Chapter Text
"This is a weird Hyrule. No one has ever heard of the name Link! Plus, there's no Zelda. And none of us have recognized this place!" Wild complained with his hands, somehow avoiding every branch and leaf on the ground.
"This must be before Sky's time." Time suggested, accidentally bumping his head against a branch. The forest was thick. Almost too thick. And there seemed to be no end.
"The air is cold." Wind complained, grinning when Wars put his scarf around the 14 year old boy.
"There's a strange magic in the air." Adventure noticed, his ears swiveling.
"What kind of strange?" Time's ears perked.
"Ancient strange. Arcane. Almost like we shouldn't be here." The Traveler looked around with his eyes.
"And you're right." A boy sat on a branch that was too small to hold his weight. He wore an outfit similar to the others. His hair was fluffy and platinum blonde. His blue eyes were otherworldly. He hopped down, drawing the sword that was on his back. "May I ask how you got here?"
"Through a portal. We get dropped into different eras and lands. Who are you?" Twilight queried, his guard on high alert although the boy had the same face shape as Wild.
"Link. You?" Link leaned against a tree. He was maybe 15? 16?
"We're all named Link. We go by different nicknames as to not confuse ourselves." Time introduced the others.
"Call me Sanctity." That was quick. His ears were longer than any Hylian any of them have seen. Almost like a Zonai's. "This forest is sacred, arcane, and not for mortals."
"Then why are you here?" Legend squinted his eyes, watching as the boy quickly moved to investigate the others. His movement was too quick to be that of a Hylian's.
"Because I'm special. I'm not elaborating." Goddess, his smirk was unnerving.
"Your aura is magical. Do you know magic?" Adventure asked.
"Maybe. Maybe not." Sanctity sheathed his sword.
-
The Chain set up camp in a clearing surrounded by sakura trees. The forest was filled with blupees, koroks, picori, fairies, and whatever mystical and magical spirits decided to show their faces around the heroes.
Sanctity was talking to a fairy in a language that sounded nothing like any language Legend has ever heard. Adventure was right. This kid's aura is magical. Magical like a deity's. Magical like a spirit's. Sanctity turned his head to look at Legend, and suddenly his aura was like a mortal's.
Wild walked over to the boy. "What's she saying?" The fairy suddenly flew away.
"That you're a danger to her. You can see her. But that doesn't mean you're worthy. You're too cocky for someone favored by the gods." Sanctity narrowed his eyes, causing them to slightly glow.
"What? I'm not cocky?" Wild furrowed his brows in genuine confusion.
"Messing with you. She told me that one of the unicorns here is having a litter of kits." Sanctity answered, getting up.
"I like your bracelet." It was made of pearls and looked as if it knew the secrets of the ocean itself.
"A sea spirit gave it to me. He was quite attractive, I must say. It makes me unable to drown." There was a glint of honesty in the hero's eyes.
"So? Did you use it in a water temple?" Quite strange of you to say, Wild.
"Uh, yeah. That one key, am I right?" He chuckled a bit. It sounded like leaves rustling and bells tinkling.
This boy sure is strange. Wild’s ears suddenly pricked before settling back down. “Oh, hey Four.” The Champion ruffled the 4’9 hero’s hair.
”What do you know about this place?” Four pushed Wild’s hand away.
”It’s known as the Forest of Fairies. Has a counterpart called the Forest of Demons. Would not recommend going there. I mean, unless you want to meet my brother, but it’s still dangerous. It’s literally in the name.” Sanctity explained.
”Your brother?” Four raised an eyebrow.
”The Hero of Arcanum. He’s very brooding. He’s like, as tall as Time. Which isn’t much, since Time is 5’6.” Sanctity clarified.
-
So, the Chain decided to pay Arcanum a visit. This forest was darker, thicker, and the atmosphere was malevolent. They encountered monsters no matter which path they took. They even came across a lynel or three.
”Careful. The air is thick with malicious intent. Almost as if Ganon cursed these woods himself. Or Demise. Right, Sky?” Time warned.
”No. The darkness is more potent. I’ve never felt anything like it. Adventure? Legend?” Sky replied.
”The magic here is angry. Cold. But it is still arcane and sacred.” Adventure smelled the air.
”I’m glad we all agree this place is dangerous. Though, I wonder why and how you guys aren’t decomposing. The magic is so malicious that as soon as you step inside, your body begins to rot with you still alive.” Sanctity elucidated.
”Almost like the Lost Woods in my era. To answer your question, I believe it’s the Hero’s Spirit. We all possess it. It makes us unable to turn into monsters in the Dark World or Twilight Realm if you’re Twilight.” Time said.
”Oh. I have that too!” Sanctity grinned.
”Can the Hero’s Spirit really split, though?” Twilight wondered.
”Sure it can. I saved the Kingdom of Hytopia with two others.” Legend spoke.
”Really? Will we ever get to meet these two?” Wars asked.
Legend frowned. “That I don’t know. I never saw them ever again. Though, when I looked at their hands, I was the only one with the Triforce symbol.”
”So they were frauds!” Wild announced.
”Probably. I don’t know. But you don’t have the symbol either, Wild.” Legend pointed out.
”I wielded the Master Sword, though. Isn’t that evidence?” Wild grinned.
”Yes, actually. I remember asking them what age they pulled it, and they just said they never heard of the sword. Their names also weren’t actually Link. The red one was Quixote and the blue one was Odysseus.” Legend groaned. “I hate wannabes. They were both insufferable too. Complained that the monster was too scary, this dungeon is impossible, I don’t know how to use a bow. I’m glad you guys are actually heroes. Those two were cowards.”
Suddenly they heard laughter that sounded like bones crunching and a record scratching. “You brought me food, Sanctity?” His voice was similar to the Links; High pitched and androgynous. This must be Arcanum.
His hair was a brownish blonde, similar to Twilight and Adventure’s hair. Arcanum’s eyes were dark as the ocean during a storm and were foreboding as such. His clothes were also similar to the heroes, but they were as dark as Twilight’s, whereas Sanctity’s were bright like Wind’s hero outfit.
Sanctity explained the whole situation. Arcanum nodded and waved off an anticipating stalfos. “I see. They look promising.”
”What do you mean by ‘promising’?” Legend glared slightly, ready to draw his sword at any second.
”I mean you can help us with our problem, yes?” Arcanum eyed the sword on Legend’s back.
”What problem?” Sky’s eyes lit up, but Time narrowed his.
”People. They waltz right into the forests, hoping to either get a wish granted or deal with death. They think we’re guardian spirits, not heroes.” Arcanum elucidated.
Arcanum and Sanctity’s eyes told a different tale. They held magic that only masters could wield. “I can’t blame them. Your aura is too grand to be mortal.” Adventure pointed out.
”We’re witches. I specialize in spirits while my brother specializes in monsters.” Sanctity corrected.
”For the last time, we are not brothers. We only look similar because we share the same soul.” Arcanum’s eyes seemed to sigh.
”Okay, brother.” Sanctity hit Arcanum’s arm, which caused the air to shift into something more menacing than before. It felt like death itself were here.
Arcanum hit him back, the atmosphere turning dreamy instead. Like the Chain were in the Spirit World itself. It went back to being menacing.
Before anyone could speak, a portal opened up right underneath everyone’s feet.
-
”I get to see the goats!” Twilight exclaimed, already leading the others to Ordon Village.
Legend tried plugging his ears, but when they were as long as they are, it really is futile. He really didn’t want to hear Twilight ramble on about goats. They’re just goats! What is so interesting about them!?
”Ilia is going to kill me! I was away for so long!” His accent was so strong when his emotions spiked.
-
Ordon Village reminded Wild of Hateno Village. It was so peaceful. He could really live here if he wanted. Plus, there’s cats!
Wind immediately went to introduce himself to Colin and the others, which they gasped in fascination and admiration when they saw his sword and shield on his back.
Sanctity and Arcanum just kept close to the others. They whispered to each other in that same language Sanctity used when he conversed with the fairy back in the clearing. Four could understand it since he had jabber nuts just in case for situations like this. “They don’t know, do they? They’re a bunch of losers! What does Hylia even see in them? I mean, yeah, they’re definitely more attractive than even professional models, but seriously. Looks don’t equate with worth.” Sanctity complained.
Adventure also understood them. Since he was half fairy, he knew the language of spirits and monsters. But he preferred people trash talking. It made him feel less like a legendary figure and more like the kid he is.
”I don’t believe you should talk like that. We are in the same boat as them. Besides, it isn’t nice talking trash about someone.” Arcanum’s voice was stern yet kind.
”Who cares, Mr. Goody Two Shoes!?” Sanctity protested. “It isn’t like they can understand us! Seriously, I’m tired of your benevolent attitude. Have some fun! You’re half shadow spirit!”
”My benevolence keeps you from killing someone. You are half light spirit, shouldn’t you be the benevolent one?” Arcanum challenged.
-
Adventure was paired with Sanctity for the inn room. The half fairy was looking through his bag for his bag of makeup remover wipes before realizing it wasn’t in there. He lifted his head, glancing at Sanctity, who was licking one of them. Adventure watched the hero as he spat out saliva. “Yeah, they don’t taste very good, do they?”
”What even are these?” Sanctity held one far from his face as if it was a diaper full of feces.
”Makeup remover wipes. I use them for my eyeliner and eyeshadow.” He pointed to the green eyeshadow around his black eyeliner.
”I see.” Sanctity grabbed a handkerchief from his bag that….wait.
”Time uses that to sneeze and cough into.” Adventure pointed out.
”I know. I took it. I bet you have stuff that you stole from the others.” Sanctity was right. He had one of Sky’s earrings, Four’s ripped sock he threw on the ground, a bracelet Twilight made once, among other items.
Stealing things that are only inconvenient is only a fairy thing…”I understand what you were saying with Arcanum earlier. You’re half light spirit? What’s the other half?”
”Fairy. Arcanum is half demon.” Sanctity was looking through his trinkets. Adventure recognized his boomerang in there. Shit.
Adventure quickly snatched his boomerang back. “That means neither of you are mortal. No wonder you’re revered in your own Hyrule.”
”Eh. We saved them from Ganon and Althune. I’d rather be revered for that.” Sanctity mourned the loss of his stolen boomerang.
”Althune?” Adventure asked. He’s heard of Vaati, Demise, Ghirahim, Zant, Veran, Onox….but not Althune.
”A siren who wanted to take over Hyrule. Equally as bad as Ganon. That’s why there were two of us.” Sanctity eyed the flute on Adventure’s belt.
Time was wrong. The two heroes weren’t before Sky’s time. “Where do you fit on the timeline?” Stupid question. He wouldn’t know.
”Before Wild. After you.” The spirit answered. Okay, so he does know.
But that raises even more questions. The others thought Wild was so far removed. Plus, only Wind and Wild know about koroks. Do they really exist in Adventure’s time? Did they evolve in each timeline? Have Legend and Twilight seen koroks? Adventure furrowed his eyebrows. Perhaps he could ask them later.
-
Time never feared for his life more than right now. Arcanum was talking in his sleep and stalfos kept randomly appearing. Not to mention, Time woke up to a phantom of Ganondorf staring at him. That brought up unpleasant memories of the Forest Temple.
Oh, cub, why didn’t you let Time sleep with you in your house? He wouldn’t mind sleeping on the floor! He grew up in the woods! A few crickets wouldn’t wake him! Twilight…why did you choose Four instead!?
Time got up, hoping to score a third bed with maybe Wind and Wild, or Wars and Sky. Anyone but Arcanum. However, the aforementioned hero woke up with a gasp, and all the monsters disappeared. “What time is it?”
Thanks to Time’s internal clock, which he could thank Termina for that, the hero knew the exact time. “2:16 AM.”
”Good night.” Time took the chance to book it. He didn’t want to spend a night with a hero who could summon his enemies in his sleep.
-
Wind glared at Time as he opened the door. “No, I don’t want a midnight milkshake.” He immediately said.
”Arcanum summons monsters in his sleep. I do not want to deal with that shit in the middle of the night.” Time sat next to Wild on his bed. The Champion pushed him off.
”You’ll survive. You’ve gone on two adventures. I don’t think a few stal will kill you.” Wild grabbed a bag of raw popcorn kernels to snack on.
”Wild, please. I’ll let you bring us to the Hebera Mountains when we go to visit your Hyrule.” Time promised.
”Hebra. And fine…I guess. Just don’t snore like Four does.” Wild sighed.
-
Four stared at the ceiling of the treehouse. Twilight twitches in his sleep, so it made it hard for the Smith to fall asleep. He kept having to swat at flies that made their way into the house. He couldn’t venture out while Minish size, there’s a cat that roams outside. Link was the name, right? Weird….
”You can book a room with the inn if you can’t sleep here, Smithy.” Four jumped at Twilight’s voice.
”No, I’m fine. I just sometimes have nights where I can’t sleep.” Four shook his head, but he doubted the Rancher could see it.
”We all do, don’t we? Monsters, portals, bugs, the likes.” Twilight jumped from his indoor balcony to the bottom floor.
Four sat up, watching as Twilight settled on the floor near the Smith’s bedroll. Twilight was in the fetal position, sighing like a dog would for no reason. “I sometimes miss my parents whenever I’m in here.” The Rancher began conversation.
”Oh? What happened to them?” Four thought of his dad, who was the captain of the knights of Hyrule. His mom had died of cancer a year before Four set out on his first adventure.
”I don’t remember. I think I was 9 when they passed. Fado said they were traveling to Castle Town and some bulblins attacked them. That’s just what he said. They could’ve just ran away and left because they decided not to take care of their daughter who had the Triforce on her hand.” Twilight explained. Four remembered that every hero in the Chain were trans boys, including the Smith himself.
”More likely. I was the most protected kid out of every other kid I saw. Every time I got a scratch from climbing trees, my mom would ask if I was alright. Whereas, if a girl or boy fell, their parents would just shrug and say ‘kids will be kids’.” Four responded.
”I think that’s just your parents. I know some are neglectful, and some are helicopter parents.” Twilight shrugged.
Four shrugged back, stretching. He jumped slightly when Twilight whined.
”Sorry. I just miss a friend. Her name was Midna.” Okay, but you don’t have to whine like a dog.
Four grinded his teeth slightly. Ever since he was in the Dark World and found out he was a mouse, he had adopted the behaviors of mice. Sometimes he heard Wild purr like a cat or Wars whinny like a horse.
”Don’t do that. You’ll wear your teeth.” Twilight slightly nudged Four playfully.
”I can’t help it. You whine like a dog, so let me brux like a mouse.” Four shoved the Rancher onto the floor.
-
”You’ll love Malon’s cooking!” Wind exclaimed to Sanctity and Arcanum as the eleven heroes headed towards Lon Lon Ranch.
Time was trying so hard not to grin. His wife! He’ll get to see her! It had been a year since he’d last seen her, which meant his daughter would be one now. It also meant he couldn’t see the birth of her either. What did Malon name her? Does she look more like him or her?
-
”Sorry, not a big baby person.” Wild made a disgusted look as Malon offered to let him hold Harlow.
Twilight accepted the offer. Though, it did feel weird knowing she’s his ancestor. “She looks so much like you, Time! Though, she has Malon’s red hair.”
”Maybe we should wait a year or two before we have another.” Time suggested. “Besides, I don’t want to miss another birth.” He sighed, feeling like he’s already failed as a parent. “Could you ten go and help out with the farm? I’d like to spend time with my daughter.” He held the one-year old in his arms, grinning as she did have his features.
Time was glad she had Malon’s nose, though. He wouldn’t wish his children to have his nose, which was as pointy as his ears. Speaking of that, it scrunched up in disgust. Fuck. He’d have to change her diaper.
-
”I think I might have two.” Wars said as he helped feed the cuccos, making sure to keep his distance.
”I’m having none, thank you! I’m glad Time is happy with Harlow, yes, but kids are not for me!” Wild glared at a rooster who was making his way toward the Champion.
”Flora might want some, though. I mean, isn’t she the last of the Royal Family in your Hyrule?” Four pointed out.
Wild scratched his head. “Shut up.”
”My Zelda was forced to marry this guy named Rhoam. So, I’m with my Impa now.” Wars sighed.
”Is his middle name Bosphoramus?” Wild blinked. His era and Wars’ couldn’t be THAT close…right?
”Yes, why?” Wars noticed Wild had his nose and Impa’s eye shape. Weird.
”Nothing.” Wild would rather keep the timeline conversation for later.
-
The Chain found out that Malon had twin girls. Harlow and Harley. Harlow had Malon’s soft, round nose and red hair, whereas Harley had Time’s sharp, pointy nose and blonde hair. Harley liked watching Malon cook, and often tried helping with the animals, but Harlow tried picking up sticks and hitting her sister with them.
”Octorot!” Harlow shouted, poking Time in the knee with the stick. He was holding Harley, and just smiled at Harlow.
”I’m not an octorock. I’m a person.” Time ruffled the toddler’s red hair.
”Octorot!” Harlow insisted, grabbing a box lid as a shield. Time frowned, remembering when he was 10, but shoved that thought away as Harlow was just being a kid. She probably heard the stories from Malon, and wanted to be like her dad.
Legend stood next to Sanctity as the two watched Harlow beat up Time’s knee with a stick. The Veteran happily took Harley from Time’s hands and grinned at her. “I am definitely having kids when I’m older. They’re so cute.”
Wild grimaced at Legend. “Yeah, if you consider puking and pooping cute.” The Champion kept his distance from Harlow.
”Kids tend to venture into the Forest of Fairies a lot. I have to bring them back to their parents manually.” Sanctity spoke. “Besides, I won’t be able to have children. I’m half fairy and half light spirit.”
”Woah! That’s sick! Adventure is half fairy and half Sheikah. I’m half Sheikah and half Hylian. My dad was the captain of the Hyrule knights, and my mom was a Sheikah warrior. I mean, that’s what Flora said…” Wild scratched the back of his neck.
”I come from a long line of knights.” Legend gave Harley to Malon. “A clan, actually.”
”Flora said that for me too! I’m a Tsuruoka! From my dad’s side, at least.” Wild shrugged. Fuck you, memory loss.
Legend blinked and his eyes widened. “So it’s inevitable that I have children. Wild, you’re my descendant.”
”Oh. You’re a Tsuruoka too? Neat.” It then hit Wild. “YOU’RE MY ANCESTOR!? But…you’re 16 and I’m 17. Well, 117, but semantics.”
”What’s going on?” Wars asked as he walked into the living room.
”Wild is my descendant. He’s a part of the Tsuruoka clan.” Legend answered.
”That’s weird. I am too.” Wars blinked. “So, we’re all related, huh? Am I before you or after, Wild? Do you know?”
”Well, I’m never having kids, so before.” Wild told Wars what his parents were.
”So, if the king of your Hyrule is the same guy that married my Zelda, and your dad is the captain…Wild, I think I’m your dad.” Silence. Utter, complete silence.
”WHAT!?” Wild stared in shock. He couldn’t believe that!
”Fuck no, I’m not being your ancestor!” Legend directed his grimace towards Warriors.
”Well, you are, Grandpa.” Wars flicked Legend’s forehead.
”Ew, don’t call me that. That feels weird.” The Veteran shuddered.
”So, uh, what do fathers and sons do together?” Wild innocently asked the Captain.
”Train, maybe? We’re both knights.” Wars fidgeted with his blue scarf.
Wild grinned. “I am so beating you in a fight.”