△

      Four and he continued their trek around town, air heavy and tense between them. Every so often Warriors would hear Four mutter something, last he heard was the huff of, “we can’t fucking trust him.” Wars just buried that away. He would not react, he could not afford to react.

      Throughout the walk Wars had to stop himself from observing Four’s unusual cadence, each step cold and calculated - as if he had some goal to reach, and weren’t simply shopping on a warm summer's day.

      Sometimes Wars would find himself thinking of past comrades who held themselves with the same regalia, and how he had to push his sword through their necks for the sake of the war.

      ‘Don’t react.’ He’d remind himself.

      He hopes he’s just having a bad day.

-

      As they approached a quaint bakery off the beaten path, hidden kindly amongst the shrubbery, Four checked him with his shoulder, hard enough for Warriors to know it wasn’t an accident. “Fucking watch it, Captain.” Four spat out, only to then walk into the store with the brightest smile that’s probably ever graced this world.

      Four was out of sight as Warriors threw his hands up, incredulous to the bullshit he was tossed into.

      It continued like that; they’d visit another shop, Warriors would be threatened in some way, shape, or form then, Four would walk in with a bounce to their steps.

      It was giving Warriors a headache and that was starting to piss him off. But he’d grit his teeth, release his sword, and remind himself that that would not be for the sake of the war. He never crossed that line, even though he had to jump rope with it during the War of Eras.

-

      Now, he wasn’t always threatened by Four, sometimes, with a soft smile on his face and a wonder in his eyes, Four would just talk. Talk talk talk. Just babbling on about anything and everything.

      “…and then blue bonked me on the head, and-and green…” Ah, yes. Four would not stop bringing up random colors.

      Warriors was not as dumb as the veteran would have you believe, he could tell that somehow those ‘colors’ were people, maybe related to Four in some way, but at this point, Warriors’ head hurt too much to try and figure it out.

      He didn’t mind when Four talked, it was a nice change of pace. Warriors just wishes Four would talk more often than he attacked.

△

      Four was grumbling over his sword and travel whetstone, carefully inspecting his precious weapon as he sharpened it to deadly perfection. He twirled it in his arms getting a feel for the balance, then let out a few practice parries. The blade felt at home in his hands, responding as if another limb with each swing Four took. 

      Warriors watched on, observing Four’s every move, every breath. He could see the muscles in Four’s face clench and unclench as he shuffled through emotions, each swap brought about a new look towards the blade; pride, relief, wonder. There was a fourth. Following a kaleidoscope of bright colors, Four looked on with a dark tint to the world, instead of simply marveling at his handiwork he stood still.

      As much as he hated this tit-for-tat they were playing, Warriors felt unreluctant to check on Four. He was still his brother and teammate, and Warriors would be beside himself if it was his stubbornness that changed that truth.

      He knew Four could see him.

      He could see the dark violet eyes follow him, even as Four remained unmoving.

      It was not an accident on Warriors' part that he moved loudly, he was not keen to be on the business end of a newly sharpened blade. He cleared his throat, but Four did no more than glare.

      Fine.

      Warriors walked in front of his teammate, not bothering to kneel to his level. “Four, now’s not the time to freeze.”

      But Four refused to move.

      Warriors huffed, “goddess dammit,” he muttered to himself, turning away so Four couldn’t hear as he spoke, “he hasn’t done anything. Yet - hasn’t done anything yet. Link, you’re probably tired, don’t yell ‘Witch’ if you’re not ready to hold the pyre. Augh, but what of our brothers? Will their sacrifices be in vain if we fall in the face of ‘friendship’?”

      Four was resting under a tree when he turned back around, blade cradled in his tired arms.

      Warriors’ head hurt like hell.

△

      Warriors did his best to resist the urge to hit Four over the head - nature’s snooze-button and all that - and Four did his worst at the opposite, sneaking up on him, (though is it considered sneaking if he’s stomping his boots with every step?) armed with an oversized hammer.

      Warriors’ head was throbbing, and he’d long given up his critical thinking skills, tired beyond belief, just trying to distance Four from himself while also still babysitting the murderous traitorous hero. Perhaps that’s why, as he heard the shuffle of Four’s boots, he pulled out a blade he had long since hidden, afraid of its power to hurt friends and foes alike. He drew it slowly, watching as the purple gems on the pommel, hilt, and blade swirled with shadows instead of shining in the light.

      He could see Four falter a step, eyes locked on the dark silver of the serrated blade, staring in awe of the craftsmanship on the dark embellishments.

      “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Four spoke, as if Warriors was the one in the wrong, the one who hadn’t watched their brother and teammate go against their beliefs and roles as chosen heroes.

      Warriors said nothing, sword gripped in his hands as his mind went blank.

      Four returned the motion, Hammer still placed in one hand, he drew his sword with the other and held it against the captain's throat, impeding his ability to take deep breaths, forced to breathe fast and light. His head still felt like hell.

      “Need I tell you again how far I am willing to go? Fine; I killed the only love I’ve ever known just for the safety of myself.” Four glared at Warriors for a moment, “There is no line I won’t cross to protect my family.” This was the only warning Warriors would get, the final straw. Four then sighed and put away his blade. “How fortunate for you that I still consider you a brother.”

      He shook his head clear and raised his hammer high, “Yeah? Well I consider him a bother!” he shot back as he tightened his grip on his weapon of choice.

      Warriors’ fears were given stock with the words that spewed from Four’s mouth; Four would leave his body for the Moblins, leaving the rest of his teammates blindsided to his inevitable betrayal of the group.

      ‘Brother’ Four called him, as if that arbitrary position truly held him back.

      Wars had watched his ‘brothers’ turn their backs on their teammates and families for a madwoman and some dark magic.

      Family meant nothing to these kinds of people. Nothing to traitors.

      Warriors stood up and quick as light had his blade rest on Four’s chest, point to heart, only some measly muscles and bones prevented Warriors from carrying on. “I’m not a damned fool.” He hissed, eyes boring a hole into Four’s being, “Set down your weapon, or you will find out how little I care about your life.”

      Four cried.

      Big red wobbly eyes released the floodgates, but Warriors had no time for crocodile tears. He wouldn’t let this thing come back to the group, he let the torment go on for far too long just because it had the face of a friend.

      He knew long ago how easily a friendly face could betray, or were the severed heads just a lie?

      Four’s eyes dried as Warriors knew they would, now darkened over as they grabbed the blade and yanked it closer, tearing into the gold embroidery that decorated his eyesore of a tunic. “Do it. I fucking dare you!” Icy eyes flashed as they both refused to stand down. “Do it, and you’ll prove nothing…. Do it, and I’ll prove everything.” Warriors nearly dropped his weapon, grip failing as his teammates spoke in his ears.

      “Stop.” Warriors drew the sword back towards him, the pommel hitting his sternum as his teammates yelled in his ears, “Stop!”

      “C’mon! You’re nothing but a ‘perfect soldier’, uncaring about the lives of others… so long as they obey your every command. A Captain who is only good at leading his friends to their deaths!”

      That was a line that Warriors wouldn’t let anyone cross.

      Without hesitation or even thinking, Warriors tore his scarf off and lunged for the smaller hero, throwing their weapons into the mud.

      Wars slammed Four into the grass when he lunged, the world red around his eyes, blinded by the rage he felt down to his toes.

      He yanked Four’s arm behind his back, knee on his spine as he pulled just shy of dislocating, “Don’t talk about my comrades like you know what we went through!”

      Four grunted and hissed as his arm was pulled too far back. He gritted his teeth and turned over, lessening the pull and knocking Warriors off him, “Then stop acting like we’ve betrayed you.” Four warned, dodging a swing at his stomach, catching Warriors off balance, sending him crashing into the floor. “Wars, look at yourself, you are in no condition to fight!”

      “Fuck yeah, look how easily we’re beating you.”

      “Please stop! Let’s just talk!”

      Warriors couldn’t hear them past the ringing in his ears, but he saw them. Saw their faces, their body language. It doesn’t matter what Four was saying if it was just to mock him.

      He grabbed behind Four’s knee and sent him down to the ground, holding his face into the dirt.

      He didn’t let go at the sounds of Four’s muffled yells.

            He didn’t let go when Four took loud, long breaths.

                  He didn’t let go when Four’s limbs flailed.

                        He didn’t let go when Four’s body shook.

      He only let go when Four finally stopped.

-

      A sense of calm washed over Wars for the first time that day.

      The danger was gone, he saved his teammates from a terrible fate.

      Better him, who has witnessed the ramifications a single betrayal could spiral into; comrades disobeying, wars lost, friends forgotten.

      Better him, who knew the signs and had the power to act accordingly.

      Better him, who had blood already on his hands. 

△

      A sense of dread washed over the chain as they searched for Warriors and Four. Hushed whispers floated around town of two individuals making a racket, others talked about a fight happening at the edge of the city. Whatever it was, Time prayed for their safety.

      When they found Warriors’ scarf tossed into a mud pile, accompanied by two weapons - one being Four’s beloved blade, the other unfamiliar to most but that Time faltered at - no one knew what to expect. They knew at the very least to be prepared for anything, and to be ready to shove potions down both heroes’ throats.

      Sky picked up the dirty royal-blue scarf, wiping off what mud he could before folding it and placing it into his storage for safe-keeping. Wars was attached to his scarf, it would take more than a miracle for him to take it off.

      Time led them forward, warning them to keep an eye out for their missing comrades. It only took a few steps to find one. He didn’t know what he was seeing, and his missing eye certainly didn’t help.

      Thank Hylia for Hyrule, who was quick to run over to an unmoving Warriors. 

      The captain sat on the grass leaned against a tree, legs stretched out with bruised and battered knuckles resting over top. He was bleeding from slight scratches on his face, but he didn’t seem to care, didn’t try wiping the blood away even as it continued to tear down to his chin.

      He didn’t move as Hyrule kneeled beside him, riffling through his bag for two potions; red health and green magic, taking the Green Potion for himself, then coaxing a bit of the Red Potion into Warriors mouth.

      Warriors coughed it back up and onto the ground beneath him. Hyrule paled, to heal Wars with only his magic would wear both of them out, but if Warriors couldn’t even swallow a single sip… they needed to get Wars to work with them. “Wars?” Hyrule tried, shaking the captain’s shoulders. “Warriors?” No response.

      Hyrule turned towards Time, “He’s not moving, I don’t think he can hear me. Perhaps Four can tell us what happened.” He suggested, turning back to Wars to continue checking him for hidden wounds.

      They watched as Hyrule healed the tiny scratches on Wars’ face, and the knuckles that were damaged beyond belief. Until they got Wars to respond, or found Four, that was as far as Hyrule could heal him.

      A sudden, “WE NEED A FAIRY!” rattled the chain out of their uneasing patience.

      It was Legend - who never screams, no matter the damage.

      They spared a glance at the still unmoving Warriors and then all ran to the voice around the corner to meet Legend, standing with his own potion hanging limply by his side.

      Four laid face-down in some mud, tunic ripped a bit and hair tangled with dirt and blood.

      Hyrule threw himself onto the floor wasting no time as he rolled Four over. There was no resistance, Four’s body complied with every push Hyrule gave. He froze, hands still over Four’s silent chest.

      “What part of we need a fucking fairy don’t you get!” Legend called, riffling through any bag he could find.

      It wasn’t lost to the group what a Fairy was good for, but some didn’t dare jump that far. “You don’t mean…” Wind called, watching Hyrule card his fingers through Four’s rough hair.

      Legend didn’t hold back, “If he isn’t already dead he will be if we can’t get him A fucking fairy!” He yelled that last part, looking through Wild’s Sheikah Slate. He messed with a few screens then, with a fairy now in hand, rushed over to Four.

-

      Four’s breaths were still shallow as they carried him over to Warriors, who was in the same spot they left him. But when Four was sat next to him, he tensed. Eyes blinking back into reality.

      “Take-” Wars’ throat stung from the disuse, splitting his sentence apart. “Take him away.” He warned, pathetic glares flew from him to Four.

      Four’s eyes fluttered open, new noises and textures invading his brain. He saw Time and Sky, Wind and Wild. Blinking, he looked around to see the rest waiting with worried faces. Then he saw the Captain. “Take him away!” He yelled automatically as he tried - and failed - to push himself away, his voice pitchy and tired.

      For once the colors agreed, they didn’t want to see Warriors, didn’t even want to be near him. He had spent too long staring at them, watching their every move, so sure they were going to turn on him just because he couldn’t keep it together.

      Four knew the colors’ intertwining made him seem like a freakshow, and yes, Vio and Blue blew everything out of proportion. But Warriors is a grown-ass hero who should get his head out of his ass and realize not everyone is going to act the same - even moment to moment.

      “No one is moving.” Time commanded, “Not until Hyrule has healed you.” With that Hyrule scampered over and handed them both a Red Potion, letting them finish before placing glowing hands over their bodies.

      Everyone held their breaths until Hyrule leaned back, graciously taking a Green Potion from Legend’s stash. “They’ll be fine now. Warriors should get a bit of rest, and Four cannot - for any reason - leave bedrest for a couple days.”

      Four scoffed, “We’re fine.” only to then hit himself over the head, “Listen to Hyrule, you idiot!”

      “Who’re you calling an idiot?”

      “Hmmm I don't know, maybe the one who couldn’t leave well enough alone and picked a fight with our brother?”

      “I stand with Blue - words I never believed I would utter - the Captain was all too keen on cutting us down, simply for existing.”

      Warriors huffed, “Don’t pull that in front of the others. You spoke loud and clear how far your intentions ran should I spill whatever bullshit secret you think I know - or care about!”

      “You don’t even know why we’re pissed?!” Four returned, staring at Warriors as if he had three heads.

      “Of course not! You did not give any explanations. You just had an argument with yourself, then pulled your weapon on me. Not to mention the many other attacks you played. And should I remind you that you were the one who insulted my dead comrades.”

      “Blue, why do you exist? All you do is cause us trouble.” Four laughed nervously under his breath, rubbing his hands in his hair. He huffed back, “I protect us. Doesn’t matter who could hurt us, I stand against them. And besides, Vio was the one who threatened him first”

      Time stepped forward, “Don’t think you two are getting away without an explanation.” He warned, leaning down to pick the injured heroes up and over his shoulders, “But for now, you both are resting for a full night.”

      “Hylia kill me.” Four sighed.

      “Not if I do it first!”

Chapter Text

      It was the same day in, day out.

      Everything in him was telling him to run.

      To just keep running, to not ever stop.

      Never look back, just…

R

U

N

!

      Every minute of his quest was the same. He jumped, dodged, and countered. It was all he could do. It was all he was supposed to do.

      He couldn’t let them in, couldn’t let them near. Jump, dodge, block.

      He couldn’t let a hit connect. It’d be all over. Jump, block, slash. Everything he worked for, everything The Hero of Legend left him, would be swallowed by the darkness.

      No wounds, no scars. Perfect and pristine.

      Flawed, and filthy. That was all he felt as he crawled through the caves, smearing himself with mud and dirt and the blood of monsters, better than his own. He’d pray to those above that the Eyes never found him, that they’d give up searching. He never was that lucky.

      It was always the same in his Hyrule, but… he hadn’t returned home for a while. A new adventure sweeping him up and depositing him in nicer, brighter kingdoms.

△

      Hyrule was stuck in his mind, everything seemed too much. There was too much to focus on.

      Sounds that muffled potential enemies.

      Smells that he’d never met before, scents of calm, scents of family, scents of trust.

      Views he’d only dreamed of; grass so green it glowed, a blue sky so ethereal he’d believe someone if they told him that was Hylia herself.

      Good or bad, there was too much to focus on and it made his skin prickle, and his heart race.

      Hyrule was stuck in his head, remembering his life before he found himself transported across time.

      He was absently watching his surroundings with a cautious eye, watching his teammates for unusual behaviors - no one would catch him off guard, not even Warriors who kept tripping Four, or Sky who was smiling at the great sky above.

-

      He kept an eye open as he slept, watching and listening for anything different. It didn't matter if it never sounded wrong, he couldn’t chance it, even with the other Heroes around. How blessed he would be to enjoy a moment of rest, however. 

      When he came to in the morning the sun was glaring above the tree line, threatening to wake the rest even before the cuccos could. He sat up on his bedroll, stretching out his tired muscles. Legend, ever the early riser, joined him holding out a steaming mug of apple cider. Freshly made, thanks to the rows of orchards that guarded his property.

      Legend’s home permeated with a sweet summer scent, like waves in the ocean.  Hyrule half wondered if it was to remind Legend of Marin - and how easy it is to lose yourself in the heroics.

      Hyrule can’t afford to lose.

      Hyrule has to be prepared every second of every day, because one second is all it would take for the world to be ravaged.

      He can’t afford to lose focus, to lose himself. But, he’d get distracted...

      ‘Hyrule, watch how long I can hold my breath!’

      ‘Ruile, I saw a cave entrance not too far, wanna help me raid it?’

      ‘Traveler, would you like to spar?’

      His family was making him weak. Not that they themselves were weak, but he wasn’t keeping his guard fortified. His hefty walls had cracked, and it was so easy to see the light that peered through.

       ‘What harm could one day do?’ He’d find himself asking as Wild and he sat on a hilltop surrounded by nothing but the summer breeze, and a field of flowers. He’d be quickly reminded of what One Day could bring as he placed his hand behind him only for it to be snagged on the thorns of a beautiful plant.

      Then, it was instinct:

      Hold the wound tight, bring it to his mouth to hold the blood back, then recite the most powerful healing spell he could muster. 

      It never mattered if the wound actually penetrated through the skin or not, you could never guarantee that it wouldn’t become irritated and peel away into a bigger scar. Better to kill it before it begins.

      Before it began to kill him.

△

      Hyrule was fine with keeping this to himself. He couldn’t let them know how much of a burden he was during a fight. They’d bench him, protect him, get hurt for him. He was capable enough. “I’m afraid to bleed.” He muttered, kicking the road as they continued their walk to Kakariko.

      His head snapped up, he didn’t mean to say that out loud. He stopped in his tracks as heads turned to meet him, concern painted over their faces, especially Legend and Time.

      “We’re all scared of something, kiddo.” Their leader settled on, shaking the group out of their stupor as he continued walking. When Hyrule matched his pace, Time continued, “It’s how you deal with your fears that matters. I have seen you jump between a teammate and a weapon, you may not like bleeding, but you’re more scared of someone else being hurt. Am I right?”

      Hyrule paused momentarily, the ground suddenly becoming very interesting. “You are not wrong.” He answered, returning to his normal pace, settled in the middle of the group. “I know I said I was afraid to bleed… And I am. But, I’m more terrified about what happens next.”

      A few voices rose above, stagnant and startled, unable to say anything past: uh, what, and huh.

      Hylia above, why couldn’t he keep his mouth shut!? “I am the only thing holding back the destruction of the Kingdom, and I am the one who’ll start it.”

      Case in point.

-

      Hyrule did the only thing he knew to do, he ran.

      They were at the entrance of Kakariko so he just darted into the unfamiliar town, picking the first building that felt safe. He slammed the door shut, letting huffs of breath barge out of his chest. Once his lungs slowed enough he could make out the interior of the poor building he exploded into.

      It was a tavern of sorts. People were drinking at the bar, some at tables for two. And in the back music gently wormed itself into his ears. Everything was unobtrusive. The music was calm, the lights dim, and even the chatter never got too much.

      Hyrule shook out a breath and took a seat at the bar.

      “Iffin yous gots a bottle, tis only 10 Rupees for a glass.” The man behind the bar stated, startling Hyrule out of his slump. The old man carried on with his job, wiping the counter down with an old rag as he waited for a response.

      Hyrule looked at him confused until the words finished processing. He shrugged and dug out a couple of his many empty bottles and a Red Rupee, “Can I also get one to go, please?”

      He took the bottles and the money with a grin, “Ya betcha.”

      Hyrule drank what turned out to be milk in silence, groaning and shaking his head every time he thought about how he just darted off from the group. They probably hated him for that. He couldn’t handle one conversation, he just had to run away like a coward.

      His drink vanished slowly but surely, and as he finished the last drop and settled the bottles back into his bag he found it disturbing that none of his fellow heroes came barging in to pull him back with them. Maybe they didn’t care about him as much. Hyrule didn’t really mind the thought, he was used to being alone.

      He thanked the barkeep and left the bar with a clearer head than he started with.

      The sun was glaring down when he exited. Holding his hand over his eyes to provide some shade he looked to the left, then to the right taking in the surroundings of Legend’s Kakariko Village - which from where he stood was mostly a hedge wall.

      He looked at the entrance to the town and walked away, down the right path. Next door was a cucco coop that was fenced in, and a nice-looking lady stood out with her animals tossing seeds out on the ground, her back to Hyrule.

      He walked closer and leaned on the fence, catching his breath and watching nature pass by. The woman turned to focus on the other wandering cuccos when she shrieked and clutched at her chest.  “Oh my! I’m - I’m so sorry, I didn’t notice you there, my chicks always fill my head I hardly notice the world passing.” Her breathing slowed down and slowly her body relaxed back to normal. “Did ya wanna come in and help me and my coop?” 

      Hyrule shrugged and entered without a second thought, people were really nice in Legend’s Hyrule.

-

      He helped her carry supplies around, she showed him how to check the hens for eggs, and even made him a short snack when his stomach had disrupted their work. She was wonderful company, never digging for information, always occupied with her flock.

      Time flew by under the guise of hard work. Before Hyrule knew it, an hour had passed.

      Hyrule took a seat on the fence, resting his now sore limbs and letting the sunlight hit his sweat-soaked face. He was about ready to hop down, find his group, and apologize for running off when a muffled yet sharp noise grabbed his attention.

      He half thought it was one of the chicks chirping, but all were accounted for in their coop - and the sound was distinct enough to dissuade Hyrule from that theory.

      He hopped off the fence and followed his ears closer and closer, landing on top of the cucco’s sand-pit. The squeaking was clearer and panicky. Hyrule’s constant use of magic provided some heightened senses - he could feel a river of life buried beneath the sand. Small, magical - not like his fairy siblings, but still one of Hylia’s creatures. It needed help.

      He dropped to his knees and began digging at the sand.

      The sand was proving difficult. He’d get a mound pushed away, then without fail it’d start trickling in back where he was trying to dig. 

      He huffed and puffed, silently begging the sand to work with him. The sharp squeak of whatever was trapped filled his ears and drowned his heart with worry.

      The woman reappeared from her coop, holding a small brown sack, “Hey, it’s not much-” she cut herself off as she watched Hyrule dig at her ground.

      If it were any other situation he’d’ve brushed himself off and apologized for making a mess, but, there was a life at stake here. He continued his excavation, “I can explain, I heard and felt something trapped under here. I cannot seem to pull the sand faster than it falls to get to it!” He groaned as his pile finished falling.

      As he pulled his hands out, ready to try again, she called out, “I’ve got shovels, gimme a second!” as she raced into her home.

      Moments later she ran out with two identical items. They reminded Hyrule much of a spoon, but more similar to Legend’s Sand Rod - what he’d give to have that right now.

      She tossed him one, then threw hers scoop-first into the pit, the handle poking out just enough. She tossed the brown sack she was fiddling with before and a pair of gloves towards Hyrule before she equipped her hands with her own pair, “It ain’t much, but I wanted to thank ya for helping me and my girls! Also, them gloves will give ya a better grip.” She dug in while Hyrule tucked away what seemed to be a hundred rupees into his pocket, joining her soon after.

      They worked in tandem, digging and flinging sand out at a faster pace than it could reform. Hyrule could feel the strands of magic that connected him to everything become clearer, and the chirps that echoed closer only made him more determined.

      His shovel hit something hard, and he was quick to toss it aside and go at it with his hands, brushing earth aside to uncover what turned out to be a soft pink creature.

      He gently cupped his hands around it and pulled it up and out, falling onto his back before sitting up.

      “What is it?” She asked, scootching closer to his closed hands. And that was a very good question.

      He opened his hands to get a better look at this strange creature. It was no bigger than his fist, a soft pink color on its squishy body, with a hard swirled shell that faded from purple to teal downwards. It had two black beady eyes that bore into Hyrule’s soul.

      It was adorable!

      Before Hyrule could try talking to it, the lady scooped it into her hands and raised it up smiling at the creature, “Sweetheart, what were you doing way down there?” She asked with a very sweet tone, Hyrule didn’t think she expected an answer, but anything is possible.

     The thing chirped, and she cooed in return, twirling with it held gently in her grasp.

      Suddenly, she stopped.

      She stared at the little thing chirping away in her hands, brought it up to her face, then - with a rather worried look - examined it closer.

      It chirped again and she gasped. “A Maiamai.”

      “A what?” Hyrule couldn’t help but ask.

      “A Maiamai. My friend, the Hero. He asked me to help him find these little creatures he called Maiamai’s. He said to listen out for the high-pitched sounds they make. Link also said that they really like to hide. This hasta be one of ‘em!”

      Hyrule looked at her, then at the little Maiamai in surprise, “The Hero? Should we bring it to him?”

      Her shoulders slumped as she cradled the Maiamai under her chin, “Shucks I would, but I hadn’t seen that fool since his wedding.”

      “Leg-!” Hyrule stopped mid-yell, cleared his throat, and continued like a sane person, “Sorry. Link is married? To whom, when?”

      “Been a couple months now, probably comin’ onto a year - shy a few months - now that I’m thinkin’ ‘bout it. They were both so excited, I never knew that Link could smile, like at all.” The lady looked like she had more to say, but one of her chicks began squawking and came barreling out of the coop straight towards her.

      “Henrietta, what’s up girl?” She questioned, lifting her legs as the cucco weaved in and out of her footpath. “Wait! Girl.”

      She dropped the Maiamai into Hyrule's unexpected hands, “I’m sorry, Hen can’t sleep without a story. Say, if you run into that hero or his partner could you give him our little companion, thanks sweetheart!” And with that she grabbed the cucco and headed back to the coop with it tucked under her arm, bawking the whole way.

△

      Hyrule could hardly remember why he had ran from the group. He feels it was the fear that they would think differently - or less - of him. But now, having spent time not thinking about his actions, he could see how silly that was.

      They were probably worried, but knew to give him time and space to collect himself before they bombarded him.

      Hyrule breathed out a sigh of relief, opening his eyes to the wonder that was the tiny Maiamai resting in his hands. They both had a long day, and he could not wait to find his friends and tell them the truth they deserved.

      As he walked through Kakariko, unsure with each step, Hyrule did his best to entertain his guest, one whom he fears he may grow attached to. He made funny faces, rubbed at its belly, lightly scratched its shell. It enjoyed every second, but with each second it grew more and more tired. Hyrule could relate.

      Hyrule was half tempted to just pick a tree and nap, but when he heard the familiar clanging of metal on metal - that was as stealthy as a Moblin on Wild’s Master Cycle - he knew that his group was just around the bend.

      Hyrule reluctantly moved from the treeline that was beckoning his name. Walking towards them, his friend shielded from the sun, he zeroed in on Legend.

      He made his way with slow steps, watching the uneven ground with caution. “Legend.” He called out, relief poured off everyone’s face when they turned and saw him. Legend’s tough posture seemed to relax as well. “Hey, I’m sorry for running off like that. Here, Legend. There was a nice lady with a flock of cuccos, we found this thing buried in the sand.” He opened his hands for the veteran to see his tiny friend.

      Legend scooped it up with gentle ease, cradling it with two hands. “Where’d you find her? Her mother has been worried sick!”

      Hyrule let the two have their moment, watching Legend check her over for any bumps and bruises. While a bit off-putting to see Legend with anything but the neutral face of displeasure, it showed how much he cared for his kingdom, quite literally as they had learned a few shifts ago, and all of its denizens.

     But all was not well, for Hyrule still had bigger fish to throw under the cart (or however the saying went). He beckoned for Legend to hand her back over, placing her on top of his unruly hair. He took a few steps back. Then, just for good measure, a few more. Safely away from Legend and the group, but still part of the party, he pointed his finger towards Legend and raised his voice, “Why didn’t you tell us you were married!”

      Oh, the joys of hearing seven usually loud heroes emit nothing but silence was a treat to be held. Legend’s choking played loud and clear in the clearing where they found themselves reunited in.

      “-Mar. Who told you I was- I’m not married. What’s marriage?!” Was the panicked ramblings of a 6-times-over veteran of the hero business, who had nothing to hide.

      Sky approached in a rush, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him, “Legend! You’re supposed to tell us these things.”

      “Yeah, Vet. I thought you loved us?!” Warriors called from afar.

      Legend pushed Sky off, hiding his face, “I never said that! I swear to Lolia almighty, I won’t invite you into my home ever again if you keep it up.”

      Wind had an epiphany, “Guys! Who does Legend share his home with? He’s totally married to Ra-” Legend slapped his hand over the young pirate's mouth and attempted to drag him away. He would have gotten away with it too, if Wind hadn’t still been an ornery child. He licked the vet's hand with a grin on his face.

      “Ewww. You are so gross!” He tossed Wind aside and wiped his hand off on Warriors’ tunic, who immediately started a scuffle with the vet.

      What a kerfuffle this has turned into.

-

      Hyrule kept back - he would fully apologize for running off later - but for now, it was nice to not do the same thing day in and out.

      To take a breath, and enjoy the company of those akin to him- even if that company could be more than he was used to.

      He wouldn’t trade them for anything in the world.