Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A normal, spring day.

That's what it was supposed to be, anyway. That's how it started.

It was about halfway through the spring season. Link had returned a bit worse for wear after his last and final adventure about two years prior but he was doing alright now.

The orchard was flowering, the bees were buzzing, the air was warm.

For once, Link could actually say he was happy.

For the first time since he was nine he can slow down and relax, living in peace and safety for an extended period of time. There're no monsters to fight. No monsters other than Sheerow, at least. The wards Link put up were doing their job.

Zelda had been wonderful in ensuring he was left alone. Ravio was always there to make sure he wasn't. Hilda was always checking in, making sure he was doing alright, stopping by to have tea whenever she could.

Life was good.

Link had gone outside to weed the flowerbeds where he'd planted hibiscus several years ago after escaping Koholint and defeating Twinrova. They weren't blooming, not yet anyway.

Ravio was inside baking something. He'd been learning from the blacksmith's wife in his free time and wanted to make something nice. He always wanted to do nice things for Link.

It took him a while to realize Ravio's kindness was genuine. Really, that made him appreciate everything he does that much more.

Of course, every is going to come crashing down when Link least expects it. Naturally, that was expected.

He feels it before he sees it. A dark energy tearing its way into existence behind him.

Link gets to watch as a dark, triangular portal appears.

He sighs, pushing on his knee to stand. Nothing comes out of the portal. It doesn't do anything. It just seems to be waiting.

And wait it shall.

He practically slams the door behind him when he goes back into the house. Ravio doesn't say anything about it from the kitchen as he storms upstairs to their shared bedroom.

He changes quickly, pulling on his green under-tunic, red over-tunic, and forgoing pants as usual in favor of shorts. He puts on his blue hat, pegasus boots, belt. His pack is grabbed from where he'd left it in the corner, already packed just in case. The Master Sword and his shield are slung over a shoulder and onto his back. He's putting on his favorite magical rings and medallions when Ravio knocks quietly, nervously, on the wooden doorframe.

"Is everything alright, Bunny?"

Link just sighs, rolling his eyes affectionately at the pet name. "I know you at least felt the portal outside. I think the answer is pretty obvious, Rav."

He's quiet for a moment as Link puts on the last few rings.

"Do you have to go?"

"I wish I didn't have to but I probably don't have a choice!" He runs a hand down his face. "At least the portal isn't inherently malicious."

"What are you going to do about it?"

"Something stupid."

"Link."

"What?! Nothing bad happened when I just jumped through Lorule's portal!"

"That was different!"

"I'll be safe."

"All the times I've had to stitch you up say otherwise!"

Link sighs and they're both quiet for a moment. Ravio moves closer, threading his fingers between Link's. He doesn't look up, instead choosing to stare down at their interlocked hands. He's the one to break the silence, though.

"I just- I don't want you to go."

"I know. I don't want to go. Gut feeling." He gives his husband's hand a gentle squeeze.

Ravio squeezes his hand back. He looks up after a moment, teary green eyes meeting steely violet ones. Gently, Link reaches out with his free hand to tuck a strand of black hair behind Ravio's ear and the merchant leans into the touch.

"I'll try my best to be safe, I promise."

"That's all I ask."

Their foreheads gently thunk together and Link closes his eyes, enjoying the closeness. He isn't one for physical touch, but Ravio is the exception in a lot of things.

"I love you," his husband whispers.

"I love you," he signs back with one hand, those three words being the hardest to say aloud.

They stand there, holding each other for a while before they finally make it back downstairs. From their spot in the kitchen, he eyes the portal warily.

It hasn't moved or done anything. Yet.

"You know how to take care of the house, right?"

"Mhm!"

"And you'll tell Zelda where I've gone? About what's happening?"

"Of course! I wouldn't leave our dear queen to worry."

"Maybe you should have her send a gardener over to take care of my trees. I know you don't know how."

"Wh- hey!"

"Make sure to send me a letter once I go through. Tell me what the portal does. Monitor it. If anything seems dangerous, abandon the house."

"I will. You don't have to worry, Bunny." He wraps an arm around Link's waist before kissing him on the cheek. "I don't have the title of coward for nothing. Make sure you write back, okay?"

"I will."

"I'll miss you."

He blinks, throat closing up. He can't voice that he'll miss Ravio too. The words just won't work. So he nods, signing a quick, one-handed "Miss you too."

Goodbyes always hurt. He doesn't want to say goodbye. It's part of the reason he didn't go see Zelda.

He takes a deep breath in, steeling himself. In the back of his mind he prays to Loria and the golden three that Hyrule will survive until he comes back from whatever mess Hylia has thrown his way this time.

"See you."

"See you," Ravio parrots back.

Link turns, giving his husband a quick kiss on the cheek, or rather the side of his face since he wasn't aiming very hard, before he leaves the house. He lets the door remain open behind him and tries to ignore Ravio watching him go from the doorway.

He could turn around, ignore the issue. But he does that enough already.

And he gets the feeling this portal doesn't like to be ignored.

He stands before it, the sun high in the sky now and tipping over the other side. Before he can change his mind, he steps into the swirling darkness that spontaneously appeared in his yard.

It was a normal day.

Then it wasn't.

Whatever the portal does, it feels like falling. Free falling in the void. He can't tell if his eyes are open or of his eyes are closed. Dark magic swirls around him, pulling him somewhere. It doesn't bite, though, not like he expected it to.

Eventually, his feet hit the ground and his legs buckle. He puts out his arms to brace for impact as his knees hit the ground in a way he'll definitely feel later. His hands hit the ground soon after, sending a painful jolt up into his shoulders.

The portal didn't feel all that dissimilar to traveling to Lorule. The magic of it all, anyway.

He takes a quick moment to adjust and fight back the nausea before he opens his eyes. When he does open his eyes, they are immediately assaulted by the fucking sun, but he can't do anything about that.

While his eyes get used to the mass amounts of light being beamed into them, he listens to his surroundings.

Leaves rustle and branches smack as the breeze moves through the trees. So he's likely in a forest somewhere. He's in a patch of dirt and it sounds like there's maybe a long gap between the trees. Some kind of path or road? He hears breathing around him and it sounds like other people. Someone nearby groans and he can hear them roll over.

At the sound of footsteps, he looks up, immediately ten times more on guard when he sees a Hylian knight with a blue cape.

While clearly an actual knight and an important person with the way he stands, he isn't wearing a uniform Link recognizes.

A glance around tells him what he'd guessed before. He's in a forest on a dirt road that seems to be semi-frequently traveled. There're eight others around, seven of them disoriented and on the ground. One of them reeks of unfamiliar dark magic.

He stands, hand quickly on the handle of his sword. He starts to unsheathe it when the knight takes a step back, eyes wide in alarm and hands up in a placating gesture.

"Whoa whoa whoa! I'm not gonna hurt you! You can let go of the sword."

The knight has an unfamiliar accent too.

He narrows his eyes as he draws the Master Sword anyway. He doesn't attack the guy, though. After a moment, the knight exhales, relaxing slightly.

Link might not be fond of knights, but he's less fond of murdering the, supposed, innocent.

One of the people off to Link's right sits up. In his peripheral, he can see that it's a child. Clearly a little kid. Link would know if it was someone using magic to pretend. Keeping his eyes on the knight, he moves over slowly and helps the kid up.

"Thanks."

He just hums in response.

Everyone else slowly comes to their senses. The lanky one with the dirtiest blond hair out of all of them rushes over to where someone's curled up groaning on the ground. The one cloaked in dark magic very intently observes the surrounding woods. A guy with a white cape or cloak of some kind mutters a "What...?" that trails off in unfinished thought. The dude with the worst scarring Link has ever seen seems completely chill, looking at the forest as if contemplating where to explore next.

Thankfully, Link doesn't remain the center of everyone's attention for long. The knight clears his throat, bringing everyone's attention to him.

"I can tell you aren't from around here. You all seem a bit lost and... jumpy." Link just scowls at him, grip on his sword tightening. The knight seems to notice that, though. Interesting. "Allow me to introduce myself! I am Captain Link of the royal guard and hero of Hyrule. It's a pleasure to meet you all."

...

What?

"Interesting. I also happen to be the hero of Hyrule." A tall man Link didn't notice before steps forward. He stands importantly, covered in plate mail with a massive sword strapped to his back. The markings on his face are interesting, as is the scar over one eye.

He looks like a knight too.

"My name just so happens to also be Link."

"Whoa! Me too!" The kid cheers.

Slowly and uncertainly, everyone else chimes in.

They're all named Link.

Loria below what is going on?

He tries his best to not let his confusion show. They might all have the same name but that doesn't mean they can be trusted. A scowl and a glare at anyone who gets too close will do nicely.

"Strange... This is just a shot in the dark but raise your hand if you're a hero or have been on a quest of some kind," the old man in the plate mail says before slowly raising his hand.

Gradually everyone else follows his lead.

The knight groans, dragging a hand down his face. "Not again..."

"Not again?" the dirtiest blonde questions. The guy he'd been helping looks better now, at least.

"Yes, again. A while ago we had a spell cast to call heroes from across Hyrule's history to help us fight a war. They all returned to their own times once the war ended but I fear this is a similar situation."

The kid looks excited. He opens his mouth to speak only to be interrupted by the dark magic guy.

"So you summoned people again?"

"No! No. I was investigating reports of strange monster activity in the area when I saw you all get dumped out of some... dark, portals. I was contemplating what to do when this one," he gestures with one hand to Link, "pulled his sword on me."

All eyes turn to him. "And I'd happily stab all of you with it."

"So... you think we're somewhere else in time?" The guy with the white cape turns everyone's attention to the captain. Link gets a few cautious glances and one of two of them take a step away.

"That is certainly a possibility," plate mail guy muses thoughtfully.

The captain just shrugs. "Well if it helps the current year is..."

Time travel. Not a new concept but definitely not an old one. Link's done his fair share of time travel. Not recommended.

If he's in a different time though... Why is he here? What's so wrong with this place that supposedly the gods pulled eight other heroes from across time?

"Why are we here?"

"Pardon?" the captain questions, stepping forward after having been most likely interrupted. Link takes a step back but sheathes his sword. He crosses his arms and leans back nonchalantly.

"Assuming the gods brought us here," the captain scoffs and rolls his eyes but otherwise let's Link speak, "something has to be seriously wrong with this place to warrant bringing over eight heroes."

"Are you insinuating something is wrong with my Hyrule?"

"I'm not saying anything is right with it."

The captain opens his mouth to speak, clearly upset that someone would dare to insult the home he worked so hard to protect. The perfectly calm and collected captain act breaks and anger seeps through the cracks.

The man with the dark magic steps between them both. "Don't start fighting. There's more important matters. Captain, you said you were investigating some monsters?"

The captain takes a deep breath in and the "perfectly in control" facade fixes itself.

"Yes. The locals have reported strange, stronger than typical monsters in the area."

"And they sent a captain out? Just a captain? Why not regular soldiers? Unless the monsters of your era are that bad..." The short one finally speaks up, eyes a deep violet as he theorizes. The way he's standing tells Link he's a knight too despite not looking the part.

"Typically, yes. But considering how many we lost in the war and... Well if we're dealing with stronger-than-usual monsters, I am the most qualified."

Link snorts. He spoke as if all his men are incompetent.

"Considering they're Hyrule's knights I'm not surprised they had to send a captain to deal with some monsters."

The short one looks at Link, offended. The captain just sighs and doesn't deny the accusation.

He meant it.

The captain's men are incompetent.

He laughs at that, earning a few less than nice looks from the others. The captain just rolls his eyes.

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up."

He takes a deep breath, pretending to wipe a tear from his eye. "Ohh don't worry, mine aren't all that competent either."

"Regardless on the competency of the knights, captain, would you like some extra help?" Plate mail man steps forward and reigns in the group. He has a strong leader energy about him. Something tells Link that he's gonna end up being the one in charge.

The captain surveys the group, looking over the kid, the short one, and the lanky one with concern. "I don't know... I wouldn't want anyone getting hurt."

The kid squawks in indignation at the insinuation. "I can fight! I can take care of myself just fine! I've sailed a boat by myself before! Through a storm! AND I defeated Ganon all on my own!"

Link ruffles the kids hair, causing him to squawk in surprise. "Calm down, sailor. You wouldn't be here if you couldn't hold your own."

The captain thinks for a moment before sighing. "If you all want to come with, feel free to do so."

"Wonderful. Is anyone opposed to helping out?" The defacto leader turns to the rest of the group and no one raises their hand or speaks up. He raises an eyebrow in surprise.

The one littered with scars nudges Link with his elbow. He turns to him with a scowl, taking a step back only to be mildly surprised when the hero starts signing.

It takes him a moment, considering how different it is from his Hylian Sign, but one of the things Link prides himself on is learning languages.

"You're not going to object? I figured you'd be the least on board."

"Yeah well it's a lead that'll get me home faster. It's not like I want to be stuck with all of you."

He tries his best to look upset at the situation. In a sense he is. But it's not because of the people he's with. Sure, he's wary of four of them, and definitely will not be letting his guard down, but they haven't given him a reason to outright hate them.

They don't need to know that, though.

Scars' eyes widen before he shrugs and walks away to rejoin the rest of the group. Just in time as the captain speaks up.

"Alright then. Follow me everyone."

Everyone falls into step behind the captain. The kid easily runs up to walk beside him, chatting happily away like old friends. Scars and the dark one are next in the marching order. Then is the short one, the lanky one, and the one with the white cape. They fall into easy conversation as well.

Link takes up the rear. He's not turning his back to any of them. He refuses to take that risk.

They haven't earned his trust yet.

Plate mail slows to walk beside him, much to Link's annoyance.

"Can't keep up with everyone else, old man?"

"No. Just figured I'd keep an eye out." His eyes crinkle at the corners in a smile at the accidental joke. Link is not amused. "Some of the others seem like they'd be a bit prone to wandering off. Don't want anyone to get lost in a strange Hyrule."

He hums. It's a fair assumption to make. Scars looked like he was going to wander off earlier before the captain introduced himself. Maybe he'd already done a bit of exploring.

Regardless, Link doesn't care. If he gets himself killed then it's his own fault.

Their conversation stops there. Link doesn't say anything and neither does the guy walking beside him. He does make sure to put a bit more distance between them, though.

He's uncomfortably within grabbing distance.

Later that night when they're all sat around the fire, the scarred hero having pulled a pot out of his magical brick and is now cooking something, the kid speaks up in a pirate accent that's much thicker than when he spoke before.

"So! We're all named Link. And I've been doing a bit of thinking. We don't want things to get all confusin' now."

"Oh! Are we gonna give each other nicknames?!" the lanky kid asks excitedly.

"Aye! An' ta perfect place is around a fire, tellin' stories. Sharin' about ourselves. Now, who's gonna go first?"

The stories ended up being pretty tame. Not even stories most of the time. They're mostly just little tidbits of information. The basics of everyone's personality.

Plate mail was fittingly dubbed Old Man. The captain is Captain. Scars is Cook considering that's what he was doing while this was all happening and hadn't said a word otherwise. Shorty is Smithy. The kid is Sailor. The lanky kid is Traveler. The one with the dark magic was named Rancher. And the one with the cape is Sky considering he only talked about his Hyrule and how it's barely even a settlement on the ground yet and how they came from the Sky Islands.

He talked for a while.

And, of course, Link was dubbed Collector. Or, in the Captain's case, Hoarder.

Naturally this happened because everyone found out how many magic items he keeps in his bag. Of course, they don't know about everything, but they know he has enough for the nickname "Collector" to be reasonable.

Before they could make a game out of the contents of his bag, he'd just rolled his eyes and found somewhere to take watch in a tree, denying dinner.

He didn't watch Cook prepare it. And he's not going to get much -if any- sleep tonight either, not with eight strangers, especially considering three of them are probably knights.

Settling down in the crook between two branches, he got comfortable before pulling out a note he'd gotten earlier. It'd been delivered by Sheerow incredibly discreetly.

With a smile, he began to read over his husband's neat handwriting.

"Dearest Hero,

As per your request, I'm writing you a letter. I hope Sheerow can get it to you.

The portal disappeared completely about five minutes after you went through. There were no traces left over and no changes. Nothing came out. Nothing went in.

As for Zelda, I told her about where you've gone. She wasn't happy but she understands. You should probably write her a letter soon as well. She's promised to help in any way she can and we spent quite a few hours searching the library for anything similar. I'll head to Lorule tomorrow to check Hilda's library as well. We'll let you know if we find anything.

The donuts I made this morning were okay. I think they would've tasted better had you been there. Zelda seemed to like them, at least.

I hope you haven't already gotten yourself into trouble, or worse, injured. Don't be reckless.

I love you and I miss you already.

Your darling husband,
Ravio"

With a smile, Link pulled out paper and a pen and began to write his reply.

Chapter Text

"My dearest, Ravio,

For starters, I don't know when I'll have the time to write to Zel. Tell her not to worry. I'll be fine. Not like this is my first time jumping through portals with no regard for my own safety.

The magic of the portal felt like traveling to Lorule. When you go over there, make sure everything is alright for me. As for where it spit me out, I don't know.

Currently, I'm elsewhere in time if the people around me are to be believed. I was spat out on a road with seven others, the world? era? belonging to the eighth. I'm pretty sure three of them are knights and I'm not happy about it.

We're all named Link. We were all chosen by Hylia. Blah blah blah.

Currently we're in the captain's Hyrule. Apparently they've summoned people from other eras before to fight a war or something.

I'm sorry your doughnuts didn't taste as good and I'm sorry I wasn't there to eat them with you. Maybe you can try again when I come back. I miss your cooking already.

I know you. Don't forget to eat. Make sure to get some sleep. If you don't want to be alone, I'm sure Hilda or Zelda are willing to have a sleepover.

Your hero,
Link"

They were off again the next morning.

For the most part, Link was left alone. He scowled at anyone who got too close and shut down any conversation anyone tried to start up with him.

He just needed to get this over with so he could go home. Forming attachments to others would only result in more pain and hurt down the line.

He didn't say anything when the cook snuck away from the group only to sneak back a few hours later. It wasn't any of his business.

A short while after the scarred hero returned, Link stopped.

Slowly, everyone else stops to see what has his attention. To figure out what made him stop moving. He ignores them, focusing on the woods around them.

"Collector? Is something wrong?"

He shushes the old man as he draws his sword, lowering himself to the ground as he approaches where the forest meets the road. His ears twitch as something moves. Something dark. The traveler seems to notice too, drawing his sword as well and standing a lot stiffer than he was before.

Interesting.

Link files that information away are he takes a deep breath, focusing on whatever is stomping through the forest. One, two, three, four enemies. Whatever they are, they're approaching and fast.

He holds up four fingers and sees the captain nod out of the corner of his eye. The knight draws his sword and slowly, the others do the same.

Link leaps back as one of the monsters comes bursting out of the woods, swinging for him and missing entirely. He's about to attack back when the rancher swoops in like a shadow, drawing the attention of what might be a bokoblin as three more join the fight.

It takes embarrassingly long for eight, experienced heroes to take them down but they manage it without any injuries. Well, only slightly longer Link would have guessed it would take them, but still. They do it without his help and manage just fine.

He was doing something arguably more important, though. He was studying. The other heroes. The monsters. Everything.

When the fight is over, the captain confusedly sheathes his sword.

"Odd..."

"What was?" Traveler pipes up curiously as he glances everyone over, likely checking for injuries.

"Those bokoblins were definitely stronger than normal. Like, a lot stronger."

Everyone falls silent in thought for a moment before the captain shakes his head. "Let's not dwell on it now. There were more than four in the report. Keep moving, team!"

The sailor gives a little salute and the old man chuckles at the gesture and they're all on the move again.

They kill a few more monsters after that. All of them stronger than usual.

They settle down for camp that night and Link does the same as the night before. He plans on skipping dinner as he finds a tree to keep watch in while the others chat. No, he doesn't care that the rancher already went out on a patrol and hasn't come back yet.

"So I have something I've been meaning to ask you, Cook."

The hero looks over at the sound of the sailor's voice. After a moment he signs "Go on."

He only gets blank looks in response. Apparently, the others either don't know Hylian Sign or the cook's version of it is too different from theirs to understand.

Link sighs with an eye roll from his perch in his tree. "He gave you permission to ask, kid." He flinches at all the eyes on him and scowls. "Just ask the damn question!"

"Okay!" The kid turns back to the cook with a smile, kicking his feet from where he sits on a log. "What's your story? I mean, it has to be really really cool with those scars you have!"

There's silence for a moment as the cook contemplates how to respond. He glances up at the resident collector, making sure he's paying attention in order to translate. Slowly, he begins to sign.

With a roll of his eyes, Link translates.

"He was in a war against calamity Ganon. They tried using ancient s-h-e-i-k... Sheikah?" The cook nods and Link continues. "technology to fight back. Ganon turned that technology against them. Something happened, he died, was resurrected 100 years later. Zelda helped him beat Ganon. The end."

The captain whistles lowly. "That's one story you got there."

Cook just shrugs and continues making dinner.

"So uhh... who's Ganon?"

Links mind stutters to a halt at Sky's comment. There are various other noises of surprise and disbelief from the rest of the group. There's something akin to shouting from some of the younger members but Link isn't listening anymore.

There's a weird surge in dark magic off in the direction that the rancher went in. Not like the monsters they fought earlier in the day or the familiar nature of Lorule and it's citizens. More like the dark world and its inhabitants.

Whatever it is is coming closer. He shifts, trying to get a better look as well as getting ready to defend himself.

Darkness doesn't equal evil.

Whatever it is doesn't enter the small clearing they've decided to make camp in. It circles it, gaining the travelers attention when it gets closer.

He watches it come around, making its way towards the tree he's in. Link forces his breathing to quiet and his hands to stop shaking, even though he doesn't know when that started. He stills, watching the thing come around until it passes into his view.

It's... a wolf.

A wolf that reeks of dark magic but doesn't seem to care for the group. If anything, it's making sure nothing else comes near.

The wolf glances up at him as it walks by, making eye contact.

Link can't breathe.

All of a sudden he's a small rabbit. Weak and helpless. Completely worthless in terms of helping people. All he can do is run and hide from snapping jaws and cold eyes.

He's brought back the the present when the wolf blinks, blue eyes just seeing. They aren't cold or malicious or evil.

Just like that, it walks away, continuing its patrol around their campsite.

He watches it leave. When he glances back at the camp, he sees the traveler looking at him, questioning, confused. After a moment, he nods in the direction of the wolf.

Link shrugs, his response to the unasked question. The wolf doesn't seem hostile but he'll keep an eye on it anyway.

Not like he was going to get any sleep that night anyway.

Traveler just nods, relaxing a bit and leaving Link to keep his eye on the mysterious wolf.

Something about it seems... familiar. The way it moves. The magic that surrounds it. Its eyes.

He'd watch as later in the night, the wolf makes itself known to the rest of the group. Cook and the old man defend it. It doesn't attack anyone and happily sits by the cook's side like a dog, eating up whatever the hero puts in front of it. The chain on its leg is interesting too....

It's fine. Everyone else can protect themselves from a stupid wolf. If it wanted to hurt anyone, it would have done so or will do so once everyone's asleep.

He's safe in his tree.

He's safe.

Chapter Text

For all his concern, the wolf didn't attack anyone once they all fell asleep.

It hung around camp for a while, entertaining the cook, sailor, and smithy. It stayed around for second watch, alert and almost seeming to help keep watch. Then it got up and left as the captain got up to go wake up the traveler who'd volunteered for second watch with the rancher coming back from the direction the wolf had gone in.

Strange.

The rancher seemed fine, though. Not Link's problem.

The next morning they were on the road again. Once again, Link takes up his place at the back of the group. He must look extra unapproachable after skipping sleep and food for two days because everyone gives him space.

Everyone but the traveler, that is.

The kid seems hesitant about it but he does eventually fall into step beside Link. A bit too close for comfort –comfortable being entirely outside of arms reach, which is something he isn't going to get in this group it seems– but he seems to have something on his mind.

He doesn't say anything, though, despite clearly wanting to talk to Link. With an eye roll he picks up a stick, poking at things they walk past as he starts the conversation.

"So you can sense dark magic?"

The traveler stiffens beside him, stopping entirely for a moment before he continues walking.

"N-no."

"You noticed when the wolf appeared. And when the bokoblins were coming towards us."

"Well... about the wolf..."

Ahhh. There it is. Link hums in acknowledgment and gestures for him to continue.

"Do you think he's.... safe?"

He just shrugs in response. "Dunno. I was watching him for a while and it seemed like he was keeping watch?"

"But he's... The wolf is cloaked in dark magic–"

"So is the rancher. Besides, dark doesn't equal bad."

"W... what do you mean?"

He shoots a glare at the rancher who'd been glancing at him for a while, a strange look on his face almost like recognition. He sighs before responding, contemplating in the back of his mind throwing the stick at the rancher.

"Well the world has to be balanced, for one. The light cannot exist without the dark. It's how the darkness is used that makes it evil."

"I see."

"Everything has its opposite. Its mirror. As people of Hyrule, we are inherently light beings. Even we cast shadows, but the shadows aren't always evil."

The traveler shudders. "My shadow definitely was."

Link hums. There's definitely a story there. Not one that he's going to ask about, though. It's likely a touchy subject.

"There's a difference between magical constructs, of which I assume your shadow was, and just people. Besides, Hyrule has a mirror too. Its people just live in a world where darkness is the standard as opposed to the light. Do you think that means they're evil?"

"A little?"

"Regular people? They don't cast spells. They don't do bad things. They're just regular people going about their lives."

"Well when you say it like that what I said seems pretty..."

"Rude? Needlessly judgemental?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry for assuming things about something you clearly know a lot about."

He just shrugs. "It's fine. Most things that reek of dark magic are bad. It's good to be cautious. Keeps you safe."

The traveler nods. "Keeps you alive."

He hums in agreement. They're both silent for a moment, conversation dying off naturally when the traveler speaks up again.

"So... is the wolf bad?"

"Dunno. It– he hasn't done anything bad and seems friendly enough. Just keep an eye out if he comes around again."

"I can do that. Thanks Collector!" The kid smiles, running back over to Sky. He isn't any more relaxed than before Link spoke to him, but he definitely seems a bit happier.

The conversation sticks with him, though, as he's left alone with his thoughts. The magic around the wolf felt like the dark world.

What's a dark world being doing in Hyrule?

And why is the wolf's magic similar to–

His thoughts are cut off as he senses lots of dark magic ahead. Dark like the bokoblins they fought the day before. The traveler seems to pick it up too.

With how dense the magic is and how many signatures there are, they just found a monster camp.

Unfortunately, the traveler doesn't have the courage to say anything.

Unfortunately, Link has a habit of being a good person.

With a huff, he pushes his way up to the front of the group. Once there, he pulls on the captain's arm.

"Wh– Hoarder–?!"

"There's a monster camp ahead."

"How–?"

"Just trust me and don't get everyone here killed, Captain."

He lets go of the captain's arm before once again taking his place at the back of the group as the captain contemplates his words. After a moment, he stops everyone, turning to address them directly.

"I've just been kindly informed that there's a monster camp ahead. Who here is good at stealth?"

Link raises his hand, watching as Cook, Sailor, Smithy, and Traveler all raise their hands as well with the traveler being a lot less sure of himself.

"Captain please don't tell me we're sending the kid."

The sailor makes an offended noise as the captain speaks up. "Don't worry, Rancher. I don't trust him with a job like this anyway."

"HEY! I'm plenty capable of being sneaky!"

"Yes but that's not what I'm talking about. Hand down."

The kid does what he's told while grumbling and swearing under his breath. The captain just sighs, muttering something about not changing much.

"Who do you all think should go?"

He's talking to the other "adults" of the group but Link feels like giving his opinion anyway.

"You should send the cook. He's pretty stealthy."

He nods as the hero in question signs a quick "Thank you." There's a bit more discussion after that and the cook and smithy are off.

They return a few hours later. A very simple plan is made and they make their attack.

It's.... honestly awful. Clearly several of these heroes have never fought alongside another person. There's some bokoblins that summon more bokoblins and overall the fight is pretty chaotic with fireballs and arrows flying, swords clashing and at one point Link hears an explosion. There's injuries and too many enemies and not enough space to fight them properly without hurting another teammate.

They win, despite everything. It takes a while but they manage to clear out the camp, gaining quite a few injuries in the process.

Life doesn't feel like giving them a break, though.

The last monster finally, finally goes down and they all breathe a sigh of relief. That relief doesn't last long as a portal opens underneath them all and they're sent plummeting somewhere else.

Someone nearby is screaming in panic. Link just takes a deep breath as he closes his eyes, tuning everything else out as he lets the magic wash over him.

It's familiar and friendly.

He doesn't have time to discern much more than that before the portal spits them out again. He lands hard but his knees don't buckle this time, a fact he's thankful for once he finds out it's raining and they landed in a mud puddle.

Some of the others weren't as lucky.

Sailor practically face planted in the stuff. Captain landed on his butt, the splash of their landing getting muddy water in his hair. And the smithy landed on his knees, holding himself up with his hands planted firmly in the mud.

"Ooough I'm gonna be sick..."

The traveler and Sky quickly rush over, helping him up and rubbing comforting circles on his back. Link decides to turn his attention to the captain who looks incredibly unhappy.

He snickers at the sight, watching as the cook grabs the weird brick off of his hip to capture the sight.

His snickers turn into a surprised hiccup as lightning flashes in the sky, the boom of thunder coming soon after.

Just. His. Luck.

Suddenly the air tastes salty, sticking in his throat as he forgets how to breathe. The ground is swaying under him, feet steady and planted despite the storm. His hands burn from the ropes in them. Lightning strikes the waves but it hasn't hit him... Yet.

Someone grabs his arm and he jerks it away. Just like that, he's back in the forest, storm still raging around him.

His eyes meet the rancher's and he still can't breathe. He hates how he flinches at the raised tone of voice, only loud to be heard over the storm.

"Hey are you okay?"

"I'm fine! Piss off!"

The rancher just shoots him a concerned look. "We're going to go find shelter. C'mon."

He reaches out and Link curls in on himself, taking a step back. The taller hero hesitates before nodding towards everyone else. He starts towards the group, checking to make sure Link is following.

He is. The rancher waits for him, walking with him as they rejoin the others before going ahead to talk with the captain.

After a bit of wandering, they manage to find a small cave where they can wait out the storm. It doesn't lead anywhere but it's big enough for everyone to fit and be out of the rain.

Link sits as far from the storm as he can, curling up against the wall. He hugs his knees to his chest, tense as he jumps at every roll of thunder and flash of lightning.

He isn't really in the cave. Not mentally, anyway. In his mind, he's on that stupid boat.

Lightning flashes. Thunder booms. Something is burning and he just wants to go home.

A warm piece of fabric is draped over his shoulders, snapping him back to reality. He blinks, pulling the fabric close and tight over his shoulders as the captain sits down right next to him.

There's nowhere to run if the knight wants to grab him.

But.... didn't the captain have a blue cape?

"You'll be sore in the morning if you keep sitting like that."

He just rolls his eyes, gut rolling at the way the captain's features morph into something soft and caring, the tone of his voice following.

"You doing alright?"

Link scoffs in response, looking out at the storm while making sure he can still see the captain. "Piss off I'm fine."

"Rancher doesn't seem to think so. Honestly, I don't think you're fine either."

"Yeah well you both can go kick rocks and believe what you want."

The captain is silent for a moment. In that moment, lightning flashes, thunder coming almost immediately after. He flinches rather violently and the captain sighs.

"Are you alright with being touched–?"

"DON'T. Fuckin. Touch me."

The other hero holds his hands up in a placating gesture. "That's why I asked. I won't do anything you aren't comfortable with."

He just looks the captain up and down before turning his gaze back to the storm. He pulls the cloth tighter. Suddenly there's a hand blocking his view. He follows the arm connected to it with his eyes, giving the captain one hell of a side-eye.

"No more looking at the storm. It's only making whatever this is worse."

"Will you leave me alone if I stop watching the storm?"

"Sure."

With a heavily exaggerated sigh he looks around the cave at what everyone else is doing.

The cook appears to be preparing for his namesake, thus the burning smell. Where he got the wood for a fire, though, Link has no clue. Sky and Smithy are asleep against one of the other walls, the smaller curled into the taller's chest and wrapped in the precious sailcloth that nobody's allowed to touch. On the opposite side of the cave, the rancher is teaching everyone else some of the cook's Hylian Sign. The traveler seems distracted, continuously glancing over towards Sky and the smithy while the sailor cannot seem to sit still.

The captain doesn't leave his side to go do anything else. Out of everyone, he should probably learn some sign. Link snorts.

"Shouldn't you be getting lessons like the others?"

"I'll have him teach me later. Your well-being is more important."

He scoffs. "Why would you care about me? I've been nothing but rude to you."

"I know. But everyone needs help sometimes. You're one of my men now. I'm not gonna leave you behind. If I can't put a stop to your suffering, then I'm not going to let you suffer alone."

Link inhales shakily. He looks away, not wanting the knight to know how much those words mean to him. How they crack the stone walls he built up to protect himself and bring tears to the corners of his eyes. Tears that he blinks back.

"Fuck you."

That's the only way he's able to respond without breaking. The hero beside him just laughs.

Another boom of thunder has him flinching back into the stone wall he's been sitting against.

Carefully, without moving too fast or touching Link, the captain pulls the bright blue hood of the cloth up and onto his head. If he means to have his stupid cape block out the sounds of the storm he's a damn idiot that's for sure.

An idiot that lent him his scarf, something he has already denied the sailor several times.

An idiot who pulled up the scarf's hood, helping to comfort him without touching him.

He pulls the hood down more and buries his face in his knees.

He's tired. He needs to sleep. This stupid storm ruined his plans and if he sleeps now he'll probably dream of Koholint.

Why can't he just go home?

He just wants to go home.

Chapter Text

The next week was fairly standard.

It honestly took them longer to find the monsters plaguing this land that belonged to none of them than to actually defeat said monsters. And over the course of that week, Link came to the conclusion that maybe these people were okay to trust.

Only a little bit, though.

They proved to care enough to have his back, but at the end of the day they were all still idiots. Like how are some of these people older than he is? Genuinely? It's honestly infuriating how stupid they can be sometimes.

But he could trust them enough to get some sleep every night. Sure, it wasn't a deep sleep because he was in an unfamiliar place, but some sleep is better than none.

And the cook has gotten used to his hovering by now. He very easily accepted Link's presence and sometimes lets him help make the food.

He won't admit this aloud, but the cook's cooking is amazing.

He'd also been exchanging letters with Ravio semi-frequently to not exhaust Sheerow. So far they haven't found much. Nothing of use, anyway. But the letters from his husband were definitely worth his time, even if the letter was just a sentence or two asking how he was doing.

It helped the pain of missing him hurt a little less.

Anyway, after killing off the weird monsters of the era, they were almost immediately transported to the old man's time.

The big monster in the woods with the dog head was annoying to take down, but they managed with minor injuries.

They found out the old man is married, Link didn't bring up his own marriage, and they got to listen to Sky talk about his Zelda for a few hours. Not the worst but, also not the best.

He did make a bet with the captain, though. Considering the fact that the old man definitely doesn't live in the castle, he's pretty confident he'll win.

Eventually though, they get to Lon Lon Ranch.

They all settle in easily. The old man has them help out around the place and the chores are comforting. Link's never had farm animals, but the setting is familiar enough.

By the time the sun is setting, he doesn't even feel tired.

He'll definitely feel it in the morning, though.

Malon shares some stories with them and then they're off to bed, almost everyone set up in the living room. It's a small house, after all. And even though they're packed a bit tight, Link can't find it in himself to mind all that much.

It just reminds him of family. Of warm hugs and stormy night sleepovers. Of blanket forts and snuggles from his favorite people by the fire.

He gets so sentimental and tired that he ends up offering to braid the cook's hair, just like how he braids his Zelda's.

The morning comes. The cucoos begin their morning routine of screaming at the sun. He's up before them to sit on the porch and watch the sun rise with aching limbs from a job well done the day prior. Nothing he can't handle, though.

Footsteps behind him break the silent stillness of the early morning. They stop beside him and he looks up to see Malon, two steaming cups in hand. She hands him one before sitting down right beside him.

And ohhh does she remind him of Marin.

"Thanks..."

"You're quite welcome." She smiles at him and they fall into a comfortable silence.

After a while, he dares to take a sip of the tea. It's good. Not too sweet, but not too bitter. It warms his hands through the cup and helps to soothe his aching body from the inside.

"I hope the tea is to your liking. I can also go brew some coffee if you'd rather have that."

"No... It's fine– I mean it's good- the tea is good. Coffee makes me too jittery anyway."

She giggles and oh how it reminds him of Marin. "I'm glad. I don't really know what you'd like but I figured you'd like something."

"Thank you. And I'm not really picky when it comes to tea."

"I'll keep that in mind, then... Sorry for the sudden request but can I hug you?"

He blinks for a moment, breathing in shakily. "Yeah. Why?"

"You just seem like you need one."

And that's all that needs to be said. She wraps an arm around his shoulders and pulls him close. He rests his head on her shoulder and it just feels right.

Malon doesn't comment when silent tears fall for something that could've been. He's grateful for that.

Her presence is comforting enough.

By the time they head back inside, everyone is already up and moving. Link quickly goes to help cook set the table for breakfast while Malon goes to interrupt her husband's card game with the captain and sailor with a kiss. A kiss that the sailor gags at causing the old man to kiss his wife again with a smile on his face.

He seems genuinely happy here. Good for him.

Once they're all seated for breakfast, he hesitates eating. He didn't see the food get made, after all. Who knows if the cook just suddenly decided enough was enough?

A little persuasion from Malon and he's eating the food, though. It's a little hard to stomach due to his anxiety, but worrying her feels worse.

Even if he didn't eat all his food, she seems happy and that's a win in his book.

A bit of joking around about how she managed to "tame their feral member" and they fall into content chatter as they eat. One conversation has his attention, though.

Sky is admiring the cook's braid. He hasn't taken it out yet and Sky was already asleep when Link offered to braid it. All things considered, it doesn't look half bad considering how tired Link was when he did it and the fact that the cook slept with it.

"Did Malon braid this for you?"

"No. Collector did." The rancher helpfully translates. "He offered to do it too."

"Oooo! I didn't know you could braid hair, Collector!"

He hums in response, pushing his food around on his plate. The thought of stomaching any more makes him nauseous. "Yeah. I braid Zel's hair sometimes."

"Oh?"

He shoots the captain a glare for his addition to the conversation. His addition sounding like an insinuation of their relationship.

"Not like that. Get your mind out of the gutter."

The captain puts his hands up in a placating gesture. "My bad."

He doesn't sound sorry.

Link just rolls his eyes. "Whatever. When are we leaving?"

"I was thinking tomorrow–" The old man doesn't even get to finish his sentence before Link cuts him off.

"Then I'm going to go get started on some work. If you'll all excuse me."

With that, he leaves.

His relationship to Zelda is not brought up again.

The day goes very similarly to the one before. The chores aren't awful and he's able to lose himself in the repeating monotony.

Eventually, they're saying goodbye to Malon.

It takes them an additional week to find the rest of the black-blooded monsters of the old man's era. Apparently, whoever's behind this wanted to be thorough this time.

They fought a lizal that almost seemed to be some kind of ringleader. Fought the lizal again, and then followed it through a portal.

Only, the portal changed after the monster went through.

Not visually. According to the ones who saw it appear, it stayed the same in that sense.

No. It changed magically.

Before the lizalfos went through, the portal was dark. Potently so. He could almost sense the Master Sword's unease. It was like an all-consuming evil that made his stomach turn, urging him to come close so it could swallow him whole.

He didn't see it but he didn't have to. He could feel it.

He could tell that the traveler could too.

And then there was the shift.

Suddenly, the magic changed from unrecognizable malice to that of a comforting shadow.

He only half partook in the conversation around him. Now was his chance to properly study it.

It's definitely the same magic from all the other times they'd been put through a portal. But why did the magic change?

Who's doing this? Why?

Now that he has an opportunity to properly check, it feels Lorulian in nature. Beyond that, the magic is unfamiliar.

With an internal sigh, he ends his investigation there.

"I'll have the honor of going first."

With that, he cautiously steps through alone.

Chapter Text

Link was cursed.

Unsurprising considering the number of magical items he has. How many adventures he's been on. How many dungeons he's raided.

This curse was annoying, though. Incredibly so. Any time he got wet, he'd be forced through an excruciating transformation where he'd gain a tail, gills, fins, etc.

It has its uses, though. So he didn't want to get rid of the curse altogether.

Besides, he has enough knowledge of magic to be able to rework the trigger for it.

Now instead of getting wet, he just has to inhale water while submerged in it. It's an easy enough thing to control and it allows him to live his life, abnormal as it is.

That all gets thrown out the window when he breathes in instinctively after coming out the other side of a portal, inhaling water.

Panic is the first response. It's the instinctual one. Hylians don't have gills. This water needs to go.

Link does have gills, though.

Eventually, the transformation begins. His lungs stretch, holes opening up in them as they connect to the gills along his ribs, allowing water to pass completely through. His fingers become slightly webbed, the webbing stuck down by his rings. His nails sharpen and grow longer, forming claws. His ears split, becoming fins that are primarily used for communication. His legs merge and light pink scales grow. Even his teeth become sharper, now built to rip through flesh easily.

It hurts, and more than usual because of how unexpected it was. But he doesn't try to fight the transformation. He learned from the first time it happened.

The rings all come off first. The way they force the webbing on his hands against his fingers is uncomfortable. Next are his tunics for similar reasons pertaining to his gills. All his gear goes into the bag to avoid too much water damage.

Everything goes in his bag and it's times like this where Link appreciates such a magic item.

Then he remembers the others.

They're coming through after him. If they end up underwater they could actually kick the bucket.

Might not trust them entirely and they're certainly not his friends but he's not about to just let people die.

And so the search begins.

Only the sailor and cook ended up in the water with him. The cook managed to swim out just fine but the sailor was struggling a lot more.

For someone who's always out on the sea, he certainly can't float or swim very well.

Link helps him out, even if it's just to make sure the kid doesn't drown.

When he pops his head above water, there's everyone else. He gets a few strange looks but chooses to ignore them as the old man does a head count.

"One, two, three, four, five, six, sssssseeeee... Oh there's collector..... Where's Traveler and Smithy?"

Oh.

Oh no.

Traveler for sure can't swim. He's made it incredibly clear that the water in his era isn't safe by any means just in case the group ever ended up there separated.

With a sigh and an eye roll he splashes in the water to get the attention of the rest of the chain. When he has it, he rests his elbows on land so that he can visibly, and poorly, sign "I'll go look underwater."

He doesn't wait for a response before diving down.

The only downside to the mermaid curse is how painful the transformations are. Being underwater is actually quite peaceful.

Sound doesn't travel well and the body of water he's in is DEEP. If the rest of the group are shouting at him, he can't even hear them.

On top of that, underneath the water's surface is a fascinating place. Link was always a little fascinated by the world and he gets to see a world only known to the Zora.

And some lizalfos but that's beside the point.

He should be looking for the missing heroes but the body of water he landed in is fascinating. They'll be fine...

Probably.

Currently, Link is in some kind of pond if the shape and location were anything to go by. However, it goes deep. Like a well. The rock has lots of gaps and plants for fish to hide in. Plenty of pondweed and even a few massive lily pads as well as various other underwater flora.

Exploring the shelves of rock he found quite a few neat things. An old knife, a necklace, a shell that definitely didn't come from this pond, an old net, and various other bits of scrap and cool rocks.

Eventually, his exploration along the very bottom of the well-like pond takes him to almost an underwater valley in the stone. Along the edge, well hidden by the plant life around it is a slightly jagged, circular hole in the porous brown rock that goes even deeper.

Like any normal person, he swims through, scales scraping across the rock.

Underneath what Link thought to be the bottom of the pond is a massive water-filled cavern. It's incredibly dark, the only real light coming from the hole he just came through but there isn't much and it doesn't go far.

It's like he's floating in a blue void.

Carefully, he marks where he came in from with a sharp rock. He doesn't know how big this cavern is and he wouldn't want to lose the way back to the rest of the group if there are other openings.

He still has a quest to complete, after all.

Descending into the depths, Link's eyes adjust to the low light quickly. He can make out the shapes of the rock and a few species of plant that don't need light to survive in the distance.

One spot in particular stands out to him. A bit of strangely shaped rock that creates a shelf where something could be protected from attacks both above and below it.

There's a hole. This one is bigger than the other one. It's smoother as if water had washed away it's edges and shaped somewhat like a semicircle.

The abyss yawns below, inviting Link to explore it.

He can do so later. He's definitely nearer to the bottom after all. He just needs to know what's through the hole that looks like water has eroded a neat opening.

Even easier than the hole from before, he slips through.

The other side narrows the space significantly, the ground sloping gently upwards. He's not swimming along it for long before he pauses.

There's a light here.

It clearly isn't some bioluminescent plant or creature. It flickers and dances like flame.

Slowly, he pokes his head above water.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"

He flinches in surprise at the sudden scream. In the dim light of what looks to be the smithy's lantern, the smithy and traveler sit together on a rock away from the water. They hold each other close, the taller of the two drawing his sword to point it at Link.

"STAY BACK MONSTER!"

Being a mermaid, he can't speak to make a sarcastic remark. He settles for an eye roll instead before finding somewhere he can sit in order to properly sign.

"I'm Collector, dumbasses."

They take a moment to process the sign. It hasn't been very long since rancher has started teaching everyone but they're catching on decently fast.

"Ohhhhhhhh." they both say in unison.

"Sorry about that." Link fights the urge to roll his eyes again as traveler sheathes his sword. "Do you know where we are?"

"Very far underwater."

He sighs at the blank stares he receives. They might know the basics but they don't know enough for this conversation.

A quick dive underwater and he finds what he needs. The rock is small but it should work just fine. When he resurfaces he writes "Underwater Cave" on the wall. Hopefully at least one of them has written Hylian that's close enough to his own.

"Oh that's... That's bad." Smithy nods sagely in agreement.

No shit it's bad. At least they're both unharmed and breathing.

For now.

"Can we swim out?"

Link is very quick to shake his head no. They are far too deep underwater for that to be a good idea. After a moment of quiet he points in the direction opposite he came.

"We already went that way. The water gets really shallow at the end and there isn't a way out."

He taps his rock against the stone thoughtfully at the traveler's words.

He snaps his fingers with an idea and pushes himself enough out of the water to write "Can you shrink?" on the wall where they both can see it.

They're both silent for a moment and it speaks volumes. With a huff, he adds on "Do you want to leave or not?"

"What's you plan, collector?"

Were Smithy's eyes always violet?

He shakes off the thought. It must be the lighting. Besides, he found the people he was supposed to find. Now he should probably get them out. Link might be an asshole, but he's a hero through and through.

Doesn't mean he can't have a bit of fun.

He grins at the pair before him as he pulls an empty glass bottle out of his bag. You never know when you'll need one after all.

While the smithy looks intrigued by the silent proposition, Traveler seems a lot more hesitant.

"Are you sure that's the only way?"

Link shrugs. It's the only idea he's had so far. The traveler sighs.

"Fine. I can turn into a fairy."

Oh, that's... actually really helpful. A fairy's wings are capable of producing oxygen for when they do things like hide in flower buds and get stuck in jars. If Smithy can also shrink then he doesn't have to worry about being fast because they won't suffocate.

"I think I saw a minish portal down that way. I'll be back!"

Smithy jumps off the rock, boots splashing down into the water before he jogs off towards the dead end. Link and Traveler sit in silence for a moment before the younger decides to begin getting his stuff together.

It takes a short while but the smithy does come back. And much much smaller this time. Traveler, who has already transformed into a small fairy, rushes over to pick him up.

The cork of the bottle pops out and Link holds it out for the traveler to fly both himself and smithy inside. Once they're secure, he makes sure the cork is on nice and tight so that no water gets in.

When they're both ready, they give him a thumbs up. Without further ado, Link dives, attempting to hold the bottle as steady as possible.

The abyss of blue is much different when you have a glowing ball of pink in your hands. As he begins his ascension towards the surface, Link gets the feeling he's being watched.

But he just keeps swimming.

And swimming.

And swimming.

Just how deep did he go?

He freezes when he feels something whoosh by, a sharp sting accompanying where it grazed his side. He whirls around, locking eyes with a lizalfos.

Of. Fucking. Course.

Now, Link is skilled at many things. Underwater combat is not one of them. When it comes to fight or flight in this situation, he picks flight.

Uncaring for how much the others might be jostled around in the bottle, he turns to swim as fast as he can towards the exit. The lizal is faster, though, claws digging into his tail as he tries to flee. It drags him down, drags him closer.

In a panic, Link swats at it. His claws rake across it's face startling it just enough to let him go. He begins to swim when a sharp pain in his side has him careening sideways.

It hurts to breathe and he momentarily loses grip on the bottle containing two very scared heroes.

The lizalfos uses him to push itself towards the bottle, claws tearing into his gills. It feels like being stabbed right in the lungs. Because of his current anatomy, that's exactly what's happening.

Smithy and Traveler are screaming in the bottle, powerless to do anything to help.

The lizal manages to snatch the bottle, another coming up from the depths to pull Link away, one of its claws snagging itself on the necklace chain he's wearing. He struggles against the new attacker as they sink into the depths, leaving the people in the bottle at the mercy of a monster.

It tilts the bottle back and forth, examining it. Inside, the traveler hovers in the middle of the space. The smithy isn't nearly as lucky, limbs spread out to hopefully keep him on one end of the bottle.

"What do we do?!"

"Be honest with yourself, Traveler, what can we do? We're who knows how far underwater and tiny! And this guy is gonna catch us before we get anywhere anyway!"

"I know but I can't just... sit here and accept it! I–"

He stops at the squeaking sound of a cork being pulled. Two pairs of eyes widen in horror as the lizal tries to get a good grip on the cork.

"C'mon, c'mon! Stay put!" Smithy runs over, grabbing the cork as best as he can to pull it farther into the bottle.

"Smithy... How long can you hold your breath for?"

"Not long enough! Pull!"

Even with their strength combined, they're no match for a lizalfos at their current size.

It gets a grip, then it loses it. Then it gets a better grip. Slowly, it wiggles the cork out. When the airtight seal is about to be broken, a blur of red and pink and yellow crashes into the lizal. The bottle is flung out of its claws, sent spinning in the water.

When the momentum slows, there's just a cloud of red with a trail of it following the course of the bottle. It slowly begins to float up, wobbling as its contents scramble for a look at what's happening.

Eventually, the collector emerges from the cloud. He looks around frantically for a moment before he notices the banging and yelling of his tiny teammates.

He scoops the bottle up and slams the cork back into place with more force than was necessary. Once the bottle is secure and they're no longer in danger of drowning, he begins to swim for the meager light above them. With how close they are, traveler has an excellent opportunity to study collector's wounds.

And they're pretty nasty.

He has so many claw marks of varying depth and length. Alongside a few bite marks here and there and he's bleeding quite a bit.

Unfortunately, it makes an easy trail for the lizalfos to follow. While it seems the mer may have blinded it, it can definitely still smell his blood.

Traveler looks up to see him saying something. No sound comes out but he can definitely lip read several colorful swears that would probably even impress the pirate.

The lizalfos is hot on the hero's tail when he spots the opening. He makes a beeline for it, barely managing to slip through somewhere that lizalfos will have difficulty following. Together, the three heroes watch the lizal struggle with the hole, trying its best to reach for Link or break some rocks loose to make the opening bigger.

He takes a moment to swim a bit farther before he flops down in a patch of plants. He uses one hand to keep the bottle down as he lays there for a moment.

The rocks ripped his side up. Add that to everything else and the adrenaline of the encounter wearing off and he hurts.

"Um... Collector? Please don't fall asleep!"

He blinks sluggishly at the fairy in the bottle. It takes him a second to process the request before he's nodding slowly.

A nap sounds great right about now but with how much blood he's losing at the moment that definitely is not a good idea.

Slowly, he points up before signing "potion" with his free hand.

"We can get you a potion just get us to the others so we can help you."

He feels bad about Smithy being on the verge of tears. Traveler looks like he already cried some.

A shadow passes over them, drawing their attention. A boat sails in circles around the pond. It moves slowly but expertly.

"Must be Sailor. Wonder where he got a boat though."

Traveler just shrugs and Link can't find the energy or respond.

He takes another moment before pushing himself off of the plants and rock. He needs to get the others to safety. It burns but eventually he manages to breach the surface, barely managing to stay afloat.

"THERE HE IS!"

The boat turns, drifting over to them. The bottle boys cheer as Link uses all his energy to stay up.

When the boat gets close enough, he grabs onto the side. Immediately the bottle is handed off to the rancher to figure out how to get the cork out.

"WE'RE FINE! GET HIM A POTION!"

The rancher looks up from his task to see the collector begin to slip. Cook is faster than him, though, the boat rocking with the movement.

"Golden Goddesses, what happened?!"

"Like, two lizalfos happened! I don't even think they were black blooded they were just...."

"Mean? Persistent? Spawns of Gan-"

"PERSISTENT!" Traveler cuts Smithy off with a smile as Cook and Sailor help Collector drink the red potion.

Rancher hums as he watches. "Y'know, Collector doesn't look too comfortable hanging off the boat like that."

Cook nods in agreement, too busy holding him up to sign a response.

"OH!" Sailor pipes up. "What if we used my net to make a kind of hammock for him to sit in! So he can stay in the water, because he doesn't look like he wants to get out of it, and we can make sure he's doing alright."

Rancher sighs, setting the bottle down for a moment. "Sure, why not?"

Sailor cheers, pumping his fists in the air before actually grabbing his net. Together, the two manage to attach it to the boat. With Cook's help, they manage to get their nearly unconscious, currently mer, friend into the makeshift hammock.

When Link comes to, he's confused.

He doesn't really know what happened after he got the bottle to the rancher. But he wakes up to find himself in a net hammock. His wounds seem to be mostly healed thanks to the red potion someone must've given him.

At least they didn't pull him out of the water. He'd rather not be forced to painfully transform back with an injury that had the potential to permanently fuck up his breathing and cause some internal bleeding.

He sits up slowly. One end of the net hammock is attached to a docked boat, the other end attached to the dock itself. It wasn't the most comfortable thing to lay on for... however long he's been out but it beats bleeding out at the bottom of a pond somewhen he doesn't know.

"Finally up, grumpy? Gave us a real scare." The captain places a card down on a pile in the middle of a circle comprised of himself, Sailor, Sky, and Smithy who's back to normal.

"Y'know it took us almost an hour to get the cork out of that bottle."

At least the smithy doesn't sound mad about it.

"Sorry for saving your life."

Rancher snorts as he walks over. "Glad to see you haven't lost your snark."

Link rolls his eyes before planting his hands firmly on the dock as he hauls himself out of the water.

"What're you doing?"

"Turning back. Hurts like a bitch though and it definitely doesn't look pretty."

Rancher nods and sits down next to him. Not close enough to touch him, but still close enough to be comforting.

And Link would be a damn liar if he said his presence wasn't comforting.

Good thing nobody asked because he would've lied anyway.

They sit there quietly together, watching the lake. Eventually, the transformation process begins. The first thing to go is always the tail. Then the claws and teeth, fins and webbing, mermaidic eyesight.

The last thing is always the most painful.

It always takes the longest.

And it's always the gills.

It's always the most painful part but made arguably worse when you realize there's no way for his lungs to dry. They're still coated with water on the inside. Enough water to have caused him to vomit on more than one occasion.

He curls into a ball, unconsciously leaning on the older teen beside him.

When he starts coughing, the people playing cards on the dock take notice.

It sounds just as bad as it feels. It feels like he's try to cough up a lung. And the contents of his stomach really want to go with it.

A steady hand holds him up while another rubs his back soothingly. To an extent it does help.

Helps him feel less afraid.

Less alone.

The worst of it passes. He managed not to puke, thankfully, though he might intentionally do that anyway. Who knows how much pond water is just sitting in his stomach.

"Soooooo. Why can't you talk as a mermaid?"

"Because fuck me that's why." He manages to flip the sailor off before continuing to cough.

After it's all said and done, he gets wrapped in blankets and given a warm meal. And even though he doesn't touch any food on his plate, the thought was enough for him.

Maybe, just maybe, these guys are okay to trust.

Later that night, he wrote out a simple letter to his husband.

"Ravio I fucking hate water."

Chapter Text

"Dearest Link,

I hope my letter finds you well. I would also like to apologize for not writing to you sooner. Sheerow has been quite busy lately and I've refrained from sending you something myself so as to not overwork him.

I regret to inform you that Ravio and I haven't been able to find anything on the portal you both saw. It's quite the mystery but I hope you're alright.

Overall things have been well in Hyrule. Thanks to all your hard work, it has remained relatively peaceful even in your absence. While it took a bit, we have successfully implemented the alternate training you suggested previously. I have also met with Hilda recently and Lorule seems to be recovering well. The aid we have been providing has been put to good use. I do believe you and Ravio should visit her soon, though. I think she could use the company.

Please don't die out there.

Sincerely,
Princess Zelda"

.

.

.

Saying Link was pissed was an understatement.

Not even a letter from his sister was enough to quell the sheer anger and annoyance at his traveling companions. How could experienced heroes be this dumb? It was infuriating.

Great golden three did he want to kill them.

They were in an unknown Hyrule with unknown dangers. And these DUMBASSES decided to wander off.

Thank Loria Wolfie found them because they managed to get ambushed like IDIOTS!

The injuries of the ambushed three were minor but it clearly wasn't enough to teach them a lesson. Link took it upon himself to ensure they wouldn't be this dumb again.

"YOU'RE ALL HEROES FOR LORIA'S SAKE! You of all people should know to be careful!" He doesn't feel bad as he hits Sky, Cook, and Traveler on the head with a ladle he stole from the second. "You could've died and we never would've known!"

Wolfie grunts in agreement from where he's sitting by Link's feet.

The three heroes sitting on the ground in front of them mutter half-hearted apologies.

"Think we should step in?"

The old man shakes his head at the captain's question. "I don't think so. I'd actually say this is progress."

"What do you mean?"

"Well he wouldn't be scolding them like that if he hated them."

The captain hums his agreement as the collector continues to lecture their runaways. "I suppose. I don't think he should be hitting them, though."

Link sighs, crossing his arms. He rubs at his temples with one hand, already feeling a migraine coming on.

As if he needed a stress-induced headache.

"Loria give me patience," he prays under his breath.

"Isn't it 'Hylia give me strength?'"

He feels his eyelid twitch at Sky's question. "No, Sky. Because Hylia is a bitch and if she gave me strength you all would be DEAD!"

The old man decides then that it's finally time to intervene. He rests a hand on Link's shoulder, gentle but firm. "I think they've had enough of a scolding for today, don't you think?"

Link stares at him for a moment before pulling away with a huff. "Nobody bother me."

The old man lets him stalk off to be alone. It doesn't take him very long to find a tree to sit and sulk under. Sheerow sits in the branches, waiting for Link to give him a letter to deliver.

And give him a letter to deliver he shall as he takes out his stationary and begins to write. It's enough to calm him down by the time he hands it off to Sheerow to be delivered.

"Hey Zel,

Sorry I haven't written to you. I've been caught up in timeline hopping and fighting monsters. Y'know, the usual.

Glad to know everything is going well. I'll try to visit Hilda when all this is over and make sure the knights aren't slacking off. Good to know everything hasn't fallen apart while I've been gone.

A shame you couldn't find anything on the portals. I'll try and see what any of the other Zeldas might know or have in their libraries. And I might dislike Sheerow a lot of the time but give him a treat for me when you get this. He has been working overtime and I understand not being able to catch a break.

As for me dying, I think you'll have to worry more about me commiting murder than being murdered. These people are idiots despite being heroes. I have a headache coming on just thinking about it.

Don't overwork yourself. If I hear about you getting sick I'm going to wring your neck when I get back.

With love,

Your brother,
Link"

Chapter Text

It was a fairly standard evening when it happened.

They were settling down for the night like normal. The smithy was doing weapon maintenance. The sailor was telling stories to anyone who would listen. Sky was carving a piece of wood quietly off to the side.

Link was multitasking. He needed to fix a hole in his over-tunic so he did that while watching the cook make dinner.

At this point it probably wasn't poison.

"So. What kind of foods do you like?"

Link paused in his stitch, looking up at the cook. It took a moment to process what was heard. "I'm sorry?"

Cook looks at him, confused for a minute before it registers. "Sorry."

"Don't apologize. I was selectively mute for a while too. I get it."

"Really?"

"Yeah." He shrugs and resumes sewing. "Anyway, to answer your question... I don't really have any strong preferences, but I do like apples."

"I'll keep that in mind."

They fall into a comfortable silence after that. Link stops watching the pot. The cook continues cooking.

Before long, a steaming bowl enters the corner of Link's vision. He sets his mostly fixed tunic aside and gratefully takes the food, watching as the cook turns to fill the rest of the bowls.

"Food's ready!"

Cook shrinks under the seven pairs of eyes that almost immediately turn to him. The rest of the group stare in disbelief.

Naturally, their resident sailor is the first to speak up.

"YOU CAN TALK?!"

And like that, the spell is broken.

Sky is the first one to say something else, smiling kindly. "You have a nice voice."

The cook gets a few more compliments from the smith, traveler, and captain before the rancher stands up. He manages to immediately silence the whole group doing so and it's honestly impressive.

"I know that this is the first time he's talked and all but there's food. It smells good. I'm hungry."

He gets a few laughs and more than one eye roll but the cook hands him a bowl with a smile, signing a quick "Thank you."

Everything returns to their normal after that. They sit around the fire, telling jokes and stories. At one point, Link sees the old man say something to the cook. Probably something about trust.

The story of how the sailor defeated Ganon was much more entertaining. Plus it gives him blackmail material.

"I thought you said you defeated him all on your own?"

"Well... I... Uh..."

"Awww. Cat got your tongue?"

He cackles as a stick is hurled in his direction. Link dodges it easily, listening as it hits a tree behind him.

Yeah. These guys aren't so bad.

"Hey Bunny,

I'm going to spend some of your rupees on a new blanket. I hope you don't mind!

- Ravio"

Gods damnit.

Chapter Text

Link was having a very not good day.

The rancher dancing around his questions was annoying enough already. Then he gets turned into a rabbit and stranded without a moon pearl, which was already embarrassing enough. They needed Sky's help, memories of Marin, etc etc.

Not to mention how much sudden and forced transformations hurt.

Now, his hair is pink, he doesn't have a story, his whole body aches, and he can feel Sky and Rancher's stares boring holes in the back of his head.

Captain was already going to make fun of him. He didn't need these two rubbing more salt in the wound.

Annoyed, he turned abruptly to face them. "WHAT?!"

"I was just wondering... why a rabbit?"

The rancher nods in agreement. "Me too. They're known for guiding lost souls and stuff. I guess I'm just wondering why that when you went to your dark world."

"Because..." He sighs, shoulders sagging. "Because that was my reason for entering the dark world in the first place."

He scowls internally at the curious looks Sky and Rancher were sending his way. He already hates this, talking about himself. Why can't they just leave him alone?

"People were getting lost there. It was... a problem, to say the least. I figured since I was already there to save some other people I might as well save them too. So I led them out."

Hopefully that was enough to satisfy their curiosity without giving too much away. While he knows and trusts these people, he still has to keep himself safe.

It's fine. He can pretend to be okay.

No one will know.

Mask it with anger and annoyance.

He's done it before.

"Awwww! That's so nice of you!"

Sky coos as Rancher locks him in a playful chokehold, ruffling his hair. "Yeah! Who knew our prickly hoarder had a heart!"

He laughs as Link shoves him off, adjusting his cap. "Yeah well you're not going to hear about it ever again."

"Awww."

Sky's dejection gives him pause. He just crosses his arms and rolls his eyes, standing straight as he puts on a front.

Just like he always has.

"Let's just get back to camp. I don't want the others rummaging through my shit."

"Yeah yeah. I can already smell the cook's cooking. Let's get going."

The rancher rests a hand on Link's shoulder as he passes, Sky happily walking beside him. They don't seem to notice when Link trails behind, moving slower, lost in thought.

He never wanted to think about Agahnim again.

Or the sword he picked up when he was too small to wield it.

Or the smell of the sewers mixed with the metallic scent of blood, each trying to drown the other out.

Or the man who died in his arms. The man he believed was his only family at the time.

Or all the faces of people he knew twisted into rage and hate, dying by his hand in the name of survival.

It was easy to pretend to be angry. Sharp words and lots of glares were enough to get the others to leave him be. Let him think.

Despite being surrounded by people, people like him, he felt alone.

He didn't want to be alone.

He kept his eyes on the trees for the remainder of the night, searching for a flash of white. Listening for a distinct whistle letting him know there's a letter for him.

There was no flash of white.

There was no whistle.

There was no letter.

For the first time since starting this adventure, he felt well and truly alone. Like a rabbit hiding under bush in the hopes that it doesn't get picked off.

Why couldn't he just go home?

Chapter Text

"My love,

Sheerow seemed a bit antsy so I figured I'd give him something to do. It's highly unusual behavior and I'm a bit worried about him. When he arrives, please make sure he's alright for me.

I'm trying to figure out a way I can send you some of my baking. Bread is quite fun to make and I find that I've made a bit too much recently. I've already given several loaves to Zelda, Hilda, and other people in town. I have no clue what to do with all the bread I have left.

Perhaps I'm just a bit stressed and worried about you.

I love and miss you, Bunny. Please come home soon.

- Ravio"

"Dearest,

I'd be very happy if you could send me some bread. The cook's food is good, but I don't think anything can beat your pastries.

Sheerow seemed fine when he got here. I gave him a few berries I found and he was perfectly happy. Don't worry, they were safe. We'd been snacking on them for a while.

I will be honest, I did have a bit of a rough night. Your letter helped a lot. Thank you.

Don't worry too much. I know what I'm doing.

- Link"

The last enemy goes down to Link's sword.

He takes in a deep breath as he looks around the clearing. Everyone else seems to be okay and nobody seems to be seriously injured. Always a treat.

The body below him dissipates into nasty-smelling smoke and the fight is over.

They all regroup, checking for injuries and the like.

Link sits down on a log. He got a nasty kick to the ribs from a lizal. While it's not as bad as it could be, it still hurts.

He'll be fine. He's been hurt worse and he has plenty of red potions in his bag. With a sigh, he begins cleaning the blood off of the Master Sword.

He can't shake the feeling of being watched, though.

"What?" His tone as he turns to the traveler is a lot sharper than he intended. He immediately winces at the way the kid flinches before looking away.

"Sorry I just... I was looking at your sword."

"... Why?"

"I just realized it has the same hilt as the Master Sword." He tilts his head in Sky's direction. Sky, who looks over at them curiously from cleaning his own Master Sword of monster guts.

"Because this is the Master Sword?"

Sailor chimes in, joining the conversation. "Wait really?!"

"Yeah. Whichever one of you came before me left it in awful condition. Had to get it reforged."

Sky and Smithy look at him, understandably horrified. He chuckles internally as Sky clutches his sword to his chest, glaring around at the rest of the group accusingly.

"Please tell me you didn't have to use it before you got it reforged."

He smiles a bit at the smithy's pain before answering. "A little. I used a different sword when I first found it, though."

The smith hums and nods. He must have a look on his face because the old man speaks up.

"Seems like it was important to you. Is there a story behind it?"

"It was my uncle's. Nothing special about it. Just a regular sword."

The old man raises his eyebrows in surprise at the information but doesn't say anything further. Luckily, Sailor changes the subject. Something he has proven to be very good at.

"So... we have two Master Swords."

"Yes. Although mine can't shoot beams of light and I'm definitely not letting any of you have it."

"It's my sword too."

"But this one is my sword and I can do what I want with it."

He can't stop himself from sticking his tounge out at the kid who mirrors him in return. Thankfully he's managed to finish cleaning his sword by now and sheathes it, barely hiding a wince as he does so.

Maybe his ribs are in a much worse condition than he thought.

Nobody seemed to notice, though. A good thing, considering he doesn't want anyone hovering at the moment. Ravio does enough of that for a lifetime.

Not that he minds all that much when Ravio does it.

He pushes the thought away, wincing as he bends over to grab a red potion from his bag. He tips his head back and downs the whole thing in one go. The liquid burns its way down his throat but at least it isn't one of the cook's elixirs.

He feels his whole body relax as his bruised ribs begin to mend themselves. He closes his eyes, breathing deeply as the magic of the potion does it's work.

He returns the bottle back to his bag as everyone else prepares to leave.

Just as everyone finishes packing up, there's a spark of dark magic as a portal opens directly beside Link. It's so close he could fall into it easily.

There are a few groans from other members of the group as Link stands.

The captain is the first one to speak up. "Well, I guess it's that time again."

Traveler nods. "Anyone want to go first?"

"I can." He stands in front of the portal before turning his back to it. "See you all on the other side."

He salutes before falling backwards through the portal, making sure to keep hold of his gear as he does so. It's probably a bad idea but here's to hoping he won't land on his head.

He hears a few of the older members shout in concern as the portal's magic washes over him.

Just like that, he's whisked away to another time.

Chapter Text

He's falling.

The magic, although dark, swirls around him. The usual friendliness is comforting. But despite the portal, he keeps his momentum, continuing to tip backwards. His back doesn't hit the ground.

He just keeps falling.

And falling.

And falling.

And suddenly, the portal lets him go.

It takes everything in his willpower to not instinctively inhale at the sudden cold that surrounds him. He doesn't really want to turn into a mer again.

His eyes burn when he opens them but orienting himself is much more important.

Link stares into the abyss of blue that opens up beneath him. It's weirdly comforting how much nothing there is. He has to fight a little voice in the back of his head telling him to just inhale and explore. To embrace the abyss of the ocean.

His lungs burn as he runs out of oxygen. After a bit more hesitation, he turns and swims to the surface.

As Link's head breaks free, he gasps for air.

Nobody else seems to have fallen from the portal. Yet. And the sun isn't helping the headache he now knows he has from landing headfirst in the ocean.

"HEY! NEED HELP?!"

He turns towards the unfamiliar voice, eyes landing on a giant ship. The person waves at him as the boat drifts closer.

With no other options, he swims over.

The crew drop a rope ladder over the side for him. He hates the way it moves in the wind but he'd rather be out of the water. Plus, Traveler can't swim.

At the top of the ladder, a hand reaches out to heave him up and onto the deck.

"Thanks..."

"No problem! Did your ship go down nearby?"

He shakes his head no before pointing at the portal still in the sky. "I came from that. The rest of my group should be coming through soon and not all of us can swim."

She seems to consider his words for a moment before nodding. She turns to shout at the rest of the crew. "YOU HEARD THE MAN! GET THIS SHIP IN GEAR! WE NEED TO BE UNDER THAT PORTAL!"

"AYE!"

They all salute her before she starts shouting orders. They listen without a second thought and before long, the ship is in place.

At some point, a blanket ends up wrapped around his shoulders.

And then the rest of the heroes come through.

Sky, Rancher, Captain, Traveler, and Old Man all land unceremoniously on the deck. The cook pulls out his paraglider once he realizes he's falling and the smithy seems to have something similar. The sailor lands surprisingly gracefully on the heap of heroes under the portal, doing a little bow before his eyes light up.

"Hey! This is my era!"

Nobody even has a chance to react before the captain of the ship punches the kid in the face.

"WHERE THE FUCK HAVE YOU BEEN?!"

"TETRA I'M SORRY! I SENT YOU A LETTER!"

"I know. It just felt good to punch you after how much you made me worry."

So this is Tetra. She seems to be just like how the sailor described her. Headstrong, loud, confident, respected, and definitely a pirate.

He can't help the mischievous smile on his face as he approaches her. "Y'know, you should cut the kid some slack. He defeated Ganon all on his own, after all."

"Oh? And where did you hear that?" She clenches her fist, sending a murderous glare in Sailor's direction.

"That's what the kid said when we met and shared stories."

He grins at the dirty look the sailor shoots him. This is definitely going to come back to bite him in the ass. He doesn't care.

"Link."

"Tetra."

"C'MERE YOU TWO-TIMING BASTARD!"

He shrieks as she leaps at him, running away as she chases him around the ship. It's funny for a whole five seconds.

Then they go out of sight and he's forced to face reality.

He's back on a boat.

Hylia really hates him.

It doesn't take too long after that to get settled in. Everyone stays out of the way the best they can. The sailor helps out with a few more bruises than before they arrived. The traveler and smithy sit in the corner, each holding a bucket close as they battle with nausea. The captain stays by their side, not yet having gotten his sea legs. The cook has somehow found his way into the crow's nest. The rancher is taking a nap in the sun. Sky is walking around surprisingly easily as the sailor tries to teach him how to sail.

Link leans against the ship's railing, watching the ocean. He puts all his weight on his arms and one leg. It's not going to be a good day.

He's rotting in the stormcloud of his mind when the old man approaches him. He doesn't say anything for a moment, leaning against the railing as he watches the horizon as well.

"What are you up to?"

He can probably be a bit honest with the old man. He at least won't say anything to anyone else until it becomes a danger. "Watching for storms."

The old man hums. "And how are you doing? You seem a bit more off than usual."

"I fell headfirst into saltwater. How the fuck do you think I'm doing?"

He knows that's not the answer the old man wanted. It's what he's getting, though, and he thankfully doesn't say anything else.

Eventually, Link is left to watch for storms alone.

He knows better than almost anyone on the ship to trust your gut when it comes to the unpredictability of the open ocean. Storms can come out of seemingly nowhere. He knows it all too well.

There's a storm coming. Old injuries are aching in the way they do only when there's about to be bad weather. While he doesn't know what exactly is going to happen, he's learned to expect the worst.

He hates when he's right.

The storm comes up behind them. It tosses the ship in the waves, Link's hands burning from trying to hold onto ropes. Lightning strikes the water, too close for comfort. He holds on for dear life, wondering if this is it.

"...TOR! COLLECTOR!"

He blinks at the sound of his nickname. Turning, he sees Sky shouting for him over the storm, beckoning him below deck.

After a moment, he lets go of the ship's railing to follow. He doesn't want to get in the way and he certainly doesn't want to help sail through a storm. Not again.

Never again.

He ducks into one of the rooms. It seems to be some kind of bedroom. While he wants to curl up on the bed, he's soaking wet.

He sits in the corner instead.

The storm rages on outside. Every roll of thunder is too loud. Every flash of lightning comes in through the windows.

Eventually, there's a soft knock at the door. Sky doesn't wait for a response before cracking the door open. "Can I sit in here with you?"

He inhales deeply, trying to steady his voice before responding. "Do what you want. I don't care."

The door creaks open before clicking closed again. Sky takes a seat next to Link, laying the Master Sword across his lap. He seems tense, flinching at every flash of lightning.

Link doesn't say anything.

They sit in silence.

Link reaches into his tunic, pulling out the ring on a chain around his neck. He spins it in his hand, thumb running over the engravings along the inside. It's a crude protection enchantment that doesn't do much when compared to the rest of his magical jewelry.

But the simple silver band was a gift from Ravio after their wedding. He'll be damned if he doesn't take it everywhere with him.

Sky doesn't pay him any mind. He keeps his eyes on the storm outside as if keeping watch. It's comforting, in a way.

After a while, Link leans on his companion. In turn, Sky wraps an arm around him. No words are spoken. None have to be.

Together, they brave the storm.

Chapter Text

"FINALLY!"

Traveler is the first one off of Tetra's boat. He kisses the dock dramatically, happy to be on stable ground after several days of seasickness.

Smithy is next off, rubbing his back soothingly. Nobody mentions that they'll probably have to get back on the ship. The traveler can have this for now.

Link... doesn't want to leave the boat.

It looks like Koholint. It's not Koholint, he knows that. But the mountains are right there and you can probably hear the ocean from anywhere on the island.

Beside him, the sailor seems a lot happier than him. He bounces in place, clearly wanting Tetra to let him go.

She chuckles, shaking her head. "Go on. I know you wanna see your family."

"Thanks Tetra! You're the best!" He hugs her before bounding off the boat. He barely makes it down the dock before a little blonde girl crashes into him.

"LINK! YOU'RE BACK!"

"ARYLL! Did you get my letters?"

"Yeah! Did you get mine?"

He nods his head happily as Tetra shakes her head fondly beside Link.

"Honestly, I'm surprised he didn't jump overboard the second we pulled up to the dock."

Link just hums. That sure sounds like the sailor.

Tetra smacks him on the back, almost shoving him forward. "Now go on, get. We have work to do here."

"I know my way around a ship. I can help."

Anything to stay on Tetra's ship for just a bit longer.

"Really? Well I'll be. Didn't know we had another sailor here on the ship! I won't say no to more help if you're offerin'."

He nods, inhaling a little shakily. Tetra doesn't seem to notice. If she does, she doesn't comment. "Yeah. Happy to help."

"Just let your crew know I'll be stealing you for a bit."

"I will."

She leaves him to do that, shouting orders at her crew. Link takes a deep breath before turning to the old man. He just gets a nod and a thumbs up before their actual leader disembarks the ship as well.

The next few hours are spent helping out. Inventory needs to be taken, most things on the ship need to be brought off, and so on. Even if the work is a bit tedious, it's nice to have something to lose himself in.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to and end and Link finds himself quietly following the pirates as they lead the way to the sailor's house. Despite being somewhere wholly unfamiliar, he can't shake the feeling that he's been here before.

He blinks. There's a girl his age walking happily beside him. Her wavy red hair bounces with every step, blue dress swishing and swaying just below her knees, a hibiscus tucked behind one ear. Her smile brighter than the sun.

She's talking about something. Link doesn't know what but her voice is more beautiful than any instrument he's ever heard.

He's safe here. She promised him that.

"HEY! THERE YOU ARE COLLECTOR!"

He's startled when a hand grabs his. It's smaller than his own.

The sailor grins back at him, pulling him towards a house. Everyone else is outside doing their own thing.

Rancher, Smithy, and Sky are making flower crowns in the grass with the little girl from the docks. He thinks he heard Sailor call her Aryll. The old man, and cook are chatting away with an older woman in a rocking chair while the captain is taking the opportunity to spar with the traveler.

And Marin is nowhere to be seen.

"Took you long enough! C'mon! You gotta come meet my family."

"Yeah... sure."

The kid grins before leading him over to the older woman. She smiles at them as they approach.

"And who do you have there, Link?"

"This is the last member of our group! He was helping Tetra out and he's really really cool! He can be a bit mean sometimes but he means well. Also he knows a lot about magic and magical items and stuff!"

"Oh my! He must be quite knowledgeable then."

"He is!" The sailor beams as if he was the one who was just complimented. "If you need to know anything about anything you can go to him. He also has the coolest collection of things. We like to call him Collector."

Link gives her a little wave.

Suddenly the kid turns back to him. "This is my grandma, by the way."

He doesn't get a moment to respond before he's being dragged over to the group making flower crowns. The girl and smithy look over when they approach while Rancher continues his attempt to help Sky with his flower crown.

The girl grins. "Oh! He was on Tetra's boat, right? I saw him there!"

Sailor nods. "We gave him the nickname of Collector. Collector, this is Aryll, my little sister."

She waves at him. "Hello! Want to make flower crowns with us?"

"Uhhh..." She's looking at him so expectantly. The sailor is too. The smithy pats the grass next to him with a soft smile. "Yeah, sure."

He takes the spot next to the smithy, much to Aryll's delight. The smith hands him some flowers as Sailor sits down beside his sister.

"Are you going to need any help getting started on your crown?"

"Hm?" He looks up at Smithy.

"Are you going to need help getting started?"

"Oh– no. I know what I'm doing."

Nothing more is said. Link busies himself braiding stems together. Slowly, everything starts to fade and the sound of the ocean becomes nothing but a background hum.

He has an almost finished flower crown when the smithy nudges him, bringing him back to reality. When the smaller speaks, it's in a hushed tone.

"Hey, are you okay? You've been really quiet and kinda... distracted."

"I'm fine. Just tired."

He hums.

Link blinks.

He's sitting on the beach. Waves lap gently at the sand and the sky is perfectly clear. The sun has long since set, stars filling the night sky. They stretch endlessly, reaching the horizon before going beyond.

He just stared at them. He couldn't pick out any constellations. Neither could Marin.

So they made some up.

She smiled, pointing at the sky. "That right there's a seagull."

"Really? Well... what about that one?" He points out a clump of stars.

"A shield."

"Hm. I think that one over there looks like a fish."

She giggles. "It does! Oh! Do that one next!"

He hums, thinking for a moment. "A sword."

"Really? I think it looks more like a tree."

"What, no. That's definitely a sword."

"No but if you look it has the branches there."

"That's the hilt. And the blade comes down right there."

She hums and rests her head on his shoulder. "I still think it looks like a tree."

They're silent for a while. It's comfortable silence, unlike the silence he's had with other people. The waves continue to lap at the shore, a pleasant background noise in the almost dark.

Footsteps crunch in the sand behind them. He turns, tensing up before he sighs.

It's just Aryll.

"Hey. Did you need something?"

"No. Everyone was just wondering where you went."

He hums, turning his gaze back to the stars and the ocean. They'll be fine without him for a while. The island is safe. Marin said so herself.

"Can I sit with you?"

"It's late. Won't your grandma or your brother get mad at you for being up still?"

"I snuck out."

"Why?"

He hears more than sees her shrug. "It just seemed like you needed some company."

Aryll sits down in the sand next to him. She pulls her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. After a while, she leans against him.

They're quiet for a while before Link speaks up.

"Do you know any constellations?"

.

.

.

.

"Ravio, I'm losing touch with reality. I don't know what's real anymore. It feels like I'm losing my mind and I've only been here for a day and a half. I want to go home. It feels like my mind isn't mine anymore.

I need to get off this Hylia damned island."

Chapter Text

"Link I am so, so sorry you have to go through that. I wish I were there to help you, I really do. If it helps, keep Sheerow for as long as you need him. If it's for you, I can do without him for a while.

Here's a wildflower I found while on a walk that I pressed. It made me think of you.

Sending you all my love,
Ravio"

Back out on the seas was marginally better for Link's mental health.

It still wasn't great but it was better than an island.

They ended up not sticking around Outset for more than two days. Of course, the sailor protested a bit but never really put his all into it.

The explanation Link was given for their speedy departure was that Tetra spotted some strange monsters on an island she's never seen before so they were going to go check it out. Seems simple enough, even if it is a little bit sketchy.

Currently, Link was below deck. He was having a bad day, chronic pain flaring up to annoying levels.

It could always be worse, though.

Sky was with him when Tetra's crew called out the island. They were playing cards in the room they hid in during the one storm they encountered while in the era.

The island was relatively small and forested. It definitely felt off, although Link couldn't exactly say why.

Regardless, Sailor couldn't identify the island either. Nobody had any clue what they were getting into.

While he should have been paying attention to his surroundings, Link was just trying his best to hide the fact that he was limping slightly. Everyone was already preoccupied with being on alert anyway.

He could afford to be a little distracted.

Not that they came across any monsters anyway.

Then, they found it.

A hole. A weirdly square hole but a hole nonetheless.

If Link had to make an estimate, it was off center from the middle of the island by a couple yards or so. It was also fairly small, dropping straight down and only able to fit one member of their group at a time.

It was definitely something to investigate after they checked out the rest of the island.

The cook didn't give them the chance.

As soon as they discovered the hole he jumped down with no regard for his life. From the man who willingly jumped into wells with equally reckless abandon, Link should've expected this.

With no exit in sight, they followed him down one by one.

To say he was grateful when Rancher caught him was an understatement. He didn't get the chance to respond, though, immediately distracted by their surroundings.

The cleanly cut walls, the almost tiled floor, the lit torches that never seem to go out, the heavy smell of dust, all of it was familiar.

There was one thing that Link liked about adventuring. One, single thing helped to keep him sane.

Fortunately for him, they'd just dropped into the beginning of one such thing.

"We're in a dungeon!"

Link's excited observation was met with varying reactions. Primarily groans of dissapointment.

The captain tilts his head thoughtfully after a moment. "A dungeon? I don't think I've ever been in one."

Link gasps. "Then it'll be your first one! Dungeons are the best, you'll love it."

The captain hums skeptically but Link is already gone. They have a whole dungeon to explore after all. Slowly, everyone else follows his lead a lot less meticulously.

There wasn't much in the room they were in, though. There were some strange tiles on the ground that didn't do anything when stepped on and the door to move wouldn't open. That was all Link could gather before Sky beckons everyone over.

"I think I found something! I can't read it though. What about you, Sailor?"

"I can't. This isn't my Hylian."

"Weird. Who's Hylian is this?"

A stone slab in the middle of the room. Link shoves the captain out of the way to see it.

"I CAN! I can read it. Move."

Sky wisely moves to the side before Link can shove him out of the way too. The rapid switch from barely present mentally to bouncing off the walls is startling to say the least.

"How... At least I know why you can't read this, Sailor. It's written in Lorulian."

"Low-what now?"

"Don't worry about it." He waves the kid off before turning his attention to the writing before him. How Lorulian ended up in the kid's era can be contemplated later. He has a dungeon puzzle to solve now.

"To open the door, look to the symbols on the floor." He traces his finger along the engraved words as he reads slowly, translating as he goes. After a bit of struggle due to the differences in structure, he moves on to the next line.

It takes them a while, Sky, Smithy, and Rancher needing to stand on specific tiles for the door to open, but they eventually get it. Every puzzle after is a breeze.

Shoot the target, move the block, fight the occasional black-blooded monster, etcetera etcetera.

"Sky, go knock the box off of that pillar over there." He would charge into it himself but chronic pain is a bitch.

He salutes, going to do what he's told as the captain whistles. "Y'know, I thought this was going to be worse. You're breezing through this."

"Duh. I think I know what I'm doing."

"You always talk like you're more experienced than us."

"Because I am? When you've been on six adventures you pick up a thing or two."

A loud bang echoes through the room as Sky runs into the pillar. It's followed closely by a thump as the box on top is knocked down. Nobody says anything as Link is immediately distracted, pulling a key out of the box.

The silence is awkward to say the least. Awkward for everyone but Link, who remains blissfully oblivious.

The sailor is the one to crumble first. "Well... Veteran sounds a lot cooler than Collector?"

He hums in agreement as he unlocks a door.

Nobody asks any further questions and Link forces them to move on. By the time they reach the boss room, the mood has lightened significantly with Sailor cracking jokes and begging for stories.

He even manages to get the others to replace the old nickname.

It's a bit weird but Link can get used to it. He got used to Collector, after all.

With a deep breath, he pushes open the doors to the boss room. As much as he doesn't want it to, all good things must come to an end.

The doors open to a colosseum, much like most of the dungeons Link has been through. A Hinox sits in the middle of the circular room, most definitely having black blood.

Link draws his bow as the rest of the group engage in combat with the Hinox. He hangs back, attention elsewhere.

The lizal is back.

Nobody seems to have noticed it. It hasn't jumped in to join the fight.

It's just standing there, watching from a ledge above them.

He doesn't know how long he watches the lizal before an arrow materializes in his hand. He isn't the best shot in the group but he's not the worst with a bow.

Drawing the arrow back, he aims. The arrow flies through the air, missing the lizal and imbedding itself in the wall behind it.

It dodged. He probably won't be able to hit it.

The captain takes his attention as he approaches, shield up to protect from any attacks. "Hey! Think you can put some of that veteran knowledge to use?"

"You're not going to let it go, are you?" Offhandedly, he fires off an arrow at the Hinox, nailing it right in the eye.

He's a little impressed with himself.

"Nope."

Link rolls his eyes before he actually studies the Hinox. While he's been distracted by the lizal, the rest of the group have been putting in work. The Hinox looks like it's definitely seen better days.

"Here." He pulls a fire rod out of his bag, shoving it into the knight's hands. "Point it at the Hinox and imagine pouring all your energy into it."

"Uhhh... okay?"

It's not the strongest fire rod Link has. In fact, it's more like a beginner rod, offering more control over power. Based on what he's observed about the captain, it should be enough.

"GET DOWN!"

It's all the warning anyone gets as the captain points the fire rod at the Hinox. They scramble out of the way before a blast of fire erupts from the end of the magic item. The explosion of fire swallows the Hinox, much bigger than Link assumed it'd be.

It works out in his favor anyway. Plus, nobody seems to be injured.

Running up behind the blast of fire, and ignoring the pain it causes him, Link jumps at the Hinox with his sword drawn. Using his momentum, he drives his sword into the Hinox's eye.

The monster tips backwards and Link holds on for dear life. When it hits the ground, a jolt of pain shoots through his body at the sudden stop, vision flashing white for a moment.

He doesn't know how but he ends up sitting on the ground, forehead resting on his knees.

"Oh Hylia– are you okay?!" Traveler runs over, crouching next to him. His hands are gentle as he looks for injuries despite being pretty roughed up himself.

"Worry about yourself. I'm fine."

He shoves a red potion into the kid's hands and retrieves his sword from the dissipating remains of the Hinox.

He glances up at the lizal. It's still there, watching them. It makes eye contact with him before disappearing down a path Link couldn't see.

The door leading onward opens. With one last glance at where the lizal vanished, he follows everyone through.

The room on the other side is relatively dark and damp compared to the rest of the dungeon. There is no other door leading them out, meaning they have to go backwards to leave. In the center of the room is a fountain, bubbling water that looks clean enough to drink.

"SAILOR! YOU CAN'T JUST REFILL YOUR WATER IN THAT FOUNTAIN!"

"Why not?! The water is clear and we've been on a boat! I take clean water when I can get it, thank you Mr. Bossypants."

Captain sighs in exasperation. "Someone PLEASE tell him he's wrong. We don't know where that water has been."

The old man rests a hand on the knight's shoulder. "Don't worry so much. With as much dungeon crawling as we've done, a little bit of water won't make us sick."

He refills his water with a smile and Link finds himself respecting the old man so much more.

Regardless of the captain's concerns, everyone ends up refilling their water in the fountain. It's better to be prepared for anything and with how little water they had, it would have been really bad if they ended up in the traveler's era.

He's pulled out of his train of thought by the traveler himself who's standing by the back wall of the room. "Hey, Vet? Can you read this?"

"Yeah, sure."

He didn't notice it before but there is writing on the back wall. Unlike everything else he's read in the dungeon, this isn't carved into the wall. It's written somewhat hastily in something that looks suspiciously like dried blood.

The cook holds up a torch so he can see the words better. He nods a thanks before he starts reading out loud.

"A pair of siblings, born from one, beautiful beyond compare.

Consumed by hunger for all they see.

Beware, beware the wrath that wakes.

Tremble as the Goddess sets all again as it should be."

They're all silent for a moment as they process what Link just read aloud. It is in this silence that a portal opens behind them, filling the doorway and leaving them with one option.

The sailor lets out a rather impressive string of curses. "And now I won't be able to tell Tetra not to wait up for us! Just great!"

"I can send her a letter, kid. Don't worry."

The kid sighs in defeat as the old man steps forward. "Well, I suppose this is our cue. Follow me, everyone."

This time, Link is one of the last to go through. He waits at the back with the cook and traveler, going through with them. The magic of the portal feels like a hug as it swirls around him, as if telling him "Good job" and "I'm sorry."

He only realizes what the sorry is for once the portal spits them out.

The best way to describe their surroundings is dead. The trees are spindly and leafless, any grass is dead and dry. The air is acrid with the stench of decay and rot and dust. A feeling of wrongness sits heavy in the air dancing with the lingering sense of evil.

The bad feeling is so potent that even Smithy is on his feet, holding down his stomach contents with sheer will.

Beside him, the traveler groans. Immediately, he has the attention of everyone.

"Everyone, welcome to my Hyrule. Hooray."

Chapter Text

"Wait wait wait. Let me get this straight. We're in your very deadly, very awful Hyrule?"

The traveler is upset by the sailor's words. He shifts his weight nervously before speaking up. "I mean... yeah."

The captain smacks the kid upside the head, shooting him a disapproving look that doesn't come anywhere close to the old man's. "Don't be rude. I'm sure his Hyrule has its perks."

The sailor just rubs the back of his head and rolls his eyes. "Whatever."

The old man steps forward, effectively changing the topic as he addresses Traveler. "Anything we should know about your Hyrule while we're here?"

"Um... I already told you to stay away from the water. It's not very good for your health. And there's monsters everywhere so it probably won't be too hard to find the black-blooded ones... I hope."

"Is there anything else we should know?"

"Try to stay quiet. Noise attracts things. That and caves are your best friend."

"Thank you. Everyone, stay on your guard. Traveler, lead the way."

He nods and off they go. The old man falls into step beside the traveler, who seems incredibly nervous. Sky and Smithy are right behind them, trying their best to keep track of the sailor who walks right behind them. The rancher takes up the rear and even the cook doesn't look like he's about to run off.

Link sighs, keeping an eye on their surroundings.

Something happened here. Something messed with nature and made this place almost uninhabitable. He's very sure it had something to do with magic with how much residual energy is everywhere.

It feels dark, empty, cruel. It makes his skin crawl if he focuses on it for too long.

Luckily, the captain provides ample distraction when he falls back to walk beside Link.

Hesitantly, he holds out the fire rod. "Here. You should probably have this back."

"It's not the only one I have, I'll be fine. Besides that's only a beginner rod. You can hold onto it until we all have to split. You better take care of it until then."

"Of course." The captain seems a bit unsure as he pockets the magic item, although that could mostly have to do with when they are.

Link's just happy to see it getting good use.

They walk for a while. Slowly, Link begins to feel a strange sense of deja vu.

The occasional land mass or dead tree look strangely familiar. Like he's been here before.

But he couldn't have been, right? Sure that big tree in the distance looks like one he climbed to sleep in during one of his early adventures but that doesn't mean anything. He's probably just being paranoid after everything that happened in the kid's era.

It's eerie, almost post-apocolyptic. Even though he tries, he can't get rid of the feeling that he's been here before.

And then they come across the bridge.

It's just a normal stone bridge, and not a particularly tall one. It's slightly worn but not in the worst condition. It's clearly stood the test of time, from an era long gone.

He runs his hand across the railing as they cross almost on instinct. His fingers fall into familiar and unfamiliar grooves alike.

Then he runs his hand across a carving.

It's a heart with two sets of initials inside it. He knows this carving, even if he doesn't know who made it.

Without warning, Link vaults over the side of the bridge, feet landing firmly on the riverbed.

Naturally, the captain tries to grab him as he jumps over the side. He misses barely, resorting to words to coax Link back. "Vet, what are you doing?! It's dangerous; get back up here!"

"It's fine, pretty boy. I'm just checking something."

He ducks under the bridge without another word, leaving a grumbling captain and confused teammates behind as he begins his search.

He brushes dirt off of the support before him, looking for something. He freezes when he finds what he was hoping he wouldn't.

It's his name.

It's carved messily into the rock, at an angle because he thought it was cool at the time. He did it with a stolen hammer and pick from his local blacksmith when he was eight and only ever told his uncle about it.

It shouldn't be here.

Of course it's slightly worn. Time isn't the kindest thing. But it's here.

And that's the problem.

Everyone else has hundreds, potentially even thousands of years between each other. They are so far apart that the landscape has altered. Bridges have needed rebuilding, towns have moved, and the land has changed.

So why is this carving here?

He knows the answer. He doesn't want to put it into words.

"I did this..."

"Did what?"

He doesn't flinch as the traveler climbs down carefully onto the riverbed with him, voice snapping him out of his thought spiral. He moves to the side, making space so that the kid can see what he's looking at.

"I did this. When I was little."

The traveler hums as he runs a hand over the carved name. "So... that means I come after you then. I'm your successor."

"Yeah..."

He doesn't mean to sound disappointed or broken as he sits down, back to the bridge support behind him. Traveler is lovely. He's helpful and kind, always willing to give ten times more than he's expecting to receive. He's quiet and nervous but mischievous and adventurous at the same time.

Having him as a successor would be anyone's dream.

Until you remember the world he lives in.

"Vet? Are you okay?"

"I..." He doesn't want to lie. The traveler is a living lie detector. On top of that, he seems genuinely happy, proud even, to be Link's successor.

He blinks the tears out of his eyes before responding, hoping his voice doesn't crack. "Did I do enough?"

"What?"

"Did I do enough? I come before you. What happened to make your era so..."

"Awful?"

"Dead."

"I don't know. I mean, I've tried to find out but it's been a really long time since anyone has kept extensive records. Everyone's a little preoccupied with surviving. Anything we do have is in the castle and it's either destroyed or not anything I'm allowed to see."

"I just... I can't help but feel that part of it's my fault. That I didn't do something I should have. That I didn't do enough."

"I'm sure you've done plenty! You're... persistent and observant and probably one of the smartest people I know. Sure you're a bit prickly sometimes but you've done a lot for Hyrule."

"But it could have been more."

The traveler hums as he takes a seat beside Link. "Y'know, I asked my Zeldas what Hyrule was like. Did I ever tell you that one of them is from the past?"

"No."

"Well she is. And I asked her once about Hyrule's history. Do you know what she told me?"

"I can't read minds, Traveler."

He smiles and leans his head on Link's shoulder. "She told me about a Hyrule from a long, long time ago. It was the past, even in her time, but there were still enough stories being passed down. She said that Hyrule was beautiful and prosperous, thriving despite all the hardship it had been through."

"And?"

"And I think that was because of you."

He snorts in disbelief. "Yeah, right. Your era is still... terrible. Something happened and I couldn't stop it."

He starts to pick at the plants around him. They're quite brittle and snapping the stems is easy.

"I don't think you could have done anything. We don't have any records of what happened but it was big. Hyrule was prosperous for a a while. You were probably dead by the time everything happened."

"But–"

"Besides, weren't you the one who told me about the world being balanced? You can't have the good times without the bad."

He doesn't say anything. They sit there in silence under the bridge as Link sorts through his thoughts.

He knows the traveler is right. He knows there probably wasn't anything he could've done to stop whatever happened. It doesn't erase the guilt. He feels like he should have done something, anything, to stop Hyrule from hurting like this.

He knows there wasn't anything he could have done.

It makes him feel helpless, insignificant. Like he's drowning in the ocean with nothing to grab onto and no one to call for help. He can't accept his fate but there isn't anything he can do about it.

He's trapped.

He doesn't know how long they sit under the bridge. In the back of his mind, he knows they should be keeping an eye out for dangers. Part of him thinks they shouldn't even bother if this is what the world will come to anyway.

Eventually, the traveler takes his hand. With incredible gentleness, he leads Link out from under the bridge and back onto the path.

He's a bit too busy having a mental breakdown to notice or care if the others shoot him any strange looks.

He doesn't care where they're going. He just wants to make camp so he can write to Ravio and go to sleep.

"My dearest, Ravio,

We've moved on from the kid's era, although I don't think this is much better. If anything, it's probably worse.

It's like a post-apocolyptic Hyrule. There's residual magic everywhere and nothing is surviving. The water is bad and monsters are abundant.

What makes it worse is that this is what becomes of our home.

I don't know what to do. I can't help but feel like I haven't done enough.

With much turmoil,
Your husband"

Chapter Text

"My dearest, Link,

Zelda and I had our regular tea today and Hilda managed to find time to join us! She's been so busy with Lorule so I'm glad she was able to put some time aside to relax.

We gossiped, as usual, and I know you don't always care but this week it was interesting. I know you're going to scoff and roll your eyes but I promise it's good!

Hilda has a secret admirer.

They sent flowers to Lorule Castle for her with a note and everything! Flowers are expensive in Lorule and very hard to find so whoever this is has some serious dedication. Nobody in the staff knows who sent them either.

After Hilda left, Zelda and I baked you some bread! I hope it got to you all right. She said she wanted to leave you a note too so I'll leave the rest of the space for her.

Your intelligent husband,
Ravio

Hello brother.

I just wanted to let you know that Hyrule isn't falling apart without you. Please share the bread. Or don't, I won't tell you how to live your life.

I miss you. Be safe."

"... ships. I have had a few one night stands, though."

Link chokes on the bread he's been snacking on as he tunes back into the conversation around him. They were sitting in a cave around a fire, resting after defeating some Zora. Someone brought up the topic of relationships and Link tuned it out to read the letter he just got from Ravio.

He didn't expect the captain's answer, or for him to answer at all, though.

"I'm sorry WHAT?"

Link stops choking with the rancher's assistance as the smith says what Link is thinking.

"Yeah! Some of my men. Zelda."

The old man clears his throat. "I didn't know you swung that way."

The captain chuckles. "Oh I don't."

The sailor blinks slowly, a hilarious look of pure disgust on his face. "THEN WHY?"

Captain Pretty Boy shrugs. "Well when you're in a war and the few women in the army would kill you if you even thought of having sex with them you take what you can get. Besides, some dudes really know how to have fun."

Link prays under his breath for patience. "We didn't need to know that, asshole!"

"Hey I was asked so I answered! And what about you, then? Is that letter from your girlfriend or something?"

He quickly stuffs the letter in his pocket, glaring at the annoying bastard on the other side of the fire. "If I had a girlfriend it'd be none of your business, for one. For two, it's from my piece of shit roommate."

"What's it about?"

"Taxes."

The captain raises an eyebrow skeptically. Link continues glaring at him. The annoying rat opens his mouth to continue picking a fight he won't win when the cook stands up and interrupts him.

"I'M IN LOVE WITH THE ZORA PRINCE!" He claps a hand over his mouth, face going red.

Everyone is quiet for a moment as he sits back down, thoroughly embarrassed. The traveler is the first to speak up, baffled and a bit judgemental.

"The Zora prince?! Like the ones we just fought? They're..."

"In my era they're very nice people, not fire breathing monsters. And Sidon is really kind and strong and sweet, even if he is a bit dumb sometimes."

"Okay, say I believe you. Why?"

The cook shrugs. "He's just really nice. And funny. And he's very loyal to the domain, which is very pretty. I think you all would like it even if it can get a little bit humid."

The rancher wraps an arm around the cook. "What's the domain like?"

The cook's face lights up at the question. "Ohh it's absolutely gorgeous! It's this huge lake that's surrounded on pretty much all sides by a mountain and waterfalls that feed into the domain and its river. It's also basically a giant statue, too!"

Link can't help but be a little bit interested. One of the best parts of adventuring is seeing new and beautiful things. If the cook is this excited, it has to be good.

That or he's a little biased because his crush lives there.

Link smiles, stretching. "Well if you talk about it like that it has to be good. You'll have to take us if we ever end up in your era."

The cook smiles and nods. "I will! Although my Hyrule is pretty big so it'll take a while depending on where we end up."

"That's fine. I'm sure we could take a break from whatever it is we're meant to be doing to visit."

He shoots the old man a pointed look. The actual leader of their group sighs. "I'm sure it wouldn't be an issue as long as it isn't too far out of the way."

The cook shrugs. "It's not like we'd have a solid destination anyway. Zelda isn't at Hyrule Castle and I don't think she'd know anything anyway."

"Why not?"

"She's busy with putting Hyrule back together after we defeated Ganon. We're probably better off just asking Sidon."

The smith pokes at the fire with a stick. "You seem really excited to go. You called this place the domain?"

The cook nods. "Mhm! Zora's Domain! I haven't visited in a while because I've been helping Zelda. It'll be nice to see everyone again."

Link grins. "You mean see Sidon again."

He cackles as the cook blushes, burying his face in the rancher's shoulder. He's so easy to tease.

In the back of his mind, Link wonders if he was that easy to tease when he realized he was in love with Ravio. He can recall sitting in the privacy of Zelda's room, screaming into a pillow as she tried to stifle her laughter.

Ah, siblings. He doesn't know what he would do without her.

Rancher pats the cook on the arm. "There there, he's only messing you you. I'm sure Sidon is a lovely guy if how red your face is anything to go by."

"STOP!" The cook shoves a laughing Rancher away. Link doubles over laughing.

It's been a while since he's laughed this hard. It's been so long, he can't even remember when the last time was.

He'll give the cook some of the bread Ravio and Zelda made as an apology gift.

He squawks in surprise as he's tackled by the cook. "WHY ME?!"

"BECAUSE RANCHER IS BUILT LIKE A WALL!"

"CRAZY BASTARD!"

He wrestles with the cook on the ground. The other hero is surprisingly strong. Brute strength isn't Link's forte. He really doesn't mind, even though he'll definitely regret it later. It reminds him of roughhousing with his uncle when he was little.

Is this what having a brother is like?

The captain and rancher get up to pull them apart, though. They manage to succeed just as a portal opens right in the back of the cave.

Nobody seems too disappointed at this. Even the traveler looks like he's done with his Hyrule.

They clean up camp quickly, putting out the fire and gathering their things.

Link is stepping through a portal before long, happily leaving this era, and all its bad connotations, behind.

Chapter Text

The magic of the portal was familiar and kind as usual. It swirled around him like a hug, playing with his hair before spitting him out in a new era.

He took in a deep breath once he concluded he hadn't been dumped in the water and looked around.

The scenery took his breath away.

It was so big. It felt like the land stretched on forever. He could see mountains in the far distance, hazy and hard to make out. They stood tall among rolling hills and a multitude of forests.

"OH! OH! I KNOW WHERE WE ARE!"

He turns to look at the cook. He's bouncing up and down excitedly, Sheikah Slate in one hand and the biggest smile on his face. "We're right by Zora's Domain. C'mon!"

Before anyone can react, the cook is off.

Link sighs as he helps Smithy to his feet. "I guess we follow him then."

The old man hums in agreement. "I suppose we do."

They catch up with the cook soon enough. He remembered to wait up for them at least. Before long they're walking through a ravine, following the river beside them.

Link can't deny that the scenery is nice. For a moment, he laments not having the ability to take pictures. Zelda would probably enjoy some.

When did the cook switch to using sign?

"Hey Link! Make sure to say hi to Sidon!"

He jumps as a Zora waves from the river. They don't look anything like the monsters he's used to. The cook waves back, nodding and they continue on their way.

He can't help but snort at the traveler's dumbfounded expression. "Surprised?"

"Wh– of course I am! They looked so nice!"

Link hums. "Yeah, I'm not used to it either. Cook seems happy, though."

"Who wouldn't be? With how much he talks up the domain, he must really like being there."

"Yeah." He climbs up on a rock stretching across the river that they have to cross, reaching down to help Traveler up as well.

They follow the path, slowly going up and up until they finally see it.

Across a long bridge and guarded by two Zora is the domain. It's massive, grand, and practically glowing.

The cook waves to the guards. They have a short conversation about the weather before the hero leads them across the bridge, waving to many Zora as they pass. He seems relaxed despite the fact that he isn't comfortable enough to speak.

Suddenly, he's scooped into a hug by a tall red Zora. He's dressed a bit more ornately compared to the others they've seen. "LINK! You've returned!"

A greeting is signed back alongside something Link doesn't recognize. It's probably the Zora's name or something along those lines.

"And you brought friends! Are these your traveling companions?"

The cook nods before introducing them.

The Zora shakes the old man's hand. "Wonderful to meet you all! I am Prince Sidon of the Zora! Any friend of Link's is a friend of mine!"

Link nods. So this is the guy, huh? He's loud, that's for sure. But he seems to be pretty genuine. So far there isn't anything about him that sets Link off.

Sidon scoops the cook up and places the Hylian on his shoulder. Cook seems content with the situation.

"Shall I give you a tour of the domain?"

"Y'know what, sure. Why not?" Link smiles. He's always happy to learn about new places.

"Wonderful! Let us start here!" He gestures with one hand to a large statue. It feels almost like a centerpiece of the domain. "This here is a statue of my late sister, Mipha. We're planning on moving the statue up to that mountain over there so that she may continue to keep watch over the domain."

The captain bows his head solemnly. "I'm sorry for your loss."

"It's quite alright, friend! Now, on we go!"

The rest of the tour was pretty meh. The domain isn't very big so it didn't last particularly long. The cook stopped at the store to replenish some supplies but other than that and being stopped to chat nothing much happened.

Eventually, Sidon led them the long way up the mountain so that he could explain their construction plans.

Link just sat down and admired the domain while everyone else chatted. It was really beautiful. According to Sidon, it was carved out of luminous stone. That explains the faint glow the domain has.

The smith sits down beside him. His eyes are more violet than normal. "Fascinating, isn't it?"

Link hums his agreement. "You can't even tell that it's basically a giant statue. Makes you wonder how they did it."

The smithy nods. "It's a testament to the artisans behind it, that's for sure."

"I wonder how they built it."

"Honestly, I'm not even sure if Sidon knows. Despite being the prince, it doesn't seem like something he'd know."

Link hums in agreement. "At least he's nice."

"Yeah. And he makes Cook happy."

"He's weirdly popular here. Or is that just a me thing?"

"No I completely agree. Maybe he's just around a lot."

"Maybe."

"My dearest, Ravio,

Today we landed in the cook's era. We were right by Zora's Domain and I wish you could've seen it. It's a giant statue carved out of luminous stone. The landscape is really pretty too.

I wish I could send you some pictures or something.

I love you.

Your husband,
Link"

Chapter Text

Link can't deny that the cook's era is gorgeous.

Currently, they're following the road along the river to a stable. Sidon didn't really have much useful information so the plan is to go visit the Rito next.

Unfortunately, they're on the other side of Hyrule in the mountains.

Link sighs. They're probably going to have to split up. Some members of their group really aren't equipped to deal with the cold.

"Why hello there, travelers!"

A merchant on a horse drawn carriage waves to them. A few members of the group wave at him as he passes out of politeness but Link's curiosity gets the best of him.

There's something magic in his cart. The trace is faint but it's there.

Stepping out of the group, he flags the man down. "Hey! Just out of curiosity, what do you sell?"

"Jewelry! All handmade by my wife and kids. Would you care to browse?"

Link shrugs. It certainly wouldn't hurt. Jewels tend to have naturally magical properties so he might as well see if anything catches his eye.

As the merchant climbs into the back of his carriage, Link ignores a few groans. The captain and sailor can wait. It isn't long before the side of the cart is folding outwards, forming a merchant stall with a fabric overhang to block the sun.

It all happens in a very cartoonish way.

Link whistles in appreciation at the well-made jewelry.

"Take a look! I also have more back here if nothing on display is to your liking."

"Can I pick it up?"

"Go ahead!"

He tries to hide his delight as he begins inspecting the merchant's wares. Every piece is beautifully crafted, although nothing is enchanted. All the magic he sensed seems to come from the gems themselves.

He looks up as the captain grabs his shoulder. "Why are you doing this? The sooner we get to the stable the better."

"You never know what magic items you'll find if you don't look. Besides, gemstones are inherently magical. Jewelry is always worth looking at."

The traveler looks at him with wide eyes from where he'd been looking at a necklace. "Really? I didn't know that."

Link picks up a sapphire bracelet. Ravio would probably like it. "Mhm. Every gem has its own attribute. How that attribute is used depends on how the gem is used. Rubies, for example, can act as a fire rod when imbued in a weapon. However if they're used in armor or jewelry their warmth can provide a resistance to the cold."

Those opal earrings would probably make Zelda really happy.

The merchant smiles. "You seem to really know your stuff."

"Eh. Travel the world and you learn a few things. How much would this bracelet and those earrings cost me?"

"A thousand. But I'll give them to you for half off!"

Five hundred. He'll be broke but it'll be worth it. Maybe Zelda can give him a loan when he gets home. "Hey Captain! You owe me fifty rupees."

The captain groans but hands over the money. "Why are you even buying those? Don't you have enough jewelry already?"

"Bold of you to assume it's for me." He pays. The merchant puts the items carefully into separate bags, making sure the items won't be damaged. Link walks away from the exchange content.

The traveler comes up to him as they continue towards the stable. "So we're those pieces neat magic items?"

"Nope. Nothing there was. Just regular jewelry."

"Wha– then why'd you buy them?!"

"Because I think someone I know would like them. Besides, I can probably enchant them later if I want to."

"Ah... Well I hope whoever gets them likes them!"

Link nods. He knows they will.

He smiles as he touches the ring hidden under his tunic. The magic imbued in it feels like home.

Despite the slight ache of his body, today was a good day.

"Dearest Link,

I hope you're doing well. Ravio has informed me that you've jumped through time yet again. I'm glad you seem to have landed somewhere nice this time.

Unfortunately, this letter does not bear good news.

Something tells me something bad will be occuring soon. I don't know where, what, or when, just that it will. Be on your guard.

If anything happens, please try to let us know immediately. I know you like handling things on your own but I would like to know what you're going through, even if I cannot be there to help.

Please, for the love of the gods, be safe.

With much love,
Zelda"

Chapter Text

Link was tired.

The sun was setting. The stable was close. He was trying his hardest to hide the fact that he was limping because for whatever reason the world decided to fuck him over.

He was tired. He was angry. He was done with the day and just wanted to sleep in a bed for the first time in weeks.

Sure, they could've made camp for the night. But they could see the smoke from the stable. It was so close yet so far.

They underestimated just how far.

Link wasn't paying attention as much as he should've been. The way the traveler was sticking by his side should have been a red flag.

He was just so exhausted he didn't notice the signs.

This wouldn't have happened if he were traveling alone. He wouldn't have become complacent. He would have remained alert no matter what.

The traveler stopped, and drew his sword.

Before anyone else could react, the lizalfos appeared. It has four others with it. Four white lizalfos. Link hasn't seen anything like that before.

The champion swears under his breath as everyone else draws their weapons.

The lizals are faster.

The leader of the pack, the one they've seen time and time again, goes right for the captain. It seems to still have a grudge, yet it keeps one eye on Sky.

Everyone else is caught off guard by the white lizalfos. They're strong and fast. The heroes are tired.

It's an ambush.

The lizal can strategize. It's smarter than the other monsters, much smarter. It'll be a problem if they don't take it out.

The captain is holding his own.

Everyone else is paired up, dealing with one of the white ones. The old man and sailor, the smith and rancher, the champion and Sky.

Link fights beside the traveler.

He hears one of the lizalfos go down. In the corner of his eye, he sees a bloody Rancher in wolf form charging in their direction. He's limping slightly. He better not put himself in serious danger again.

Link uses his sword to trip up the lizalfos. The rancher comes in for the kill.

He can be disgusted later, though. There's two more white ones and plenty of heroes to deal with them.

A beam from the Master Sword cuts through the battle. It decapitates the lizal Sky had been fighting, heading right for the one locked in combat with the captain.

It's going to run. Again.

Not on his watch.

That lizal has something dangerous. He can see the dark magic coming off of it. It reeks of evil. Link can't let it get away with such an item.

He runs.

His knee hurts and the minor injuries he got from fighting the white one sting but he runs. He sees the moment the lizal tries to make its escape. The second it builds up the magic to create another portal.

Not if Link has anything to say about it.

His body moves entirely on instinct. Before anyone can react, he's in front of the lizal.

He brings his sword down.

It connects with the lizal's shoulder, sinking into flesh and slicing through bone. They make eye contact.

The lizal pulls out the item he felt. It unsheathes a large dagger. It's a simple thing, easily overlooked. Link can feel the power that radiates from it.

He doesn't have the time to react before the blade is being buried in his gut.

It burns.

He can feel a magical surge as all of his protection items begin to hum as they attempt to minimize the damage. He sees it happen in real time as the blade begins to glow.

He feels it break.

The blade shatters from the amount of magic it's being forced to contend with. The fragments dissolve and dissipate, leaving only the dagger's hilt in the lizal's hand.

His grip loosens on his sword. The lizal pulls back.

Link's vision starts to blur, darkening at the edges as the magic from the dagger courses through his body. He can't stop it. He staggers, trying to stop the bleeding with his hands.

Link starts to fall, no longer able to hold himself up as the magic drags him down into unconsciousness.

He's asleep before he can even hit the ground.

Chapter Text

It did something.

That lizal did something. Traveler can see the magic. He watched the blade shatter. He saw the monster's panic.

The veteran goes down. His feet move before his brain does.

There's shouting. The rancher and captain run past him, chasing the fleeing lizalfos as Traveler pulls the vet into his arms. Sky and their leader are beside him, ready to help however they can.

He pulls a potion out of his bag. He gently feeds it to the unconscious hero in his arms. It doesn't do enough. It was his last one.

He braces himself, taking in a deep breath as orders are shouted around him. Sky's presence beside him is comforting.

He senses a portal open up. Rancher and Captain will be back soon. They weren't able to catch the lizal.

He wishes he could've gone after it. Maybe a spell could've stopped it for long enough to catch up. If only he were better...

No. Focus. The vet's life is more important.

Sky's hand on his back grounds him.

He places his hands on either side of the vet's wound. At least he doesn't have to be gentle because the man is unconscious. Closing his eyes, he pours healing magic into him through his hands, forcing the skin to mend.

The injury heals but the spell remains. He can sense it just under the surface.

He looks up as the rancher and captain return.

Rancher meets their leader halfway to give a report while the captain sits down beside Traveler.

"So... Will he be alright?"

It takes Traveler a moment to realize the hero is talking to him. "Oh... um.... he won't die?"

"Is it like what happened with the rancher? Do we just need to give him time?"

"I... No, I don't think so."

"What do you mean?"

Traveler flinches slightly at the captain's change in tone. He knows it wasn't directed at him but it doesn't feel like it. "Well the dagger was imbued with some kind of magic. Dark magic, for sure. It's done whatever it was meant to."

"So..." Sky starts, "he's under a spell?"

"I think so."

"Okay. How do we break it?"

The silence that follows is deafening.

All eyes are on the traveler. Everyone expects him to have an answer. He's the resident magic expert. He's supposed to know. He needs to know.

But he doesn't. He's never seen this spell before. He doesn't know what it does or how to break it.

How could he be so worthless?

He blinks back tears as Sky pulls him into a hug. "It's okay. We'll figure it out, together."

He's pulled out of the moment as he senses a shift. He looks up just as a portal appears, swirling with nauseating darkness like always. There's something different about these ones, the ones they go through, compared to the ones the monsters use.

He can't put his finger on it though.

Everyone sighs. The rancher gently lifts the vet out of Traveler's arms. He doesn't let the farmhand go very far, though.

They go through the portal. The experience is a confusing mess of magic that whispers all around him in a language he doesn't understand. That isn't unusual, though.

What is unusual is how it feels like the magic is trying to comfort him and assure him that it'll all be okay. It falls short, though.

The darkness has never been a comfort.

When they're spit out, they're on a road. The area around is wooded and the dirt road seems to be well traveled. A sign at the edge says something in a form of Hylian Traveler doesn't understand.

He's distracted as a little white bird flies out of the treeline. It doesn't feel like a creature from Hyrule.

He watches, tense, as it lands on the vet's shoulder. It drops the envelope in its beak on his chest before cooing sadly. Gently, it nudges the vet's face as if trying to wake him up.

Carefully, the traveler takes the letter. He's the closest to the vet's era and while they shouldn't go through his mail, they should let whoever sent it know the situation.

He unfolds the paper. Clearing his throat, he begins to read.

"Link,

I think the gardener Zelda hired from the castle misplaced the garden shears again. I can't seem to find them and the bushes around the fence are getting out of control. They're an eyesore and I need something to do.

On another note, Zelda and I had a sleepover last night. She said she was worried about you and didn't want to be alone. Sorry we didn't save any of the cookies we made for you. I'll make you some when you get home.

I know you're a very capable hero but be careful. I don't want you getting yourself killed in another time. I'd at least like to have you here, in this one.

Make sure to give Sheerow some love. He seems worried too.

- Ravio"

The captain's face brightens. "Ravio? I didn't know he was from the vet's era! Guess I know who "Mister Hero" is now."

"They must be close if he sent the veteran a letter."

They all fall silent as the traveler's words sink in.

Sky is the first one to hesitantly speak up. "We should probably write a response then, huh? At least so that Ravio knows what's going on. I know I would appreciate it if it were one of my loved ones."

"I can write it." Everyone's eyes go to the captain. "Does anyone have some stationary?"

The smithy begins to speak as Sky hands over some paper and a pen. "While he does that, can anyone read that sign over there?"

The rancher raises his hand as best as he can with an unconscious veteran in his arms. "It's close enough to my Hylian. Just give me a moment..."

He narrows his eyes, staring at the sign. "There's a place called... Eldinbrook down this way. Probably the name of a town or something."

"Maybe we can find someone there who can help?"

The traveler sounds too optimistic, even to himself. A few other heroes nod in agreement, though.

The rancher takes a step closer to him. "Yeah. I hope we find someone."

"Greetings Ravio,

I regret to inform you that your Link is currently incapacitated and unable to respond to your letter at this time. He was injured during a recent battle and has been put under the effects of a spell we have yet to identify.

He is not in any danger, though, and we are currently working out a solution to reverse the magic's effects. I will personally see to it that he sends you a letter himself when he comes to in order to confirm his well-being, and put your mind at ease.

We will ensure his safe return home. May the goddess smile upon you.

Sincerely,
Captain Link of Hyrule's Royal Guard"

Chapter Text

The walk to Eldinbrook wasn't very long.

It's a lovely town, mostly dirt roads and cobblestone foundations. A large market selling fresh produce and whatnot. Plenty of people out and about. The era they ended up in seems to be fairly peaceful.

They split up to try and find information. The traveler isn't very optimistic, though. Magically induced comas aren't exactly common knowledge. They need a magic specialist.

He spends his time with the champion at the market stocking up on food and essentially being a translator.

They all meet up after a few hours, minus Sky and the vet. They're in the room Rancher got at the local inn. Knowing the veteran, he probably wouldn't want to be unguarded while unconscious.

Their leader clears his throat. "So. Did we find anything?"

The smith is the first to respond. "No."

The cook snaps his fingers to get everyone's attention. "Traveler and I were more focused on gathering supplies. We asked the vendors though and they didn't know anything."

Traveler nods in agreement. "Sorry we couldn't find anything."

Their leader rests a hand on his shoulder. "It's not your fault. Unfortunately, Sailor and I couldn't find anything either. I'm not sure if wherever Hylia sent us is where we need to be to help him."

"I'm not sure if–"

"Hello there, young men! I heard you needed some help."

An old lady cuts Traveler off. She walks with an intricately carved cane, green fabric covering her silver locks and tied under her hair. She smiles at them sweetly. But that's what the others see.

The traveler sees a woman cloaked in magic of all kinds. It hangs heavy off her shoulders and swirls around her feet. He doesn't know why he couldn't sense her approach.

Subconsciously, his hand goes to the hilt of his sword.

The captain clears his throat, stepping forward. "Yes! We were looking for someone who is knowledgeable on magic. Do you know anyone here who can help us?"

"Well you're looking right at her! What can I do for you?"

"Our friend was magically put to sleep. We don't know how to break the spell and we're hoping you could help."

"Let me see this friend of yours. I need to know what I'm working with."

"Right. Follow us this way."

They lead her to where the vet is sleeping. While the traveler is extremely hesitant, he doesn't say anything. He knows elderly people usually have wisdom worth listening to but he didn't even sense this woman approach. She's probably their best bet but something about her sets off alarm bells in his mind.

If she senses his unease, she doesn't say anything.

When they finally reach the room, she hums thoughtfully as she examines the unconscious hero. "Oh dear. I didn't expect it to be used so soon, much less on someone so troubled already."

Traveler draws his sword slightly. "What do you mean?"

"You can let go of your blade, child. I do not intend to harm him." She sighs when he doesn't move. "Very well then. Allow me to explain."

She makes her way over to a chair and sits down. Cautiously, the rest of the heroes settle around her. The traveler makes sure to position himself between her and the veteran.

"It happened less than a week ago. A pair of outsiders forced their way into my home. They were a powerful pair and they stank of dark magic. They demanded I tell them the location of a spell that can trap someone in a never ending nightmare. For the safety of everyone in this town, I told them."

"Is there any way to undo the spell?" Sky leans forward. He looks so desperate.

"Of course there is! The mage who made the damn thing wasn't that careless."

Their leader clears his throat, gaining the old woman's attention. "What do we have to do?"

She sighs. "You have to go into his nightmare and bring him out of it. To enter his mind, you need the Didgeridoo of Dreams. It's in a tower about a day's walk from here. I have a map if that would help."

"It would, thank you."

She hands it over before leaving.

"Well then. It's clear what we have to do."

Traveler steps forward. "But we can't just leave him here all alone! Someone should stay behind and make sure he's safe. It's what he would want."

Everyone murmurs their agreement whole looking around at everyone else. They don't know how dangerous this tower will be. There's safety in numbers and everyone has a unique set of skills and knowledge. Nobody can really be left behind.

The smithy raises his hand. "I have a solution! But you have to promise me that you won't freak out or judge me for it."

Their leader nods. "We promise."

The smith takes in a deep breath before grabbing the hilt of his sword. He seems to hesitate for a moment before drawing it. There's a flash of lightning as magic floods the room, almost overwhelming.

When the light fades, the group of heroes lay eyes on their smith. Their smith, who has multiplied.

The one in green steps forward. "Surprise! There's four of us. I'm Green by the way. That's Red, Blue, and Vio."

"Is that why it's called the four sword?" Once again, the moment is broken by the sailor who always seems to know exactly what to say.

"Yes, actually." Vio adjusts his headband. "We are no stranger to being separated like this. Green and I can go with you all to recover the didgeridoo while Blue and Red stay behind. That way we don't suffer from a decrease in heroes and the veteran gets double the protection."

Green nods. "Couldn't have said it better myself."

"Hey! Why do I have to stay behind?!" Blue grabs Vio's shirt, earning an eye roll in response.

"Blue we already discussed this. Besides Red will get bored without someone else here and you know what happens when he gets bored."

Blue let's him go. "Yeah yeah."

Their leader speaks up, stopping more of a fight before it can start. "I guess it's settled then."

Green nods in agreement. "We should probably head out now. I know I wouldn't want to be stuck in a nightmare."

Red nods enthusiastically. "Mhm! Good luck everyone!"

Blue sees them off, giving Green and Vio a hug before disappearing back inside. With that, they set off.

As the traveler walks away, there's a sinking feeling in his gut. Something tells him this won't be easy.

Maybe he should've stayed behind.

Chapter Text

"Dear Zelda,

You were right. Something bad happened.

I sent a letter to Link and I received a response informing me that he was unable to reply. I can't bring myself to put what happened into words so I've sent that letter to you alongside this one. I hope it brings you more comfort than it did me.

This is my fifth attempt at writing to you. Please ignore the tear stains on the paper. I'm trying my hardest to keep it together. I know the situation could be worse but it still hurts.

If you are able, I'd love to have you over for some tea. I don't know how hospitable I am capable of being right now, though.

I think I just need a hug.

Your brother in-law,
Ravio"

.

.

.

Traveler takes a deep breath in as he stares up at the tower.

The tower is massive, stretching up ominously into the sky. It stands on the edge of a cliff along the coast, like a lighthouse without a light.

It's cloudy. The sea roars in their ears as the wind bellows, unrestrained with nothing to snag it but the tower itself.

He brings up an arm to shield his eyes.

"Where's the door?"

"WHAT?" the champion shouts at him.

"WHERE'S THE DOOR?"

Vio shrugs. "The path just ends. It doesn't look like this tower was built with a door. At least, not up here."

The cook looks confused. "WHAT?"

Vio signs what he said to the hearing impaired member of their group before he continues. "There's probably a door elsewhere, we just have to find it."

"Why can't we just blow a hole in the wall?" their resident pirate and self proclaimed explosives expert suggests.

"Because that would ruin the integrity of the tower, Sailor, and potentially make it fall on us."

"Oh."

The cook waves his arm wildly to get everyone's attention. "I could climb the tower and get in through an open window."

The rancher immediately makes a face. "Absolutely not! The wind is too strong. You could fall and get hurt."

Green nods. "He's right. We don't need another person to worry about."

Their leader hums as Rancher and Champion start arguing over how sloppy the farmer signed. "Well there has to be a way in then. Maybe there's an entrance on the sandbar?"

Traveler nods. "it's worth checking out!"

Despite being able to, their leader prevents them from jumping off the cliff to further investigate. The wind throwing them into the cliffside is enough of a deterrent for almost everyone. A disappointed glare is all it takes to stop Sailor and Chef from making a dumb choice.

Sure enough, down below the cliff was an entrance.

It definitely wasn't natural, being adorned with the same bricks the tower was made of. They were slightly worn, though. With how big the waves are getting, the traveler can piece together why.

"We should probably go in before the weather gets worse!"

Everyone nods and into the dungeon they go.

The tunnel slopes gently upward as if to prevent the sea from getting too far in before turning and going back down again. Vio and Green are in the front, lighting the way with a lantern.

Out of the two, only Vio seems to cast a shadow. Weird.

Eventually, they come out into a large, circular room. It's lined with statues of monsters from different eras. Three closed stone doors opposite and beside the passage they entered from even spaced apart.

Sailor huffs. "Great. A dead end."

Suddenly, one of the statues begins to move. The stone crumbles away to reveal a very alive and well bokoblin from the traveler's era.

Once it's dead, the other statues follow suit, each monster more troublesome than the one before it. Every monster is black-blooded.

Once all the pedestals are empty, the door open. The tunnels lead into darkness.

"So... Which way do we go?"

Vio crosses his arms thoughtfully. "Relative to where we entered, the tower is behind us. I'd say either of the side passageways are likely to get us to where we need to go."

The captain moves towards the one on the right. "I say we check out this one first. It looks like it slopes upwards and the tower is up."

"Sound logic. Lead the way."

Lead the way he does. The tunnel is wide and tall, although it feels like it goes on for a while. It's fairly well lit once they get away from the circular room.

Though it just seems like it goes on and on and on.

Eventually, they reach a wall with an archway to the right. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to go anywhere.

That's when Sky steps on a pressure plate that goes along the entire width of the corridor. Mechanisms in the walls and ceiling whir alongside a loud thunking noise.

Cautiously, the captain steps back. "What's that?"

Vio's eyes widen as the wall before them opens up, a massive boulder barreling towards them. "A trap. RUN!"

Everyone turns and bolts back the way they came, the three biggest grabbing the three smallest to ensure no one gets crushed. Armor clinks, boots thump against the ground, the boulder rolls behind them.

Someone screams.

"What do you think the others are doing?"

Blue shrugs from where he'd been lying on the other bed in the room. He tosses a ball up before catching it. "Dunno. Wish you went with them?"

Red looks up at Blue from his spot on the floor. "A little. Books are nice and all but they aren't really my thing, y'know?"

"So you're saying you're bored?"

"Maybe a little bit. There's only so much to do."

"Yeah well you volunteered to keep an eye on the vet and you already went to the library. Don't you go crying about it now."

"I'm not! I just... want to spice things up a bit."

"I swear to Hylia if you pull out your fire rod I'm going to gut you." He catches the ball, turning his head to look at his brother. Red isn't looking at him anymore. He's looking at the veteran's bag. "Ohhhhh."

"Yeah. I mean, it's not like he can stop us from going through his stuff."

Blue is silent for a moment before he sits up. "Sure, why not."

"Wait, really?!"

"Yeah. Just as long as we put everything back the way we found it."

"Yay! You're the best, Blue!"

Blue rolls his eyes. "You say that about all of us."

"Because you're all equally the best! Now let's see what secrets the vet is hiding."

The traveler sits on the ground, panting heavily as he catches his breath.

They managed to avoid the boulder, jumping out of its way once they got back to the circular room. It rumbled past them and down the opposite corridor. After a moment, a splashing sound is heard.

"Well that just sounds flooded." the cook signs with shaking hands.

Green gets up. "Vio and I'll go check it out. You all wait here."

They all watch as the two disappear into the darkness of the tunnel. They come back after a while looking a little more dejected than before.

"Definitely flooded. It looks intentional too. There's a whole maze down there. I don't suppose any of you have any items that let you breathe underwater?"

There's a mixed response.

"So definitely a no then." Vio moves towards the only way they have left. "This way, everyone. The veteran and all his loved ones are counting on us."

Everyone gets up. Together, they go into the darkness.

"Ooooo. I wonder what this does."

"Put that down, Red. You don't know how to use it."

Reluctantly, Red puts down the staff. "Awww. He has a lot of cool stuff though."

Blue goes back to rooting through Veteran's bag. "Uh huh. He's definitely got a lot of gear. I think his bag is magic too. Definitely holds more than it... Oh?"

"Oh? What do you mean oh? What did you find?"

Blue smiles as he pulls out a bunch of letters.

"That's definitely an oh. Can we read them?"

"I think so... Wait a minute. MY LOVE?"

Red gasps. "He's been sending love letters?!"

"Better. He's married. Look."

Red practically squeals as Blue hands him some of the letters. They're so dead if he ever finds out but he can't bring himself to care.

The rancher groans in exasperation as they return to the main room. "All that was down that hallway were words we couldn't even read! This is a waste of time. I say we let the cook climb the damn tower."

The leader sighs. "No. I still think that is a horrendous idea. We should stick together."

Vio starts to poke around the room as the others start to debate their next steps. The traveler and Green watch Vio as he investigates the pedestals. Eventually, he stops at one.

"Hey, Rancher? Think you could come move this pedestal?"

"Oh uh... Sure?"

The rancher is able to push the pedestal fairly easily with his bare hands. Very impressive. There's a click as he does and the center of the room begins to retract, revealing a staircase going down.

Vio smiles. "I figured there was something we were missing in here. It's always good to be thorough."

Green pats his brother on the back. "Good job. Would you like to lead the way?"

"Why of course I would."

The secret tunnel ends up being exactly where they need to go. It takes them down, over, and then up again. When they go up, they go right into the tower.

There are a few monsters waiting but they aren't too much of a hassle. If anything, their close proximity is more dangerous. They don't have the most space to move around in, after all.

In the end, the didgeridoo is acquired. It shines with an almost peaceful magic as it dissapears into the champion's Sheikah Slate.

The trek back to the inn is a long one. Red and Blue are there to greet them, though, with smiles that imply secrets that must be shared. They fuse with Green and Vio almost immediately, though. In a flash, their smithy is back as one whole, eyes sparkling as the colors catch each other up on what happened.

Carefully, the cook removes the instrument from the Sheikah Slate. "So. Do we just blow into it?"

Traveler shrugs. "I guess."

"Well... I'm ready when you are."

After getting confirmation from everyone, the champion takes in a deep breath. He blows into the didgeridoo and it takes him a couple tries to get an actual note out. Eventually, though, the magic washes over them all.

It's quiet but insistent as it pulls at Traveler's eyelids. He rests his head and arms on the bed that the veteran rests on and lets the magic whisk him away.

He closes his eyes, and enters the veteran's dream.

Chapter Text

"Dear Ravio,

I understand your pain wholeheartedly. You were right when you said this letter provided little comfort. We must have hope, though.

Link is strong. He will be okay.

I will be over as soon as I am able. Things are quite hectic in the castle right now, though, and I'm afraid I won't be able to stay for long.

We will get through this together.

Sincerely,
Zelda"

Traveler blinks his eyes open slowly, sitting up from where he'd been laying on the ground in the grass.

Only, the grass doesn't look like grass. It's grey. So are the trees around them, their leaves being closer to black with a canopy so thick he can't see through it. It seems almost liquid the way everything blends together.

In the distance, he can hear the ocean.

He stands up, looking around with the rest of their group. Everything reeks of dark magic. It feels evil, malicious. It makes his skin crawl.

Rancher does a quick headcount. "Where's the vet?"

The smith glances into the trees. He seems unnerved by their surroundings. "He didn't enter this place with us. We probably have to go find him."

Everyone seems unnerved by their surroundings. They're in a nightmare, though, so the setting has no need to be pleasant.

Traveler rubs his arms, curling in on himself. He doesn't want to be here.

The captain sighs. "I guess we pick a direction and start walking, then. Eenie, meenie, miney, this way."

He leads the way out of the small clearing they woke up in. With no other direction, the rest follow.

Traveler rests his hands on one of the trees for balance as he steps over a root, recoiling his hand at the slimy texture.

He huddles close to whoever will have him in their space. For the most part, that ends up being Sky. Maybe it's just the Master Sword but his presence is incredibly comforting.

"I don't like it here."

Sky wraps an arm around the traveler's shoulders. "I don't like it here either. I feel like I'm being watched."

Traveler glances behind them. There's no one there.

Before long, there's the sound of sobbing. They pick up the pace only to come out in another clearing. The sight before them is honestly horrific.

The clearing itself is large and smattered with blood. The canopy cannot reach all the way to the middle, leaving space for the void-like sky to stare in at them. Eight bodies that look like the eight heroes are scattered around the clearing. An eight year old child in a simple green tunic is in the middle of it all, sobbing over the traveler's corpse.

After looking at him for a minute, he recognizes two protection spells cast over him. One was cast by Traveler, the other feels distinctly like their leader.

The child looks over at them. There's anger and fear in his eyes, tears rolling down his face as he shouts at them as a roll of thunder sounds out. "GO AWAY!"

The rancher steps forward, hands up. He moves slowly, voice gentle. "What happened here, buddy?"

The child scowls. "Don't call me that. I'm not a child."

"Okay, okay." The rancher raises his hands in a placating gesture. "Can you tell us what happened here?"

The kid glares, trying to get them to go away with his mind. "The knights came. You should go before they come back and get you too."

"Would you like to leave with us?"

He looks confused as the thunder rolls again. It sounds closer this time. He contemplates his options before hesitantly taking the rancher's outstretched hand.

"Can you tell me your name?"

"You don't have to treat me like a little kid, Rancher." He wipes his eyes with his free hand. "We're almost there same age."

There's silence for a moment. The child glances around at them curiously.

"Y... you're the vet?"

"Yeah? You knew that already when you walked into this clearing all the other times."

"We're real, vet."

He blinks at the rancher for a moment before responding. "Oh."

They make their way back to the rest of the group. The veteran doesn't let go of the rancher's hand, keeping close to him.

The sailor chooses to walk close to him as well.

"So," Captain starts. "why are you in the body of an eight year old?"

The vet shrugs. "Probably because I started my first adventure pretty much right after I turned nine. And to make me feel helpless."

Everyone goes silent at that. How are you supposed to respond to that?

Eventually, the storm finally arrived. The vet flinches violently at every crack of thunder, eventually being carried by the rancher and wrapped in Sky's sailcloth.

He might be their snarky veteran hero, but right now he's also a scared little kid. It hurts to see but there's nothing much they can do to help.

Before long, they reach a large tower. It's so heavy with dark magic that it makes Traveler's stomach roll.

The vet told them he could end the nightmare if he had an instrument, but he doesn't have any of his gear on him. When their leader went looking for his own ocarina, it was suspiciously missing. As ominous as it is, this tower seems like a great place to find what they need.

The tower has nothing on the first floor. The storm outside rages but the sound of it is dampened.

Rancher sets the vet on the ground and they go up the stairs to the next floor.

A small, horrified "Uncle?" escapes the vet at the sight before them.

A middle aged man lays dead on the ground. Blood pools around his body. A girl in a blue dress with curly red hair and a flower tucked behind one ear stands over him, hands bloodied and sword in hand.

"Marin?" The captain sounds confused but there's no time to dwell on it.

The girl, Marin, turns around. She looks at the vet coldly before smiling. "The way up is locked. The only way to get there is to kill me."

The vet grips onto the rancher tighter. "W... What?"

She approaches, grabbing the vet's hands and pushing the sword into them. He seems to recognize it with the way he freezes and begins to cry again.

"Zelda and Ravio are up there. They're in danger. So go on. Kill me, Link. It was so easy for you the first time."

With her hands around the veteran's, she rests the blade of the sword against her neck.

"N-no. I–"

"Kill me, Link. You've done it before."

"I–" He looks scared, scanning her face for any sign of the person he once knew. He takes a step back. She takes a step forward.

"You know you have to. Unless... you want to stay with me?" She says it like less of a question and more of a statement.

The veteran is sobbing as he pleads with her. The rancher decides enough is enough and pulls her away, holding her at sword point. She just smiles.

"Awwww. Are you really going to let them do your dirty work for you? Or are you really going to choose me for once? You didn't last time. Poor Zelda was chosen over me. She's in danger again. Will you pick her now too?"

The veteran is still, grip on the sword in his hands tightening. Surging forward, he slashes her throat.

"I'm sorry."

She smiles. Then she starts laughing, blood bubbling up past her lips. "You never change, Link. Take the key! Go rescue what's left of your broken little family before it's too late. You've made your choice. Just know that I will never forgive you."

The sword clatters to the ground and the veteran sobs as her eyes roll back and her body crumples to the ground before dissolving into black smoke. A key thunks on the wooden floor a second before the veteran's knees do, shaking hands clutched to his chest.

Gently, the traveler pulls him into a hug, letting him sob as the others get the door open. "Shhhhh. It's okay. It's just a nightmare."

He wipes his eyes with the part of his sleeves that aren't bloodied. He takes a deep breath, steeling himself for what comes next.

The vet nods. "Yeah. It's just a nightmare."

Hand in hand, they go up to the next floor.

A girl with dark hair in a purple dress stands in a raised platform. Before anyone can react, she throws the person she'd been holding to the ground. He lands beside the not breathing body of Zelda.

She spits on him, glaring at the unmoving body. When she speaks, her voice is filled with venom. "Traitor."

"RAVIO!" Veteran shrieks, running over. He pulls the dark haired boy into his arms, frantically checking for any sign of life. He looks up at the girl, tears in his eyes. "Hilda what did you do?"

She scoffs. "He was a dirty traitor, Link. And you would do well to know your place. It's Queen Hilda. And with those pesky rodents out of my way and you in no state to fight me, I can finally bring him back!"

The veteran shatters.

He sits there numbly with the bodies of Ravio and Zelda as the chain begin to fight Hilda and her disgusting Frankenstein of Yuga and Ganon.

Yugadorf goes down but Hilda doesn't give up the fight. She slings magic spells until she is finally killed by the Master Sword.

The vet goes over once the fight it through and closes her eyes. When he speaks, he sounds hollow, broken. "She was a good person."

She was all he had left. And now she's gone.

The rancher rests a hand on his shoulder. "She's still out there. This isn't real, remember? It's just a nightmare."

The vet shakily breathes in. "Right. It just doesn't feel like one."

The rancher pulls him into a hug before scooping him into his arms. With one final glance at the three bodies in the room, they head up to the final floor.

There, on a pedestal in the center, is a violin. The veteran wiggles out of the rancher's arms and takes it. Somberly, he begins to play. The violin is out of tune but the veteran somehow manages to make it sound beautiful, playing in symphony with the storm outside and the inescapable sound of the crashing waves.

The world fractures, little pieces dissolving away into a white void. Everything is bright, blinding. No longer can he see anyone around him, hear anyone around him.

There is nothing.

.

.

.

Link wakes up.

The ceiling is made of normal wood and he fits the adult-sized bed he's laying in. Something shifts and the pressure on his leg lifts as the traveler gets up.

Gently, he's pulled into a hug.

The traveler holds him close, rubbing his back comfortingly. He hugs back, resting his head on the younger's shoulder.

Slowly, the rest of the group join in the hug.

Link takes in a deep breath, blinking away tears. They've already seen him cry but that wasn't really him. He can't afford to be vulnerable now.

They're still on a quest for Loria's sake.

He cries when the portal appears in the room.

Why can't he just go home?

Chapter Text

Link comes out the other side of the portal holding onto the traveler.

He didn't want to go through. He wanted to stay and rest and process. But nooooo. Whoever is making these stupid portals just HAD to kick him while he was down.

It's always the same when they go through these portals.

The smith is sick. Everyone is confused. Someone speaks up saying it's their Hyrule or announces that they're in some in-between era. They continue on their journey.

Like clockwork, the smith is sick, and everyone is confused.

Why can't he just go home?

The traveler nudges him gently. His voice is sickeningly soft when he speaks, like he's talking to a scared animal caught in a trap.

Link is NOT a scared animal.

"Hey. Do you have any idea where we are?"

With a sigh, he reluctantly focuses on on his surroundings.

They're in a forest. Through the gaps in the trees, he can see the sun. It looks like it'll be setting in a couple hours.

Focusing a little more, he looks at the magic of where they are. Everything has at least a little bit of magic. The magic of this forest is faint but familiar. It smiles warmly, welcoming him back.

He almost chokes on air.

"I know where we are."

The rest of the group fades into the background. He's home. He's finally, finally home.

He needs to tell Zelda. And Ravio.

SHEEROW!

He brings his fingers up to his lips, before pausing. The rancher has better hearing than everyone else and probably wouldn't enjoy a very sudden and shrill whistle.

"Rancher, you might want to cover your ears."

"O... kay?" Confusedly, the rancher complies.

Once that's done, Link calls Sheerow with a loud, high pitched whistle.

While he waits, he digs through his bag for his stationary supplies. Sheerow shouldn't take too long to appear and he definitely heard Link call him.

Magic animals. They follow their own rules.

The captain clears his throat. "Vet. What is going on?"

"I'm going to send a letter to my sister to let her know we're coming. Hyrule Castle isn't too far away. We can get there before nightfall and Zelda will definitely let us stay the night."

"Your sister works in the castle?"

"You have a sister?!"

Traveler and Sailor speak at the same time. Link rolls his eyes as he holds his arm out for Sheerow to land. "Something like that. And yes, I have a sister, Sailor."

"Why didn't you tell me?!"

"You don't need to know everything about my life. Stay out of my business, gremlin."

While the sailor pouts and the rest of the group spiral from the new information or wait patiently, Link gets started on his letter. Sheerow shuffles up his arm and onto his shoulder, nuzzling into his neck as he writes.

"Zel.

We're in our Hyrule. Code green. We'll be there before sundown."

He hands the note to Sheerow and off he goes.

It takes a moment to put everything away and then off they go, following Sheerow. The bird, annoying as he is, is FAST. Link takes the lead, moving a little faster than the rest of the group.

Sue him for being excited.

Luckily, his estimate is accurate.

They walk into Castle Town just before the sun begins to set. Link ignores everyone that stops to look at them- and more importantly, him- as they walk by. Unfortunately, they're stopped by the guards when they reach the castle gates.

The guards stand tall, the one who stopped them saluting before he speaks.

"Prin–"

"Just. Link."

The guard falters. "A-ah. Right. My apologies."

"Continue."

The guard clears his throat and returns to the stance that's been trained into him. "Are these men following you with you, sir?"

"Yes. Move."

The guard nods, scrambling slightly to get out of the way. Link doesn't even bat an eye as he walks past.

Behind him, he can hear the rancher talking to the cook. "What was that about?"

Based on the lack of a verbal response, the cook probably shrugged. He doesn't look back, though, as he practically throws open every door on his path, dodging rushing castle staff as he walks.

As he goes, a maid frantically runs up to walk beside him. She seems nervous. "Y- your High–"

"Link." he corrects. How many times does he have to tell these people NOT to address him as the prince.

"... Link. Her majesty the queen is very busy preparing for–"

"Don't care. Leave me alone."

"R-right. Yes sir."

She hurries off as they enter the throne room. It's a grand room, lined with guards. Various members of castle staff bustle about the room, cleaning the space and preparing various things.

The throne itself sits center on a raised platform, a smaller throne beside it. Both seats are empty.

He keeps an eye on the guards. It doesn't matter what they do, he will NEVER trust them.

The traveler comes up beside him. "So are we meeting with Princess Zelda first or are we going to go see your sister?"

The distant, echoing sound of heels running down a tiled hallway behind a closed door stops Link from responding. He prepares himself as the doors to the right of the throne are kicked open by a slightly out of breath Zelda.

She brightens when her eyes meet Link's.

"LINK!"

"ZELDA!"

They run towards each other, meeting in the middle as Zelda throws herself into Link's arms. He catches her, holding her tight as he spins her around a couple times, ignoring the confused faces of his traveling companions.

She kisses him on the cheek when he sets her down. "Thank Hylia you're okay! I was starting to worry. You're not hurt are you?"

He smiles fondly as Zelda checks him for injuries.

Link clears his throat, putting the prickly hero front back up when he registers the flabbergasted faces of the other heroes.

"Everyone, this is my sister, Queen Zelda of Hyrule. Zel, these are the annoying bastards I've been forced to travel with."

She curtsies. "It's a pleasure to finally meet the people my darling big brother talks so highly about."

The captain is the first one to snap out of the shock, training surging to the surface. He kneels before Zelda, hand on his chest as he bows his head. "The pleasure is all mine, Your Majesty."

She smiles as she grabs onto Link's arm. "Is this one the captain? So proper! You don't have to address me so formally though. Any friend of Link's is a friend of mine!"

The captain stands, nodding his head, clearly struggling with the idea of casually addressing a Zelda.

Link just rolls his eyes. "Anyway. Did you prepare what I asked you to?"

Zelda beams. "Yes! Dinner is almost done, baths have been drawn for everyone, AND a clean change of clothes is ready to be provided as per the measurements you provided."

He sighs, hugging his sister. "You are the absolute best."

She pats him on the back. "I know, I know. Now shoo. Go bathe. You smell like shit."

"Yes Your MAJESTY."

He laughs she she shoves him before making his way down the hall alone. The others will be led to guest bathrooms and such by castle staff. Link has his own bathroom, magically protected and in his own room. Somewhere he can feel safer in a wing of the castle nobody but the royal family is permitted to enter.

He sighs contentedly as he soaks in the tub. He really needed this.

His necklace and the silver wedding ring on it sit on the counter. The Master Sword within reach. He might be in a part of the castle not even the staff can enter but it's better to be safe than sorry.

The room is quiet, the mirror slowly fogging up with steam.

He doesn't like the quiet. It gives him time to think.

He stares blankly at the wall as he begins to properly assess what happened to him. He does so almost robotically, looking at the whole ordeal factually. He stamps down any emotions, forcing logic to be the main voice in his mind.

It wasn't real.

He didn't crash a ship in a storm and end up on another island.

The knights didn't murder his companions.

Marin didn't come back or kill his uncle.

Hilda isn't evil.

Ravio and Zelda didn't die.

He didn't fail anyone.

.

.

.

So then why does he still feel so bad? Why does he mourn people who haven't died? Why does he hurt with the pain of betrayal even though he was never betrayed? Why is he scared to lose, even though he has not lost?

He jumps, hand going to his sword as the door opens. He relaxes with a sigh when he sees a startled Ravio.

"Hey Bunny. I rushed over as soon as I heard you were here."

Link shifts, resting his arms on the edge of the tub. "Hi Ravio."

"Want me to help wash your hair?"

Link hums, closing his eyes. "That would be nice."

He turns around so that Ravio can wash his hair. His husband gently tilts his head back to press a kiss to his hairline before he starts. Link relaxes as Ravio runs his fingers through his hair and scratches gently at his scalp.

"The captain sent me a letter saying something bad happened to you. Are you okay?"

Link sighs. "I'll be okay. How much did he tell you?"

"Just that you were under the effects of a spell."

"Well, yes. It... It trapped me in a nightmare. And a lot of bad things happened in it that I don't want to talk about right now."

"That's okay, Link. I'll be here to listen whenever you're ready."

Link blinks the tears out of his eyes. "I know."

They're walking into the dining hall, hand in hand, before long. Everyone else is already seated at the table, two seats beside Zelda for Link and Ravio. They sit down together. While Link ignores the quizzical looks from the rest of the group in favor of piling food on his and Ravio's plates, his partner smiles a bit nervously.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Ravio, Link's husband. It's nice to meet all of you."

The sailor chokes on his food as the captain stares at him disbelievingly. "Really?! How did someone like you end up with someone like him?"

"It's really not that much of a story, Mr. Captain Hero sir."

The sailor slams his fist on the table. "VET HOW MUCH HAVE YOU BEEN HIDING FROM US?!"

Link surveys everyone's reactions as he responds. "Everything. I don't know why you're surprised."

The smith just sips his drink as the old man begins to speak up. "Well, we're all happy you've found someone you love."

"Thanks."

They fall into silence as they all continue to enjoy the meal in front of them. The cook doesn't have to cook for once and while his food is good, it's nice to have a proper dinner.

"Well, Link," Zelda starts. "The Harvest Festival is coming up. It would make me very happy if you could make an appearance. Y'know, do your job as the crown prince of Hyrule."

Link finishes his bite of food before responding. "You know I don't have control over the portals."

Zelda groans. "Come onnn! You've missed so many! Do you know how awkward it is to try and figure out how to uphold traditions by myself?"

"So you've told me."

"Please try to stay for this one. For me?"

She blinks at him, giving him the face he knows he can't say no to. He looks to Ravio for help, only for his husband to smile gently before taking a bite of his food so he doesn't have to get involved. Link groans.

"Fine. But no promises."

"Yay! Thank you Link."

He rolls his eyes, pushing his plate away as he stands. "I'm going to my room."

She snickers as he leaves, shouting and "I love you" at him just before he finally leaves.

Zelda knows damn well he's not going to his room. With everything he's been through, he doesn't leave her or Ravio alone when he's in the castle with them. Ravio finds him outside the dining hall when diner is done, walking with him to their room.

He has a sleepover with his two favorite people that night, sitting on a too-big bed catching up and telling stories. They stay up late into the night until hair has been braided and the time catches up with them. Even Link is tired by the time they all settle down for sleep.

Despite the nightmare he'd suffered from before, he managed to fall asleep in Ravio's arms with his sister behind him.

He's finally home.

Chapter Text

When Link walked into the dining hall for breakfast holding onto his husband for dear life with one hand with a cane in the other, nobody really knew how to react.

He sighed as he sat down, closing his eyes for a moment as Ravio began to put food on their plates.

Bravely, the rancher is the first one to speak up.

"Is uhh... Is he okay?"

Zelda waves him off. "My brother is fine. Just old injuries flaring up and such. Nothing for you all to worry about."

"And they get that bad?" The traveler seems incredibly worried over the whole situation.

"Sometimes worse. But having your knee kicked in as a kid by a royal guard, among other injuries, kind of messes with your everything."

The captain spits out his drink as Link groans. "HE WHAT?!"

"Yeah. There's a reason I hate you all." While the captain processes what he just heard, Link turns to his sister. "Do you have to spill all of my personal trauma?"

She scoffs. "Well I figured it was something they should know! As your traveling companions they are responsible for your well-being because, with Hylia as my witness, you are terrible at treating yourself kindly."

Link just rolls his eyes and goes back to his meal.

The old man is the first to speak up after a while. "So, your highness–"

Zelda holds her hand up to interrupt him. "Technically it's "majesty" because I'm the Queen. You can also just call me Zelda."

"Right... Zelda." He pauses. When the queen smiles at the use of her name rather than her title, the old man continues. "Are there any reports of strange monsters you need taken care of?"

She thinks for a moment, tilting her head to the side as she hums. "No, I don't think so. I'll let you know if I hear anything, though."

The old man nods before turning to address Link. "Well then, this is your Hyrule. What do we do next?"

Link glares at him for being forced to do anything until Zelda smacks him in the arm for it. "Well, Ravio and I are going home. I don't care what the rest of your do."

"What my husband means to say," he pauses to shoot a look in Link's direction that is promptly ignored, "is that we would be happy to have you all over! We don't have a lot of space but we're very willing to accommodate for however long you'll be staying with us."

The old man nods. "We'll do that then. If the veteran doesn't mind."

Link has to stop himself from throwing his fork at the man. "Loria below I told you I don't care! As long as you don't touch my trees or mess with my flowers you can stay as long as you want."

"Thank you."

Link mutters something in Lorulian under his breath as he uses every fibre of self restraint he has to not jump across the table and strangle one of the most trustworthy people in the group.

A few hours later, they're out in castle town and heading to the South gate. Link is clinging to his husband as they walk, looking for any traveler heading in the same direction as them. Ravio is quick to hand him off to the traveler, though, when he spots a merchant with a mostly empty cart.

"Excuse me, sir! Could I ask where you're headed?"

The man smiles kindly. "I'm heading to Saria. You looking for a ride?"

Ravio nods. "If you don't mind, of course."

"Bah, nonsense. I'm happy to help. This your whole group here?"

"It is. I hope it's not a problem."

"The more the merrier!"

With a bit of struggle, everyone climbs onto the cart. Link sighs, melting into Ravio's side as the merchants talk. The ride is bumpy and every jolt of the cart sends a flare of pain up his spine. It's better than being in the castle, though.

There is nothing those knights can do to earn back his trust.

They're back at the orchard in record time. Everything is as he left it with only the change of the seasons creating any differences.

The trees have all produced fruit, something he should check on as soon as he is able. They aren't ready to be harvested, though. Most of his flowers have begun to wilt as autumn approaches, a few early leaves sitting in the grass.

He doesn't have much time to admire the work his uncle left behind for him, though. Laying down is his first priority.

Dumping his stuff in a corner as soon as he is able, he immediately flops down on the couch, closing his eyes as he relaxes into the soft fabrics. He inhales deeply, breathing in the smell of home.

The others start to explore the house, poking around as they look at the mementos he's put on display while Ravio goes upstairs.

The captain hums as he examines a sword displayed on the wall. "This is a beautiful sword. Can I hold it?"

"Absolutely not." He doesn't have to sit up in order to glare at the soldier. "That was my uncle's and I will actually kill you if you touch it."

The captain steps back, hands raised, as the rancher takes a look at the sword as well. "It looks like the one from your nightmare. The one that girl had."

Link hums his agreement. "That's because it is."

The silence that follows as they consider the implications doesn't last long as the smith picks up something from one of the tables.

"What's this?"

Link sits up to look at the thing in the smithy's hands. It's a couple bits of metal, all bent around each other. They sit loose within the confines of each other. It's unique among the others like in his house, as all of them are. They're in practically every room, sitting on every surface.

"It's a puzzle. A blacksmith over in Kakariko made it. You have to separate the pieces."

The smith makes an "oh" sound as he turns the trinket in his hands. Link can see the cogs turning as he tries to figure it out.

"That one is pretty difficult. There's probably some easier ones around here somewhere..."

The smith waves him off. "No no. I got it. I'll figure it out."

"Alright. Just don't come crying to me if you can't get it."

The smith hums in aknowlegment as he becomes invested in the object in his hands. Blue and violet war in his eyes with specklings of green and red as he tries to figure it out.

Ravio returns to the living room after that. He drapes a blanket over Link. It's incredibly soft and warm, yet unfamiliar.

Ravio smiles. "It's the one I got while you were away. Isn't it nice?"

He receives a grunt in response as Link burrows under the blanket.

With that taken care of, Ravio turns to the rest of the group. He claps his hands with a smile that promises an empty wallet.

"So! Who would like to buy some potions?"

He yelps as he's suddenly hit with a pillow. He looks to the source, finding a pillow in Link's hands as the hero glares up at him.

"Don't. You. Dare."

"But Bunny–"

"No. I can guarantee they are just as broke as I am. No."

Ravio sighs. "Fine."

"You can just sneak some potions into our bags before we leave like you always do." Link reaches for something on the coffee table as he talks, Ravio sitting down next to him with a huff. He tosses another puzzle to the smith as everyone else begins to settle in.

"You can keep them both of you can't solve 'em before we have to go."

The smithy's eyes light up as he takes a seat in the living room.

With everyone settled, Link relaxes, hiding under the new blanket from the world. It smells like Ravio.

The world fades into white noise as his companions chat around him. Familiar voices fill the space as he lets his mind drift, not quite awake but not asleep either.

Being home has never been so nice.

Chapter Text

Link sighs happily as he melts into his bed.

They had a sleepover in the living room the first night everyone was at his house. They made a blanket fort and Ravio and the cook made cookies. He hasn't really had a proper moment alone with his husband since he got home, though.

Now, everyone is split throughout the house. He didn't really pay attention to who was sleeping where but his old bedroom is being used.

He burrows into the soft blanket Ravio bought as the door creaks open.

The merchant smiles at him, helping Sheerow onto his perch for the night before crawling into the bed beside Link. Gently, he presses a kiss to his husband's forehead.

Link smiles. "Now that we're alone, I have a gift for you."

Ravio giggles. The sound makes Link happy. "I have a gift for you too, Bunny."

"What a coincidence."

"Indeed. Buuuut you seem pretty tired."

"No. I'm perfectly awake."

He doesn't move or sit up. Ravio raises an eyebrow. They both know it's bullshit.

"Loria, what am I going to do with you?"

"Love me until the day I die?"

Ravio rolls his eyes. He shifts before leaning to pull a little paper bag out of the bedside table's drawer. Link sits up, leaning into his husband's side to leech off of his warmth.

"For you, my love."

Link takes the bag. It's small and has a nice weight to it. Immediately, he recognizes it as something from Gulley's dad. "So my gift isn't this lovely blanket then. Dang."

Ravio shoves him lightly. "Just open it Link."

"Fine. Quit nagging me." He sticks his tongue out only for Ravio to mirror him. He's cute, though, so Link lets it slide.

Turning his attention back to the paper bag in his hands, he opens it and looks inside. In the dim lighting of their room, he can see a metal object twisted in various shapes. The item jingles slightly when he moves it.

He knows exactly what it is.

Reaching into the bag, he pulls out a new puzzle. There are a couple different pieces that all move independently. He turns it in his hands, trying to figure out how to take it apart.

Ravio leans into his side, bringing him back into the moment.

He leans over to put it on his bedside table. "Right. I have something for you as well."

He reaches over the side of the bed to grab his bag from where he'd dropped it on the floor. He doesn't have to dig around for very long before he finds the hidden pocket he stashes his valuables in. Pulling out his gift, he drops his bag back onto the floor before turning to Ravio.

"Okay. Hold out your hands."

Ravio does as he's told. "Alright."

Link sets the sapphire bracelet in his husband's hands. Ravio takes it, examining the jewelry. He holds it up to the light, turning it in his hands as Link lays back down.

"Do you like it?"

Setting the bracelet on his nightstand, Ravio turns and gives Link a kiss. "I do. Thank you, Bunny."

He hums, wrapping his arms around Ravio's middle. "I'm glad."

Ravio chuckles as Link buries his face into his chest. "Tired."

"Mmmhm."

His fingers find their way to Link's hair, gently combing through. Link sighs, relaxing into his husband's touch.

"Goodnight my love."

Link mumbles a goodnight back. As Ravio turns to snuff out the light in their room, Link drifts off to have the best sleep he's had in a while.

Chapter Text

Link groans as Zelda leads him through the dance one more time.

The eighth, "one more time".

The seasonal festivals are a Hyrule tradition stretching back hundreds of years. Occuring at the beginning of every season, people from all over Hyrule came to partake in the festivities. There's food, music, games.

It's tradition for the oldest two members of the royal family to share a dance at the beginning of the festival. For the first third of the song, they dance as a prayer to the goddesses for protection and a good season. After that, everyone else is allowed to join in and the royals become one with their people for a day to celebrate the end of the previous season.

It's a tradition Zelda has upheld religiously. In all her time as queen, maybe one or two festivals have been missed entirely and purely because she was kidnapped. She designated people to plan and hold the festivals after that in case she was absent and unable to do so herself.

With the beginning of fall, the harvest festival was soon to commence. Everyone would pray for a good harvest and make offerings to the gods as they celebrate the end of summer.

Being the oldest member of the royal family on a technicality, Link is forced to participate.

Not that he would miss the festivals if he could. The food is amazing, the music is great, and there are always new merchants to talk to and buy from.

The general understanding of peace while a festival is in swing is also nice.

"Zel can we be done? My knee is killing me."

She smiles as he spins her around, never missing a beat. "I just want to make sure you know what you're supposed to do."

"How could I not? Every festival you have me practice the dance a bajillion times."

"That's not a number. And no I don't!"

"Whatever you say."

As their part of the song ends, Zelda adjusts Link's cloak. It matches her own, each one embroidered beautifully by their people. It's meant to be discarded by the end of the dance, the commoner's clothes underneath helping them to blend in.

The cloak, a symbol of their status. The clothes, a connection to the people.

Whoever started the tradition put a lot of thought into it.

"And you're sure you know all the steps?"

Link rolls his eyes. "I don't see why I wouldn't."

Zelda smacks him upside the head. "That's what you said the first time before forgetting and messing up everything!"

"I mean it this time. I swear it."

"On what?"

"Our sibling bond."

Zelda marches over to the window with a huff to go observe Castle Town. Link takes the break he's been offered, sitting down on one of the benches in the room with a sigh.

There's a beat of quiet. He looks over at Zelda. She's clearly nervous.

Link sighs. "Y'know... the festival is going to be great."

"Mhm." She doesn't sound like she believes him. "How can you be so sure?"

"Well... I'm actually here AND I know what I'm doing, for starters. You've put in a lot of work to make Castle Town look amazing. The people love you, the goddesses have never once expressed their dislike for any festival you've held, there are eight other heroes here to help in case something goes wrong. Need me to continue?"

"No... I just..." She pauses, biting at her thumbnail nervously. "I guess I'm just nervous is all."

"You always are."

"I know–"

"And it's always fine."

"I know."

"Don't beat yourself up, Zel. You've got this."

"Yeah... I've got this."

"That's the spirit."

The smith can't help but feel almost overwhelmed by the decor and the people.

In the best way possible, of course.

Seasonal festivals are something they've always looked forward to going to with their grandfather. They'd arrive early to set up a stall before meeting in front of the castle to watch and participate in the dance. Then their grandfather gave them a bag of rupees and set them free to explore and indulge.

It's one of the safest times of the year.

They were early, something they were used to. The veteran was officially required by the queen herself to be there before the festival began.

As the others meandered around, they debated what to do. They were buzzing with energy, though, and wouldn't have been able to sit still if they tried.

"OH!" Green pipes up, excited. "What if we help some people set up their stalls?"

"Oooo!" Red chimes in. "I like that idea! It'll be like we're helping grampa!"

Blue shrugs. "I don't see why not."

Vio nods in agreement. "Let's start with that lady over there. She looks like she could use some assistance."

As the time passes, more and more people arrive. They await the arrival of the vet and his sister in order to properly begin the festival.

While they wait, they turn their attention to what everyone else can't see.

The Minish.

They're absolutely everywhere. They even spot a couple mountain and forest Minish. The smith managed to talk to a few of them. Apparently they're all there for the festival as well, setting up their own little stalls for food and goods.

They've never seen this many Minish around during a festival before. It almost makes them wonder if there's a portal nearby they can use to experience the Minish side of things.

A crowd begins to gather, signaling the soon arrival of the royal family. The smith is quick to grab any companions within reach to practically drag them over.

Any missing members of their group arrive and join them before the festival begins. They stand somewhat in the back, the sailor and smith being hoisted up onto the captain and rancher's shoulders respectively.

Trumpets sound as Zelda and her brother exit Hyrule Castle, hand in hand. Ravio trails nervously behind them, joining the group of heroes as the music begins.

The colors are in awe as they watch the two dance. They're almost surprisingly elegant in the veteran's case, matching each other step for step. The dance is fluid and slow, every movement carefully calculated like the coming of fall.

They break apart as the music shifts. The duo hand off their cloaks to a waiting servant before Zelda beckons everyone to join them, crouching to grab the hands of a little girl.

The smith practically jumps off of the rancher's shoulders, grabbing Sky's hand to drag him into the dance.

Link holds out his hand, giving Ravio a little bow. With a small laugh, the Lorulian takes the outstretched hand in his own. They dance together, slow and sweet in their own little world until the song comes to an end.

He's no longer the crown prince or Hero of Hyrule. He's just Link.

Hand in hand with his husband, they go to locate the rest of the heroes.

The smithy and sailor appear to be having the time of their lives. The old man, captain, and rancher are similarly relaxed and having fun. While the cook, traveler, and Sky seem slightly overwhelmed, they don't seem to hate it either.

The smith is the first one to notice him, hurrying over with the energy of a little kid. "Vet this is amazing! I've been to my fair share of festivals but this is just... incredible! You'll have to give my compliments to Zelda."

Link leans a little more into Ravio. "Tell her yourself. If you can find her, that is. She is surprisingly good at going unnoticed."

As the smith nods, the sailor pipes up. "Oh Aryll would love this!"

The captain chuckles. "Well let's give you a story to tell then, yeah?"

The sailor cheers.

They wander about together, checking out various merchant stalls and buying a bit of food. Nothing in particular catches Link's eye, though. They stop to say hi to Gulley's family, the little bastard himself enjoying the festival elsewhere.

He notes that there are quite a few Lorulians about as well. It's always good to know they're doing good with the two worlds being permanently connected.

It isn't until they're over by the games that Link spots a familiar face.

That dark hair and unsure demeanor would be familiar anywhere.

Link grins as he makes his way over, Ravio sticking close to his side. Hilda spots them as they approach, giving them a nervous wave.

"Hey! I haven't seen you in a while. How are you doing Hilda?"

She smiles at Link's use of her native language. Learning new languages isn't really her strong suit. "I'm doing alright. A bit stressed but alright."

"That seems to be a running theme with the queens in my life."

Ravio punches him lightly in the arm. "And your husband. We all get stressed when you suddenly disappear on an adventure."

Hilda nods. "Well, that too. But mostly being queen. I don't know if I'm doing it right, to be honest."

Link makes a dismissive gesture with one hand. "And you think Zelda got it right in her first year? You're doing fine, Hilda. Trust me."

"But I–"

He lets go of Ravio's hand to cross his arms. "Nope. You're not allowed to badmouth yourself."

She looks at him almost desperately before turning to Ravio. "Ravio–"

"Nope. When Link makes up his mind, that's that."

She sighs in defeat. Link decides to take the opportunity to change the subject. "So, how are you liking the festival?"

"Well... it's..." She pauses, wringing her hands nervously. "It's a little bit overwhelming, I won't lie. There's so many people and it's so loud. There's a lot going on."

Link nods in understanding. "Yeah it can be a lot. There's a quiet space just inside Hyrule Castle though, just in case anyone needs to escape the noise."

"Really? That's really nice. I might have to go check it out..."

She trails off as she looks at something behind Link. He turns to see the captain approaching them. He doesn't seem very happy. One glance at the others shows they're watching too. Everyone but the smith who seems to be trying to talk the others down. They're watching, warily.

Watching Hilda.

Link manages to intercept before the captain is able to draw his sword, grabbing his arm as Hilda hides behind Ravio.

"WHOA! What the the fuck?!"

"Move, vet. She's a threat."

"No she isn't!"

"Yes, she is. We saw what she did in your nightmare. She hurt you and revived him."

"That wasn't real and I can assure you she's a good person and the leader of an allied nation. Stand down."

"Vet she's a danger to everyone here–"

He grabs the captain's shirt collar with his free hand, pulling him down to his height in order to ensure he's heard. He speaks close to the taller's face, dead serious with what he says.

"I'm the crown prince of Hyrule and you are just a captain. We are in my era and therefore I am your superior. I command you to stand, down, Captain. Unless you'd rather commit a political assassination and be the second execution of my sister's reign."

They face off for a moment before the captain relents. He relaxes and Link lets him go, allowing him to stand up and take a step back with his hands raised.

"Low blow, vet. Low blow."

"I've known Hilda longer than I've known you. Don't take any chances."

The warning, or rather, threat, is heard loud and clear.

After a moment of tense silence, the rancher hesitantly approaches. "So..."

"Hilda is not your enemy. Go tell the others to piss off and leave her alone."

He must've seemed just as angry as he felt because the rancher salutes before returning to the rest of the group. The captain follows him after a moment. Link keeps an eye on them a little longer before turning back to Hilda.

"C'mon. I'll show you where the quiet space is."

Link calms down after a while. Him and Ravio sit with Hilda in the quiet space, listening to the faint sound of music. Despite being a little bit frazzled, Hilda seems alright.

Ravio explained what happened to make the other heroes act that way. Hilda understood, even apologizing for the actions of her nightmare self and being horrified by what she did, but that doesn't make things okay. Hilda shouldn't be apologizing. The other heroes should.

As if on cue, the traveler pops his head into the space. He smiles nervously when he spots them, walking over with the others in tow. There's a wrapped pastry in his hands.

Link glares at them. "What now?"

Traveler opens and closes his mouth a few times, words lost under the force of Link's anger and disdain. "W... well... we came to apologize?"

The old man rests a hand on the traveler's shoulder. When he speaks, he speaks to Hilda in a quiet voice so as to not disturb anyone else taking a break.

"We came here to apologize to you. Our actions were rude and rash. We judged you harshly based on a false image created solely to cause harm. On behalf of everyone here, I'm sorry."

The old man turns his attention to the captain. After a moment, the rancher elbows him and he steps forward. "I'm going, I'm going." He clears his throat before speaking to Hilda. "I sincerely apologize for my rash actions. You seem to be a very nice individual and the veteran has made it very clear you are no threat to us or him. You deserve the same respect given to every leader of Hyrule. If it helps at all, you put up a really good fight."

Hilda smiles a bit nervously. "I did?"

The captain nods. "Yeah. You did."

Gently, the traveler offers Hilda the pastry he's been holding. "It's an apology gift. You don't have to eat it if you don't want to."

She takes the pastry with a smile. "Thank you. This was a very nice apology. Very..." She trails off, trying to think of the right word in Hylian.

"Sincere?" Link chimes in, helping her out.

Hilda nods. "Sincere. I accept the apology. Thank you."

There's a bit of an awkward silence before the old man speaks up. "Well, we'll leave you three be. Enjoy the festival."

Link nods. "Yeah, yeah. Enjoy the festival. I'll see you back at my place if we don't meet back up later."

As the heroes leave, Sky, Champion, and Traveler hang back. Sky smiles sheepishly at Link. "Can uh... Can we stay? It's getting to be a bit much for these two."

Link shrugs as Ravio nods. "Of course! This space is available for anyone who needs it."

The traveler smiles gratefully as they all get comfortable. The traveler quietly starts up conversation, with Hilda, Sky and the cook joining in on occasion. They're incredibly patient with her and after a while she seems to be doing alright.

Link grabs Ravio's hand and stands up. "Well everything seems to be alright here. We're off to go play some games."

Hilda nods. "Bye Link! I will see you next tea time."

"Yup. See you around."

With that, he's off to go win a prize for his beloved husband.

Chapter Text

It's been a couple days since the harvest festival.

Link was being petty, everything was quiet. It was peaceful. Well, as peaceful as this particular group of individuals can be.

Of course, that's when something has to go wrong.

Link was sitting outside with the others. The smith was doing maintenance on their weapons, the captain and traveler were sparring with sticks in the yard while the others observed, Ravio and the cook were inside making snacks, and Sky was taking a nap in the shade of the apple trees. Link was using the opportunity to do some general upkeep on his uncle's sword while he had the time.

The smith holds up Link's sword to examine it, violet eyes shining in the sunlight with undertones of blue. "I still can't get over this blade. It's tempered beautifully. What's this metal, by the way?"

Link looks up from what he was doing, momentarily caught off guard by the question. "Oh, uh... My local blacksmith called it "Master Ore" for whatever reason. Personally I think it could have a cooler name but, y'know." He shrugs.

"Fascinating. Well this Master Ore is incredible. You have yourself one fascinating blade." He hands the Master Sword over. Link takes it, sheathing it before resting it on the ground at his side.

"Thanks."

Ravio gently knocks on the doorframe behind Link. He smiles sheepishly, an envelope in his hands. "Hey, Link? Am I interrupting something?"

"No. What's up?"

"This just arrived for you. From Zelda. Considering Sheerow didn't deliver it I'd assume it's pretty official?"

Link holds out his hand with a sigh, taking the letter when it's put in his hand. Ravio hovers, crouching down behind him to read over his shoulder.

"Dearest brother,

I hope you've been well since the festival. I know how exhausting such events can be for you. Unfortunately, this letter does not come with good news.

I regret to inform you that monsters fitting the description provided by you and your party have been spotted East of Saria. They are far enough away from any Hylian settlements to not pose an immediate threat, however, I have stationed soldiers in the nearby towns as a precaution.

I know how you feel about the knights but I would like to request that you handle the situation whenever works best for you. You've been on a long journey and deserve the break you've received so far. If you wish to extend that break, I do not blame you and will happily give you the space to do so.

I also know you. When you receive this letter, you will gather your group and go to dispose of the issue. You are incredibly pragmatic and proactive.

All I ask is that you consider resting for as long as you need. I care about you deeply and hate to see you push beyond your limits.

No matter what you choose to do, I will support you however I can.

Stay safe. If I find out you nearly got yourself killed I will have your head.

With much love,
Zelda"

Link groans, leaning back into Ravio. Apparently, he was loud enough to gain the attention of some of the training heroes. As the smith looks up from his work, the old man and traveler look over with varying levels of concern.

Gently, Ravio wraps his arms around Link's middle. "You have to go so soon?"

Link just grumbles an incoherent response that sums up the way he's feeling.

The smith snatches the letter out of his hands, scanning it. He probably can't understand too much but he can probably gather the general idea.

Link scowls. "Monsters. We have to deal with monsters. I swear to the gods Hylia can't give me a break."

The smith makes a noise in response. "We were kinda pushing it with how long we've had to rest. I know the others have been getting kinda antsy."

Link doesn't respond, closing his eyes to soak up as much of Ravio's warmth as he can. Who knows when he'll see him again. He needs to make the most of what he has before they set off.

"So," the smith starts. "what's the call, Vet?"

He thinks for a moment before responding. "We leave as soon as everyone's ready. The sooner we get there the sooner people are safe."

"Are you sure? From what I gathered they should have the knights to protect them."

"The knights are useless. We're the best shot those people have."

The smith raises his hands in submission, eyes flashing green. "Whatever you say. Want me to go round up the others?"

"Yes please."

Link watches as the smithy stands. He gathers the weapons he'd been working on to return them to their owners as he fills them in on the situation. Ravio pulls Link's attention away from the other heroes by running his fingers through his hair.

"Y'know... you're not going through any portals yet. I could come with you."

"Rav, no."

"Rav, yes. Besides, you'll have another set of eyes and a fresh perspective. For all we know I might pick up on something you all missed. That and I get to spend more time with you before you go off to save the timeline."

He's silent for a moment. Eventually, Link sighs. He can't really argue with Ravio's logic and, as much as he doesn't want to admit it, Ravio is capable of protecting himself.

"Fine. But you better not complain about the travel or the camping."

Ravio kisses him on the forehead. "I won't, I promise."

Over the next few days Link barely left Ravio's side.

Call it hyper vigilance, paranoia, or whatever you want but he wasn't letting anything come anywhere close to his husband. Sure, Ravio is capable of self defense, but all the better if he never has to use those skills.

"Veteran."

"Hm?" He looks over at the old man, one hand gently combing through Ravio's hair. He swapped watch with him a while ago but hasn't fallen asleep yet.

"Is everything okay? You've been more on edge than usual."

He thinks for a moment. When he speaks, he's quiet so as not to wake the man asleep on his chest. "Yeah. Just being cautious."

"Overly so." He pauses for a moment , taking a deep breath. "Y'know, I was present during the War of Eras."

"Really? Ravio told me a little bit about it when he got back."

The old man nods. "He was terrifying."

"Ravio? Terrifying?"

"Yeah. He was throwing out bombs left and right, always trying to swindle the captain out of as many rupees as possible, and don't get me started on that hammer of his."

"What about it?"

"It's heavy, that's for sure. So heavy that a betting pool started among the soldiers to see who could lift the thing. Then he saunters in and lifts it like it's nothing. Watching him swing it over his shoulder to smash in the skull of a monster is an image I will never forget. I might not know much about who he is or where he came from but I do know he's a damn good fighter when he needs to be."

Link is silent. He knew that Ravio is a great fighter. Hearing stories from an outside perspective where Ravio is taking the fight seriously hits different, though.

He's apparently quiet for too long because the old man speaks up again, voice soft. "Vet?"

"Yeah?"

"Thought you finally fell asleep on me."

"Nah. Not yet, anyway."

The old man hums. "Unfortunate."

"I just... I guess I just didn't expect Ravio to be like that in the war, y'know?"

"Understandable. We can't know everything about everyone."

"... I still can't help but be vigilant. What if... I can't let anyone hurt him. I can't lose anyone else."

"And you let him come with us?"

"He made good points. How would you feel if Malon were traveling with us?"

The old man is silent for a moment as he contemplates before he chuckles, shaking his head as he pokes at the fire. "Touche. But you aren't the only one who's keeping watch. That's my job."

Link rolls his eyes.

"Y'know, Vet, if it helps, I'll wake you up first if anything happens."

"... Promise?"

"I promise. Now get some sleep. You need it."

Unfortunately, sleep isn't that easy. A simple promise can't always make anxieties disappear. It took a few more hours of nothing but the ambient sounds of the forest and the gentle crackle of the dwindling fire for sleep to finally, finally, take hold of him.

Even then, it wasn't deep. Who can sleep well knowing their loved ones might be in danger?

Chapter Text

Link was careful.

You never know what traps or tricks a dungeon will have. There's always a gimmick of some kind. He's never been in this dungeon, though, despite having been past its location before.

It feels wrong, like it doesn't belong. With how it seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, it probably doesn't.

The monsters they're hunting down seem to be coming from the dungeon, though, and it feels like the black blood and the monsters' portals. The need to complete their job and the allure of treasure are too strong to send the heroes away from the ominous hole in the ground.

So he was careful.

He couldn't risk Ravio getting hurt. He stayed in the front, making sure everyone moved carefully.

Unfortunately, that's what got him separated.

He walked into a room first. It opened up like a massive colosseum. As soon as he was inside, bars slid down, blocking his exit and separating him from the rest of the group.

A quick glance around the large room revealed cages built into the walls. They had various monsters in them. For the moment, all the cages were closed and the monsters hadn't noticed him.

While that's good, they'll probably open as soon as he goes farther into the room. He's been in his fair share of arenas and this doesn't seem to be any different. He'll have to fight to get the doors to open.

Ravio squeezes his hands. The others are saying things, trying to make a plan to get in. He hears something about an explosion from the champion as he has an incredibly petty and likely very bad idea.

He hands his sheathed sword to Ravio, much to everyone's surprise.

Smiling, he turns to the captain. "Hey Pretty Boy! Remember our little bet?"

The captain's face paled and it only made Link smile harder. He reached out to try and grab the shorter only to miss as Link stepped back.

Several days ago, the captain claimed Link couldn't win a fight without his sword. Link bet that he could. Intending to prove the captain wrong, he weighed his options carefully.

The monsters in the cages don't seem to be particularly strong from what he can see. There's a lot of them and he can always come back for his sword if he needs to. On top of that, the others can supply ranged backup if need be.

In other words, Link was about to be fifty rupees richer.

The captain desperately reached for him again. "Vet c'mon. This isn't funny. Now isn't the time to show off!"

"Oh you sad, simple man. There's always a time to show off."

"No. Get back over here."

"Hmmm... Nah. You owe me when I win!"

He turned, walking confidently into the colosseum. One by one, the monsters noticed him, snarling as they clawed at their prisons to get at him. He pulled out his hammer as the first cage began to open.

Zelda was going to kill him later.

Link stood there. Barely.

He was exhausted. All he had were items that drained his magic and his shield. He could barely hold it up he was so tired.

It feels like he's been fighting forever. In reality, it's likely been less than an hour.

He really shouldn't have used his magic cape.

He'd run out of magic several times due to the sheer amount of enemies. He had to resort to hitting them with whatever he had in his free hand more than once.

Regardless, Link was still standing. He didn't need his sword. He didn't need help. He was fine.

Everything was under control.

At least, that's what he was telling himself.

The final cage slowly slid open. He didn't have the energy or magic to deal with the final wave of enemies. With a sigh, he pulls out his hammer with one hand and pulls out his medallions with the other.

It doesn't take him long to find the one he needs. Grasping Ether, he let's the magic flow.

He shivered as a cold chill swept through the room, cutting through his clothes and chilling him to his core. He watches as the cold makes it to the monsters, freezing them in place.

Letting the medallions fall to his chest, he hoists up his hammer and gets to smashing.

When the final monster is nothing but shattered shards on the ground, dissipating into black smoke, the doors finally open.

As far as he knew, the colosseum was the only way to progress. At least nobody else had to get hurt.

Link doesn't know when his legs gave out but suddenly he's on the floor. Ravio's hugging him, holding him close like he almost lost him.

Slowly, he hugs Ravio back. "I'm fine, don't worry. I've done dumber."

"That's not going to make me worry less, Link!"

"But now the captain owes me money. I'd say it was worth it."

"You're going to be the death of me I swear." Ravio takes a moment to breathe and calm down. "Thank Loria you're alright."

He doesn't say anything. He managed to dodge pretty well. Aside from a few small scrapes he's fine. They'll heal on their own. Definitely not worth wasting a potion.

"Of course I'm alright. You're here."

He laughs as Ravio stands up, pushing him away. It takes a moment but his husband offers a hand to help him up. He stumbles as he's pulled up, eventually settling to lean against Ravio.

He smiles smugly at the captain, who looks to be exercising immense amounts of restraint.

As they continue to go deeper into the dungeon, Link slowly comes to realize just how dumb his decision was.

He was exhausted. While he could push his limits to survive should they encounter any monsters, the others most likely wouldn't let him do so. He's made himself dead weight.

Again.

It isn't long before they reach an area that seems relatively safe. Safe enough to take a break, at least.

Link sighs as Ravio helps him sit down against the wall. "I'm sorry Rav."

"You better be. It's bad enough hearing about your escapades. I was hoping after the incident I wouldn't have to see you hurt again."

"Okay to be fair that one wasn't my fault."

"Might as well have been! Do you know how scared I was?"

"You haven't let me forget."

"I should smack you."

"Probably. If you don't then Zelda definitely will."

He lightly hits Link on the head with the side of his hand. "Stupid hero. Stop making me worry so much."

"I can certainly try."

Ravio sighs, shoulders sagging. A movement behind him distracts Link from anything he was going to say.

Suddenly, everything is moving in slow motion.

He pulls Ravio closer, pulling out his shield with his other arm. He brings it around to shield the merchant and block the incoming attack. He holds Ravio close as he braces for impact.

The clang of metal on metal rings out, filling the space as sword meets shield.

He feels Ravio shift as the others start to recover from the surprise. His husband turns, the handle of the Master Sword in his hand. In one swift motion, he draws the sword from her sheath, a piece of the Lorulian Triforce glowing on his hand.

He watches Ravio stand as he swings outward, hitting the lizal's sword away as he stands. He falls easily into a fighting stance, adjusting his grip before slashing again.

He turns to Link, not even bothering to watch the body fall.

Link swears his heart skips a beat as he falls in love all over again.

He can almost imagine light shining into the room, illuminating Ravio is such a way that makes him almost seem to glow. At the same time, he's taken back to Lorule Castle and his confrontation with Hilda.

He was tired. He didn't want to fight. He's seen the state of Lorule and he understands Hilda's desperation.

At the same time, she tried to hurt his sister and threatened Hyrule.

Then Ravio came in. He stood between Link and Hilda, arms outstretched as he turned himself into a physical barrier. He looked so scared then.

There was no fear now.

"Are you okay, Bunny?"

Any response Link had died in his throat. His face felt hot and he knew he probably looked like a lovestruck fool. It didn't matter, though.

Ravio remembered what Link taught him when it came to wielding a sword. He was confident and strong and so incredibly attractive.

He clears his throat. "I'm fine."

Ravio nods. "You can protect yourself here, right?"

"Of course. If I need any help, I'll give you a shout."

"Right."

Ravio turns back to the fight. He scans, surveying the scene in front of him.

Lizalfos. Quite a few of them. There's at least one for each of the heroes, maybe two. Now that he looks closer, they all bleed black.

Their presence makes his skin crawl.

The whole dungeon does.

He doesn't have much time to dwell on it though as he's rushed by two more lizalfos. He ducks the first attack, blocking the second with the sword in his hands as he pulls out his ice rod. It fits comfortably in his left hand, the Master Sword humming in his right.

The Master Sword's power thrums up his arm. It's shocking and slightly painful. It seems to accept him, though. For the moment, at least.

It feels almost natural as he falls into the familiarity of Link's training. He can almost hear the hero, calling out what he should do.

He swings with his left, pouring magic into the ice rod. He freezes the first lizal as he pushes away the sword of the second to create an opening that allows him to kill the second. As the first lizal begins to unfreeze, Ravio turns and executes it.

His eyes are drawn to movement in his peripheral.

A black lizalfos. It slinks around at the edges of the battle, watching. He can feel its eyes on him.

Despite the darkness, he can see a noticable scar on its shoulder. A relatively fresh scar. One potentially caused by the sword in his hand.

Ravio sees red.

He charges over, freezing any lizal he passes before swinging at the one that dared to hurt his beloved. It takes a step back before halting. Ravio had already frozen its feet to the ground.

He keeps pushing. The lizal blocks and tries to get away, clearly not expecting to be faced with Ravio's fury.

Ravio doesn't let it get away. It won't get away from him. Not after what it's done.

Finally, one of Ravio's slashes draws blood. Barely, but it's something.

They trade blows. Eventually, the lizal seems to decide this isn't a fight worth fighting. He senses power build within it as it turns away from him, preparing to run.

It holds out its hand. Before it can summon a portal, Ravio freezes it in place. With one clean swing he removes the arm at the shoulder.

It manages to pull free of the ice before Ravio can land another hit. It's okay, he can do this all day.

They continue their back and forth. Ravio attacks. The lizal dodges. They repeat, engaging in a deadly dance.

Ravio is vigilant. He keeps an eye out, searching for any kind of opening. Then, it happens.

The lizalfos stumbles. Ravio uses the opportunity to knock it down, freezing it to the ground. It looks up at him as he raises the Master Sword. There is nothing behind those eyes.

He feels no remorse as he brings down the blade and ends the monster that caused him and his family so much distress.

As the black lizalfos dissipates into foul black smoke, he realizes the room is quiet. Looking around, he can see that the fight is over.

Suddenly, what was a tolerable pain exploded in his hands. They burned where the Master Sword touched. On reflex, he lets it go.

Suddenly, his hands are being pulled away from him by Link.

"Are you okay? Did she hurt you?"

Ravio smiles. His hands hurt but he'll be fine. "The Master Sword is a she now?"

Link rolls his eyes. "Yeah well I learned more about the spirit."

The hero frowns as he studies Ravio's hands. They're red and burned from the darkness sealing sword.

"I'm fine, Link. Really."

"You're hurt."

With one hand, Link pulls a red potion out of his bag. He pulls off the top with his teeth before holding the bottle out for Ravio to drink.

"You don't have to waste a potion on me–"

The bottle is shoved more insistently in Ravio's face. The merchant sighs and relents to his husband's whims. His hands certainly feel better after drinking the potion.

Once it's gone, Link puts the top back in the bottle. "It's not a waste if the potion is for you, Rav. Also you over stocked my bag with them."

Ravio coughs into his hand as he looks away sheepishly.

Link pulls him in to press a kiss to his cheek. "That was really cool y'know. Protecting me like that."

He laughs as Ravio puts a hand on his face to push him away, burying his flushed face in his other hand. Link was about to continue speaking when an exaggerated gag comes from the sailor.

The universe decides to take that as a sign to step in and punch Link in the gut as another portal opens right before them.

He feels it before he sees it and his heart sinks.

He must look upset because the old man gently squeezes his shoulder. "Take as long as you need. I know saying goodbye can be hard."

His hand finds Ravio's, giving it a little squeeze as the merchant examines the portal. It's his second time seeing one but maybe he can give them a fresh perspective on it.

"Fascinating. It feels like home but I doubt that's where it goes. It's almost like its presence has removed some of the... wrong of this place."

The traveler hums. "Maybe killing the black lizalfos did that. I felt the air change when it went down."

"Perhaps... Well the portal is definitely Lorulian in origin. It feels like Lorule itself. Not at all like whatever the lizal was trying to summon. That felt... evil. The same as this one but different."

The old man smiles. "Thank you for your insight, Ravio."

"No problem, Mask. Happy to help!"

Link inhales deeply as the others prepare to go through. This portal feels final. Whatever happens on the other side will be the end.

What it'll be the end of, he can't say. Hylia didn't bless him with the power of foresight.

He turns his attention to Ravio. He'll have to make the journey home by himself. Ravio is capable, as he's just proved, but Link can't help but worry.

With an exhale, he clasps his hands together and closes his eyes. Under his breath, he sends out a quick prayer to Loria and the golden three. After a moment, he extends his prayer to Hylia as well.

He doesn't know what'll happen on the other side of the portal. No matter what, though, he wants his family to be safe. If the gods do nothing else for him, he wants them to protect the people he loves.

He finds himself praying harder than he usually does. When he opens his eyes, Ravio leans into his side.

"I know I ask this a lot but are you alright, Bunny?"

He inhales shakily before responding. "Can I be honest?"

"With me? Always."

"I'm scared. This feels..."

"Final?"

"Yeah."

They fall into silence, soaking up each other's presence as the reality settles in. Link might not come back from this. There's a good chance he will but the possibility is always there.

He takes Ravio's hand in his. "You'll be safe going home, right?"

"I will."

"And you'll tell Zelda what happened?"

"I feel like we've had this conversation before, love."

Link breathes in. The air smells like dirt and blood. The others are waiting on him.

"Maybe I should walk you to the dungeon entrance, just to be safe."

"You're stalling."

"And you're still here."

"Make sure to get some rest when you get to the other side. You need to be at your best, okay?"

"... Okay."

They don't say anything for a moment.

Ravio presses a kiss to Link's lips. "I love you."

He blinks back tears in his eyes, the words he wants to say dying before they're able to escape.

"I love you."

"I know you do."

"But I still couldn't tell you in a way that mattered."

"That's okay. Stay safe out there."

He smiles. It doesn't reach his eyes. "No promises."

"Come home, then. I don't want to lose you."

He pushes Ravio's hair out of his face before pressing a kiss to his hairline. "I don't want to lose you either."

"See you."

"See you." Link parrots back.

Ravio gives his hand a squeeze. He's smiling, but it's sad.

Slowly, Link pulls away. He doesn't want to leave, but he lets go anyway. The others take it as their sign to go and begin entering the portal.

He takes one last look at Ravio before the traveler grabs his arm, gently leading him into the portal and away from home once more.

Chapter Text

Link wants to turn back around as soon as he steps out of the portal.

The air tastes like poison. It's filled with an evil energy that threatens to choke him with every breath. The plants around them are dead or dying. Dark clouds hang overhead, threatening to unleash a storm as they bathe the land in shadow. He can sense monsters nearby. There's a lot of them and he's not looking forward to fighting for his life.

It feels like the traveler's era but somehow... worse.

The cruel, heartless, evil isn't residual. It's potent, permeating everything with its stench.

Deep underneath all the bad, Link can sense a little bit of what was once his own. His heart sinks as he remembers this is what becomes of his beloved home.

Did he not do enough? What disaster occurred once he was gone to cause this? The traveler said he did good but did he really?

The light weight of a familiar bird landing on his shoulder brings him slightly out of the self deprecating spiral. He brings a hand up, scratching at the back of Sheerow's head as the portal closes behind them.

"Shouldn't you be keeping Ravio company?"

Sheerow nuzzles into his hand as a response. Maybe he can birdsit for a while.

"Are we back in the traveler's era?" the Captain says, looking around. He rests a hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to fight off any monsters, should they need to.

The traveler shakes his head no from where he's helping the smith to stand. He looks even more nauseous than usual, likely because of all the unnatural magic in the air.

Link sighs. "No... I'd say this is before. If I had to make a guess..."

He's cut off as the smithy retches. The traveler rubs his back, shooting a sympathetic look in Link's direction.

He just rolls his eyes. "Anyway, I feel like we should probably find a city or something. Being out in the open like this is a recipe for disaster in a place infested with monsters."

He gets several murmers of agreement. Thankfully, nobody seems keen to stick around.

Link takes the lead. This is technically his Hyrule as well and where they are is familiar if not because of the surroundings, then because of the way the natural magic seems to welcome him home.

The walk to Kakariko Village is incredibly stressful. Monsters lurk between the trees, ready to ambush them at any moment. They spend a lot of their time carefully going around so as not to spend any energy in a fight they don't have to be in, battling off more monsters than they originally anticipated.

Eventually, they make it to the town. It's eerily quiet. Guards roam the streets and people watch them go by nervously from their windows.

While he knows the guards are likely here to protect the civilians from the increased amount of monsters, their presence doesn't make Link any less nervous.

He stops when he notices a girl around his age open the blacksmith's door and slightly step out. She beckons him over after a moment.

"Are you all heroes?"

"Uhhhh..." He glances back at the rest of his group, contemplating how to respond. Any lies probably won't work due to the fact that her eyes have landed on the guard of his sword. Instead, he crosses his arms. "What's it to you?"

"Ah... well... The last hero that went out to fight them didn't come back. I was hoping maybe if there were nine heroes..."

The old man steps forward, taking over the conversation. "What do you mean there was a hero? And who are they?"

"You clearly aren't from around here." She thinks for a moment, surveying the group. "Come inside."

She opens the door up for them and they file in. Link stays suspicious of everything even as he enters the familiar house. One can never be too careful.

"Feel free to make yourselves comfortable. I'll put on some tea."

She disappears to the kitchen as the rest of the group make themselves comfortable. Link stays standing, though. Despite having been in this building before, it no longer belongs to the family he once knew. This is a stranger. You can never be too careful around strangers.

The girl returns with a teapot and a plate of cups. She distributes the steaming drinks, of which Link politely declines through Hylian sign. Once she's settled, the old man wastes no time questioning her after taking a sip of his drink.

"What happened here?"

She takes in a deep breath, glancing nervously out the window before speaking. "Well... Hylia, where to begin?"

"Preferably the beginning." Link signs, snark earning an elbow from the captain.

The girl doesn't pay him any mind, though, and continues to speak after taking a moment to collect her thoughts. "You see, we could really use a hero... or nine. About a year ago this pair of siblings showed up and... Well they kinda took over everything with the help of their monster army."

The old man nods as he sets his cup down on the coffee table. "And can you tell us more about these siblings?"

She nods after a moment. The fear in her eyes tells Link almost everything he needs to know, though. "They're... powerful. Very, powerful. The most powerful sorcerers in Hyrule's history, as far as we know. I've heard quite a few things about them but some people believe they have the power of the golden goddesses on their side."

Link frowns. That could definitely be bad for them. He glances out the window just as a stray monster walks past. He closes the blinds.

"They uh... Zelda managed to escape but we don't know where she is. Then the twins shook the earth. They made mountains and flooded the land. Anything South of Castle Town is as good as gone."

Link leans against the couch the other heroes are sitting on as he mentally works out what is included in that area. His home is gone, for sure. Everything he worked to protect, all the memories he made, washed away just like that.

Sheerow pecks at his ear before snuggling into his neck. He takes a deep breath in and tunes back into the conversation.

"I'm... so sorry to hear that." The old man starts, getting several murmers of agreement. "We can certainly do our best to take care of this for you. Where can we find these siblings?"

"I heard that the hero, the one who went out to fight them before you all arrived, went to Castle Town to find them. Considering he never came back, I feel as though that might be a good place to start. It isn't all under water... yet."

The rancher raises his hand. "If it's flooded, how are we supposed to get to Castle Town? Not all of us can swim."

The girl nods. "There should be some boats at the Sanctuary left over from the evacuation."

The old man smiles at her. "Thank you so much. Your help is greatly appreciated."

Traveler coughs into his hand to get everyone's attention. "If it won't be too much of an issue, could we stay here for a little longer? It's relatively safe and some of our members could use some rest after our last fight." He shoots a pointed look at Link. "We all need to be in the best shape we can be before fighting these two sorcerers."

The girl smiles at him. "Of course! Stay for as long as you need. I can pull some extra blankets from the closet too if you need."

"That'd be great, thank you, miss."

She gets up to go aquire more blankets. Link is persuaded to take a nap and he ends up with a familiar quilt. It's been passed down through Gulley's family for generations. He runs his hand over where he helped to sew on a patch after he accidentally ripped it.

He's had a few sleepovers under this blanket. Now, he'll have one more.

While he sleeps, the champion gets to work on some food in their host's kitchen. Apparently, they don't really have access to good food at the moment so he makes enough to feed the whole village.

After killing a few of the more problematic and dangerous monsters in the area, feeding the village, and getting some much needed rest, they head out to Sanctuary.

Before he falls asleep, though, Link takes the time to write out a letter to Ravio.

"Ravio,

I'm doing alright so far. We ended up in Kakariko and we'll be heading to Sanctuary soon. Since we got here, we've learned who is likely behind everything and they seem to be a pretty big threat. We can probably handle it, though.

I hope you got home alright. Sheerow decided to come with me and while I appreciate the company, I'd feel bad if you needed him and didn't have him.

I love you.

- Link"

Chapter Text

"Dearest, Link,

I made the journey home just fine. Sheerow stayed with me most of the way and we didn't encounter anything we couldn't handle.

Zelda has already been informed of what's going on. While she's annoyed by the fact that you're contacting her through me once again while you run off to Loria knows where, she wishes the best for you and the other heroes.

Aside from all of that, I am glad to hear you are all right. I've instructed Sheerow to stay by your side. He'll comfort you where I cannot.

Don't worry about me. I have Zelda and Hilda to keep me company.

Stay safe out there. And make sure to come home.

I love you, Link.

Your beloved husband, Ravio"

When they arrived to Sanctuary, the way towards Castle Town was just as flooded as the kind stranger said.

Link could see the buildings in the distance, though, the walls of the city poking up over the water. Not yet swallowed by the waves.

Behind Hyrule Castle, there was a massive tear in space. He doesn't know where the portal goes. At least, not from this distance. He has a feeling they'll have to go through it, though.

He startled out of his thoughts as the rancher returns to the group.

"So! I have good news and I have bad news."

Link groans. He'd rather not hear the bad news. Although, if they made it to Castle Town without issue then he would get suspicious.

He sighs. Might as well get it over with. "What's the bad news?"

"Well... There're only two boats."

The old man nods, already calculating. "And the good news?"

"They're willing to let us use them! Hooray!" Rancher does a little motion with his hands like it's a bigger thing than it is.

Link sighs. "Alright. Let's get this over with."

.

.

.

Well this is a very cruddy situation.

The boats aren't big enough to carry everyone. And they can't really go get more either due to these being the only boats available.

They had something of a solution though. Four heroes per boat. That leaves one person to swim.

Link watches as they all huddle up, discussing what items they have to determine who should swim. After a bit, he turns his attention to the water.

It probably wouldn't be very fun to swim in. The fact that it's because of a flood means there's probably a lot of trash from people's homes to worry about. Potentially a lack of visibility too. Not to mention the rancid magic poisoning it.

He checks his own protective items.

If he goes for a swim, he'll probably be fine. Probably.

And the transformation only has two downsides. The pain, which he can deal with, and the fact that the act of transforming leaves him vulnerable. Considering he's in a group of mostly trustworthy people, it's not really that much of a problem anymore.

He sighs, pushing himself up from where he'd been sitting. As he walks towards the water, he grabs the rancher's sleeve, pulling him along.

The hero sputters as he's dragged away from the others. "Wh- VET!"

Link doesn't say anything as he drags the rancher out into the water, stopping to take off his boots and rings. Despite the protesting, Rancher goes with him incredibly easily.

He lets go of the slightly older hero once he's about waist deep in the water. Turning around, he watches the rancher's curious look turn to one of surprise and alarm as he spreads his arms and falls backwards into the water.

Against the instinctual urge to hold his breath, he inhales and triggers the transformation. He lets it rip through him, binding his lungs to his ribs and opening up holes in his sides. His fingers become connected by a thin membrane to help him move through the water and his nails grow into sharp natural weapons. His legs combine to form a tail as his ears split into fins. Finally, the scales emerge, finishing the transformation.

He shudders. Everything hurts but the ache is fading. Slowly, he turns to look at Rancher, thankful for the protective secondary eyelid protecting his eyes.

He holds a thumbs up above the water. The other hero nods, understanding the message. He waits a second or so more as though to make sure Link didn't need anything else before returning to the group.

Link watches the rancher go, poking his head above the water. He doesn't follow him closer to the shore, preferring to stay where it's at least slightly deeper.

The solitude gives him time to think.

The rancher stayed with him. He seemed alert, keeping an eye on their surroundings, Sheerow perched on his shoulder. He protected Link.

The thought is... comforting.

Other than that, the water is interesting. It's salty, the flood likely having come from the ocean. Perhaps it's still connected. Outside of that, the water is dirty and somewhat murky in places. Breathing is a bit of a challenge and his tunics don't help but there's no way he's taking them off. Especially not when the magic they're imbued with prevents him from being affected by whatever magic is in the water.

Link pokes around the mud a bit before getting bored and poking his head above the water.

He watches from a distance as they divide themselves between the boats. The captain, rancher, traveler, and smithy in one. Sky, the old man, champion, and sailor in the other.

He snorts, or the mer equivalent of a snort, as he watches them struggle to not tip the boats as they push out onto the water. Thank Loria he doesn't have to deal with that mess.

Once they finally figure things out, Link follows them from under the water. He tries to stay close to the surface, letting his companions know he hasn't abandoned them. Every so often he's distracted by something shining in the depths.

Rupees, pieces of jewelry, really anything shiny that could have been swept away by the flood.

Splashing comes from one of the boats and he swims back to the surface. The others apparently don't want to lose him.

He doesn't stay for long as they go across the moat, though. It's probably the deepest part of the flooded plain and he's going to take full advantage of that fact.

Aside from a couple trinkets there isn't much at the bottom. He watches a shadow pass over him as one of the boats sails overhead. Ditching the rock he was looking at, he swims back up to join the others once again.

He grabs onto the back of one of the boats, hanging on as he watches the gates pass by.

Slowly, they drift to a stop.

Castle Town is quiet, still, empty. It feels like a ghost town. A shell of its former self.

Slowly, they begin to navigate the flooded streets.

Link runs a hand across the buildings as he swims by. Buildings that are likely going to be swallowed by the sea before long, unable to be inhabited by Hylians again.

Perhaps the Zora will find a way to make use of these eerie remains.

He returns to the boats as they go over the fountain in the center of the town, getting ready to approach the castle. He can feel a swarm of something nearby. Something dark.

A bunch of keese, perhaps?

The portal takes his attention away from the threat.

It's massive, looming ominously behind the castle. It feels like the portals the monsters have been using, only worse. The magical energy it exudes threatens to choke him, drag him under the water where he cannot breathe, suffocate him in the depths where nobody can save him.

On the other side looks to be Lorule's Castle Town.

He's pulled out of his thoughts by a sharp sting on the side of his head.

Looking over, he spots an anti-fairy. There's a whole swarm of them, dancing around in the air. They all slowly move towards the group.

A sword swishes through the air, barely missing him as the person it belongs to aims for the fairy. He recognizes it as the traveler's sword.

"Back, bubble! Get away from him."

He raises an eyebrow at the name, spotting a similar look of confusion on the old man's face, before he pulls himself up onto a nearby roof. Reaching into his bag, he pulls out his boomerang as it'll likely be much more effective than the magic dust considering he's wet.

He barely aims before throwing it, watching it hit the anti-fairy. The evil very quickly fades, leaving a confused but grateful fairy behind.

She follows the boomerang back to Legend, healing the injuries she didn't mean to cause as thanks for helping her.

He grins as the others gawk at him.

"WHAT?!" The smithy leans over the side of the boat, almost tipping it over. He seems the most surprised. "WHAT WAS THAT?! HOW DID YOU DO THAT?!"

"They're fairies corrupted by dark magic. A little magic powder or a small smack with a magic boomerang and they're back to feeling like themselves."

The smithy stares at him in open-mouthed shock.

The sailor pipes up. "Huh. You learn something new every day."

Link digs around in his bag while the smithy fumes. He tosses the magic powder over to the traveler before throwing the boomerang for the sailor to catch.

"I better get those back."

Traveler nods. "Of course!"

With that, he slips back into the water so they can continue towards the castle.

Right away Link can tell there's nothing of note inside the castle itself. That means their only option is the portal.

He's not going through it with a tail.

He waits for the rancher's boat to be mostly clear of heroes before pulling himself over the side. It rocks nauseatingly but the rancher holds him close as the reverse of the transformation washes over him.

He hacks up his lungs, it being worse than usual due to the amount of junk in the water, and throws up over the side of the boat before putting his boots and rings back on. The rancher gives him a sip of his canteen as the old man starts getting the people from his boat through the portal.

He feels terrible as the rancher rubs his back and Sheerow sits on his shoulder, nuzzling his cheek comfortingly.

"Are you okay?"

He hums noncommittally in response. Link really wishes he could deep clean his lungs. He feels sick and he's soaking wet.

He probably will be once this adventure is over.

The rancher waits with him in the stupid little rowboat until he feels good enough to go through the portal.

He hands the canteen back. The rancher helps him through. Which god made good on their favors to him and blessed him with such great traveling companions?

His feet thump down on cracked cobblestone. It's thankfully dry. Well, everywhere aside from where Link is standing due to the puddle of water forming under his feet.

He gets one of the others to blast him with a bit of fire and the problem is solved. Being slightly singed is much better than being drenched in water.

It makes him feel a bit better too.

Once that's done, he's finally able to properly note their surroundings.

A familiar castle. An almost perfect mirror of the town they just came from with crumbled walls and long abandoned houses. The slightly discolored plants and dark sky. The broken and fractured landscape.

"Lorule?"

"That place Ravio is from?" The captain speaks up, looking at Link quizzically.

"Oh uh- yeah! Yeah..."

The others definitely know something is off. Link knows something is off.

This isn't his Lorule.

He's been there after reestablishing a connection between the worlds. Most of the fissures in the land had been repaired with magic, both Lorulian and Hylian. Any cracks that couldn't be closed had sturdy bridges built over them to connect the kingdom. Lorule's Castle Town is filled with life, walls sturdy and protective.

He didn't see any of that here.

He hates how happy the fate of Lorule makes him feel. The relief he feels at the realization that this is not his Lorule. This is not his timeline. The guilt at feeling joy because of the suffering these people have most likely endured.

It had to have branched somewhere but it explains why nobody else truly knew about Lorule.

It explains so much.

He blinks, snapping himself out of his thoughts. He can save Lorule again. He will save Lorule again.

He leads the way around the side of the castle. It has to be the hideout of this pair of twins they're meant to fight. He can sense something inside as the source for everything.

They sneak, careful not to attract the attention of the army monsters patrolling the abandoned town. Carefully, they make their way into the front entrance.

Link closes the door behind him, gazing at the massive open space before them. It perfectly mirrors Hyrule Castle.

A grand space with light filtering through a stain glass window, dotting the floor with blobs of color. A blue and silver, moth-eaten rug leading from the door they just came through, up the staircase, and into the throne room. Abandoned planters, empty and devoid of anything but the rotting remains of whatever used to be planted inside them.

Link breathes in shakily.

An abandoned cathedral echoes back.

It smells like dust and decay.

Their footsteps and armor echo as they approach the large double doors that lead to the throne room. Link rests his hand on the handle.

There's a presence on the other side. Something familiar but different. Altered somehow from what he knows. Whatever it is, it's dangerous.

They do a quick check of supplies, even though they can't go back to get anything. They're as prepared as they will ever be.

He writes out a short letter and hands it to Sheerow. He tells the bird to stay out of danger. If he is to fall to whatever is behind these doors, Sheerow is to deliver the letter to Ravio and Zelda.

"Ready?"

Link gets eight affirmatives back, all spoken quietly to minimize how much their voices echo.

Link breathes in. He glances at Sheerow, perched on his shoulder. At the note tied around his little bird ankle. Link breathes out.

He grabs the door's handles in both hands, steeling himself for whatever is on the other side.

This is it.

Before he can back out due to fear, Link pushes open the doors to the throne room.

Chapter Text

The large doors groan as they're pushed open, wood creaking as metal hinges whine in protest at the sudden movement.

Though rusted, the hinges give way, allowing the doors to swing open so that everyone can see into the room.

The blue and silver carpet continues in a line through the long and imposing room. It leads to the other end where two thrones sit, raised on a dais. Ornate and beautiful, the thrones are the only properly maintained things in the room.

Link doesn't let his eyes linger on them for long.

Ganondorf sits on the floor in the center of the room. While his appearance doesn't match what Link has seen in the past, he knows it's him.

Ganon looks positively miserable. He's bored, angry, upset.

His eyes are on the heroes.

The large doors that lead to the entry swing slowly closed. The sound as the wood falls into place startles a few of the heroes.

Ganon stands, the chains connected to shackles around his wrists clinking. Link watches the chains move unnaturally, as though they are connected to something he can't see.

He's tall. Taller than Link remembers him being the last time they fought. Ganon towers over all of the heroes.

He watches the demon king stretch his arms, shoulders popping and joins cracking. His feet slide across the floor as he falls fluidly into a battle stance, arms raised as he readies for combat. His outstretched hand beckons the heroes closer as his voice, gravelly and deep, echoes around the room.

"Let's dance."

The sailor and champion both rush in, drawing their weapons as they approach the enemy. The other heroes are quick to follow.

The sailor slashes at Ganon's leg as he slides under him. He's unable to retaliate, forced to block an incoming attack from the cook instead.

Link takes a moment to watch Sheerow fly up into the rafters for safety before unsheathing his own sword as he joins the fight.

The sailor falls back, allowing the smith to take his place of slashing at Ganon's legs. He pulls out a bow and nocks an arrow that glows with a holy light.

Ganon stumbles but he quickly falls into a rhythm. Dodge, swing, step, swing, dodge. The heroes and the demon dance around each other.

Ganon stumbles when one of his shackles it trapped in place through stasis. It doesn't slow him down, even as an arrow hits the metal before the cook comes along to hit it again with his weapon. The cook taps something on his Sheikah Slate, causing the metal to be released, momentum pulling Ganon's arm with it.

Ganon steps, moving easily with the momentum, using it to dodge some more attacks.

Link runs in, both hands on his sword. He uses the momentum from his forward movement to throw him into a hurricane spin.

Ganon block with his arms, stepping back every other rotation.

The eighth spin concludes. Ganon raises his fist for an attack.

Before the attack can hit, Link flicks out his switch hook. He aims for the old man and fires, bracing himself before he's thrown across the room.

The old man casts Nayru's Love and Ganon's fist bounces harmlessly off of the icy shield. It disperses as Ganon stumbles, the old man clenching his fist. Link watches the magic gather before the old man slams his fist into the ground, a wave of fire going out from the contact point.

It doesn't hit any of the heroes but Ganon has no time to dodge. He can only curl into himself in order to minimize damage.

He's unable to react as the captain appears from behind, borrowed fire rod in hand. Ganon is momentarily swallowed by the flame before a hand surges out to hit the captain across the room.

The flames disperse and whatever joy Ganon was getting from this fight is gone.

He's going to lose. And he knows it.

The dance continues. Step, block, dodge, swing, dodge, block, step. It's less graceful than it was before. Ganon is angry, panicking. His movements become sloppy.

Dodge, step, block, swing, dodge, dodge, swing, block, step.

Ganon lands a hit on the smith, sending him into the ground. Hard.

Link uses the switch hook again, putting himself in danger as he makes sure the smaller hero won't become a red stain on the floor.

His shoulder hits the ground where Smithy was before. He pulls on the magic cape.

As Ganon's fist slams down he goes intangible, shivering as the attack goes right through him. It always feels weird, feels wrong. He's quick to move as the cape continues to drain his already low magic reserves, becoming tangible to thrust his sword up into Ganon's shoulder.

Ganon roars in pain, arm already moving to smack Link. He braces for the attack only to startle when he feels the old man's arms wrap around him from behind.

In a swirl of disorienting green, the old man teleports them both back to where they entered the room.

The older hero holds him for a moment as he gets his bearings.

"Are you okay?"

Link takes a moment to wait for the room to stop spinning before he nods.

The old man lets him go to charge at Ganon again. The rancher rams his shoulder into Ganon, throwing him off balance as the old man leaps into the air to bring his sword down into the shoulder Link's sword is still lodged in.

As he tears his sword away, Link recalls the rancher performing something similar in the past.

The rancher makes sure to slash Ganon's side as he darts out of range.

If Ganon wasn't angry before, he is now. He glares daggers at the heroes in his line of sight as he pulls out Link's sword, tossing it to the side. His good arm raises as he stands tall. Magic swirls and shadows gather, forming a large trident in Ganon's hand.

He spins it before tapping the end on the ground.

The traveler runs his hand across his blade, muttering an incantation. As he rushes forward his weapon catches fire.

He slides easily under the swing of Ganon's trident, popping up on the other side. He slashes at Ganon's arm and side as he runs past, blade cauterizing the wounds it inflicts.

Ganon turns, catching the traveler in the side of the head. Link's breath catches on his throat as he's thrown to the floor.

Sky tosses him the Master Sword as he runs past. Sliding between Ganon and the kid, he brings the sword up to hit the trident away. He surges in to bury the sword in Ganon's stomach, hearing Sky help the traveler up as he does so.

Unfortunately, Ganon doesn't take kindly to being stabbed in the stomach.

He grabs Link with his free hand, lifting him easily into the air. He struggles for a moment before Ganon slams him into the ground.

His shoulder hits first, colliding with the tiled floor so hard his vision flashes white.

There's a swish above him as Ganon swings his trident outward. As his vision clears, he watches the champion flip backwards to dodge before rushing in fast enough to make Link's head spin.

He continues to lay on the floor as the fight continues. His shoulder feels like it's on fire. Something is most likely broken.

Someone pulls him up. The rancher and sailor sit with him as he drinks a red potion. It takes a moment for the healing effect to kick in but he's grateful when it does.

The sailor gets up to rejoin the fight and the remaining two continue to watch the fight.

Sky has picked up Link's sword. He seems only slightly thrown off by the slight difference in weight. He dodges attacks just as scarily easy as he normally does, aiming for the hands and wrist.

The cook continues to be scarily fast, doing that thing where he dodges before rushing in. He doesn't even seem to care when he gets hit, tossing a bomb back before detonating it.

The smithy and sailor continue to make use of their size and speed. While the sailor ducks under to swipe at Ganon's ankles and sides, the smithy uses the Cane of Pacci to swoop in from above.

The old man pulls the sailor back by the back of his shirt, throwing up Nayru's Love before gripping his sword with both hands. He swings, catching Ganon in the ribs as the captain uses fire to obscure Ganon's vision.

Everyone moves in tandem, swords connecting with flesh as they spatter blood on the ground. Link helps from a distance, firing magic arrows at any weak points he can hit.

Ganon's hand flashes out of the flames, aiming for their source. He misses as the captain ducks, darting in among the dissipating flames to thrust his sword beside Sky's.

As the captain pushes his sword deeper, he makes sure to grab the Master Sword. He pulls both blades free, blood splattering on the floor as he does so.

Ganon swings.

The captain rolls out of the way.

"SKY! CATCH!"

The captain tosses the Master Sword over to its rightful owner after he pops up out of his roll. Sky flails for a second, practically dropping Link's sword to catch his own.

The traveler is quick to scoop up the discarded sword, though, passing it back to Link so he can properly rejoin the fight.

He darts in beside the rancher, using the bigger hero for cover as he makes his own attacks. Whenever the rancher makes an opening, Link is fast to use it.

Link fights as dirty as he can. He aims for the backs of Ganon's knees, the inside of his elbows. He attempts to blind Ganon by throwing his own blood onto his eyes.

There's a roll of thunder.

Link stumbles, allowing Ganon's trident to slice his leg. He's fast to get out of range as he looks through the windows.

The sky seems clear. Where...

He turns his gaze upward. Storm clouds gather in the rafters, crackling with electricity. They swirl with the traveler's magic, likely having been summoned by him. A quick glance over to the kid proves that theory correct.

Sky raises his sword to the clouds above them.

The flash of lightning is followed immediately by the rumble of thunder. Like a lightning rod, the Master Sword is struck.

The sword in Sky's hands crackles with energy, almost as if it had been super charged. The energy sparks around Sky's hand and down his arm in a way that looks painful.

Sky doesn't seem to notice as he shifts his stance and charges Ganon.

Link is quick to snap out of his stunned stupor when Sky begins to move. He pulls out the Cane of Somaria. It hums in his hands as he pours his magic into it, creating a platform right in front of Sky.

It rises from the ground, taking the chosen hero with it.

He leaps off, raising his sword high.

With all his strength, Sky brings it down on Ganon.

Electricity crackles around him as a loud clang rings out through the room.

Sky stands, staring at Ganon. He'd managed to dodge, turning just in time to see what was coming. He fell backwards to avoid the attack, landing on his ass.

Ganon opens his mouth to speak.

He's silenced as a spike made of darkness erupts from behind, piercing his throat. It lifts him slightly and he chokes on blood as he attempts to breathe.

As the tendril retreats, Ganon falls to the ground, life leaving his eyes as he bleeds out onto the carpet.

A woman laughs.

A man speaks.

"Apologies, Ganon, but we'll need a better performance than that."

Chapter Text

Ganon bleeds, staining the carpet under his corpse black. Link's gaze raises from the disintegrating corpse to the once empty thrones that were behind him, now occupied by a pair of Hylians.

The prettiest Hylians Link has ever seen sit in the gilded chairs. He feels his face heat up a little at the sight of them.

Ravio would understand.

The pair are uncannily similar in appearance.

The woman sits on the left. Her hair is fluffy and long and white. Her wine red suit fits her perfectly and elegantly, make-up and heels matching. Her nails are sharp and her fingers are stained black. The circlet on her head is adorned with an upsidedown triangle.

A piece of the Lorulian Triforce.

The man is dressed much the same. The red suit and matching makeup. Rings on his fingers made of silver, adorned with magic runes Link can't read and gemstones. His long black hair is put into a braid, loose at the top so that it can be easily pulled over his shoulder. A triangle hangs from his pointed ear.

A piece of the Hylian Triforce.

The admiration and attraction is snuffed out as a wave of pure malice washes over him. Their magic invades all his senses at once, powerful and abundant. It smells like sulfur and death, feels like insects burrowing into his skin to eat him alive from the inside. Like nails on a chalkboard. It's suffocating and foul.

The Cane of Somaria goes slack in Link's shaking hands as he is overwhelmed by fear and dread.

The two sorcerers scan the group with disdain and disinterest, red eyes malicious and predatory.

The woman shifts, legs crossed at the knee, the side of her head resting against two fingers. "So Hylia is sending more minions, hm?"

"It would seem that way, sister. Though we revived Ganon in order to dissuade pests, it seems he wasn't enough."

"Like moths to a flame."

The man stands up. He offers a hand to his sister and smiles. "Shall we, Nyx?"

Nyx takes the outstretched hand, matching his sinister smile with one of her own. "I think we shall, Erebus."

They step off the dais, elegantly hand in hand. Nyx's red eyes move over Link and he shivers, eyes squeezing shut in fear. She smirks and Link is unable to move when she suddenly appears in front of him, moving from the dais in an instant. She grabs his chin, claws digging into his face as he's forced to look up at her.

"So it was you who broke our dagger. I've been... dying to meet you."

Her grip tightens, sharpened nails drawing a bead of blood. Her manic smile too close to his face as she leans in.

"You were so much fun. Let's recreate that little nightmare of yours."

Nyx suddenly leans back, sharp smile falling into cold calculation as a light arrow whistles past. In the corner of his eye, Link can see the old man nocking a second arrow, eye narrowing.

"YOU GET AWAY FROM HIM!" Nyx is forced to let Link go, stepping back to avoid the traveler's blade. He swings at Nyx, enraged by her implication.

She pouts as she ducks under an attack from the sailor. "You heroes are no fun."

Her nails elongate into weapons as she turns on the sailor. Talons sink into his arms before he's being launched across the room and into the rancher, arm bleeding from where he was stabbed.

Nyx laughs, the melodic sound twisted and grating on Link's ears.

A light arrow flies, piercing a cloud of smoke where she once stood. Link switches his cane out for his sword as Nyx attacks the old man.

The traveler jumps in to help as the smithy splits. Red, Blue, and Green all rush in to help as Vio fires arrows from a distance. Nyx laughs again, manic with adrenaline as the cook swings at her with a broadsword.

Erebus faces against the other four heroes. His spear prevents them from getting too close.

Link rushes in, sliding low to go under Erebus' defenses. He slashes, aiming for the waist. Erebus dances out of reach and Link gets hit in the back of his head by the spear's shaft.

The impact causes him to stumble and he's barely able to roll out of the way as Erebus attempts to skewer him.

Sky pushes Erebus back, blocking his spear with the Master Sword. The sorcerer doesn't let the hero get close enough to make an attack, though.

They continue their dance, Erebus smiling. The rancher, sailor, captain, and Link try to help with no success. Erebus gracefully avoids their attacks, his sister doing the same.

Slash, dodge, block, dodge, step, slash.

Link activates his magic cape. He doesn't have the energy to use it for long so he sprints in. Erebus senses him a moment too late and Link's sword draws blood.

At the same moment, he feels a spike of darkness erupt from the floor behind him. It buries itself in his back, his gear trying to repel it.

Erebus doesn't have a moment to capitalize on Link's injury as Sky forces him to block.

The rancher nocks a light arrow, aiming at Erebus while the captain blasts him with fire. The arrow is released, flying into the blaze while the sorcerer is disoriented.

When the smoke clears, Link can see the arrow nestled in Erebus' shoulder.

The fire did nothing.

Across the room, the champion dodges an attack from Nyx that cracks the floor. She dodges when he rushes in, the traveler's flaming sword cutting open her side.

The champion is grinning like a madman.

Traveler and the colors all seem a bit worse for wear.

The old man throws a punch at Nyx's jaw, swinging his sword around with the momentum when she dodges behind him. The sword swings through smoke and the old man is barely able to cast Nayru's Love before the smoke reforms and Nyx hurls a wave of fire at him.

Link's attention is drawn back to Erebus as he's forced to dodge a spell. He glances behind him, the carpet disintegrating where the spell hit.

"Eyes on me, cutie." Erebus flashes Link a smile as he rams the butt of his spear into Sky's stomach.

Sky stumbles back, doubling over. The rancher steps in swiftly with a great spin. Erebus dodges low, Rancher's sword barely missing his braid as it swings over his head. He surges forward, thrusting the spear's point into the hero's gut.

Erebus swings, throwing the hero off of his weapon before trying to hit the sailor with the shaft. The kid blocks with his shield.

Erebus smiles, amused. "A child? How... amusing."

Link fires his switch hook at the sailor. He braces himself as Erebus' spear continues it's sweeping movement with the kid no longer there to block it. He brings his shield up as Erebus swings back, stabbing at smoke.

He manages to put his shield up in time to block an onslaught of magic. The force of it sends him across the room. "Your turn, Nyx!"

She grins, kicking Red away from her to catch Link. Nyx spins him around, a wild look in her eyes before dodging the cook.

As he hurls a bomb at her, blowing it up in her face, Link takes a moment to survey this group.

Red is down, laying on the floor. Blue limps over to check on him as Green takes a swing at Nyx. She kicks him in the chest, sending him tumbling back into Vio.

The traveler looks exhausted. He seems to have used up all the magic he could. It's not the only weapon he has, though.

The old man is breathing heavily. His armor is dented in a few places from where he took hits. He swings his sword at Nyx, breaking the floor with the force of it when she dodges.

She jumps above the Din's Fire, forcing the older hero into a fist fight.

The traveler runs over to where the colors have gathered. Link follows him over.

Red is unconscious and Blue is too injured to continue fighting up close. While the colors exchange items, Link hands the traveler a couple green potions to get his magic back up. He looks much better after drinking one, returning the bottle.

The fight continues. Nyx backs the old man up against one of the pillars. He ducks to avoid a punch that puts a sizeable hole in the pillar behind him.

The champion follows up with the old man's sword. He swings it at Nyx but she catches the blade with one hand. With her other, she buries her talons in the champion's shoulder, grinning as she causes him pain.

As Link rushes in, he pulls out his medallions. Bombos is warm in his hand as he pours his magic into it. It's draining as he uses the momentum of his run to go into a spin attack.

Explosions sound out around the room. When the flames clear, Nyx is only slightly charred.

She grabs his arm, stopping his spin. Nyx grins as she begins to fall backwards, shadows turning into a portal. Link is pulled with as she teleports to the other side of the room.

Upon exiting the portal, the magic of which made Link want to puke, Nyx spins her captive hero around before throwing him into the captain. His head collides with metal plate mail, making him see stars for a moment.

The soldier steadies him as the rancher rushes the sorcerer. She meets him head on, their hands colliding as they try to force the other back. Her fingers curl, nails digging into the leather guards on his forearms.

Nyx shoves the rancher back and down, cracking the tile under his feet.

Link barely manages to huddle behind his shield in time. Nyx sends out a wave of ice. It freezes anything it comes in contact with, glueing the heroes around her to the floor.

Aside from Link. Unfortunately, his shield is now stuck to the floor with ice.

As he tries to pull it free, Nyx pulls back. She kicks the rancher in the side. Hard.

The unlucky hero gets sent into the wall, the ice around his feet shattering with the force of her kick. He slumps to the ground, dust and rubble settling around him.

She turns as Link vaults over his shield. He swings at Nyx, dodging her next attack. They fall into a rhythm as Sailor, Captain, and Sky work to unstick themselves.

Step, dodge, jab, duck, slice, dodge, step, swing, dodge.

She's faster than he would like, barely grazing him with her claws when he dodges. It buys the others time, though.

The captain rushes in, ramming Nyx with his shield. Her feet slide across the floor as she braces herself against the attack.

She diverts the captain to the side as Sky leaps forward. Her hand surges towards him, putting a hole in the chainmail under his tunic. Her claws sink into his gut before she turns, flinging Sky across the room to where the others are fighting Erebus.

He senses it before it happens.

Nyx gathers up magic in one hand as she sends the sailor tumbling across the floor before side stepping the captain. Link sees the flames dance across her palm as she begins to lift her hand.

He moves on instinct, pulling out his switch hook. He fires it at the captain, arm nearly being yanked out of its socket as he's suddenly pulled forward. His feet slide across the floor as he ends up in front of Nyx.

Link barely manages to get his arms up to block his face before the magic in Nyx's hand ignites.

The explosion sends Link flying through the air. When he eventually hits the ground, he hits it hard. The breath is driven from his lungs as he rolls across the tile. He takes a moment to gather himself before he pushes himself up.

His sleeves are singed and tattered, his arms and legs raw and burned and bleeding. The rings on his fingers and the bracelets on his wrists feel like fire on his skin.

He gets up on shaky legs and recovers his sword.

The sailor makes an attack but Nyx grabs his wrist. She tuts, shaking her head. "Oh Hylia, sending a child to do your dirty work. How cruel of you. This is no playground, after all."

Nyx smiles before she twists the kid's arm. She forces him to drop his sword before throwing him at the captain.

Link uses the opportunity to rush in.

Nyx barely fails to dodge the attack he makes towards her head. A thin line of black blood forms across her cheek, surprising her. Link uses the moment to bury his sword in her side as deep as possible before he's hit away, remembering to take the sword with him this time.

The floor hurts as he tumbles across tile and carpet. His momentum is halted as his back connects with the dais, spine and skull hitting the corner of it. He lays on the floor in front of the thrones, blinking back tears.

Everything hurts.

He tries to force himself up again but his limbs don't cooperate. His arms collapse under him as his head throbs. His vision spins and blurs.

He watches as Sky gets thrown to the ground, pinned there by a spear in his shoulder.

The champion appears behind Erebus, Master Sword in hand. He swings it with all his strength, breaking the blade on Erebus' head. The sorcerer falls to the ground and the cook sinks the broken blade into his chest.

Erebus dies by the champion's hand.

At the same time, the sailor picked up Link's sword. He charged Nyx, thrusting the borrowed blade into her chest. She sputtered for a moment, black blood bubbling past her lips.

The sailor withdraws the sword, pushing the sorcerer off of the blade with his free hand. Nyx falls to the ground, lifeless.

Nyx dies by the sailor's hand.

The twins are dead.

Chapter Text

The throne room falls silent as the bodies fall to the ground.

Link breathes heavily, adrenaline fading fast. His back hurts. Part of his vision is blacking out. His arms and legs are riddled with burns and he's bleeding.

"Is it... over?" Sailor asks, tentatively.

Nyx and Erebus bleed a mix of black and red. It stains the floor below their corpses, bodies quickly going cold.

Link tries not to pass out. Between the pain and the two or three concussions he's suffered it's incredibly difficult. He doesn't try to get up, though. The threat has been neutralized. He doesn't have to keep fighting.

He can't wait to go home.

The captain crouches in front of him. He seems to be doing fine, though the clinking of his armor hurts Link's head. He gently works on removing Link's rings and bracelets, the metal still warm to the touch.

"Do you have any red potions in your bag?"

Link blinks slowly. He doesn't want to talk. But he can't sign a response. He closes his eyes. "Yeah..."

He opens his eyes as the captain starts to dig through his bag. He's probably making a mess of Link's organization but he doesn't have the energy to care at the moment. Instead he watches as the captain pulls out and sets aside potion after potion.

Link groans in pain as the captain forces him to sit up.

The captain picks up one of the red potions. "I don't want you choking and dying on me. I think your sister would figure out time travel to kill me if you did."

Link laughs at the thought as the captain pops the bottle open with slight difficulty. He leans into the bigger hero as the bottle is brought to his lips and bitter liquid is poured into his mouth. It makes him want to gag. He swallows it all.

The potion takes effect instantly. His wounds begin to mend, his aches fading. The throbbing in his head lessens and some of the fatigue fades away.

He could still go for a nap, though.

"There you go." The captain rubs his back soothingly. "Let's take care of your burns."

"You don't have to baby me."

"Yeah well I'm not the one who looks like they're about to pass out. Give me your arm."

Link huffs but complies. The burns aren't as bad as they were, but they should still probably be cooled, washed, and bandaged.

The captain uncorks his water skin, pouring the cool water over Link's burns. "Do you have any burn cream?"

"Not with me."

"Put some on when you get home."

"I'm not five. I can take care of myself."

"I know. But I'll tell you anyway because I care."

The captain finishes wrapping Link's arms and legs and grabs the potions he pulled from Link's bag to distribute to the other heroes. He leaves Link with that bombshell of a thought.

Link sits there, staring at the corpses of Nyx and Erebus as he ponders the captain's words.

Pretty soon, they'll all be going their separate ways. He's never going to see these people again.

That hurts more than any wound Nyx, Erebus, or Ganon could inflict.

"Is everything okay?"

Link looks up. He makes eye contact with the sailor. The kid is bruised but he seems to have gotten some potion so he'll be fine.

He shrugs, gaze turning back to the corpses on the floor. "Just... processing."

The sailor follows his gaze. "I wonder why they haven't dissolved yet."

"They're not monsters. They're Hylian."

"Oh..."

The kid goes silent as that information sinks in.

The sailor breaks the silence, changing the subject. "The others are going to discuss next steps. Figured you'd want to be there for that."

"Thanks for the heads up." He gathers his things and stands. His body, especially his legs, hurt. He'll survive.

The kid fidgets with the handle of Link's sword. He blinks, eyes wide as he thrusts it into Link's hands. "I ALMOST FORGOT! This is yours."

Link sheathes it before putting his rings and bracelets back on over the bandages. They hurt a bit to wear but he'd rather have them on and not need them over needing them and not having them.

"It's fine. We've had an eventful day. Thanks for bringing it back, kid." He ruffles the sailor's hair, earning an indignant squawk in response.

He just laughs. "C'mon. Let's go figure out what to do next. If we can, I'd like to explore this castle more."

The sailor is quick to follow him over to the rest of the heroes. Everyone else seems mostly fine. The colors and ranchhand seem to be in the worst condition. Sky has a sizeable hole in his armor but the wound is no longer bleeding. The traveler seems like he's about to pass out, a green potion clutched in his hands as he sways on his feet.

The champion smiles as Link and the kid approach.

The heroes start discussing what to do next. Link only half participates. Something about this all seems... off. Like the fight isn't really over yet.

Usually, a fight like this would have two or three phases. Nyx and Erebus went down in just one. It's suspicious.

A call from Sheerow rings out through the echoey hall, high pitched and frantic. A warning call from the rafters that has the hairs on the back of Link's neck stand up.

He turns around, hand on the hilt of his sword.

The corpses of Nyx and Erebus are dissolving into a thick black sludge. It burns with a foul smell, smoking as it travels along the floor. It convenes on the dais, growing in mass.

The goop begins to rise, taking the shape of something very vaguely humanoid. Six arms sprout from its sides as it towers over the heroes, face opening like a grotesque flower filled with teeth to screech.

The massive form of the monster crushes the gilded chairs under its weight. It reeks of dark magic so strongly Link wants to hurl.

Its frontmost arms slam into the ground before the heroes, the back of each hand bearing a Triforce of Power.

The face closes into a smooth, eyeless orb that ripples with every breath this thing heaves. Despite having no eyes, Link feels watched by the monster. He couldn't hide if he wanted.

So he won't.

With shaking hands, Link draws his sword, relieved when he hears the others doing the same.