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Chapter Text

The portal came before Twilight and Wild returned. Time hesitated turning to Rusl who had joined him and Warriors some time ago while they waited outside of Ordon.

“I’m sorry. It’s likely they have their own portal to go through. I have no reason to believe they aren’t already waiting for us on the other side.

“Very well. Could you give this to Link.” Rusl pulled out a letter from inside his shirt.

Time couldn’t help but think about how it had been over the man’s heart. Perhaps this was where Twilight got his sentimental values…

“Of course. I’m certain Link will be home soon.”

“We will be waiting. Our boy will always have a home here. Don’t you let him forget that.”

Our boy.

Time had to take a slow breath through his nose to control himself.

Rusl had no idea. He wasn’t sure if Twilight had told him… Maybe he had but Time didn’t have a chance to find out.

Warriors caught his arm leading him towards the portal.

“Us first, old man. Find your partners! Let’s move people.”

Time nodded offering one last wave to the man who would raise- had raised his grandchild… maybe great grandchild…

Just as they had hoped Twilight’s bright smile greeted them on the other side and quickly before anyone else walked through their portals Time hugged Twilight to his chestplate.

He didn’t care if he was smothering. Right now, he just needed this. He could feel Twilight’s hand tightening into his undershirt holding him close in turn.

When they pulled away the letter was passed directly into Twilight’s hands.

His mute successor read the scrolled handwriting and nodded tucking it into his belt for later.

‘Thankyou. I have to tell you about what happened later. It’s okay.’ Twilight reassured Warriors’ careful frown.

‘It’s good.’

“Very well. Now. Where are we?...”

The chain found themselves behind a large brick building with some sort of stone laid across the roof. Several chimneys blew smoking up into the fluffy clouds above. The slowly setting sun tossed the world into peachy orange colors that were quickly fading into blues and violets. Dusk would soon be upon them.

"Perhaps some time in-between?" Legend offered coming to stand beside them and reading one of the signs above the building.
"Light's End.  It's my written language at least but I've never heard of an inn called that."

Wild hummed thoughtfully beside Twilight and made sure his hood was up.
If this was Legend's timeline then he wouldn't be safe out and about alone.

"An inn huh? Then let's head inside and ask around.  Find out where this dungeon Dinkle mentioned is."  Warriors pointed out.

"We could get rooms if it's far away.  Since the sun is setting here too." Time hummed thoughtfully.

"Sounds good. Legend?"

"I'll do the chatting unless pretty boy wants too."  Legend grumbled and took the lead through the small garden and up the front steps to the inn.

The double doors were pushed open, smoke from iron incense holders repelling the bugs outside. It was clear this inn was filled top to bottom with people. The crashing noise had Wild whining and holding onto Twilight’s sleeve. He did not want to get lost in this place. Music came from above and Wild looked up wide eyed at the second and third level of the inn. Each level had balconies which overlooked the first floor. It was much taller than he had assumed standing outside or perhaps the first level was sunk into the earth creating a sort of basement.

Instantly the chain found the well which took up the center of the inn. The well spanned at least ten feet across. Tables were set around it and an oversized pully system hung over the endless darkness below. Wild wondered why it would need such a thick rope for water...

When Wind leaned over to look into the depths, War’s automatically reached out to hold onto his shirt tightly.

“I’m Fine! I’m not dumb enough to fall!”

His bitching was interrupted by a chubby grinning woman with red hair and sparkling green eyes that matched her dress.

“Hey there Newcomers! Welcome to Light’s end! Can I help you?”

Legend stepped up to speak rapidly with her.

Wild was just able to catch their signs otherwise he wouldn’t have been able to understand what was said.

“Hello. I'm looking for a dungeon-”

“Oh yes!” She gestured to the well beside them grinning.

“It costs five rupees per person to go down, five rupees to come back up paid ahead of time. You'll all be going down?... so that's... a silver rupee up front. Perhaps you'd like a room or two for the night? A hot meal and alcohol before you go? Many adventures pass through this inn on their way to greatness. All of them try the ale!”

“Yes! Please I have many questions as well.”

“I will answer any question you have at the host booth.”

From there the group split up faster than Wild could follow. Wind and Wars ran upstairs, and Time and Legend and Hyrule went to go talk with the host. He could just hear Engine describing the inn to Sky on their other side.

Wild curiously looked down into the depths and ignored the yells around him. Perhaps there were depths within Legend’s time as well... Did that mean they all had them and somehow only Wild had gotten to explore below the ground up to this point?... With everything Legend had gone through that somehow seemed unlikely.

“We got a room!” Time called to be heard over the noise. “Come with us! Wind! Get over here!” Time pushed through the crowd leading them into a room on the third floor and once they were all inside he locked it behind him.

The dull roar of people cut down to something more manageable and Wild accepted a cup of ale Legend passed around to everyone.

“Fuck that was awful.”

“Theres some really cool people here!” Wind said excitedly before pouting as he realized he had been handed apple juice instead.

“Asshole.”

“Deal with it.”

“Enough. Hyrule has warned me that he can sense the magic of a creature from his time here. They are called Ache and they are monsters who can hide among men. They transform into hylians and are hard to detect. I want everyone to stay together for now.

The woman was named Bonnie. She runs this inn and cares for her father who founded it. The Well is one of the only entrances to the dungeon. From what she understands it's a huge dungeon. Twenty levels at least all run by a Wizzrobe. This doesn't sound easy...”

Time rubbed his chin as Warriors wrote down all the information in his journal.

“What can we do to find these creatures Hyrule?”

‘You have to talk to them. Catch them in a lie. They can read minds so feeding them the wrong answer is easy. They usually attack if they get caught... but with how many people were in there it could be anyone... we’d never find them.’

“Very well... Time consuming... Hopefully we can manage breaks... Oh wait right. Our story telling. Is there a town nearby?”

“Supposedly a large town overlooks the ocean. We could restock there but she offered to do it for a fee.”

Warriors shook his head thoughtfully.

“I'll leave that up to you guys. I'm not the best person to decide since it's a dungeon and I've never done one.”

“When do you want to go down?” Legend asked seriously.

“Tonight or tomorrow. After the drinking stops. I don't want to draw attention to us because of these aches.”

“Then I say we pay this fee and see what we are dealing with. We can always come back if we need.”

Legend glanced at Hyrule who nodded in agreement.

“Dungeons tend to ramp up. The beginning usually calm.”

Warriors nodded continuing to write.

“Very well. Let's get ready and try to nap before we go down.”

Chapter Text

Wild stood on the edge of the well watching Legend pay for them all and Warriors locking his foot up in the rope so he wouldn’t fall.

“Alright everyone! We’ll head down- Wild!!”

Wild gave Wars a grin and a wave before he jumped down into the depths. He landed first pulling out his paraglider at the last second.

He sniffed the air grinning as Wind and Four landed down beside him.

“You guys stay right there!”

He could hear Wars above them and guessed they had fallen… maybe a hundred feet? Two hundred? It actually wasn’t that deep.

The room around them was too dark for the others to see, so Wild pulled out his flame sword to light the few torches within the room.

The floor beneath them covered in sand… or maybe it was ash…

Perhaps the inn burned something down here.

Was it monster dust? That would make sense.

Interestingly the only décor in the room were dozens of shields hung up on the stone walls.

Wild eyed them but had more than enough in his storage…

Oh! Then again! He had an idea!

Excitedly he gave his slate to Four pointing for him to collect the Shields.

“Oh! No Wild I think those are too old.”

Wild was ready to disagree but as soon as he touched them the rusted shields disintegrated in his hand.

“That’s not looking promising for you, Wild. Let’s hope the stuff further inside are in better condition.” Four sighed and handed back the slate.

“Oh wait! There’s writing! Wild break the others!”

Four’s purple eyes shined as Wild ran around breaking each one. A single letter was hidden beneath each and soon they had a sentence…

“I can actually read this!” Four said excitedly.

“It says: Within the tower the Mad Mage scries. Casting spells long after he has died.”

Four still mumbled to himself as Warriors finally landed beside them and pulled on the rope to let Bonnie know he had gotten down safely. The rope was rapidly pulled back up for the next hero.

“I don't appreciate you lot heading down by yourself. You could have been attacked alone down here.”

“Ah! Let it go Wars.” Wind huffed inspecting the wall to the north and curiously pressing on stone.

“What are you doing.”

“There's a secret door here. The wind is movin’ and there's ah hole...” Wind leaned in listening. They all held their breaths... Wind quietly pulled away and whispered into Warrior’s ear.

“Someone is listening to us. I can hear them breathin’.”

From then on as soon as the others were in sight, they all shhed them until Warriors could tell them to be quiet and explain why.

It still took almost half an hour before they were all safely down in the dungeon.

Hyrule stepped up, grabbing Warriors’ arm.

‘We should all stick to sign if we can. If people are listening. We should also pick a safe word. I still feel Ache magic down here.’

‘Right. Pretty simple. No one in this time knows us. We just ask what our real name is.’ Warriors offered.

‘Yes... yes. For now that's good enough.’ Hyrule agreed.

‘Then lets go everyone. Be careful try to stick with your partner.’ Warriors warned them all.

‘Thats a pretty small hallway.’ Legend signed pointing to the only way out of their current room.

‘That is why we’ll pair off.’

In pairs the party spread out, searching this maze of a dungeon room by room.  Legend tells them to always pick a side and follow it around and around to find the exit. Run your hand along the wall if you must.
Hyrule is practically tethered to the veteran by his tight grip but Legend allows him to decide where they go because at least then they'll be together.
Wild climbs straight up the stone walls in some places.  Curious about the noises he could hear above them.  Voices. Merchants.  Perhaps the streets of that seaside town Time had mentioned.

At Twilight’s quiet whistle he came back down refocusing as the pair came across a puzzle room.

Wind and Wars were already working on it, Wind excitedly encouraging Wars to work it out himself only commenting on the interesting details along the wall.
Wild sighed already mentally solving the puzzle.  You only had to move the statues a few feet to trigger the switches.
'Give him a chance!  It's his first time.'

'Yeah.' Wild agreed with Twilight.
'It's just becoming obvious why my shrines were small and short.  I'm already bored.'

Twilight slapped his arm lightly, teasingly.
'Stop that.  Dinkle is gonna drop a monster on us.'
Wild's laughter cut off as Wars finally solved the puzzle earning himself several high fives from more than half the group.

The next hallway actually had lighting. Up until now each room had been dark until they lit the torches.

‘Someone's up ahead.’ Twilight warned Wars darkly. ‘I can hear them arguing.’

‘Hylian?’ He checked hand resting on the handle of his sword thoughtfully.

‘Sounds like it.’ Twilight confirmed.

Wars nodded and made his footsteps louder.

“Theres some light up ahead! Hey! Is someone there?”

“Just down here!” Someone called back after a long moment. Wild could just hear them arguing more. Something about the first man failing to warn them about just how many men had come down.

Ahh their quiet entrance had been enough to surprise them?

Wars tossed his blond hair as the two hylians came into view.

The second man cursed lowly before jumping up to greet them.

“You'll have to be careful down here adventurersss!” He stressed the rest of the word growing more and more pale with each pair coming into view.

“W-wow so many! Haha...ha...”

“Yes well... Me and my brothers are just passing through.” Wars offered his winning smile and making sure the man got a good look at his sword and armor.

“R-Right uh...” The first man elbowed the second and he coughed.

“Right! My name is Kane. I should warn you. There are redead down here and much much more! If you take a wrong turn you'll end up joining them. You just happen to be in luck though. We know the fastest way down to the second level. For just ten rupees... Each. I’ll personally make sure you pass through this maze safely.”

Wild couldn't help but notice how the man glanced around their group only deciding on the price after looking at their gear.

Seems he wasn't the only one to notice.

“Thats fucking bullshit we all know it. Let's see these redeads huh?” Legend drawled coming to stand by Warriors.

“Oh! That's actually why we stay here. There are dozens in this next room! They just keep claiming more and more victims! We can't get any loot And make sure people don't die so I think the price is rather fair, don't you think?”

Wild was getting ready to shake out the rupees from his slate when Legend held up his ringed hand to stop him.

“I've lived with Ravio enough to know when someone is selling me a story. The longer you talk the more I can smell the shit on your breath. Let me see this room.”

The man, Kane sneered.

“If you have a death wish fine.” He waved to the door right across from the playing table they had clearly just been using and Legend confidently swaggered to the door opened it and raised an eyebrow at the darkness within.

Wild could already see two of the creatures laying prone by the doorway just waiting for someone to awaken them. He could see dozens more, far too close to each other to risk entering.

“Huh so you weren't lying...” Legend shrugged and pulled out his fire rod.

“W-wait what a-” Kane frowned slow to react.

“He is gonna kill them!” The second hylian yelped suddenly tackling Legend to the floor. Swords were drawn and more yelping came from inside the room. Wild backed up unsure who the enemy even was here!

“Fall back! These ones are too smart!” Kane yelled before growling. Wild blinded watching several of the bandaged mummies rise up scrambling for the far door, their movement far too Hylian in nature. Just normal people wrapped up like the dead?...

“What the fuck just happened??”

Kane pulled his man up weary of the half a dozen swords pointed at him.

“Gentlemen. Let’s talk this over...”

Warrior’s huffed and helped Legend up, roughly brushing the dirt off his tunic.

“Why bother? You lied to swindle us. Do you actually know the way down to the second level? Or was that also a lie.”

“Yes. I'll show you my map for our lives.” Kane said slowly still eyeing Time’s sword which was closest to his throat.

“Let me see it. Now.” Legend huffed growling as he looked over the man's map under Twilight’s lantern. “You shouldn't play stupid games like that! I could have killed them!”

“We should kill them anyhow.” Wind remarked darkly earning a few looks from the chain.

“What? They’ll remember us. Lying thieves.”

The group didn't relax until the door between them was shut and locked by Cane. They would need to head in the opposite direction if Cane’s map could be believed. It warned of Bokoblins, robots of some kind and strange worms which crawled on the ceiling. Wild assumed those were constructs and like-likes.

‘Wind, you can’t just kill someone because they tried to trick you.’ Twilight signed.

“Says who. You lot still pretend I'm some kid. Ganon wasn’t the first person I killed! He wasn't the last either. I can’t be the only hero willing to do what needs to be done. Wars, Time, during the war you-”

“That was during a War. Wind.” Warriors interrupted him with a frown.

“Whatever pretend you’re all better than me. Whatever.”

‘No.’ Hyrule gently rested his hand on Wind’s shoulder before continuing.

‘I’ve had to do it. Ache tell them lies and Men will do anything to survive...’

“Exactly!...” Wind’s defenses fell at the knowing look in Hyrule’s eyes, and he spoke quietly.

“Out alone on the Ocean. No food. No water. Men are far scarier than Monsters.”

‘Who has taken life.’ Hyrule signed slowly looking around the group.

Wild raised his hand slowly joined by Time and Twilight then Hyrule. Wind nodded as Sky raised his hand as well.

Four just shrugged.

“My enemy was sealed away. I didn't have to kill anyone. In that I was lucky.”

Engie nodded thoughtfully. “A demon. I needed Zelda's help.”

Legend huffed unhappily as eyes turned on him when he didn't answer right away.

“Soldiers were mind controlled remember?”

Fuck that was right. Legend had told them about his first adventure... to be that young having to fight fully trained soldiers...

Warriors shook off the heavy mood around them first.

“Let's keep moving. Keep your wits about you. Legend led the way.”

The map proved to be accurate and Legend lead them around the worst of the monsters. They stopped just outside the entrance to the second level and held off from opening it given it was a fairly safe room to stop and camp at.

Wild excitedly pulled out some wood to start a fire. It would be great to have a good meal after all that fighting and slow puzzle work. It hurt his brain watching Warriors struggle with that second statue puzzle. The rooms they passed through were so interesting though! Even if half of them smelled like sewage. One room even had a horrifying bone throne. Someone had taken the time to stack the human remains as a big chair!

Hyrule had promptly lit that on fire before anyone could be dared to sit on it.

Wild was pulled out of his musings over the cooking fire by Sky clearing his throat.

“Oh. You aren't asleep yet.” Legend snarked causing Sky to roll his eyes and sigh.

“Ha ha... I wanted to... well... I was hoping to tell you guys about my adventure next...”

“It’s too soon.” Wars worried. “You'll be missing Sun-”

“I don't care. We don't have to go home yet- Maybe Dinkle will save it for later. I just don't think it's fair! I should tell you... because it's my fault.” Sky’s cloudy blue eyes lingered on the fire like he could see it.

“What exactly do you mean by that.” Legend huffed his sharp violet eyes now watching the God Slayer like a cat would a mouse.

Chapter Text

“Exactly what I said! It’s all my fault.” Sky rubbed his face roughly, back pressed up against the stone wall for support.

“Don’t be stupid. Whatever it is just spit it out Sky.” Legend groused

“Perhaps...” War’s sighed. “Go on then Sky. You clearly need to get this off your chest. I don't want you to get distracted fighting.”

Sky just sighed and rubbed his hair.

“I just... I can't help but think about what Time said. About Timelines and his Ocarina. I had thought I did the right thing but now... Now I don't know anything.”

“Timeline bullshit? Do you actually want help figuring it out?” Legend asked quietly. He sounded genuine and Sky nodded into his hands.

“I think I split the timeline at least once... maybe more, I don't know...”

“Then start at the beginning. I’ll make notes on it.” Legend seriously, pen and paper at the ready.

“If anyone can figure this mess out, it's us.”

Sky nodded and rubbed at his eyes tiredly.

“Zelda told me once that I often have Prolific Dreams. Her words not mine. She told me that is sometimes why I can’t help but fall asleep or sleep in. But most of the time that's just me and my bad health.” Sky admitted with a weak laugh. A few of them laughed along. Hyrule signed a small joke about Sky’s lungs.

“Exactly. They’re terrible. It only got worse after the volcano... I was in schooling. I was about to graduate to become a Knight. It's not like your knights, Legend. Our knights fight monsters and make sure no one falls off the islands at any time. And... our jobs are- were a bit limited. Knights are needed too. Someone is always out on patrol making sure we’re safe.”

Sky told them all about his loftwing not answering his call after Zelda playfully tossed him off the sky island. About how Zelda had saved him and then everyone had helped him find his loftwing and about how despite everything he had managed to win the contest and became a knight.

“Wait you can sense your loftwing? Like you know when it’s near?” Wind asked excitedly.

“Oh! Yes we all can! I think that's why Fi and I work together so well. She shows me the world around me the same way Crimson does when we fly.”

Sky described exactly how Zelda's outfit and the harp had felt under his fingers before finally pulling out the instrument itself to show them.

The fire made the gold glow like it was made of flames and Sky lovingly plucked a few strings as he continued telling his story.

“She was incredible even if she worried about me constantly... but then as we were flying a storm suddenly pulled us apart. a tornado... I tried to grab Zelda but I couldn’t...” He waved his hand over his eyes to explain why.

“Blind remember? Well... I woke up alone back in my room. I had to explain to her father that she was gone. Missing... But I swore I would find her.” Sky let that promise sit heavily over the group for a moment.

“And then Fi called to me.” He smiled pulling the Master Sword to rest on his knees.

“She had a voice unlike any other. It rang like metal... called for me in the night.”

Sky told them about how he found a Goddess Sword within the Sky Temple. The story tumbled out rapidly now, dam finally breaking properly.

Sky didn't notice Legend and Wild writing rapidly until well after he had explained the gate of time.

“I was really out of it around that time. I hadn't slept much given the stress I was under.”

“Keep going! So you got Zelda back? What happened then? I gotta know!” Wind pushed his shoulder for more and causing Sky to laugh.

“Okay okay! We were celebrating. Groose wrapped us in a big hug and that... That was when everything went wrong. Ghirahim appeared knocking Zelda out. He hurt Groose and I couldn't stop him. He took Zelda back through the gate. I had already won in this timeline, so he decided he would go back into the past to revive Demise.” Sky quieted down as he recounted how his adventure had ended. Fighting an army on his own. Demise feasting on Zelda’s power and transforming into a humanoid. Link casting lightening back at the god. Ghirahim perishing first with just a sigh as his sword form crumbled to dust in the god’s hand. Demise’s last words to him.

“My Hate never perishes. It is born anew in a cycle with no end. I will rise again. Those like you... those who share the blood of the goddess and the spirit of the hero. They are eternally bound to this curse. An incarnation of my hatred shall ever follow your kind, dooming them to wander a blood-soaked sea of darkness for all time. Those were his last words before he perished into dust... I don't think I could ever forget those words...”

“Ganondorf. Right? It's no coincidence so many of us have seen him.” Four asked thoughtfully.

“Probably. That does make sense.” Legend confirmed.

“But what happened after that? You did this in the past right? Did you go back to the future? What changes did you notice?”

“That’s just the problem. I put Fi to rest in the past. My sword was back in the future when I came back. And Impa... She disappeared in front of us...” Sky whispered voice sounding hoarse now from talking for well over an hour. If he fought back a few tears the others wouldn't say anything.

“I came back to the future, and I didn’t see any difference at all.”

“A split timeline. That changes everything.” Legend rapidly wrote in his book.

“As far as my knowledge there are only three types of timeline splits. Loops. Time splits and the abrupt changes I'm calling a paradox corrections. Loops are where you do something because you already did something. Like when Time went back in time to learn the song of storms from himself. Time splits are changes so massive you can't fix it and a new timeline is created. Paradoxes are the will of the gods and goddesses that are fixed. They fix these changes. Such as the tree you said you planted. It was suddenly always there because you planted it but it's not a big enough change to force a time split.”

“That makes sense... but what does it mean? I can't help but think I somehow left Zelda. I left her in that crystal in the past alone! For how long?? I promised I'd wake her up!”

“Sky...” Time said quietly sliding in to toss his arm around him.

“You said it yourself. The goddess planned for that... You changed her plan...”

“Are you... are you saying she... She planned for Zelda... even after everything I did... I’m just so confused.”

Time sighed softly.

“I am saying they must have had a plan. One they didn't tell you. Perhaps that timeline closed or merged... or something.”

“In any case you defeated Demise in both timelines. She would at least be safe.” Four said softly, eyes flashing red as he gently patted Sky’s knee.

Legend rubbed his chin as he puzzled over his work.

“Sky... this means you could have two descendants.”

“W-what?...”

“If you left a timeline behind. Just like Time. You might have two. Well... me, Hyrule, Four Time... Twilight... Wind... Engie... Wars...”

Legend looked up staring right at Wild until he finally looked up from his counting fingers. “There’s only one who doesn't follow the pattern. Who hasn't been claimed properly. And who conveniently, has a huge stretch of time between us and them. I mean unless there is no hero or a hero we haven’t met.”

“W-wild? Wild is after me?...”

Wild tilted his head thoughtfully. Perhaps that did make a certain amount of sense.

‘I don't know. Maybe! We do worship the goddess, Hylia. Her statues are everywhere in my time. And... What you and Sun did sound just like what my Zelda tried to do...

“Interesting.” Legend hummed thoughtfully and finally closed his book.

“Now let me make this perfectly clear Sky. You Did Not Cause This. The gods did. Demise did, Hylia did. Whatever. It is not your fault an evil god decided to be a shitty sore loser. Got it?”

Legend’s pointing finger had Sky backing up against the wall and Sky smiled warily.

“You remind me of Zelda. She basically said the same...”

“Well listen to her! We’ll get answers about this when we see her next. Just don't let it distract you or eat you up until then.” Legend finished firmly crossing his arms.

Chapter Text

Sky was still sniffling into his sleeve when Wild offered him a bowl of Cucco Soup with big fluffy sourdough dumplings on top.

“That smells so good Wild... Thanks... Thanks Legend...”

Wild hummed his response and passed out more bowls to the Chain.

They were just setting up for bed when Twilight shivered.

Twilight waited a moment, meeting Time’s eyes and glancing at the doorway that separated them from the second level of the dungeon.

‘I need to tell you guys something.’

“Oh?” Time raised an eyebrow, and a hush fell over the group once more. Wild had been worried, given how long Twilight had to wait for this that he wouldn’t be able to tell the others. Maybe that had been silly, comparing this to his secret about Wolfie.

‘I told you before, I’d tell you what happened at the castle.’ At Time’s nod, Twilight continued to sign his explanation. ‘We made it to Dusk just fine. Wild is very good at climbing and helped me... We were just talking to Dusk when Dinkle came to the window. She wanted to make a deal with me and Dusk.’

“What? What sort of deal?” Four asked thoughtfully tapping at his chin.

‘Dusk and I agreed to it because she offered to take us to Midna. Together. Please don't be angry.’ Twilight was almost begging. His attention split between Time and Wars now.

Wild couldn't stand that nervous look any longer and he reached out holding Twilight’s shoulder and pulling him into a side hug. It was nice to feel his brother’s sigh as well as his shoulders relaxing.

“I can see why that would be tempting. What exactly did you agree too?”

‘I agreed to allow Dinkle to use my shadow the way Midna used too. Just to travel within. She was with us all day. She only just left.’

“What?? You let her spy on us?” Warriors yelped but Wild was certain he was just caught by surprise.

“She has been following us for some time, Wars. You know that. Where she does that from doesn't really matter.” Time reasoned but... Wild thought there was something deeper below War’s unpleased demeanor. His shoulders were still tight. His expression guarded.

“I don't have to like it Time. You should have told us sooner Twi.”

“Hey! She isn’t evil remember! Don’t be mean Wars!” Wind huffed pointing directly in the captain's face.

‘Woah there. I wanted to wait so She wouldn't know I told you. I wasn’t sure if that was important or not.’

Even Warriors had nothing to say about that so Twilight continued.

‘Zelda agreed to give Midna a book and promised to convince Midna that she had to do research on it? Dinkle said it was important.’

“And that's it?... That’s all she wanted?...” Warriors seemed to be slowly coming around even if his knee now bounced hard with nerves against the stone floor.

‘That’s all. Wild was there too. He can tell you.’ Wild quickly nodded his agreement.

“Right... Right. I'm sorry I yelled. You probably did the right thing. Knowing where she is will likely be important. Let's come up with a signal so you can tell us when she comes and goes without alerting her.”

Shifts were divided between them and Wild left his slate out by the fire so those on watch could use it to tell the time. It was impossible to tell time down here otherwise. Well except for Time himself but he wasn't on watch tonight. Engineer slowly rubbed his beard thoughtfully on watch, his sword laid across his lap at the ready between them and the first floor of the dungeon. He looked a bit like Legend picking apart a complex puzzle...

Sleepily Wild sat by the fire even though he didn’t have a shift tonight. Something in him really didn’t like to stay inside a place like this overnight. The others had reassured him it was normal for them... but his divine beasts hadn’t taken him anything more than an hour or two to clear. It had taken them all day just to get through one level of this dungeon... and while it had been fun... He already wanted out. He was already homesick and he just saw Flora just a few days ago... but that felt like a whole forever ago. He would just have to settle on starting his next letter for her.

‘Writing to Flora?’ Twilight asked bumping his shoulder against his and he nodded offering a wide toothy yawn.

‘I miss her... Oh! Oh no Twilight you wanted to talk to her-’

Twilight caught his flailing hands long enough to answer back.

‘I did. Don’t you remember falling asleep with your head in her lap? I talked to her then. She is just as smart as you said...’

‘So... You got the answers you wanted about the Twill?’

‘Yes... I think she really helped me... So don't worry anymore.’ Twilight rubbed his red hair and gently pulled Wild against him.

‘Go to sleep. You'll need it for tomorrow.’

Wild yawned against his chest and let out a few sleepy purrs before sleep finally took him.

Morning came too soon and the rich smell of coffee roused his mind enough to remember he should probably work on breakfast. The lack of sunlight already confused his sense of time.

He grumbled thoughtfully tapping on his slate. Let's see... He still had plenty of eggs and some soft bread he had been saving... It had been a gift during his first adventure...

He accepted a cup of the coffee as he worked on vigorously whisking oil with egg wild mustard salt and lemon juice.

“What are you makin’ huh?” Wars yawned from his post sipping his coffee.

‘Sandwiches. Lots of eggs.’

“Mmm sounds real messy.” Wars grinned watching him work.

“I feel like I should thank you Wild. For taking over cooking. And for letting us all watch and help. It's got to be nerve wracking.”

‘Oh no!’ Wild set down his work to sign again. ‘It's how I always cook! We all work together! Share recipes. Smile! You saw a bit in my time.’

“I... suppose so. Well... Thankyou anyhow. This would have been impossible without you here.”

Wild nervously fixed his hair and then forced himself to get back to making his sauce. the others would enjoy it. Or at least he hoped so.

Their smiles were worth all of the prep work of boiling the eggs, shelling them and finally sandwiching the egg salad between slices of soft white bread. Even Sky didn’t complain about getting up as Wild set the sandwich on his forehead. It set off several giggles as the God Killer sleepily started eating.

“Alright everyone all packed?” Wars huffed as he adjusted his own pack on his shoulders. Right. Let's go.” He stopped just before the stone arch doorway only to hesitate and slowly turn back to the group...

“So.... There’s no... door handle...”

Several forehead slaps echoed in the small stone room.

Chapter Text

Legend groaned and shoved Warriors’ shoulder teasingly.

“What did you somehow forget the big imposing door? I was waiting for you to figure out how to open it.”

“Nno! No of course not.” Warriors stuttered before putting on a smirk.

“Go on then great noble veteran. Show me how it's done.”

“Ass.” Legend huffed taking his time to inspect the door closely. “No I think I’ll let everyone else go first. I’m curious how they’d tackle this.”

“No hole to pick.” Wind muttered popping up beside Legend.

“And no apparent hinges.” Legend agreed back at the sailor.

Engineer ran his hands over the carved stone material.

“Smooth enough. No color difference. No obvious weakness…”

After a quiet moment Twilight cleared his throat.

‘Let me try something. Everyone be ready with lights.’

The rancher pulled out a white feathered boomerang focusing on the torches above them to snuff them all out at once.

The fire flickered but didn’t go out as the tool flew through the air.

‘I skipped rooms in the fairy dungeon doing that.’

“Huh. Magic torches. Anyone else?” Legend offered fingers tapping on his elbow.

“That was a good idea Twi. Maybe there’s one missing? Or some sort of switch we didn’t find on the way.” Four offered kneeling down to try and peep under the door. “I don't think even the minish could fit under this.

“Unlikely given there isn’t a switch marked on the map.” Legend hummed and handed over the paper for Four to inspect after the smith brushed off his knees.

‘Bombs?’ Wild offered with a big toothy grin only to be shut down by the group. He shrugged.

“What about that grabby thing you can do?” Sailor excitedly asked shaking Wild’s arm.

Wild laughed reaching out. He could use his ultra hand on the door but there was something holding it firmly in place. He couldn’t pull it hard enough to free it. The door hadn’t been opened recently so his time powers weren’t able to move it ether...

‘Sorry Sailor.’

“Awww! Are you telling me you already got this figured out?” The sailor grumbled and Legend nodded.

“Pretty sure. Do you guys want a hint?”

“Ass!”

“Language.” Time flicked Wind’s ear who just grumbled unhappily and elbowed him back.

Time shrugged thoughtfully as he took his turn with the door.

“We didn’t see any pattern near this door. I had to play music to open doors during my adventure. Or it could be tied to a monster nearby. Sometimes it requires defeating something to move on.”

“That would likely be on the map. Some sort of mini boss. It's unlikely they’d put that on the first level. I’d hate to reset that over and over and over. People come down here all the time.” Legend remarked.

Sky hummed thoughtfully and shook his head.

“Theres nothing to climb and nowhere to dig. I could try to use my skyward strike but I don't think it will do anything...”

“Ah!” Warriors suddenly gasped interrupting Sky.

“You got gossip on the dungeon, didn’t you?”

“Ding ding ding.” Legend smirked playfully up at Wars.

“Well?”

“This dungeon was created with a purpose. Most dungeons are. So I made sure to ask questions about that.”

“Stop acting cute. What’s the purpose?” Wars huffed and crossed his arms over his chest.

“Haha cute am I?” Legend sniggered and looked around the group.

“Are you all sure your done trying?”

Twilight waved and attempted to grab the thin ledges of the door properly. The rancher grunted pushing and pulling in each direction trying to force the door to open. He didn’t give up until he was huffing and puffing.

“You might as well give up Rancher.”

‘It worked in the water temple. I broke all the doors forcing them open. Otherwise the dungeon would have been impossible.’ Twilight admitted rubbing his sweaty forehead.

“All done then?... Go on Hyrule. Now you try.” Up until now Legend had been holding onto the traveler making him wait for the others.

‘You think I can do this?’

“I think you and I are the only ones who can open this door.”

‘Magic.’

“Exactly. This dungeon’s purpose is to find people to turn into wizrobes. The boss wants to convert Wizards, mages, sorcerers and the like into monsters. That’s why this door is here on the first floor and won't open. If a party doesn’t have a caster they simply won’t get in.”

Hyrule nodded and approached the door. He ignored all the bickering between the members of the chain. He reached out to rest his hands on the door and closed his eyes.

Wild could feel... something. Curiously he used his ultra hand trying to feel what was happening on the other side of the door. Whatever it was, it happened fast, the gears turned, the lock clicked and the doors shifted, air rushed past as it finally parted for the healer.

“O-oh...” Hyrule shifted back towards the others as another long dark stairwell greeted them.

“This is going to be a long long dungeon.” Legend sighed deeply. “Good job Rulie. Let’s at least get through the second level before we consider stopping again.”

“Is someone going to tell us a story? Huh?” Wind asked the group in general. “It might be nice to sleep somewhere safe this time.”

“It would make sense. Does anyone Want to do it?...” Wars asked thoughtfully. When the group went silent, he rolled his eyes.

“Let's not all answer at once now. Just raise your hand if you want to do it sooner rather than later?”

Slowly hands raised into the air.

Twilight, Wind, Hyrule and Engineer.

“How about a small game then? Then it’ll be fair and we’ll all be happy.”

The group stopped and Warriors held out a handful of colored sticks. Wild noticed there were five of them so Warriors must want to go home too.

“One of these is red on the end. Whoever gets that one gets to go next.”

Wild’s ears twitched as he caught Legend whispering to Hyrule.

“Surprised you want to go home Rule.”

‘They said where I wanted, not home. I want to go to Lonlon Ranch.’ Time patted Hyrule’s shoulder in thanks.

When they all pulled their sticks Engineer blinked at the red tip on his own stick in surprise. He almost guiltily looked at the others.

“Yeah! Good on you!” Wind slapped his arm hard a few times and Twilight grinned.

“I want to meet your kid! See if he really looks like me!”

Engie rubbed the back of his head and nodded.

“I’m not sure if I'm making the right choice here... but... My Zelda is Pregnant. We think this one might be a girl.”

Wild backed away as the whole chain exploded with lots of yelling and hugs. As much as he wanted to congratulate the quieter, older hero it was just allot.

“Why didn’t you fucking say so??”

‘She’s not showing yet is she? I don't remember!’

“Ohhh so thats why you two were so secret secret!” Wind crowed excitedly almost hanging on Engineer’s arm.

“Well... yeah. I know it would be smart to wait but I just want to see her.”

“Well congrats. Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll be home on time. I bet she’ll be happy to see you so soon.” Wars squeezed Engineer’s shoulder.

The others had the decency to pretend they couldn’t see how red the engineer's face was under the lantern light.

“Now.” Warriors continued. “Let’s see if we can manage the third floor before Dinkle comes back.”

Chapter Text

His throat tightens as the stairs lead them deeper and deeper into the darkness. Wild shakes himself out of his memories of himself and Zelda finding their way down very similar stairs not too long ago… He wouldn’t lose his brothers. Not like that. Not again. His electric keese fell from the roof, catching themselves on their ugly yellow wings and the group almost casually shoot them down within seconds.

“Ha! I got two!”

“Shut it Leg.”

“You’re just jealou-“

Wars and Legends rough housing was broken up by Time as per usual.

“I swear if you idiots fall down these stairs…”

The stair way opened into a large circular dome room. Dozens of statues were mounted within the arches of six solid oak doorways. The ceiling covered in hand painted gold stars.

“Ah yes. Classic.” Legend sighed taking the lead and eyeing the races which made up each of the marble statues.

“Don’t touch anything unless I say so.” Legend growled slapping Wind’s hand away.

“This is my Rito-Ow! Don’t hit me!”

‘Legend.’ Time sighed pulling Wind away before they could start fighting.

Wild carefully took a few pictures labeling them as the chain claimed each in turn. Wind’s Rito looked... interesting. Nothing like his own. It almost looked like a hylian but with a pair of wings and a beak slapped onto their nose.

‘There’s fresh air from this direction.’ Twilight hummed pointing out the path which seemed to turn to the left.

“Good catch.” Legend hummed moving slowly and eyeing the marble floor and walls as he went.

Were these scenes of the past? Future? Alternate timeline? The scenes were etched into the walls of the hallway the group passed through.

‘That’s an Ooccoo! Sky!’

“What?”

‘These are my sky people! They can talk!’

“Horrifying. I’ll have nightmares tonight. Thanks.” Sky deadpanned inspecting the strange little bird creatures.

Twilight laughed slapping his back. ‘They're not that bad!’

“Wait, are those nipples?” Wind asked pointing to the bird's chest.

‘Goddess no! Those are big feathers. They look like eyes up close.’

“Ah. That makes it worse. Somehow.” Legend groaned poking the others into moving forward again.

“Dog boy you better keep your senses open.”

‘I’d do better as a wolf.’

“Whatever it takes. It's always the people around the dumb one who gets hurt.”

Wild wasn’t sure if Legend meant himself, Wind, Sky or Twilight but the rancher still laughed as he transformed, landing on his paws to scent the air. It wasn’t like Wild wasn’t doing the same. Everything smelt of magic, blood, monsters and a ton of dust.

The group slowly meandered into what looked to be a huge laboratory. Broken machinery littered the marble tables and floor, glass bottles held specimens of all sorts on the walls and even in the limited lighting Wild could tell the room was expansive.

Purah would sell her soul for a room like this. The podium at the front held a few books which Legend wordlessly flicked through.

“Magic. This is a room for teaching magic.”

Wild handed over his slate to Legend. He excitedly showed him how to find the camera to record pages from the book instantly.

“Amazing! This is handy Wild.”

Even distracted as he was, Wild was the first to react to Wolfie’s warning growl.

His arrow flew true into the first black blooded monster’s throat before it could land its hit.

“Wolfie! To me!” Time was next to react his great sword arching through the air wide to guard the group as the others recovered from their shock.

“Wild! Shit-“ Warriors pushed to the front helping Wolfie with the frontal attack while Legend and Wild fell back arrows offering backup as Wars directed the others to take up positions to cover all four walk ways. Hordes of black blooded bokoblins crashed into them in waves until the monsters were literally tripping over their fallen comrades.

Wind got to take down the last one but no one relaxed until Wolfie pushed pass Time and finally cleared the room with a bark and wagging tail.

Time sighed and rubbed the wolf’s head.

“Alright who’s hurt. For once we have supplies. If anything is bothering you all, say it now.”

There was a long pause before Wind slowly raised his hand.

“I... um hit my wrist. Its numb.”

Wild handed over his slate to Hyrule and Warriors without a word watching as the pair slowly figured out the controls to release a little fairy from the slate.

He could still remember how they had responded to Wild putting a living creature into the shiekah slate but the fairies truly didn’t seem to notice anything. They didn’t seem to experience any passing of time within the slate. He figured it was allot like the resurrection shrine. He hadn’t aged in stasis ether, after all.

“Thanks!” Wind grinned rolling his newly healed wrist. “That was allot of monsters huh?”

“Black blooded too so I suppose we have Dinkle to thank.” Four huffed.

“She’s been busy then. Is everything in here going to be black blooded then? Even bosses?”

‘Probably.’

Wild hummed searching through the monsters to find a few decent weapons while the chain chatted. a few shields and some crude chopping swords. He wished he could make elixirs with these monster parts even if the chain didn’t really neeeddd them. He just sighed, shame twisting up his gut as he remembered what happened the last time he tried to make black blood elixirs. Wolfie would never let him just wallow in it though. The wolf pushed up against him and Wild mindlessly pet him.

“Let's keep moving yeah?” Wars finished cleaning his sword of the black blood and took the lead.

Hallways stretched on and on. The walls and floors changed from marble to some sort of polished cement.

They explored the whole left wing of this level only finding dozens and dozens of bedrooms now desiccated by time and a huge pit which the rush of air Twilight had felt came from.

“What is this?”

“Bathroom probably. There used to be water here with magic. They shit in the hole.” Legend explained with absolutely no filter.

“Ewww!” Wind made a face.

“Some noblemen you are.” Wars teased.

“Ha! Fuck you.”

It took them well over an hour to make the trip back. Once through Legend pulled out his fire rod and carefully burned the number one on the wooden door.

“Alright sailor your turn. Which way should we go?”

The kid jumped at Legend’s command before grinning and pointing out one of the doors on the right.

“That one!”

“Alright why?”

“The brass is shiny. Lots of people go that way.”

“Good catch.” Legend nodded with pride and pushed through.

‘Oh, great another hallway.’ Wild complained unhappily. Sky gently patted his shoulder.

“A product of big rooms I'm afraid.”

The next room however made up for everything.

Wild stepped onto the kitchen gasping at the size of it. This was exactly how he imagined the kitchen within the castle. Pots and pans hung from a huge rack above the center island. A proper icebox big enough to sleep within was pushed up against the far wall and what felt like miles and miles of butcher block countertop. Wild could cry.

‘Lunch!’

“Woo!” The chain took the time to close in the room getting comfortable as wild finally got a proper outlet for his frustration.

Soon the smell of rich sauces buttered vegetables and fish filled the room.

“What cha making Wild?”

‘Fish pie with a fluffy puff pastry. A big one to feed everyone... This kitchen is spotless... not what I expected down here...’

“Maybe they got a cleaning lady.” Legend joked from his seat on the counter.

Wild just chuckled and buried the pot within the coals and covering it with a lid and even more coals to bake.

Once done Wild happily passed bowls out to everyone.

“There are tables in the next room and its super big!” Wind commented to the others and with a few muttered agreements the group shuffled into the dining hall.

The solid oak tables within remained intact. Wild grinned excited to take a spot between Wind and Time only to freeze, his smile dropping as a familiar beeping echoed within the dark dining hall.

Chapter Text

Wild jumped up onto the wooden table so hard and so roughly that Wind faceplanted into his pie. Legend also in the middle of sitting down on the other sides bench jerked back so hard, he fell on his ass. Wild however remained focused on the blackened silhouette in the darkness, shield in hand. Unlike the guardians he had encountered in the past this one wasn’t glowing. Not blue or orange. Had the guardians learned how to sneak?? How could anyone survive their reign of terror if they couldn’t even see them in the dark??

Something sat on the top of the guardian giggling madly as its head twisted around and around. Something black wrapped tightly around the guardian's eye leaving it unable to target and shoot. Shadows? Tentacle shadows? Wild could remember her using that power on them before.

It was blind. It… Wild tightened his grip on his sword and shield to stop his shaking. He couldn’t make his body relax until Twilight pulled him down off the table and started rubbing his neck like a terrified kitten. Slowly Wild let out a gasping breath and start to breathe properly again.

“What exactly is going on.” Time asked firmly attempting to regain some control over the situation.

“There’s more of these down here. I thought I’d at least give you all a chance to see them.” Dinkle called from her perch between each of the guardian’s spins.

“What the fuck is it? Some sort of beamos with legs??” Legend grumbled as War’s helped him up and brushed him off.

“Ask Wild.”

“Kinda looks like he is busy with a fucking panic attack. Why don’t you explain.”

“Are you alright Wild.” Time asked leaning in enough to check on his state.

Wild slowly nodded eyes still firmly on the guardian. One mistake was all it would take to lose a brother here. He tried to remember they had a ridiculous amount of healing items on their persons.

“Fine.” She rolled her eyes and slowly hopped down.

“This is a guardian. These things normally glow! But apparently black blood as you've been calling it makes them not glow. I thought Wild could show you how to deal with this one but I guess not...”

‘No! I can do it.’ Wild couldn’t let any of the others deal with this. He couldn’t.

“Good... Oh darn. I got here too soon. I didn’t want to interrupt your meal.” Dinkle sighed.

“But this is a perfect room. Lots of tables to hide behind. Plenty of space. Show them how it's done Wild.”

“Wait. Wild are you certain about this.” Time murmured squeezing his shoulder.

Wild took a deep breath and found his courage burning in his chest. This was more than most people got. He could do this for his brothers.

‘Right. Let’s do this.’

After some discussion the others flipped over dozens of tables giving them plenty of spaces to hide behind and once Wild was the only one in view Dinkle released the guardian. It’s dark eye twisted around locking onto the only target. It’s beeps lengthened and finally the energy released.

Wild couldn’t hear anything as the beam shot towards him and he batted it away on instinct sending the beam off to the left.

“Try again! Take it out!” Dinkle yelled from her spot ontop of the guardian.

“Don’t distract him!” Warriors yelled back.

Wild dodged another beam by sprinting at the last minute and raised his shield once more returning the third beam perfectly back into it’s black eye.

Dinkle held on as the guardian collapsed from the strength of it’s own attack. He had managed it pretty easily, despite how long it had been since he had to fight something like that...

“Good! Now who is next!”

Wild just stared up at her in disbelief.

“What is that face for? Everyone is going to get a chance.” Dinkle send him a smirk sharp teeth glinting in the low lantern light. “Most of them have dealt with something like them before Wild. They just need practice.”

“I wanna go! Let me!” Wind ran out from his hiding place hand waving in the air.

“That’s what I’m talking about~!”

‘No! No!’ Wild ran forward like he could protect Wind from a dead guardian struggling to sign with his hands full that it wasn’t safe.

“Wild.” Dinkle sighed deeply. “This is important. They all need to at least know how to do this. I’m not trying to get anyone killed.”

Wild shook under Twilight’s gentle hands. Somehow it was so much worse to watch others. Watch... He felt that uncomfortable feeling of a memory building pressure in his mind and he tried to push it away. He really did. He needed to focus on how Dinkle’s sharp nails clawed into her own palm. How the black blood dripped down onto the machinery below her. How the guardian slowly healed and awakened to rain death and destruction upon the land once more.

Wild lost himself after the second beam shivering in Twilight’s arms.

It wasn’t until they were almost done and Twilight gently passed Wild to Time that the pair realized Wild had completely shut down staring horrified at whatever past clouded his mind. They didn’t have enough time to do more than cover him protectively.

Dinkle seemed to be able to resurrect the machine over and over allowing them plenty of time to practice.

“There's just one more thing before we finish so everyone pay attention!”

Twilight swallowed as the dark being held up a cucco made completely of black shadows.

“Go on little guy.” She tossed the cucco under it and the guardian reacted instantly slamming down on the poor thing before it even landed. Twilight’s ears twitched with sympathy at its pathetic little squawk as it became a shadow pancake.

“Don’t go under it while the legs are still intact it will squish you. You will regret it.”

Her crossbow lifted into the air and Dinkle’s arrow flew finishing the guardian off for the last time.

“Now how about that food? Can I have a bowl?”

Chapter Text

Dinkle's back slammed against the carcass of the black blooded guardian.

Sky’s clinched his hand around her throat purposefully cutting off her gasp of surprise. Her sharp nails dug into his forearm causing blood to bead up from the pinprick wounds. The chosen hero could feel his face redden and his teeth ached. It took him far too long to realize he was clinching them.

“Wild wasn’t ready for this.” He eyes though blind, still bore into her soul demanding an answer she couldn’t push past the weight of his hold. Even so plenty of information came from Fi. Her voice gently whispered within his mind growing louder about possible permanent damage.

“Sky!”

“Hey that won’t help-”

The voices of the chain blurred together and honestly Sky had no idea who was talking.

“Yeah? It sure helps me.” He lifted her up enough to yank her hands off of him before finally letting her fall back to her feet.

Dinkle had to lean on the machine behind her for support as she coughed and fought to catch her breath once more.

“Sky. Breathe.” Wars pulled the storm away from him mind at least for the moment.

“It… that doesn’t matter… matter. Our enemy was trained by the Shiekah. They can use beams like them. He… he needed to figure out his mess. Now. Before it got one of you killed.” Dinkle pointed up to the darkened eye which had shot lazers at them only moments ago.

“He isn’t even here really! He is lost in his head- his past because of you!” Sky’s shouts echoed in the chamber making a few of the heroes cover their ears.

“In a controlled environment! I had full control of that thing! It’s more than most get in a dungeon. You should be thanking me!”

Sky exploded out of War’s arms and truthfully it would be call it a cat fight.

Dinkle could have reached for her own powers and Sky could have drawn the Master sword on his back. Instead fists and elbows flew. When it was clear she was losing shadows melted out of Sky’s hold and retreated to Twilight. Dinkle disappeared into his shadow without much more fanfare.

“Fuck you! Make a portal. We’re going to Skyloft Right Now.”
A long silence and then quiet ringing echoed strangely from Twilight’s feet. Within moments a portal bloomed into existence against the far wall.
"Good.  Fucking Bullshit."  Sky stormed off through the portal before anyone could stop him.

"Well... that sucked."

"When Sky does that, I can believe he killed a god."  Wind still held his hands over his ears protectively from all the shouting.

As the group trickled through the portal Twilight signing down at his feet.
"Don't hide in my shadow if Sky is mad at you.  He might have snapped at me too."

"Honestly that could have gone worse..." Time sighed and gently patted Twilight’s shoulder.
"Let's just... get Wild somewhere safe."  The Zonai had been tucked under Time’s arm protectively the whole time.
"Before anything else happens."

No one argued and on the other side of the portal Sky had instantly found Sun who looked up at them helplessly over her chosen hero’s blond hair.
Poor Sky had practically melted into her arms, face pressed into her shoulder to hide out the world. It didn’t look like he would be leaving her embrace anytime soon.

“Hey Sun! Sky got really mad at Dinkle. We could probably use a bed for Wild. Could we go to your house again?” Wind asked in greeting.

“Oh?... Oh dear... You all just left a few minutes ago! Come on in. He can lay down in our bed.” She worried over Sky even as her gaze lingered over the Zonai who stumbled along under Time’s guiding hands.

“We can explain as soon as he can rest. We should have some time this time to actually speak.”