#link lengend

Maari stayed awake all night, observing the boys as they changed watch shifts through the darkness. Each taking turns to tend the fire and keep a look out for monsters in the woods.

Dawn was just becoming visible in the inky sky and Maari sat up and stretched. Link and the youngest member of the group (Link referred to him at Wind) were on watch together. Maari's movement caught Link's attention from where he sat near the fire.

"Morning," he said quietly, poking some of the flickering ashes with a stick.

"Good morning." Maari shuddered slightly at the feeling of the morning chill. The fire was beginning to die down and the last of the cold night had started to creep into the camp. Maari shuffled a little closer to the fire and warmed her hands over the flames. She glanced up at Link and cleared her throat.

"I feel I should apologise for last night, if I had known it was you guiding this group I wouldn't have been spying."

Link shook his head and gave Maari a half smile.

"No need. I should have guessed the portal would have drawn attention. But we were more concerned about monsters than possible friends."

"Maari nodded, that makes sense." She glanced around the camp at the sleeping forms on the ground. "Who are your companions? I don't recognise their faces."

"Dont you?" Link asked, in an almost playful way.

Maari considered what she had observed last night. She had to admit there were striking similarities between most of the young men and boys travelling with Link. She thought the young man who wore the scarf, the dark haired boy and the eldest shared many features. Again she wondered if they were relatives of Link.

"Are they relatives of yours? Cousins maybe?" Maari asked.

"You could say that. In fact, I'm fairly certain Twi and Time are directly related somehow. But the rest of us, our connection goes beyond blood."

"I think I am starting to understand," Maari said slowly, the cogs of her quick mind turning. Each if the boys were fighters, that much was obvious. And if they were following Link.

"They all share the Hero's spirit, don't they." she said, turning her gaze back at Link, who sat across from her. The fire crackled between them, sending sparks dancing up into the slowly brightening sky.

Link smiled warmly and the two passed the rest of his watch in silence as dawn broke around them.

***

Maari was surprised by how organised the boys were when time came to pack up their little camp. Bed rolls were packed away, the remains of the fire doused and biscuits passed around as a quick breakfast. They all travelled light, carrying small packs and their own range of weapons. Maari had nothing of her own to carry save for the clothes on her back and her own weapons. She kept her mask lowered as she was now in good company.

The boys introduced themselves to Maari one after the other as they broke camp, and started to make their way through the woods towards the Dueling Peaks. She was surprised to learn they were all called Link. Every one of them. However they had give each other nicknames. The youngest gave her a deep bow and said his nickname was Wind. He had a bright energetic way about him that Maari found endearing. But even though he was the smallest and clearly the youngest, he always insisted he carry his own weight and the others rarely offered to help him.

Then there was Legend, the boy who wore the scarlet tunic. Hyrule, who was sweet and a little shy. Sky, who wore a beautiful hand sewn cloak with the royal emblem emblazoned on the back. Four, whose tunic bore four different colours, and a face which always appeared inquisitive. Twilight, who Maari had had the pleasure of meeting in the woods in his other form. Warriors, the scarf wearer. And finally Time, the eldest. The marks on his face reminded Maari of an illustration she had seen in a very old text in the castle library. But she could not remember the legend that accompanied it. Time was the quietest of the group, besides Link (or Wild, as his companions called him) he looked out for the others and walked at the back of the group to guard against them being approached from behind.

They passed the Dueling Peaks and the stable without incident. However, once they crossed Kakariko bridge Warriors and Time appeared on edge. Maari guessed it was the lack of cover provided by the canyon walls which troubled them. Though she knew the path well, a few monsters still clung to the dark places of Hyrule. They were right to be on their guard, and she urged the others to keep their eyes open as well.

"You know," said Warriors as he fell into step with Maari. She noted how even though his sword was drawn, he seemed fairly relaxed. "In my time the Princess had a Sheikah protector named Impa. She bore the same insignia you have on your clothes. The red weeping eye."

"That does not surprise me. The Sheikah have always had ties to the crown and offen served as advisors or protectors of the royal family." Maari replied, wondering how far back in Hyrule's history Warrior's time was.

"She even trained the Princess in the ways of the Sheikah. She used to fight in disguise as a soldier called Sheik." Warriors continued.

"I would have loved to have met such a woman. Our Princess, Zelda, is more of a scientist than a warrior, but she holds the Sheikah in high regard." Maari explained. "She did much for the people of Hyrule after the upheaval. Helping to rebuild and educate people."

Warriors was fascinated by Maari's words and listened intently as she spoke of Wild's Zelda. He had mentioned her on a few occasions, however he always gave the distinct impression that their relationship was complicated. It was nice to get a different perspective. He was about to open his mouth to ask another question, when they all heard the scream.

Two bokoblins dropped down from a high ledge, their wailing screeches echoing off the canon walls. Time was the first to defend the group. His long sword cracked the head of the red bokoblin in one quick movement. Maari had just enough time to be impressed before two more appeared ahead of them, blocking their path. Wild and Legend, who had been at the front of the group, held them back with practiced ease.

Maari scanned around, quickly finding a route up a pile of fallen boulders. She moved with unearthly speed, sure footed, barely touching the ground as she skipped up the rockface.

"Typical Sheikah," Time muttered under his breath as he shook his head.

"She moves like an Ordonian Goat!" Twilight proclaimed, half watching Maari as he blocked the swing of a bokoblin club with his sword. The bokoblin roared in his face and Twilight growled back at it.

Maari gripped a ledge with her fingertips, looking down on the canyon from 12 feet in the air. The first two bokoblins were dead, the second two were being dealt with, but three more were approaching from the bottom of the path. She swung herself forwards, rolled in the air over the heads of the men below and landed on the path a little way ahead of the advancing bokoblins. She drew her daggers and replaced her mask.

The first monster had no time to react to her appearance and walked straight into the path of her twirling daggers. She stabbed it in the eye and the throat for good measure. The other two continued charging towards the group. One jumped on Time, the other began attacking Four and Wind. Maari threw her daggers one after the other. Both found their targets, lodging in the heads of both monsters. The first collapsed over Time's body and the second keeled over just as Four struck it in the side.

Quiet settled over the canyon once more and Maari sighed, recovering her stance and lowering her mask. As she walked past Time back towards the group she looked down. He pushed the dead bokoblin off his body with a heave and looked up.

"Typical Sheikah ey?" She said, raising an eyebrow.

Time chuckled and shook his head.

Maari checked on some of the others. Wild was going through the bokoblins pockets, Legend was nursing a bruise on his head, but the others appeared none the worse after the encounter.

"Everyone sound off!" Warriors called, though not so loud as to make an echo. The boys all called out their nicknames to Warrior's satisfaction.

"This region was cleared of monsters before I left this Hyrule," Wild said to Maari as they started to move along the road once more. "I made sure of that."

"I have seen a few here and there over the last few months. We believed they had all perished after the death of the Deamon King, but this proves otherwise. Impa has been concerned and after the portal appeared, she feared the worst." Maari explained, as she pulled her daggers out of the dead bokoblins." We should keep moving on towards the village. I'm sure the scouts have spotted us. Impa and Paya will be expecting us by now."

Nine heroes and Maari walked through the arches of Kakariko village. Red ribbons danced in the wind and the scent of cooking wafted up the path.

"Something down there smells good," said Hyrule. The other heroes also noticed a grumble in their own stomachs, remembering they had only had stew and biscuits in the last twelve hours. But their path lead through Kakariko village to the large house situated in front of the waterfalls.

"Anyone else feel like everyone is staring at us?" Wind asked, looking around as they neared the house.

It was true the group had drawn a lot of attention. The arrival of so many strangers in Kakariko after the appearance of monsters in the region was cause for suspicion.

"Don't worry about it bud, you'll get used to the attention as you get older," Warriors jested, nudging the young hero with his elbow. "Everyone loves a hero!"

Two guards stood at the bottom of the steps leading up to the house. They blocked the groups path as they approached. Maari pushed her way through the boys and waved at the guards.

"Greetings Dorian. We're here to see Paya, and Impa if she's here." Maari explained.

"It's good to see you young one. And I see you've brought the Hylian Hero with you. But who are your other companions?"

"That's kinda what I'm here to see Paya about. They're friends of Link's and I think it's important they speak with Paya and Impa."

"Alright, head on up. However I insist that all of your guests hand over their weapons before you present yourself to our clan leader." Dorian demanded.

"That might take some of us a little longer than others," Legend remarked, as he began taking his many rings off one at a time.

Once a rather large crate had been filled and sealed with the groups weapons and magical equipment, Dorian was satisfied enough to let them pass and enter the house.

Maari lead them all up the stairs, the thunderous roar of the waterfalls filled the air with each step. Wind was awe-struck, leaning over the railings to look down into the watery depths. He was so bewitched that Twilight had to shuffle him along to keep him moving up the steps.

"I wonder if this Impa is like the one in my time?" Time pondered alloud.

"Or mine?" Warriors chimed in.

"Or mine," Sky also raised a hand.

"Funny how a name like that could get passed down through so many generations." Hyrule pondered.

"What, you mean a name like Link!?" Legend huffed.

The others shrugged and chucked at his joke. But some of them had to admit that the history of Hyrule would be a lot easier to streighten out if all of its proment figures didn't all have the same names.

At the top of the steps Maari opened the double doors and Wild held them open as the rest of the group filed inside. As they looked around most of them felt a sense of calm and homelyness about the place. It was warm and the lanterns provided a soft orange light. The sound of the waterfalls was just audible through the thick wooden walls, but not loud enough to sound oppressive.

Seated upon a large cushion at the head of the room was a young woman wearing a wide coolie hat, alarmingly adorned with small blades. She had the symbol of the Sheikah painted on her forehead, two lidded bright red eyes peered back at them all from beneath the brim of her hat.

"Maari, I sent you on a recon mission and you seem to have found a small army," Paya began. "Care to explain what's going on?"

Maari dropped to her knees and bowed low in front of her clan leader.

"Apologies Paya, I went to investigate the portal which caused Impa such concern. I observed this group emerge from the portal before it closed. I followed them but I was careless and I was discovered."

"But in fareness to Maari, we're not just average travellers." Twilight butt in, giving Paya a little awkward bow as he spoke.

"No, you're not, are you?"

All eyes turned to the stairs beside Paya, where a woman less than four feet tall came towards them.

"None of you are average. I sense the triforce of courage... in all of you!" Impa blurted out. "I sense an explanation is required. Link, perhaps you could enlighten us?"

Impa turned to Wild, though all of the heroes were about to answer her question.

"Well, it's quite a long story and none of us know all of the answers yet," Wild replied.

"Perhaps we can hear your tales over some dinner?" Paya suggested.

More than one of the heroes whispered a subtle "Yes!" under their breath at the mention of food.

A short while later the Sheikah and their guests were sat in a large circle in the middle of the hall, passing around bowls of food and piling their plates high. Jugs of milk, hydromelon juice, and a few jugs of ale were passed around. Time was careful to make sure the ale jug didn't reach Wind, much to his chagrin. The young pirate relarely felt as though he was treated like a child by the others, except when alcohol was involved.

They discussed much together, Impa and Paya were fascinated to hear about the history the other Link's could tell them. Especially about the involvement of the Sheikah in the centuries long fight against the dark forces of the Demon King, Ganon, or Demise. In regards to the portals which had plucked them from their own times and brought them all together, some of them had theories but none had any answers.

During the meal and the talking Maari stayed mostly silent, listening intently to everything that was said. She was fascinated by all the Links and their adventures. Sitting between Warriors and Hyrule, Maari couldn't help but observe how they held themselves. Warriors appeared to sit at attention, back straight, eyes bright and alert. While Hyrule seemed more relaxed, enjoying the food and the company.

"While we aren't totally sure where the portals came from we do know one thing." Time said, interrupting the flow of conversation and drawing everyone's attention. "Wherever they send us, somewhere there is a dark variant where the monsters will be coming from. The Dark portals seem to stay open longer, allowing more and more monsters to come through."

"Once we clear an area of monsters Legend and Hyrule are able to close them by casting a simple spell," Warriors continued. "After a few days another light portal will appear and take us to another time where a dark portal has appeared."

"But so far we haven't been able to discover a pattern and although the monsters seem a little stronger than they used to be, there's nothing particularly special about them." Twilight added.

"I was hoping you might be able to lend us some of your wisdom Impa, have you ever read or seen anything like what we have discribed?" Wild concluded, turning to the sheikah elder sitting beside Time.

"Hmm, I have read many legends of portals and their abilities. The magic or science behind them escapes me however. Though Link, I'm sure you know someone else who might be able to help answer some of your questions," Impa inclined her gaze at Wild, who turned to look down at his supper.

"Who's she talking about?" Hyrule whispered to Maari.

"Zelda, she's quite a prominent scholar. She moved most of the palace library to the Gerudo city for safety after the upheaval. I'm guessing that's what Impa's referring to."

"Sounds like a good place to get some information," Hyrule replied, taking a swig from his cup.

"Sounds like a long way from here," Warriors grumbled.

"Not a fan of trekking across country?" Maari asked.

"Not on foot no. I prefer to ride."

Their conversation was interrupted as Paya got to her feet and addressed the group.

"It seems our talk has taken us into the early hours of the night. Please finish your meals at your leasure and I will organise beds for all of you."

A chorus of thanks and gratitude followed Paya's announcement, as some of the group raised their drinks or bowed their heads. Not long after, the boys had all finished their food and most of the drink had been drunk. Satisfied yawns escaped a few of their lips and thoughts turned to bed.

***

Paya had organised beds for them at the Shuteye Inn. However it transpired there was only room for seven of them. Though the inn keeper offered to accommodate all of them any way he could, there just weren't enough beds.

"Not to worry my friend, many of us have slept on floors before. It's just nice to have a fire and roof over our heads," Time insisted.

However, Maari had followed the group to the Inn and overheard the conversation. She stepped forward and waved to grab Time's attention.

"Um, if you need more beds, I have room at my house," She offered. "It's not spacious but I could take three of you at least. And you wouldn't have to sleep on the floor."

"We couldn't put you to any trouble Maari," Time insisted.

"It's no trouble at all, my father and brother are away. They won't be back for weeks and they certainly wouldn't mind me hosting some of you." Maari countered, hands on her hips which reminded Time of his wife Malon. If Maari had even half of her determination, there would be little point in arguing.

It was decided that Warriors, Hyrule, and Wind would stay with Maari while the others took the beds at the Inn. They agreed to meet back at the Inn for breakfast in the morning and bid each other goodnight.

Maari's house was near the middle of the villiage. A two story wooden building with a thatched roof like many others in Kakariko. Unlike some of the others Maari's house had painted straw targets set up outside. She explained they were for target practice, and demonstrated by flicking a small blade into the bullseye of the nearest target. From the ammount of damage and the level of paint that had been worn off the targets, Warriors was impressed by Maari's aim.

She welcomed them all into her house and lit a few candles as she directed them all to their beds.

"There's a bed in the corner over there where my father usually sleeps, and there's two beds upstairs."

"So two of us will have to share," Hyrule observed.

"I was going to suggest the three of you take the beds and I can sleep on a bedroll on the floor." Maari admitted, but the boys instantly protested.

"Were greatful for your hospitality but we can't take your own bed away from you," Wind protested, crossing his arms and turning a frown on Maari.

"He's right," Warriors agreed.

"Wind and I can share a bed no problem. He usually snuggles one of us when we sleep ahyway," said Hyrule, ruffling Wind's hair.

"I do not!"

"Yes you do."

"Well it's not snuggling, it's using body heat to keep warm." Wind retorted.

"Alright that's settled. The boys can take the bed down here and I guess, I'll take the other bed upstairs," Warriors decided, turning a satisfied smile on Maari.

Sleeping arrangements settled, the younger boys got comfortable in the bed downstairs while Maari lead Warriors upstairs. Two single beds sat on either side of the room under the pitched roof. A small window in the gable allowed the first of the moonlight into the room. Maari placed one of the candles on a table beside her bed and gestured for Warriors to take the other.

"Thank you again for your hospitality, as much as we're all comfortable sleeping rough in the woods, a soft mattress is always appreciated."

"You are most welcome. I'm glad to help really." Maari replied.

A little gingerly she reached up and pulled the carefully wrapped scarf from her head. Warriors was surprised by the white shoulder length hair which fell around Maari's face. He shook himself when he realised he was staring and turned his attention to his own clothing. He decided that removing his armour and chain mail would be enough for him to be comfortable while remaining decent. Maari hadn't removed much more of her stealth suit, other than her weapons and shoes, so he didn't want to offend her.

"Goodnight soldier," Maari yawned, pulling her blankets up to her neck.

"Goodnight Maari," Warriors replied, smiling as he laid down and allowed sleep to take him.