Maple_The_Awesome

You're probably equally as subtle in the way you suddenly adjust, bending your knees to sit straighter with the handle of Link's sword now held in a whitened grip upon your lap. Your other hand grasps the scabbard, each finger twitching impatiently.

In your head, you run imagery drills mostly involving you leaping to your feet and drawing the blade with skilled precision...a wishful outcome that doesn't take into account your lack of actual experience, which is why you're also sure to consider more realistic scenarios where you flee instead, stumbling over roots and rocks with a desperate scream no one else would be around to answer.

...What could they be planning for you over there? Certainly it's to cause you harm one way or another! There's too many of them for you to fight off as if you'd be able to fight even just one and running would likely be fruitless, too, especially considering your current exhaustion.

Oh, why did you let yourself get into this situation?! You wish you could go back in time and change your answer - to have never agreed to travel together in the first place with concern for your own safety!

'I wish Link were here,' the pitiful thought crosses your mind before you can stop it - before you can remind yourself how impossible and utterly hopeless that is. Sure, if he were here, you'd have nothing to fear. He'd set these boys straight, not letting so much as a finger befall you...but Link's dead. What good does wishing for him do now?

...And yet, even after so many years without him, you still find yourself desperately seeking your husband's protection...because against the odds, some foolish part of your mind still believes he could somehow keep you safe even from beyond his own grave.

Suddenly one of the boys - the Skyloftian who can't seem to ever leave you alone for long - abandons his companions in favor of your direction. His pace can't be any more than a slow jog, yet your heart still leaps into your throat before plummeting into your stomach, your entire body tense as you prepare yourself for his approach.

There's a brief second where you consider standing, however your body remains glued to its spot on the ground, your hidden terror interfering with your ability to make a quick choice before the boy's already towering over you.

"Hey! Would you like to maybe join us by the fire?" The teen shows you a toothy grin - one you can't help feeling is forced given the slight, nervous twitch at each corner.

You must look truly silly being so skittish around someone who behaves so kindly...but isn't that the trick? For all anyone knows, it could all be an outward performance meant to shadow his true intentions! No way you're trusting that!

Fortunately, you must be doing a much better job than you realize keeping your fears hidden - that or he's plain oblivious, because he does nothing to call out your internal panic, simply throwing a thumb back towards the others, "It's, um, pretty cold over here."

"I'm fine," You lie, readjusting yourself against the stiff bark currently digging into your back. The movement has you firmly planting your boots flat against the ground, prepared to run should the situation call for it.

Sky nods slowly, almost as if your words go in one ear then right out the other while his concerned eyes briefly dart to your face. Although Skyloftian clothing is designed to keep the wearer's body warm against regularly low temperatures, he knows from personal experience how cruel the air's bite must be to your exposed cheeks and nose...but calling your bluff probably won't help him get the results he's hoping for.

"...Well, um, dinner's almost done. I'm sure you're hungry at least?"

You open your mouth, planning another stubborn reply before hopefully shooing the boy away, yet your stomach decides to speak in your honor instead, rumbling rather loudly in protest to that consideration.

Your face immediately grows warm in embarrassment which is further fueled by Sky's amused laughter. It might not be polite, but he can't help himself! The sound releases a certain tension from the air (at least on his side of things).

Turning, he gestures to the fire through a nod of his head, "Come on! The Champion makes really good food, I promise! A lot of the ingredients he uses can't be found on Skyloft, so I consider it a special treat for us Skyloftians."

Despite already having his back to you, he waits, not taking a single step more as his eyes remain locked on you from over his shoulder. There's a certain softness to them - one patient and inviting, with a bit of something else you don't care enough to decipher at the moment.

Opposed to his offer, you remain stuck to the ground like a heavy rock while staring at him so intensely, a lesser man might've combusted on the spot. You search for any sign of dishonesty - even the slightest hint of ill or inappropriate intention...yet all you see is a boy. His smile is pure although tired, his eyes almost sad as if seeing something about this world that you can't, forced to bear a weight no others could know...You recognize those eyes...

"You should really eat. It's been a long day for us all."

"I -..." Your mouth clasps shut before any more sound can escape. The breath you breathe feels heavier than usual, tasting bitter although there's a chance you might've just bitten your lip too hard this time...Then, as if beckoned by some invisible force, your body finally moves without any real opposition. Slowly and carefully, you rise to your feet much to the Skyloftian's joy.

Almost timidly, you trail him over to the fire, reluctantly sitting in the one open spot the boys make for you by wordlessly shuffling apart. Sky makes no grand show of it when he sits beside you, his proud smile only remaining focused on you for a second longer before his attention turns to the fire.

...Already, it feels as if you've crossed into forbidden territory. Contrary to how it had been before you invaded their circle, the group is dead silent now - almost unbearably so. All that can be heard now against the quiet forest's whisper are the songs of crickets, pops of the campfire, and uncomfortable shifting as if no one quite knows what to say or do.

Had they even agreed to invite you over or did their Skyloftian take that upon himself? It seems most of them refuse to so much as glance your way, whether out of distrust or mere awkwardness is left to your imagination.

Perhaps the only ones unbothered by this situation (aside from the Skyloftian himself, who's in high spirits) are the Old Man, who you've accepted must just always appear tense, and their cook, who at least has something else to occupy himself with as he tastes his product before tossing in some more spices.

For a moment, you consider retreating. Catching illness would certainly be better than being stuck shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers like this...although the warmth of the fire is much more welcoming than the wind's lick, and whatever's being dished out of that pot sure does smell delicious although anything could probably be considered a delectable feast compared to the bland trail food you packed for yourself.

"Here ya' go," the first words finally spoken come from the boy sitting to your right. He flashes a polite smile while passing a bowl your way, however you hesitate to accept it, spending a shameful amount of time staring at his face in pure confusion.

You're almost positive you haven't seen him amongst their group before. There were eight when you first met them - You should know because you've been careful to study and assess each! ...But then, when would he have had a chance to sneak in without notice or announcement?

...Now that you recall, they did mention something about another trailing back from their party for whatever reason. Given all the other information they dropped on you then, you just hadn't thought to question it. He must be their mysterious ninth member. Yet another stranger to keep track of...

Around you, the boys begin hastily digging in, not wasting a second for prayers or even proper manners for many of them. Honestly, they act half starved, sloshing their spoons into the soup before eagerly slurping it with little regard to how the remnants end up dripping down their chins. At least some of the older boys try to be more dignified, however even their bites are rushed as if worried someone or something might get in the way of their supper.

Staring down at the creamy liquid, you're hesitant to take the spoon between your fingers and even more so to actually bring it to your lips. It smells fine - more than fine, really, with a deep, earthy scent and a hint of sweet spice. You had also watched as it had been dished right out of the main pot then passed over to you without anything else being noticeably added...so it should be safe to eat, shouldn't it? Everyone else is already halfway done with their first bowls by the looks of it.

Your stomach doesn't really care to take guesses. Poisoned or not, you can feel a faint bubbling of your insides which threaten to announce your hunger aloud any second now. Not wanting that embarrassment again, you finally trust a bite.

"It's good, right?" Sky seems to turn to you immediately afterwards, as if that singular bite had been his cue to finally begin conversation.

"...Mhm..." You look away and nod, not wanting to show how much you actually enjoy it. Carrot stew, with a hint of butter and cream - something you haven't had since your days on the Surface.

Many foods had been lost since moving to Skyloft, yet dairy had been completely taken off the menu without access to livestock like cows or goats. Whether a fan of those foods or not, you'd be lying to yourself if you said you haven't missed at least having the option for variety in your meals. Now you'll just have to hope its sudden reintroduction doesn't make you sick.

"...Sooo, why don't you tell us a bit about yourself?" Sky starts, trying to make the random question sound natural. He lifts his own spoon as if ready to take another bite, yet it never actually makes it up to his lips, his focus staying primarily on you and whatever answer you might give.

"There's nothing to tell," Unfortunately, all he receives is a grumble while you stir away the creamy swirls inside your bowl, "You already know my name and that I derive from Skyloft. What more would you need to know?"

This causes him to falter slightly, however it's only for a second before he recovers, deciding to try a more direct approach, "R-Right...I guess the question I meant to ask is what ledyou to begin this journey in the first place? I don't mean to pry, but it's just that...Well -"

"- You don't seem exactly fit for this kinda thing," While Sky's idea of a 'direct' approach still involves beating around the bush, Legend has no issue pointing out what he'd argue is 'obvious', barely looking up from his meal even after the disapproving way some of the others hiss his name, "...What? I'm not wrong! She clearly hasn't spent much time traveling before all of this! I've met a lot of people throughout my adventures. I can tell when someone's new to the road."

He...isn't wrong. Not that anyone else would've wanted to point it out much less that bluntly, but it's been made painfully apparent to them that you have little to no experience with life on the road like this...although admittedly, they tend to be a bit overqualified themselves.

"Are you a knight?" Warriors inquires, looking to your outfit which he recalls Sky saying is the official uniform for Skyloft's knights. There are slight differences, with yours notably having less fancy stitch-work along the seams yet brighter colors overall as if richer dyes had been used in its creation.

Unfortunately for him, you take the direction of his eyes the wrong way, sinking further behind Sky with a slight glare.

"A merchant?" Wild guesses, silently hoping that's the case since their group could really use some new supplies and goods. He has plenty of gems and old guardian parts he'd be willing to trade in exchange.

"She could just be an inspiring traveler," Hyrule offers, shrugging off Legend's huff, "What? We all gotta start somewhere."

"My profession is no business of yours."

The boys frown at your mulish insistence yet you pay them no mind, stuffing another spoonful of soup into your mouth while praying to the goddesses they drop the topic...but the divine have rarely ever been on your side.

"Baker, merchant, housewife - What difference does it make to us?" The Vet scoffs while ripping off a bite of his bread, however the way he rolls his eyes afterwards is more sarcastic than truly annoyed, "Kind of a weird thing to be so secretive about, don't ya think?"

You deflate with cheeks slightly warmed. With all their eyes still burning into your soul, you look away while mumbling against your spoon, "...I'm a blacksmith."

This catches the attention of a certain blond sitting across the campfire, who's head snaps up with an eager glow to his eyes, "Really?"

"Yes," You sigh heavily, misinterpreting his interest as the wrong kind of surprise, "I know most don't expect it based on appearances, but it's a family trade taught to me by my father who was once one of the most renowned smiths across Hylia's People...although not many share the craft anymore."

"I bet you're very talented," Sky makes it sound like a compliment over a guess, eyes glittering as if he knows that statement to be factual, but how could he possibly?

"It's easy to be talented when you have no real competition."

Someone snorts, accepting your comment as humorous despite that not being your intention.

"I'm a blacksmith myself. 'learned everything I know from my grandfather," Four explains with a pinch of pride. He's busy fishing chunks of carrot from his bowl before finally turning his attention to you, "How long have you worked the trade?"

Now that's an answer you must actually think about, "Hmm, professionally...I suppose ten years...I had always helped out with the smaller tasks - managing the forge's heat, crafting simple farm tools, and the such - however my father - Well, he fell ill when I was about twenty. 'couldn't manage the business on his own any longer, so I stepped in. I've been handling the reins ever since."

"Wow, that's a long time!" Wind awes before counting on each of his fingers, "So that means you must be thirty now, right?"

The innocent question earns him a sharp elbow to the side and a hissed scolding from Warriors, "Don't ask a lady that! It's impolite!"

"Why?! It's just a question!"

Despite being reticent towards previous questions and the way you internally chide yourself for having shared too much just then, you show more patience towards the younger boy's prying than you had with the others. A gentle smile feels almost natural as you look to the youth, "Nearly thirty two, but you'd be correct."

"Then you're still younger than the Old Man!" The teen beams, almost like that's truly an accomplishment to be proud of. He then leans in with a loud whisper, hand held up to shield the side of his face as if that will magically prevent the man in question who happens to be sitting directly to his left from hearing, "He won't tell us exactly how old he is, but we're guessing sixty."

Your eyebrow shoots up as you glance at the alleged 'Old Man'. Sure, he looks much older than the others here, but sixty? You would've guessed he'd only have a few years on you if anything. He doesn't even appear to have wrinkles!

"That's...certainly a guess."

"Trust us, he's a lot older than he looks!" Warriors assures, that be it in a teasing tone while throwing a hand on the grumbling man's shoulder.

"Mentally speaking," Time clarifies, shrugging the Captain away, "Which isn't difficult to accomplish amongst this group."

...Well, that certainly leaves you with more questions than answers.

Not caring to ask nor acknowledge the lighter air between you all, you opt to continue with your meal. There seems to be a tension removed from the group - as if your short answers had already been enough to smooth their minds and convince them you're no threat...which could either be a good or bad thing for yourself.

You're nearly done with your bowl - save for a few scraping spoonfulls left on the bottom - when Sky dares to break the silence again, "So is it just you and your father?"

There's a brief second where your movements stall, your entire body freezing as if overcome by a chilled winter breeze. At first, you don't intend on responding, certain that particular question crosses a line...however your eyes drift down to the torn scarf around your neck, a heavy weight soon pulling you down with it, "...And my son."

There's a solemn silence across the circle which you hadn't expected, almost like they can sense your exact pain with those three words alone. Just like that, you can once again hear the chirping of crickets in the distance and the snapping of logs collapsing in the fire pit. Then...

"It must be difficult being so far from him," Time's voice is gentle - understanding even.

Your grip on your spoon tightens. You've surely felt it already, although hearing someone else point it out makes the weight all the more crushing. With a sharp intake of air, you fight against the stinging in your eyes, "...It is...but I'll be home soon enough."

It might sound like pure determination - and to a certain extent, it is - however there's also a hint of denial in there somewhere, refusing to linger on the thought for too long all for the sake of your own survival and mentality.

Being so far from your child feels like being away from a piece of your heart. Despite knowing deep down that he's safe under the watchful eyes of the entire community, you could still worry yourself sick for his wellbeing. In your stubborn mind, he could only truly be protected by your own hand - by the iron will of a mother who could stare death right in the eye without falter for the sake of her baby. You imagine that's how any mother would feel, although you doubt your anxiety is made any better given everything you've gone through...

There's a gauche cough as their cook raises his spoon, "Anyone up for seconds?"

Apparently that's all it takes to shift the mood, even if just slightly. A couple of hands (most of them really) go up before bowls are passed back around, however you no longer feel as hungry as you once had. Instead, you settle for finishing what's in front of you and listen without participation to the conversations that soon start to flow around you.

From your left, Sky also refuses a refill of his soup, too busy dwelling on your previous answer to worry about his own stomach.

He had hoped for something more - something that could directly confirm his suspicions. You're a blacksmith which is good. You said it yourself: it's a rare trade on Skyloft and even rarer for women. You also have a child - a boy - which is better, because the hero's son had famously founded the Knight's Academy, becoming its first headmaster; all the more evidence that Sky's correct in your identity.

...Still, he wants to know more, in part to convince everyone else, but to also cure his own burning curiosity. The answer lies with your husband - if he really was Hylia's Chosen Hero and, quite possibly, the first Hero of Courage. Exactly how much do you know about his destiny and eventual legacy? Did Hylia tell you anything about his reincarnation? Do you know about yours?

He could ask - continue to pry and hint until you either begrudgingly confess or bite - yet his internal turmoil must've been worn too clearly upon his face because Warriors kicks his boot, wordlessly shaking his head with a sharp look shot through the corner of his eyes. Both dip their heads to each other in unspoken agreement: this isn't the time to bother you with any more questions.

.

.

.

The rest of the evening goes better than you had imagined although you admittedly had very low expectations to begin with. There's no aggression or danger that you sense, nor is there much awkwardness despite how your last conversation had faded. Best of all, there were no further interrogation attempts, not even the Skyloftian who stayed oddly silent throughout the rest of the night.

Some random chattering came to life soon after dinner had been finished, although you would only quietly listen in, preferring to use the opportunity to learn more about them through the stories they'd dramatically retell, each based on their alleged travels.

Even if you wanted to, there wasn't anything you could really add for yourself outside of maybe secondhand accounts of Link's own battles, although you doubt you'd be able to hold an audience as well as the young Sailor could through his colorful excitement.

Tales of skin-crawling spiders, vicious lynels, and colossal 'Octos' (whatever those are). It was all a bit much and quite unbelievable some of it, so you would certainly deny there ever being even the slightest resemblance to a smile hidden behind the hand you leaned against throughout.

Eventually, it was agreed by several yawns and sluggish blinks that it was in everyone's best interest to get some rest before setting out again in the morning - a point met with no objections until the eldest mentioned something about 'keeping watch'.

There were some groans as he lazily recited a list of names which you assume would be their shift order, yet your own name wouldn't be a part of it. He could have many reasons for excluding you, ranging from distrust to an act of politeness, but you didn't care. You fully planned on staying up to keep watch over yourself anyway.

Without any more discussion, you all quietly rose from your places around a dimming fire with some aching bones crackling under the movement. As the boys wandered off to their bedrolls, you stretched your stiff limbs before turning towards the same tree you had been resting against earlier.

"Ya' can use my bedroll if ya' want," You startle when Twilight comes up behind you, his presence innocent enough as he holds out a rolled blanket in his arms, "I don't mind sleepin' under the stars."

"Neither do I -"

"- Your bedroll's covered in dog hair. She doesn't want to sleep on that!" Warriors scoffs, approaching the two of you with a sway of confidence as he had been personally invited to interrupt your conversation.

You look away while Twilight's tanned cheeks take on a more pink color, "I - Wolfie must'a been layin' on it when I wasn't lookin'! It'll dust off just fine!"

A hand props itself against Warriors' jutted hip, the other gesturing to a much more pristine bedroll already laid out mere feet away, "She can take mine. Unlike yours, it doesn't smell and the bedding has been freshly washed."

"Mine doesn't smell!" Twilight exclaims, although there's a concerned waiver behind his voice as he raises the covers to his nose just to make sure.

"Cause you've gone nose blind -"

"- I'll take his," already too exhausted to be dealing with this and thus leaving no more question to it, you practically snatch the roll of covers from Twilight's arms before swiftly turning on your heel and ducking away from them both, "Thank you."

They frown at your retreating form before Twilight soon puffs out his chest with an all too prideful look sent Warriors' way, much to the other man's annoyance.

A comfortable distance away from the others, you lay out the borrowed bedroll and spend minimal time patting it flat. Simply refusing to forgo any of your clothes - even the heavier chainmail underneath your tunic - you drop your sword and shield down within arms reach before shuffling under the covers which really do carry the slight smell of dog and hay.

It would likely be more comfortable without so many layers of clothing, however it still beats that hole you had slept in the previous night, closer akin to an actual bed you're used to. From your place, you can see across most of the camp, including the small flicker of the fire and the shadowy silhouette of the Old Man still sitting beside it.

Pulling your sword close, you curl against the scabbard, forcing yourself not to close your eyes for more than a few seconds...which is, of course, easier said than done.

There's a bit of movement from nearby caused by the Skyloftian collapsing upon his own bedroll with a drained exhale. He's halfway through removing his boots before his attention jerks to you, only then seeming to notice your presence.

"...Goodnight," He tries to smile even if it does look a bit nervous still, yet you only make a short sound before rolling to your other side. 

Next Chapter [coming soon]

<- Previous Chapter

Taglist:

@starlightnova

@krys0210

@sinbehavior

@thxmiss

@livvylupus

@seraphinariddle

@mapogo13

@shiannacastilliane

@red1sg0n3

@rotlixrustywritingcorner

@jaziragold

There's no prolonged silence or awkward attempts at making casual conversation beforehand, yet he still manages to sound perfectly neutral while jumping right to the point. Falling into line by your side, he pauses just long enough to give you a fair chance to add a comment of your own. When you don't, he speaks again carefully, "...We'll need to set up camp soon."

"What we need is to reach that portal."

He doesn't bite on your precipitance, instead remaining stern yet relaxed with his tone - not arguing, but merely pointing out a fact, "It's dangerous to travel at night. We'll have trouble seeing our direction, not to mention monsters become more active in the dark."

He's right...You just aren't so willing to admit that.

Although returning home as soon as possible is your leading concern, the thought of spending the night surrounded by strange men doesn't exactly bring you any comfort either. It's already enough of a risk traveling in isolation with them. How could you possibly be expected to completely lower your guard by falling asleep near them?

"You lot can fight, can you not?"

"We can, but not while deprived of rest."

You try to make it subtle as you glance back at the rest of the group. There's no mistaking the way they've begun dragging themselves lately, their pace slowing down immensely compared to what it had once been. Even the youngest - previously full of so much zest - has begun to fall behind with dramatic groans of displeasure while his brothers physically tugged him along.

Moments before his approach, you had heard faint mumbling between the Old Man and a couple of the other boys who sounded annoyed with a hint of urgency behind their voices (which beckoned you to try eavesdropping even if you couldn't properly decode their whispers).

They were adamant about something, their hushed complaints only ceasing once an agreement must've finally been made. That's, of course, when the Old Man first came to you...No doubt they had been trying to annoy their leader into talking some sense into you.

Although you've been trying to ignore it, there's no denying the exhaustion that courses through your own body, too. Your legs ache under all the unusual exercise they've been forced to experience these past few days, your lower back feeling so brittle, you fear a single touch might result in your form crumbling completely...It's starting to really weigh you down, and the poor sleep you got last night plus all the days priorprobably doesn't help any, either.

Perhaps if you were younger, this would've been an easier trip to at least adapt to, however you're not entirely sure how much further you'll be able to push yourself before your body decides to wave that white flag for you. As desperately as you may want to return home without delay, you realize it's not realistic to make it there in your current state, not to mention you won't be able to protect yourself if worn too thin.

...At last you begrudgingly nod to Time's suggestion, giving no verbal agreement to the idea, although one isn't necessarily needed. Without making any big fuss of it, he stops suddenly in his tracks and faces the tired group with a simple announcement: "We'll camp here for tonight."

There's a collective sigh of relief as the boys collapse right where they stand, a few 'thank Hylia's whimpered throughout the group...yet surprisingly - and against all their previous grievances of fatigue - none of them stay in one spot for long.

Where you would've only had the courage to find some nook or cranny to hide in overnight, they're apparently much more determined to turn this small gap of forest into a comfortable camp for the night - spurred on by their Captain who's quick to begin ushering them back to their feet after a mere minute of rest.

Aside from some brief grumbles, no one truly digs their heels into the ground against his insistence, especially not when the Old Man begins handing out directions as well. Some to clear the forest floor of debris, others to unpack, and a trio to complete a small patrol of the surrounding area in case of looming danger...Soon, the entire group is buzzing around the clearing as if possessed by a swift influx of energy you can only be jealous of.

Away from their chaos, you've found a place for yourself on the edge of the clearing where you settle against a tree with a shaky twitch to your movements. If you allowed yourself, you could honestly fall asleep right now laying amongst the foliage, but instead you sit with your back stiff against the tree where you can keep everyone within your line of sight at once.

...They said they had all been investigating these portals individually before being brought together, however you can't quite shake the feeling that there must be more to it than what's been admitted thus far.

They just seem so different...not to mention they don't all fit the expected description of 'simple travelers'. Take the youngest, for example. A boy his age shouldn't be off on his own adventuring the world. What business does he have investigating dangerous portals? And what parent would allow their child down that path, or does he belong to one of the other boys here? Only the Old Man seems old enough for a child of that age, although they don't share much resemblance. Perhaps a little brother someone brought along?

Then there's that Captain. He certainly doesn't look like any traveler - not in appearance nor manner of carrying himself. If anything, he reminds you of those old knights back in Skyview - the fake, good looking ones hired by nobles to act as showpieces more than actual protection.

Compared to the others, he seems more high-strung in his behavior, fussing about camp like every little detail matters from the placement of their bedrolls to what tools are used to ignite the fire (you had watched on as he reprovingly ripped some kind of rod out of the hands of the long haired boy before handing him so simple flint instead).

'A prideful act,' you think bitterly despite knowing full well that Link sometimes behaved the same way with his own men; always on guard and always at work.

If being fair, you suppose you can't truly judge what would've led any of them to this point seeing as you, yourself, have no personal business being here beyond being a worried mother and resentful widow. Even Link had once been of nobility before he abandoned it all for the sake of freedom and adventure...Perhaps that's what led them all here, too - a simple desire or fear of the unknown which spiraled out of control, eventually pushing you all together by total coincidence. Maybe if you keep telling yourself that, you might actually start to believe it.

"...Fi?"

"Yes, ma'am?"

You slouch further against the tree, unconcerned with any judgment Fi might give if she's even capable of it, "How much further until we reach that portal back home?"

"If walking at the average pace of a Hylian, you should be able to reach the portal in an hour and forty-six minutes. This estimate doesn't account for any breaks or other disturbances such as weather," She answers apathetically, earning an equally indifferent hum of acknowledgement.

Despite your question having been answered, she continues to hover. Although there's no change to her expression, her brief silence and next words almost make her sound concerned, "...Ma'am, might I suggest moving closer to the fire? The temperature is expected to drop significantly once nightfall -"

"- I'm fine where I'm at. Thank you, Fi."

"Of course, ma'am," She bows her head before disappearing, leaving you thankful that she hadn't argued. Anyone else might've stayed to point out the way you curl further into yourself, pulling your scarf closer to cover your nose.

.

.

.

From across the clearing, Sky ambles through camp so sluggishly, one might begin to worry he's forgotten the purpose behind all that firewood held within his arms.

Although trying his best not to make it obvious, he'd be displeased to learn his recent attempts at 'subtly' aren't exactly winning him any awards. It's hard for anyone to ignore how his head seems to always be turned in your direction, his jaw clenched with a dangerous amount of pressure and eyes so intense, they appear as if they're holding the secrets of the universe.

"Do you know her?" Warrior's knelt not far behind, currently fixing his bedroll until each corner is stretched straight. Some of the others Legend and Twilight would say it's because he's a perfectionist, but he'd instead argue that being so tall something they wouldn't know about, he'd simply like to be able to stretch his legs properly without getting his feet stuck in a stubborn corner of fabric.

He abandons this task to watch Sky, having long taken note of that thoughtful look behind his eyes which has failed to explain itself in any meaningful way. It's been there ever since they first crossed paths with you, however it seems to have only gotten worse as the hours tick on. Earlier the knight had denied knowing you, yet that troubled expression makes him out to be a liar...

"...Fi? She was the spirit who possessed the Master Sword when I -" His response is delayed and hesitant. A liar, indeed.

"- That's not who I'm referring to," Sky ducks his head under the pressure of Warrior's thinned eyes. It's nothing personal - not done out of anger or annoyance, but rather a worried friend wanting to help.

"...I don't know her personally -" Sky finally confesses, "- But I know of her."

He's unfortunately all too aware of how crazy he might sound, especially if you were to happen to overhear. He doubts you can, given the awful space placed between you and everyone else, however that makes him no less paranoid. You've already been overly suspicious of them since the start and he can't help feeling most of it has been directed his way, too. If he continues to act too strangely, you'll only have more reason to hand out judgment...

At last seeming to remember the task bestowed upon him, Sky resumes his path over to the fire, dropping an armful of wood nearby before plopping down himself with an added weight. The entire time, his answer to Warrior's question had quickly turned into a ramble, "At least I'm certain it's her - It has to be! It would only make sense!"

"What makes sense?" Wind asks, immediately locking onto the conversation the moment it hits his ears. He pushes himself up right from where he's been laying boredly on his stomach, his chin propped against the flats of his hands.

Sky breathes your name with some desperation, "I wouldn't think anything of it if not for the way everything adds together. Her name, the fact that she has the Goddess Sword and Fi - Plus she's clearly from a time before my own seeing as she was so surprised by other Hylians being down here - She must be the original!"

"The 'original'?" Legend echoes with his eyebrow raised almost mockingly.

"Yes, the original!" Sky repeats, throwing his hands up in frustration before reminding himself to keep his voice down. How no one else has figured this out yet is beyond him, "You know, like from the stories - the ones about Hylia's Chosen Hero and the creation of Skyloft. She must be that (Y/n)! She was his wife! She's responsible for the Goddess Sword and basically founded Skyloft as a civilization!"

Although it's been on his mind all day, it's hard to contain his excitement now that he's finally voicing the connection aloud. All his life, he had heard the stories - the very legends that formed Skyloft's history and legacy, yet he never thought he'd get the chance to actually meet you - well, this version of you; the woman who started it all.

Your husband may have been the hero who saved Hylia's People from Demise, but it was you who kept them lifted from sorrow, ensuring their continued survival during times of such great loss and uncertainty. You founded the Knight's Academy and helped structure Skyloft's early society, your dedicated work going on to inspire generations, including his own.

Sky would say he feels particularly in debt to you, after all he likely wouldn't have been able to defeat Demise if not for the sword that kept him safe. Your sword guided him through the dark, eventually becoming the very foundation for the Master Sword itself. There's no doubt in his mind that many of the heroes around this circle would've been lost without your touch...and yet they all look completely clueless to that fact.

The Knight's head lowers slightly as he blinks a few times, his passionate rant dying down into a stunned silence when he doesn't receive the response he had expected. Maybe it's too much to think they'd all fanboy the way he has, but surely there should be some interest or mild wonder towards making your acquaintance.

Instead, the rest of the heroes continue to stare at him as if he's grown another head, some plain confused while others borderline concerned.

"You guys...do know what I'm talking about...right?"

Their scrunched faces are really answer enough.

"The name's familiar, but only because I know someone with the same," Time shrugs, his arms crossed over his chest which sells his lack of amazement towards the topic. His reaction would probably be the same if someone told him the sky's blue.

"M-Me too," Hyrule shows more emotion through his blush and the way he fiddles bashfully with his hands upon his lap. There's a second where he suddenly sits much straighter as if suddenly all too aware of his poor posture.

"It's a fairly common name from my time," Four, too, shrugs, not wanting to make any big deal out of the announcement, "I know a couple people with it."

"...Once again, it seems I'm the outlier..." Wild mumbles with some envy under his breath. He doesn't even look up from the soup he stirs.

"...You guys..." Sky whines, feeling as if lead has sunken into his stomach, "You seriously don't know about the legend? I mean, it's not even a legend, it's plain history!"

"If it's so important, explain it to us then," Warrior gives a huff of breath while kicking a leg over his knee and sitting at full attention, "What are the rest of us not understanding?"

Despite his willingness to learn, his fellow knight groans, going as far as to tug at strands of his hair in a mix of frustration and disbelief, "...I can't believe - This is all Year One information! Children are taught this stuff!"

"My apologies for not having time for history lessons during the mist of a war."

Sky shakes his head in disappointment, briefly wondering where it all would've gone wrong. It would be different if he were to receive this reaction from residents of a small town or occupants of some random bar, but these are the heroes of Hyrule! How do they not know of the history that forged their shared paths? And perhaps most critically, how do they not know about you?!

It's already been discovered that 'common knowledge' isn't always so common amongst their group after all no one's really recovered from the shock of finding out Sky had no idea who Ganon was, however you should be different! You're his other half - the one who encourages him and fills his heart with hope even after the world has beaten him down. He used to find comfort in thinking you'd always be together no matter the life...but this conversation has him beginning to doubt that.

"Well, I've already told you all about Demise and why Skyloft was created..." Sky starts, casting his eyes towards the fire with an uncomfortable feeling set throughout his body. That hadn't been a fun conversation either, but at least he doesn't have to explain it over again.

"I guess what I left out was stuff about Hylia's hero. It's all so well known back home, I just didn't think - I wasn't sure it needed to be said...but when Demise first attempted to seize the Sacred Realm - centuries before my own time - Hylia had chosen a hero who she believed could help turn the tide during the war; someone who could rally her people together and courageously meet the darkness head-on."

"Sounds familiar," Someone comments, although it really isn't important who seeing as the same thought likely crossed all their minds.

"The thing is, the hero wasn't alone in the fight - at least figuratively speaking, that is. They say he was married to a blacksmith's daughter who, upon hearing the threat her husband would be up against, created a special sword fit for his hand. He'd go into battle carrying that very sword yet would give his life while buying the surviving Hylians time to escape on Skyloft.

"His wife was understandably distraught by his death, so to repay a debt and give her some peace - however little - Hylia promised that their souls would be reborn again, therefore giving them both a second chance to live happily together once more.

"...That's, um, the summarized version at least," Sky finishes his explanation with a bit of a nervous shrug while pinching the edges of his sailcloth between his fingers, "Growing up, I wasn't ever too sure how much of it to believe. Other kids said the details must've been twisted, which could've made sense, I mean, the last part did seem like something that would've been added on to leave a depressing story on a more optimistic note, but my girlfriend - she shares the same name as the hero's wife.

"Ever since we were kids, people would make jokes saying we were just like the hero and his wife from the stories. I still figured it was just some coincidence, but then after everything that happened with Zelda being taken and Demise's return - We learned we really are the reincarnations of them both! Hylia's promise was true! We're destined to be together, and seeing as the hero's spirit has continued to be reborn, that's probably the case in every life after ours, too!"

"Or maybe it's just a case of self-fulfilling prophecy," Legend grumbles against his hand, "You're told your whole life that you're supposed to end up with someone then you end up with them. So what? And don't you live on a small island anyway? Your choices were probably slim to begin with!"

Sky turns to glare at the younger teen, however any offense he was about to voice is interrupted by Four:

"So you're saying it's like a soulmate type situation," He clarifies, a finger caught under his chin in thought, "Like I said, it's a fairly common name where I'm from...but so are 'Link' and 'Zelda'. Even though I've never heard of that story before, I suppose it isn't impossible that it could've gotten lost over the ages while the legacy went on in smaller pieces."

Time hums, although his expression is noticeably a bit more 'stiff' than usual - almost as if there's an unfavorable taste left on the tip of his tongue. Nevertheless, he toys around with the presented information inside his own mind before finally looking across the rest of the group, "How many of us here know someone of the name? Show of hands."

Six out of nine hands go up.

"That doesn't mean anything," Legend scowls, refusing to play along by so much as twitching a finger, "Smithy just said it's a common name."

"It's not common in my time," Much to the Veteran's chagrin, his predecessor's quick to squash his argument.

"And how many of us are close with that person?" Warrior decides to specify.

Six hands remain in the air, some even becoming a bit more bashful.

"We're dating!" Sky repeats with more exasperation this time.

"Slim choices"

"It was fate -!"

"- Regardless of whether that part is true or not -" Time snaps, keeping them both squirming under his eye as he continues, "- doesn't matter at the moment. Our concern is understanding the woman with us right now and what led her to cross our paths like this. If she truly is related to a hero, it must not be any more of a coincidence than it was for the rest of us to meet each other."

"Why don't we just ask her?" Wind rolls his eyes, feeling this whole argument is entirely stupid when the answer really is that simple. He goes to push himself to his feet, yet is stopped by Sky frantically shaking his hands.

"Don't!"

"Why not?! What's the point in arguing when she can just tell us right here, right now?"

"We don't know if she even knows!" He protests, motioning for Wind to sit back down, "About the whole reincarnation and hero's spirit thing! It was easy enough for us to accept since we've all lived with the fact, but how would she react? Especially considering her husband's tragic end...I just think it could be a lot for her to digest."

"Not to mention she already doesn't trust us," Hyrule flinches at the reminder of your harsh glare, already imagining a scenario where you react badly to all this information, "She could think it sounds too far-fetched."

"She's gonna have to find out sooner or later," Twilight whispers almost sympathetically, "The longer we travel together, anyway."

"I'm not saying we keep it from her completely, just - There's gotta be a way to ease her into it, you know? Break the news gently that we're all technically the reborn spirit of her dead husband."

"Probably best we don't word it like that," Time critiques gruffly.

"The longer we wait to tell her, the worse it'll be when she finally finds out," Warrior warns, shaking his head as if this has already gotten completely out of hand. To be honest, he has some doubts about this entire topic, but he isn't one to dismiss a theory without proper investigation first.

"We'll tell her!" Sky insists, "I just think we should find out how much she even knows first...It might not hurt to get her to trust us a little more, too, so that she doesn't think this is all some cruel joke or anything."

"Easier said than done. She isn't exactly the most open armed person around," Legend grumbles, gesturing over to where you still sit across camp. Despite being a distance of mere yards, it seems like miles by the way you stay curled into yourself, your sword placed upon lap with a hand always on the handle.

You look exhausted - any of them can tell - yet even with the way your head lulls back in a fight to stay conscious, your tired gaze continues to pass over them in careful surveillance. You'd likely act no different if being held hostage by a bunch of bokoblins.

"Then we take the first step," with that, the Hero of Skies stands to his feet, a determined smile glowing on his face before he turns to approach your direction.

The others watch him go, glancing amongst themselves almost in a wordless agreement that this could go very wrong...but then again, it's not like they have anything to lose here. Perhaps if they're lucky and if Sky's charisma pays off, you could be more willing to share useful information with them, giving them better insight to this world and the portal you journeyed through. They can only hope.

.

.

.

"...Would it be too much to bet on her stabbing him?"

"Shush!"

<- Previous Chapter

Next Chapter ->

Taglist:

@starlightnova

@krys0210

@sinbehavior

@thxmiss

@livvylupus

@seraphinariddle

@mapogo13

@shiannacastilliane

@red1sg0n3

To think, that's the same sun you'd sometimes sit under while listening to the children play nearby...It seems so distant now - which is a strange thing to feel sad about given only four years of your life have been spent right next to it. If anything, you should feel more comfortable down here on the Surface, the place where you actually grew up...and perhaps you would, if your family were here with you.

Alas, you're alone amongst a group of eight Hylians, the distance of the sun a single fleeting thought that distracts you for some few seconds before your mind quickly falls back into line. Now isn't the time to feel homesick - Not when your direction relies solely on your own memory and instinct.

You've officially reached a section of the forest the boys no longer recognize; their apparent leader - as you've concluded he must be - made a point of acknowledging that at your last turn. According to him, they had walked along the river after coming from the South, however you chose to cross it while confidently continuing West.

That's what ended up solidifying your place at the very front of the group where you've since led them down shadowy embankments then back up winding hills, retracing your previous steps back through this forest to the best of your ability. 

Even with the aid of Fi's dowsing, there are times when you must stop to search for familiar landmarks or take extra turns once you realize you've been heading off course, yet the boys say nothing - at least not aloud - to doubt your navigation.

...Honestly, they don't say much to begin with. They're all rather quiet, you've noticed, more willing to embrace the tranquility of their surroundings than feel obliged to fill it with unnecessary commentary or forced conversation. Usually, you'd appreciate that about someone, if only the circumstances were different.

Your father is a man of few words, and Link had never been much for 'social' endeavors, so silence has always been a frequent yet welcomed visitor in your life even if it goes against the traditional gregarious natural of most Hylians...however the paranoid voice inside your head bothers itself with this particular group's lack of expression, wondering painfully if they're not secretly planning a betrayal against you.

Can your suspicion truly be blamed? They don't say much if anything to you, although you can still make out the faded whistle of whispers that they pass along to each other. A bit of hissed complaining, some faint snickers...At times, you glance back over your shoulder, hoping your brief attention would be enough to remind them that you, too, have ears. If they have something to say, why be so reticent?

Of course, the answer is actually quite simple: you're a stranger - one who's hardly been very friendly, either, if they were to acknowledge your hypocrisy. The heroes know you no better than you know them, leading to a range of comfort - or rather discomfort depending on their varying experiences in life.

Those who are uncomfortable with your presence show it in different ways. For example, some are subtle, in fact even their companions might be fooled into believing they're unconcerned with the relaxed way they carry themselves, giving no indication that they're currently studying your every movement in careful assessment as if weighing an incredible threat. Others aren't so concerned about appearances, shamelessly keeping their distance with a clear line of caution set between you and them; an outsider vs friends.

Sky will admit he doesn't really find himself a part of either wary side - and it's not because he's 'naive', as the Veteran has accused before. Yes, he knows not everyone has great intentions, but he also refuses to let that poison his view of the entire world. As far as he's concerned, he can express caution while still being kind, especially to someone who hasn't given him any reason to be rude. With that said, the longer you all walk in this tense silence with a noticeable gap between you and them (both literally and figuratively), the more his heart begins to ache with guilt.

Unable to take it any longer, he jogs forward to your side, doing his best to match your pace while bashfully rubbing the back of his neck with a slightly awkward chuckle, "Hey, um, sorry, but I just realized none of us actually asked your name before. I'd feel bad only being able to call you 'ma'am'."

Against his hopes, it doesn't seem to improve your brooding mood any, but at least you decide to humor him, sighing as you introduce yourself by name with little fanfare. It should be expected to exchange simple pleasantries when meeting someone new, so you don't think much of his question seeing as you're now stuck with this group for the time being...however your response holds much more weight than intended.

"Y-You -..." Sky startles, repeating your name breathlessly as he stops dead in his tracks, causing Wild to run into him and nearly trip. The Skylofian barely notices the impact, absorbing it like a brick wall as he stares at you with a baffled expression. His eyebrows furrow, pinching at the bridge of his nose while his eyes narrow slightly as if he's trying to decode some complicated riddle you've stumped him with, not a mere name, "...But then..."

You stop only to raise an eyebrow at the stricken hero, waiting for him to elaborate beyond his floored reaction. At least you can take comfort knowing you aren't the only one who's apparently confused by it with several of his companions having also stopped to look at him expectantly.

"None of you have introduced yourselves either," You remind him, looking across the group in search of an answer from any of them.

"Ah, well, that's actually pretty easy," Hyrule smiles, yet there's a sharp pull at the edge of it which already gives away the amusement he must feel towards such a question, "We're all named -"

"- W-We go by nicknames!" Sky interrupts, quite literally jumping in as he steps over to block the brunet from your view, "Our names are a little...um, difficult to pronounce given the different times we come from and all, so we really just go by nicknames."

You blink, his words needing a moment to sink in before you're slowly turning to face him. When your mouth first opens, there's no sound, almost like you haven't quite decided what your reaction should be. Once you do find your voice, it's through a stammer, "...D-Different times -? What could you possibly mean by that?"

Sky jolts as if bitten by electricity. Whipping his head around, he swiftly looks over his shoulder to his companions with slight panic behind his voice. "...Did we not tell her that part yet?"

A few of the boys facepalm while the rest look only mildly inconvenienced by this reveal which they know will now inevitably lead to a much more in depth conversation later, but it's Time who sighs with a tired tone, "I don't believe we had, no."

You straighten by the time their eyes turn back to you, although the action looks more like a flinch to them.

There's pity to be found in Sky's expression as he bows his head, clearly feeling ashamed, "You know how we told you that we, um, came here through a portal? Well, as it would turn out, these portals don't just take us from location to location. They also connect to different...periods in time, too."

"We had all been individually investigating their source when our paths met," Time elaborates, the boys behind him nodding as they glance at each other, "Since then, we've been traveling together."

"It's more effective to combine our knowledge and work as one than go it alone," Four adds, possibly noticing the question in your eyes.

It's certainly a shock as you stare back at them, watching closely for any sign of a smirk or sniffle of laughter. Alas and to your horror they all seem to be quite serious, not a hint of humor to be found in the strained air between you.

A portal that takes you from Skyloft to the Surface within a single step had already been strange enough, but different times, too? How different do they mean? You had noticed variations between them, be it with their clothing or manners of speech, although you never would've thought - Such a thing is impossible! ...It seemed so impossible, anyway...however you had also noticed these woods look more wild compared to those you once knew and loved...almost like they've long forgotten the touch of Hylian breath...

Gulping, you bare the force of the hundreds of questions that suddenly pop into your mind before you're shaking them all from your head. You should probably sound more scared when you speak - just as frazzled as you feel inside - yet your tone comes across as more worn and exhausted than upset, "...Is there anything else I should know about your group and this situation before we carry on?"

The boys look to each other once again, truly having to think (which isn't any comfort to you). One goes to open his mouth, but Sky beats him to it, shaking his head with a strained smile, "N-Nope. Nothing that comes to mind at the moment."

You inhale sharply, squeezing your eyes shut while giving a silent prayer to the goddesses to provide you strength. Your exhale brings a much calmer expression, although irritation still shines through, "And you were saying your names are...?"

"Oh, uh, usually everyone here just refers to me as 'Skylofian' or 'the Knight'...Since I'm the only one here who comes from Skyloft - Well, aside from you now, that is! And I'm a knight there, sooo..."

"Skyloft...?" You echo with some amazement, looking over him as if expecting to suddenly recognize him as a neighbor or friend, "I take it from a...different time then, as that's apparently possible?"

"Y-Yeah, way different," It's unclear if the laugh he uses to punctuate his response is meant to be out of humor or nerves.

For a moment, you almost let yourself get excited - At least you think this is some sort of joy you feel deep down. You're among the first Hylians to exist on Skyloft. If he's truly from the same sky island, then the only option would be for it to exist in a time past your own...That means your people must survive to get there.

"You can just call me 'Traveler', if you want. Or 'hey you' is fine, too," Hyrule shrugs without much interest before nudging the grumpier looking teen walking at his side, "And this is 'Veteran', but we sometimes call him 'Vet' for short."

"'Smithy' for me," Four raises a quiet hand paired with a polite smile.

"I'm a master of the seas, so everyone here calls me 'Sailor'!" Wind announces proudly with a thumb to his chest.

"You can call me 'Captain' -" Warrior introduces with a charming smile, although you avoid so much as glancing his way.

"- But we just call him 'Pretty Boy'," Legend snickers, causing Warrior to growl.

"Why you -!"

"- And we call him 'Old Man' for obvious reasons," Legend shows no concern toward Warrior's annoyance, instead completely ignoring him while throwing a thumb back at Time who grumbles at the nickname, yet unlike the Captain, says nothing to object. He knows that's a losing battle.

"Uh, I guess if we're doing the nicknames, then I'm 'Champion' - Oh, and this is Wolfie," Wild gestures to the wolf standing by his side who gives a short huff of acknowledgement.

"We have another around here, too, but he said he'd catch up with us," Hyrule explains, looking around the forest with some concern, although Time doesn't seem to share it.

"He will."

Your face scrunches, every name basically going in one ear then out the other. Maybe if you intended on getting to know them better, you'd ask that they repeat their introductions this time much slower so that you can actually process them properly, however that doesn't feel necessary given your temporary time together.

"...And that's truly easier than using your actual names?" You hesitate, sparing them an uncertain glance over your shoulder.

"It would get too confusing if we all went by our real name," Wild sighs, although he sounds somewhat bothered by the concept.

"...Very well," There's doubt evident in your voice, but you waste no further words on it. Looking around your surroundings, you search for anything to jog your memory regarding your current location before heading onward again.

Unbeknownst to you, Sky's expression promptly returns to a rigid stare, his gaze sharp and jaw locked against a topic much more dire than mere nicknames. His body seems to move on its own from there, dragging itself slowly after the rest of the group as a sick feeling sinks into his bones.

"What the hell was that?!" Legend hisses under his breath, pulling on the Knight's shoulder with a harsh grip, "She already doesn't trust us, then you go acting all weird like that and -"

"- I think...I might know who she is," Sky whispers as if still stuck in a trance despite that violent jolt that had him physically jerking back.

"Huh?"

"W-Why she's here - Why we crossed paths with her in the first place!" Like a trigger, a bit of life returns to his face, his expression suddenly desperate and determined as he spins to face Legend directly, "Don't you get it? That sword! Her name -! She -!"

No, the Veteran doesn't get it - which should be obvious enough by the way he leans away from Sky's touch as if concerned he might catch his 'crazy'.

He'll admit, the name you gave is awfully familiar, and perhaps if he were a weaker man, it might've even blindsided him more openly, but after all his years of adventuring, he'd like to think that he's gotten good at suppressing separating his emotions from his work.

To Legend, your name can be dismissed as a painful coincidence that shouldn't distract from their current mission, however there's clearly more to it for Sky.

"- Boys!" Alas, an answer for his odd behavior won't come yet. The rest of the group is still moving forward, save for Time who stands at the back of the line, his stern gaze speaking when words don't: they're both falling behind and he isn't willing to wait all day for them.

Legend rolls his eyes, but keeps one locked on Sky for the rest of their walk, not planning on letting this conversation completely disappear, although for the record, Sky doesn't plan on forgetting either.

Questions impatiently itch at the back of his mind, bouncing between thoughts of doubt and those of certainty while focused intently on the meaning behind your presence. 

<- Previous Chapter

Next Chapter ->

Taglist:

@starlightnova

@krys0210

@sinbehavior

@thxmiss

@livvylupus

@seraphinariddle

@mapogo13

@shiannacastilliane

@red1sg0n3

You're a good liar - one of the best Matt knows which is only natural considering how long you've lived with him. You had learned about his enhanced senses rather quickly, in fact you expected them ever since realizing the infamous Daredevil is actually blind. Provided that knowledge, you've since developed a talent for remaining entirely indifferent in order to sneak 'little' fibs under his nose.

Matt knows you're a good liar. Although you can control your body language and breathing patterns to near perfection, there are other ways to notice when someone isn't being truthful. Take right now, for example. If you're innocent, then why be so defensive? You had barely allowed him to finish his question before delivering your counter, and even if that could be excused as a simple result of your guarded personality, explain why your boyfriend’s currently acting like a toddler caught with his hand in a cookie jar?

You may be a good liar with willpower built from vibranium, but can the same be said about poor Peter Parker who fidgets by your side, head bowed and lip caught between his teeth as the tension of this room slowly chips away at his nerves?

"I'll ask again: what are you two up to?" This time Matt singles out the anxious boy, turning his head to follow the rapid sound of his heartbeat. Said heartbeat jolts when Peter is put under the pressure of both Matt's covered gaze and your deadly glare, the two of you wordlessly tugging him towards different ends of a rope.

"You guys, um...look very similar, you know that?" It's a horrible attempt at changing the subject followed by an even worse shot at laughter which dies very quickly in his throat once your eyes darken. If he could even see Matt's own eyes behind his glasses, they'd surely match.

"Answer the question, Parker."

"Don't answer the question, Peter."

Matt faces you now yet unlike your boyfriend, you don't show any reaction. Back straight against the chair and arms folded over your chest, he's certain you're matching his intense stare without a flicker of hesitation. Peter isn't the first to draw attention to that. Even Foggy has made jokes before, noting how much it makes you look like a Murdock despite having no blood relation.

"It's all in the eyes and the dangerously mulish nature," He once claimed, struggling to sniffle back his laughter when Matt and you happened to respond with disapproving glares at the exact same time. 

'Like father, like daughter' Foggy and Karen have both deemed it, although Matt refuses to tag your relationship with such an intimate connection - Oh, but make no mistake, that's not because he has anything against you - not even in the slightest!

Matt lies to himself every time he corrects others by saying you aren't his daughter because in all honesty, he sees you as precisely that: his daughter. You might've crashed into his life like a wrecking ball, throwing his whole world off center with little mercy, yet he still cares for you on a level that almost feels inhuman, your bond burrowing deeper than anything he's experienced before outside of family and close friends. 

He's proud of even the smallest achievements you make, the corkboard on his office wall layered with your increasingly improved grade reports and most recently, your acceptance letter to Columbia University. He may not be able to actually see any of it himself, but that doesn't stop his heart from swelling with pride whenever a client notices:

"Oh, you must be very proud, Mr. Murdock!" That he is...

You've come such a long, long way since when you first began staying with him. You're visibly happier and more relaxed, allowed to finally be a normal teenager for once with normal teenage worries like exams, friend group drama, and your own bright future which is yours to forge, not forcibly paved for you by people like Wilson Fisk...You're stronger now than you've ever been before, but that hasn't stopped Matt from being protective of you.

For example, he wasn't exactly thrilled when you started dating. He had first met Peter when he showed up at the door with a small bouquet of flowers and a wrinkled dress shirt far too formal for a regular movie date. It was clear the young man was already nervous both by the sweat upon his brow and his raging heartbeat which were made no better as he stumbled through numerous apologies after having accidently extended a hand towards your blind 'guardian' during introductions. 

Now admittedly, Peter isn't the worst choice you could've made in a partner. You returned that night in a particularly giddy mood, practically bouncing into the apartment with light steps and what sounded an awful lot like a giggle before you had noticed Matt sitting in the dark, meeting him with a defensive 'what?' before marching off to your room where your giggles and dreamy sighs could still be heard. 

There's no denying Peter Parker had successfully stolen your guarded heart, but that's exactly what fed Matt's worries, unable to help the fear that you might still get it cruelly broken in the end...Oh, and that was BEFORE he found out about the whole 'Spiderman' thing!

...Needless to say, it did NOT go over well when Matt eventually matched the young vigilante's heartbeat to your boyfriend's. As far as he's concerned, you're already in enough danger just being linked to Daredevil. What happens if some crazed villain finds out you're also close to Spiderman?!

Unfortunately, despite all of his best arguments and he really did try, you simply refused to break things off with Peter. It was completely out of the question, and regardless of his own feelings or concerns, Matt could never bring himself to forbid the two of you from being together.

Peter's a good kid anyway. He brings you flowers, sends hundreds of stupid texts that have your phone pinging throughout the day, and never fails to compliment you a minimum of a dozen times within the first hour of hanging out together. He treats you like a princess, making you feel as loved as you've always deserved to be. Matt can at least respect him for that...although no amount of respect is going to save Peter if he's helping you keep secrets like this.

"If you're not up to something, then why didn't you answer your phone all day?"

"We were busy, simple as that," Your heartbeat doesn't change against Matt's interrogation attempts, but Peter's does, skipping a beat which unwillingly reveals the lie for you.

"Busy doing what exactly? What could've possibly absorbed so much of your attention that you couldn't send a single text back as a reply?" Matt raises an eyebrow, unintentionally letting his anger peak through. 'I was getting worried', he wants to add, but doesn't.

"If I say we were having sex, would you drop it?" You ask nonchalantly, ignoring Peter's whines of protest.

"I'm being serious."

"So am I."

Matt's glare then switches to Peter who rapidly shakes his head, "S-She's not! We haven't had sex at all today, I swear!"

"'Today'?"

Peter's next words catch in his throat as he gulps before sinking down into his chair. Perhaps if he shared some of your confidence, he'd challenge Matt with the argument that you're both consenting adults who've been in a relationship for nearly a year - Of course you've had sex! ...But being that nervous, awkward boy he is at heart, he'd likely die of embarrassment saying something like that before the lawyer even had a chance to properly strangle him...

 "Relax Murdock," Taking Peter's hand, you stand from your own seat and begin to pull him up along with you, "We were just on a date and got lost in our own little world - as can happen with young love. We’ll be more careful next time, so if we could please be dismissed from the principal's office now -"

"- Sit down, both of you."

Peter promptly plops back down, hands neatly on his lap and back straight as a board, although you're a bit more stubborn, hesitating in place while clearly debating whether you should obey or not. 

Matt isn't the boss of you - he's not even your legal guardian, one might argue - so really you could walk right out of this office if you wanted to...but unfortunately, you respect him too much to do that, thus after a roll of your eyes, you finally take your seat again. 

Unlike your boyfriend, you slouch down as far as you can do so comfortably, a grumble escaping you like a child. This is NOT how you wanted today to go - not even in the slightest!

It probably wouldn't surprise anyone at this point, but Peter and you have been up to something - Well, you're up to something and Peter has just been your loyal moral support, you know, the thing good boyfriends do?

You've actually been planning this for months now. After tons of google searches, threatening swearing others to secrecy, and prep-talks to build up your courage, today's just the day you finally decided to put your plan into motion. 

There's no going back - You made certain of it by calling Peter last night and giving him strict orders not to let you chicken out again. As promised, he had been there to meet you outside the courthouse bright and early, hand periodically finding itself on the small of your back as he would whisper encouragement to ward off your biting anxiety. 

The plan was simple: get everything you needed from the courthouse, literally swing by the store, then return to the apartment a few hours before Matt would be getting off from work, giving you plenty of time to bake a cake - Yes, a cake, since that had been Peter's suggestion and you honestly had no better ideas. 

You'd bake a cake, putting Peter in charge of decorating it while you carefully punched a well-thought-out letter which would ultimately be used to break the news to Matt. Your hope, of course, was that a sweet treat paired with all your effort would help cushion the blow, saving you from any harsh judgment or worse, rejection.

Since the courthouse isn't exactly known for its efficiency, you were preoccupied there nearly all day. You honestly didn't mean to miss so many of Matt's calls and texts during that time! Aware of your intentions, you figured Foggy and Karen would keep him distracted...but alas, even they aren't miracle workers. 

There was only so much the two of them could say to keep their friend from worrying after each unanswered message, his imagination running wild with all the bad things that could’ve happened to you. You could’ve been abducted by the Hand or one of Fisk’s associates - Hell, anyone who has a vendetta against Daredevil or Spiderman would have motivation to harm you! And what’s he doing about it? Just sitting in his office wasting valuable time!

He was minutes away from setting out to search all of New York for you…Then you finally replied, leaving the courthouse with a file of paperwork, however the damage was already done. Matt was upset -  suspicious and practically demanding you meet him at the firm.

Now you're stuck here trying your best not to show any panic or fear as your carefully woven plan falls apart before your eyes. You're not sure how obvious it is to Matt, however your entire body feels rigid, blood running colder as your confidence slowly yet surely evaporates by the second. 

Any hope you had in being able to play this off and abort the mission until another day disappears under Matt's intense stare. You recognize it as that same look he always gives with the intention of intimating you into telling the truth. Usually it has no real effect on you, but today it's actually starting to nip at your inner willpower a bit...

At last - after what feels like an entirety for you and poor Peter - Matt's facial expression softens for a moment before he sighs heavily and leans back in his chair, "...Are you pregnant?"

"H-Huh?!"

"I'm disappointed you didn't practice safe sex especially after our talk, but I'm not going to kick you out over it if that's what you're worried about. I'll even give Peter a fifteen second headstart before I -"

"- I - I'm not pregnant! I - Peter, sit your ass down!" You hiss, quickly grabbing Peter's shoulder which stops him from his attempt to slowly stand and make an escape…Yes, he knows that's not why you're here, but Matt doesn't and quite honestly, Peter would very much like to be alive to see the birth of your very distant, future children, not murdered by your scary Catholic dad!

You sigh almost similarly to how Matt had while staring down at your twiddling fingers. For the first time today, you seem to let your guard down, your heart beating faster than before. It steadies slightly when Peter sets a hand over yours, giving you a nod and smile which provides you with enough courage to move your gaze up to Matt, "...The truth is, we were down at the courthouse all day because I, um...was picking up these."

Matt remains confused, listening as you fidget with your backpack. You struggle with the zipper, likely due to your sudden nerves, although Peter's happy to do it for you, handing you something which you quietly thank him for before pushing the item across the table towards Matt.

He raises an eyebrow when realizing it's a file of papers. Letting his hands drag over the top of the first page, he can't feel any familiar grooves against the smooth surface, leaving him guessing as to what they could possible be, but you're nice enough to explain:

"Don't worry. We didn't elope or anything. They're, um...They're adoption forms."

Oh...

"Alright so, you don't have to agree to it or anything. I know I haven't exactly been the easiest to deal with - I can be a real asshole sometimes and I've probably given you more trouble than it's worth," You immediately begin to ramble while bowing your head in shame, however when Peter squeezes your hand, you close your eyes and continue after a deep breath, "...But it would really mean a lot to me if you would. 

"You're, uh, the first person who's actually given a damn about me, you know? You taught me that I can just be a normal teen instead of a weapon and helped me feel safe for the first time in my life, a-and the truth is, well...I already kinda view you as my dad anyway…" Your voice gets quiet, comparable to a whisper as you begin to fidget, "You're the only person who's genuinely filled that role for me. I've given it a lot of thought and I would really appreciate it if we could make it official...If-If you would legally adopt me?"

Peter smiles proudly, keeping your hand held tightly in his. You'll admit it does feel better to finally get that speech off your chest - after all, you spent weeks rehearsing it at your boyfriend's apartment, far away from where Matt might accidently hear - yet it still feels like you're holding onto your breath as you wait for a reply. 

Hesitantly, you both glance across the table to the lawyer who silently stares down at the files in his hand, flipping through the pages as if he could actually read what they say or how much you've already filled out. There's an unreadable look across his face, one somewhat intense as his eyebrows knit together.

"A - Are you crying, Mr. Murdock?" Peter blinks in surprise, sharing your shock. Sure enough, in contrast to his earlier expression which had been severe and unrelenting, there's a few tears that crawl out from beneath his glasses, rolling down his cheek as he presses his lips together in a failed attempt to stop them from quivering.

"Sorry, I -..." He’s quick to swipe a hand against those pesky tears, clearing his throat twice just to get the words out as clearly as possible although they're still rather shaky, "I - I’d, um - I'd be honored to adopt you…If you’re really okay with it?"

“Of course I am,” It sounds like a ridiculous question to ask as you finally release that breath you’ve been holding onto, your body trembling when you do, “I wouldn’t have waited in that damn line all day if I wasn’t.”

‘I wouldn’t have stressed over this for months if I wasn’t,’ You say only to yourself, at last feeling a massive weight be lifted from your shoulders.

For months, you’ve been debating asking Matt to adopt you, however there was always some deep-rooted insecurity holding you back. Could you be blamed? Until he entered the picture, most of your life had been a lonely one filled with heartache. Even though he’s helped create a foundation for you - one built upon support and love - you still managed to convince yourself he wouldn’t want you…That you’d finally be asking too much from him…That you’d step on his toes…That he’d abandon you just like every adult in your life always has…

Peter assured you that you were simply overthinking things. Foggy and Karen insisted Matt would be happy to step up. Everyone had been in support of the idea, however you were still scared…Hearing Matt agree to it without reluctance, brings a giddy smile to your face, one you can’t quite control.

Matt matches the look, unable to help his own smile nor the tears that continue to trickle from the corners of his eyes. Before he even really considers his actions, he’s standing up from his spot and rounding the desk, embracing you in his arms once you stand for yourself. There’s a split second where you tense, however you eventually melt into his touch and wrap your own arms tightly around him.

…Have the two of you ever hugged before? He doesn’t think so. Usually he’s kept himself from doing so, often too concerned with boundaries and your comfort to take that step, but the desire has always been there, be it on those quiet nights where you’ve shut down after clearly having a nightmare or the happier moments where he just wants to make it known how much he loves you, and how proud of you he is as your father.

You didn't mean to upset him - Of course, you didn't mean it, you would never! That's exactly what you were trying to avoid! You wanted to make a good impression - to be extra careful observing your every surrounding while solving each puzzle with practiced skill. Time would have one less traveler to worry about and, if you were lucky, maybe he'd even be impressed...but that's not at all what happened.

Walking through the deepest depths of a dungeon, you were so caught up checking for keeses and skulltulas that you failed to notice when the boys stopped following. They had all taken a moment to discuss a plan, but by the time someone finally thought to call out, a heavy stone door had slammed shut behind you, officially cutting you off from the rest of the Chain.

Despite the circumstances and the dread you felt, you did your best to remain calm in the face of danger - as you thought any Link would. You fought courageously against the miniboss all on your own, and when the correct door still didn't open, you didn't lose hope, instead venturing through the next in hopes this new path would lead back to your friends...and eventually, it did.

Everyone had breathed sighs of relief upon seeing you. They met you with excitement, jokingly congratulating you for making it through your first dungeon in one piece...Everyone except for Time.

Time was livid, at least it certainly felt that way since you've never seen him that angry before. Unlike with the other heroes, you didn't receive a pat on the back or even a 'thank Hylia you're alive', you received a lecture.

Time scolded you in front of everyone, calling you 'reckless' and asking repeatedly if you understood what you had put them all through - the danger you put yourself in and how your death would've weighed on them all...

Even when you were on the verge of tears - even when Warrior stepped in to try calming the situation down while Legend pointed out all the progress you saved them with the keys and tools you had gathered - Time continued to fume. What hurt most is he ended up having Sky escort you out of the dungeon, hearing no objections to it.

"You've had enough," were his exact words spoken through an exhausted sigh, but you know what he really meant: "You're no longer welcome here. I don't want you here."

Now you're left sitting outside the dungeon, curled into a ball as a sad attempt to make yourself as small as possible against the stone walls. The hurting side of you wishes you had never tried to impress him. If you hadn't tried so hard…If you had just stayed close to someone…If you had just surrendered to that miniboss...You bet you could've saved Time a lot of trouble then.

"...You okay?" Sky kneels down beside you, a gentle hand placed upon your shoulder. You would've expected him to go back and join the others, but instead he remains out here, missing out on all the fun just to continue babysitting you probably out of pity.

"...He hates me."

The knight startles at such an outlandish claim, "Old Man?"

"Who else?"

"He doesn't hate you! That's ridiculous!"

"Of course he does...You heard him - Everyone did!" You sniffle, burying your head further against your knees, "I've never seen him that mad before - Not even that time Wild broke his arm launching himself off that log..."

Sky's expression softens followed by a sigh. He plops down fully against the ground, spreading out his legs and looking up at the forest roof. After a moment, he finally speaks in a quiet tone, "...He was really worried, you know...It was kinda weird to see, honestly. I mean, usually he's the most level-headed of us all, but when that door closed behind you and Wind checked our map - Time looked shattered."

Ever so slightly, you lift your head, showing your attention to Sky's account.

"I think we must've broken some kind of record with how fast we got through the rest of those rooms," He says with just a hint of a laugh, although his expression remains sympathetic, "But only because of how hard Old Man was pushing us. He wasn't leaving any chance for error - not a second of hesitation or uncertainty. We had to get it right the first time or else he was on our case like never before...He was really doing everything in his power to reach you, and when we finally found you unscathed...Well, I think the stress of his emotions finally crashed in on him..."

Sky finally returns his gaze to you, offering a kind and encouraging smile, "...I think he cares about you a lot - maybe even as much as you do him, so I wouldn't take to heart how he acted. That was just his fear talking back there. I'm sure once he sees you again, he'll realize how harsh he was and apologize. For now, he just needs time to cool off - let his heart and mind settle after that scare of almost losing you."

You sniff again, trying your best to rub away the tears staining your warm cheeks, “I…hadn’t thought about it that way.”

It doesn’t surprise you that Sky’s noticed - and he certainly isn’t wrong either. Time and you have always shared a type of closeness being the eldest in your group, although you always assumed the exact affection you felt towards the man was one-sided. If Sky’s also right in his observations today, maybe you don’t have to work too hard to earn Time’s attention after all…Such a thought stirs something within you, different from the heartache that had previously been weighing you down.

This is utterly ridiculous…

Twilight looks like a kicked puppy, slouched beside Wild at the campfire with a pout upon his lips, but Warrior doesn't miss the way he looks in your direction every so often, wearing that same pout as if hoping you'll finally notice and pay attention to him...but you don't.

If Warrior didn't know any better, he'd say you've been completely avoiding the Rancher lately - Nope, he's certain that's exactly what you're doing because Twilight and you used to be annoyingly close, practically hanging off of each other ever since you first crossed paths. With all those 'darlin's and bedroom eyes that could put the Captain's own flirting to shame, no one could be blamed for mistaking you two as a couple.

Even when Twilight would mysteriously disappear from camp, you were still in great company with Wolfie who stayed latched to your side as if your personal pet - in fact that's what Warrior had originally assumed when the wolf first appeared and almost ripped a hole in his scarf after he happened to get to close to you!

What changed? Neither of you have said. You were already distraught when Wolfie was hit by that axe, but your world seemed to come crashing down once realizing your four-legged companion was actually your beloved Rancher. To no one's surprise, you continued spending every second by his side, determined to nurse him back to health even if you had to give up one of your own heart containers to do so. Then he made a full recovery and you just...stopped.

Twilight's condition improved, yet a giant wall seemed to have formed between the two of you after that. Suddenly, you weren't attached to each other's sides anymore. You didn't needlessly seek out his opinion for every decision or find an excuse to sit together during meals. You don't rush over to pet Wolfie or set aside treats to give to him later...It's as if you've completely iced him out and Twilight's taken notice - Of course he's taken notice, falling into a clear depression that has him sagging behind the group during walks or literally whimpering whenever you show anyone else attention but him...And it's been driving Warrior insane!

"Hey," At last, Twilight's found some courage to get up and approach you with a nervous hopeful smile, "After supper, Wild's gonna make dessert. The boys are voting for fruit cake, but I reckon if we both swing it just right, we can convince him to make that cheesecake you like instead -"

"- Oh, that's alright. Let the boys have their cake...I'm not in the mood for sweets right now anyway."

Twilight snaps his mouth shut instantly, yet hesitates a bit before sadly nodding and returning back to his place by the fire. If he were in his wolf form, he'd certainly have his tail between his legs...

'That's it!' Warrior decides, huffing to himself as he shoots up from his spot. Ignoring the questionable looks he gains, he marches over and grabs your wrist, much to your surprise, "We need to talk."

Ignoring your protests, he quite literally drags you out of camp. Only once you're a safe distance away does he spin around on his heel to face you with crossed arms and an accusing eye, "What's going on with you two?"

"Pardon?!"

"You've been avoiding him. I've noticed. He's noticed. I think we've all noticed! The question is why?"

You tense yet say nothing too quickly, instead pressing your lips thin while turning away somewhat stubbornly...Then your eyes soften.

"I just -...It's been weird," You sigh, hugging yourself as if suddenly victim to a harsh breeze, "Finding out he's Wolfie and all...I had no idea."

"That’s it?" Warrior blinks, a bit of a humor behind his voice despite the absurdity of it all, "Well, don't feel too singled out. I think most of us were left in the dark save for a lucky few.”

Despite his light words, you remain guarded, eyes narrowed at the ground as you admit in a quieter tone, "...Yeah, but I feel like I should've known. Twilight and I - We spend so much time together and it seems like we tell each other everything, but to keep such a big secret from me -! ...Did he really not trust me?"

Warrior frowns, finally understanding your dilemma. Dropping the frivolous attitude, he steps forward with a stern hand upon your shoulder, "Hey now, don't go jumping to conclusions like that. I'm sure Rancher had his reasons for keeping that secret. Doesn't mean he didn't or doesn't trust you.

“Maybe he was just worried about what you might think? Have you considered that? He could’ve been worried telling you the truth would make you think less of him in some way -”

“- But why would I ever look down upon him?!” Your head snaps up quickly, seemingly shocked by the mere suggestion, "That's ridiculous! I -! ...I care about him a lot..."

Warrior smirks, although he does his best to hide it behind a casual shrug as he drapes his arm over your shoulders, "Well, who knows? Love makes people concerningly irrational sometimes."

He doesn’t miss the way your expression ignites even if you do bashfully duck to avoid his attention. You have no right to be surprised. He’s willing to bet everyone in the Chain knows about your feelings except the man they surround…Speaking of -

“What are y’all doing all the way over here? Supper’s ready.”

The Captain will admit he takes a bit of pleasure in seeing the Rancher all fluffed up like this, clearly feeling territorial if his glare is anything to go off. He stands there like a brick wall, fists curled at his sides with a slight scowl to his face. He’s doing a piss poor job at trying to come across as indifferent, yet there’s no ignoring the way his glare focuses solely on the lack of distance between Warrior and you.

“Perfect! I was feeling peckish!” Warrior does nothing to acknowledge the tension in the air as he pushes you towards Twilight before heading back to camp…although he can’t resist poking the wolf once more as he steps past with a cocky grin, “No need to act so aggressive. They’re all yours.”

…It’s about time someone makes a move, and if you’re both too scared to do it, then he’ll happily offer a nudge, so long as it saves him from suffering this irritating ‘will they, won’t they’.

To make a long story short, Wild had made a very 'stupid, irresponsible move' during the last battle. Warrior's words, not his. He thought it was actually pretty clever what he had done, and it worked, didn't it? You were all getting swarmed by monsters and his actions made quick work of the beasts with just a few explosions and fires to deal with afterwards.

Of course, Warrior didn't see it that way nor did he approve in the slightest. From the moment the smoke cleared, he was on Wild's case, quick to reprimand the other hero with no end in sight. Worst yet is everyone else simply walked off, refusing to take any sides during the argument and instead leaving Wild completely to the Captain’s mercy.

"Hey, let's all just take a breather, yeah?" Bless you for stepping in, placing a comforting hand on Warrior's arm to break his focus away from the poor Champion. You're like an angel with the way your smile can smooth even the most boiling anger.

There's clearly more he wants to say about this situation, but weak against your interference, Warrior merely sighs and mumbles something about 'discussing this later' before marching after the rest of the group. This allows Wild to release his own sigh of relief, smiling up at you.

"...You see my point, right?" Perhaps it isn't the best time, but still feeling right about this whole thing, Wild seeks your support, hoping desperately that someone will take his side for once…and it almost seems like you actually might.

The way you cross your arms is lax and that frown you wear holds no real anger. You know Wild and you know he had no ill intentions with his stunt...however after sparing a single glance in Warrior's direction, you shake your head.

Looking back to Wild, you match Warrior's previous disapproval, although your expression is a bit more sympathetic than his had been, "Sorry, Champ, but the Captain’s right. I know you didn't mean it, but what you did was incredibly reckless, putting not only yourself, but the entire group at risk of injury...You have to understand things from his perspective. Wars works very hard keeping the team -"

...He should've just kept his mouth shut and taken the gift you've given him. Now instead of getting reprimanded by Warrior, he's stuck listening as you ramble on, your brief lecture quickly being lost as you go on to practically list all the reasons he should respect the Captain’s leadership like you clearly do. 

His experience, his intellect, how skilled he is with a sword, his ability to take command…Honestly, Wild just stops listening after a while, officially tuned out of your shameless dick riding support of the other knight. 

Although he doesn't care to retain any part of it, he does take the time to really reflect on your behavior because now that he thinks about it, you're always taking Warrior's side in these sorts of arguments. Not sometimes, not usually - always!

You don't act this way with anyone else - not that he’s ever seen, anyway. If it had been Twilight ripping him a new one, you'd jokingly call the Rancher out for being a 'mother hen', and when Time gives a particularly fierce glare, you usually laugh it off with Wild...but you treat Warrior's opinions like some kind of gospel - like he can do no wrong nor make any mistakes in his judgment.

Even in this very moment, your eyes glitter in admiration, voice dripping with praise whenever you happen to drop his name in a sentence which - Wild is certain - is an unnatural amount of times almost like you're only saying it just to enjoy the taste on your tongue. And now that he's thinking about it, Warrior’s the only one of them you've called 'Link', too! If not the honey-soaked 'Captain', then it's always Link every opportunity you get...Oh, but everyone else is still referred to as their nicknames even if they're alone with you, because in your mind, Warrior's your Link; the one and only.

"- Of course..." Wild interrupts suddenly with a huff, plopping his chin dejectedly into his palm.

"...Excuse me?" You blink, looking down at the Champion in confusion.

"Nothing, nothing," He waves a bored hand, motioning for you to continue praising Warrior lecturing him. He was foolish not to have noticed it before and wonders if anyone else has yet. More importantly, has the Captain? Have you even?

"...We'll have to split up," Time finally concludes, that bit it rather begrudgingly.

It's a small victory for the rest of the Chain, who had already been advocating to split into smaller groups to make this dungeon easier and to save yourselves from strangling one another.

Within seconds of the announcement, you're eagerly hooking your arm around Wild's, pulling him to your side with a toothy grin he's quick to match, "Well, I found my partner -!"

"- Absolutely not."

"What? WHY!?"

"Neither of you have any experience with dungeons - not like this, anyway. It would be in poor judgment to send you both off on your own, which is why -" Time's eye passes over the group until... "- I'm pairing you with the Veteran and Traveler. Champion, you'll go with the Captain."

You can feel Wild deflate by your side, his arm slowly slipping away from yours in defeat, however you aren't willing to let him go without a proper fight. Instead, you're quick to fix the angle of your elbow, even placing a hand against his arm for good measure to hold him in place against you possessively stubbornly.

"Why can't I go with the Captain, too?"

"Because I said so," ...It's such a dad response. Paired with a cool tone and a turning of his back, it's clear Time isn't as willing as you are to argue over this.

"That's not fair! The Captain doesn't even -"

"- Hey, it's alright. This dungeon shouldn't take long, right? We'll all meet back together in no time!" Much to your chagrin, Wild doesn't seem nearly as crestfallen as you had hoped. Opposite to your own annoyance, you'd say he looks all too cheerful as he elbows your side and leans in with a teasing grin, "Plus, look on the bright side, you got the good end of the deal. At least you'll actually be able to explore. I won't be able to take a single step without a 'proper plan'."

"...Sure, yeah, whatever..." Wild's expression immediately drops after your dejected response, but he's given no time to question it before you're dropping his arm and abandoning his side to join your assigned team.

It doesn't take long for everyone to be divided into their groups, allowing you all to finally set off into the depths of this dungeon. As you turn towards the corridor, you hear your Champion wish you luck - that be it with a somewhat nervous tone you merely wave off with a mumbled 'you too'.

With your thoughts stuck elsewhere, you know you're dragging your feet without much focus being given towards the task at hand. Hyrule, all too eager to find their boomerangs, leads the way with a bounce to his step while Legend saunters at a more leisurely pace beside you.

After a bit of sufferable silence, he finally spares you a bored look and a scoff, "...Geeze. Is our company really that terrible for you? I'm hurt."

"No, that's not -! It's not you guys!" You jolt, alarmed that he would come to that conclusion. Glancing back at your feet, you frown, "...I had just hoped -"

"- That the Champion and you could find a nice, quiet corner somewhere to make out in?"

"Huh?! NO! Why would you -?!"

Legend scoffs again, "Come on. Isn't it obvious? You practically try gluing yourself to his side any excuse you get. It's honestly a wonder he hasn't caught on yet. Must be all the times he's hit his head."

You can feel your face grow warm at his accusation, mouth opening and closing with denial set upon your tongue, although in the end, all you can manage is a grumble at you push the smug Veteran away from you, "Sh - Shut up..." 

You, of course, recognize him almost immediately as being one of the travelers you had run into the other day - the darker haired boy who had seemingly recognized Fi. What is he doing here? You've been traveling for hours in the opposite direction from where you last met, and these woods are too vast to believe you’ve simply 'happened' across each other again...Has he been following you this whole time?

"He won't hurt you, I promise! He's with us!" The boy explains in a rush, not turning away from you even while snatching his cape away from the bushes' troublesome trap. 

The wolf, meanwhile, finally releases your scarf, forgoing all his previous determination to steal it before sitting down and daring to look innocent despite the chaos he caused. He doesn't appear bothered in the slightest by the fact that your sword had just been raised against him mere seconds ago, although he does give a low growl when the boy begins roughly dragging him away from you.

For a brief moment, you ignore the pair, your main priority being to hastily check the damage done to Link's precious scarf. It's nothing catastrophic with the frayed fabric being in the same place as a pre-existing rip you had repaired years ago. The stitching has come undone which is nothing you won't be able to fix if you can get your hands on some thread and a needle...Regardless -

You narrow your eyes which sting with frustration, "So he's your pet then?"

"Um...sorta?" Does this boy ever answer any question with confidence? Even the beast underneath him seems displeased with the apparent relationship, snapping at him halfheartedly which is enough to free him from the Hylian's grasp. 

Sky shows no reaction beyond a brief flicker of annoyance towards Wolfie before looking back to you. He's quick to notice how you cradle the crimson fabric in your grasp, your thumbs absentmindedly running over the frayed tear, "Oh no, did he damage it -?"

Your tear-filled glare finds him in an instant, causing him to flinch more than the threat of the wolf's fangs had, however any further fury you were prepared to unleash is put on hold as more voices approach the clearing:

"I found them! They're over here!" 

Contrary to how the wolf had managed to stalk up to you while going largely unnoticed, the rest of his party is hard to ignore as they come stomping down the hillside. One, two, five, then - They just keep coming! First a young boy who literally rolls out of the overgrowth with an energetic flare, then a blond and brunet pair closely behind - only one of whom was apart of the same trio yesterday...Soon, the once spacious clearing is crowded by Hylians - far more than you ever anticipated seeing down here!

It had already been unsettling enough to see just three of them, but now you're truly concerned. The Surface was deemed unfit for Hylians - That was what Hylia herself declared! You were told that anyone who had been left behind after Skyloft's ascension would be killed by Demise's army. There was no going back for them - No saving them! That's why Link had been so desperate to buy you time for an escape. It's why he willingly gave his life...So why now are there eight Hylians standing before you, alive and well?

"Geeze, I think that's the fastest I've ever seen you run!" Hyrule jokes, sounding a bit winded himself not that he'd ever admit it.

Sky rolls his eyes, yet there's embarrassment burning his cheeks. When Wolfie had suddenly taken off into the trees, he gave no second thought towards following despite everyone else's calls. He'll admit it was probably a reckless thing to do - blindly chasing a wild animal who could travel through the forest with far more ease than himself - but he was determined. He knew there was a good chance Wolfie had found your scent and he was right!

Here you are, officially found, yet hardly happy. Instead you stare wildly at the boys in a way that reminds him of his loftwing after Groose and his friends had kidnapped it before the Wing Ceremony; cornered without escape, an expression of anger used to poorly hide fear and confusion...He can't really blame you. One minute you were being 'attacked' by a wolf, now you're surrounded by complete strangers on the Surface of all places.

"...Who are all of you?" You ask, your voice low with a slight waiver behind it. You hate how meek it makes you sound. This is a moment to be brave - To come across as confident as you stand tall and look over the group with a fierce scowl!

In truth, you're terrified. These boys are all armed to the nines with a variety of armor, shields, and weapons - weapons they must be accustomed to using, if they all share the same skill as the trio you've already met. They seem to be of varying ages, too, although most appear to be mere teenagers with a few adults scattered in.

...Something in your heart beckons you to relax - a mysterious, instinctual feeling as if you should trust these strange men despite the circumstances…but you're hesitant to listen. 

Sky opens his mouth to respond, but falls silent when a hand places itself upon his shoulder. Time steps forward carefully, "We apologize for causing any alarm, ma'am. We don't mean you any harm. We only hope for a chance to talk and perhaps ask a few questions of you."

Despite his earnest tone, you scoff, eyeing him warily as you begin adjusting and straightening your scarf with a nervous hand. The other keeps your sword close, "Funny. 'didn't seem too keen on answering any yesterday."

Four, Legend, and Sky all flinch, uncomfortably redirecting their eyes especially when Time looks over his shoulder at them. Even when not making contact, they swear they can feel his disappointment, "...Yes, I was told of your meeting last night which is why we sought you out today. We're not from these parts, you see, and you're the only other Hylian we've encountered thus far -"

"- Not from these parts..." You echo through an unimpressed grumble, at last facing him directly once satisfied with your outfit, "That's what your friend had said. You're travelers not from around here, but then where else is there? Where could you possibly be from if not here?"

"We came to this land through a portal."

The other heroes look to their leader in surprise, not having expected him to be so forthcoming with a stranger. Usually he's the one who insists on expressing caution whenever providing details of their journey to civilians, warning that they could easily cause unnecessary panic or even be led astray by false leads if they don't keep their accounts purposefully vague to weed out fabricated witnesses.

Fortunately, it seems Time’s made a good call trusting you with this delicate information. It's made immediately clear by your reaction alone that you must already know something about the portals they trail. There's no hiding the way your face sinks like a rock in water at the mention, eyes going wide like saucers while your shoulders visibly loosen. You can feel a deep chill in your blood as your thoughts leap to the very portal you had crossed through yourself.

"...And where was this portal exactly?" It's a careful question that tries not to show too much desperation behind it. At last, you've become more interested in entertaining whatever it is this group has to say...but there's still no guarantee that it aligns with your own pure intentions. 

Sky's the one who answers, stepping around Time again and raising an awkward hand to gain your attention, "To the South of here - near Lake Floria."

Your frown deepens. You know the area he's referring to, but that's not the same direction you had come from. The portal you passed through took you from the edge of Skyloft to just East of where the Goddess Temple had originally stood - miles off from Lake Floria. Now you have to wonder: unless this boy's confused about his surroundings, just how portals are there down here?

"...I take it by your reaction, you've seen one of these portals for yourself?" Time asks, taking note of the way your expression visibly swifts.

You press your lips thin, weighing in your mind how much you should admit regarding your own situation. It's not exactly favorable, after all. You're not a warrior like your husband - You're not even comfortable with this sword in your hand! You're nothing more than a lone widower and mother deriving from a peaceful, defenseless village which you had wandered away from with no real plan or strategy...You're not a threat to anyone or anything.

You suppose it shouldn't be entirely unbelievable to think these boys could've come from another portal themselves - and it's certainly a better excuse than claiming they're simple 'travelers' - however a tiny voice inside your head continues to worry about their standing nevertheless. 

You can recall that during the war, some Hylians had tried pledging loyalty to Demise, whether out of inherent evil or a desperate bid to save themselves. That's exactly what Lord Dagianis had attempted when tensions finally tipped out of his favor, but just like with him, those Hylians were said to have always been struck down without mercy. Had any actually been accepted?

If not servants of Demise, there's also a possibility - however small - that these boys are some kind of illusion or trick. You have no way of knowing the limits of Demise's power or that of his followers. This could all be some sort of test to find out how much you know - to gauge how poorly prepared the remainder of Hylia's people truly are...Such concerns may all just be senseless paranoia on your part, but do you risk it?

"...I had crossed through a portal myself. I've been searching for its source to see if there's any threat that exists against my world…or if by chance, it has anything to do with Demise," You decide to confess while closely studying their reactions to this information.

None draw their swords nor do they move to suddenly rush you. They merely appear a bit surprised and maybe even a little confused...save for one. It doesn't go missed by you how the darker haired boy from before fidgets in place upon hearing Demise's name - something you make a quick mental note of - although you're granted no time to actually call attention to it.

"It seems we may be on a similar path then. We, too, have been searching for the portals' source, but we lost its trail once arriving here," Time sighs while scanning the surrounding forest as if anticipating something foul to be lurking nearby...yet the trees remain eerily silent.

Another boy - one of the eldest - steps forward from the mix, "Have you by chance noticed anything that stands out as strange around here? Particularly a black lizalfos?"

"I -..." Your breath catches in your throat, voice dying before a single word can be spoken as you set your eyes upon him. He's different from the others. He isn't from the original trio you had met, yet he still looks familiar, just in the worst of ways. 

Some sort of knight, you'd guess, if the armor is anything to go off of...but that's not your sole focus. His hair, his face, his scarf. He looks so much like - No! You must shake that thought from your head. Get yourself together!

"The -...The portal I passed through was West from here..." You manage to say after a nauseating gulp, hastily turning your head away from his direction. It does little to distract from how your legs wobble, or how your entire body suddenly feels as if it's boiling under a dizzying effect, "The only monsters I've crossed paths with were those bokoblins you lot saved me from yesterday...although earlier this morning, Fi managed to locate an apparent 'aura' she believes is associated with the portal itself. We've since been following that."

"Through dowsing?" Sky asks promptly, "I've, uh, used the technique myself - with my own sword. It's pretty handy."

You eye him for a moment before nodding. Perhaps if you didn't feel so sick, you'd quiz him on the curious method, "Hmm...Trouble is it seems to be leading me all across these woods. One moment I'm heading North, then a bit South until it begins turning back West -"

"- And you said the portal you crossed through is West?" Time clarifies with a sudden sense of urgency that doesn't match his previous line of questioning. Such a tone immediately raises your guard.

"...Yes, that's correct?"

This particular information finally triggers a greater response throughout the group, the boys looking amongst each other with newfound determination setting over their faces. Alas, there's something you're clearly failing to understand here, keeping your worry fed. 

"That must be the next portal then," Warrior concludes through a poor whisper to Time.

"Why would that lizalfos come all the way up here just to turn around and head back West?" Sky mumbles, after all Fi's dowsing is never wrong. She wouldn't have led you here if that lizard hadn't actually come this way.

"It could've been looking for something," Four suggests after crossing his arms in considerate thought.

"Could still be looking for something," Legend adds. Time opens his mouth to say more, however you're quick to interject before he can.

"Pardon me, but what’s all that to mean? Are you saying a lizalfos caused the portal?"

They face you with an array of reactions, making it seem as if you've rudely interrupted their private conversation, not that you joined a conversation that had been rudely excluding you…Nevertheless, you don't falter, instead matching their stares in challenge until someone finally finds the decency within himself to fill you in.

Time and Warrior share a look amongst themselves before the older of the two answers, that be it with some slight hesitation, "...From what we've gathered, yes. Wherever the lizalfos goes, there seems to be a new portal left in its path. We've been tracking it throughout the last few months, yet so far, it has always managed to elude us."

His words sink into you like lead, causing your heart to lurch and mouth to run dry. A new portal in its path...? Is he trying to say there are multiple? That would explain why they claim to have come from a different direction as you, allegedly chasing a source they lost sight of. If you're to believe their account and trust Fi's dowsing, the portal's source could’ve appeared south by Lake Floria before heading up north and eventually turning west towards -

- The portal on Skyloft! The knights had been ordered to keep a close eye on it, but that was only after being alerted to its existence. It had appeared during the night without a single witness to its creation, meaning hours could’ve passed before its discovery. Anything could've slipped through unnoticed during that time…

"So...what you're saying is...I've been going the wrong way?" You whisper, clenching your trembling hand and digging your nails into the flesh as a subconscious attempt to ground yourself through dull pain, "B-But if that's true, then-then that would mean -..."

Swallowing that brick lodged in your throat, you turn around and look off into the woods you had just come from. You came all this way to help protect your people, yet unknowingly abandoned them with a monster in their mist. A lizalfos that can create portals? That isn't usual in the slightest! Could the knights even defeat such a creature? What if it attacked in your absence? What of your people? Your father and your son?

It's purely instinctual how your feet begin to move, the singular thought of your son's safety suddenly urging your legs to run faster than they ever have before. In a rather clumsy movement, you're blindly returning your sword to its scabbard and running without any more being said or done.

"H-Hey! Wait up!"

You don't wait. You can't. Forget Demise, forget the Surface, forget these boys - You have to get home! Even if there's nothing you could logically do in a fight to help, there's still a desire in your bones to be there - as if your simple presence alone could somehow protect them. You might not be a warrior nor are you skilled with any weapon, but at least you know you'd fight viciously until your dying breath if done for their sake! You will NOT lose anyone else!

It no longer matters how rough the terrain is nor how cautious you had previously been while trekking this forest. You push through the thick overgrowth with reckless abandon, barely flinching as the branches cut into your exposed arms. There's voices following behind - a herd of heavy footsteps chasing in your path - yet it's all a distant mumble to your ears.

A blur of dark fur suddenly darts past your right before the wolf from before leaps out in front of you, successfully blocking your path. He causes just enough of a delay for someone else to grab your wrist.

"Now just hold on -!" You could've snapped your neck with how quickly you swivel to face the knight.

"- Unhand me!” You hiss through puffed breaths that burn your lungs, yet no more than his touch seems to scold your skin before you aggressively rip your hand away from his grasp, “If-If I've been going the wrong way, then that means - It means the monster could already be on Skyloft! My people - My family - They may be in danger!"

Warrior holds up his hands in surrender to your fury and frustrated tears, however his voice - contrast to your own - remains calm and steady, "...I understand, ma’am, but running blindly into danger yourself isn't going to help them in any way.”

You maintain your glare against him, although he doesn’t waiver under it, instead continuing his attempts at reasoning with you:

“Skyloft has its own knights, right? Ones who have been trained to protect their home? Surely, they’d be prepared to fend off a single lizalfos if one were to attack,” The Captain sounds confident only because he won’t speak on the doubt that flashes in his mind. He’s accustomed to bending harsh truths to raise morale and maintain a sense of ease amongst his troops - which is exactly what this situation calls for.

The truth is he’s fought this lizalfos before - they all have - and it’s given them hell. Each of the heroes are experienced in combat, having singlehandedly faced incredible foes without falter, but at every turn, that lizalfos has somehow managed to outsmart them, slipping through their grasps to once again prolong their mission.

Perhaps it wouldn’t be so much of a challenge if not for the irritating fact that the beast rarely appears alone, always leading an army of other monsters cursed with unusual strength. The Captain knows from experience that Skyloft’s knights can easily be outnumbered by an army of any sort, let alone the likes of what they’ve encountered…yet admitting any of that to you now would only motivate your panic. For now, he must keep you calm and cooperative. 

“Understand that we’ve been tracking this lizalfos for months, getting to know both its movements and habits. Not once have we seen it attack civilians, in fact it seems to avoid towns and villages as much as possible,” At least that isn’t a lie. Every battle they’ve had with the beast has been in isolation, the lizalfos giving no indication that it’s interested in simple Hylians outside of…well, whatever its goal may be.

It doesn't take long for the rest of the group to finally catch up, some less than thrilled with the sudden race the second of the day, however before anyone can jump in with any questions or remarks, Warrior motions a hand in their direction, urging their silence as his eyes return to you.

He’s pleased to see you at least appear to be considering his argument, your eyebrows furrowing together as your expression slowly loosens from its exasperation. Although you look no less overwhelmed, it’s progress.

“...Tell me, how long has it been since you passed through that portal and came here?

A hand is placed upon your chest as you steady your breath, the memory suddenly feeling foggy against all your other rampant thoughts, “...A day - a bit over…but the portal had been around for longer. It appeared during the night and was noticed by morning. I think - Three days ago by now.”

Warrior’s shoulders relax a bit as he nods. That’s a better timeline than he feared they’d be working with. A few days is good, maybe not for their own mission as the lead may no longer be fresh, but for the sake of Skyloft and its people.

“Then at that rate, the lizalfos would’ve likely moved on. It doesn’t usually stay in one place for long, nor would it make sense for it to hang around for days on end before launching an attack…Wouldn’t you agree?”

You aren’t quick to give him any credit for an admittedly fair conclusion, merely dipping your head down with a low exhale. Of course, he doesn’t necessarily need verbal confirmation, perfectly willing to take your lack of immediate argument as answer enough before he’s turning to finally address the rest of his party -

“-...Nevertheless -” You start in a whisper, drawing back his attention. Standing straight with a gulp, you find the power within yourself to directly face him for the first time, “- I can’t delay. A monster’s apparent ‘habits’ can change. They have before. I will not trust my family’s fate based on mere guessing and optimistic hope. The only way to truly confirm their safety is to see it with my own eyes.”

It’s a stubborn response Warrior wasn’t quite expecting, but at least you don’t run away from them this time. With balled fists, you look over the group as if challenging someone - anyone - to argue against your decision. 

“Let us help -” It’s a quick and natural reply the Captain doesn’t need to consider twice nor does he feel the need to discuss it with the others beforehand. Surely, they all would’ve had the same thought cross their minds; no Link can turn down someone in need of aid. 

“- I don’t know any of you,” You visibly grimace at the offer, wondering how much more you need to say until these boys get it through their heads. Do they not know anything of ‘stranger danger’?

“We have a similar goal, all of us. We don’t want to see anyone harmed due to that lizalfos or these portals, either,” Time explains, the other heroes nodding in agreement, “If you allow us to accompany you, you can show us where the portal is that you traveled through. We can go with you to ensure there’s no threat existing against Skyloft then be on our way.”

"We kinda gotta go the same way whether you like it or not anyway," Legend mumbles, gaining an elbow to the side. 

More objections sit upon your tongue, although for once, you hesitate to speak them. You think of Link, desperately wishing to know what he would say about any of this. What would he want for you? To be home, obviously - To have never even endangered yourself by going on this journey in the first place, but so much for that.

Now that you’re here - now that you’re stuck at this crossroad - He’d want you to choose the safer route, no doubt. If you continue to travel alone, there’s a chance you’ll be left vulnerable to possible monster attacks along the way. You won’t be able to defend yourself, that much has been made painfully clear. These boys could protect you, however are you willing to trust your life in the hands of complete strangers who could just as easily turn their swords against you?

“Ma’am -” Sky steps forward to reach towards your shoulder, yet you’re quick to snap out of your deep thoughts and step back with another warning glare, forcing him to immediately retract his hand, “...Like we’ve been saying, we know these portals. We know what we’re up against. We can help you and your people.”

“Yeah! Helping people is what we do!” Wind announces proudly, a hand stationed on each hip. 

The sight of his childlike excitement causes you to relax more than the words of his companions had. He appears to be one of the youngest within their group - a mere child no older than fifteen and that may still be generous...Surely you can trust a child, can’t you?

You squeeze your eyes tight before at last sighing, “...Fine. If you’ll continue to follow me around anyways, then you may as well join me - but we shouldn’t waste any more time than we already have. The sooner we reach that portal, the better.”

<- Previous Chapter

Next Chapter ->

Taglist:

@starlightnova

@krys0210

@sinbehavior

@thxmiss

@livvylupus

@seraphinariddle

@mapogo13

"They say time flies like an arrow, but fruit flies like a banana."

Wild and Wind visibly cringe this time, acting as if the joke has dealt physical damage to them, however their judgment couldn't matter any less to Four who takes great pride in your snickers. 

Now, don't get them wrong, Wild and Wind can enjoy a good pun or two, in fact looking back, all this 'funny business' first started when Wild cracked a joke while the three of you sat around a cooking pot together. A well timed pun related to the situation can never go wrong...but then Four happened to overhear your shared laughter, and well, he decided to have a go at it himself.

"How many tickles does it take to make an octorok laugh? ...Ten tickles!" 

One joke turned into seven. Dear Hylia, he just keeps going! And despite having lost most of his audience several minutes ago, he shows no sign of growing bored, fueled on by your apparent entertainment. 

It's all bullshit, if you were to ask Wild or Wind. Four might be getting a little too full of himself to notice, but they see the way your cheek muscles begin to twitch with each smile - a smile which stopped reaching your eyes soon after the first couple jokes. You're being torture with this as much as they are, so why in Hylia's name do you keep encouraging him?!

"Why couldn't the bad sailor learn the alphabet?...He kept getting lost at 'C'!" Wind gives an annoyed and soulless 'haha' when Four nudges him, although deep down he's fighting the urge not to go on a rampage. 

Maybe that pun was the last straw for you or maybe you saw the murderous glimmer in the young pirate's eyes because this time around, your laughter doesn't last nearly as long before you're looking around in mocked confusion, "...Hey, did you guys hear that? I think that was the Old Man calling for someone."

Four suddenly leaps off the ground, panic written across his face, "Crap -! I forgot I had the next patrol!"

With that, the Smith hurries off, allowing your trio to finally rest with sighs of relief. 

Wind groans, running his hands over his face before his attention snaps to you with a glare, "Why did you keep encouraging him like that?!"

"He was trying to be funny," You say simply with a shrug.

"Key word 'trying'. He stopped being funny after the third pun!" Wild grumbles, relieved to at long last be able to focus on cooking without the temptation of leaving it all to burn just to save himself. 

You scoff and roll your eyes, yet say nothing more to actually argue. You can't really. Regrettably, he's right. If it hadn't been for your quick thinking in distracting Smithy, you honestly don't know how many more of his jokes you could stomach no matter how much you may care for him.

Wild seems willing to forgive and forget as he goes back to tossing ingredients into the cooking pot, however Wind is...less so. The younger hero continues to pout while side-eyeing you as if you've completely betrayed his trust. Although he mumbles it mostly to himself, you still catch his salty words, "...Next time you want to kiss his ass like that, just don't subject us to it..."

"Hey -! You little - You're too young to be talking like that!" You scold, halfheartedly swatting at him which he easily dodges with a huff. 

Trying to ignore the embarrassment that ignites in your chest, you remind yourself that Wind is only a young boy. You doubt he's old enough to fully understand just how much a crush can influence one's behavior, and how it can horribly destroy their sense of humor. The truth is, you'd happily laugh your voice away at stupid puns all day if it means seeing more of Four's toothy smile if only your sanity could bear it.

This has been going on for hours with little to no progress...

Hyrule stands beside the bed, hands glowing in a teal magic that lights up the otherwise dim corner. His eyebrows are scrunched, creating a set of wrinkles across his forehead you begin to fear might be permanent if he doesn't give it up soon. Sometimes, you catch him biting down on his lip, chewing on the soft sink until it breaks with a small dot of blood peeking through.

There's a brief moment where he steps back with his hands falling to his sides without that same glow. For a moment, you're hopeful that this means he'll walk away even if just for a breath...however he once again raises his arms, this time clenching his teeth together with a bite that audibly clicks.

"...That's it!" You suddenly announce. You've been patient from where you've sat across the room, your chin resting upon the back of a chair as you've watched Hyrule's fruitless attempts, but this has officially gone on for too long!

You understand - You really do. When Wolfie got hit by that axe, you were already overcome with guilt which soon turned into a wave of dread once finally being informed that your so-called 'team pet' was no wild animal. Instead, it had been your very own rancher who laid motionless in a mess of bloodstained bandages and sheets...

Potions and fairies don't work which is why Hyrule had stepped up, offering his own life spell as a final resort to saving your shared friend. Of course, even that has seemed ineffective in healing the large cut on Twilight's side. All it has succeeded in is draining Hyrule's own magic and energy, much to your concern.

Standing from your place, you cross the room and place a gentle hand upon the Traveler's shoulder, "...You should take a break. This isn't working the way we -"

"- No, I can do this! I can keep trying," He's quick to shift away from your touch, meeting your worry with offense before he once again turns to the bed, "It'll work."

"Traveler," You sigh, the weight you carry evident by the way your shoulders shag, "I'm not asking you to give up. I just think it'll do you some good to take a breather -"

"- I'll drink a magic potion."

His defiance pierces a nerve. Anyone other day, you'd likely be more forgiving, however you're not in the mood for it now. You're tired and heartbroken after the day's events. Seeing Hyrule - someone you treasure dearly - work himself to the bone like this isn't helping your stress.

"I don't care about your magic levels. I care about you not exhausting yourself and getting hurt -"

"- Then I'll take an energy potion. Both Sky and Wild have extra."

You huff with a small stomp of your foot. It isn't common at all for you two to bicker like this, in fact you normally get along swimmingly. Two peas in a pot, Hyrule and you often get along better than anyone else in the group - Some might say even better than he gets on with his own predecessor. Funny how fatigue like this can still challenge the closest of bonds...

"All you Links are too stubborn for you own good!" You bite before abandoning Hyrule to his own devices. Although you're still rational enough to not slam the door in your provoked state, you make a purposeful effort in stomping your feet with every step down the hall, an immature side of you hoping he'll hear and feel guilty for having dismissed you so rudely.

You don't return to your own room - You refuse to, knowing full well that if you make your entrance in this state, your roommates will bombard you with questions you just don't feel like answering right now. You don't feel like addressing anyone at the moment...and yet, the floorboards still creak behind you.

"...I only want him to pace himself...It'll do us no good if he passes into a coma, too," You grumble before any other words can be said, hugging yourself close as if that'll do anything to stop these tears bubbling in the corners of your eyes.

"I know you care a great deal about him, however you mustn't worry yourself to the point of collapse. Have some faith in his judgment. Our Traveler knows his limits and will respect them, if needed," Time sets a comforting hand upon your shoulder, the sympathy in his voice genuine.

You don't exactly care for what he's implying with his first statement there - which is something you haven't quite accepted for yourself yet. It shouldn't be a surprise - Of course, Time would figure it out because he's older and wiser and not stupid unlike the brunette who's as dense as he is selfless and loveable...

"...You're one to talk..." Rather than waste breath fruitlessly denying the obvious, you sigh and at last turn to face the taller hero, "Can you at least promise me you'll make sure he doesn't overwork himself? You'd have better luck getting him to listen at this rate than I would...Even if he knows his limits as you say, you boys have a dangerous habit of putting others before yourselves."

"I'll have him take breaks in between spells."

"...Thank you, Time."

...Well, this is awkward. 

Not awkward for you because you seem blissfully unaware of any boundaries you might be crossing right now. Not awkward for Twilight or Sky, either, because honestly, this is the most entertaining thing they've seen in weeks...Nope, it's awkward for Legend who remains helplessly prisoner to your affectionate cuddles.

Maybe the boys need to have a talk with you about the dangers of wildlife, especially considering the mysterious infection that’s been affecting some of the monsters you've encountered. Despite being on guard mere seconds ago, you had disregarded all danger upon first setting sights on the unnaturally colored bunny - one just too darn cute not to immediately scoop up into your arms with a squeal.

“Umm…That’s no ordinary rabbit.”

Raising an eyebrow at Twilight’s words, you hold the bunny away from yourself, blinking as the wheels begin turning in your head. Red tunic. Unamused expression. Deep blue eyes you could get lost in. Finally it clicks…

“Veteran? Is that you? …I’m sorry, but you’re sooo cute!” Funny enough, learning that this adorable creature you hold is actually your equally adorable traveling companion doesn’t faze you nearly as much as one might expect. 

Rather than granting Legend back his personal space, you continue holding him securely in your arms, petting his fluffy fur with a bright grin even amongst all his bickering with Twilight and Sky...although to be fair to you, it's not like he exactly asks to be put down, in fact he actually snuggles closer to your chest when Sky dares to try petting his fur.

How long would you go on carrying your friend around if no one were to stop you? How long would he allow it until wanting to return to his normal self? The answer may never be known because as strangely enchanting as your ear scratches are, the threat of someone like the Captain catching him in this compromising position is simply too much for Legend to ignore. He'd like to turn back into a Hylian as soon as possible please! Even if it means no longer being the center of your attention.

One touch of the Master Sword is all it takes to have the Vet back to his normal self...Well, mostly normal.

"Oh! Would you look at that? Pink’s a really good color on you," Despite him being a Hylian again, your smile and cheery voice have yet to fade. You truly mean the compliment as you reach out to ruffle Legend's hair only for your hands to at last be swatted away.

"Stop it - Knock it off!" He snaps, cheeks flaring in the very same shade of his hair. It's quite the act really, considering the brief few seconds there where he didn't move to stop you. If the other boys didn't know any better, it was only after glancing at them that Legend became defensive but they won't comment on that for now.

"We should get back to camp before they start to think we've been dragged off somewhere!" Legend hisses, eager to lead the way without bothering to wait for anyone else to follow.

"What are you going to tell them about your hair?" Sky calls, chasing after the Veteran with no intentions of letting this go away anytime soon.

"Nothing! I'm shaving it all off!"

You sigh fondly with a tender expression while watching your retreating hero. You're so lost in the moment that you almost entirely forget about Twilight still being here, that is until you hear his snuffled laughter.

"What?" You whip your head around with an innocent frown, however he merely walks on by with all too knowing smirk and snort. 

"Nothin'...So, a fan of bunnies, are ya?"

It takes you a second before understanding exactly what he's implying which results in your entire face setting itself ablaze. Embarrassed, you give him a solid punch to the shoulder, however it hardly has the effect you had hoped for, only resulting in a fit of laughter from him and aching knuckles for you. 

You enjoy the quiet moments like this...

When traveling with nine men on a life-or-death journey, it's rare to experience such a sense of calm. If you're not fighting hoards of monsters or scratching your heads inside a dungeon, you're usually listening to loud laughter or fierce bickering. 

This afternoon has been absent of it all, although to be fair, you are down a few members of your group. Warrior went into the nearest town for supplies and Wind tagged along to help. Wild and Hyrule are also gone, having disappeared about an hour ago, but you think Twilight must've gone off to find them since you don't see him around anymore either.

Those left in camp seem to have mutually agreed to maintain a relaxed atmosphere. Time's somewhere nearby which you only know because you can hear the faint melody of his ocarina. Beside an extinguished campfire, Legend's sewing a tunic with Four and you keeping him company, that be it without saying anything. Four has his nose stuck in a book and you...Well, you’ve found something better to entertain yourself with.

Sitting under a tree across camp, the Hero of Sky has been keeping busy carving wood. What exactly he's making, you can't see, but you're happy he’s enjoying himself. He looks focused, fingers shifting carefully to avoid the sharp blade as he drags it across the block of wood in hand. His tongue pokes out from his lips just barely - a cute habit of his, you've noticed - as he leans into his work, scanning every detail for perfection -

"- DAMNIT!" The Veteran curses, startling you out of your wandering thoughts.

"Wear a thimble," Four advises without looking up from his book.

"I lost mine. The Captain's supposed to get another one on this supply run. We'll see if he pulls through."

You sigh and drop your chin against your palm. What was that - one hour and twenty five minutes without any arguing? You think that's a new record...

"Here."

Blinking, you look up to find Sky now standing next to you, practically beaming with light as he holds something out towards you. Following his hands, you're surprised to see the result of his meticulous wood carving. He's managed to turn a simple block of wood into a miniature of your favorite animal...

"This is...for me?"

"Do you like it?" He asks eagerly, watching as you cautiously take the wood statue and turn it around in hand. How he manages to create such detailed work in such a short amount of time, you'll never understand.

"I love it! Thank you, Sky! I - This is so sweet of you!" Standing up, you throw your arms around him - an act he instantly returns with a chuckle. Even when you pull away, your attention goes right back to the gift, your smile unrestrained as you take more time appreciating it.  

The hero preens at this before returning to his previous place under the tree, leaving you to turn to the other boys while proudly holding up the statue, “This is really good, isn’t it?”

Legend just gives a distracted 'uh-huh' while still sewing, although for once, Four actually looks away from his book to acknowledge you.

"Hmm…I noticed he was working on something, but I didn't know what. It turned out great," He gives a small smile before going back to reading. Normally, that would be the end of the conversation, however after a brief moment, he adds, "...You know, he must like you quite a bit to make it."

"...Huh?" It takes you a second to catch his words, "Oh, I don't know...Sky's carved stuff for Wild before -"

"Yeah, spoons and utensils - probably because the Champion breaks them constantly,” Four rolls his eyes, “Besides, I think there’s a pretty big difference between a spoon and statue. It would’ve required a lot of consideration to pick an animal you like then carve it…I’d say it makes for a pretty personal gift.”

You feel your cheeks grow warm with the claim. Surely Sky didn’t put that much thought in it, right? Even if he did, it likely doesn’t mean anything special. He just -...values you as a friend, that’s all…

As you spiral into a whirlwind of second-thoughts, you miss the way Four hides his smirk against the pages of his book, all too aware of what he just started. Maybe if he’s lucky, this will be just the push you need to stop dancing around each other…

It was what he knew best - For the longest time, it was all he knew…but anymore, he finds himself suffocating during each visit home, often short of breath with a throat that aches from the dryness and sooner misses that earthy scent found only on the Surface…

"...We could move, you know."

"Where?" He asks, tilting his head back just enough to better feel the sun's rays lick his face. It makes this breezy weather feel a lot warmer than it actually is.

His needless question goes ignored, "I don't think anyone would blame us - actually seems like it's almost expected with how often people ask...Zelda's already living down there. I bet as time goes on, it'll be more common to live on the Surface than Skyloft..."

Sky makes a lazy sound of acknowledgement. It might not seem like he’s willing to entertain the thought, but in truth, it's been on his mind for quite some time now.

When his feet first touched the surface beneath the clouds, he had only one goal on his mind: promptly find Zelda and return home. He wanted nothing more than to put his nightmares behind him and return to a life of normalcy - a quiet and habitual life spent with his head in the clouds, guaranteeing safety beside those he cared for most…however fate seemed to have other plans for the hero who had soon found himself entranced by all the Surface had to offer.

The forests, the lakes, the creatures, the stories...It was as if the very thought of adventure had awoken something deep inside him - a sort of instinct or desire that begged to explore despite the possible chaos and danger.

Zelda was saved and Demise defeated, yet Sky still finds himself periodically returning to the land beneath the clouds - a place that has strangely begun to feel more like home than the floating island he had been born on…He knows it's silly which is why he's kept the thought largely to himself, save for the one soul he trusts above all others.

Although he often finds himself fighting the itch of adventure, Sky always manages to slow down and appreciate the calm he finds when like this because in his opinion, no unexplored terrain or dungeon could possibly beat a day spent lying under the sun with his girlfriend.

His head is rested upon her lap while her fingers occupy his hair, running down the length of each strand before returning to the source to start over. Her melodic humming keeps him at ease, familiar in the best of ways. Only she knows what truly goes on inside that pretty little head of his, having known and loved him for so long, they might as well be attached by a single mind.

At last, Sky peeks open his eyes, wishing to admire how beautiful she must look within a golden halo of sunshine, however he chokes on his breath - a strangled sound that has the girl looking down at him with concern...except her eyes aren't the ones he recognizes - she isn't someone he recognizes...but at the same time, a buried part of him does.

"...Link?"

.

.

.

"...Wake up!"

Sky gasps quietly and stalls for a second before pushing himself off the ground. Hand shooting up to rub his sore eyes, his confusion is swiftly depleted once seeing the young sailor knelt beside him, looking mighty proud of himself for having disturbed their heaviest sleeper.

"Wha - What time is it?"

"After six,"Wind answers, rising to his full height with his hands placed upon his hips. It's a proud stance which he thinks makes himself look older, but as anyone else would confirm, it only makes him look all the more like a kid pretending to be an adult. Cute, although no one dares say such a thing to his face, "Old Man wants to get a move on early."

'Of course he does...' Sky thinks with displeasure, stretching his arms which would normally do nothing to ward off the weight of his exhaustion, however after his unusual dream, he feels oddly awake.

He's heard people say that their dreams are often forgotten by morning, becoming nothing more than a blurry memory with vague details if you're lucky, but that's rarely ever been the case for him. Not anymore, at least. Ever since losing Zelda and awakening as a hero, it seems his dreams have always stuck to him, last night’s being no different.

He remembers it vividly - lying with his head rested upon his girlfriend's lap, the feeling of her fingers running through his hair, the domestic bliss he felt as she discussed moving to the Surface together...Then he opened his eyes and saw you.

You - the same woman they met the other day, the one who somehow carries the Goddess Sword with Fi's voice guiding your every step...Had meeting you really left that much of an impression, or is there a greater meaning beyond your invasion of his dreams?

"...She never even said her name..."

"What?"

"Huh?" Sky snaps his head up to the sailor's questioning gaze, flustered to realize he had spoken aloud, "N-Nothing. I'm, um...still half asleep."

"Well, time to wake up and get moving," A new voice enters the conversation. The Captain approaches, already in full uniform as if he’s been up for hours (which is probably the case). He stops to stand with his hands upon his hips, but does a much better job looking authoritative than Wind had, “Going off of what you said last night, it’s still a bit of a walk to our destination, right?”

“Assuming she’s even going to Skyview,” Sky feels the need to point out, although he knows it’s too late to backtrack. He’s already put the idea in the others’ minds that you might be heading towards the temple, so they’re set on heading in that direction themselves.

“Either way, the sooner we get on the road, the sooner we can find the girl and maybe get a lead about these portals,” As predicted, Warrior will not be deterred. He remains in place until Sky actually gets to his feet, eliminating any possibility for the teen to fall back asleep for an extra twenty five minutes.

“What if she’s not even up this early?” He queries through a yawn. It’s insane to him that anyone would willingly get up this early (aside from the Captain and Old Man who are clearly a rare breed. Maybe it’s just a habit that forms with age).

“Then we at least have a head start,” Time answers, not sparing a glance towards the boys as they approach where the others are already packing up their belongings.

Sky can at least take comfort in seeing he isn’t the only one who seems bothered by this early hour. Wild appears to be nodding off as he slips on his boots and Legend looks like he’s in a particularly grumbly mood while hastily stuffing things into his pack with no real order for organization.

“Hopefully this lady has some good information that she’s actually willing to share this time,” He mumbles, nudging Hyrule with his shoulder when the brunet leans into him before jolting back awake with the movement.

Time doesn’t directly call attention to the comment, instead turning to look over the tired heroes with a lack of amusement in his own worn expression, “Even though we have yet to encounter many monsters in this world, I want you boys to be on your guard and keep an eye out for anything unusual.

“At the moment, that woman is our best bet for obtaining information regarding this world, but be prepared to pivot plans should the situation call for it,” He then looks to Twilight, the two sharing a nod as if having a wordless conversation the others aren’t a part of, “...Maybe if we’re lucky, we’ll find her sooner rather than later, and she’ll be able to point us in the correct direction from there. For now, we continue our search North East."

...You slept horribly last night - which only partly has to do with how long it took for you to find an adequate shelter.

Darkness had overtaken the forest swiftly - far faster than you had anticipated even with Fi's warning. It was fortunate that you managed to stumble across somewhere safe to rest at all, especially to have done so before falling victim to any monsters of shadow and bone.

Amongst a ravine, a large tree's roots grew out across the slope, creating a tangled curtain against the dirt and rock. It was nothing particularly guarded against the elements, but a better hiding spot than the open woods. With no other options, you had squeezed your way through and called it a night...at least you tried to.

You never imagined sleeping in the wilderness would be so miserable. Even if the ground were to be comfortable - which it most certainly was not - it seemed every time your eyelids became heavy and thoughts finally silent, a sound from the dark would cause your heart to race and body to tremble.

Link always made his nights sound peaceful while traveling, describing a sea of glittering stars and songs of crickets which would lull him to bed. He never mentioned the echoing silence or creaking of trees - and definitely not the jolting cries of wolves which seemed to ring out from every direction. The worst part is you couldn't even admire the stars above, forced to instead stare into a black void hoping nothing would reach inside to grab your legs (which you kept securely tucked against your chest just in case).

Funny how you once dreamed of traveling for yourself, even if only once or twice to finally understand your husband's love for it. Of course, you always imagined doing so in his company. If Link were here, you'd no doubt sleep easy in his arms, knowing with all your heart nothing could harm you there...Without him, you ended up sleeping lightly with a hand upon your sword, fearful you'd sooner awake to a fatal attack than another sunrise.

...Well, you can at least say that you finally understand why Link always slept in so late when home, but as much as your exhausted body longed to do the same, you refused to grant it the pleasure. Fueled by pure, senseless determination, you crawled out of your hideaway at the first sign of daylight, only allowing a small breakfast and quick bathroom break before gathering your belongings.

Looking up at the sky which is still dark save for the faintest signs of light, you think of your family, wondering if they're already awake as well. Hiroto surely is, likely having never gone to bed after worrying for your sake all night, although you hope that isn't the case. You'd much rather think that nothing about their routine has changed even in your absence, allowing them to rest comfortably well into the more tolerable hours of the morning...It's easier to find some peace for yourself believing that than to think you've abandoned them to any state of distress...

'I shall be with them soon enough...' You remind yourself, although it does nothing to cure your homesickness.

"My Lady -" You only just make it out of the ravine when Fi suddenly appears, startling you. Despite the noise of surprise you make while practically leaping out of your skin, she carries on speaking apathetically, "I have new information that you might find useful for your journey."

Her voice is always so light and laced with respect - as if she were addressing a goddess directly. Maybe you should take some small pride in that...but you aren't used to it, in fact you still aren't used to her.

If given the choice, you would've much rather left her behind on Skyloft, however her apparent attachment to Link's sword has made her an uninvited guest on your little 'adventure'. Her presence is odd and awkward. Her existence cryptic and irritating. There are so many questions you restlessly hold onto - but none you've had the time to prioritize...Still, you aren't cruel enough to entirely ignore her, after all she's here to help your efforts at least that's what she's claimed.

Hand hovering over your heart, you take a deep breath, "...What sort of information?"

"I have detected a nearby aura that correlates with that of the portal we had passed through on Skyloft. I can lead you in its direction via a process known as dowsing, if you should wish."

This captures your interest, "Very well. How does it work?"

"Using the tip of the sword you carry, I can detect the aura of whatever it is you wish to search for. The nearer you are to the object emitting the aura in question, the stronger the response shall be, reflected in the light of the sword's blade."

You hum, curiously drawing the sword from its scabbard and holding it out in front of yourself. Without further instruction, Fi promptly returns to the blade which maintains its usual silver shine, nothing of note changing until you turn it Northeast. Pointed in that direction, the blade begins to sparkle with a faint blue hue.

Deciding to experiment, you turn the blade further North, noticing that the glow becomes brighter then, yet by switching it West instead, the light dims almost completely.

'If this path truly follows something associated with the portal itself, then it could very well lead me to whatever created it...'

Finally having a lead to off of - which saves you from continuing to wander these woods blindly - you begin following the invisible path North while maintaining proper caution with each step.

Even as you walk in near darkness through a world that slowly stirs awake, the forest itself remains eerily tranquil with nothing dangerous leaping out from the shadows which would be a relief to some, but not you.

Excusing those lone few bokoblins from yesterday, you have yet to encounter anything alarming on the Surface. No hoards of monsters, no armies, or signs of Demise...For brief seconds at a time, it makes you wonder if you hadn't overreacted with this entire situation regarding the portal. Did you act too rashly? Did you abandon your family for nothing? ...No, no you refuse to believe that. In your heart and bones, you just know there's something dangerous lurking about. You must have faith in your instincts!

Link had sealed the darkness of Demise away - hopefully to never again see the light of this world - however not all evil left with his soul. If that had been the case, Hylia would've allowed her people to return to the Surface less her judgment truly is that poor. There's a threat that continues to breathe here, made up of Demise's scattered followers who you're certain must crave the opportunity to avenge their King.

...There's so many questions rattling around inside your mind. The portal, its source, Demise, and even those Hylian boys yesterday...You can't answer every one of your concerns just yet, but there are some you can bring to light:

"...Fi?"

"Yes, my lady?" She immediately appears at the sound of her name, gracefully floating by your side.

You bite down on your lip, already regretting having called upon her. There are some things left better unsaid, but amongst all this quiet, you finally have a chance to seek answers towards something that's been troubling you these last twenty-four hours. You might as well speak your mind now and get it over with...

Rather than stop to talk, you continue onward, your pace a bit rushed through your discomfort, "...Why did Hylia create you?"

"The Goddess Hylia created me with the purpose of serving as a guide for her Chosen Hero, my master -"

"- Yes, you already mentioned that, but why?" You stop dead in your tracks, facing Fi with sudden urgency, "Hylia blessed this sword mere days before Link's death...Tell me, did he even know about you?"

"No, my lady. My Master had no use for me at that time, thus we had never been introduced."

"Then you serve no purpose?" You don't mean to sound harsh, however you struggle to react rationally under this weight of your confusion and anger towards Fi's very existence which begins to boil now that you're speaking all these thoughts aloud for the first time.

"I - I don't understand! Link was already - Hylia already knew he was to die. She meant for him to die with no intention of saving his life! So why assign a spirit to his sword to 'guide' him? Guide him where if not to his own grave?!"

Despite wearing a series of emotions openly upon your sleeve, Fi remains cold and expressionless, continuing to stare at you as if the true meaning of your rant has been tossed directly overhead, "The Goddess -"

You get distracted from listening to her response, eyes instead darting in alarm to the forest when you catch the tail end of faint rustling noises. You see nothing, yet could've sworn you heard something moving hastily downhill through the undergrowth. The sound stops when you turn to look, but that doesn't keep you from tightening your grip upon your sword, eyes locked with the hillside, prepared to notice any slight movement of branches or leaves.

Bokoblins? ...You don't think so. They're far too clumsy and impatient, never waiting to attack you had learned that much first hand yesterday. Whatever it is, it's lower to the ground - enough so to hide against your attention while crouched in the shadows - yet big enough to have trampled the vegetation under its feet as it moved downhill. Link mentioned lizalfos being better at stealth than most monsters. Apparently they also have the gift of camouflage, making it all the more difficult to spot one before it spots you...

"I already know you're there. Show yourself!" Keeping your sword held in a firm grasp, you glare out into the woods, doing your best to appear confident and courageous, although there's a slight tremble in your stance.

Despite your most encouraging thoughts, negative counterarguments still make their way through. You couldn't even fight those bokoblins the other day, how do you plan to win against a lizalfos? And if there's multiple? Surely scurrying up a tree won't always save you...

You jolt when the bushes soon begin to rustle again. Something begins moving down from the halfway point of the hill, this time at a much more careful and cautious pace. Your anxiety peaks and heart races once it reaches the bottom, a black head parting the leaves with a pair of bright blue eyes staring out at you.

The breath that leaves you is shaky yet relieved nonetheless. It's no more than an ordinary wolf - a dangerous creature in its own right, sure, but at least it's no lizalfos...

The canine takes a slow step out of the bushes, head hung low and ears pinned back. To an untrained eye, it could be mistaken for a dog with a guilty conscience, but having grown up in a farming village, you know better. You must stay on guard.

"There's no food for you here, so best move along," You pair your stern words with a hand which tries to shoo the wolf off. When that doesn't work, you stomp a heavy boot and aimlessly swing your sword in its direction, hoping the movement paired with a shout would be enough to scare it off, "On your way! Get!"

The wolf flinches, but that's the extent of his reaction. Rather stubbornly, the creature stays, in fact he dares to even take another brave step forward, completely removing himself from the safety of the undergrowth. Once out in the open, he lowers himself against the ground where he begins to lazily flick his tail up and down - like a dog begging for attention or forgiveness.

Never have you heard of a friendly wolf before. The farmers you grew up around strictly warned against trusting the beasts who had a nasty habit of dragging off their livestock when left unattended at night. Personally, you've only seen one or two for yourself, always on the outskirts of town during the earliest or latest hours of the day, although none seemed brave enough to simply walk right up to a human like this...

Perhaps this canine isn't fully a wolf or at least not entirely wild. Looking closely, you notice a chain clasped around his leg - one old and worn. Now, you have heard rumors of wolves being bred with domestic dogs, the result of such a pairing occasionally being kept as a prized pet. You suppose it isn't entirely impossible to think this animal had grown up around your kind, having been left behind on the Surface like all others when Skyloft was first raised...

If that's truly the reason why this wolf appears so submissive before you, then he has your sympathy. It's a cruel fate to be abandoned by your master and left to fend for yourself alone, but surely this creature has done well for himself to have lived this long without the aid of men.

The wolf raises its head, ears perked when you sigh, "...I shouldn't let myself get distracted..."

Electing to ignore the animal, you return to your previous task. Forgetting all about the questions you had asked Fi, you hold out your sword again, causing her to return to her home which maintains the same blue glow as before once you find the right direction. A bit more West this time. If you didn't know any better, you'd almost say it's leading you in one big circle -

- Apparently, your lack of attention must bother the wolf who rises to his feet with a bark. When you merely spare him a bored glance before marching onward, he huffs and hurries after you.

Without giving you much chance to react, he grabs ahold of your scarf and gives it a tug. It's gentle, careful not to choke or pull you off your feet, however that gains him little sympathy nor salvation from your instant annoyance.

"Hey -!" Whipping around, you swing a leg in his direction, yet he's hardly fazed. Dodging your assault, the wolf only briefly lets go of the now wet fabric before sinking his fangs into another section, this time pulling more urgently.

"Let go, you little -!" You almost match his growl, desperately pulling on the opposite side of the scarf. This wolf may be stubborn and strong - enough so to drag you a few feet before you manage to dig your heels into the ground - but you can also be quite fierce when you want to be. Having no intention of losing this involuntary game of tug-a-war, you refuse to loosen your grip...that is until the sharp sound of ripping meets your ears.

You gasp, looking down to immediately spot the small tear that introduces itself towards the middle of the worn fabric. It causes your grip to falter, your blood running cold as if invaded by ice...but it only lasts a brief second before being replaced by burning fury.

At last out of patience, you raise the sword in your hand, "LET GO -!"

"- W-WAIT!" 

<- Last Chapter

Next Chapter ->

Taglist:

@starlightnova

@krys0210

The two were on their way up to Ordon's pastures to help with some chores when the Rancher found himself in a bit of a...situation which had brought their plans to a screeching halt. Something about how long he's been gone and Epona's wellbeing? ...Well long story short, Twilight had last been seen chasing after his stolen horse while shouting orders back at Wild to 'stay put' until his return, but really, when has the Champion ever done exactly as he's told? Why would he continue to stand in the middle of an open path alone when he could just finish the walk up to the pasture and wait for Twilight there? Surely, there's no harm in that.

There also shouldn't be any harm in climbing onto the fence to watch over all the goats peacefully grazing the field. They seem far more tame than the mountain goats he's hunted come across during his own travels, although their fur doesn't look quite as soft as the domesticated breeds back home. Instead it looks more wiry and stern...but it is pretty difficult to tell from such a distance, which is what got Wild wondering, and once he starts to wonder, there really isn't any going back.

Would there really be any harm in jumping the fence to pet one of the goats for himself? I mean, they're right there, standing around with not a care nor concern in the world, not to mention Twilight always speaks high praises of their gentle nature and 'bitty little hearts'. What could possibly go wrong with a stranger approaching livestock he knows practically nothing about?

...Everything can go wrong, apparently.

Okay, not everything, but something does go terribly wrong! As it turns out, throughout all of his biased reminiscing, Twilight forgot to mention the tiny detail of how territorial some goats can be, particularly a mama trying to protect her new kids. In one swift turn, her doe eyes can become rather intimating as they set sights upon an intruder, her hooves digging into the earth as a warning before charging forward like a loose arrow.

...So that's the shortened story of how Wild ended up like this, stuck in an awkward position on the ground as he struggles to hold back the horns that threaten to either carve him into different pieces or send him flying across the field - whichever comes first. His innocent intentions to see how soft Ordon goats can be has resulted in a fight for power against the herd queen who trashes in his grip while he desperately tries to get back onto his feet where he'll hopefully have the upper hand. How embarrassing to have been bested by an animal like this...

"HEY NOW!" A shout comes, startling only Wild. The goat, on the other hand, takes advantage of the distraction, once again knocking him over and trying to flatten him against the grass. Despite the clear assault that's taking place, the voice shows him no sympathy, "Why in Ordonia's name are ya' botherin' these poor goats?!"

At last, the doe stops struggling in his grip, all too casually freeing her horns and stepping off the boy before dashing off to join her kids elsewhere in the pasture. Relieved to no longer have her threat literally looming over him, Wild lets out an exhausted sigh and flops back against the ground. Maybe it's because of his new warranty on life, but he suddenly has quite the appreciation for how nice this grass smells and how warm the light of the sun is against his skin - that is until something steps in to block its path.

"There best be a good explanation for this! Just who are ya' and why are ya' here messin' with the does in milk?!"

Wild can only stare, completely awestruck by the sight of you. Whoever you are, you must be from Ordon. You're dressed in the traditional but simple clothing unique to this village, your hair an uncombed mess yet your features not unlike a god's as you stand in a golden halo above him. Even that venomous annoyance worn across your face can't ruin your beauty. Maybe that goat did kill him and this is his afterlife. If so, he's not about to complain.

"Well? Answer me, boy!" 

"...You're beautiful..." That's probably not the answer you were looking for if your wide eyes and scrunched nose are any indication, but it's the first thought Wild could bring himself to speak aloud, what, with all the adrenaline running through his veins. While the response seems to stun you enough to buy himself a few seconds longer to admire your charm, it doesn't last forever. You have half a mind to personally drag him right off the property which he'd probably enjoy before Twilight finally returns to play the role of his savior.

"Link!" Oh, if only you would've looked at Wild with as much joy and appreciation as you do the Rancher, your expression flipping like a switch before regrettably returning to one of fury when you gesture back to the useless Hylian you found lying in the pasture, "This guy -!"

"- I know, I know! Don't worry 'bout him. He's a friend of mine. He's..." Twilight cringes with a single glance given towards the Champion, "- Mostly harmless."

"I'd say the goats beg to differ!" You huff in return with crossed arms. Despite Twilight's assurances, you still watch Wild carefully as he stumbles up to his feet with little to no grace.

"Champion, I want ya' to meet..." Electing to ignore your anger, Twilight tosses a heavy arm over your shoulder, bringing you close to his side with a toothy grin, "We grew up together - practically siblins' at this rate."

"Siblins' who leave for months on end without so much as a letter!" You hiss while ducking away from his touch only to get right back into his face with a pointed finger, "Where have ya' been, eh? Do ya' have any idea how worried we've all been? Do ya' know how much work I've been stuck doin' pullin' yer wait?! You owe me BIG!"

Now it's Twilight's turn to bear the heat of your wrath, shrinking down with his hands held in front of himself as a poor means of defense. In no time at all, you seem to have completely forgotten about Wild, leaving the poor boy alone to awkwardly pick grass out of his hair and kick the dirt until you finish scolding his mentor.

"Hey! Boy!" Wild flinches, quickly spinning around to face you with a hand already on his burning neck. Twilight's already gone, hurrying off towards the barn to begin his chores before you get back on his case...That leaves Wild all alone with you in this terrifying situation.

"M-Me?"

To Wild's surprise, you swing an arm over his shoulder, roughly pulling him close. He's certain his cheeks are aflame when you lean your head in close enough for your cheeks to almost touch. You spare a glance in the direction Twilight went off to before whispering in Wild's ear, "...Next time ya' feel like goin' muttonbustin', I'll give ya' some pointers, but don't you dare go messin' with the does in milk again, ya' hear?"

"I - Um, sure - yes! Yes, ma'am!" He stumbles which seems to please you. With a crushing smack to his back, you chuckle and hurry off to follow Twilight, leaving poor Wild in an awestruck daze, "...ow..."

"LINK!" Being in the Champion's Hyrule, it probably could've easily been assumed which of them is targeted by such a stern yet eerily calm call, however that doesn't stop the entire group from tuning in with flinches of fear, "Where have you been?!"

Wild - as a rather sharp contrast to how excitedly he originally was to be home - sinks into himself before turning to face the oncoming threat with a bashful smile, but his attempt at innocence is hardly effective. From across camp, you wave off the rito soldier you were previously speaking to before marching over. 

You're no stranger to the Chain - at least, your name isn't. You've been mentioned in conversations on a few occasions - always in a positive light amongst an assortment of vague details that were undeniably biased given Wild's obviously high opinions of you.

Both well known and respected throughout the furthest reaches of Hyrule for your impressive skill and noble heroics, it had apparently been no surprise when the Princess handpicked you to oversee the newly established Hylian guard and monster-control crews. Your reputation is golden, at least based on Wild's claims, but some of the Links have remained cautiously doubtful. 

True may be your apparent streaks of successful monster camp raids and victorious battles against attempted Yiga coup d'états, however what of the Champion's dramatic retellings of when you once used your shield to propel yourself into the air and pierce a moblin's skull with a well-timed arrow? Or perhaps the story of when you allegedly sent a guardian '10 whole feet in the air' after having borrowed the cryonis function on your friend's Sheikah Slate?

With such far-fetched and concerning tales, how could anyone blame the Chain for worrying you might just match their Champion's knack for carefree mischief and danger? 

Of course, it's always better to judge based on your own experiences rather than plain word of mouth. You certainly don't appear to be a troublemaker of any sort. Instead, you look perfectly fitting to the roll of a knight. You positively shine in your soldier's armor which is polished yet battle-worn with several nicks across the old metal. Your physical appearance is well-trimmed to the strict regulations of a knight, your demeanor poised and confident, not at all slack or awkward like what is normal for the Link of your time, however to his credit, he posture does immediately straighten by the time you're standing toe-to-toe with him, a mix of annoyance and tired disappointment staining your face.

"I thought we discussed this matter already? You can't simply disappear without a word as to your whereabouts, especially not for months on end! No one knew where you were. You very well could've been dead in a ditch somewhere and none of us would be any wiser," Despite the calmness to your expression, your scolding words carry enough bite to have several of the Links bowing their heads in embarrassment as if all personally receiving the tail end of your impressive wrath. 

"I -!"

Wild only gets that one syllable out before you hold up a hand, silencing him before your gaze becomes surprisingly soft, "You are Hyrule's hero, whether you like it or not. I'm sorry to remind you of this burden, but you are our hope. We need you here. Please, for Hylia's sake, have some responsibility. I'm tired of having this conversation with you and even more so for having to defend your reputation against others whenever you disappear."

Wild stares at his feet, his quiet embarrassment the only apology you can expect to get at the moment, but it's enough for you as you finally turn to address the other stricken men gathered behind him - stricken, because your soft eyes quicken harden into a glare again - one almost strong enough to burn a hole right through them, "We shall discuss this more later...Who are they?"

It's funny how quickly Wild's mood can begin to gain color again, "Oh, these are the guys I've been traveling with! Cool thing, actually, but they're all other heroes - ones from different periods in Hyrule's history."

"Other heroes...?" You echo with some skepticism. Your eyes seem to travel over each and every one of them as if trying to weigh how much of a threat - if any - they may be to you. You probably spend only a few seconds doing so, not taking any more time with one Link over the other, however when your eyes cross over Warrior, it seems like several minutes pass while subject to your judgment.

"...Hmm. You always get wrapped up into the strangest adventures when I let you out of my sight," You finally say with a shake of your head before your attention returns to your own hero, "Did Zelda by chance fill you in on what's been happening around here lately?"

It's true that they had already run into the Princess earlier. Unlike your willingness to move past being in the presences of several legendary heroes in favor of other business, Zelda had been perfectly willing to play a game called 'asking-as-many-questions-in-a-single-minute-as-my-breath-allows'. Once they were finally able to move past prolonged introductions and interrogation, she had mentioned how this Hyrule has been dealing with an unusual increase in monster activity lately.

"It's true. I've been up to my chin in reports these days. 'seems everywhere in Hyrule is dealing with the same issue one way or another," You explain, leading the group to a large tent pinned up on the edge of camp. Inside is a knight's paradise with various weapons and shields laid about and a giant map rolled out across a table in the center. It almost makes Warrior feel like he's home again.

"This case was brought to me this morning. There's been complaints about a monster encampment that had formed along the northern road under the Great Plateau," You detail with a huff of frustration as Wild and you overlook the map together. Painted pieces decorate the top, each seeming to symbolize a different monster and its placement, "What started out as one or two bokoblins has turned into a small army practically overnight with no way for civilians to pass through safely. 

"According to the reports, the road is rarely left unguarded with a patrol stationed at each valley entrance. With that said, it's impossible to get in unnoticed, let alone have enough time to take cover before the archers set their sights on you."

"...What about the cliffside here?" Warrior pipes up. Having been peeking at the map from over Wild's shoulder, the Captain reaches a hand around and points to the edge of the Great Plateau next to the markers on your map, "If you could get up there, you could launch an attack from above. With enough arrows and explosives, you could target here and here, scattering the monsters and dividing them into smaller, more manageable groups where they're less of a threat -..."

Warrior then stops himself short, having raised his head just enough to catch a glimpse of the way you stare at him. Retracing his hand from the map, he clears his throat awkwardly, "...Apologies, I didn't mean to take over. You, uh, probably had your own plan. Forgive me."

Fortunately, you don't take any offense to his intrusion. Instead (and this could solely be his active imagination), your eyes seem to glitter a little as you look him up and down before speaking again, "I welcome any critiques that I can get - better to receive them now than on the battlefield, I like to think.

Warrior perks up at this, pleased by your reaction. Why, he couldn't agree more!

"Actually, I've already considered using the cliffs for an attack, but there's one problem and I've been toying with ideas on how to best address it," You continue, leaning over the map to point at a particular bird like marker, "You see, they have eyes watching the sky, too - Aerocudas, we've decided to call them."

"'Aerocudas'?" Wild and Warrior repeat, both with differing reactions. While the Champion seems almost entertained by the prospect of something new, the Captain remains serious and attentive as you explain.

"A new type of monster we've been seeing more of lately...You would know that if you've been home," You aim the last comment towards Wild who reacts like a kicked puppy, however by the time your eyes return to Warrior, all sour annoyance has evaporated from them, "They're not difficult to fight, per say, but any element of surprise would be lost if they spot us on the cliffside. I have two possible solutions for it...If you wouldn't mind offering a second opinion?"

"I'd be happy, too," His answer is swift and accompanied by a charming smile you almost melt under. Excitedly, you pick up a few Hylian shaped markers, moving them to the map's cliffside.

"Aerocudas - like any other monster - sleep at night. If we plan our attack then, we'd be able to take them all by surprise. My concern is a fight during such a late hour would mean a dangerous lack of visibility, especially if a fog happens to roll in -"

"- Which would be even more of a concern next to such a steep cliffside," Warrior hums with a nod, bringing a finger to his chin, "...The alternative?"

You reach into your pack without hesitation. When you hold your hand back out, there's a purple spotted flower in your palm, "We use muddle buds."

This gains Warrior's interest, "What are those?"

"A flower with a powerful odor that causes disorientation and confusion. Hit a monster with one and they won't be able to tell friend from foe -"

"- Hit an aerocudas with one and they might even turn against the monsters below?" Warrior guesses, feeling like a giddy child inside when you eagerly nod. As serious as he takes any battle, he's never been against using unique tools and magic. He is a Link at heart, after all, "I'd say that's the best route then. You'd be able to attack during the day AND save yourselves some fighting."

"Precisely," It's hard to miss the way you preen, thrilled to have someone actually listen to your plan before praising it. Usually, members of the monster control crew simply agree with whatever you say, far too inexperienced to offer any input of their own, "...You seem to know your way around a battle quite well?"

"I'm actually a captain for the Hylian Military in my time," For some reason, the confession has him feeling rather bashful.

"Captain?" You whistle in amazement, your smirk never far behind, "Well then, that certainly explains it. It's an honor to make your acquaintance, sir...Say, you wouldn't happen to have any advice I could steal from you, would you? I have a couple of plans I've been mulling over as of lately. A second opinion from a true professional could really do me some good - Oh, but no, you're not here for work. You're probably hoping for rest while you can. I'd hate to soak up your free time with another Hyrule's problems -"

"- No please," He's quick to shake his head, offering a charming smile that actually feels natural, not forced like the ones he puts on when haggling merchants or inn keepers, "I'd be happy to help where I can. I actually prefer work. 'helps my mind from wondering too much...You know how it is?"

Did that sound stupid? Is he trying too hard? He probably looks lame, doesn't he? Hylia, he's discussed battle plans with fighters from all across his Hyrule, yet something about you - a random soldier from another time and Wild's best friend - has him suddenly feeling the need to impress. 

Luckily, his answer seems to land in your favor, your eyes locking with a mutual look of admiration, "Yet another thing we have in common it seems, Captain."

.

.

.

"...Do - Do you still want my opinion, too, or...?"

"'scuse me?" 

Four uses his sleeve to wipe away the sweat from his forehead while turning to the unfamiliar voice that breaks his concentration. As expected, he finds a new face standing in the light of the barn entrance. Directly behind them, he also catches a glimpse of a horse and wagon. 

Once seeing that they've gained his attention, the stranger raises an eyebrow, "Have ya' seen Link or Malon around? I have a delivery for 'em."

If he wanted to be a nuisance, he could play dumb and identify himself as a 'Link', but only his traveling companions would likely find that joke humorous. Standing a bit straighter, Four dusts off his gloves, "Link should be around here somewhere, but I'm betting Malon would be easier to find. She's been inside the house preparing dinner."

No more questions are needed after that. Judging on the other strangers you've seen scattered across the property, you figure it's safe to assume the couple must be having guests over. No need to bother them then. With a simple nod, you leave the smith to his work while beginning your own by unloading your wagon.

Of course, Four being the gentleman he is, refuses to merely stand by entertaining himself with your efforts. After safety setting down his tools, he wordlessly offers his services by rounding the back of the cart and opening up his arms in gesture towards the heavier looking crate you drag towards yourself. Although your grateful smile is payment enough, he's relieved you turn back around before you can notice the way he nearly drops the crate promptly after taking it into his grasp. While its nothing he can't handle, it's safe to say its weight takes him by surprise.

Peeking into its contents as you both walk back to the barn, he notes the assortment of familiar metals, "Oh good. I noticed they were getting low." 

"Hope I'm not bein' replaced."

"Pardon?" He looks back to you quick enough to give himself whiplash, yet relaxes when he sees the playful smirk tugging on your lips.

"Guess I should've introduced myself -" You shrug to adjust the weight of the crate in your arms, "- I'm an old friend of Malon and Link's. 'usually the one who does most of the smithin' work around here for 'em."

"Oh, I'm only helping out this evening," Four feels the need to clarify, only dropping his crate once he sees where you put yours, "Free labor in exchange for a place to stay for the night."

You hum in amusement to his 'joke' before your eyes drift to his little work station - or rather your work station which he's been borrowing. 

Four watches your movements like a hawk as you saunter over to judge his progress. Even though he's been at it for hours and has full faith in his own abilities, he feels oddly nervous when you take a finished horse shoe in hand to look over more closely. When your stern features melt under a satisfied nod and fitting smile, he practically preens with pride. 

Your attention then drifts to the sword which rests propped against one of the barn supports, "...That yers, too?"

"It is," He says so calmly, yet appears swiftly by your side to 'casually' grab the handle before you can. Thankfully, if you think anything of his sudden dash, you do nothing to point it out. Instead, you seem content admiring it from his hold. 

"...It's a mighty fine blade," You finally say after a moment of examining its every detail, leaning in close and turning your head like an interested pup wanting to catch each angle, "If this sword is any testament to yer abilities, I'd say ya' know yer craft well...I might just hafta worry about bein' replaced after all."

"Thank you, but I'm afraid I can't take credit for it..." Four sighs yet fondly smiles nevertheless, "I came across it during my travels."

"So yer a traveler, too? 'should've known," There's a hint of mirth behind that comment, "...Anyhow, ya've clearly taken great care of it. I couldn't tell ya' how many times the same people come into my shop with splinters for swords. No respect for the blade whatsoever."

Four winces, knowing your pain all too well. He'd tell you about Wild, although it's probably better to spare you that headache.

"Sorry. I never asked yer name, did I?" You say suddenly, stepping back with your arms folded across your chest.

"Oh, it's, um, Link actually," He probably should've lied and picked something else, however something about your presences and this conversation has him feeling too ease to bother worrying about it. Besides, if you're a friend of the Old Man, you must already be accustom to strange happenings already at least he internally hopes so.

Of course, you still raise an eyebrow at the name, "Doesn't that get confusing?"

"Eh, I'm accustomed to it," He shrugs then dares himself to ask, "May I ask your name?"

You tell him with a hand held out to shake. When he takes it, he notices right away that your grip is strong and calloused with years of work - rivaling even the Rancher's touch - yet gentle enough not to cause pain unlike the Rancher's.

"A pretty name fitting of its owner."

"Why, ain't ya' a charmer," You laugh, however there's a bashful undertone to it which isn't hidden well in the way you redirect your eyes from him...and Four must admit, he takes a bit of pride in that.

Honestly, Four would've loved to continue chatting away with you, asking all about your own work and experience, however luck is rarely on a Link's side when he needs it to be. Right when he's about to respond - be it to ask a dying question sitting upon his tongue or perhaps play up that 'charm' that has you all shy and giddy - there's a sharp ring of a bell somewhere off in the distance which breaks the moment.

Although the sound doesn't mean anything to him, you seem to recognize it's meaning instantly. With a sigh, you nod your head towards the barn entrance, seeming to understand his confusion, "That's the dinner bell, which must mean Malon's ready for ya' inside. I should get goin' myself. I got a few more deliveries to make that I should hop to before dark."

If it weren't for that last detail, Four would've been tempted to invite you to join them for dinner, but if you have work to finish...

"...I'll let the Old Man know you were here."

"Thank ya' kindly -" Your brief smile turns into a snorted laugh once his words sink in, "- 'Old Man'? Do ya' call him that to his face?"

"I don't think he can exactly argue."

At least he gets one last laugh out of you before you're hoping onto your horse and getting on your way. He thinks he sees Time standing on the porch of the house, ushering the rest of the heroes through the door. The two of you wave to one another as you pass by, but honestly, Four isn't paying too much attention to any of that nor the way a sleepy looking Sky comes around the corner asking where everyone else went. Instead, he's lost in his own thoughts, leaned against the barn with a wishful sigh. 

What are the chances he can convince Time to let them stay here for just a few more days?

.

.

.

...Well, several portals, to be exact; each a bridge between various timelines - worlds either as familiar as the back of one's own hand or only vaguely recognizable like some kind of distorted reflection.

They're what led nine heroes to meet. Like the portals themselves, each has come from a different time in Hyrule's history - some with stories woven so closely together they might as well be one, while others exist as a sign for the future or echo of the past. Regardless of their differences, they had all made the same courageous decision to step through a mystery gateway in hopes of protecting their homes from danger, and that, they believe, could be no mere coincidence.

For months they've journeyed from portal to portal, finding very few answers yet a growing list of questions. Intertwining worlds, unusual monsters, a shadow that seems to be at the center of it all...What could be the source or reason? Where are all these pieces leading them?

The last portal they had passed through took them from an open field outside a lively Castle Town to a vast forest plagued by an eerie sense of sorrow. It made them all uneasy - not because of the massive scenery change itself, but the very silence that greeted them.

All Links are accustomed to silence to an extent, however this is different. Even after a full day of traveling, they've encountered few monsters and even fewer signs of civilization - zero, to be exact, with not so much as a dirt trail to follow nor any ruins to explore...

It was a strange and unsettling experience for some of the boys, who would often stop slicing through undergrowth just to listen on edge to their surroundings...The Hero of Sky, however, still insisted wholeheartedly that he recognizes this world they've stumbled into.

Admittedly, it may not hold up exactly to his memory. These trees - as he made sure to note almost immediately - aren't quite as tall as those he remembers once traveling under during his own adventures. This forest seems young compared to the one in his time, with meadows in place of overgrowth and small, steady streams instead of wide, raging rivers.

"This must be a few decades if not centuries before your era," The Hero of Time, the eldest and unchallenged wisest of their group, had theorized, which in the moment, was a fair enough explanation to simply accept then move on from. Where - or rather when they are - doesn't entirely matter, so long as they're staying on track with their mission. This is where the last portal led them, so this is where they shall investigate until another path presents itself.

In the meantime, a quiet clearing next to a lake is the perfect spot for camp and, more importantly, a place to rest tired feet. That's where most of the boys remain, finding ways to keep themselves busy, be it by counting supplies or preparing whatever dinner could be worthy enough to feed nine hungry travelers.

Not all, of course, take the 'leisurely' route. Hylia knows what could be lurking in these woods, especially given the foes who already seem to follow the portals like moths to firelight. If anything, the fact that they have yet to encounter many monsters in this world should make them all the more wary. Thus, it was quickly decided that a trio of boys - all having drawn the short sticks for chores - would patrol their surroundings before nightfall.

It's nothing difficult, per say, to walk a few extra yards in a given circle, however they'd much rather be kicking up their feet like the rest of their brothers. With that being so, they echo each other's grumbles, sharing mumbled complaints and sighs of anticipation for a warm meal once they return. It would have likely remained that way throughout their whole uneventful patrol, if not for the distant shouts that soon reach their ears. Within seconds, swords are drawn.

The trio hastily chase the cries, yet take a more cautious approach once finding their alarming source. This is, of course, where you enter the picture, although it's far from a graceful first impression...

You're up in a tree of all places, kept mere inches out of the grasp of the monsters who swing wildly at you. To your credit, you're less panicked and more inconvenienced by this situation as you fight to keep your balance upon the branches while also keeping an iron grip upon the sword in your dominant hand.

Cursing your luck, you attempt to swing down at the disgusting creatures that are just as much out of your reach as you are theirs. It seems you're all caught in an irritating stalemate until someone makes a fatal mistake, and you fear it might be yourself given how terribly outnumbered you are.

Four against one...Not the best of odds, especially given your lack of skill. You're at a complete loss if one of them finally gets smart and starts throwing things, or Hylia forbid, learns how to climb...You hadn't really thought this through well enough...

Suddenly, the monsters' shouts of anger turn into cries of confusion when a boy bravely runs towards the commotion, sword swung to the side as he charges them. They're all too welcoming to his challenge, that is, until they realize this newcomer isn't alone. Two more follow his trail, each equally as determined and prepared for battle.

Rather than flee, the monsters squeal in frustration while wildly swinging their clubs in no planned pattern. Their lack of strategy paired with the fact that these heroes have fought far more fearsome creatures makes the bokoblins no match for the defensive attack that soon has them dropping like flies.

One then two, and a third immediately after. The fourth - no doubt the leader - stomps its feet in tantrum, yet with its attention diverted, you seize the opportunity, dropping down from the tree with your sword pointed towards the body below. This united force between gravity and your blade makes easy work finishing off the last of the beasts.

"Are you alright, ma'am?" The shortest of the boys doesn't engage in the same victorious celebration as his friends, instead showing instant concern for your wellbeing. It must be obvious that the adrenaline is now drying in your veins, your once careful focus replaced with heavy breaths you didn't know you were holding before your rescue.

"Where - W-Where did you boys come from?" Standing straighter, you look over the three travelers in utter horror, although they wrongfully assume it's because you're still recovering from your near-death experience.

"We happened to be nearby when we heard the commotion. We came to see if anyone needed our help," Four explains politely, a contrast to Legend's snort.

"Luckily. What are you even doing out here at this hour?" It's a halfhearted scold turned into some kind of inside joke when he nudges a hardly amused Sky, "Let me guess: picking mushrooms or trying her hand at adventuring because it sounded 'fun'? Typical."

You hear his whispered 'quip', yet are too distracted to take offense. Confusion temporarily flickers over your expression before dread once again takes priority, "You were just -...But how are you here? No one is supposed to be -...Don't tell me...Were you left down here? For all this time?!"

Your grave concern fails to make any sense to Four or Legend who are left looking cluelessly between each other as if you're speaking complete gibberish to their ears. It's Sky who catches the meaning behind your words, quickly connecting the dots with a horror of his own.

Of course! They've already decided that this land is from some point before his own time! The lack of civilization found here paired with your surprise by seeing other people and the familiar style of layered clothing you wear - You're no doubt a Skylofian like him!

"No, no! It's not like that!" Stepping forward, he holds his hands out in front of himself, beckoning you to calm down. He hopes his friendly smile will also do the trick in easing your worries, "It's, uh, a long story. We'll...spare you the details. Truth is, we're not from around here. We're travelers, you see - just passing through!"

The way you raise an eyebrow and press your lips makes it clear that you doubt his explanation, however you wouldn't be the first to question it. Even when the heroes do go into full detail about their shared plight, few tend to believe them. A Skylofian accustomed to living an isolated life in the clouds would have even less reason to...although that does bring up an important question -

"- Um, if I may ask...What are you doing down here?"

As far as Sky's aware, Zelda and him were the first to step foot on the Surface since the creation of Skyloft. Sure, he's heard stories of others falling before, but he always assumed those were old wives' tales meant to scare reckless children from getting too close to the edge. And if you had fallen, how did you survive plummeting such a distance? Even a sailcloth would be of little help when there's no visible openings in the clouds...

His question takes you off guard, yet you're quick to redirect your gaze somewhat stubbornly as if suddenly distrusting of your saviors, "I...have something I must take care of here."

Although thankful for their assistance, you see no point in further explaining yourself to a trio of strangers, especially when their own story seems so odd. 'Not from around here', he said? Well, where else could they possibly be from?!

Your mutual silence, of course, only results in an awkward standoff none seem too pleased with, leaving sour questions sitting on everyone's tongues, just seconds away from being voiced, that is until -

"- My Lady," There's a sharp gasp that escapes both Four and Legend who jolt into defensive mode, their hands instantly reaching for their sheathed swords, however Sky - once again the outlier - doesn't follow with the same reaction. Rather, he cries out breathlessly before he can hold himself back:

"Fi...?!"

The blue spirit had appeared suddenly from your blade, looming ever so gracefully by your side with little concern shown towards the hero's outburst. She merely spares him a glance with no emotion held behind her crystal eyes...let alone any hintof recollection.

Her lack of expression contrasts your own immediate skepticism, "You know this spirit?"

"I, um..." Feeling rather bashful under the tense gazes delivered by both you and his brothers - as well as suffering the shallow heartbreak of Fi's clear lack of recognition - Sky finds himself bowing his head with a nervous chuckle, "N-No, I only -...No, I don't..."

...But how could it possibly be Fi? That - That doesn't make sense, except - That sword you carry! He recognizes it now that he's paying attention! It's the Goddess Sword - He's certain of it! It looks the very same as it had when he first began carrying it around during the beginning of his own journey...but why would a random woman like yourself wield the Goddess Sword...? 

You, meanwhile, scrunch your nose in disapproval toward the boy's poor and shameless lies. First you find these three wandering the Surface, somehow alive and well despite being told it's uninhabitable for Hylia's People, and now one of them apparently knows Fi who had been a mystery to even you until today...Something odd is going on with this group, and you can't help wondering if it has to do with -

"- My Lady," Fi repeats urgently, gaining your attention, "I regret to inform you that there is only thirteen minutes and thirty five seconds left until sunset, at which point more monsters will begin freely roaming these woods. I suggest you find a safe place to camp for the night, preferably a natural shelter that you can utilize such as a cave or temple ruins."

"Right. 'wouldn't want to run into any more bokoblins...or worse..." You shutter at the thought before facing the three boys once again with fixed posture. 

"Thank you for your help against those monsters. I wish I had something better to give you as repayment, but...Here," After adjusting your pack upon your shoulder, you remove something by a small handful which you then drop into the waiting palms of the shortest boy, "These are amber relics. We use them at the blacksmith to fix swords and shields. Maybe they'll be of use to you boys."

Not many can appreciate the gift of fossilized resin, yet Four grins ear-to-ear while counting each piece. Even Legend looks over his shoulder with interest, taking a piece between his fingers to inspect for himself. You would've been perfectly willing to leave them like that and begin your search for shelter as Fi had advised, however you don't get much further than turning on your heels.

"Wait -! If you don't have a camp for the night, why don't you join us?"

Despite seeing it as a kind offer himself, you make somewhat of a disgusted face at Sky's suggestion, "...I don't think that's necessary."

"We already have a camp set up not too far from here," Four explains, holding a shard of amber to the sun to briefly admire its quality before turning to you. He may not understand why Sky is suddenly acting so strangely around you, but he would have to agree that sending someone off on their own so late wouldn't be very safe especially if you can't defend yourself well against bokoblins, not that he wants to judge.

"That's a kind offer, but not appropriate -"

"-'Not appropriate'?" Legend scoffs with a hint of a laugh. It makes your cheeks flare with heat, annoyance bubbling beneath the surface of your tight expression and the careful breath you intake.

'Such naive boys...' You think, unfortunately all too aware of how hypothetical you're probably being with your younger self in mind...and how much your husband would probably love to point it out, if he were here.

If being entirely honest, a side of you does feel tempted to take up their offer. The idea of wandering aimlessly through these woods alone at night is less than ideal, although is it really any better to put your life in the hands of strangers?

Yes, they saved you from those bokoblins - which you're grateful for, truly - but the fact remains that you don't know these travelers nor where they could've come from. They certainly aren't from Skyloft, a place where all Hylia's People retreated when the Surface was deemed too dangerous for life outside of Demise's minions. 

For all you know, these three boys could equal trouble - perhaps they could even be associated with Demise directly...Link always warned against being too trustful towards strangers. Surely, he'd be cursing you from beyond the grave if you were to let down your guard around them so easily...

"...I already have a shelter in mind for the night, so if you could please excuse me, I would very much like to reach it before the forest gets too dark...Good day," This time, you leave no room for objection. Speaking quickly with your nose in the air and feet already moving, you make an effort to hastily remove yourself from this meadow without any company (save for Fi who promptly returns to your sword).

"But -!" Is all anyone gets out before you're gone in a determined march, abandoning the boys who are left standing there with varying reactions to your swift departure.

"...People in your Hyrule sure aren't very friendly," Legend makes a point of saying, aiming the comment at Sky while expecting at least some sort of defensive argument in return, however the other hero is too preoccupied by his own thoughts to pay any mind, a deep frown pulling at his face as he watches you disappear into the trees.

"Do you know her?" Four wisely asks with a perked eyebrow, having carefully been studying his brother's reaction. They've encountered other travelers on the road before, however this is the first time the knight has seemed so concerned with one. You were admittedly intriguing as the only Hylian they've encountered in this world thus far - and that weird ghost giving you survival advice while haunting your sword? Four's seen a lot of things, just never quite that.

"No...At least I don't think so, but -..."

"But...?"

Sky tries to shake the thought from his head, wanting to dismiss it all together as being a result of his own exhaustion after such a long day of traveling...but he still finds himself mumbling aloud, "...She seemed familiar...like I should know her."

By the time the trio return to camp, the clouds above have begun turning dark save for a hint of deep orange lining the horizon. A sizable fire flickers in the center of the clearing directly under a cooking pot filled with shimmering soup tended to by their resident champion. Nine bedrolls have also already been carefully laid out, although they're left to wait in the cold as most of the heroes favor warm flames instead.

Immediately upon stepping through the trees, all eyes turn to their last three members.

"There you are! We thought you guys had been carried off by something! We were about to send a rescue party!" It only seems like a joke on Hyrule's part, seeing as the older members of the group appear far less amused by the group's delayed return.

"Did you run into trouble?" Time takes their absences more seriously than the Traveler, his singular eye carefully tracking each boy as they drag themselves through camp before collapsing unceremoniously around the fire.

"Just a few bokoblins. Nothing we couldn't handle," Legend answers with little excitement, all too relieved to finally be off his feet after such a tiresome day. Next time someone suggests a patrol, he's making them volunteer first...

"They were attacking a woman, so we stepped in to save her," Four explains in more helpful detail, the only one of the three who hadn't immediately joined the others by the fire. Instead, he finds his bedroll and stashes away his new amber relics along with his other belongings.

"A woman?"

"Was she from around here? Is there a village?" Leave it to Warrior to get right down to business, but at least it distracts him from scolding any of them for having taken so long.

"We...didn't ask..." Legend cringes, already preparing himself for the criticism that will surely follow now, however the Captain gets no further than opening his mouth before Sky interrupts:

"She was from Skyloft," His confidence in that statement makes both Legend and Four snap their attention over to him. Had they missed out on an entire part of the conversation earlier? When did you mention anything about yourself, let alone a detail like that?

"How do you know?"

"I don't know, but I can guess..." Sky stares into the fire with an intense expression that doesn't seem to suit him, at least in the opinion of his friends who aren't used to seeing him so...stern. If it were Time or maybe even Warrior, then sure, but the friendly, lax knight of their group? Not since Wild broke the Master Sword!

Sky doesn't stop there, continuing to defend his statement once he notices the uncertain looks of his companions, "It makes sense! We've already agreed that this time is before my own, right? We have yet to see any signs of civilization and her clothes - they were Skyloftian, I recognized the style! Not to mention she seemed pretty concerned seeing other people down here. All signs point to her being from Skyloft!" 

"Isn't Skyloft, you know, in the sky?" Legend counters, smugly pointing up to the clouds in question, "Why would she be down here?"

Sky shoots an overdue glare his way, silencing the Veteran for once.

"...Is there something else?" Time probes gently, skilled enough to see the inner turmoil written across the teen's face.

Sky looks away bashfully, feeling much less confident in his observations now, "...This might sound crazy, but I -...I felt like I knew her - Like I should've known her? I don't know...It's probably nothing, but -...She just felt so familiar - beyond just looking like she's from Skyloft, I mean! Oh - And the sword she was carrying! That's the other thing - It's the same one I used when I first started my journey!"

This seems to have officially captured the other heroes' attention.

"Really - You think so?"

"Like the same kind of sword or the same exact sword?"

"The same exact sword!" He confirms quickly, "I'd know it anywhere! It looked exactly as it had when I first pulled it from the pedestal inside the Goddess Temple - It has to be the same because Fi was there!"

"Fi?" Warrior crosses his arms, "The spirit?"

"Yes!"

"I was wondering how you knew her name," Four comments, having finally joined the others around the fire.

"...She didn't recognize me, but it was definitely her," Sky insists, crossing his legs underneath himself and once again casting his gaze towards the flames, "...All the more reason to believe this time is before my own..."

"Okay, so that woman we met is probably from Skyloft and is carrying the same sword you used - or rather will eventually use...What does this mean for us then?" Legend asks. He makes a point of eyeing everyone in the circle, inviting anyone to answer if they should feel so inclined, although he would be left disappointed when his question only leads to more spoken uncertainty.

"Maybe there's a town around here after all?" Wind suggests hopefully.

"What direction was she headin'?" Twilight queries.

"Did you happen to ask if she's seen anything strange around here? Any unusual monsters or portals?" Warrior quizzes.

"We, uh, didn't get that far with our interrogation..." Sky admits sheepishly while rubbing the back of his neck, "I asked what she was doing down here, but she only said she had 'something to take care of'. She didn't really elaborate."

"She wasn't exactly the friendliest," Legend mumbles, his cheek propped up against his hand before he breaks his focus to accept the bowl of soup Wild passes to him.

"She was fairly guarded -" Four puts it in much nicer terms, pointing his spoon with a slight swirl in the air, "- like she didn't trust other travelers."

"Not that I blame her..." Wild and Warrior say under their breath in unison.

Then Time ponders aloud: "...Was it really a mere coincidence that you crossed paths?"

His question seems to temporarily stun the boys into quiet consideration. Beginning at that moment, not a single word is spoke as dinner gets passed around. They all eat without disturbance, too busy internally reviewing what the Old Man had said, some uncomfortable by the thought while others more determined - but none as much as Sky.

In any other environment, you could've been dismissed as a simple traveler not worth their concern, however this situation is different. There aren't any other Hylians around here - at least none that they've found - and if he's right about you originating from Skyloft, then you shouldn't be here either. Something must've lead you here - down to the Surface and in the way of their journey. It can't be a coincidence that they stumbled across you, not when you're carrying that sword and Fi.

"...We tried offering her to come back to camp with us -" At last, Sky finds it within himself to break the silence, "-but she refused."

"Yeah, said it 'wasn't appropriate'."

Time hums at the boys' shared account, balancing each word in his own mind as he decides what to think about this whole situation. As often seems to be the case during moments of uncertainty, the younger heroes glue their attention to him, waiting expectantly for his decision as the unofficial leader of their ragtag group.

"...Which direction did you last see her go?"

"North East - I think toward Skyview, if I'm remembering the layout of this area correctly."

Time nods, yet still takes a few extra seconds to think things over before speaking again, having finally made up his mind, "...Then we'll head North East ourselves. If our paths cross again, we'll make a point of asking her for any information she might have regarding this world. If we're lucky, she might be able to give us some clues as to where we need to go next."

<- Last Chapter

Next Chapter ->

Taglist:

A knight had showed up at your door step, out of breath yet insistent that you come with him at once. Just like that, your peaceful morning had been turned into a horrifying nightmare as you pushed past a nervous crowd, determined to see for yourself what they were all murmuring about: a swirling purple wall that glowed bright with a haunting aura unlike anything any of you had ever seen before.

Is it a weapon of Demise? Are you all in danger yet again? That has been the understandable concern echoed amongst your people, some weeping as they herded their families away while others cursed and stood their ground in denial. You, meanwhile, simply felt numb...but such a feeling isn't new to you.

You didn't outwardly panic or wavier into submission. Instead, you gave orders, stern and brave: no one other than the knights are allowed to go near the mysterious wall. Until its origins can be confirmed, it shall remain under constant surveillance as shall the skies and surrounding islands. No one should leave their homes after sunset, and if anything strange is witnessed, no matter how small, report it at once...This action seemed to pacify citizens for the time being, but you're perfectly aware that it'll only be a short-term solution at best.

Even though the portal has yet to pose any real threat, you can still feel the anticipation slowly eating away at your nerves. Any day now, an army of monsters could cross through to wreck havoc on your people once again...and you doubt Hylia's people will be as resistant as to survive another war like the last, especially given your healing numbers and resources...

"...What's out there, mama?" You don't mean to jolt so obviously, but there's no taking it back now. Looking down, you find your son has crawled out of bed, his nightgown almost dragging across the ground and a stuffed animal hugged tightly against his chest. He nuzzles his face even closer to it, absorbing all of your worry like a sponge as he whispers fearfully, "Are there monsters?"

"No, no monsters. Only the knights on patrol," You answer, lifting him into your arms and holding him up to peek through the curtains with you. True to your word, a pair of knights march on by, and if you look hard enough, you can see the flicker of more lanterns on the opposite side of the island where another group makes their rounds. Still, your son takes his time scanning the darkness outside for himself before finally giving a satisfied hum and resting his head against your chest.

"What are you doing up so late, my love?" You ask, resting your head gently against his, "It's far past your bedtime."

"I couldn't sleep..." He admits through a mumbled whine while rubbing his eye with his free hand - the other's too busy keeping the paw of his stuffed animal securely in his grip.

You frown, knowing his struggle all too well. You haven't slept much yourself lately - not since that portal's appearance two days ago, although truthfully, you hadn't slept well before then either, almost as if your mind had predicted something terrible approaching on the horizon. 

Every night has been spent tossing and turning, grumbling and crying. You've been restless beyond belief, unable to ignore all the anxieties whirling around inside your head. Even now, while holding your son close and looking over your cherished home...you can't help worrying about what your future will bring.

"Well, that's no good," You put on your best smile while closing the curtains with your free hand, "How about some warm milk and another bedtime story then? I know that always helps mama sleep."

He doesn't answer all too quickly, instead mulling it over for a few seconds before finally asking, "...Can it be the one with the knight and princess?"

"Of course."

Warm milk and a bedtime story is a mother's secret weapon to getting her child to doze off before candle wax begins to drip, and tonight's results prove no different than previous ones. Despite his valiant fight against it, it doesn't take long before your son begins to lose the battle against his own exhaustion, his head bobbing limply with droopy eyes that barely hold onto the tale you narrate.

...Your precious child. Whatever would you do if any harm came upon him? It's not something you like to think about, but the question can't be shaken from your mind lately. Your son had been born on Skyloft months after its creation, having joined a new generation who would never know the Surface or the life it once held. Perhaps foolishly, you believed that meant he'd never have to know the fear or pain you had, however if that glowing portal truly was a created by Demise -

"- Mama...?" You blink, your hummed response almost automatic to the name you've taken great pride in these last four years.

"Yes, sweetheart?"

When you look down at him, you half wonder if he hadn't been talking in his sleep. His eyes are barely cracked open, his breath soft and peaceful as he curls into the comfort of his quilted blanket and feathered pillow. Then, he asks in a whistled whisper, "...If the monsters come back again, will daddy come back, too?"

The question comes like a splash of freezing ice water - The force so strong it nearly shatters the mask you've worked so carefully to maintain in front of everyone. You have to be mindful of how hard you clench your teeth, desperate to distract yourself from the water that almost overtakes your vision. Thankfully, your son's too out of it to really notice...

"...Why do you ask that?" Is the response you decide on, gulping down the lump caught in your throat. 

"'cause you said daddy fought the monsters to keep us safe, so maybe if they come back, he'll come back, too, to save us again and maybe this time he'll decide to stay," There's so much innocence in the way he says it - like a simple matter of fact with just the faintest shimmer of hope...

Of course, you've explained everything to your son before. With a father so famous and well respected, it would only be a matter of time before he found out anyway. Better he hear it from you than someone less sensitive towards it.

You've explained that yes, like other kids, he does have a father who would've loved him very much. You've told countless stories, from the more widely known accounts of a hero to the more intimate moments of a simple traveler and husband. You've ever so carefully discussed the concept of death, trying to put it in terms that would help a small child understand without completely traumatizing them...but it seems your son is still too young to fully grasp the idea.

"Sweetheart -..." You start, at last turning back to face him, yet by the time you find that courage, you're greeted by quiet snores. There's a moment where you wait, certain that if you move too quickly, he'll awake and start with the same line of questioning.

Once confident he won't be stirring anytime soon, you sigh, pressing a kiss to his cheek, "...Sleep well, my love..."

Blowing out the candle, you quietly tip-toe out of the room and close the door all but a sliver behind you. It's only after crossing the hallway and slipping into your own room that you rub a heavy hand down your face, choking back a brief sob that shakes your chest and tightens your throat. It's the type of cry you only let through when you know no one will see - The pain you usually keep well hidden to avoid suffering through anyone's pity, yet as of lately, it's held the added pressure of keeping everyone else calm.

You've become a respected leader for the broken people of Hylia, having helped build Skyloft from the ground up during a time where hope had nearly been lost. People look to you for guidance - They benefit from your strength and take comfort in your confidence...and you've done it all for the sake of upholding your husband's legacy.

Link gave his life to defeat Demise. He was successful and your people are now safe. You're safe, just as he prayed you would be. How dare the universe already begin to take any more reason away from his already pointless death?! Are you really to believe that his sacrifice - that his life - only held enough worth to buy you four measly years of peace?!

"Worrying yourself sick like this won't make it disappear any faster," Your father, Hiroto, had warned, but even he stays up late worrying for the sake of his family and their future. You're certain everyone in Skyloft has been...and it's all because of that blasted portal!

You try to take his advice - You try to put faith in the knights and rest easy trusting you won't wake up to another war upon your doorstep, just as your nightmares fear, but you're rarely successful. Losing Link was like losing half your heart. The thought of possibly losing anymore makes you anxious like a remlit trapped in a cage; angry and dangerously desperate for an escape from your current predicament...Maybe that's why you soon find yourself sitting up in bed, once again giving up on the idea of sleep for yet another night. How many does that make in a row now?

Like all those other nights, you spend time pacing through your home, careful not to awake your son or father. And like those other nights, you eventually find yourself outside, trekking through the crisp wind with a long robe protecting you from its nose biting chill.

You're certain you could walk this path blind and still find your way, after all you take it at least once every morning - sometimes more if the day hadn't gone the way you hoped. Normally, you cross paths with neighbors who stop for conversation, yet at such a late hour, you only draw the attention of patrolling knights, none delaying your stroll beyond a polite questioning of your night and health. The answer's always the same: a simple "I'm well" to save them the trouble of an earful.

Soon surrounded by tall stone walls that echo your shaken breaths and sorrowful tears, you adjust your robe better around yourself while approaching the pedestal waiting at the center of the room. It, too, is familiar, in fact it's the very reason you find yourself often coming to this temple. Like a child would their favorite blanket, you come here seeking its comfort.

While you visit the temple every day, the exact length of your stay tends to vary. Usually its short and sweet, however there's been expectations. The day after your son's birth, on every anniversary of Skyloft being founded...You find peace in being here, almost as if you can sense Link's presence while standing at the foot of his sword - of your sword, the very one you had poured your whole heart and soul into crafting only for her mission to be in vain. And if you let your hands linger upon the handle he once carried...sometimes it feels like...

You allow your fingertips to brush upon each grove made in the cold metal before sighing heavily and collapsing with your back towards the sword.

"...What arewe to do, Link? We can't simply turn our eyes to the soil and hope all will be well on its own. As much as I despise saying it, we're more vulnerable now than ever before. There's nowhere else for us to go - nowhere to run...If Demise were to truly come back, then -" You squeeze your eyes shut for a pause then let your gaze fall back to the sword beside you, "...I cannot bear to lose what little left I have of you...Our home, our people, our family...I fear losing any of it would mean your death was for nothing...

"You died to protect us and now here we are, in danger once again..." After rotating onto your knees, you fall silent in careful thought as if an idea has suddenly presented itself to you, however in truth, this thought has been on your mind for as long as that cursed portal has, "...Something must be done. I refuse to sit here waiting for trouble to find us first. I refuse to risk our son's life for some promise a Goddess already broke...

"I know - I know you'll think of me as foolish, and I know that it must cause you great distress to no longer be able to argue some sense into me...I'm sorry for that. I really, really am, but my mind is made up. I won't allow your sacrifice to be for nothing. I won't allow any harm to come to our family ever again."

Standing to your feet, you look down upon the sword and gulp. It's only a blade, one forged by your own hand in fact, yet it feels much more intimidating than any other weapon you've held. Maybe it's because of what it symbolizes, given this choice you're about to commit to. Maybe it's haunted by Link's spirit, desperate for you to change your mind and stop being so irrational...but you've always been so stubborn.

"I'm taking it upon myself to investigate this strange portal. I'll ensure that it poses no threat to Skyloft or any of our people. I'll be careful, of course - I'll remember everything you taught me; always remain on guard, take no unnecessary risks...Just know, if I don't do this, Link, I - I will never rest easy again! You should understand that better than anyone else. If I had asked you back then, you wouldn't have stayed put knowing what Demise would bring, so please don't blame me for taking after you lead, my love."

Everso cautiously, you take hold of the handle, letting go of one final, long breath before tugging. It requires more force than you expected, almost as if the sword hesitates to surrender itself to you. Then, as if remembering the hand of its creator, it moves. Like butter under a hot knife, it slips right out of the pedestal, allowing you to admire its full beauty in the moonlight that shines into the temple.

Years have passed since the creation of this blade which has seen countless battles and tragedies, yet it somewhat still looks as perfect as it had the day you first removed it from the flames of your blacksmith. The metal is smooth and flawless, with not a scratch nor chip to be counted. It doesn't quite fit your hand as it did Link's, although you still have no trouble handling its weight which is light and balanced even as you give it a few experimental swings.

"...A piece of you to always keep beside me..." You whisper, resting your forehead against the dull side of the blade.

.

.

.

Suddenly, the sword shimmers in an unnatural, bright blue light. Caught off guard, you almost drop it all together with a gasp, however before you can properly react, the light removes itself from the sword's blade, leaping into the air and taking the form of a spirit seemingly made of crystal. She looks upon you with a neutral expression - neither friendly nor hostile - which is a far cry from your own look of utter terror.

"My Lady, I have waited for you," Unlike her expression, the Spirit's voice is soft and gentle like the delicate strings of a harp, but that does nothing to ease your fear.

Too stunned to speak, you stand with the sword held nervously fiercely between the two of you, eyes locked onto every movement of the floating apparition who is hardly fazed.

Despiteyour silence, she goes on to explain as if already prompted by a question, "I was created for the singular purpose of serving my master on their quest. You are not my intended master, however I shall consider you one as you created the sword I reside in."

"H - How are -?" You begin with a shake of your head.

"- The Goddess Hylia blessed the sword you carry. In doing so, she created me with the purpose of serving as a guide for her Chosen Hero, my master. He had no use for me while already at the end of his destiny, however there is a new danger that threatens your home that you wish to address. I shall aid you on your journey."

The Goddess Hylia...The name puts an unfavorable taste in your mouth, but also sparks an important memory you've held onto since the war:

"May this blade achieve its goal in serving its master just as its marker had intended. Let it light the hero's way through battle and protect him forevermore."

You lower the sword with some hesitation, yet keep your guard up, "...What's your name?"

"Fi is the name I was given," She answers quite formally.

You test the name, "...And you think you can be of aid to me?"

"Yes, for it is the purpose of my existence," You had hoped for more of an explanation beyond that, yet Fi seems to keep precisely to the point no matter how vague, "I shall accompany you on your journey and provide aid whenever it is needed. Should you require my assistance, you may call upon me."

Then, as suddenly as she had appeared, Fi disappears into a ball of shimmering light which returns to the sword in your hands, leaving you in a daze while wondering if you hadn't imagined the entire interaction after too many sleepless nights.

Link never mentioned a spirit possessing this sword, although would he have even had the time to find out? The battle against Demise occurred not long after Hylia blessed the blade, and Fi did say something about him having no use for her by that point...but why exist at all then? Why create a spirit to watch over a sword that had already served its purpose?

...You choose not to spend too much time thinking about it right now - not when there are more pressing matters at hand. You came here to retrieve Link's sword, however it's only the first of many preparations you have yet to finish.

With urgency, you hurry back down the very path you had taken to the temple, well aware that any further delay may cause complications to your plan or worse second thoughts.

Ideally, you'd be able to say that you're confident in this decision - to journey through a mystery portal all in hopes of finding its source and protecting your home - although that's only an easy thought in theory. Put into action, you find it far more difficult to proceed without frail nerves and trembling hands.

Unlike your husband, you haven't ever been one for adventure. Sure, you would always listen to his stories in awe and dream of one day seeing the beautiful sights he'd describe for yourself, however nothing ever came of it. Those were the fantasies of a naive young woman who had yet to understand this world's horrors, but eventually, any thought of traveling beyond the fragile safety of civilization had disappeared from your mind, replaced by the stress of Link's imprisonment and the nightmarish war that soon followed...Your priorities changed and so did you...

Link never sugarcoated how dangerous the wilderness could be and was stubbornly against the idea of ever exposing you to it despite how you'd sometimes ask during the early years of your relationship. Over time you came to understand his fear, knowing it had less to do with your own capabilities and everything to do with the thought of harm befalling you...Because of that, you're certain he'd be rolling in his grave at the thought of you going out there now, alone with no experience beyond what you've learned from his example - what had been told yet never practiced...

It feels as if you're a puppet being pulled by string, no longer in charge of your own body as it moves by its own freewill. Clothes, food, tools...You practically flip your home upside down searching for anything and everything you remember once packing for Link long ago whenever he'd be preparing to set off. Bandages, potion ingredients, extra rupees....

You mentally go over the list several times, packing your bag then unpacking it again just to triple-check. Even once you're satisfied with its contents, you still hesitate in the center of your room, racking your brain for anything you might be forgetting. Briefly, your eyes fall to the bedside table, a frown pulling at the corners of your lips.

Pulling open the drawer, you gaze down at the folded red scarf inside, your fingertips only just slightly brushing upon its soft fabric. Cautiously taking it into your grasp, you raise it close to your face. Despite your best efforts in preserving it, its once usual earthy scent has long faded, replaced instead by a faint scent of cotton and wood...Seeing no harm in it now, you toss the scarf carefully around your shoulders.

"And where're you headin' off to?"

"Father -!" You squeal, hand clasped over your heart by the time you spin around to face him.

He stands towering in the dark doorway, his dark eyes looking right through you with a disapproving glare. The way you match his stare with a shameful bow of your head reminds him of your youth and all the times he caught you up to no good, be it stealing treats from the kitchen or sneaking into the blacksmith after hours. Of course back then, you were more inclined to play up your innocence with childish dramatics. It used to be somewhat amusing, really, but looking upon your sunken eyes and tired expression now, he can only feel saddened.

"...Yer goin' to that portal -"

"- I have to. Someone has to -"

"- That someone doesn't hafta be you. There are plenty o' knights trained for this sorta thing."

"I can only trust myself with it..." You insist stubbornly, swinging your pack over your shoulders and brushing past him in the doorway. He does nothing to physically stop you, however that doesn't mean he doesn't trace your every step.

"Now yer just bein' mulish," Hiroto huffs as he follows you, "You can trust 'em, you just don't wanna...You don't trust anyone anymore."

He doesn't intend to sound harsh by that acquisition, speaking instead out of grief - the same grief of a father mourning the loss of his once spirited daughter who has since changed into a stoic woman isolated by her own heartbreak. It's exactly what he feared would happen when he first noticed your affections towards Link, although this outcome is worse than he imagined...

Whatever your thoughts are about Hiroto's criticism, you don't say. Instead, you plop down on a bench by the door, struggling to get your boots stuffed over your feet.

Hiroto simply watches with his heavy arms crossed, breathing your name with a scold, however it floats with an air of sympathy, "...And what would Link have to say 'bout this?"

Your head lowers further, lips pressing into a thin line, "...Well, he isn't exactly here to say anything, is he?"

Hiroto's frown grows deeper and a sigh passes his lips. He goes to say something else, but you beat him to it. Having finally gotten your boots on, you rise to your feet and look him in the eye once again, "I don't plan on being a hero nor am I setting out to clear this land of all evil. I merely plan on investigating the other side to gain an idea of what we're facing. It would bring me peace to confirm whether any danger exists there."

"And if there is danger?"

"I know my limits, father. I shall keep my distance and come right back home should I find anything - let the knights handle the rest," You then step closer to him, placing a gentle hand upon his arm, "...I'm not setting out to make my son an orphan, but as his mother, I must do whatever is in my power to protect him."

Hiroto makes a face, tempted to continue on with this argument all for the small chance that he may change your mind...yet the stubbornness of his expression doesn't make it past the clear sorrow in his sigh.

"...I don't agree with this."

"I don't expect you to."

And no moreis said.

Stepping past your father, you make your way back down the hall. The door creaks when you slowly push it open, peeking into the darkened room where, through a sliver of light, you can see your son still peacefully asleep. The smile you wear is instinctual as you tip toe inside, careful not to disturb his slumber as the bed dips with your weight.

Your hand brushes strands of hair from his face and you take a moment longer to admire his beauty. For him to even exist at all is perhaps the only true blessing the goddesses have ever given you...

"My love, wake up..." You whisper gently, leaning down and pressing a feather-light kiss to his forehead. He stirs yet grumbles and curls further into his pillow. It's the sound of your chuckle that has his eyes peeking open.

"Mama...? Is it morning already?"

"Not yet, sweetheart, but I -...I came to say goodbye."

"Goodbye? Where are you going?" He blinks and slightly sits up.

"Mama's, um, going on a bit of a trip, you see -"

"- Can I go?"

You bite your lip, "No, no I'm afraid not. It won't be a very fun trip. More of an errand - like when we go to the market -"

"...Oh..."

You breath a laugh when he instantly plops back down. He's never been much of a fan for errands - yet another trait he seems to have inherited from Link.

"But I'll be back soon enough. In the meantime, I need you to stay here and take care of your grandfather for me. Behave yourself well for him, okay?"

"...Okay..." He hums sleepily. You doubt he fully understands in his drowsy state, but that's probably for the better...

Hesitating, you suddenly find it even harder to leave. All the mental preparation you've done up to this moment - convincing yourself that you're strong enough and smart enough to survive the journey - is worthless against the thought of leaving your child for any amount of time. You've never once been apart and now you must leave for goddesses know how long...

"...And never forget how much I love you..." You whisper, pressing another kiss to his forehead - one you take your time soaking up while making the silent promise that this won't be the last you give him. You'll be back to hold him within your arms again, and hopefully by then, you'll be able to rest easy knowing he's safe from Demise and any other monsters lurking in the darkness.

'...Please don't let this be the wrong choice...'

Next Chapter ->

"Lets go for a ride," is what Twilight had said to you. Without formalities, without any build up. Just a simple request paired with an excited smile that had you swooning yet intrigued. Who were you to turn down time spent with such an adorable ranch hand?

He was all too happy to call for Epona, patiently helping you up like a perfect gentleman before taking his place behind you on the saddle. You were ever so thankful that he couldn't see your face which you're certain would've instantly given away your most secretive feelings as you fought not to think too hard about the way one hand rested securely on your thigh or how his warm chest pressed against your back. You certainly couldn't think of the outline of his abs, less you wanted to melt into a puddle right then and there. 

Epona had galloped at a leisurely pace, taking you down the path through Ordon and into the woods of Faron. Each time you expected to finally turn around, Twilight kept going, leading Epona further into the woods until light became rare and air chilly under the dark shadows of trees. You had no idea where he was taking you or how long this ride would last, but you had no plans of questioning it, fearful that doing so might just bring a quicker end to your time with him. 

Eventually, the sun returned like a warm hug as Epona entered an opening under the forest's canopy and you awed at the sight before you: a beautiful, crystal clear spring that shimmered and glowed as if overflowing with magic...Oh, but the spring was only half of it. Set out along the shore and amongst a batch of delicate wildflowers was a worn blanket and basket.

"Whatever are you talkin' about?" You hope Twilight knows how absolutely rubbish he is at playing dumb. He can barely bite back his toothy grin as he helps you down from Epona, taking your hand like a prince leading his princess over to the spring.

Sitting upon the blanket which smells of hay and dog?, you watch in quiet amazement as Twilight presents several dishes from inside the basket - all of which you assume Wild must’ve made, seeing as your Rancher can do just about anything but cook. It’s all your favorites, too, with a delicious fruit cake to share for dessert. 

You don’t think you’ve seen Twilight this thrilled since visiting a bait and tackle shop in Legend’s time. His smile threatens to overtake his face while he tells you all about the things he’s packed and the history of this spring. It’s adorable, really…but you still have no idea what his motivation for all of this could be. It all seems a mighty grand gesture to make so randomly…

"...Seriously, what's this all for?" 

Twilight blinks at you, his grin slowly falling, "Do you...not know what day it is?"

You match his frown, suddenly feeling a bit insecure, "N-No, can't say that I do…" 

Twilight doesn’t say anything, instead gulping and ducking his head down. This action does nothing to make you feel better. Why does he look like a kicked puppy? Are you supposed to know what day it is? Did he tell you before and you forgot?

"I’m sorry…What day is it?"

He hums uncomfortably, fighting to keep himself from looking your way. You can see his face growing redder by the second, "It's, uhhh...Wednesday."

"‘Wednesday’...?" You repeat with an innocent tilt of your head, “But what’s so special about this Wednesday?”

Hylia, he looks as if your question has dealt physical damage to him, “...N-Nothin’ much. You see it’s, umm…tradition in Ordon to, uh…have picnics every Wednesday…”

“...Oh?”

Twilight quickly nods with an all too serious expression, “Yup! Big tradition - goes back to when I was just a pup. Everyone else was busy today, so I figured you’d like to join me - less you have somethin’ you need to get back to -”

“- No! No, my schedule’s clear!” You then lower your head in embarrassment after realizing how quickly you answered. Clearing your throat, you offer a bashful smile, “I’m more than happy to share your picnic tradition with you, Twi.”

At last, his giddy smile returns.

"...You're sure we have permission to be here?"

"Twilight said it was fine."

"Sure, but did you actually ask him? Like with words and stuff?" You attempt to clarify, not that anyone should blame you for being skeptical. Last time Wild dragged you off for an 'adventure', you were scolded for the next week, "...What about Time?"

"You worry too much," Of course, he says that. While you try to avoid them, he's practically become immune to lectures, "...Twi said he'd talk to the Old Man. We're in the clear."

Still, you're unconvinced, but it's a bit too late to worry about now. You’ve already come all the way out here. Surely, someone’s already noticed your absences and raised the alarm, and if Wild's wrong about you having clearance to be here…Well, there’s no way you’re getting back before the older members of your party have their speeches memorized...Might as well enjoy the peace and quiet while you can.

Perhaps you should take some fault for yourself. Yes, Wild asked you to explore with him, but you're old enough to make your own decisions. You didn't have to agree. You could've turned him down and stayed in Lurelin with the others, but where's the fun in that? Why sit on a beach bored out of your mind when you could be spending the day with your favorite person instead? 

This is a much more intimate setting than some busy beach anyway. Rather than getting sand stuck in your boots or splashed with salt water by Wind, you’d much rather be laying here in the grass, taking turns between playing with the Shekiah Slate Wild kindly let you borrow and enjoying the view - the view, of course, being mostly him.

He stands at the edge of an adorable little pond - one unnaturally heart-shaped with a flutter of fairies dancing across the surface. Someone in town mentioned it when you first arrived, but you had been so tired then, you didn’t latch onto a word they said. Wild couldn’t remember, either, at least that's what he said though he mentioned there's a couple of strangely shaped ponds throughout his Hyrule.

You watch as he picks up a particularly flat stone, weighing it in his hand before curling his wrist and flicking it across the surface of the water. It skips an impressive total of seven times before sinking.

"...You know, Lurelin was decorated for Valentine's Day," You start, carefully studying his reaction as he bends down to find another stone.

"Huh. Is that today?" This rock only skips three times.

"Must be..." You hum, looking back down at the Shekiah Slate and continuing to mindlessly swipe through all the pictures Wild has taken during your shared travels. There are quite a few. Close ups of Wolfie's nose, group photos, a few of you...Huh, you weren't even aware that he took some of these...

"Guess it snuck up on us," Wild turns around, placing his hands by his side as if stuffed in imaginary pockets. He saunters over before collapsing in the grass beside you with little fanfare. He then rolls onto his back, hands folded behind his head as he stares up at the sky, "...Do you usually celebrate?"

You snort, not tearing your eyes away from the Shekiah Slate, "With who?"

"I don't know...Just thought maybe you have a lover or something," He shrugs.

"Do you?" 

"Do I what?"

"Celebrate? Have a lover?" You smirk, leaning back and balancing your weight on a single palm as you finally look at him, "If so, you're gonna need a big bouquet of flowers to make it up to 'em. I’m sure it would be upsetting for them to think you forgot, especially while we're in your Hyrule."

He sighs through his nose and closes his eyes, "...Okay then...What kind of flowers do you want?"

You roll your eyes and smack his shoulder, yet still find enough humor in his 'joke' to laugh. Raising the Sheikah slate to snap a picture of the heartshaped pond, you fail to notice the way Wild peeks open an eye, looking up at you with the most adoring smile known to man...

...Does Wind realize how obvious he's being right now?

Seriously, you think it's been well over five minutes without the boy looking away from you once. At first, you tried not to think anything of it. He's probably just looking at something around you or happened to be looking in your direction after getting lost in thought. You planned on ignoring it, hoping he'd realize how awkward this is and move along...but he hasn't.

Even if he wasn't staring right through your soul, you find it odd that Wind's down here with you in the first place. Shouldn't he be up on deck with the others? You expected to see very little of the boy today, figuring he’d be soaking up time with the pirate crew who graciously offered to sail you around (but only because you happen to be friends with their buddy, Link).

Rather than be with them, he’s down here with you, watching you eat soup as if it’s the most interesting thing he’s seen throughout all his adventures!

You can see him in the corner of your eyes, slightly bowing his head while developing an awful habit of chewing on his lip. You know the look well: he's thinking, tossing information around in his head while too afraid to voice his inner thoughts. You finally sigh and set down your spoon.

"Sailor?" He jolts, “You’re staring.”

"No I wasn't!”

"Yes, you were," You deadpan, crossing your arms over the table and giving him a pointed look, "Out with it. Less you want me to share my concerns with our Captain."

It's a dirty trick, yet effective nonetheless. You know Warrior has taken on something of a 'big brother' role to the young hero and would happily take on the title of ‘mother hen’, too, if he were to think something was bothering the teen.

Wind sinks into his chair against the threat. Despite the darkness below deck, you can spot a redness to his cheeks, "...Um, did you see the decorations when we were at Windfall Island?”

"Yeah, they're for Valentine's Day, right?"

"Hmm..." He hums, kicking his feet a bit. They’re too short to touch the ground, "Do you celebrate?"

If he were any of the other heroes, you’d probably reply sarcastically or with a joke, but you fight yourself to remain serious, "Sometimes, somewhat...Why do you ask?"

Wind leans forward, suddenly very serious himself as if injected with a big dose of resolve. He speaks in an avalanche of words, "...Okay so, say someone you’re friends with wants to spend Valentine's Day with you - but they’re not just a random friend, though, like someone you see occasionally. They’re a close friend - I’m talking best friend…like, I don’t know, say Warrior."

"Warrior…?"

"Yeah! Or Twilight or whoever," Wind waves his hands, dismissing the details, “What matters is you spend a lot of time around this friend and they want to do something special for you, but it would be suuuper awkward and weird if they messed it up...so how should they go about it?"

You blink once then twice…then narrow your eyes, "What has Warrior been telling you? Is he planning something -?"

"- No! No, that's not the point!" Wind groans, flopping his head onto the table with a ‘thud’ that makes the utensils jump, “Just -...Forget it…”

"...Ah, I understand now," You lean into the conversation, this time with a gentle smile, “...So if someone close to me were to want to spend Valentine’s Day together, how would I want them to approach it?”

Wind tilts his head against the wood just enough to look up at you with a pout and nod. It melts your heart, the poor boy.

“And we’re just friends, right?”

Another nod. 

"Hmm...Well, first of all, I wouldn't want him to do anything too grand. Casual would be best - less pressure that way…And I'd want him to just be himself, no need to act fancy or weird…Quality time is always nice. I know there’s not much to do on this ship, but there’s seagulls to feed and a crow’s nest to look out from…I think I even saw some of the pirates playing cards earlier.”

“...And you think that would be enough? I mean, you'd actually like that, so maybe, I don’t know…someone else might like it, too?” Wind asks nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Well, I can’t speak for other people, but I’d say it’s a good start,” You nod, "...Does that answer your question, young sailor?"

He seems to consider your words carefully, thinking them over and weighing their chance of success before finally bolting up from his seat. His usual toothy grin has returned and before you know it, he’s running back on deck, “Ay, ay! Thank you!”

“...Glad I could help,” You chuckle, at last going back to eating your soup in peace and without the judgment of someone else watching.