#hyrule to legend– that his brother can finally rest his eyes and be at peace

[mizaruwu]

Hi it’s me again! I’m obsessed with the Necromancer Hyrule, as you might tell. Do you envision this to be a two-character story? Psychological horror or otherwise?

If you can choose a title for its theme song of end score that plays when the credit rolls… what would that be?

Yep and it's definitely psychological horror with Hyrule's desperation with finding remains of whoever brother he can to revive and Legend slowly realizing the harrowing situation he's in XD

A title of a theme song when the credits roll huh? Hmmm– maybe something like "may your sleep be a dreamless one"

[faroreskiss]

The Power of Understanding / Part 8 (v2)

Rewritten/revised v2 posted on: 2023/09/10

Read on Ao3

Cheat Sheet Chapters: Part 7, Part 9

What is this?: Random snippets from random times of adventure of Translator!Reader and Linked Universe AU. Chapters are not presented in a linear way. If you are curious about an event, ask/request/comment! Summary: You have been with the Chain for a while now, as their "scholar" and translator. You know everything about them, because you are from our world. But do they know the truth about how you can understand everyone? Warnings: You will be uncomfortable. You will see things that look like gibberish. That's "Modern Hylian"! Based on the grammar book here. If you are interested in what they said... Well, stay tuned ;) (or ask! guess in the comments! go wild!) Some cussing. Angry Sky! Drunk Links!

____

It was a couple of weeks after Twilight recovered, after everybody learnt that he is the wolfie. And after Wild (that’s how you referred to him now, in your mind at least) found out that Four could… well, split into four. And it was also after the rest of the group found out about Wolfie's relation to the Old Man. 

You? You weren't surprised at all when you saw that through the window of the room where Twilight was trying to win the internal fight over his life. You were pretty sure Four guessed you knew it too.

It was also right around when Vet finally stopped calling you the "trivia bitch" in a hostile mode, and switched it into a more "friendly mode". Probably the experience of almost losing a spirit brother kinda took his softie side out. Or maybe he wasn't that mad anymore because you also made him tell Sky about the bunny.

More like having a united front with Twi, and reminding him about the Master Sword situation, providing the group with more "trivia".

In your defense, you HAD to do it. He should have known better than to touch magical items randomly.

_____

You were staying at another inn tonight, which made you SO glad, you were going to be able to sleep on a bed tonight, you were between eras again. 

Nothing against the bedrolls, but you just never got used to sleeping outside like that, adventuring and such. At first it wasn't that bad, since you could just snuggle in with Wild, but then you got your own at some point. And noticed that it wasn't actually that comfortable.

Plus, it was quite creepy sleeping outside that. And no, being surrounded by nine very capable heroes did NOT help.

_____

You were between eras, most likely somewhere before the Great Flood. How did you know? Well, the legends of the Hero of Time were known to the people, and there were stories about the reconstruction of Hyrule after "a big evil has been cleansed". Wind was quite disappointed since they were almost (read: probably quite a few hundred years before) in his era.

The concept of time really warps when you travel like that, you thought to yourself.

So in this era, there was no hero, there hasn't been a need for one, yet. The royal family was there, most likely Old Man's Zelda's descendants, but there were no crises or such mentioned, at least not in recent times. You were thinking about suggesting going to the Lost Woods, Kokiri should still exist, right? But what would the Old Man think? 

For now, you were in an inn in Castle Town. Lucky for you all, Captain was quite the rupee holder, and he didn't mind. Otherwise, you were pretty sure you would avoid inns in the middle of the city. The guards weren't batting an eye to ten travelers with very sharp looking weapons either, which was usually not a good sign, but for now, you were able to get in and settle in there for a while.

Of course there was a reason why the Cap took you here. He wanted all of you to be able to have a drink in peace, and sleep in nicer beds. It's been weeks since you were in any familiar Hyrule (or Skyloft, for that matter, you haven’t been there yet). He cared about his troops and understood morale. Hah! Who would have thought?

"Hah! Praise Hylia!" Sky held his cup high, 

"Thanks for this, Captain" and you had a little chink chink moment. Vet and the Old Man scoffed but joined regardless.

"Sometimes her mysterious ways aren't so bad, eh?" Wild chuckled. 

"Not complaining over here about the current moment, but would prefer a bit less on the mystery side." Legend followed.

Between all the random chitter chatter, as you brought the tasty Hylian ale to your lips and a few more, you had a shower thought moment. Huh… 

"Guys, guys, guys!" you exclaimed. 

They turned their heads at you.

"You guys do realize that it's possible that Hylia doesn't actually exist, right?"

They looked at you like you were a complete lunatic. Well, you got used to it. 

"And the fish live in the skies," Legend added, rolling his eyes and laughter broke over the table.

"Darling, how many of those have you had?" Twilight pointed at the cups. His face was also flushed from alcohol a bit. Wild noticed what he called you, but didn't linger on it.

"Is it supposed to be some type of joke getting lost in translation?" Time questioned you, but he also had a grin on his face. 

"No, I'm serious!"

Sky didn't look really happy about your statement, as he was the first one to realize, you actually were serious. 

"(Y/N), what do you mean she doesn't exist? She even exists in our idioms, expressions…"  

"I mean it's a shower thought," 

Right, they don't know about showers. You sighed. 

"I mean it is more of a habit really, I usually say Jesus when I speak one of my world's languages, and in others there are no divinity/divine names, at least none that I use."

Sky looked as if you just committed blasphemy, Legend snickered, "Funny, I wish that were true sometimes but even I know she exists, isn't all this stuff her doing? Including our current 'adventure'?" You were glad you taught them about the air quotes. 

"Look, don't get me wrong, some divinity is definitely involved but I don't think it's Hylia herself, it is impossible, in a way. You know Link," you turned to him, "Didn't Fi say to you, 'oral tradition, the least reliable' at some point?"

Sky nodded with cloudy eyes. "I still don't see the relevance? Oral tradition doesn't say anything about Hylia disappearing either?" 

At this stage in your journey, he wasn't gonna bat an eye to you mentioning Fi.

You sighed. You were about to explain something that gave you your title once again. You hoped you wouldn't break anyone's trust. 

"You know how the legend goes, yeah? She sealed the evil demons with the help of the hero and surface dwellers and the magic sword, then sent people up to the sky and created the cloud barrier and such?"

He nodded as you continued, "Do you know the rest of the story?" you locked eyes with him for a second, almost as if asking for his permission. You actually weren't sure whether or not he knew. In the end, the cycle did start with him, but there was one other before him and his Zelda.

He didn't seem to be protesting, at least. Wild did tell the others at some point that you worked with Purah and Zelda in the lab, and researched history. So that was still how they were assuming you know such things. The problem usually started when it was personal information. Sometimes the lines were a bit gray, however. A conversation for another time. 

Sky, "Something about the Goddess doing something to keep him sealed? I mean…" he trailed off as he didn't seem like he wanted to reveal the fact that he had been there right after the Demise was sealed. And all the other shenanigans that happened with his Zelda being sealed… But there was a way around telling this, and you could skip his part.

"Right, so she is the one that made the spirit of the hero eternal."

The other Links seemed surprised by this information, Sky protested. "What do you mean? Pretty sure I'm the first, with the forging of the blade and all?"

"Hey, calm down. You are the first in the cycle, that is true. But even you know the legend of Hylia and the surface dwellers, from your time. It's that hero."

He stayed silent, the others also had curious looks. 

"Right, so, after they sealed the evil together, the hero was gravely wounded. She felt for him deeply and was impressed by his devotion to his land, and I guess also felt responsible because these demons kind of targeted her and Triforce in the first place? As she used her divine powers to make the spirit of the hero eternal, she also shed her divinity, to be able to reincarnate as a mortal and meet with the spirit of the hero again. Of course, the phrase 'shed the divinity' is quite vague."

Sky knew the rest, it was up to him to reveal it or not at this point.

"... Then Zelda was born," he added, carefully.

"And you." you put your hand on his shoulder, smiling at him.

You continued, "...you are all aware that all the Zeldas are related, yeah? They are basically all descended from the same bloodline,"

They nodded, "And we are all linked by the spirit of the hero, and we can appear anywhere" Legend added, snickering.

"Well, some of us are also related by blood apparently," Captain slapped his hand to the back of Twilight. 

Sky had a gloomy expression. You were very careful with your next sentence.

"As long as the spirit of the hero and blood of the goddess exists, the creepy stalker should be afraid, basically."

Everybody except Sky, nodded. They were aware, it was talked about before. 

Sky's eyes widened for a moment. You tried to respect his privacy as much as you could, and gave him an apologetic look. Poor guy was probably still blaming himself. He could still hear the words of Demise like yesterday in his head. That type of stuff probably never left you.

"That evil shit is the biggest asshole if you ask me, look at him, he keeps reincarnating and keeps getting defeated." you continued, as if to make a point, took another big sip from the ale. You weren't sure if it worked.

"If you think about it, it's quite the love story," Four spoke from across the table. "Giving up the divinity to see the hero again." 

Also very similar to the story of the Japanese imperial family, with Zeldas descending from a Goddess, but you weren't gonna mention that.

"Also, guys, look, I know some of you won't agree with this," you eyed the Old Man who just raised his eyebrow. "But I think it mostly works. In the grand scheme of things, since the Creation, literally tens of thousands of years have passed, at least… from his point of view" you gave a soft look to Wild.

"And even then, there are only nine of you in front of me," you put the mug down. "I know, even one is too much to subject to this torment, but do you see where I'm coming from? That means, in most parts of history, excluding civil wars, it has been peaceful. Thanks to you." you smiled.

The group stayed silent for a while, pondering. 

______________

Grusa heliy radi neyura lenik, ti suemur tia gehunem, ti suemur!

Sky thought back to the words of Demise as he slayed him. 

Your words were comforting, your logic was sound. He didn’t think about what his words meant back then, he tried not to think about it. He just wanted to save Zelda. He didn’t like what you implied at all, even though when it was discussed before, he already had a good guess…

Yet, even one more incarnation was one too many. 

_____________

The ale kept flowing. 

"So, with this logic, if Hylia doesn't exist, then who the fuck was I talking to via those statues, during my journey?" asked Wild, slurring his words.You weren’t used to hearing him cuss, except in… certain situations. Erhm.

"Man, that does explain why we didn't hear shit from those statues,"  Vet laughed.

"Come oooon… there was some magic presence to them and you know it," Rulie tried to ‘defend’ Wild. 

"I mean, she kinda transcends time and space, so maybe some aspect of her remains via Zeldas? It just says she shed her divinity and she took a mortal form, it is quite vague you know," you continued. You weren’t sure if anybody was listening at this point. 

Captain put this hand on his shoulders “Hey, it’s fine Champion, we all have our ghosts,” he had a sympathetic look on his red, quite tipsy face. “Maybe yours just sounded like a Goddess that doesn’t exist” he almost giggled.

“But but you know… she was giving me all these nice.. Vitality stuff? I felt better after talking to her, stronger?” He was protesting, then he pointed at you “She told me they gave me stamina wheels!”

Oh boy, this was getting out of hand, if he really used those words.

“Yeah suuuuuuuuuure, it totally wasn’t your own training and they came from the random stones you spoke.” Wind added. He was only allowed one, very watered down drink, yet he seemed amused. 

“Hey! Says the guy who talks to a stone and has a funny looking stick!” Wild was getting mad.

“You KNOW it works! I contacted your Slate thing with it!!!” and Wind actually stuck his tongue out. 

Sky was silent, it seemed like he was pondering.

The bickering went on for a while. This was fun and cozy, but they were getting really loud. Time was pinching the bridge of his nose, Twilight and Four looked as if they were almost passing out on the table, you could swear you could hear somebody snooze.

“Okay okay boys calm down,” you tried to get in between.

“Yeah? Aren’t you the one that caused this in the first place, (Y/N)?” Sky said he still looked a bit tipsy with his cute plump red face, but there was a certain seriousness, an edge to it. 

You were taken aback. You have never heard him speak like this. A “huh?” escaped your lips.

“You say we are friends, and then you come and MOCK my beliefs, OUR beliefs? Hylia doesn’t exist? How dare you say that? And saying ‘in the grand scheme of things, it works���? What is wrong with you?” he slurred his words every now and then, but the message of it was clear.

He was actually standing now, albeit taking support from the table. He looked drunk, but you could see he meant what he said. You were speechless. Even Twilight and Four came back from their semi-sleep.

“Link, I…” you wanted to say  you are sorry but you weren’t sure if it would even do it. Your brain was already feeling quite fuzzy from the alcohol. He was right. This wasn’t some fictional made up thing for him. Even when what you said made sense, to him it probably sounded like you completely disregarded his experience. Disregarded Zelda.

"My man, you're seriously getting worked up over a goddess that probably wouldn't even spare you a glance if she were real," Vet chimed in with a mischievous grin, taking a playful jab at Sky's convictions. He didn’t understand. Sure, they all knew their Zeldas were connected with the blood of the Goddess. But they didn’t know how close his Zelda was. How his Zelda was the first incarnation of the mortal Hylia. How she had the memories from millennia ago. How she sacrificed herself.

Sky shot Vet a pointed look. "Vet, you might be the most skeptical person in this group, but even you can't deny the existence of Hylia,” Sky’s tone was… sharp.

Vet shrugged, not taking it personally, leaning back in his chair. "Hey, I believe she exists, all right? But that doesn't mean I have to like her or worship her. She's got that whole 'aloof deity' thing going on, and I've got better things to do than butter up to someone who's never around when you need them."

Time, who had been listening quietly, interjected with his usual air of wisdom. "Vet, while I can appreciate your skepticism, there's a difference between believing in something and having a personal connection to it. It's not about whether Hylia is real or not; it's about the role she plays in the lives of those who hold her dear."

Vet rolled his eyes playfully. "Oh, come on, Old Man. Are you saying you've had a heartfelt chat with the divine herself?"

“Yeah that’s Champion’s specialty,” Wind interjected.

Time chuckled softly. "Not quite. But I do believe in respecting the beliefs that bring people comfort and purpose, even if I don't share them."

The group exchanged amused glances, and even Sky managed a smile. It seemed your words had triggered a contemplative mood among them, leading each of them to reflect on their own perspectives.

"Fine, fine," Vet conceded, waving a hand dismissively. "I'll give you all that. But mark my words, if I ever run into Hylia, I'll be asking her some tough questions."

Laughter erupted around the table as Vet's sarcasm seemed to have lightened the mood. 

"I… I didn't mean to disrespect your beliefs," you stammered, your voice tinged with regret. "I know they're important to you, and I shouldn't have made light of it."

Sky's gaze held yours for a moment, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions – hurt, frustration, and a hint of vulnerability. He let out a sigh, his anger seemingly diffusing as he sank back into his chair, rubbing his temples.

"It's just... it's more than beliefs, (Y/N)," he murmured, his voice softer now. "Hylia is a guiding force for us, a source of strength and hope. And Zelda... She's more than just my... beloved. She's the embodiment of that connection, of the history and purpose we carry."

You nodded, feeling a pang of guilt in your chest. The weight of your words had hit you, and you realized how thoughtless your remarks had been.

"I understand, I truly am sorry," you said sincerely. "I didn't fully grasp the depth of what it means to you.”

He was silent for a moment, just looking in your eyes. Trying to deduce whether or not you are sincere.

Then he smiled. A bittersweet one, but a smile nonetheless.

You really needed to meet with this Zelda.

~~~~

A/N Anything you are curious about? Ask!

[tuliptxffi]

Headache

Hello hello I am now going to write almost everyday now to practice my essays(I'm not good but I am the one who can find words easily)

enjoy a four-centric bitches

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All 9 heroes have settled in camp,all going to take a rest for the day,and sleep.

All of them seem to have no problem at sleeping,but one has it for the worst.

Four,the smallest hero and their smith, didn't stop flinching and moving around Sky's touch.

He was kicking,groaning,and moving his head a lot. Sky didn't know what's wrong with his cuddles,because he was the cuddle-monster.Sky sits up and tries to calm Four down.

Four's eyes flash a green,red,blue,Violet,repeating the colors all over again.

"Four!Four are you alright?Four!"Sky was starting to get worried,this wasn't normal.

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The colors are fighting again. It's like a cycle of destruction in his head. The Four parts of him fighting.

"Red,for fuck's sake stop fucking crying!"

"Blue,stop yelling! You're giving Link a hard time!"

"Stop!please..."

"Oh goddesses,please stop!"

Fighting never ends. All Four wants is for the four spirits of the sword he wields to get along. But they never really made it come true.

Four tries to control himself,flinching,kicking,groaning, moving,holding his head.he can't take it anymore.

He wants to end it all,just once.

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"Four!Four!"the voices scream around him,but the voices in his head are louder.

"Can't you see your giving Link a hard time?"

"We must let him rest!"

"Shut up!"

Four's breathing goes heavier,struggling to open his own eyes. Sky was holding him gently,patting his back. The noise he was making woke all of them.

"What the fuck is going on?"Legend exclaims."I-i don't know!"Sky keeps holding Four in his arms.

Four was now screaming his lungs out. The colors don't know how much they're hurting his head,it was now an headache.

"He-he just started flinching and moving around..!"Sky explains to them. They've all gathered around the two. Sky has now tightened his embrace with Four.

Screams turned into sobs. But,his brothers were now helping him calm down. Comforting words coming out of their mouths.

"Four listen!Whatever it is that hurts please,tell us."Warriors started.

"Is it your head?What's wrong?Tell us." Hyrule follows up.

"Whatever headache that is,fight to control yourself,you mustn't ignore it!" Legend has took a turn.

"Smithy!Please tell us,we're all worried about you."Wild cups Four's face.

"You need to tell us,otherwise this won't stop."Time ruffles Four's long strands of hair.

"Listen to us,Four!Please tell us!"Wind encourages Four.

Twilight puts his pelt around Four's neck. "Keep yourself warm and calm."

The colors finally stops,giving Four the peace he needs. Four eventually calms down,falling asleep on Sky's arms,with Wild cupping his face,Time ruffling his hair,and the others by his side.

"He calmed down." Sky says while shushing the others and telling them to go back.

Sky returns to their pile of blankets,and cuddles like a monster. Four finally calmed down,and was able to sleep at ease.

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Ik it's short bit it's just my practice

It's bad but I think it's a little cute ^^

[traveleroffarawayplaces]

The Tales of the Hero of Wind.

I got a bunch of lu (wind) prompts here, so I'm just going to throw a bunch of words on this and lets see how this turns out!

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"And so, they were finally free to wander the world in peace." Wild finished, waving his hands as he sat by the fire.

Four let out a sound between a whimper and a cry quietly.

Wind smiled. "Thats a nice story, but let me tell you one even better. You see, there's there was this phantom ship, one which held numerous treasures within. Tetra and I, along with the crew, started to board the ship and steal all of it's treasures..." Wind enthusiastically explained, painting the scene with hand gestures.

Time stared at the small hero as he spoke with so much thrill, causing Wild to be leaning forward in his seat.

Legend leaned over to Warriors, watching as Wind captured the rest of the heroes in his story. He whispered "How much do you think this is real..?"

Warriors took a second, before blinking at Legend. "What? I'm sorry, Wind is telling a really good story."

Legend blinked, turning to stare at Wind. How much of his stories are true...?

Wind coughed, a ragged dry cough. His throat felt dry as a desert.

He shivered, glancing over at the rest of the heroes as Wild stirred the cooking pot, probably making soup for him.

Suddenly, a heavy weight fell on this shoulders and he glanced up, seeing blue in the corner of his eyes. He looked at the strange item wrapped around him. It was Warrior's scarf. He glanced at Warriors, blinking at how odd it was seeing him without his scarf.

"Wha-?"

Warriors shrugged. Then waved it off. "Keep it, I can get it back once you're feeling better. I've always seen it as a good luck charm, maybe it can bring good luck to you by curing your sickness." He strolled off towards Four at the far side of camp.

Wind shivered, burying his face into the warm, comfortable scarf.

I'm so taking this once I get better. Its so nice and soft...

A battle raged around him, and Wind ducked and slashed at monsters. He sliced the bokoblin he was fighting, black blood spilling across the ground. His gaze snapped up and searched for his compantions, friends, and family. He saw Wild, shooting arrows at top speed, Hyrule, causing.. Was that lightning? to strike every so often. Sky and Warriors were fighting back to back. Time and Twilight surged against the horde. Legend and Four were no where to be seen.

"LEGEND! FOUR!!" Wind called out, desperately searching for them in the horde.

Legend head popped up, swimming through the crowd. Wind sighed a breath of relief at seeing him, but his heart clenched in fear with no sight of Four.

Wind ducked as a Moblin clawed at where his head was mere moments before. He searched the area, keeping an eye out for the shortest hero and his very colorful outfit.

As he dodged the moblin, he noticed a darknut closing in on a very familiar multicolored tunic.

Four! His mind thought and he frantically shoved past monsters. Rushing to go save his brother. He neared and shoved his sword through the darknut's stomache, slicing its armor and itself in half. It crumbled to dust as he rushed over to where Four lay.

"Four?! Four!" Wind shook Four, his mind panicking when Four didn't respond.

Wind did a quick check, noticing a wound on the smithy's head. Knocked unconscious? I always forget that the Smithy is more prone to head injuries. Wind sighed in relief as he felt the constant pulse of his brother.

He stood stance over Four's prone body, ready to defend him until his final dying breath.

"Hey Wind, did you know in my Hyrule, that you can stop time and go into another dimension that shouldn't exist? I call it the 'title screen'." Twilight told Wind. Wind gasped, staring at Twilight in awe. "Thats so cool! Can I see it?"

It all started out when Wild made a joke about being able to fly by using explosives. Wind had believed him. They were trying to push it and see what limits existed.

As far as they know, there is none.

"Hey Wind, I once had to fight the moon." Time piped up.

Wind blinked at Time. "Really? Amazing!!!"

Four blinked at Time. "If you fought the moon, and destroyed it, wouldn't that have destroyed your world? I mean.. Tides, and gravity..."

"Shhhh Four. No one knows the concept of science ye-... Wait... How do you..." Wild stared at Four, his eyes wide.

Four just snickered and didn't respond.

"Whose Hyrule is this?" Time asked, and the 7 other heroes all made noises of disagreement, signaling that this wasn't any of their Hyrules.

"I hate water." Legend muttered as he stared at the open abyss of water.

"I saw we explore the land. Maybe we can find more mainland that way?" Wild suggested, pointing in the opposite direction of the sea.

"No, will not work. I think we're on an island." Sky called from where he landed in a tree.

"Who are you?!" A voice called out and a small, blonde haired child came running out of the forest. Waving a sword and sheild, they also had a bow on their back.

"Hey, little one. We're lost. Do you have any directions or a boat we could use? Also, if you have any information, is there a hero in the land?" Time asked, his shoulders relaxing realizing that the child was no threat.

"Why are you looking for me?!" The child exclaimed, holding the sword defensively.

"That's the hero?" Legend muttered to Hyrule. Hyrule just shrugged.

"You are Link?" Time questioned.

The small child hero paused a quick moment before nodding.

Four strolled right up to them. "Finally! Someone my size! Hi! Okay, this is going to sound odd, but we're the past heroes. I'm Four, the armored one is Time, Wild is the one hanging upside down from the tree, Sky is the one on the tree, Warriors is the one with the blue scarf who is arm wrestling Twilight, and that's Hyrule and Legend." Four said, pointing to each one.

"Well uhh.. You can call me A-I mean Wind?" The new hero said, stuttering slightly as he stared at Time in awe.

(He? They? Four couldn't tell.)

"I assume thats your hero titles right?" The little hero, newly dubbed Wind, asked.

Time nodded. Wind gasped in awe.

"You're the hero of time?! That's amazing! So cool!!" Wind cheered.

"Ahh, so another hero after Time." Legend scratched his neck.

Twilight snickered at the young hero's enthusasim.

***

Three swaps and Four could say that the new hero was off.

They had no idea how or what was wrong, but something was just off about Wind. As they landed in Wind's time again, they were stuck on an island out in the middle of no where.

"This is my Hyrule!" The young hero cried, their hazel eyes gleamed as they surveyed the water.

"Ugh, I hate water." Legend groaned next to Four.

A boat sailed far in the distance, ever slowly coming closer.

Wind smiled, waving his hands excitedly as the boat neared.

A tanned head with curly blonde locks stuck out over the side and peered at them, her eyes narrowing seeing Wind. They vanished quickly.

What was that about? Four wondered.

As the boat stopped, a young tanned girl from before (the one who peered at them), hopped down and pointed a sword at Wind.

"Who are you imposter." They said in a serious tone, and the rest of the chain reacted, their hands instinctively going towards their swords.

"Imposter?" Legend asked, facing Wind curiously. "What does that mean Wind?"

"Uhm." Wind was clearly panicking, his eyes glancing back and forth between the chain and the girl.

Another person landed slid down and walked up next to the girl, he was very familiar, as he looked exactly like Wind. "Uhm, Tetra, what is going on?"

"This is an imposter Link!" Tetra cried, her sword creeping closer to Wind.

"I'm sorry, I think we got on the wrong foot. You said your name is Link from this timeline? Then is there two heroes?" Time asked, clearing his throat. "We are the past heroes, and we've been traveling with Wind over here."

"Wind... wait ARYLL?!" Link cried, moving forward and putting his hand on Tetra's sword lowering it.

"I didn't want to lose you again big brother... I'm sorry." Wind, Aryll? said, frowning at the sand.

The real hero of Wind hugged Aryll.

"Could someone explain what is going on..?" Hyrule asked, scratching his neck.

[hermitdrabbles56]

Just Legend and Twilight getting a moment after the last two updates because I felt they needed it, nothing graphic, jut a little hurt comfort.

There was a time when he used to like silence. Found comfort in the peaceful moments just before the others would start to wake in the morning. Or their steady breaths in a soothing chorus around the campfire. Just a soothing silent tune that showed they were all alive and safe. But now that same silence, sends anxiety pickling through his skin. 

Even the occasional bit of noise that broke it felt like a dagger was being buried in his twisting stomach. Because every small sound is laced with his brothers agony. Stunted breathes, and strangled cries of pain that barely bubble out of the rancher's throat, seem to echo deafeningly in Legends ears. 

He couldn't sleep, he'd tried desperately, but even after the hope Wild instilled in them all. The image of waking to find Twilight dead haunted him. So when he found Hyrule utterly drained from using every ounce of magic he had, and Time struggling to keep on his feet, he sent them both to bed. Leaving him alone in the silence, with the stench of death and illness playing at his senses. 

It made him want to run, run and hide far far away from here. Hide and pretend that this isn't happening and that it's just another dream he's traveling in. Yet that would ultimately be worse, because it would mean none of them were ever real to begin with. It would be far more soul crushing than bearing the ache in his heart seeing his brother like this. 

Twilights shaking fingers twitch for a moment, before sinking into the pelt the old man laid over him. Air catching in his lungs as a wave of pain causes his body to tense and tighten like a harp string. Back arching off the bed a bit and fangs bared in an agonized grimace, as white hot tears slip through his lashes and collide with the cold sweat that plasters his skin. 

Legend carefully shifts from the chair to the bed by his brother's side. One ringed hand resting over his white knuckled grip, and the other moving to carefully card through those sweaty rust blonde locks. Humming a soothing tune he's heard Twilight sing so many times it's been ingrained into him at this point.

He remembers Time being bewildered the first time the Ranch hand started humming it. It's a cheery little tune that makes Epona the happiest horse in the world, and Twilight almost always hums it to soothe himself or others. And to Legends relief it helps a little bit, his brother finally managing to breathe even if it's short and shaky. Leaning ever so slightly into Legends touch in search of comfort, until slowly he manages to settle again. 

Drawing in as deep a breath as he can, his eyes crack open just a sliver. That unnaturally blue gaze dulled by the fog of illness, but still a striking sight. As the orange of the candle light, and silvery streaks of the moon flooding through the window, glint off those tired eyes like a grand lake being set ablaze. 

"Vet..?" His voice crackles on the single little name. 

"Yeah..yeah I'm right here buddy…." 

Slowly Twilight's gaze pulls away and flits around the room as he tries to blink his vision clear. Salty tear tracks sliding down his cheeks in the attempt. So Legend gingerly brushes them away. 

"It's just us…sorry.." 

Twilight manages to shake his head a bit, no matter how minute the motion is. "No..no sorries..they..need sleep…b-but..so do….so do you.." 

The words are barely spoken in a whisper, broken and almost inaudible. For once Legend finds himself thanking the goddesses for his stupid hearing even if it means he can hear pain in every word. 

"Hey…hey..s'okay Bunny…s'okay…y'don hafta…stay.." Trembling fingers rest against Legends cheek, another shaky hand weakly curling around where his hand now rests on the pelt. 

His vision has become blurred as a hiccuped sob escapes him. Racking through his chest as he briefly gasps for air. His voice shaking with what he wishes was rage, but only comes out drenched in sorrow. "Don't, don't you fucking dare be comforting me….not while you're lying here like this.." 

"..m'..m'gonna fight..promise..I promise." He manages to steady his vice and grit his ending words out with determination. Gaze hardening a moment despite the tears still pouring out of him. Palm now resting shakily against Legends cheek. 

The veteran squeezes his hand tightly, head leaning down till their foreheads rest together. Eyes squeezed shut to avoid that piercing blue gaze. "I know…I know you're gonna fight, and you're gonna win. But you're not going through this fight alone okay..? We're gonna be right here the whole time to make sure you don't fuck up.." 

To his immense relief, a small albeit weak chuckle rumbles in the rancher's chest. "Gonna..keep me on- my toes…are ye lil bunny..?" 

In spite of himself a snorted chuckle leaves him at hearing the nickname. "I really should hit you for that.." 

Twilight gives a pleased little grin that almost looks normal, just a little tired. 

"Stupid dog.." 

"Silly bunny.." 

Legend smiles a little more the longer that tired grins stays on Twilight's face. "You're gonna be okay.."

"I'm gonna be okay.." Twilight murmurs with a small little nod, that little smile still playing at his lips.

"And you're not gonna pull any scary shit, because I will black magic your ass back to life." 

"Mm..betcha got an item for that..?" 

"Absolutely..I've got things that will make your life a living hell if you do anything so stupid again." 

Another small chuckle escapes him, honest and happy despite the tired look in his eyes. "Sounds like a nice vacation.." 

Legend let's out an amused snort. "Ouch." 

Giggling slightly, Twilight holds Legend's hand against his chest. The moment only fading when that smile suddenly turns into a pained grimace. Fingers twitching and trying to untangle from the rings on the vets hand. But he instantly just laces their fingers further together in a firm hold. 

"Squeeze..it's okay," Legend murmurs, combing his other hand through his brother's hair as a pained high pitched whine escapes him. Shaky grip only getting tighter as the pain radiates through him. "There you go…you won't hurt me no matter how big your stupid hands are..so just squeeze as much as you need alright?" 

He doesn't get an answer, but he didn't expect one. So instead he  just quietly coaches him to take deep breaths. Eventually humming softly again until the pain slowly ebbs away from the others expression. More soft whines escaping him as he finally finds air again. Fingers still tightly clinging to Legends despite their trembling. 

"There you go puppy….it's gonna be okay..you're alright…" They murmur softly once he's settled. 

"..yer hand..?" 

"You're too tired for it to hurt…even with my achy bones.." 

"But you're.." His words taper off as a couple of tears that aren't his drip down onto his cheek. 

"Don't know what you're talking about..you must be hallucinating." Legend sniffles slightly. 

"Mm..must be.." He murmurs as he squeezes his hand a bit. Watching as Legend fruitlessly rubs at his eyes in an attempt to dry them. "...you should sleep Little bunny.." 

The vet lets out another amused scoff. "Sleep? Very funny, haven't seen that ones face since I was a child….oh don't give me that look.." 

The Ranchers' exhausted and sad little frown almost looks akin to how Wind had looked earlier. Hell how all of them had looked earlier. 

"You're the one who should be sleeping..though I'm glad you've held out this long….it's reassuring…but you really should get back to sleep…you've got a lot of recovering to do.." 

"...you need rest too..all of y'all do…" Twilight murmurs as he shakes Legends hand a bit. 

"And I'll get some…we aren't budging till you can walk out of here with us..there will be plenty of time for sleep.." 

The ranch hand tries to open his mouth again, so Legend just covers it to stop him. "Stop fussing…you're fighting enough right now okay..? You need to not worry about us right now and just focus on you." 

Those bright blue eyes swell with an unbearable kind of sadness so quickly that it shatters the vet's heart. Watching as pained tears well up in his brother's eyes. "Ledge..I can't…..I can fight..but I….don't ask..me t' think about this…..it hurts..'s like every part uh me has poison thorns tearing through me..if I th-think on it…makes it harder to fight past it….I'd rather..take a pen uh shadow beasts beating on me…over this.." 

"Shh..shh okay, okay…it's gonna be okay..that's why I'm here with you..that's why we're going to make sure you aren't alone in this….I'm not going anywhere okay?" Legend whispers in a hushed and hurried tone, gently brushing away the streams of tears now rolling down the others cheeks. "Just rest then…alright..? I'll talk bout whatever you want..or uh, ah! Your bags here..I could read one of your books to you?" 

"You don't have to do that.." He says softly as he shakes his head a bit. "But thank you.." 

"I will if you keep your mouth shut about all of this…but really if it'll help you sleep, then I'm happy too.." 

With a light sigh Twilight squeezes his hand again. His other hand worrying at his pelt, more tears slipping out without his permission as he gives a small nod. Allowing the vet to lean and grab his bag rummaging around until he fishes out one of the few book bundles the farmer keeps bound together. 

"..you have almost as many books as me and Four…" He mumbles as he carefully brings one of the others out just so he can look at the array of titles. 

The first bundle had actually been what looks like stories of various types and thicknesses. The second tho had several different subjects mostly pertaining to herbalism, medicine and farming. Another quick peek into the bag and he could see history books, black smithing techniques, even things in other languages. All nearly bundled into sorted and manageable stacks, in fact the whole thing was pretty well organized, somehow he didn't expect that. 

"You continue to surprise me lately..you've got a mini library in here." Legend murmurs with soft awe. 

"..think Four said the same thing.." 

"I just, almost never see you with a book." 

"..hard t' read sometimes when everyone's talkin..so I only really do it…when it's quiet." 

Legend notices an airy waiver to his voice. Watching as the rancher struggles to keep his eyes open a moment. So he tucks the stack of agriculture and medicine books back into the bag. Carefully selecting one of the books with a well worn spine from the stories, figuring it must be a favorite if it's been shown so much love. 

"Look at that.." Legend says with a soft but very amused smile. "You're even a fan of romance if this description is anything to go off of.." 

Twilight manages a very tired but honest sounding chuckle. "Please…for the love of Ordonia..don't let the captain see that….I'll never hear the end of it.." 

He gives a small smirk. "That's what, three things you owe me now..? Don't worry, secrets safe with me.." 

"Something…about being in debt to you…sounds terrifying.." 

"Oh yes you should always be afraid when the weaker hand holds the power." He grins. 

"Yer..not weak…you're formidable.." 

His smile grows even more. "Busting out the big words are we? You really are a scholar at heart." 

Their heart almost soars hearing him giggle more. Tired as the sound is, it's real, and it's comforting. Just as comforting as the little smile that plays at the wolf boy's lips as Legend starts reading. Their fingers still laced together even once he's finally drifted off to sleep. 

Asleep or not, Legend continues to read. Filling the small room with words of star-crossed love, and warmth that chases off the heavy weight that had settled in the room. Keeping the silence at bay, and molding it into something that once again reminded him what a comfort it is, to hear the soft breathing of another in the night.

[abizarreyodelingincident]

LU: We’re all heroes here, right?

It was all coming together. The great showdown between the Heroes of Courage and their shadow. The ultimate conflict between legends and their inner demons given form. Soon, the demon thought to himself, soon, the pieces would fall into place, and only darkness would stand triumphant in blood.

"Surrender, Dark Link," the one they called Warriors demanded, sword raised in askance.

"Me? Surrender?" he asked, gleeful. "When it is finally time for you to listen to your repressed darkness? I know it, I see in your hearts, and long ago, you've fallen to temptation, to anger, to hatred. Why don't you reveal yourself, Fallen Hero?"

Shock covered all faces, none too slow or too quick to materialize. Expected. No hero that had turned his back on the goddesses could hope to survive eight of his heroic companions if they found out. But here and now, before the throne of the royal family, in the presence of a potent ally...

Nervous glances flew between them. The poor heroes. They could not possibly believe that one of their own, one they had trusted so long would suddenly turn cloak. They wouldn't believe it! But on the off-chance... if there ever was a possibility...

The harmonious, almost elegant formation loosened. Its members more tense. Backs shifted away from others, subtly, at first.

It was all Dark Link had known it to be. If only one of them shouted 'Liar!', it would make the perfect cue for the fallen hero to reveal himself and take his rightful place at his side. Then, together, Tainted Light and Bloody Shadow would storm the Sacred Realm.

So easy. Trauma had erected walls between them, and now, none could move before it was too late.

Victory was his!

"Alright, fuck it!" Legend suddenly broke, nimbly jumping back away from the others. "I'm the one! I have had it with the quests and the trials and the tears every time a god wakes up from its post-orgy nap and realizes that thousands are suffering somewhere. I've spent more years away from home than within at this point. I endured and endured and then..."

Silence reigned for the span of a troubled heartbeat.

Legend's gaze searched and found Twilight, and the anger shining found a mirror.

"Then that fucking fish ripped my last hope for happiness away from me."

"Veteran..."

"Traitor," Warriors sneered, his weapon drawn.

Flames lit at the tip of Legend's fire rod, casting their glow upon his tempered sword. "Well, even if I hadn't been one, I still would have wanted to punch you in the face, Captain."

Dark Link muffled his own cackling, for fear it would spur the heroes away from this outcome. A drawn-out battle between heroes, weakening both sides before he could swoop in and massacre the rest. Oh, it was just as he had hoped when he had sensed the hidden darkness below the heroic spirit they all carried.

They were conflicted, hesitant. Easier preys, a balancing factor in the soon-to-be fight. A few, more decisive, but the deciding moment, the instant that would cut this moment from history as the triumph of darkness, had yet to come. A question was ignored, discarded outright. And Legend's expression tightened. Braced itself for violence...

"Wait!" called a man's voice.

That part, Dark Link hadn't anticipated.

The heroes froze, metal clanking where swords were hastily pulled back and bonked against armors or shields. Then, one broke away from the group, standing taller than his fellow traitor, with more hesitation.

"I can't do this. You'll have to do it to me too."

"Twilight?!" gasped Wild, though for some reason, it didn't sound as betrayed as it should have.

"Pup...?" Time asked, his gaze heavy. Not yet hostile.

Twilight rubbed the back of his neck, his slanted grin a good display of country boy charm. "Yeah, me too. For the same reason, actually. I... I never asked for it, spirits and gods toyed with me and convinced the one I love that she should exile herself away from me forever. I ain't proud." He paused when Legend shouted 'fuck that!' and pondered. "But I want my pound of flesh. Honestly, I didn't think I'd get this far." He lifted a hand a summoned an energy ball black as night. "I use dark magic all the time. Thought one of you would have beheaded me by now."

Four, Time and Wild nodded, forced to concede the point. "I suppose it says something when your inner self is a feral predator that tears monsters' throats out," Four said. "Though, for the magic, that's more understandable, I think the only one that can really tell is... "

As he trailed off, his eyes widened, and so did the rest. Warriors gasped and scurried away from their wanderer.

Legend looked as if the Wind Fish had smacked him in the face. Jaw slack, and a faint shimmer of hope behind a whole lot of shock.

"Well, I wasn't going to say anything," Hyrule said, biting his lips. "I didn't want to be judgemental. Also, the hero before me went on like, ten quests and the world is still a desolated apocalyptic wasteland. Everything's poisonous or venomous, or some strange combination of both. I never knew water was drinkable before meeting you. I saved two different princesses and neither rewarded me with riches, so I've decided to pull the plug before a third needy damsel pushes me through months of fighting for my life against hordes of monsters."

With tears in his eyes, Legend rushed to envelop his successor into a manly hug.

Dark Link slowly raised his sword, clearing his throat. "Pardon, Heroes of Courage? And Traitors against the Goddesses, I guess, perhaps we-"

"Speaking of post-apocalyptic worlds," Wild began, not noticing he cut off their archenemy.

Twilight's breath hitched, his eyes suddenly watery. He seemed to be fighting a smile. "Cub?"

"Hylia really fucked up the timing of her divine intervention, " he said with a shrug. "I lost everyone except Zelda. Even lost myself. And yet, she never says a word... I just... I do hate her."

A bear hug cut off the tears before they could fall. Twilight lifted his little brother off the ground, whispered reassurances in his ears whilst his wolf hood was used to bury Wild's face into. The remaining Links let them share the moment, looked aside despite the uneasy detente this sudden spill of secrets had caused.

"Well, if we're playing cards on the table..." was Four's preface.

Groans mixed in with a growing sense of incredulity.

Four shot a wistful look to their common enemy, then back to a small, pocket mirror. His reflection's lips were a thin line. "My brother might have been born of darkness, but he had light in him too. He didn't deserve to fade away into nothing... I'd do anything to get him back."

He looked up again, a hint of nerves in his stance, but otherwise decisive. Twilight opened up his free arm and invited him with a wink. For once, there wasn't a protest at being treated like a kid. Just a quick sidehug and a few smirks exchanged on the side of evil.

"So," Legend drawled, waggling eyebrows at Warriors, "looks like you're outnumbered now. Five to four. Still interested in some vigilante justice?"

Warriors pinched his lips together. A series of emotions flashed in his eyes, his stance, and that would have been fine and good, except Legend, for all he wore the tag of an uncaring bastard, knew his companions very well by that point. It wasn't exactly horror that came to the front of his mind.

"... Seriously? You called me 'traitor!' Turned on me and everything!"

Warriors' expression twisted again. He tried his usual nonchalant hairflip but only managed to dishevel it some more. "What? I had to be convincing. How was I supposed to know I wasn't the only one with resentment issues?"

Hyrule snorted. "We share the same spirit, don't we?"

Something dawned on Twilight, his face lighting up, hope renewed, but before he could act on it, Legend tilted his head. A smirk sharp enough to draw blood.

"So, what's your story, captain? Lost your shampoo?"

"Was turned on by most soldiers in my own unit for being the target of a lustful stalking sorceress. Apparently," he drawled, venom on his tongue, "it was my fault the war happened. I shouldn't have existed. And those were people I'd fought side-by-side with for years. Imagine what strangers think."

The Links winced.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Legend said, and by all accounts, meant it.

"... Thanks."

The moment passed. They shuffled awkwardly. Neither very willing to say much after an unexpected heart to heart.

A little way away from the rest, Time frowned. "Didn't you lead the army to victory though?" he asked, pensive.

Tossing his arms in the air, Warriors huffed. "Well, yeah, I wanted revenge on the sorceress too!"

Dark Link gulped. All eight of the Chosen Heroes had nodded in unison at the explanation. Discreetly, he took a couple of steps back toward the darker corners of the throne room with a thought for the nearest exit.

(Unfortunately, Dark Link had, very consciously, chosen a room with no exit to avoid any chance of his preys escaping. He thus saw a crucial flaw with that plan.)

A few feet away, the tension had all but melted. "Old Man?" called an hopeful Twilight.

"After a decade of peace fighting through the trauma of my adventures and finally getting to marry the woman of my life, I did not take the call to adventure well." His hand went to his adventurer's pouch and his items, where his descendant knew a certain mask had been hidden. "I came prepared this time around. What's one more dead god if it means this is the last time I'm stolen away from my family? Although," he added, glancing at the assembled fallen heroes, "I had not anticipated my family growing this large this quickly."

"Sap," Warriors said, but he strongly patted Time on the back nonetheless. "So, that's seven now? Sky, anything you want to confess?"

The question, it seemed, wasn't even an 'if' anymore. More of a polite 'why?'. The unspoken undertone had similarly evolved to suggest that 'why not?' would be considered an acceptable answer at this point.

Sky wilted under the pressure. "I tried. To break the curse, I mean. Demise's curse. I found the triforce, spoke with the goddesses." The soft angles of Sky's face sharpened. "But it was pointless! Couldn't do it. Wouldn't. T-they told me that the wheels of fate had turned or some bullshit and I just had to make peace with the idea that my Zelda, that my reincarnations and hers would be plagued by a demon god for all eternity! I know Hylia... Zelda's different. She's hylian. We belong to one another."

The general surprise brought a blush to his face.

Clearing his throat, he said: "Anyway, erm, yeah, I'm doing it for my Zelda, our descendants and, well, all of you. I'm sorry I didn't solve this in my own lifetime, but since we have the opportunity."

"Attaboy, Chosen," Legend crooned. "I knew my inner bastard had to come from somewhere."

Loving teasing followed that comment.

As one, eight heroes turned toward Wind, who had yet to speak. Unbothered, he shrugged, his giant bone hammer hefted across his shoulders.

"What? I told you guys I'm a pirate. Raiding, pillaging, treasure hunting and underage drinking, all that. Hell, the closest thing to a dad I have is a cowardly conman who works me to the bone. I'm down for some godslaying."

Warriors and Sky highfived him. Which was followed by a noogie, a punch to someone's kidney and a bit of a chase around the throne room. All under the (non-evil) laughter of the onlookers.

Then, it dawned on them.

"So, we could have dropped the charade from the very beginning?" Legend asked, incredulous. Months of pretending! Dancing around the subject!

With a sigh and a mumble that might have been a 'typical', Warriors nodded. "That's what happens when members of a team keep secrets from each other."

"To be fair," Four said, "we had good reasons to believe we should keep our true allegiances secret. Who wants to say 'I'm a disciple of darkness' to eight heroes of legend?"

"Hmm, hello?" Legend waved at himself, unamused.

Time breathed deeply, a twitch working under his jaw. "Never say that again," he hissed. At the curious looks he got, he added: "You wouldn't understand."

"So," Twilight said, clasping hands together, "how do we go about this then? Does anything change or...?"

"Besides the obvious?" Wild snarked.

"Yeah, besides that," Twilight replied, equally deadpan.

Warriors slid back between them with his usual flourish, though his focus was spread across the whole group. "I say we need to at least re-establish our priorities, now that it's out in the open."

Thus, they gathered much closer than before, shoulders to shoulders. Dark Link had long abandoned the idea of a surprise attack. Messing with heroes was fun, idiots had lines they didn't cross. Those gremlins he'd led on a wild goose chase apparently had more teeth than sharks. Evil, malice-infected sharks.

"Alright, so we are in agreement," Time said once the group talk had ended, "we will kill all the gods and remake the world in our images. Lost loved ones will be restored as will lost civilizations. Orphans and toddlers won't be drafted into hopeless battle against monstrosities. Sleeping-in will not be a pipe dream. Water will be drinkable. As will be booze."

Wind pouted. "I still say the booze to water ratio should be higher."

Warriors chuckled and ruffled his hair. "One cannot live entirely on booze, little brother."

Wind shot him a weirded out look. "What are you talking about? The hell do you think pirates live on?"

A gloved hand moved between the two before the argument could be taken seriously.

"There will be time to discuss the details later. For now, we ought to make progress on our primary objective."

At this very moment, one of the pillars in the throne room wobbled and toppled over, crashing with such ruckus that even a comatose Sky would have been awakened. Behind the dust cloud created from the impact, a frozen Dark Link stared at them all with the confidence of the mouse before a pack of wolves.

"Well, this is awkward."

"Shut up, Legend," Twilight groaned. "Just because we're all openly evil instead of covertly doesn't mean you should snark more."

"Bite me, wolfboy."

"You wanna go, bunnyboy?"

Warriors separated them. It was far too early to lose someone to in-fighting. At least a day needed to go by before that would be considered acceptable. There were rules to proper evil forces, after all.

"Right, anyway, Dark Link," - Time smiled tightly, eight bloodthirsty fallen heroes behind him, eyes alit with malice - "how about we make a deal?"

[queenof-literature]

I'm asking again because I absolutely adore your work! You write the Links telling stories amazingly. It truly feels that Wild was telling the stories. Could write the all Links talking about their loves. It would be mix of fluff and angst because we have Sky and Time, who are both happy with their respective partners, but we also have Wild, Twilight, and Legend who I imagine are all lost in their own ways. I have not played all the games so feel free to interpret how you wish!

Hi again! Thank you! I'm so glad you like my work! I haven’t played all the Zelda games either, but I have watched many playthroughs. I have played Skyward Sword, Twilight Princess, and BOTW, and I’m going to play Link’s Awakening after I’m done with Hollow Knight, because unfortunately that’s all I have access too with the game systems I have. But I have watched playthroughs of the rest! So thank you for letting me have my own interpretation because I see a lot of the relationships besides the ones you mentioned and more platonic. I think Wind and Tetra would be sweet but they’re twelve during the game ya know? I apologize there is less storytelling in this one, but I feel a lot of them wouldn't be quite ready to spill all the beans. Hope you enjoy!

    Time didn’t really know how it had descended this far into chaos. One moment, Warriors was telling a tale of a ‘grand exploit’ in a tavern in his Hyrule, the next, there was screaming and yelling and multiple ‘innocent young ears’ being covered. Time thinks it all started when in the middle of the story, Warriors was telling them about a beautiful young lady he had met, to which Legend groaned and rolled his eyes. Instantly Warriors’ smile grew sharp and his eyes filled with teasing and mischief. Time knew that look, that was the look that promised Warriors was about to do anything to make the other boy uncomfortable, even making up the rest of the story if he had too. 

    Yes that’s certainly what began this quick but entertaining descent into Hell. Warriors began to tell how this young woman just ‘couldn’t keep her hands to herself’ as he stared right into Legend’s soul. Of course, Legend, not one to back down from a challenge, began yelling about his experiences in the tavern, also probably made up, and started screaming about a young lady who ‘really liked his magic items’ to which led Sky to yelling at both of them to keep quiet as he covered Wind’s ears. Wind then laughed and covered Hyrule’s ears, who giggled and reached up and covered Sky’s ears to create a Triforce of protecting the innocent. Twilight, seeing this happening, smirked and covered Wild’s ears to which he fought vehemently but Twilight wouldn’t budge. Four was shifting expressions so fast it was hard to keep track, from amused, to annoyed, to horrified, to resigned, and then a weird combination of all of them. 

    Legend and Warriors continued screaming at each other, and as entertaining as it was, if Time didn’t stop them soon they would be screaming all night. 

    “Gentleman. While I’m sure many of us enjoy hearing your exploits, I think the entire forest doesn’t feel the same way.” Time voiced, causing Warriors and Legend to blush and grumble while the rest of the group laughed. 

    “Yeah, yeah we get it Old Man. You have a beautiful and loving wife at home.” Warriors teased back.

    “Your point?” Time smirked. 

    “Yeah Warriors, just cause you don’t want to settle down don’t mean we feel the same way.” Twilight called from the other side of the campfire as Wild finally fought his way out of Twi’s strong hold. 

    “Who said I never want to settle down, goat boy?” Warriors called back.

    “You called my wedding ring a shackle.” Time chuckled. 

    “Well sure it is. But who knows if I want a shackle one day.” The camp laughed at this.

    “This mean you got someone Captain? Perhaps your Zelda?” Legend teased. 

    “No, my Zelda is amazing, and badass to boot. But I don’t really feel that way about her, at least not now.” Warriors smiled. 

“Yeah, same with my Zelda. I’m not sure how she feels about me anyway.” Hyrule sighed. 

“Same here.” Legend said simply, though the group could see a haunted look in his eyes. No one mentioned it, Legend would speak up if he wanted to, and most likely not in front of the entire group. 

“You don’t have to marry Zelda. I love my Zelda but not romantically.” Time stated gently to Hyrule.

“Yeah I know. I guess I’m still kinda shocked you got married Time.” Hyrule blushed when he realized how bad that sounded as Warriors held back a laugh disguised as a cough. “I didn’t mean it like that! I just meant that I always thought heroes didn’t really settle down. They kept saving and saving.” Hyrule finished with his hands up in a placating manner, but Time wasn’t offended at all.

“I know buddy. As I said, it took me years to see through that lie. I’m happy with Malon, and I’m out here with you boys too. You can take time for yourself too, it’s not selfish.” Time smiled softly at Hyrule. Although he didn’t mean to, Time’s words sent a stab of guilt through some of the other members. He should be home with his beautiful and loving wife. Not here on another quest after he had done so much already. But they sure were grateful to have him. 

“What about you Wild?” Wind asked. “You and your Zelda seem really close from what you’ve told us.”

“Um, well I’m not sure.” Wild rubbed the back of his neck. “I love her, and I know I did before, but I don’t know if I can imagine us you know, kissing and stuff.” Wild blushed as laughter roared up.

“Very elequantly put, Wild.” Warriors cackled. 

“You got plently of time to figure that out Cub.” Twilight clapped a hand on his shoulder as the laughter died down. 

“What are you laughing for, Wind?” Warriors ruffled his hair as Wind knocked his arm away. “You always talk about Tetra.” Warriors smirked as Wind sputtered and flushed a deep pink up to his ears.

“Tetra’s awesome! I wish she were here to kick your ass for saying that!” Wind yelled as he smacked Warriors’ shoulder. 

Four elbowed Sky. “What about you lover boy. You wanna talk about your Zelda?” Four teased as Sky’s face lit up.

“Ugh don’t get him started he won’t shut up for the rest of the night.” Legend grumbled. But it was too late. Sky had already begun.

“She’s amazing. She can play the harp and sing like Hylia herself.” Sky started with a dreamy look on his face. “One time before the Wing Ceremony, she thought I was being lazy and pushed me off of Skyloft to try and get me to call my Loftwing, but he had been put in a place he couldn’t reach me. So she had to save me herself.” Sky still had that dopey look on his face as his brothers snickered at his story. 

As Sky rambled on about his Zelda, Twilight’s eyes had grown clouded, staring at the stars peeking through the warm orange glow of the coming twilight. Wild would catch him doing this sometimes, and it always looked like Twilight was having a bittersweet memory. Wild glanced over at Time, making sure he noticed too, he was Twi’s mentor afterall. Time made eye contact with Wild and gave a small nod to acknowledge he was on the same page Wild was. Before either of them could do anything, Warriors spoke up.

“What about you country boy? You have someone?” Warriors asked and the rest of camp perked up. Twilight had never talked about his love life, besides a few jokes about ‘his heart being shattered’. Hopefully he was exaggerating…

“Uhh no.” Twilight responded after snapping out of his daze to find the entire camp looking at him curiously. 

“Does this have anything to do with the princess you talked about when Wild showed us his scars?” Four asked carefully, trying to portray that he wasn’t trying to overstep any bounds. 

“Yeah I guess so…” Twilight trailed off. Legend felt something cold in his heart at this conversation. He could tell Twilight lost his love, because he had seen that same expression in the mirror for years. He wanted to help Twilight know he wasn’t alone, he wasn’t the only one that had his heart shattered by things out of his control. The boy had always been a sturdy shoulder for all of them, it was time he returned the favor. He just didn’t know how without revealing too much or making Twilight uncomfortable. 

“There was a girl once.” Legend’s voice emerged from the silence. “Hair more red than you can imagine. She lived on an island I… found but… I did something wrong. My curiosity got the best of me, and now she and the island are gone.” Legend got out as little of the story as possible as quickly as possible while still seemingly indifferent. It was one thing to open up to all of his brothers, but it was another to cry in front of them. He couldn’t. 

Twilight seemed genuinely surprised Legend had spoken up about what was haunting him. Legend was sure that the others were just as shocked but he only looked at Twilight. He wanted Twi to know he wasn’t the only one. He needed Twi to know he wasn’t the only one. Talking about it was humiliating and almost impossible and just downright painful. He needed Twi to know he had been there too. Twi gave him a gentle and understanding look, one that told Legend he understood what he was trying to do, and that he was more than grateful and supportive of him. Warriors set a gentle hand on his shoulder, slow enough that he could pull away if he needed to. Legend allowed it, but nothing more. It’s more for that idiot’s peace of mind anyway. He didn’t take any comfort in it at all…

“My companion on my quest was awful to me at first.” Twilight’s voice rang out to replace Legend’s in the silence around the campfire. “She was awful to me at first but we started to talk more along the way and we became closer. Then she just… left. I don’t know what I did wrong…” Twilight trailed off, once again looking at the quickly fading twilight above. He wanted to talk more about it, and he could tell Legend did too. They just weren’t ready yet. 

Wild bit his lip. Time was much better at comforting Twilight, but he was on the other side of the fire and making a move to be next to him would draw attention Twilight didn’t want. Wild leaned some of his weight against the older boy. He had to at least try to comfort him after all Twilight had done for Wild since they met. Twilight smiled slightly when he felt the weight and leaned back. It wasn’t much, but it was enough.  

“I don’t think you did anything wrong Twilight.” Wild spoke quietly, messing with the hem of his tunic. “I mean you talked about your companion being from the Twilight Realm right?” Twilight nodded slightly, looking pained. “Well maybe she had to go for another reason? I’m not saying you should just forget.” Wild rushed to say. “But maybe it was really complicated if both of you were growing closer to each other and she wasn’t as mean as before?” Wild finished his words with a question. Twilight never told him enough about his companion to know for sure what really happened. But he could at least try to comfort his mentor. 

Twilight looked down at Wild and smirked, but it lacked the tease it normally had, it held gratitude and love. “Thanks, Cub.” Twilight said simply, then reached out a hand to quickly ruffle the youngers’ hair. Wild yelped and slapped his hand away. Relief overwhelmed the boys in the group, thankful that the atmosphere had lifted slightly. 

“I know it’s not the same.” Warriors started once the others had settled down. “But there was this woman. She was the main one who tried to take the Triforce for herself other than Ganon. Apparently she was supposed to protect the Triforce, but she… fell in love with me.” Warriors waited for the teasing to begin. He knew he made many jokes about the women he had met, but it seemed the group could tell this sometimes plagued his mind. 

“That was one of the reasons she started the war that I fought in. I found out later that her light was driven from her to create my friend Lana, so she became completely dark. I had to fight in her temple and there were pictures of me all over the walls and…” Warriors paused. He couldn’t talk about his overconfidence yet. He couldn’t talk about his mistakes that led to Dark Link. What if the others hated him for it? “I don’t know it may sound silly. But having someone obsessed with you like that is, scary I guess. I mean, people died in those battles, because she was jealous of Zelda and me but I’m not even sure how I feel about Zelda. She died and I couldn’t help but feel guilty. I know I’m not required to have feelings for her, especially after all she had done, but it still made me feel… I don’t know.” Warriors sighed. Legend leaned slightly into Warriors’ hand on his shoulder. He never knew Warriors had that part of his story. The rest of the group felt twangs in their hearts at Warriors’ confused tone. 

“It’s not your fault Warriors.” Wind smiled up at him. “You’re right. You shouldn't force yourself to feel that way for anyone. The war wasn’t your fault.” Warriors smiled down at his small companion and nodded in thanks.

“Wind is right.” Hyrule stated quietly. “There were people after me because of the Triforce. That doesn’t mean it’s our fault.” No one mentioned that the word ‘were’ sounded a little strained. they’d have to keep an eye on him in his Hyrule it seemed. 

“Thanks guys.” Warriors grinned. It was a little more troubled than his usual grin, but it was a welcome sign nonetheless. Sky looked a little guilty at having proclaimed his love so confidently. Four pat his shoulder and shook his head. Sky shouldn’t feel guilty for being happy. None of the other boys would ever want that. 

“Look at all of us.” Legend teased with a wry smile. The rest of the group chuckled slightly. The atmosphere wasn’t as happy as it had been, but there was an odd relief, like the relief after crying. A bittersweet acceptance that hearts had been broken, but they still had brothers to fall back on. The group could tell no one else was ready to talk about anything else for the night, so they began to settle in. Surprisingly, Twilight laid his bedroll near Legend that night. While no tears were shed, the group was still exhausted from a long day of travel. After the other heroes had settled down, Twilight laid awake, looking at the stars. He knew Legend would be up too, the hero never seemed to sleep right away. And now Twilight had suspicions why after his tale.

“Hey Legend?” Twilight whispered after he was positive everyone was asleep, save Four, who was on the outskirts of camp keeping watch, too far away to hear their whispers.

“What?” Legend pretended to look annoyed but Twilight could see the curiosity in his eyes.

“What was her name?” Twilight asked quietly, praying that he hadn’t crossed a line. When Legend didn’t answer, he figured he would apologize and awkwardly turn over in his bedroll and pretend to sleep.

“Marin…” Legend whispered the name with such sadness, but such awe that it threw Twilight for a loop. “Your companion?” Legend questioned back.

“Midna.”  

[forsakentoast]

Wildflower

Chapter 2

“Is he still asleep?”

“My little fox, he just settled down for his afternoon nap. Let him be, he did have quite a day today.”

“But mama! Today we were supposed to go truffle hunting before dinner! And my basket was all packed and ready to go.”

Looking before her dejected child, the mother released a sigh as she smiled. Ah, her little autumn leaf. “And he will. He just wants to sleep. He lets you do that when you want to take a nap.”

“Mama… he isn’t here when I close my eyes for a time.”

“Oh Ilé… Sometimes I think you are but my youngest child.” A small laugh erupted from the woman.

“I am and always will be your child. Now, let me go wake up your other child. Link! Link! Wake up!”

Wake up...

Groggy eyes finally opened blearily to the sunlit room. Stretching just before a cramp was threatening to come forth, Wild took off the blankets and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. 

Hearing the others quietly bustling about and the gentle smell of something cooking, Wild let out one more yawn before finally getting out of bed and starting down the stairs.

The smell of breakfast became even more enticing as each step downstairs was taken. 

“Morning.”

The chatter soon stopped to greet the sleepy Hylian. But before any word could be uttered, a glass bottle was shattered as a response in its stead. 

“HOLY…”

“Hylia...”

“W-wild?”

The shattered glass jolted the young hero to be more awake and alert. Being more aware of his surroundings, Wild looked around to the shocked and startled faces of his friends. 

Despite the shock still evident in Time’s face, he gathered his stupor and proceeded to ask what everyone had on their minds. “Wild? Is that really you?”

“Uh… Yeah? You guys stare at me as if I was growing a horn on my head.”

And at that statement, Wind yelled, “To the lab!” 

---

The lab had a quiet morning. The gentle beeping of the machines and the humming were filtering through the air as Purah and Symin went about their morning. However, that peace was soon disrupted as the doors to the lab were slammed open and a loud clamor of calling the sheikah woman in an urgent tone was ringing about. 

“Purah! Purah!” Wind desperately called out.

Upon the name leaving the mouth of the sailor, Purah turned to greet them when the words died as she looked at the champion of her time. Before her, the champion held no blemish upon his concerned face. His hair was as short as it had been before his downfall. 

“It would have been nice if I could at least see myself, ya know. You all make it seem as if a horn sprouted from my head or something… or a second head,” he grumbled. Feeling around his head, Wild was relieved to have had no horns or bumps. Once his hand felt around the left side of his face, he took a pause.

There was smooth skin where his scars were supposed to be. What dark magic was this? Everywhere he traced where his scars were, his fingers met nothing but baby soft skin. 

“Heh… Where?” Words were hard to form as Wild’s mind began reeling to figure out what exactly was even going.

Legend spoke for him, “That is exactly what we were trying to figure out.”

Silence engulfed the lab for a brief moment until Purah’s excited giggles broke through. She picked up a reflective piece of metal to give to Wild as her eyes shone with awe.

Taking said metal from her, Wild paled at seeing his scars no longer there. His youthful face looking even more young and his hair. Oh Hylia his hair. No longer was it long, but short like in the first part of his...

“Symin! Do you see?! This was a success! Oh Linky! We must conduct tests and- and exams! How do you feel? Have you eaten? Any side effects? Any fever? Aches? Hylia… we need to take vitals and-”

“Purah,” interjected Symin, “Take a breath, and let him breathe. We can’t have him go into shock.” Walking towards Wild, Symin gently brought Wild’s attention to the present moment and led him away from the group so a moment can be given to process the situation at hand. 

Upon leading the champion away,  Purah turned her attention back to the lot of heroes. 

“I can’t believe it… Did he show any symptoms yesterday?”

All shook their heads, except for Twilight.

“I kept him under close supervision since then. Other than stumbling a couple times here and there, nothing else was wrong. No fever, no nothing.”

“Well,” Hyrule spoke, “Now that I think about it, he did seem to be lethargic after he ate dinner with us.”

“Now that you mentioned it,” all attention went to Four, “Wild did seem lethargic during dinner time. We all know how vigorously Wild loves to eat his dinner.”

Small murmurs of agreements resounded as they all realized their wild friend did not escape without symptoms.

Swallowing the guilt Hyrule was feeling, he turned his attention to Purah. “I understand that you said to expect changes, but how much or how deep these changes are? How long would this last?”

“I don’t know. I can only say that he got reduced back 100 years due to the disappearance of his scars. I can’t tell you anything more than that, young man. Even with tests done, there is little to be said.”

Apprehensively, Warriors questioned, “But didn’t you get hit with the rune yourself?”

“I didn’t get hit with it. I experimented on myself because I had no other viable subjects.” Purah laughed to herself. “Besides, my symptoms were different than our dear friend. I had horrible fevers, lethargy, and terrible aches and pains. But it soon calmed down.”

“So you tested on yourself… and what exactly did that yield? What was the reason for the testing to be conducted?” Pressed Warriors.

“My, my… such an inquisitive young lad. I did the test on myself indeed. I became younger as you see me at this moment. I am also over 100 years old as well, you know. I changed physically and mentally. I still have some outburst that just spill from my mouth. But as for the reason? Sometimes our research is done to benefit Hyrule. Possibly in due time I will spill the secrets.”

Before any protest could be given, Symin and Wild finally came inside. 

“We would have been outside longer, but the villagers were starting to stir and go about their morning routines. I do not think it would have been wise to have our friend seen by prying eyes,” Symin shot Purah a look.

Pouting, Purah could only just look at Wild and egged him on with her gaze. She knew he had questions and she would do her best to answer them.

“Obvious question aside. What is my current age.”

“Judging by the unmarred skin you meekly paraded, I would say 16. Give or take a year.”

“But how?”

“Linky, even I cannot explain it. You have read my diary, even though I told you to refrain from doing so,” she quietly mumbled the last part. “When I first did the experiment on myself, I was regressed 70 years, then another twenty and so on and so forth. I managed to stop when I reached the age of six.”

“So you're telling me that I can still regress?”

“Exactly,” Purah answered, “How far? Hylia most likely wouldn’t even know. Let’s just hope you don’t regress to the point you fade away from existence.”

As Purah gave a laugh, the others became worried while Wild simply rolled his eyes.

“I have the spite to will myself back into existence.”

Clearing his throat, Time brought back the attention of Purah. “So what exactly should we be looking for in these… changes?”

“Well for one, he will be growing shorter in stature. If he does regress further in age, he may experience mood swings or general outbursts.”

A small shudder was heard from Symin. All eyes and one glare were directed at him as he realized that his shudder was heard to them all. 

“Ah, my apologies. If Link does experience those, just know that they aren’t all… too bad… you will eventually grow immunity to it. Sometimes all one can do is treat this situation as a parent would a child… or like a sibling of some sorts.”

“Heck yeah!”

Wind looked towards everyone, excitement etched onto his features. “I am so excited! I love being a big brother! And with this circumstance, I can be like a dad! I can be all like: Hello, this is my son,” as the young sailor gestured toward an unamused Wild.

“As if any one would believe you,” said Warriors.

“You may have a reasonable point, but it doesn’t hurt to try.”

A snort was heard from Sky as he looked to the sailor. “I’m just trying to imagine a young person like you just be like, ‘hello, I am the hero of the Winds and this is my son… Link… the Second. Link 2.0. Sounded better in my head to be honest.” Off muttering he went. 

“I won’t be dealing with a child. If he is wild as he is now, just imagine how wild he would be as a child.”

“Hey! I am not wild. I just like to do things different than your preferred methods. I have restraint too, you know.”

Legend just rolled his eyes.

“The good thing is that you won’t be alone this time in your predicament. You have others that will help you and take good care of you. I believe you are in good hands, Link. We may just have to wait this out or until Purah and I can get the other rune up and running. We have plenty of other projects that are vying for our attention, so we will be doing the best we can.”

“I will not be responsible for you. Someone will be taking that responsibility and it won’t be me. I want to be left alone to sleep,” Legend muttered that last bit to himself.

“I can’t help but feel like you will eat those words. Just something I feel deep within my gut,” replied Warriors.

“Listen here, fool-”

“Enough.” Time interjected. “We will be sure to watch for our dear friend here, you can rest assured. Any other things we should be concerned about?”

Thinking, both scientists just hesitantly shook their heads. 

“I feel like there should be but at the moment we cannot think of any. Just please, take good care of him. I think it’s best that Impa knows of the situation and Zelda of this time as well.”

“Ah! Linky! Take this hat and wear it like a disguise to cover your face and remain as a mysterious person and you can go home-”

“I know my way without being detected by the village.” Seeing Purah’s dejected face, Wild just took the sheikah hat that was offered. “But I guess I can go undetected in style.”

“Good. Now, off with you. And be sure to update me with any changes.”

With each hero excusing themselves and leaving the lab, the two scientists waved with all smiles until the door closed.

“Purah, I believe this will be a wreck. He told me he faintly recalled something from the depths of his mind. He couldn’t really explain it fully as to what it was. He just said something or someone told him to wake up. No report of anything out of the ordinary. I didn’t realize anything was wrong until he got here to the lab.”

“We just keep watch on him, Symin. We always did. That’s why it’s better to have Impa on the loop. But at the same time, I cannot help but think to drag out the progress of the rune. I am a woman of science, Symin. My curiosity is gnawing at the possibilities on how things will turn. But I guess we will just keep that tid bit to ourselves.”

-----

Just ways away from the lab, the group had stopped and looked at their wild companion. 

“So how would we go on about and avoid the prying eyes of the village?”

“Just climb down the hills and avoid the heart of the village and the entrance.”

“But what of Bolson and Karson? I don’t think we can just sneak around and bust you in through the window in the back. Nor is milling about until nightfall for them both to go back home is worth it.”

“I think it would be better to just tell him. Right?”

“Wild, how exactly would you just go up and just tell him: oh, i got hit with a ray and I am regressing back to goddesses know when. I may or may not fade from existence as it is.”

“Well, Twi, I don’t think I can just tell him that I am some lost long relative. I could have pulled it off by just stating I got a haircut, but my unmarred skin won’t fool him. He knew me with my scars. He saw me with the scars yesterday.”

“Well,” Wind spoke, “Why don’t we just say that it was some high level potion that was barely made and you were testing it out and look how youthful it made you. But there was just a small sample.”

“Wind… that’s not a bad idea. But I think it should be more refined and we can make that excuse to pass it off. I think we should include a haircut as well.”

“I am all on board with that, Hyrule!”

“As much as I appreciate the excuses you both are formulating, I think it’s best I just handle it. Why don’t you all go into town and gather more groceries. I am famished and I believe the breakfast has already gone cold.”

“We can just heat up the food once more.”

“Only two omlettes and toast were made, before Twilight shattered the milk. Besides, I think it’s best we all just go into town and get supplies as we make our trek to Kakariko.”

Everyone nodded and the group departed, leaving Wild to sneak back to his home.

------

“My oh my! Good morning Link! It is a little too early for a hat, is it not?”

“Morning Bolson, Karson,” Wild nodded to both men. “I just wanted to make an early morning fashion statement.” A small laugh filled the air as Wild went to remove the hat.

“Ooooo, I see you went to get that silky length cut down. It suits you quite well, might I add. But I feel that there is something else that is definitely different about you this fine morning. What do you think, Karson?”

A guessing game began between the two of them until Karson finally noticed.

“Good goddess above, Link! Your skin!”

“Shhh! I know, I know. I… had a little accident at the lab the other day. I still have not gotten over my shock. I feel… a bit naked without them. I just really don’t know how to explain it. There’s an experiment that is being developed but I was in the wrong place at the wrong time and then-” 

Careful details came forth from Wild’s lips. Both Bolson and Karson were listening in silence as the hero spoke the day’s details.

“Link, we are both honored that you are confiding this mishap. And I am a little hurt that you wouldn’t have trusted me to share this secret. Although I do understand why. I know that I blabber on about my business and I know of all the village gossip, but I also know when to keep my mouth shut on certain matters.”

“You both took it well… I am actually surprised.”

“Besides, boss has made it company rules that anything a client tells, cannot be told to anyone else.”

“Oh my good dear, if only you would hear the things my past clients have told me. It is a little hard to comprehend this at the moment, but what kind of person would I be if I had broke the trust you helped forged?”

“May the goddesses bless you both.”

“But my dear, I want you to be careful out there. Especially since you will be making a trek to Kakariko village. Now you should get packing, your group is coming along.”

Looking back, Wild saw his group of friends and turned back to the duo milling about under the tree, a smile and a word of gratitude as he went back into his home.

Karson and Bolson both sent smiles in return and nods of understanding to the group as they all headed inside.

“You know Karson, I cannot help but shake the feeling of something. May the goddess above watch over the lot.”

-----

The trek to Kakariko was uneventful. Merchants peppered the roads, but most seemed to have minded their business as they walked along. A couple monsters here and there, but nothing that required exertion. With the mountains rising above and offering a sense of security, Wild had assured the group that they were approaching Kakariko. 

The moon was high above the sky as the heroes made their way into the village. Wild made his way inside the inn to grab rooms for the night. When Wild came out, eyes of concern went on each face as they viewed their affected member. Wild honestly did not realize that he was swaying.

“As it is late at night, I suggest we just spend the rest of the night... at the inn and then- then meet up with... Impa in the morning. Besides, I am incredibly sleepy and I feel like I can’t- can’t go on.”

Gently guiding Wild back inside, Warriors told the group to get settled in and asked Hyrule to come help him with Wild.

“Come on Wild, let’s get you to bed.”

“Very tired.”

“I know, my little wildflower.”

“Heh. flowers do sound nice.”

“Now let’s get to bed. You had such a long day.”

“Gonna see Impa.”

“Rest is what makes good boys strong,” a gentle smile was felt within those words.

Wild felt warmth surround him. “Night.”

“Good night, wildflower.”

And just like that, Wild fell asleep.

Both Hyrule and Warriors shared a look of concern.

“Exactly who was he talking to?”

“I don’t know. But now is not the time to ask. We should just keep an eye and just get some rest.”

“You’re right. May things get resolved soon.”

[katbug313131]

Grand Mage: Cold Delusions

A small writing with Wind and my own character in it! They’ve just gotten snowed into a cave after getting separated from the group during a snow storm. Also a warning for mentions of mild abuse and violence.

She cradled the tiny hero in her lap, pulling her cloak tightly around them both. His body heat spread throughout it, causing a warm feeling of pain to blossom across her skin. She was so cold. She put all her energy into making sure he was alright and okay and warm, and he wasn’t going to let her be cold anymore.

The sailor pushed his back against her, making sure to pass along as much body heat as possible. Her lips were blue, skin pale, and despite her attempts to hide it with a closed mouth, he could hear her teeth chatter. Her cloak. Her magic. She used it all during the time he was unconscious to heal him and keep him warm.

Grey-blue eyes appeared without life more than before, and with lids threatening to close, never to open again. He had to do something to keep her awake.

“Do you have any siblings?” It was a sensitive subject to all the links, regarded as something personal that one would only choose to share if they were able. Wind, the youngest of them all, was lucky to have family about.

“What about you? You said you had one didn’t you? What was her name?” The mage redirected the question onto him, and he wasn’t going to let that happen.

“Aryll. I really miss her, but I’m sure she's strong enough to be fine without me there. What about you? Any siblings you’re missing?” It felt odd to ask, since Magic always acted like she was alone, and it even felt like she never had companionship before.

A moment of silence passed. 

“Yes.” Solemn. Her tone had so much emotion in it, all in one word. He shouldn’t have asked.

“I have-”, she paused a moment, “had many siblings, but the one I miss most, that's my younger brother.” Her voice was calm, but betrayed emotion, a quiet sadness that teemed with peace.

“What was his name?” The tiny hero asked, shifting to get comfortable in her lap.

“Arbole.” Before Wind could say anything she spoke his mind. “Would you like to hear about him?”

“Yes.”

She was silent for a time. Wind could practically hear the gears turning in her head, and see her split eyes flash with memories despite being empty. Everything became colder, telling the boy that the sun had set, despite the magic fire before them.

“He had hair just like mine. Black like the night sky without stars, fluffy like a tornado tore through it, and soft like a child's blanket.” Her head tilted and she set it down on his own. “I remember one day, he came crying to me, saying that our father wouldn’t let him grow his hair out. I had the brilliant idea that I would grow out my hair for him, since dad would let me, and he loved that. He really did. He’d brush and braid and do all sorts with it, he loved it long, and he loved it like it was his own.”  It wasn't a fluid speech, nor did it sound very conscious, but her rambling the sailor decided, was better than her falling asleep and not waking up.

“Is that why you have that long braid in your hair?” Magic’s hair was odd. It was mostly short, but at the back of her head was a long strand of hair that she always braided, so much longer than the rest.

She hummed. “Back home, in my Hyrule, it's a symbol of letting go and forgetting the past when you cut your hair. And I really, really, wanted to keep some of it long, just for him. So I could never forget.” She nuzzled her cheek against his hair. “I didn’t want to forget him, or his face, or the things he liked and the things he loved to do...” She trailed off.

“Magic?”

“Hm?” 

“You alright?”

“Mmhm.” He was worried she had passed out finally, but it seemed her eyes glazed over, despite her scars. “I think, I think I can show you him.” Wind stayed silent, letting her get through the fog in her mind.

She raised her head, and breathed in deeply. And when she breathed out, a beautiful blue dust spread through the air. It swarmed before them, the fire dying down enough for it to be seen, before turning into the shape of a person.

It was a child, a preteen at most, but most definitely younger than the little hero. A small smile adorned them, with open eyes that Wind couldn’t see the color of, due to it being small lights linking together to show a figure. He could see short hair that flowed in every direction, slightly chubby cheeks, and a puffed out chest showing confidence. 

“I can barely remember it, his face. My sight has been gone so long that when I try thinking of it, all I can see is darkness sometimes. I forget I can show memories like this, but you can see him, right?”

The boy was silent for a moment, absorbing all the little details that could be seen.

“It’s amazing, he’s got wild hair just like you said.” She laughed lightly, and without much energy, though it sounded content nonetheless.

“Your hair reminds me of his, that's the little bit he’s like you, other than the slight optimism.”

He shuffled in her lap, “Who else is he like?”

“Time, a bit of Wild as well.” She huffed, seemingly amused with herself.

“How's he like them?” He needed to keep her talking, until her lips weren't so blue, and her skin not so pale.

“Ha, he always acted so confident when other people were around. Unless it was me or Sarita, he would always act so strong and diligent, I get it though. We were born to a mistress, you see, not the family lady at the time, and that made it difficult to prove our worth. And so he acted like he was big and strong so he could get the attention he needed as a kid. So he could prove himself.”

“And what about you? Was being a mage good?”

“Ha, ha,” she trailed off with light laughter, the sailor being able to feel her chest heave with the motions, “I wasn’t a mage then, I was a swordster just like everyone else in my family.” The increase of the painful tingles on her skin caused her to move, just a bit, to try and get the warming process over faster.

“I was a prodigy. Well, that's what they called me, that’s what my father called me. Fourteen short years of training with a blade and showing my skill and he decided..” This fade wasn’t from exhaustion, the boy could tell, at least not physically.

He moved his hands from his lap, and placed them on her forearms, pulling her closer.

“What did he decide?” 

“He decided I would unsheathe the sword. We-we were the Great Family you see, and this blade was passed down for centuries upon centuries. And he decided, a year early compared to the tradition, that I would unsheathe that blade, not attempt, he was absolutely sure I would wield it.”

“I..I, there were so many people there, at the ceremony. Kings and royalty of other places, and important people I didn’t even know. It was terrifying. I was at the center of it all, no knowledge of if I could do it or not. My father assured me I would unsheathe it, but deep in my heart, I felt otherwise. I was right. I was right.” Her breathing became uneven, and tears slowly fell from her eyes. She was shaking, not from the cold, but pure emotional force.

“I failed to wield the blade. In front of all those royals and leaders and legends, I failed. I failed to become one of them, despite what my father said.” She paused for a moment, a soft hiccup escaping her.

 ”The sword, no, the spirit in the sword denied me. It embarrassed me right then and there, and I hurt my family’s pride, everyone's. And my father..oh by Hylia-he was furious, embarrassed, tarnished. He bragged about me for so long before this, claiming something that wasn’t set in stone. And when everything he said became nothing more than childish boasting, he imploded, and exploded, too.” Her temperature rose during her speech, the tears warming her face and dampening the young hero's hair. The hero of wind didn't dare move, nor flinch at the warm droplets now rolling down his head.

“He, later that night, confronted me in my room. He shouted and screamed, and broke things and swung the blade about, he was it’s wielder at the time, and I knew, I knew what was going to happen.” Her words spilled out, rushed and panicked, the fear of reliving it in her mind pushing her forward. “He took that sword, the one that denied me, and he…” She took a shaky breath.

“And he blinded me with it,” her voice quivered, “and my hand, he put that cursed thing right through it. He-he said something along the lines of, ‘this is so you can never wield a sword again, so you can never embarrass this family again’, it hurt. It hurt.” Her tears were in full form, and she whimpered quietly, digging her face into his hair.

“I-I passed out after he, after my hand was-pierced, and when I woke up, everything was ashes. Everything. My whole home, the whole valley, my whole family. I-I miss him so much,” she hiccupped,” I miss his smile, and how he loved cooking with me and Sarita, and-and-” 

Lurching, she moved her head away from him. “I deserve it all. For being a failure, that was my punishment. Losing him and everything else.”

“Hey, hey, hey,” the boy said quickly, moving his back from her and dropping his hands, raising them to soothe her. His little appendages floated in the air for a moment, unsure of what to do. He shouldn’t have brought it up.

He took a risk. Some of them don’t like being touched, some of them don’t like telling people things, or receiving comfort from anyone. But he took the risk, and he hugged her.

He held onto her torso, hugging her tightly, being kind to avoid her stomach.

“Hey, Magic, Magic,” he placed his head over her heart, listening to the rapid beating and feeling her chest heave with the effort of breathing, “it’s okay, you’re okay now.” Neri once mentioned how people spill out trauma when they can’t hold it anymore, and when they feel safe, and to someone they trust. He wanted her to trust him after this, to feel better if possible. It wasn’t just about helping her physical health now, if she trusted him, even when delusional from the cold's effect, he wanted to help her.

“You’re strong, Magic, you know that, and to all of us, you’re not a failure. You’re an amazing and wonderful person. You help people and hurt people, but that’s life- and you didn’t deserve what he did to you or what happened to them. You didn’t deserve it.” He tightened his hold, if he was a little stronger, he’d probably keep her from breathing. “You can’t wield that blade, but it doesn’t change the fact you’re an important person to us, that you’re just as much a good person as the rest of us, Magic.”

“Marion.”

He stilled a moment, as her breathing slightly hiccupped. He mumbled out a ‘huh’, just barely audible.

“That, that’s my name. I’m not a Link, like you all, sorry.” She tilted her head down, sniffling and avoiding the boy's gaze. He leaned back, but didn’t let go, hands gently hanging on her waist. A soft smile found itself on his features.

“That's a lovely, lovely name.” She laughed softly, and then her face was solemn again. Her shaking still persisted, though it wasn’t as bad as before. And her skin was turning red, while her lips lost some of the blue that painted them. Her body was warming up.

Wind opened his mouth to speak, and closed it again. Settling on hugging her once more. Words won’t fix the emptiness that she felt now, but sometimes, actions are more comforting than words. And the links? Well, they knew that best.   

[wildsolareclipse]

Of Telescopes and Siblings

Something was bothering Wind, Warriors noticed. They group had been walking through Wild’s Hyrule, and Wind was usually always enthusiastic to take new pictures with his Picto Box, chatting excitedly with whoever was nearby.

This time, however, Wind was lingering in the back of the group, eyes downcast, and his feet dragging across the ground, his Picto Box nowhere to be seen. His strange quietness seemed to have everyone on edge, Sky and Twilight shooting concerned glances at him every few minutes; Time’s expression had settled into a worried frown, Four looked to be having an internal argument with himself, even Legend could be seen biting his lip, as if he wanted to say something to the downcast hero.

Wild was at the front of the group, staring down at his Sheikah Slate, his hands gripping the device tightly, a tension in his shoulders. All in all, Wind’s behavior didn’t go unnoticed.

Warriors purposely slowed down, letting the others go ahead of him as he joined Wind in the back.

“Hey, you alright? You seem down.” The older hero inquired, making Wind grumble.

“I’m fine; I just want to be left alone.” He replied, before stalking forward, catching up with the others, leaving a concerned Warriors behind.

Ever since Warriors attempted speaking to Wind, he seemed to be even more reclusive than before, opting to sit on the outskirts of the small camp they had set up, refusing to talk to anyone. He had even snapped at Wild, who had attempted to cheer him up by asking if he wanted to go take some pictures with him, which usually had him sprinting out of the camp, Picto Box in hand.

Instead, he yelled at him, telling him to go away, before retreating to the other side of camp. The atmosphere was heavy, the entire group practically silent besides the sound of hushed conversation.

Warriors couldn’t even find it in him to bicker with Legend, instead opting to quietly pick at his meal, glancing over at Wind every few minutes.

Said boy had his back to the others, a bowl sat in his lap, practically untouched. What alarmed Warriors though, was when he noticed the subtle shaking of the younger hero’s shoulders. He was crying. Setting his food aside, he slowly approached the boy.

Careful not to startle him, Warriors gently placed a hand on his shoulder, “Wind, what’s wrong?”

Wind sniffled, desperately wiping tears from his face with his sleeve, “Go away, I’m fine!”

“I would hardly call crying over your dinner being ‘fine’” Warriors almost snorted, but refrained since he didn’t want to upset the younger boy any further.

“I’m not crying! I’m not some weak little boy that needs your protection! I can take care of myself!” He snapped, glaring at Warriors.

So that was what was going on. Wind didn’t want to talk about whatever was bothering him because he didn’t want to seem weak.

Warriors took a seat next to the angry boy, “Look, Wind, I’ve never thought that you were weak or anything like that. It’s just…I don’t want you to get hurt.” Wind opened his mouth to protest.

“Let me finish.” Wind begrudgingly stayed quiet, “I know you can protect yourself, if anything, you’re probably the most capable of protecting yourself, but when I see you in danger, I want nothing more than to leap in front of you, shielding you from all harm. It has nothing to do with your age or your skill level, and everything to do with how much I care for you.”

The younger hero was silent, eyes wide, shocked. He stared for a moment, before biting his lip, looking down.

“I miss home.” Wind finally said, still not looking up, “I miss the vast ocean, the sandy beaches, Grandma,” He paused, “Aryll.”

“She’s your sister, right?” Wind nodded, a small smile gracing his face.

“Yeah, we were inseparable as kids, always watching the seagulls, or exploring the island, or collecting seashells…” Wind reminisced, before trailing off.

“What happened? Are you not close anymore?” The older boy inquired.

Wind sighed, “No, we are, but…things are different now. Aryll was kidnapped by a giant bird of Ganondorf’s, mistaking her for Tetra-my Hyrule’s Zelda. I obviously rescued her, and ended up defeating Ganondorf in the process, but after that, I started travelling with Tetra and her crew a lot, and we didn’t see each other as often.”

He turned and pulled something out of his satchel, the moonlight catching on the object. It was an orange telescope, with two little seagulls having been painted on the side.

“This used to be my sister’s. She gave it to me on my birthday to borrow for the day, but I never got to give it back since she got taken. And after everything with Ganondorf happened, she said I should keep it, and I’ve had it ever since.” Wind sighed, turning the telescope in his hands, “It used to be like I had a piece of my sister with me, but now it just seems to remind me how impossibly far I am from her.”

Warriors didn’t say anything; he simply slung an arm around Wind’s shoulder, pulling him close. The telescope when slack in his grip, tears running down his face as he finally let himself cry.

 Wind snored softly, his expression peaceful despite the tears still apparent on his face. Warriors had carefully shifted him so the younger boy’s head rested on his lap, his fingers gently running through his hair.

The telescope was still clutched in Wind’s hand, and Warriors just didn’t have the heart to try and remove it.

Quiet footsteps approached, Warriors turned his head to the sound, seeing Time approach.

“Will he be alright?” He asked, referring to the sleeping boy.

Warriors looked down at Wind and smiled, “Yeah, I’ll make sure of it.” “That’s what brothers are for, after all.”

 “Warrrriorrrss!” Wind whined, “Why won’t you tell me where we’re going?”

Warriors chuckled, “Because it’s supposed to be a surprise, silly! We’re almost there, anyways!”

The younger hero pouted, but didn’t complain after that.

Soon enough, palm trees came into sight, but that isn’t what made Wind gasp in shock. It was the vast, blue ocean next to a little village, the sun reflecting off the crystalline waves, making it look like it was sparkling in the light. It was the little lookout tower that stood next to the water, it was all the villagers laughing and smiling together as they worked.

“I know it isn’t Outset, but I guess I wanted you to have some piece of home away from home, so I asked Wild and he said that this was the best place t-“ Warriors was cut off by Wind slamming into him, hugging him tightly.

“Thank you! Thank you so much!” He looked up at the older boy, the brightest grin on his face.

Warriors smiled, “Anything for you, Wind. Now, what do you say we go explore a bit? Wild said something about…sherbet…whatever that is.”

“Oh! It’s really good! My grandma and I used to make it all the time back on Outset!” Wind unlatched himself from Warriors, instead gripping his hand and dragging him into the village, excitedly pointing out things he recognized.

Warriors simply listened as he spoke, glad that his little brother was happy again.

“I love you, little brother.” He whispered, smiling.

Wind’s footsteps faltered, unlike his grin, which seemed to grow wider as he said:

“I love you too, big brother.”

[katedoesfics]

Shadows of Hyrule | Chapter 51

Link and Mipha were back sitting on his bed. After their guarded escape from the base, they made their separate ways, but only after Dorian strictly instructed them not to breathe a single word to the reporters – or anyone – about the attack and the rise of Ganondorf. And despite Link's interrogations, Dorian provided no answers to where the next portal was, and no explanation to the attack that just happened.

Mipha held his arm carefully as she worked to heal the deep gash he had sustained in the battle. Her hands were warm on his skin and Link felt very aware of her touch. His hard expression softened, and he could no longer focus on all his unanswered questions. When she finished, she let her hands linger on his arm for a moment longer before pulling away. Neither had spoken since they returned to his room, and the silence between them felt heavy, though Link was unsure why.

“Thanks,” he finally said softly. He let his head rest against the wall and closed his eyes.

“Of course.” Mipha's voice was just as soft.

Link opened his eyes and glanced towards her. Their gazes met and she smiled sheepishly. He realized, then, how close they were to each other, and he couldn't help but to lean closer to her. Mipha met his gaze, her lips pursed together.

There was a sudden loud knock on the door, and Aryll's voice shouted his name. Link jumped back, the distance between them growing dramatically, and he shot an angry glare towards the door. “What!”

The door opened and Aryll bounded into his room. “I saw you on tv, Link!”

“Great,” Link muttered. He pulled his knees to his chest and turned to Mipha, but she was averting her gaze, staring down at her feet.

“You too, Mipha!” Aryll continued. “I saw you all! You kicked butt!”

To Link's dismay, his father poked his head around the doorway. He studied them for a moment. “Fortunately for you, the camera did you a favor by adding ten pounds.”

Link narrowed his eyes on his father. “What do you want?”

His father crossed his arms and Aryll continued to jump excitedly around the room.

“You're gonna be famous!” she said. “And everyone's gonna want your autograph!”

“I hardly think so,” their father said. “In fact, their doing a hell of a job of slandering your names already.”

Mipha frowned. “Slandering us? How?”

He shrugged a shoulder and turned on the tv. A reporter flashed on the screen mid-sentence, her brows knit together with determination.

“...attack is unclear. Whether the legends are true or not, what is clear is that Hyrule is in grave danger.”

The screen flashed to another reporter who stood outside of the base. “The king has made no comments about the attack as of yet, but we'll stay on scene to catch the latest developments as soon as they happen. We're expecting the king will make a statement shortly. Until then, stay tuned.”

The screen flashed again, back to the newsroom where two more reporters spoke to one another.

“Can we talk about those kids for a second?” he said, turning to his partner.

“I can confirm that none of them are recruits,” she said in response. “And their ages are currently being questioned.”

“What in the name of Hylia would they be doing in the middle of a war zone?”

She shook her head. “We don't have any footage of the battle, either.”

“Do you suppose, then, that the legends are true? That we are supposed to put the fate of our world in the hands of a bunch of teenagers?”

“I have yet to see any proof that they are the living embodiment of Hylia and her supposed Chosen Hero. It's nothing but nonsense, and they're only going to get killed.”

The screen flashed to a woman who was being interviewed. “They're just children,” she said, her brows knit together. “Who could have allowed them to get caught up in this mess?”

The screen flashed to another interviewee. The man was clearly angry. “It's not right,” he said. “Especially if they're minors.”

The screen flashed to Dorian, making his earlier statement. The six wide-eyed Champions could be seen behind him.

Link got to his feet and shut off the tv. He turned to glare at his father.

“Don't get all cranky with me,” he said to his son. “Besides, this isn't your problem.”

Link crossed his arms. “I get no respect around here.”

His father grinned and turned to leave. “Yeah, get used to it.”

“I believe you,” Aryll said, turning her gaze to her brother. She smiled up at him. “You can do it!”

Mipha stood and sighed. “Now that my face is plastered all over the news,” she said. “I should probably go and prepare for the wrath of my parents.”

Link frowned at her. “I'll come to your funeral.”

“Thanks,” she said with a grin, but it quickly disappeared. Her stomach knotted with the idea of facing her parents and telling them the truth. She was sure they would be as doubtful as the rest of the world was. And, of course, there was no easy way to explain to them that their daughter was putting her life on the line every day for the sake of Hyrule.

“How did you convince your father to be okay with all this?”

Link snorted. “I didn't have to. He already knew.”

Her brows furrowed. “He knew?”

“It doesn't matter,” he said quickly. He hesitated. “I'd offer to help, but I don't think your parents would be very happy seeing me right now, either.”

“You're probably right,” she admitted. “It's alright. I'll be fine. I'll text you later.”

Though Link had no interest in the gossip shared by the news reporters across the channels, he waited anxiously for the king to make his appearance, staring anxiously at the screen. Aryll lay on her stomach on the floor, coloring in a coloring book and humming happily to herself while her father and brother sat on the couch.

“We're live in front of the palace where King Roham has just stepped out -”

Link cast his eyes back to the screen. The camera zoomed in and focused on the very serious looking king of Hyrule as he took his place behind a podium, ready to address the crowd of reporters and civilians that had gathered despite the late hour. They fell momentarily silent as the king spoke. Behind him, just at the edge of the view of the camera, Link spotted Zelda, her expression serious, yet she regarded her father with wary caution and curiosity. It seemed she was just as unaware of how her father would handle the situation as the rest of the world was, waiting patiently.

The king wasted no time with a needlessly long introduction, nor did he sugar coat the situation. “As you may be aware,” he began, “there was an attack outside of the city.”

The crowd began to murmur, but they fell silent once more as the king continued.

“I can assure you that the attack did not stem from our neighboring countries. Hyrule remains at peace with our allies.” King Roham hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “However, there is an evil that threatens this kingdom. The attack this evening came from Ganondorf's forces, which can only mean the return of the King of Darkness, Ganondorf himself.”

The crowd erupted at that moment, shouting their questions and accusations at the king. The reporters thrust their microphones and cameras as close to him as the security details would allow them, their faces mixed between anger, confusion, and fear. King Roham looked over the crowd for a moment, then raised a hand in an attempt to quiet them. When they did not, he continued, his voice booming as he spoke over them, and they quickly quieted once more to listen.

“I can assure you that I am taking every precaution to keep this city and this kingdom safe from Ganondorf and his dark forces. Troops have been stationed across the country and are prepared for whatever may come.” He paused, listening to the reporters as they shouted their questions at him. After a moment, the crowd quieted once more, eager to hear his answers.

“The legends are indeed true,” he said in answer. The crowd waited with baited breath. Zelda's eyes moved to her father, her lips pressed together as she waited, and he continued. “Though a grave darkness threatens our home, we are not without light, without hope. Just as we this kingdom has done in the past, we will overcome. We are prepared. We will stand strong in the face of evil, and we will keep this world safe from all who dare threaten it.”

Despite his confidence, many in the crowd remained skeptical, and their questions turned to the teens that were seen in the barracks. Though there was no footage to prove what had taken place on the battlefield, rumors spread quickly from those who had caught a glimpse of the heroes who threw themselves into the battle and came out victorious.

“There are many people involved in this impending war with Ganondorf,” he said simply. “It is their duty to ensure the safety of Hyrule, and it is my duty – the duty of our troops – to keep them safe. I can assure you that Hyrule is in the best hands possible.”

He was avoiding a direct answer, of course, but it was not enough for the reporters, and only angered them more. They demanded the truth. They demanded to know of the mere children and the roles they would play. They wanted answers.

“As you can imagine, the situation at hand is a very delicate one,” King Roham continued. “We are doing everything in our power to keep all involved safe and keep the threat of Ganondorf at bay. There will be no further questions at this time.”

The reporters lurched forward as the king turned to depart from the podium, but the security detail held strong against the rioting crowd. Zelda quickly followed her father into the palace, and the cameras turned violently back to the reporter. The woman stared open mouthed into the camera for a moment, but a voice in her ear caught her attention. Her expression hardened and she nodded once before speaking into the microphone with the news stations logo on it.

“It seems we won't be getting any more details at this time.”

The camera cut back to the two reporters back in the news room. They glanced to one another with wary expressions before regarding the camera once more. On news stations all across Hyrule, reporters were expressing their doubts towards their king's press conference, more questions raised than answered. It seemed there was nothing more they could do but utter gossip and wait for war to break.

[diziar]

One.

Soooooo who remembers my fic called Six? (If you havent read it, go read t first as this follows on directly from the end of it). Well just after I have written that I mentioned about maybe one day writing a second part, and as it’s Warriors Week over on the Discord, here we are. I promise one day I will write a fic that isnt angst, but today is not that day

Six.

Wind was gone. Dead. Warriors knew that no matter how much he prayed and wished to whatever Goddess or Goddesses that were out there, he wasn't coming back. No fairies were around. No great fairy fountain was hidden away somewhere nearby. Not even some sort of magic could fix this.

Wind was gone.

It had been hard. He had closed the poor boy's eyes whilst they had still sat on the floor - the blood and mud still under his legs, seeping into his clothing - and he had wiped his face free from any smeared blood tracks and tears in an attempt to at least make him look a bit peaceful in rest, in contrast to the angry and savage red wound across his entire stomach. At least it was no longer bleeding and he was no longer suffering.

With a little bit of assistance he had managed to stand still holding the body of his brother - or the closest thing he had ever had to one - and although his legs felt like they would give out any second, he would never forgive himself if he dropped Wind. His blood stained, blue scarf stayed over his form, moved around slightly so it had covered Wind completely, both face and body, and he had allowed Legend and Time to lead the way to somewhere nearby to camp for the night.

Even if there was a chance of Wild and Twilight coming back.

They couldn't stay at the Yiga Camp.

The fire had been set up in complete silence by Hyrule and Time, everyone had else just sat and watched. Numb: that was all Warriors could feel. A heavy and sluggish numbness running through his brain, through every limb. He had carried Wind to where they had finally decided upon setting up camp for the night, and now he could hardly even lift an arm to run his hand through his hair.

He wanted to cry, he could feel all the distraught emotions in his chest and behind his eyes, but by something twisted he couldn't. The tears wouldn't fall. The shaking wouldn't stop. His chest would never stop aching.

He couldn't sleep, in fact none of them could, but unlike him they all at least seemed to at least be trying. Everyone was exhausted, both mentally and physically, and shock was very much still running through everyone's system. Wind was gone, and Wild and Twilight were still missing.

Nine was now just Six.

Wind's body lay off to the side, just away from the rest of them so that they didn't have to look at him. It was a horrible thing really, but now that it was hours later none of them could bare to look at him. Now that he was so pale, so cold, so obviously lifeless with every blush now gone from his body. Any bruises the boy had stood out so obviously against the paled tanned skin.

No longer was he covered by Warriors scarf, but instead his blanket, which is some way mocked them all by making it seem like he was just asleep. They all knew otherwise.

Wind was never a still sleeper.

Never would he lie on his back and not move around constantly, eventually flipping himself over onto his stomach.

He wasn't asleep.

For that second time that day Warriors watched as another light slowly started to die out, though unlike last time, this one flickered and held onto the life.

It was something he would never be able to forget. Deep green eyes, filled with such fear and hurt, wet with unshed tears, fading as Wind tried to lift his arm up to reach for him.

His strangled attempt at saying the nickname he had given to Warriors, as both a nod to where Warriors had come from but also Wind's pirating ways. Had it been to say an apology, or in attempt to make Warriors feel better? He'd never know now.

Weak and shallow gasps that attempted to take in a full breath but kept failing and dying out with a pained wince.

The warm and heavy scent of blood being the only thing Warriors could smell. It soaked Wind's skin, his face, hair, and torso. It stained Legend's hands, Wind's tunic, and Warriors’ scarf. It spread and marked everything it touched, making the harsh realisation only more brutal.

He watched the fire, unable to tear his gaze from it, eyelids drooping heavily shut more and more progressively as time passed. Fingers stayed clenched in the material on his scarf that draped over his lap.

He had wanted to clean it, to get the blood out of his beloved blue scarf, but exhaustion wouldn't let him move.

His eyes fell once again, the low red and orange light being replaced by a dark and suffocating black which welcomes him into sleep as it finally takes over his drained body.

Waking up from a sleep that he wasn't fully rested from was something Warriors was used to in one way or another. Every muscle screamed out to him in pain before he could even register that he was actually awake. Heavy fog clouded his brain and dulled every sense.

In a weak attempt and using every effort he could muster in his dazed state, Warriors moved his arms slowly underneath him and pushed on the ground to try and get himself up.

Aching limbs protested in moving, something that finally registered in his brain after he had exhausted himself further in his endeavour. He managed to turn his head slightly, his cheek now laying flat against the cold and dewy grass-

No. A sense of touch had finally come back to him, and it wasn’t the grass of the field wet from the morning dew he felt but something else.

Hot and dry sand, scratching and irritating his skin as he moved his head back and forth, small granules rubbing in an unpleasant and unexpected way.

Why…

Why was he lying on sand?

No longer did the tall trees of the forest edge cool him from the morning sun, in fact nothing did now.

He could feel the blazing hot sun beating down on him, and underneath all the layers of his fabric, chainmail, and armour he was was roasting. Perhaps if he was more dressed for the weather he'd be able to cope, but as he currently lay face down in the sand unable to move or shade himself it was just another pain to add on the list.

The faint morning breeze was cool as it blew through his hair and over his skin. It was gentle and kind, and not unpleasant.

Another sense finally cleared, and he could hearing the waves lapping at the shore nearby. The seagulls crying and wings flapping overhead, a loud oink rumbling low, people talking and a child laughing, and finally the sound of footsteps approaching closer as they ran along the loose sand.

Along with that came his sense of smell. No longer did the scent of blood, heavy and metallic, filled his nose but instead that of fresh air. It was easy to breathe in and completely clear, it helped wash away the last remaining aches from deep within him. The salt from the ocean and brush of the waves against the sand help wash away the last horrifying memories he could recall...

Wind.

Warriors hadn't yet tried to open his eyes, the darkness still being the only thing he could see, but all too suddenly did that get replaced by a bright light behind his eyelids. He squinted his eyes tighter shut, wincing slightly as he did then slowly beginning to open then again, rapidly blinking and squinting as he did so.

Vibrant yellow sand and blue water immediately filled his sight, both so bright and almost like that of a painting. It all seemed far too perfect and lush to be real. Once again he tried lifting himself up, his arms no longer protesting so much.

Green grass and trees, wooden houses, and sheer rock grey cliff faces covered the small island, and the footsteps that he had heard approaching had now stopped. It took him a few moments to tear himself away from the peaceful scenery, and he looked to his right to see a young girl.

Tanned skin and bright blonde hair. Deep green eyes and a light blue sundress.

Immediately he began feeling sick. Panicked. After being dazed for so long and slowly having his senses coming back to him, focusing on feelings and sight again, had he forgotten what had happened.

Not just that, but where were the others?

Warriors scrambled to stand up, the end of his blue scarf flowing out behind him in the breeze and no longer was it stained, nor were his clothes.

“I'm glad you're not dead, or wounded for that fact. You were lying out here for so long Granny was beginning to worry, so she asked me to come see if you were okay.”

He recognised this place, recognised this girl, but how he couldn't recall. His mind was a mess. Wind was dead. He had died in his arms! But now… there was no trace of that ever happening.

A shaky hand pushed itself through his hair as he tried to make at least some sense of what had happened. How he had gotten here? Here being…

Outset Island.

Wind had shown him a pictograph of the place before, told him about his sister and even shown Warriors a picto of her and a group of people all standing in front of a pirate ship. That was missing from the scene but the rest of the Island and this girl…

Aryll.

This was Wind's home.

“If you're not feeling too good, Granny said I could take you back to ours.”

This time Warriors manages to take it what she had said, instead of just listening to the words but not taking any of it like he had last time. He gave Aryll charming smile, at least the best one he could muster up currently, and knelt down to be level with her.

“My name is L- Warriors, you can call me Warriors. May I ask what yours is?” He needed to be sure. Nothing was making sense and he needed answers.

He needed answers so he could try and make a plan.

“Aryll! My name is Aryll, and I have a big brother who's away right now but Granny is at home so we should go see her. We don't want to keep her waiting.”

Warriors watched as she ran easily across the sand back inland, stopped, turned back to him and pointed towards a house on the right. With a deep breath and by moving one foot in front of the other, he followed her off of the beach, along a small path and then to the lone wooden house on the right side of the island.

Aryll had already run inside, holding the door for him as he made his way in, giving her a brief nod of thanks before she had gone off again. The inside of the house was simple, with stone floor and wooden furniture, but it felt like a true home.

From the small ornaments that sat on the window frame or the chest of drawers, to the pictos hanging on the walls.

It was a home full of love and warmth.

He turned the corner and there sat in a wooden rocking chair was to only he could assume was “Granny” that Aryll had spoke of.

And if Aryll was Wind's brother.

And this was her grandmother.

Once again Warriors felt sick. No longer did the calming waves remove any footsteps in the sand, but they instead washed up those feelings of despair and anguish.

“You'll have to excuse me dear, my old bones aren't quite what they used to be so getting up is a bit of trouble… Are you okay?” Her voice was so gentle and smooth.

Warriors could feel his heart break as his chest began to ache.

He gave her a faint nod as he stepped towards her, her hand extended out for him to take.

“I'm-” How could he say anything to her… he didn't deserve her kindness, her trust, not after what he had allowed to happen.

“Oh, such a strong handshake. You remind me so much of my grandson with that blond hair and green clothing of yours.” With her other hand she pointed to a chair next to hers for him to take.

“You have a grandson? I wouldn't have ever thought you to be of that age.” He joked, taking a seat and still holding onto her hand.

Honestly, he didn't want to let go.

He had already let go once.

She gave him a small chuckle, the wrinkles in her face moving, and shook her grey haired head. “Oh you, you're far too kind, but yes I do have a grandson. He's off exploring the seas and being a hero all on his own. It's been some time since I last saw him but I know he'll be home soon. He promised me he'd come back.”

Warriors choked on the words in his throat, the feeling around his heart and lungs tightening like vines and making it hard to breathe.

‘How am I supposed to tell her?’

He gave her hand a small squeeze, his head drooping as he looked down once again to the blue material that had pooled on his lap. It was clean.

“Can you tell me more about him, please? He seems like a good kid.”

Granny gently placed her other hand on top of his, giving it a small pat as she glanced out to the sea outside her window.

“His name is Link, and he's such a bright boy. Always smiling and laughing, and he's oh so expressive! He does everything he can for those he loves and cares for, and I'm glad that my daughter's son grew up to be such a brave boy.”

Wet.

Warriors could feel wet on his face, warm and heavy as the tears finally began to fall. His shoulders shook softly as he silently sobbed.

All the unshed tears from the night before finally came to the surface and it wrecked him. To hear Wind's grandmother speak of him just like he had spoken so fondly of her, so proud and hopeful…

It broke him.

The image of Wind's dying body once again filled his mind, his quivering lip as he spoke and shaky arm and he moved.

The image of Wind's lifeless body once again filled his mind, still cradled in his arms and hidden under the blanket.

“He sounds like such a good kid.” He finally managed out, his voice wavering as he tried not to become obvious that he was crying.

She squeezed his hands again and made a small humming sound in agreement.

“He is. Always looking out for others, putting them and their safety before his own. I know him well, but even when he was scared he went out and did so much for the sake of another person.”

Whilst it may have been a beautiful day outside with gentle blue and warm waves lapping at the golden sands, with the shining sun above them and pleasant warm breeze allowing for everyone to enjoy the weather, inside of Warriors head there was a storm.

A vicious and dark storm causing the deep blue waves to grow heavy and violent dragging him beneath into the icy depths. There was no warm sun or gentle breezes, just darkness and heavy winds knocking him all around as he tried to stay above water.

“I'm so sorry.” The words fell from his mouth before he even realised what he had said. She just shook her head again, turned back to him and sighed.

“Oh my dear boy, whatever do you have to apologise for? Worry not if you think you've made me miss him more by talking about him, that isn't the case. If it's something else, then whatever it is I can assure you that it wasn't your fault. Now, would you like some soup?” Slowly she began to get up from her chair, both her and the wood creaking with the movement. He nodded, watching once again as his scarf changed colour from a pale blue into a deeper one from his fallen tears.

She passed him a bowl, and when he looked up to her, she gave him a knowing smile.

Wind - no, Link - was dead.

Twilight and Wild were still gone

And Warriors was alone on Outset Island eating the very soup that Wind once talked so highly about.

One.

[powdersurgar]

The Twin Blades (Zelda Fanfiction.)

Long ago,

Hylia, the goddess of Light and Sound, and Zylia, the goddess of Twilight and Time, blessed the land with their childrens grace.

Hylia’s children,

Din, created land and mountains with a heart that burned with fire.

Nayru, gave water that could reach everything it touched

Farore, sprouted life that cleansed the air.

However… Zylia’s child

Oden, gave the land the wind of HOPE

As Hylia and her children name spread across the lands, Zylia’s jealousy grew due to her child’s vanishing.

So they decided to choose champions that would forever remember the gods for centuries.

Nayru chosen a princess, who was the wisest person in a place called Hyrule

Din chosen a Man in the Gerudo desert, who had a strong will for power

Farore chosen a boy who was courageous against all odds

And Oden…

He Chosen the boys weak twin sister, who was always hopeful and believed in possibilities.

This angered the goddess Zylia

But Hylia accepted the choice Oden made and created the Dual swords

However Zylia wanted more and ask a demon to get inside the mind of one of the champions and bring her the tetra force.

Chaos within the champions and their clans, spread wars across the land.

the dual blades sealed away the demon and brought back peace, Giving birth to the master sword.

But the true story is now only a forgotten legend for the youthful ears.

Chapter 1: Whispers in the wind.

The land of hyrule is vast place with a proud and magnificent castle that stood in the middle, as it watched over its people. The west scorched with the sands of time, the Gerudo village. The north burned with fierce power known as Death Mountain. East, is the forbidden forest, where creatures lurk within the shadows and finally South where the Zoras guard the waters. They say there’s a place in the sky where angels fly… but I’ve never seen it.

There are a few towns beyond this place and a few shrines that are recently built for the gods. However those are just stories I hear from my brother Link. He’s always off adventuring somewhere or goofing around with the farm animals. I was always jealous of the fact that he could go outside so sometimes, like tonight, whenever the moon is full, I go out for a stroll.

“Linkle!” I could here link in the distance as I sat on top of an abandoned well. As my brother emerges from the forest like a while animal, I gave a troubling smile. I knew he was seriously upset as he held his wooden sword in his hand tightly.

“Linkle!”, His voice relief to have found me, “Do you not know how dangerous it is for you to be out here? Father and mother are worried sick!”

“But I-” I tried to explain.

“Common, the doctor is waiting for you in your room!” He commanded as he pulled me down from the well and started back towards home. I snatched my hand away in frustration.

“You don’t have to shout! I’m doing just fine on-”

“You’re not doing fine!”

There was a moment of silence between us and the forest sang it’s silent tune to the wind. Both of us knew what those words meant but neither of us wish to hear them.

“I just wanna see the world like you do. I’m always stuck in the house and unless we find the fairy Queen I’ll-”

“Don’t say that! I’ll find her for sure. So let’s just go back inside?” Links face looked so determined, that I knew that my brother loved me so much so.

“Alright, but you’ll have to teach me how to use a sword when I’m better!”

“In your dreams, haha, we all know that you’re only good at the bow and arrow!”

“That may be true”, I gave a smirk as I pass him up, “but someday we’ll need each other’s skills for survival”

“Right, still not teaching you” Link said sarcastically.

“First one to the house, is a loser!” I said as I took off running, leaving Link behind.

“Hey! wait up!”

[In sleep]

“Strange, I’m back at the well, Didn’t we went home?” I thought as I slowly looked around. My eyes than looked up at the moon only to catch a glimpse of a shadowy figure standing over Link’s lifeless body. I backed away slowly, wishing I had a way to defend myself.

“Who are you? Why are you here?”

Suddenly, three more shadowy figures emerged from the tree tops. The moon shone behind them as their laughter filled the forest with evil. It seemed as if they were approaching me and suddenly I tripped into the old water well. Falling deeper into the cold darkness.

The last thing I heard was,

“Look for Hope..”

[The Next Day]

“Linkle! Wake up!” I jumped at the sound of links voice. His eyes were concerned but then he sighed in relief. “I thought for sure, something had happened to you.” He said as he patted my head.

“What do you mean?” I asked, even though I desperately wanted to tell him my dream.

“You passed out last night and…. nothing,” he paused. Just as I was about to speak, Link continued on talking.

“oh, yeah! Guess what?”

“What?” I asked out of curiosity

“Today’s the day!” He whisper

“What do you mean?” I whispered back

“We found it! We found the fairy queen!” He shouted

“Wait really?!” I exclaimed.

“Hey, calm down, that’s not all good news. Meet me on the training ground by the northern gates. Oh and be sure to stop by a shop for supplies. Here’s a list of things that you’ll need.”

“Hmm.. sturdy clothes, boots, bow and arrow, wooden shield, and a wooden sword… Wait, you don’t mean…?”

“Who knows, you better hurry up if you wanna find out.” Replied Link as he stood up. He than headed out the door leaving me in complete shock.

“Yeeeeesssss!” I shout along with a new burst of energy as I quickly hopped out of bed.

“Okay, first I need to put on some clothes for traveling, my archers armor should do.” I walked towards my closet door but it was gone. “That’s strange? Where’s my armor? Maybe I should ask around….”

As I walk out of my room, I turned to the left and into the restroom. I figured that I should grab something for the journey so i searched inside the cabinet only to find my hair bands and some herbs. “At least I could finally braid up my hair in pigtails…”

I walked back into the hallway and wandered into my parents room but there was no one there. Finally, I searched down stairs for my armor only to find a honeycomb and a couple of apples in the kitchen. After giving up searching inside my home, I decided to look outside. As I walked out the door, my mother was just returning home.

“Mom, have you seen-?” I started to ask but my mother interrupt me.

“Your armor right? Well you wouldn’t believe this, but I was washing your armor at the end of the creak. Just as I was drying it out, an owl swooped down and took it!”

“Mom?!” I exclaimed in disbelief.

“ I’m sorry, but unless we have a reef, we can’t call the owl back. Oh but there are some at the other side of the lake. Too bad that your brother has already left.” My mother than went inside the house, but I was determined to get back my armor. Besides how hard can it be to swim across a lake?

It was really hard. A carpenter guarding the lake told me that the dam had been broken and unless the boss was found, no one could swim across it. The only hint to his location was usually by the southern gate but he was nowhere to be found.

I thought that was indeed quite unusual, so I decided to try and look for the boss carpenter in his last location myself.

When I arrive at the southern gate, there was no one there at all. However something did caught my attention. I never told Link this, but I sometimes can see the passing of shadows. Kinda like footsteps people leave behind. Only problem is the longer I attempt to do that the more I get terribly ill. Still…. I wanted my armor and to journey out badly so I attempt it anyways. The boss carpenter shadow appeared underneath a tree. It seems that he was in a deep sleep. His body suddenly awoke in a shock stood up and ran outside the gate.

“This is bad…” I looked for the nearest weapon I could think of only to find a stick. “Better than nothing… I guess”

I ran out the gate into the woods, following the shadow before it disappeared behind a bush. When I walked through it, I fell down into a pit.

“Gaaaaaahhh!!!???? Uff?!” I landed on a large flower, in front of me was the boss carpenter. “Ahh! I found you! Hurry, let's go!”

“I can’t, my son wondered out of the gates and now a moblin took him away, what am I to do?!” Asked the panic boss

I hesitated but somebody has to do something, “alright, let’s go.”

“What?! Are you seriously going to help me?! You’re the best!”

As we traveled in the cave, beating up bats and spiders we were able to find a chest with a travelers bow within it. “I guess this’ll work well for us?”

“With that bow we don’t have to sneak around anymore. Here take these arrows I found” said the boss, “ whew… I’m beat, I’m sorry, let me rest here and I’ll catch up with you soon.”

“Alright.” I said. My thoughts were everywhere, and I’m sure the boy must be close by now. However I don’t think I can save him alone. For now, I'll just give it my all and hope for the best.

When I arrived, it was worse than I thought. The boy was inside a moblin camp.. “o-okay, I can do this.”

I attempted to aim at a moblin at the gate but my hand had slipped and missed. Of course, I was too weak to fight in combat than there’s the fact I’ve been following shadows for awhile. Finally I defeated one, but just as I stood up a moblin aimed to strike me from behind. Time slowed, and my brother appeared and stuck the moblin down.

“Link?!”

“Linkle!”

“What’re you doing here?!!” We said at the same time.

“I saw a girl ran into the woods and went to help her before a moblin kidnapped her. But to imagine it was you?! Linkle, you’re not supposed to be here!” Scold my brother.

“I know, but there was the boss carpenter's son and he ran in here and also got captured. There wasn’t enough time so we went to save him.” I explained.

“Wait he has a son? So that explains why i saw him earlier… he was the one who told me to help you… anyway, I’m here now so go back to the village.”

“What?! No!! I started this mission and I’m going to finish it, one way or another!” I barked back.

“Fine… you’re going to be out in the wild soon anyway so i guess this would be a great way to test your skills. I see you got a bow and arrow on your back… you can be my lookout, I trust you can cover me, yes?”

“Ha! Of course i can! I can shoot an arrow like the wind itself!” I spoke proudly

“Good, climb up that tree and whistle when you’re ready. I’m going to sneak inside and rescue the kid, MAKE SURE NO MOBLIN SPOTS ME! If they do they might harm him.” Warned link

“Got it.” I said in determination. Link suddenly reached for his pocket and pulled out a bag.” What’s that?”

“It was hard to find since they are pretty rare but this is a bag of holdings. Inside is a whispering stone i found on one of my journeys. With this we can communicate with each other.” Link than pulled out a pair of green emerald earrings wrapped in gold.

“Wow... but how am I to communicate back with you if you don’t have one?” I asked. Link than took one of the pairs and wore it on his left ear.

“ you’re right handed, right? Put the other on your right ear. When you wish to speak with me just touch it.” Link instructed.

Once I was done I climbed up the tree and whistle to inform link that i was ready. Link ran in as if there was nothing that could stop him. He then took a barrel and placed it over his head. I taped the stone.

“Wow, so hidden are we… hehe!” I said jokingly.

“Hey they won't be able to tell if you do your part” replied link

“Yeah, yeah… alright, go left… stop, go right…” after directing and clearing his path, we came to a problem. “Link! get out the barrel!” Link leaped out the barrel just before the moblin boss smash it to pieces. Link had to battle him head on.

“Linkle! I'll distract him, take out that siren before they call for help than get to the cage where the boy is located!” Shout link

“On it!” I shot down the siren as I jumped down from the tree. “Cough?!!!!” My body wasn’t fit enough so I took a moment to breath.

“This isn’t good but i have to hold on.” I whispered.

I ran through the maze, shooting down any moblin that would try to stop me. When i got to the cage, the boy was in tears and without a key I couldn’t get him out.

“Link, key!!” I shouted across the arena.

Since the mobbing boss wore armor, link had to roll around and cut the straps. He than kept back to doge the counter attack only to leap into the air and split the helmet off. This left the moblin boss dizzy for a few seconds, since it was surprised.

“Catch!” Shouted Link as he slid besides the boss moblin’s hip and cut of the key with enough force to send it flying. But with link not paying attention, the moblin boss had regained consciousness and was about to hit link. So I drew my bow and shot an arrow through the keyhole of the airborne key. The arrow went into the moblin, staggering him, which bought link some time to resume fighting.

I then caught the key and set the boy free. Link also had just finished off the boss by knocking the moblin boss down and land a finishing blow to the chest. Suddenly a minion came rushing at link, I reached for my arrows but I had none, so I grabbed a nearby sword and activated my ability to see the movement of shadows. Than i noticed it… link was also special... we both ended the minion with a jump into the air, our swords clashing together as we landed.

“Link… you can…” before I knew it , I passed out. The last thing i saw was link rushing me back home with determination once more in his eyes.