Archive of Our Own ^beta

Hyrule loved people. Considering he was on his own ninety percent of the time, he found it energizing to be around others. Most people in his era were friendly, too, and would give him directions or advice during his quest.

Meeting new people was actually one of the things that excited Hyrule the most about traveling through time. He got to see what developed villages looked like, and it was encouraging to imagine what his own kingdom would look like once it had healed. He got to see all sorts of things that didn’t exist in his time, either. There were no such things as poets or performers where he lived, since jobs like that were too impractical for people to spend money on. Even jobs like jewelers or chefs were rare, only reserved for the rich who could afford such luxuries.

That’s why the traveler was looking forward to arriving at Warriors’ Castle Town, which the captain had announced was only twenty minutes away. He had often mentioned how busy the city was, and how chaotic it could get. He had talked about it as if it was a bad thing, but Hyrule found it exciting.

They finally arrived at the entrance of the city, and the guards immediately let them enter thanks to Warriors’ status. Although they had barely passed the entrance, there were already small crowds of people who were bustling around them, either buying or selling food and wares. Warriors told the group to ignore them, and Time had to grab Wind’s arm to stop the pirate from stealing anything.

Honestly, there weren't as many people as Hyrule was expecting. If anything, it was less full than other villages he had seen. He figured that Warriors must have been exaggerating about how crowded the city could be, since he could be pretty dramatic at times.

But as the captain led them through more streets, each road slowly became busier. Faint music was playing, too, which only got louder as they got closer to the town square. Since the roads were made smaller by all the shop stands, people were constantly bumping into each other. Hyrule had been hit at least three times by a random person in less than the ten minutes they had been there.

It felt… wrong, somehow, that so many people were so close together in such a tight space. In Hyrule’s time, all the villages had plenty of open space, and even larger villages were fairly spread out between buildings. It was nothing like Warriors’ town, where everything and everyone was crammed together.

Really, why were there so many people?

Hyrule felt a sudden pang in his chest. It ached, but was sharp at the same time.

He ignored it, deciding it wasn’t a big deal. He probably just ate something that was making him sick. It had happened before, Wild had called it heartburn. It would go away soon enough, he knew there was no reason to bother the others.

They made their way through the roads and groups of people, each step forward causing Hyrule’s heart to speed up slightly. He knew it must be out of excitement, since he was finally going to experience a true city, but it felt awfully close to anxiety. But that didn’t make any sense. Why would he be anxious? It’s not like he was scared of the town folks.

Eventually the heroes found their way to the center of the city, where the most people were at. If Hyrule had thought the town edges were full, then he was nowhere near prepared for the epicenter of activity.

Streamers hung from buildings, and there were bouquets of flowers in front of every door. A live band was playing music; a lively tune that caused several people to start dancing in the town square.

Food stands had taken over the plaza, filling the air with the hissing of oil and the banging of pans, followed by sweet and savory smells. Game stalls were also set up, showing off their flashing lights and ringing bells. People laughed and cheered when they won, and they shouted curses when they lost.

Vendors were taking advantage of the crowds, with some even walking up to people and trying to convince them to buy something. Others set up displays in front of their shops, calling out to anyone who passed by. Hyrule couldn’t count how many pet names the store owners were throwing around in an attempt to catch someone’s attention.

There were so many people other than vendors, too. All of them were having their own conversations, trying to talk over everyone else. Their voices mixed together and created a loud buzzing sound.

Hyrule felt like he couldn’t get two steps in before he ran into someone.

He felt… trapped.

“We got here in time for a festival,” Warriors shouted over the crowd, “It’s to celebrate the end of the war. Stay close, and if someone gets lost, meet up at the castle entrance.” He gave a meaningful look to Hyrule and Wild, but for once, Hyrule didn’t have any plans to go exploring. Right now, all he wanted to do was stay as close to his brothers as possible. They felt safe, unlike the rest of the people there.

Hyrule blinked at his sudden thought. Why was he thinking like that? It’s not like anyone was trying to hurt him here. The Cult of Ganon didn’t exist in this time, and neither did aches. But he still couldn’t make himself relax.

As the group walked deeper into the crowds, Hyrule felt himself grow even tenser. His heart was now pounding tightly against his ribs, and his chest felt like it was being squeezed. He scanned the area, trying to see if there were any threats. There had to be, otherwise he wouldn’t be feeling this way.

But no matter how many times he looked around, he couldn’t see anything wrong. And none of the other heroes seemed bothered, either. Then why did he feel so on edge? Was he predicting a future attack?

But how come he was the only one with a bad feeling? Was he just being paranoid? He really needed to stop worrying so much.

He took a deep breath, trying to see if that would calm him down. But his chest ached as he inhaled, and it suddenly felt impossible to breathe.

Was there not enough air for all the people there? Was that why he was struggling to breathe? But that didn’t make sense, they were outside. Even if Hyrule wasn’t as educated as some of the other Links, he knew that it’s impossible to run out of air while outdoors.

Then why couldn’t he breathe?

As he inhaled and exhaled, he knew that he was technically breathing. But it didn’t feel like he was. It didn’t feel like any of the air was actually reaching him, and the stabbing pain in his chest only grew worse.

Someone bumped into him again, and he immediately jerked away as if he’d been burned. His entire body was on guard, as if he was expecting anything that touched him to be a threat. And considering he was constantly brushing shoulders with passing citizens, his mind was screaming at him that he was under attack and would die soon if he didn't get out.

Somewhere in the distance, a bottle broke, and the sound of shattering glass rang loudly in his ears. The ringing lasted minutes, and it caused all other sounds to become louder, too. Doors slamming shut were now like hammers to his ears, and bells were now like knives. 

He instinctively covered his ears with his hands, hoping it would help muffle the sounds. He looked down at the ground, staring at his feet since his eyes were now hurting from the too-bright banners and flags that were hanging around town.

“Rulie?”

It was too much, too many sounds and smells and sights and people. Too. Many. People.

“Rulie.”

All Hyrule wanted was for it to stop . For the sounds and smells and sights and people to just stop. 

“Link.”

Hyrule finally realized that someone was talking to him, and he looked up to see that it was Legend. His eyes were filled with concern, but his voice was calm.

“Rule, I need you to do something for me, okay? Look at my rings, and describe five of them. Can you do that?”

The traveler blinked dumbly, trying to process the words. But as soon as his brain caught up, he nodded. Even in his current state, he knew he could at least do that much.

He opened his mouth to speak, but quickly realized he was in no condition to do so. A sharp spike of anxiety shot through him, making it impossible to talk.

“Hey, it’s okay, you can sign,” Legend said, noticing his brother’s silence, “Just tell me about five of my rings.”

The traveler raised his hands, and although they were starting to shake, they were steady enough to sign.

That’s your Power Ring, he began, It has a gold band and a giant ruby. Your Protection Ring, blue band with a black gem shaped like a heart. Gold Luck Ring… Green Holy Ring… Steadfast Ring.

“Good,” the veteran said, nodding approvingly, “Now tell me four things you can touch.”

Hyrule tried to focus on himself, on anything he was feeling. He wrung his hands in thought.

I feel my bracers, my tunic, my hair, and my hands.

“Okay, now tell me three things you hear other than people.”

The traveler closed his eyes, trying to hear past the jumbled words.

I hear birds chirping, I hear footsteps, and I hear my breathing.

“That’s really good, Rule,” Legend praised him, his expression softening, “Now how about two things you can smell?”

Hyrule took a deep breath, finally appreciating the amazing smell of food around him.

I smell meat cooking and popcorn. I’m hungry now, he added.

The veteran let out a soft laugh.

“Alright, we’ll get you something to eat. So tell me something you’re craving. Something you can taste.”

Hyrule thought about it for a minute, trying to think of something he really wanted to have. His mind immediately thought of sweets, especially from that candy store he saw a few buildings back. He could already imagine the sugar in his mouth.

That flavored honey candy we saw, I really want to try it.

Legend nodded, smiling slightly.

“Okay, we’ll buy you every flavor. Now I have to ask… are you feeling better?”

Hyrule was slightly startled, not expecting to be asked that. How did Legend know he wasn’t feeling well? He guessed it didn’t really matter how his brother knew, he was just grateful that he did.

He was still shaking, and he still felt like all his nerves were shot, but he no longer felt like he was drowning, which was a good thing.

I can breathe a little better, but I still feel off.

“That’s normal,” he assured him, “What’s important is you’re still feeling a little better. Now, are you okay if I touch you? Do you think that will help, or will it make it worse?”

Hyrule was surprised by the question, since Legend already knew that he loved physical affection. But before he signed yes, he found himself hesitating. He thought it would be nice for Legend to hug him, since it would feel like he was shielding Hyrule from the rest of the world. But at the same time, just the thought of being touched again made the healer feel like he was suffocating.

“It’s okay,” Legend interrupted his thoughts, “If you’re not sure, I can try holding your hand, and if you don’t like it, just pull away. Okay?”

Hyrule nodded again. The collector gently reached for his hand, and Hyrule felt relief when he did. Something about the cool, calloused hand brought him comfort. It felt like an anchor, so he wouldn’t be swept away by everyone else surrounding him. He was now very glad that Legend had decided on holding hands.

Legend looked behind Hyrule and asked something, although the traveler couldn’t hear what. The next thing he knew, something fuzzy and slightly heavy was draped across his shoulders. He reached up to touch it and instantly recognized it. It was Twilight’s wolf pelt.

The weight was somewhat comforting, and the softness of the fur was relaxing. Legend pulled the pelt’s hood over his face, which was even more helpful. The hood was too large for Hyrule, which meant some of his vision was blocked. Normally this would annoy him, but right now, it was relieving. The fur was also thick, so it slightly lowered his hearing. Although the traveler’s heart was still racing, he didn’t feel as overwhelmed as before.

“Come on,” Legend said, “We’re gonna get you out of here.”

Hyrule nodded weakly, and he saw Legend exchange a look with Warriors. The captain nodded and started leading them down different streets, away from the louder parts of town. All the while, Legend was still holding his successor’s hand, squeezing it gently for reassurance.

After what felt like hours, they had made it outside of the city into Hyrule Field. Thankfully, no one else was there except for birds and a rabbit that quickly ran off.

Now that he was somewhere quieter, the traveler found himself calming down. His heart rate was finally starting to slow, and the knot in his chest finally untangled. But even though he was feeling better, his eyes started to sting with tears. Without meaning to, he let out a sob and started to cry.

“Do you want a hug?” Legend offered, and Hyrule nodded. His predecessor was quick to wrap his arms around him, and was soon followed by Warriors. Neither of his brothers tried talking to him, they simply held him as he cried.

Once his tears ran dry, Hyrule was able to mutter out a soft, “Thank you.”

“Of course, Rulie,” the veteran said, giving him a soft squeeze, “Next time you feel that way, tell us immediately, okay? And we’ll help you.”

“I just… I don’t understand… I don’t know why that happened,” the traveler admitted, shame leaking into his voice, “I don’t know why I freaked out like that.”

“It’s called social anxiety,” Warriors explained, an empathetic expression on his face, “When there are too many people around, it’s easy to get overstimulated. You’ve never seen that many people at once, so you’re just not used to it. It’s nothing to be embarrassed of.”

“But it’s not like they were trying to hurt me…” Hyrule mumbled.

“That doesn’t matter. So many people in one place is overwhelming, it’s normal that you were anxious. Don’t be hard on yourself. It happened to me, too, on the first festival they held,” Warriors admitted.

The traveler looked up at him.

“Really?”

“Yes, and it definitely didn’t help that so many people were trying to talk to me and get my autograph,” Warriors said, sighing at the memory, “So don’t feel like you’re alone in this.”

Hyrule nodded, feeling slightly relieved that someone else could relate.

“Thanks, Wars.”

Suddenly, the trio heard a shout.

“HEY! You guys!” 

They looked over to see that the rest of their group was walking over to them, except for Wind, who was full on running. The pirate quickly reached them and held out a bag to Hyrule, grinning like a mad man.

“This is for you!” he happily declared.

The traveler took the bag and looked inside, instantly smiling as he saw what was inside.

“Honey candy?” he asked.

Wind nodded, “Yup! We got all ten flavors, too.”

Hyrule felt like crying again, but this time, it was because he had never felt so taken care of before. It was weird, in a way, but a good kind of weird.

Legend ruffled his brother’s hair.

“We’ve got your back, Rule. Always.”