Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sometimes portals were nice easy transitions, these usually resulted in them landing in the middle of a monster camp, or worse politics. This was not one of those transfers, quite frankly it was the worst one any of them had felt since their own first transition, so they were probably safe. They just all felt horrible.

Wind’s and Hyrule’s balance issues were in full swing as Wind tried to roll over so he could attempt to sit up. Hyrule had a death grip on a fence post rocking in place like he was on a boat, but he managed to remain standing for once, usually it was the other way around.

Four was next to Hyrule just sitting on the ground, not attempting to move. They were curled into themselves crying, clinging onto their head. Shadow moved beneath them, obviously wanting to help, but he was too dazed by the portal to form.

Twilight was holding back Wild’s hair as they both lost their breakfast.

Warriors was sweating through the layers under his armor as he focused on Legend. Trying to get him to start breathing normally, Legend was hyperventilating more than normal and looked moments from passing out.

Time, the bastard, was as always unaffected, and was glancing around and smiling. He looked happier than they had seen him so far on their quest.

Time kept smiling widely, wider than they had ever seen, as he started caring for each of them. “Alright everyone up and at ‘em. Just a short distance and we’ll all be able to rest.”

Wind looked up at him glaring, “Ok, why are you so chipper landlubber?”

“This is my Hyrule. There’s someone up the road I’ve wanted you guys to meet since we first met. So deep breaths Legend, Wild shake Sky awake, come on Four up you get.”

Time managed to get them all up and moving, if slowly. Okay Four’s eyes were violet and they were clinging onto Warriors in a death grip but they were moving in the right direction now. The effects were slow to wear off and even as they wore off mostly, Time was getting plenty of dirty looks from the group for how fast he was walking, Warriors was actually holding up the back of Four’s tunic to help them stay standing up and not trip on anything. Time was almost giddy and most of them still felt like crap.

As they turned around a final corner, they saw a large ranch with the sign over the entryway labeling the place as the Lon Lon Ranch. Time yelled excitedly, “Horse Girl!”

He got several odd looks before the doors to the barn burst open, a woman about Time’s age exited running towards them, “Fairy Boy!”

Time ran and caught the woman twirling her around in the air. Her bright laughter rang through the clearing. When he set her down she was smiling, and they shared a sweet kiss before the woman pulled away enough to look at Time, “You're finally home.”

Time’s smile was bittersweet, “Unfortunately not for good, but I’ve missed you everyday.”

“Oh?”

“We’re still on a quest, so we will have to leave but for the next three days at least we’ll be here.”

“We?”

Time moved aside, his arm around her shoulders, smiling to the Chain, “Everyone, this is my wife Malon.”

There was a scattering of different hellos from the group.

“Oh my. Quite a group you have here. I’m guessing all you boys and gal are heroes traveling with my husband.”

The group nodded or waved, depending on everyone's individual temperament or ability to wave without falling over.

“Oh, how wonderful to meet so many heroes. Now, what are your names?”

Time laughed, “Link.”

She turned and blinked at him, “Even the lass?”

“Yep.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Nope, we go by our hero titles instead to avoid confusion.”

“Oh, does that make you Fairy?”

“Nope, I’m Time.”

“I’m sure you’ve made plenty of puns out of that one.”

“Actually, they’ve made most of them.” He looked to Wind, “Do you want to start the introductions?”

Wind waved bouncing, he loved meeting new people, “I’m the Hero of the Wind. I’m a pirate. I know I’m the youngest but that doesn’t mean you can baby me.”

“Of course not.” Malon smiled, hooking a thumb towards Time, “I knew this one when he was your age. I know being a Hero doesn’t have an age requirement. Although I really feel like it should.”

Sky sighed, “I agree. I’m Sky. I started the cycle when I didn’t defeat Demise fast enough.”

“Now none of that,” Malon tutted, “I doubt you are at fault; you cannot control your enemies actions, you can only endure them and you defeated him, saving the future of Hyrule, our present. Now what’s something you like to do?”

Sky blushed as her praise before scratching his cheek, offering a sheepish, “Sleep?”

Hyrule laughed, “You definitely do it enough. I’m Hyrule, the hero of Hyrule obviously. I can use healing magic.”

“Like the fairies?”

“Actually, exactly like that.” He looked towards Wild hoping she would start before Malon could ask any more questions. He always felt anxious talking about his powers with someone he didn’t know too well. He had been burned too many times in the past, in his own era.

She quickly and smoothly took over and introduced herself, remembering how anxious he was when he told the Chain and he had already known them for weeks, “I’m Wild, one of the two girls of the group and the cook. Don’t let any of them in the kitchen, please don’t. The food won’t survive, if the kitchen will is debatable.”

Malon giggled, “Well at least one of you knows how, this one,” She pointed at Time, “Only time I let him in the kitchen is when I’m making bread, although I do need to keep an eye him, he’ll over knead the bread in a heartbeat.”

“I can trust Sky to mashup durians, and with very strict instructions they can make something edible, but that’s about it.”

“You let them cook?”

“Not by choice. I got, injured, and they insisted on doing everything for me, and then didn’t do exactly what I said. Even though I was fully healed and annoyed. So, I made them make a meal they would all hate, except for,” She gestured to the Four, “It’s one of their favorites, they were the only ones being reasonable.”

Malon laughed, “Oh that is wonderful. We’ll have to exchange recipes.”

Wild nodded before looking to Four.

Four rubbed the back of their neck, “Well it’s a bit complicated in my case. I’m Four the hero of the Four Sword, they/them, but we can do this,” They lifted the sword, and then there were the four Fours. Red waved, “Hi.”

Malon blinked, “Oh, well what are your names?”

“I’m Red, he/him, I like animals and by vote I’m the second oldest.”

“I’m Blue, she/her, the other girl in the Chain. I like fighting and I’m the middle child of our five.”

“I’m Green, he/him, I’m the most interested in smithing. We’re a bladesmith by trade, but we can do a little of everything. I prefer making different weapons, Blue’s more into jewelry, Red prefers armor, Vio likes doing hilts and tools and Shadow doesn’t know yet what he prefers. I’m the fourth oldest.”

“Vio, they/them, the oldest and the intellectual of the group. I’m also in a relationship with the person voted, between us five, to be the youngest.” They motioned beside themself.

Shadow appeared winching in the bright light. Warriors, Legend and Twilight stepped forward each standing in a way to block the sun, making an artificial shadow where Shadow was standing. Causing him to relax a good deal. He was getting better with sunlight fast now that he was able to form into his Hylian form but he wasn’t all the way there yet.“I’m Shadow, he/him, and I was voted as the youngest as I was made from Four’s shadow. When I was created, I was evil, but I’m good now. The others say I wasn’t evil, just confused. Um, I’m going back into Vio’s shadow, it’s a bit bright for me.”

Shadow stepped to the side, behind Vio, and disappeared, the older, larger heroes then broke apart, no longer needing to make the artificial shadow.

Malon looked concerned, “Should we go inside? I don’t want him to be in pain.”

Vio shook their head, “He’s fine now that he’s back in my shadow. He’s gotten less sensitive to the light, but the morning sun is very strong here. He’ll be fine as long as he rests in the shadows or somewhere dark or dim soon.”

Twilight waved, “Twilight, Hero of the Twilight.”

When Twilight didn’t continue Legend introduced himself, “Legend, I have been on the most fucking,” At Time’s look he corrected himself, “The most quests of the group.”

“Warriors, I’m a captain and I fought in a war versus going on a one-man quest.”

Time smiled, proud of the group, “And as I said, I’m Time.”

Malon looked around the group, “Well, it seems I will need to make a bit more food for lunch. I might have to head into town later, so I have enough food for dinner.”

Wild stepped forward, swiping her slate and showing the screen to Malon, “I have plenty of food in this.”

Malon blinked at the pictures on the slate, “Well then, let’s get you all inside. I’m sure all of you could use a rest and a chance to clean up. We only have the one bathroom, so you’ll have to take turns, but you can put your things down inside and do whatever you want to relax. I have a few chores to get done before starting on lunch.”

Hyrule grinned, always eager to help where there was so much life and new things to see, “Do you want some help?”

“If you're all still here tomorrow I’ll take advantage of having so many strapping young heroes to get a few things done, but today you’ll relax. I know how you heroes are on yourselves, never taking a chance to rest. No, all of you go inside and relax.”

She turned to her husband, “Link, or well Time. Would you close all the curtains in the front room? I want all of you to be comfortable and looking over I don’t think any of you need more sun.”

Time laughed, “You always notice everything. We were just in Wind’s Hyrule. It's a great sea, other than Wind and oddly Wild we all have some amount of sunburn.”

Wild shrugged, “You're all just wimps. I coast around the Gerudo desert all the time in my Gerudo outfit.”

Twilight glared at her, “Not all of us are unbreakable gremlins cub. Now either get out of the way or get into the house. For once I want to be inside.”

Wild laughed as Time led them inside. The group settling into the various seats. Time telling them not to bother worrying about getting anything dirty. This was the room used after working on the ranch so it was used to a little dirt. As Twilight helped close the window curtains, Warriors claimed the first chance to clean up, followed quickly by Four, eyes blue.

They all enjoyed the chance to rest. Outside of taking turns to wash most didn’t move from where they had landed. Shadow had appeared and draped himself over Vio, Four had split as soon as they were out of the shower so they would only need to wash one body. The exception being Wild as she got up to help with lunch once Malon started cutting up some bread to make sandwiches.

Everyone was looking forward to a delicious lunch.

Chapter Text

Time pulled the frowning Malon into his side, “What’s wrong?”

“We don’t have enough chairs.”

“Really? I could go get the milking stool; it would work for now.”

“I had Twilight get that already.”

“Huh, maybe I could get a crate for now? Stools aren’t that hard to make, I should be able to make one before turning in tonight.”

Time glanced up at Shadow as he carefully walked over making sure that his footsteps could be heard. There had been several incidents of him accidently surprising people; at least no one had been seriously injured, yet.

Time smiled, “Is there something you need Shadow?”

Shadow bit his lip, “I overheard you two talking and I was confused. I mean there are thirteen chairs, why would we need another one?”

“There are fourteen of us now and thirteen chairs.”

Shadow blinked, “Yeah and that’s enough.”

Before they could respond, Vio called over, “Shadow?”

Smiling Shadow was quick to take the needed steps to flop into Vio’s lap. Vio wrapped their arm around Shadow, glaring at Blue.

“What was that noise you just made? It sounded like a bokoblin getting hit by Wild’s stupid spring hammer.”

Time and Malon shared a confused look, but it was Legend who asked, “What in Lorule are you two doing?”

Shadow blinked at him, “Sitting down for dinner?”

“I can see that, but why are you sitting on Vio?”

“Cause I always do?”

Green looked around at the confused looks, “Why are you mentioning this now? They always sit like this.”

“Snuggling on the couch sure, but sitting on each other during dinner?”

Wild blinked, “This is why you always share a bowl together.”

Shadow gesturing, as he normally did when speaking, wacked Vio in the face, “You didn’t know that?”

Hyrule blinked, “You just smacked Vio.”

Shadow whined, “Sorry.”

Vio brushed a kiss to his cheek, “It’s fine.”

Green glanced around the table, “Isn’t this a normal couple thing? I mean Red and Blue generally prefer to share a bench because they’re both left-handed, but they cuddle like that as well.”

Twilight shook his head, “Not while eating. I mean Uli and Rusl would cuddle on the couch but they never sat on each other during meals.”

Wind looked at the pair, “Wait Shadow’s another rightie? That’s weird.”

Wild cheered, “Yes! The righties are up to three and a half!”

Vio glared, “Are you counting Shadow as only a half?”

“No. Twilight’s the half, he’s ambidextrous. So now there are more of us!”

“So what,” Blue crossed her arms, scowling, “It’s still only three and a half out of nine. Wait, if you're counting Shadow doesn’t that mean it's now three and a half out of thirteen?”

Legend rolled his eyes, “I think we’ve lost the plot a little. We were discussing how it was weird that Shadow and Vio share a chair during meal times. How did that even start?”

Shadow shrugged, “Vio pulled me into their lap for dinner one day and I just thought it was a couple thing.” He rubbed his head, hitting Vio’s in the process, “Or that they were too hot, what with staying in the volcano.”

Shadow hummed, “I mean the first time we shared a bed was after they fell asleep on me one day. I tried to put them in bed ‘cause they were obviously tired but they wouldn’t let me go so we ended up taking a nap together. Then we just always slept together as Vio’s elemental magic couldn’t fight off the heat and they needed help staying cool.”

Wild pursed her lips, “So whose elemental magic did help?”

“What?”

“You said Vio’s elemental magic couldn’t keep them cool, what about the rest of you?”

“They never slept in the fire temple.” He turned to look at the others, “I mean you didn’t enter the fire temple until I tried to kill Vio for betraying me, right?”

Green nodded, “Yeah, we couldn’t risk you seeing that Vio hadn’t killed me.”

Warriors dropped the plates he was carrying, fortunately onto the table, “What?”

Vio flinched burying their head in Shadow’s back.

“Kill you?” Warriors was angry, “They betrayed you?”

Blue growled, “Vio never betrayed anyone! They were always loyal to us, they just had to trick us into thinking they were a traitor. That way they could learn what we needed to do to stop Vaati and Gannon.”

Legend scoffed, “They betrayed Shadow didn’t they?”

Shadow hugged Vio glaring at Legend, “You can’t betray someone you were never loyal to. When I went to try and recruit them to join Vaati’s side they never promised anything. I said they should join me ‘cause I’d listen to them and they said ‘Maybe… Maybe you're right. The others would never listen to me anyways.’ They never said they’d join the bad guys, just that they’d go with me and talk, or they would talk to me at least, nothing about helping Vaati or Ganon. I don’t think they even promised or swore anything to Vaati.”

Red grinned, “You memorized what they said?”

Shadow looked away blushing, “Shut up.”

Wind tilted his head, “How could they pretend to kill Green? A killing blow is rather obvious.”

Vio sighed, “A hit to the solar plexus is the easiest way to knock someone out. While it can be dangerous if too much force is used, the recovery time generally isn’t very long. Which would have left enough time for the others to get Green off the platform we were fighting on if it started to sink. Our dad helped me learn a trick to make it look like I stabbed someone while instead hitting them with the butt of a sword.” Vio tried to calm their distressed expression, “They also had a fairy with them, if I had damaged one of Green’s internal organs, she would have been able to heal him.”

Hyrule looked between the Fours, “How long were you in that tower then? It doesn’t sound like that quest took long from what you said, but a connection like you and Shadow share doesn’t develop overnight.”

“Inside the fire temple was linked closely to the dark realm and time travels differently there, sometimes faster, sometimes slower. The Dark Mirror affected the temple by making time travel slower in relation to outside the temple. I’m almost a year older than the others.”

“That’s a lot of time.”

Vio shrugged, “I found things to do.”

Sky’s stomach grumbled and he flushed, scratching the back of his head, “Sorry.”

Time smiled, “I think it’s time we start eating. Anything further can be explained later, and only if they are comfortable sharing.”

Blue nodded, “Just know that if you call Vio a traitor I will take you out at the knees. Dad hates traitors and I will not have anyone calling Vio that. They have never been a traitor.”

Warriors started to pass the potatoes to the next person after putting them on his plate, “I can understand that. I hate traitors as well, but Vio was a spy. That I respect. Spies put themselves in constant danger of being discovered and let those they are protecting hate them. It takes a lot of strength to do that. I don’t think I could do it myself.”

As the group conversation turned to other topics Vio’s blush went unnoticed.

Chapter Text

Hyrule sat on the couch wrapped in Sky’s sail cloth and Twilight’s fur. Malon and Legend sat on either side of him. His face was still blotchy from crying as he accepted a cup of tea from Wild.

“It’s some of Sky’s chamomile tea with well, a third of that glass was honey before I got it all mixed in. The chamomile has calming properties and the honey should sweeten it up enough for you.”

Hyrule was still sniffling, but took the cup trying to give Wild a smile, “Thanks.”

“Alright,” Malon wrapped her arm around Hyrule, “Are you up to talking about what got you so spooked?”

Hyrule’s shoulders drooped further. “There’s blood in my shorts.”

“Oh dear, why didn’t you say you were hurt? Time go grab a healing potion.”

Vio coughed, drawing everyone’s attention, “I believe that would be ill advised.”

“But the poor boys hurt.”

“He’s in pain,” Vio grimaced, “But I don’t think it’s an injury. Am I right Hyrule?”

Hyrule nodded, looking miserable.

“I was going to bring up this subject tomorrow. I have several theories you should be aware of, but mother nature always likes to surprise us.”

Legend glared, “Spit it out, what’s wrong and why shouldn’t he take a healing potion?”

“Healing potions often make symptoms of menses worse instead of better.”

“Menses?” Malon furrowed her brow.

“It’s the technical term for what is commonly referred to as a period.”

“But Hyrule’s a boy.”

“He is, but physically he is female. This is why he is currently having his period. I should use the common vernacular to avoid confusion.”

Blue rolled her eyes, “No duh.”

“Then why did he panic?” Malon frowned, “Isn’t he too old for this to be his first? Surely this isn’t a surprise?”

Vio shook their head, “Actually he is young enough that this could be his first. Several things can cause a delayed start. They are also the things that can make the cycle irregular. Those things being excessive exercise, stress, low body weight and poor nutrition.”

Twilight sighed, “Hyrule has gained a fair amount of weight since we first met. I remember him weighing less than Four the first time I picked him up.”

The group ignored Blue’s complaints about being used as a measuring device, although it had been the first time they had been used as a measurement of weight instead of the normal use of their height.

Wild nodded, “He didn’t know much about balancing his diet either. He said he just ate whatever he could find. He found out the hard way what wasn’t edible as well.”

“Stress, extreme exercise?” Legend snarked, “No way would we ever have anything to do with those.”

“As I was saying,” Vio rolled their eyes, “This could be his first due to his lifestyle.”

“Alright,” Malon looked down at Hyrule, “Why don’t we take this outside and I can explain everything.”

“Th-that’s,” Hyrule shook in her grasp, tears still beading in the corners of his eyes, “That’s not the problem. Wild could do that.”

“Then what’s wrong?”

“It’s the blood, right?” Vio sighed, “The curse about Gannon and blood, and what it could mean for the mens-period blood?”

“Yeah,” Hyrule nodded, looking ashamed.

“Well, this part of your body being female, at least, shouldn’t be a concern. At least for what you’re worried about in particular. Any magic involving bringing something to life needs life blood, which means circulation blood. Although it appears like it, you’re not exactly bleeding. The well, material, is actually the shedding of the uterus and thus it is not life blood.”

They shrugged, scratching the back of their neck looking away from the group, “Which is why the material should actually repeal monsters. You can’t use menstrual blood to bring life to anything. Magically speaking, such materials are inherently dead. The body is expelling the materials to prevent pregnancy by any substandard embryos.”

Wind raised his hand.

“Yes?”

“What’s an embrow?”

“Embryo, and its,” Vio stopped for a moment, “Basically it’s a potential baby. Most of these, potential babies, are not strong enough to survive to term. So the woman’s body doesn’t want to waste time letting them dev-grow.”

“So periods are women's bodies' way of kicking out free-loaders?”

“That’s,” Vio paused, “One way to put it.”

Hyrule stared at Vio, “This blood can’t revive Ganon? It will repel monsters?”

“According to my research,” Vio held up their notebook, “That is true. I would want to confirm with another mage or see it in action before being absolutely certain.”

Legend hummed, “You could send a letter to Ravio. He knows a lot of magic, but from what I know that sounds right.”

Warriors rubbed his forehead, “What are the other theories then?”

Vio winced, “I think we should wait until the morning for those. It is getting rather late.” Glancing to make sure Hyrule wasn’t looking he quickly signed ‘nightmare material’ to the group.

Legend’s eyes narrowed before turning to Hyrule, “I think it’s time to go back to bed. Why don’t you get ready for bed again, and if you want.” He sighed, “My sister as well as a few other people say I make a great hot pack since I run so hot. Ravio’s charms all the sheets in cold summer or I wouldn’t be allowed in my own bed. So, if you want to cuddle, or something, we could do that.”

Hyrule’s face lit up nodding, before wincing as he stood. Malon swept him off and soon everyone was back in their own beds, only Hyrule’s left open as he snuggled into Legend. Legend then pulled Hyrule into his chest so he could better wrap his arms around Hyrule’s middle.

Legend laughed at Hyrule’s groan of relief as the pain started to lessen from where he was wrapped in Legend’s furnace-like arms, and the steady heat against his lower back. They both quickly drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Text

The group stayed sitting around the dining room table after breakfast. Dishes pushed to the center of the table as the group looked to Vio who was fiddling with their journal.

“Alright,” Warriors drummed his fingers on the table top, “Are you going to share your theories or are we just going to stare at you and your journal.”

“What I wanted to discuss is not,” Vio sighed, “Pleasant, to think of. I would like to remind everyone these are all theories.”

Time nodded, “You did indicate that they might cause nightmares last night. Is there a reason you waited until now to discuss your theories?”

“I wanted to wait until we were somewhere a monster, or whoever is behind all of this, could not overhear us. Your ranch is one of the most protected places I’ve seen so it should be safe to discuss such matters here.” They placed their journal on the table flipping a few pages in.

Warriors frowned, “If you're so worried about being overheard, isn't keeping it in a journal too high a risk as well?”

“It’s all in code.” Red was bouncing in his seat, “I didn’t realize at first and made one of the recipes, it was for lemon muffins and it turned out pretty good for it not being an actual recipe.”

Blue shrugged, “They have a couple codes they use; another is somehow hidden in past and potential dates with Shadow. Then there’s the travel notes code.”

Vio nodded, “I actually switch between codes frequently so it should be impossible to decipher my journal. Now this theory,” Their hand rested on the page they had flipped to, “Is one that I thought of when I learned that Hyrule is physiologically female. It has to do with the blood curse in Hyrule’s time. Hyrule do you happen to know the exact wording of the curse?”

Hyrule shook his head, “They just yell about my blood and Gannon’s ashes. Why?”

“There is a,” Vio paused, “possibility, that applying your blood directly to Gannon’s ashes would not resurrect Gannon or have any effect beyond making them wet, and sticky. I know that is what the curse supposedly states but, depending on the wording. Well...”

Legend rolls his eyes, “Just spit it out.”

“I’m trying to be less jarring.”

Hyrule sighed, “Just say it straight.”

“You are capable of getting pregnant.”

“So?”

“Oh Fuck!” Legend grabbed Hyrule crushing him into his side, almost pulling Hyrule out of his own chair.

Time gave a half-hearted “Language,” Getting an odd look from Malon.

Legend glared at him, “I think I have all the right to be swearing! I should have the right to invent new curse words right now!”

“Um,” Hyrule tried to look up at Legend from where he was being crushed into Legend’s chest, although Hyrule wasn’t complaining as his lower back started to warm up with Legend’s proximity, “Can someone explain?”

“The curse could mean that they need to use the ashes to get you pregnant. To merge the ashes with your bloodline. Like how Twilight is of Time’s blood.” Vio put their head in their hands, “I really hope I’m wrong.”

“Damn it,” Blue cursed, “You’re not supposed to say that!”

Wind looked over, “Why not?”

“That’s when they're always right!”

“Um,” Twilight scratched the back of his head, “Isn’t that sort of a good thing?” He waved his hands in front of himself at the looks he got, “Putting blood on something takes almost no time to do. But you know pregnancy takes much longer,” He grimaced, “And it can be stopped.”

Warriors and the others looked uneasy, while Hyrule looked appalled.

Red stared around the group, his hands stilling on the table from where they had been moments before, drumming, “You really think somebody that's half-fairy could kill something innocent?”

“It wouldn’t be alive really,” Warriors grimaced, “And well, Gannon’s not exactly innocent.”

“You really think that will pass with someone whose half fairy? That potential Gannon wouldn’t have done anything yet!”

Vio nodded, “While Warriors is correct that the embryo isn’t truly alive, in the sense of being a Hylian and not just a group of cells. Well, it depends on your personal belief. I personally say once the baby is capable of being born, is when it should be considered to be a living Hylian. Others say it’s from conception. Which is a tad silly as most embryos are conceived and then rejected by the woman’s body, but I digress.”

“Back to Red’s point. Although it would not technically be a living Hylian, it would be a ball of living cells. In the first and maybe second week he would probably be willing to take potions to decrease the likelihood of the embryo attaching during the time an embryo could naturally be lost. After that he would fight tooth and nail for the potential baby due to his nature. At least that is the theory I have on how his behavior would react to that situation, he might find it easier or harder to deal with the potential baby.”

Legend gives Vio a dirty look, “You theorize things like that?”

“Not on purpose!” Vio glared back at Legend, “My brain grabs an idea and goes! I have this notebook to contain the various theories. Sometimes if I get them on paper, I can stop thinking about them. Unfortunately, this is a valid concern that could potentially occur. I still can’t stop theorizing! Din’s cats, I have a couple theories on how to get Hyrule pregnant with the ashes. Those I’m not writing down and am doing my best to forget!”

Blue snorted, “We did mention that they're the brain right? They are always thinking. Sometimes I like to ask them stupid questions and see them self-combust when I respond to all their explanations with ‘Why’.”

Vio glared at her, “And I later roll around in mud and find ways to smear it everywhere in revenge.”

“Still worth it.”

“Well,” Malon clapped her hands, “I think that’s enough theories for now. There’s plenty to do!”

The group slowly broke up to do the various chores, except for Hyrule who remained inside clutching a hot pack and trying to practice his reading.

Chapter Text

Malon looked over at Shadow who was idly chewing on a cucco bone, "Oh no, don't do that!"

Shadow looked up, guiltily putting the bone down as Malon stood up.

She headed into the kitchen, "I was saving these for Wolfie but I'm sure he wouldn't mind sharing. There are certainly enough for both of you. Aha! Found them!”

She was almost skipping as she came out of the kitchen area and dropped several different large bones on the table in one of the few clear spots.

“We lost a bess when she was calving. Luckily the calf made it and we managed to get another bess to look after him. When I started carving the meat up, I saw the bones and I just knew Wolfie would love them. So all the good chewing bones have been hanging out in one of the cupboards in the kitchen. Wild I was thinking you could put the rest in your slate for later? If it can hold all the food we’ve been eating, a few bones should fit. "

Wild nodded, grabbing her slate, "Where are the rest?"

"Let Shadow pick one before we go storing everything away." She smiled at Shadow, "These will be much better for your teeth, and a lot safer. Cucco bones aren't safe to chew on. They could fracture and get stuck in your throat."

Shadow was blushing, stammering and not making anything that could be remotely considered words, until Twilight grabbed one of the bones.

Everyone turned surprised as he stood up, "Screw it. We haven't had anything for weeks, I'm going to lay in front of the fire. Join me when you pick one." With that he dropped the bone on the ground and changed.

Several people made startled sounds as Wolfie appeared in Twilight’s place.

Wolfie picked up the bone and started towards the living room. He paused at the doorway, looking back as his eyes met Shadow’s. He woofed around the bone.

Realizing that Wolfie was waiting for him, Shadow grabbed the bone he'd been trying not to look at and followed Woldie, "Lead on Wolfie.”

Wolfie's tail wagged once before he slipped fully into the other room followed closely by Shadow.

Wild used her slate to store the bones that were left on the table, "Where did you say the rest were Miss?”

Malon blinked at the transformation before turning to Wild, she had seen weirder, although she now had an urgent need to pet all that soft fur her husband had told her about, "It's just Malon dear, and they are just this way."

As Wild walked into the kitchen with Malon, Time chuckled, “Well the wolf is out of the bag now.”

“You knew?” Legend glared at him.

“That Twilight, who has a facial mark that matches Wolfie’s perfectly, is Wolfie?”

“Or,” Vio rolled their eyes, “That we’ve never seen Twilight and Wolfie at the same time?”

Warriors looked like he’d sucked on a lemon and Hyrule blushed bright red as most of the group realized the connection between the two really should have been obvious enough for them to figure it out themselves, well before now. No wonder Twilight laughed when they talked about Wolfie. Wind finally knew why none of his tricks had worked now.

Time shook his head before reminding them, “Make sure to bring your dishes into the kitchen to be washed. Hyrule, Legend, it's your turn to do dishes."

Legend glared at Time before carrying his and Hyrule’s plates, complaining about all the dishes that showed up when they were at someone’s home instead in the wild. Hyrule followed him into the kitchen carrying serving dishes, rolling his eyes at Legend's complaints. You would think they were off to be tortured and not just wash dishes with all the complaining and swearing Legend did whenever they had to wash more than nine dishes.

Chapter Text

Wind burped as he set his fork down having finished his lunch, “That was great!”

Malon smiled, “Thank you, now why don’t all of you go enjoy the afternoon. I can handle a few plates on my own. You’ve all been so helpful you deserve a chance to take a real break. Just be back at the table, with clean hands, when dinner rolls around.”

Twilight started picking up plates, “It’s no trouble to help.”

“Wild made lunch, so I’ll clean up. Then I can get started on the stew for dinner. Everyone leave your dishes and go enjoy yourselves.” She shooed them out of the dining room.

Legend gave her a lazy salute leaving without any further prompting, “Sounds good to me.”

Most of the group headed out the door as Vio settled down on the couch with a book, ready to spend an afternoon reading. When Shadow paused looking at them before glancing outside, Vio waved him on, “Go enjoy yourself, I’ll be in here if you need me.”

Shadow dropped a kiss on Vio’s forehead before racing outdoors.

Vio settled further into the couch, doing their best to focus on their book and not that they didn’t know exactly where Shadow was or what he was doing. The rest of the colors were offering their silent support to Vio. Vio was doing their best to at least act calm as time ticked by. The other three did not look nearly as comfortable, but then they were playing a rather intense game of go fish in front of the empty fireplace.

When Vio glanced up at the door the first time, their knuckles tight on the book they were reading, it had been just over two hours. Their record for, willingly, spending time without knowing exactly where Shadow was or what Shadow was doing since he reformed was two and a half hours. They were hoping to improve on that record. It wasn’t like Shadow was in any danger with all the other heroes, Vio had nothing to worry about, there weren’t even mirrors out there. Warriors’ and all of the others’ bags were all inside the house, along the far wall so there were absolutely no mirrors near Shadow. Only Four’s bag was hanging open from where the other colors had dug out a deck of cards.

Blue shared a conspiring look with Green before picking up one of the cards. She flicked it towards Vio, it took a few tries before one of the trio’s tosses hit Vio. Vio turned from staring at the door to glare at the trio, before turning back to their book. The trio kept throwing cards at Vio occasionally, trying to make it seem like it wasn’t just when they were looking at the doorway. Somehow Red was still winning the game, even with over half the deck scattered across the floor.

Vio growled glaring at their book after the last hit, “You interrupt my reading one more time, and this book will become a deadly weapon.”

The other colors snickered, and then waited another five minutes and when Vio next glanced at the door, Red managed to hit Vio in the forehead discarding their final card and winning the game.

Vio flung the book at Red, hitting him in the face. Red went down laughing with Blue and Green quickly joining the laughter.

Vio's hands were shaking, as they glanced at the door again, “What’s so funny?”

“How long do you think it’s been?”

Vio glanced at them before looking towards the door again, “What are you talking about?”

Green smiled, “Since you last saw Shadow.”

Standing they started walking towards the door, eye’s wide, “Two and a half hours, maybe less.”

“Four actually.”

Vio stopped in the doorway looking back at Green, “Four hours?”

“Yep.”

Red smiled, “We kept hitting you when you looked like you were ready to stand up.”

“That’s… Thanks,” They glanced back from the door, “but I really need to go now.” They dashed out of the door eyes scanning the area around the house.

As Blue, Green, and Red started picking up cards, Blue smiled, “So what should we do next time?”

“I think we should wait and let them try by themselves, but maybe annoying noises the time after that one?”

“Sounds fun. Want to spar?”

“Sounds good, let's ditch Vio’s book and head out.” They headed out and got to see Vio clinging on to a laughing Shadow. Several people were around the pair congratulating Vio on their new record.

Chapter Text

After a delicious dinner, everyone settled down in the living room to digest the heavy meal. The group was engaged in a variety of different activities. As Time looked around the room over his book, he saw that Wild was discussing different cooking recipes with Hyrule. Time idly hoped no crimes against food would result from that discussion, not giving the conversation much thought.

Wind was showing pictographs off to Green and Warriors as Sky talked about aerial tactics with Blue.

Legend was glaring at anyone who got too close as he sorted out his inventory. Someone had snuck a rabbit into his bedding and as he went to put the bedding away the panicked rabbit had managed to dump part of his bag out onto the forest floor. There was a, not so small, pile of leaves and twigs beside him as well.

Twilight was helping Red build a pillow fort between two of the couches.

Malon was curled up into his side and he almost went back to his book before he saw the last two sitting in front of the fire. Vio was holding onto Shadow’s hand fiddling with something as Shadow pouted.

Taking a closer look, Time noticed the file in Vio’s hand and how he seemed to almost be attacking Shadow’s hand as Shadow tried to squirm away. The nails had gotten longer since Shadow had first appeared back into this realm, but he did not seem to be cooperating with whatever Vio was attempting.

Vio let out a loud curse, growling as they attempted to get a good hold on Shadow's hand. "Let me file these damn it."

Malon gave Time a rather bewildered look as he remarked softly, "Language."

Vio ignored him as they continued to wrestle with Shadow to get a chance at filing his nails, "Give me your hand before I have Wolfie come hold you down.”

Twilight’s head perked up from laying down another blanket as Shadow finally relented and gave his hand to Vio. Twilight took every chance he could to smother his family with the excuse of helping them. It was always a highlight of his day.

Shadow whined as Vio started filing, “They’re fine.”

Vio snorted as they started working again, ignoring the way Shadow was pouting and occasionally trying to pull his hand back. When the file broke Vio glared down at it, "Not again, that one barely lasted a little over three trims. If you would let me at your nails more regularly the files wouldn't snap so often."

Shadow simply hummed leaning into Vio finally relaxing his hand, "You don't need to file them I can just chew on them."

Vio growled at Shadow, "Remember the last time?"

"Hey that was a fluke! I've been keeping my nails fine by chewing on them before that, and I don’t normally have them out."

"I'm sure you would have told me of any previous times you cut your cheek open chewing on your nails, and it's more important to keep your nails sharp as you use them in battle."

"I swear that's the only time that's happened!"

Two files appeared between the two, and looking up they saw Malon smiling down at them, "I'm not sure which will work best. This one is one we would use on the horses so if you're breaking files that might be tougher. Otherwise, one of my files should work."

Vio took the items as Shadow blushed, "Thank you Malon.” Vio glared at Shadow, “I'm sure someone is grateful as well."

Shadow shrunk under the look Vio was giving him, grumbled out a pouting "Thank you."

Malon smiled before she dropped onto the floor on Shadow's other side. She held up a second set of files, "Now how does this work?" Smiling at their confused looks, "This will go faster if we each work on a hand. I'm sure Vio is faster but I've worked with plenty of claws, this will be my first time sharpening them though!"

Red, who had finished the pillow fort while Malon had been out of the room getting the files grinned, "Yah! Then you can come see my new fort sooner!"

Vio blinked before turning back to Shadow and Malon, "Well his nails are really tough and filing something sharper instead of dulling them is a lot harder than it sounds."

Malon nodded, "Alright you two let’s get this done."

Time watched from his spot on the couch, where he couldn't help but miss her touch, but as she got the most reclusive member of the group taking he couldn’t miss her too much.

Especially as it was rather entertaining watching as Shadow started talking and the pair had to try to hold on to Shadow’s hands as he tried to use his normal hand motions as he talked.

Glancing around the room he noticed several of the others were distracted watching as well. Looking back at the three he snorted as Shadow got his hand free only to slap Vio in the face.

Looking back, Blue’s favorite part of the stay was that slap, it almost made up for falling into a monster camp the next day.