Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

When it came to the holidays, gifts were the hardest thing for Four to come up with. Not only did he have eleven people who needed something, but the Colors would simply not agree on who should get what.

Blue wanted to use their smithery knowledge to create something practical and useful. A sword, a shield, a bow, something that can be used for fighting.

Red wanted to get something more sentimental. Jewelry, flowers, photographs, something that would evoke memories and feelings.

Vio leaned more towards the gift of knowledge. Books, maps, journals, poems, all preferably from different eras than the person who is receiving said gift.

And Green…well, he wanted to get something easy and affordable. Socks, gloves, maybe some food, anything that could be bought for a quick rupee.

The last time they went to Four’s era, it was snowing. The holidays were approaching, and he was positive that the next time they were dropped off there, it would be around or the day of Christmas. He already planned things with Dot (using the dark mirror shards they carry as a makeshift delivery service) to celebrate with a big party, and surprise the others. But Four still had to come up with gifts, and soon.

But, even now, as the chain settled in for the night, were the Colors arguing inside Four’s head as they stared at Time.

“What does Time even like?” Blue questioned, making a face of displeasure. “Besides his wife.”

“I don’t know. Farming? We’ve seen the ranch.” Green sighed. “Maybe something to do with animals?”

“We can get him a baby chicken!” Red squealed happily. “A new chicken for his ranch!”

“That’s…a very sweet idea, Red, but a bad idea nonetheless. That means we would have to protect a young chicken until we get to the ranch, and who knows how long that will take. Plus, the chicken might not be able to go through portals.” Vio replied. “It’ll have to be something nonliving.”

Red let out a disappointed whine, but eventually relented his chicken idea. The colors grew quiet as Four sat at the edge of camp, still staring directly at Time. Have they even blinked?

“Smithy?” An elbow nudged the teen, jolting him out of his thoughts. It was Wild, holding a wooden bowl filled with delicious-smelling soup. “You didn’t grab dinner.”

“Oh.” They must have been so caught up that they missed the dinner call. “Thank you.” He took the bowl in his hands. It was still pretty warm to the touch, and the smell was absolutely divine. Four took one sniff, before taking a bite. It was some type of meat, soft and tender, mixed with potatoes, carrots and onions.

And so the guessing game commenced. Every night when Wild made dinner, the Chain would shout out what they thought the meat was. It could be anything from normal prey animals, to meat from a monster they killed that morning.

“Is this…cow?” Legend questioned, prodding at his bowl with a fork, swirling the liquid around. Wild shook his head, pouring the leftovers in glass bottles for later.

“It’s not fish.” Wind said with a determined nod. “I know what fish tastes like. It’s also brown, while fish is…um…silvery.”

“It better not be a Bokoblin again.” Hyrule sighed. “Who knew that monsters would taste so…good.”

“Well, they are pig-like. But this doesn’t taste like pig.” Warriors hummed, already finished with his bowl. “I’m stumped.”

The group muttered and waved their white flags, all but Four. He took a few more bites. It tasted familiar, something he used to have as a child. It was on the tip of his tongue! “Oh!” Red suddenly exploded, sending a rush of red all up and down the body. “I know what it is! I know!”

Four glanced up with a smile, his ruby eyes glistening like the campfire around them. “Is it a rabbit?”

“Ding ding ding! We have a winner!” Wild clanked his ladle against the pot, and cheers erupted around the camp. Green and blue rupees were passed down to the smith, who happily took his earnings and placed it in his bag.

“I should have guessed that.” Legend sighed, shaking his head as Hyrule patted his arm sympathetically.

“Maybe Wild would like some new cooking equipment.” Vio said, and the Colors quietly jotted the idea down for later. Right now, they are focused on Time. During the whole game, the eldest hasn’t said a word, nudging his untouched stew around in a circle. When he thought nobody was looking, he dumped the contents in the bushes and passed the empty bowl over to Wild.

“Delicious as always.” He told the chef, which made Four crinkle his nose up. He didn’t even touch it! Did he not like rabbit or something?

“Does he usually not eat meat?” Green questioned. He could relate, he didn’t usually eat meat either, even if his siblings loved it. “Maybe we should get him some vegan recipes for Christmas.”

“I think you’re jumping the gun. There could be multiple reasons why he didn’t eat.” Vio interjected. “He could be full, maybe he’s not feeling too well, or he could just not like rabbit meat.”

“We should keep an eye on him! Like spies!” Red whispered excitedly. “We can spy on him and find out what he likes, and get it for Christmas!”

The rest of the Chain had already begun to disperse to their own little corners of the camp. Wild was busy cleaning his cooking pot while Wind messed with his Purah Pad, Legend was unrolling his bedroll next to Hyrule’s, and Sky was cleaning Fi with a soft, fuzzy white cloth. Time and Twilight stood at the edge of camp, talking, presumably about who would take what shift. Spirit and Mask were telling each other stories about their adventures, each more exaggerated than the last. And finally, Warriors was writing in his journal. Everyone was in their own little worlds, taking time to unwind and relax.

Four set his bedroll on the very edge of camp, desolate and alone. He pulled out his notebook and began to jot down ideas with his quill pen.

‘Time Gift Ideas;

Non-Meat Foods (Maybe?)
Number One Dad Mug
Masks???
Something About The Kokiri?
Musical Instrument (Ocarina? Flute? Harp?)’

He paused for a moment, biting the end of his pen, before adding;

‘ - Alcohol?’

They were stumped. Completely and utterly stumped. Time was a secretive person in general, barely talking about his adventures, much less about his hobbies and interests. Defeated, Four closed the journal and sat it to the side, rubbing his eyes and looking up.

Only to find Time gone.

He looked around the campsite, finding no sign of the elder, but also no sign of anyone panicking. He stood up, walking to the last person Time spoke to. “Where’d the old man go?” He questioned, looking up at Twilight, who was standing guard.

Twilight looked down at the smith and hummed, before motioning in front of them, into the woods nearby. “In there. He said he was going on a walk, and that he’d be back before sundown.” He then looked up at the horizon, eyes squinting against the setting sun. “So he should be back soon.”

“Mm. Okay.” Four frowned, glancing towards the forest. The idea of being ‘spies’ was getting more support by the minute. Now Green and Red were both egging it on.

Well, why not? This was the perfect opportunity.

“I’m gonna go check on him.” He told Twilight, earning a nod from the rancher.

“Don’t take too long!”

With a nod, Four wandered into the treeline, brushing a branch away from his head as he ducked in. Time to put their tracking skills to use.

They glanced down at the ground, looking for any broken twigs and sticks, or footprints in the mud. After poking around for about a minute, they eventually found a trail of large bootprints leading deeper into the woods. “There.” He whispered. Even after all this time, they still got it. At least, they were able to track someone who wasn’t actively trying to hide themselves.

He followed the trail into a small clearing, where Time sat on top of a mossy rock. The older man was looking up at the moon, holding his bag in his lap. Four ducked behind a bush.

“What is he doing…?” Red whispered.

They watched with wide eyes as Time reached into his bag and pulled out…a bag? It looked like the pouch he kept potions in, but thinner. He opened it up to reveal two chocolates and an orange slice, both sprinkled with sugar.

Time picked one of the chocolates up and quickly ate it in one bite just as his stomach growled. He scarfed down the remaining two items just as fast, and seemed…genuinely disappointed when the bag was empty.

“I need to stock up.” He whispered to himself, which Four just barely picked up. Time placed the pouch back with the rest of his stuff, patting his stomach as it growled in disdain.

“That isn’t going to be enough to replace a full meal.” Vio whispered. “Does he only eat sugary treats? How did nobody notice?”

“Well…I think we know what to get him for Christmas now.” Green replied, earning a ripple of approval from the others.

Four sighed before he took a few steps back. Once he was around five feet away, hidden in the overgrowth, he purposefully stepped on a stick, causing it to crack loudly. “Time? Is that you?”

The man jolted and quickly slugged his bag on his back, turning around just as Four walked back into the clearing. “Ah, yes. Did Twilight send you to retrieve me? I was just about to head back.”

Four shook his head and smiled. “No, I just…didn’t see you and got worried, is all. But I’m sure Twilight is going to get antsy soon.” He held out his hand to Time. “Come back with me?”

The elder responded with a smile and patted Four’s shoulder. “Of course. Let’s go.” He paused for a moment, and raised an eyebrow. “You seem happier than usual. Did something happen?”

Four blushed. “Red, you’re influencing them. You’re smiling too much.” Green warned.

“I can’t help it! We finally know what to get Time! I’m so happy!” Red replied.

Four brushed it off with a laugh, waving his hand. “Oh, no. Just happy to finally be resting, you know?” Time just hummed…but let it go. He wouldn’t admit it, but it was nice to see Four smile, and not have the same calm, neutral expression he usually has at all times.

And with that, the two walked back to camp. Four slunk away back to his bed and grabbed his journal, opening it back up to an empty page.

“Gift List;

Time - Sweets (Chocolates, Fruits, Candy)
Mask -
Twilight -
Sky -
Legend -
Hyrule -
Wind -
Spirit -
Might -
Wild -

KEEP A SECRET”

One down, nine more to go.

Chapter Text

When Four opened his eyes, it was already morning, and judging by how everyone was scurrying to get their things together, a portal must have appeared.

“Oof-!” A sudden heavy weight on Four’s legs made him grunt and lunge forward, colliding heads with Wind. The sailor yelped out and stumbled back, holding his now bloody nose.

“Sorry!” He said quickly. “I was just about to wake you! I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He held one hand to his nose to catch the blood, letting out a nervous laugh, even when Hyrule rushed over to heal it.

“It’s fine.” Four pushed the blanket off of himself and stood up. “Are you okay? That sounded bad.” Although his head now ached, it wasn’t anything he couldn’t deal with. It felt like a normal headache he got whenever he had to deal with the Colors arguing. Though he was sure a bruise would be forming under his headband.

“Mhm! You missed breakfast, but I’m sure Wild will give you something to eat once we’re all through the portal.” Wind motioned behind him. At the very edge of camp, by the forestline, was the shimmering, glowing portal. Sky and the rest of the Chain were already waiting, including Hyrule who was quickly jogging back over to join them.

“Well, let’s not keep them waiting.” With a yawn and one last stretch, Four stood up and began to roll his bedroll up, grabbing the straps and clinking them together. But as he lifted it to put it back in his bag, his journal fell out and landed on the ground with a thud, opening to the very back (which was thankfully empty).

“Oh, you dropped something!” Wind reached down and picked it up, tilting his head. “What’s this? A diary? I didn’t know you kept a diary.”

“The Smith has a diary?” The very idea of blackmail caused Legend to rush over and yoink it from the sailor’s hands, grinning. He held it sideways, the journal now falling open.

Four felt his heart drop. Not only was the journal the same journal he was putting all his ideas down in, but it also had snippets of the Colors conversations when some of them were sleeping. Some of the pages had become a venting place for them, especially someone like Blue, who got mad at extremely easily. Each Color wrote in their respective color, which kinda made it obvious that different people were writing (plus the handwriting, the grammar, and the punctuations).

“It is NOT a diary!” Four rushed over and jumped up, trying to snatch it back, although Legend’s height made it easy for him to dangle it out of the other’s reach. While they were fighting over it, Wind took it upon himself to finish packing the smith’s things.

“Is it not now? Then why don’t we all read it, hm? If it isn’t a diary?” Legend asked, dancing around the younger expertly with a cheeky grin on his face. Four knew that Legend wouldn’t actually cross that line, that he was just messing around, but that didn’t stop the red from exploding all over his face. He could practically feel the heat radiating off his cheeks.

“It’s private!” Four argued, nearly knocking over an amused Sky as he kept trying to take it back. Legend was leading him towards the portal with nothing but pure glee on his face.

“Private, huh? I think that makes it a diary. Wouldn’t you think, rancher?” Using Twilight’s height, Legend ducked and dodged around him, using him as an obstacle.

Twilight couldn’t hide the smirk on his face, completely unbothered by the other two, crossing his arms against his chest. “Maybe, maybe not. We would have to read it to see?”

Four looked at Twilight with betrayal, eyes wide. How could he? “You’re siding with him?!”

Time, being the mediator that he was, finally decided to give Four a break. He reached over and expertly plucked the journal from his hands, earning a yell in protest from Legend. “While this is a good bonding activity, don’t you think we should go through this-“ he motioned to the portal with his thumb “-before it leaves us here?”

Four quickly shoved the journal in his tunic pocket and huffed, glaring at Legend, who only laughed and ruffled his hair. The Chain began to walk through, one by one, until it was just Four and Wind left. “Sorry about that.” Four said as he turned to Wind. “Ready to g-“

The words died on his throat. Wind was standing there, holding Four’s bag with a soft smile on his face, but with tears streaming down his cheeks. His expression was soft, and he let out a loud sniffle when Four noticed, trying to pull himself together.

“Why are you crying?! Are you okay?!” Red immediately burst to the front, taking their bag from Wind and looking him up and down. No visible wounds, besides the slightly bruised nose. “Did something happen?”

“No, no!” Wind laughed, taking a step back. He wiped his face with his sleeves, wiping snot and tears off. He rubbed at his eyes, taking a few deep breaths. “I’m okay! It’s just…how you and Legend were acting. It reminded me of…heh…myself and Aryll. I guess I just miss her.”

“Oh.” The Colors said in unison. Four’s expression softened and he chewed on his bottom lip. He…somewhat got it. When the Colors got separated during their adventures, they would all feel a similar sense of dread and concern. Concern about their other halves, concern on their health, their behavior, and their mental state.

“We have to get him something that reminds him of Aryll.” Red said, his voice filled with a mix of determination and sadness. Four blinked away moisture in his eyes. Because Wind was sad, it made Red sad for him, too.

Once Wind managed to compose himself, all while Four rubbed his back, he took a step back. “Um…don’t tell the others?”

“I would never.” Four promised sincerely. They have been keeping promises for the whole chain; Twilight’s wolf form and Legend’s bunny form, Hyrule’s fairy ability…what’s one more? “Ready to go?”

“Mhm.” Wind smiled. As Four moved closer to the portal, ready to go first, Wind suddenly gave him a quick hug from behind. It only lasted a few short seconds, but it seemed to help (even if Four jumped in the process). “Sorry! Just uh…thank you.”

“No problem, sailor.”

Finally, the two crossed. The portal had seemed to land them somewhere in Wild’s era, in the middle of an ice cold mountain. Snow and ice coated the floor, pine trees stood sturdy on the rocky slopes, and the wind nipped aggressively at their noses and ears. The sun was just about to rise, and there was no sign of civilization anywhere.

“Where the hells are we?” Four grunted. Almost immediately, blankets, robes and even Warriors’ scarf was dropped on him and Wind. The scarf was wrapped in such a way that it was around both teens, looping them together by the shoulders. It was embarrassing, but Vio tried to look at it in a more logical way.

“We are the smallest members of the group. It is only logical that we get the most fabrics to keep us warm.” He said.

“That’s bullshit and you know it.” Blue argued back. “Mask AND Spirit is right there, and they aren’t getting this treatment!”

Four glanced at the two teens in question. To Sky’s credit, he did approach them and offer a blanket, but Mask was quick to shoot the offer down with a swear and a voice loud enough to shake the mountain itself. Spirit just grinned, using Mask as a way to avoid being ‘babyed’, as Blue would put it.

Wild, with his Purah Pad, motioned for the group to follow. The Chain instinctively got in a single-file line. Wild at the front, with Time, Twilight, Legend and Hyrule right behind him. Mask and Spirit took up the middle with Warriors, and Sky walked right in front of Wind and Four, leaving the two to take up the rear.

Which the two did, shuffling behind the group and using their footprints as a way to avoid sinking into the snowy banks and getting even more cold. Four used this time to discuss what to get Wind for Christmas, choosing to focus on that rather than how they couldn’t feel their fingers or toes already.

“Any ideas? Something to do with his sister, but what?” Green asked.

“Well…maybe something to do with the beach? They do live in an era made up mostly of water.” Blue offered. “But nothing living. We already had that discussion with Time’s gifts.”

“What about seashells?” Red piped in. “A seashell necklace, and he can match with Aryll! That way, he always has a piece of her with him!”

The group went quiet for a moment and Vio let out a soft hum. “That’s…a rather interesting idea, Red. We’ll have to figure out what kind of shells later…preferably at a shop.”

“I like it.” Green agreed.

“Didn’t Wind say that Aryll likes seagulls? Maybe we can get her a little seagull charm to go on hers.” Blue said.

“So, we’re in agreement?” Green questioned. They all said their support for the idea, and Four couldn’t help but smile ever so slightly.

He reached over and grabbed Wind’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. He’s going to love it, they already know. They’ll have to write this down for later.

…once they’re somewhere warm, of course.

Chapter Text

‘What do you get someone who has everything?’

The thought whirred in Four’s head as he sat by the campfire, a Rito feathered blanket covering him from head to toe. Wild had led them right outside of Rito Village after what felt like hours of agonizing walking in knee-deep snow.

And now, Four was alone, ordered to stay and warm up with the rest of the smaller heroes. Unfortunately, Wind, Mask and Spirit had already snuck away, and Four was simply too comfy to move.

He stared at the notebook in his hands, circling Legend’s name over and over again with his pen.

“Gift List;

Time - Sweets (Chocolates, Fruits, Candy)
Mask -
Twilight -
Sky -
Legend -
Hyrule -
Wind - Matching seashell necklace with Aryll
Spirit -
Might -
Wild -

KEEP A SECRET”

Legend was a hoarder. After all the adventures he’s gone through, he had more items than he knew what to do with. Magical wads and rods, swords, bows, shields, rings, spells, and jewelry alike. His house was full of things, just sitting there and collecting dust.

What could they possibly give him that he already doesn’t have?

Even the Colors were stumped. Not even Vio could come up with an idea. “Maybe we need a change of scenery.” Green offered. “We’re in this new village, maybe they have something that can give us ideas.”

“But it’s cold out there. And it’s warm here.” Red whined. ‘In here’ being the stable right outside of Rito Village. It was the only building that was properly protected by the elements, with all four walls and doors.

“It’ll be quick.” Green promised. “Let’s just go look around the village and the mountain around it.”

“We might see a rabbit.” Vio added.

That was enough to send Red into an excited babble about how cute rabbits are, bringing a smile to Four’s face. He bundled up, using the blanket as a makeshift cloak

“In and out. Real quick, then back in here for hot chocolate.” Green hummed.

The only one that was totally not down for this was Blue, who had been frozen solid, literally encased in ice, during one of their adventures. She was completely silent, refusing to even look at the snowy hellscape in front of them.

But majority rules, so Four took a deep breath and stepped out of the stable, right into the cold, snowy fields.

The snow wasn’t up to their knees like before, now down to only a few inches above their ankles. Cold wind nipped at their nose and ears, and Four instinctively stuck his hands in his pockets to keep them warm. The air stung their lungs as they breathed, like it was filling it up with nothing but pure ice. Four weren't built for this type of weather. He was a smith, not a Rito!

“See anything?” Vio questioned as Four scanned around them. Blankets of thick white snow, pine trees swaying in the wind, a moose grazing in the distance. Nothing gift-worthy.

“This sucks.” Four muttered outloud. With nothing of note catching his interest, he turned and headed towards Rito Village. It was entirely built on a mountain, connected with bridges and platforms. But the Rito seemed like friendly people, seeing how a group of colorful birdlings, about the same size as Four, came flocking over as soon as he entered the main hub, almost knocking the smaller hero down in the process. They were trying to pursue him into buying their wares, promising good fortune and delicious foods, but all Four could focus on were their feathers.

Beautiful, shimmering coats in all shades and hues. Legend did seem to have a fondness towards anything with color on it…and one of the Ritos happened to have the same color as Legend’s bunny form…

The thought almost made Four choke holding back his laughter. It still was unbelievable to him that someone like Legend, sarcastic and snarky, had an animal form that was the complete opposite of how he acts.

Maybe Legend would like some feathers? Not from the Rito’s, obviously (they’d probably get offended if he asked), but from the local aves that flew around in the air.

“No, thank you. I’m okay.” Four said, repeating the phrase repeatedly as he tried to squeeze through the crowd of excited merchants. “No, thank you, pardon me, excuse me.” The phrase became second nature to him, stumbling over the platforms. It felt like ages until he finally managed to wiggle his way from the crowd, letting out a heavy sigh in relief. He didn’t blame them for being excited, though. He remembered Wild telling them on the way here that the Rito don’t get many Hylian visitors, simply due to how cold it was.

Still, one sentence kept ringing in his mind, over the choir of the Colors; ‘What do you get someone who has everything?’

Four looked up from the ground once he caught his breath, only to freeze when he saw what was in front of him. It was a little market stall, manned by a young Rito girl with purple feathers. Most of the stall had been cleaned out, leaving only one thing on display; two beautiful star-shaped blue and white flowers, glowing dimly in the dark.

“It’s beautiful!” Red gasped.
“It’s a species we’ve never seen before, it must be mi native to Wild’s era only.” Vio whispered.
“It’s glowing.” Blue observed.
“It’d be a perfect gift to someone.” Green said.

The Rito noticed Four staring and quickly rushed over to him, looking visibly excited. “Um…hello, sir! My name is Kheel…and I’m the temporary shop owner while mom is out!” She said, gesturing to the flowers. “Did these Silent Princesses catch your eye?”

“Silent Princesses?” Four echoed. It was an odd name for a flower, and he had a feeling it had something to do with Flora.

“Yes! Link has told us that you were all new to this area…so allow me to explain!” Kheel cleared her throat. “Silent Princesses are flowers that were thought to be extinct, but their population had suddenly boomed over the past few years. They are famous for their ability to glow in the dark, and, apparently, can be brewed into elixirs."

Four reached out to touch one of the petals, and cracked a tiny smile. ‘What do you get someone who has everything?’ Well, you get them the one thing that will never last. Weapons, armors, equipment, tools, they can all stay in one place for decades, centuries even, and stay the same.

But nature? Nature withers and dies. Nature reborns. Nature is never the same.

And, even if the Chain didn’t want to admit it, they won’t stay together forever. They’ll eventually have to go back to their own time, leaving behind their brothers and their different eras in the past.

So, why not get Legend something money and adventuring can’t get him? Time. Memories.

“I’ll take it.” He paid the amount needed for the two flowers, plus an extra tip just to prove his gratitude. He took the flowers and placed them in his bag, in a separate pocket away from everything else.

“They’ll die eventually if we don’t find a way to keep them wilting.” Blue piped up as Four headed back to the inn, a new pep in his step. “That seems like a pretty shitty gift.”

“No, I have an idea.” Vio stated. “We can press them, make Legend a journal filled with plants from all over our eras, and even leave him extra blank pages for whatever he wants.”

“We just need to find a pretty journal, and keep an eye out for any pretty flowers. Got it!” Red beamed.

“And information about said plants. Libraries would be good, or pamphlets from inns and motels.” Green added. “We can make a section in the journal for each era. Maybe we can see if we can use Wild’s Purah Pad to take photographs to add.”

“He’s gonna think this gift is corny.” Blue muttered. Four entered the inn just in time to see Wild and Legend arguing over something in the middle of the room, with the rest of the Chain sitting around them. There were insults flying around, colorful remarks, and curses in other languages.

But despite this, Wild and Legend both had wide, shit-eating grins on their faces. It wasn’t a real fight, it was something playful. And their mood was infectious, as the rest of the group were smiling and joining in with little jabs of their own.

Four couldn’t help but feel a smile form as well, the corners of his lips crinkling upwards. A warm feeling blossomed in his chest. Wind walked over and handed Four a mug of hot chocolate, brewed by the chef itself. The sailor leaned over and whispered to Four. “They’re arguing over how much sugar in this brew makes it ‘too sugary’.” He said with a nod, a hint of amusement underlining his words.

That caused the smith to chuckle. ‘No,’ he thought. ‘he won’t. He’ll love it, because he loves us. And it will remind him of us, even when we are all apart.’

‘I think that’s a really good gift, for a really good hero.’