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Chapter Text

Tired footsteps walked along the path. The chain had been walking for miles, and still hadn't found anything. They were currently in Twilight's Hyrule, walking through Faron woods on their way to Ordon Village. The sun was setting, and they were trying to get to the village by nightfall.

"Are we almost there yet?" Wind asked, probably for the tenth time in the last hour.

"We're close," Twilight answered from his place at the front of the procession.

The peace only lasted for a moment before another whine rang through the air.

"I'm tired."

"I know."

"Are we almost there yet?"

"No."

Wind looked around, trying to find something to occupy his attention for the last bit of the walk. After a minute of searching and not succeeding, he hung his head and started to drag his feet.

"Where are all the monsters anyway?" He asked.

"Wind, don't jinx i-" Twilight's response was cut off by a shrill cry.

"Oh, there they are," Four said, surprisingly calm. His sword was already unsheathed, and the rest of the group did the same.

Soon, where there once was peace and quiet, there was a raging battle. Multiple bokoblins and a moblin crashed through the forests and fell upon the group of travelers.

Swords were whipped out of their sheaths, shields were retrieved from their rest, and arrows were pulled from their quiver. The numbers were about even, with a bokoblin to each person and a moblin to share.

For some reason though, they weren't making any progress. Hyrule swung, but each time the blade was blocked by his opponent. They were smarter than normal.

"Black blood!"

And that would be why.

The battle continued, cry after cry was heart, and thump after thump rang out as enemies dropped to the ground. There were only five bokos and the moblin left.

Hyrule peered around, looking for injuries. It didn't seem like anyone was hurt badly, mild cuts and bruises, but nothing worse.

While he was distracted however, a stray bokoblin managed to sneak up on him. The offending creature raised his weapon and squealed, prepared to strike.

"Hyrule!" He heard multiple people yell, and instead of alerting him to the danger, they only distracted him more.

Just when he was managing to turn back around, a massive weight crashed down upon him, and he fell to the ground.

He couldn't see, his face pressed into the packed earth. He could, however, hear. And what he was hearing was the voices of his brothers, currently yelling at him.

It felt like an hour, though it was probably only a few seconds before he felt the weight lift off his back. He whirled around, looking for the offending object.

Instead of seeing a enemy, rock or even a big branch however, he only saw a mass of blond, blue and red.

It was Wild, and on top of him, a bokoblin. Dead.

Wild was slowly coming around, blood dripping down his shoulder and a nasty bruise forming smack in the middle of his face.

"Is he okay?" Hyrule heard someone ask, though it was muffled, his own thoughts taking priority whirling around his ears.

"He'll be fine," a strong and steady voice said.

The fog over his eyes cleared, and Hyrule could once again see his surroundings.

He was lying in the mist of a battle field, dead monster carcasses lying about, waiting for some carnivore to carry them off.

He was being supported and checked for injuries by Sky, who's relief showed evident on his face as soon as he saw Hyrule tracking his motions.

"Are you alright?" He asked softly, the concern in his voice matching the crease of his forehead.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine," the traveler sighed, "What happened?"

"A boko snuck up behind you. Wild took the hit," Sky answered, looking over at both the savior and the future recipient of a stern lecture.

Hyrule also looked over and saw the now groaning champion being held still by an exhausted and exasperated captain. His face was still sporting an ugly mark, but his shoulder was patched up well enough. The front of his tunic was stained with blood, but it didn't seem to be his.

"Wild, why in the world would you do that?" Hyrule asked, almost a whisper amidst the louder chatter of the rest of the chain.

"You're 'bout ta get 'it. Not hit now," The champion slurred with a loopy smile one his face. It quickly turned into a grimace when Warriors prodded his shoulder.

"Ak! Cut 't out Cap'n!" He whined to the offender, who was now checking his face.

"You stop getting hurt and I'll stop it, got that?" He asked.

Wild pouted, but stopped talking.

Hyrule leaned into Sky, barely listening to the chatter around him. He wished Wild didn't get hurt, but thankful that his brothers were watching out for him.

"Twi! He's trying to destroy my face!"

Chapter Text

It had been three days and one world since the last incident. The chain was now in Four's Hyrule, at least, they thought.

They had been dropped in the middle of a forest, only for Four to wander off and come back with directions. Where he went, no one could figure out. Twilight, however, shared a small smile as he saw the Smithy reappearing.

They were now traveling towards the town. Four wasn't too pleased at the idea, but they needed supplies and it was the closest place.

It took a few hours, but finally they could see the walls around the town, a beautiful sight to many sets of tired eyes.

The group had restocked their supplies without much trouble, and were now walking toward's Four's house.

The group walked along, talking excitedly. Wind was in the middle of telling an extravagent story when Twilight slapped a hand over his mouth.

"Twi- 'dats n't 'ice!" He tried to say through the barrier, and just ended up spitting on Twilight's hand.

"Wind, everyone, be quiet. Can you hear that?"

His question was answered with silence, then a few nods and murmurs as most of the group confirmed his hypothisis.

"Someone's calling for help?" Wild questioned, arguably having the second best hearing out of the group.

"Yeah, I hear it too," Hyrule confirmed.

The group didn't even have to say anything, as one they moved towards the distressed sound.

As they got closer it got louder, sounds of fighting and crying. The chain walked faster and faster and came out of the treeline at a sprint, several swords raised.

The sight that met their eyes was not a good one. A few knights were trying, and struggling, to fend off several bokoblins from Wind's world, moblins from Four's and octorocs, which couldn't be placed.

The group jumped into action immediately, Hyrule and Warriors running towards injured knights, Wild scaling a tree, bow in hand, and the rest of the group covering healers and warriors alike.

The battle was going smoothly, uninfected monsters were a piece of cake to nine experienced warriors.

The heroes with a wider fighting style swept the battle ground, while the smaller, more nimble ones ducked under and stabbed from below. Arrows reigned down from the sky, hitting any enemies that were missed in the fray.

The battle was coming to a close, Warriors returned to the fight while Hyrule watched over the injured. Wild swung down from his perch and drew a sword to help finish off the rest of the monsters.

Legend slashed through another bokoblin, felling one and injuring another. He was focusing too hard on the enemies in front of him, not hearing the 'pop' of an octorock until too late.

He spun around, only to get a face-full of dirt and debris. Legend coughed and spit, shielding his face with his hand as he tried to see his surroundings.

Someone rushed to his side, covering him as the not-yet-dead tried to take it's chance. He heard the tell-tale cry of an octorock, but couldn't see who had finished it off.

As he wiped a bit of dirt out of his eyes, he saw more of his surroundings. Sky was standing in front of him, a dead boko at his feet. Wild was behind him, fighting any monsters that dared come close.

Wild was acting odd though, he was holding his sword with only one hand, making his movements slower and less precise.

Legend muttered something under his breath, if that crazy kid had injured himself again he may just lecture Wild himself.

It was probably the champion who had deflected that octo blast, and if he knew the kid, didn't brace the shield correctly and injured his arm.

With thoughts spiraling through his head, Legend got back into the battle.

As swords swung and daggers darted, the battle finished quickly. Bodies lay around the field as several of the heroes checked up on the knights they had been fighting alongside(more like saving their sorry backsides if Legend had a say).

Legend looked over the group and started meandering over to where they were all gathering. Wild and Sky started walking the same direction alongside him.

"You really gotta learn how to brace your shield properly," Legend grumbled at Wild, who was holding his arm gingerly.

Wild looked confused, eyebrows pinching together before displaying a smile that looked both forced and panicked, "Oh, yeah. Teach me sometime, ey Vet?" He asked.

Something seemed wrong, but instead of bringing attention to a probably small issue, Legend made a short affirmation and continued walking.

As the group gathered around, Legend could see Four and some of the knights talking. He only caught bits of the conversation, but it seemed like he was gaining intel about black blooded monsters around the area.

Legend caught Hyrule's eye and the traveler started walking over.

"Anyone hurt?" He asked, not so secretly looking Legend over for injuries.

"I think Wild hurt his arm but I'm good," he said as Hyrule turned to Wild.

"No, I'm good Rulie," Wild said, trying to wave him away.

"No, you're hurt. Now let me see your arm," Hyrule said, narrowing his gaze at the champion and trying to win a battle of wills.

In the end, it wasn't won by either side. Instead Warriors came up behind Wild, putting a hand on his injured shoulder. Wild winced, and Wars pulled his hand back.

"Let me look at that," the captain said, with much more authority than even Wild could compete with.

Wild turned away, hiding his face with his hair as he tried to bring his arm up. Instead of holding it where Warriors could look at it properly, it shuttered and fell back down, hitting his side and making the champion wince and draw in a breath of pain.

"Sit down champ, you've really done it to yourself this time," Wars said, sighing but trying to put on a smile and be patient for the kid's sake. It was sometimes hard not to default back to being a captain around the young knight, but if it made Wild's anxiety less and help him be more comfortable, Wars would do anything.

Wild gingerly lowered himself to the ground and Warriors followed. Legend sat down on his opposite side and Hyrule next to him.

Warriors gently picked up Wild's arm, being careful not to jostle it too much. He untied the bracers and rolled the sleeve back. Underneath Wild's skin was a mess of blue and black, bruises rolling all the way up his arm and under his tunic.

"What did you do now kid?" Wars sighed.

Wild faltered for a moment, looking at the dirt beneath his hand as he struggled to find a response.

"He blocked an octo ball meant for me," Legend supplied, sighing, "it looks like you just used your arm, what kind of shield do you have?"

Wild hung his head even lower.

"Wild?" Hyrule asked, soft melodic voice gentle and patient, "did you use a shield?"

A soft nod was all the answer they needed. Wars sighed, Legend muttered something under his breath and Hyrule gently lay his hand on Wild's leg.

"It's alright, let me see it," he said. Warriors made room for their fairy healer to assess the damage, carefully holding the still very injured arm.

Legend thanked the stars for Hyrule's patience(and healing abilities). If he had to talk sense into the champion(and he really wanted to), their wild hero would be in the woods and up a tree by now.

"Is your shoulder dislocated?" Hyrule asked, looking to Wild's face for an answer. The young hero mumbled something but finally nodded again when Hyrule couldn't understand.

"It needs to be set before you heal it," Warriors said, turning to Hyrule, "otherwise it'll heal wrong."

Hyrule sighed, but nodded. It was going to be painful, but it had to be done.

Warriors held Wild's arm with one hand and put the other on his shoulder where he could feel that it wasn't quite in the right spot.

"Do you need to bite down on something?" Warriors asked, concern written as clearly on his face as in a book.

A shake of the head answered him and another sigh was heard. Popping a joint back in its socket was painful, but the champion had been through it before, several times too many.

"Okay, one... two... three!" And with that, a sickening crunch was heard and a whimper of pain struggled out of the champion.

Hyrule immediately started healing the still bruised arm as Warriors rubbed Wild's back, both as a comfort and making sure he wasn't hurt anywhere else.

Wild's arm was in a much better state as the rest of the group wandered over to the ones sitting in the dirt. Warriors stood up and talked with Time before moving towards the knights they had rescued.

Time closed his eyes, taking a deep breath before walking the rest of the distance and squatting down, now eye level with Wild. The one in question lowered his eyes to the floor and pulled his now almost-fully-healed arm out of Hyrule's grasp.

"Wild," Time started, kind but stern, he was in for it now, "You used your arm to block Legend, right?"

A nod was his only answer.

"Why didn't you use your shield?"

A shrug.

"Did you have it with you?"

Nod.

"You just reacted and didn't think to use it?"

Shrug.

"Wild, I commend your bravery and care for your team members, but you also have to take care of yourself."

No answer.

"I understand the decision you made, so I won't lecture you, but please use your shield next time." There was no response, so Time just held his hand out, and Wild took it, both of them standing up.

"Proud of ya kid."

Chapter Text

It was the day after the last incident. No one was badly injured, a potion had been forced down Wild's throat so his arm healed the rest of the way. All the others had been helped by Hyrule or drank a potion. 

They were all exhausted. After the knights had left the group of heroes decided to stay and camp for the night. Mats were unrolled, a fire was set up and Wild had started cooking. 

Legend came back from the forest with an armful of sticks for the fire and Twilight emerged from a perimeter check. Several of the group were sharpening swords, polishing armor or getting blood stains out of clothes. 

Wild's head shot up, looking towards a spot on the far side of their camp. 

"Uh... guys?" Wild asked. Suddenly, with swirling purple and black, a portal spun open, looming beyond the group intimidating and menacing. 

"Nooo! Why do we have to go now?" Wind whined, throwing a stick at the portal and looking angrily at where it had been.

Legend grumbled under his breath, muttering something about heroes' luck. 

With grumbling and complaining, from certain heroes more than others, they packed up camp. Mats were rolled back up, supplies were stuffed in bags and the half made soup was transferred to Wild's slate. 

The group was finally packed up and ready to leave. The portal started to pull at them, a little shift towards the dark swirling mass that would turn into a full on vacuum if they waited much longer. Hylia had plans for them, and they had to go along with it. 

Two by two, they entered the portal. First Warriors and Legend, to clear out any monsters on the other side. Then it was Sky and Twilight, then Four and Wind, Hyrule and Wild, and finally Time. 

On the other side, instead of the cool dark atmosphere of night, it was bright and warm. 

Most of the heroes started to complain as soon as they could see again. They had wanted to sleep, and now didn't have the chance. Setting up camp again was tempting, but they needed to figure out where they were, move, and get to a safe spot by nightfall. 

The trees around them were dark and twisted, the air heavy, yet holding a special magical quality to it. 

"Welcome to my Hyrule!" Hyrule said when he looked up from helping Four. The smithy was hunched over, having a bout of travel sickness from the portal. 

Some of the group looked excited, being in one of the more rarely visited Hyrules, others looked uneasy, glancing at the rotting trees and dark vegetation around them. 

Four's arm was looped around Wind's shoulder and the group set off. Hyrule was in the lead with Legend and Wild next to him. Normally he was quite self conscious about the state his Hyrule was in, but currently he was pointing out to his party members the healing that was occurring all around them. 

Green shoots poked out of blackened stumps, white and gold flowers littered the ground in some places and every now and then a bird or squirrel call could be heard. Hyrule's land was healing, and as the defender of it, he was proud. 

Eventually they came up on a drop off. Behind them were trees and dense forested land, before them was the vast expanse of sky, overlooking a rough rock field and then more forest. It was obvious that the cliff had been through erosion, the brink sharp and cracked while below it mounds of rock and rubble lay where more cliff had once sat. 

The sun was beginning to go down, clouds gathered in the skies showing off an array of reds, pinks golds and blues. As they set up their camp and prepared for nightfall stories were told around the campfire. 

Sky told stories of his home in Skyloft, detailing many sunsets just like the one they were watching. Warriors told tales of sunsets, glowing over a golden city and bathing battlefields in the deepest of reds. Wind talked about sunsets over the great ocean, where the sun met the sea and the world lay still in the moment of peace. Twilight told of the most magnificent sunsets, where day met night, and dusk ruled the world. Where magic unknown to the land would begin to creep through the stillness and turn one beautiful moment into the story of a lifetime. 

The group listened and ate as the sun went down. As darkness came upon them sleeping mats were rolled out and tired marchers climbed in to rest their weary heads. 

First watch was given to Four, who sat near the fire and looked upon both the sleepers and the surroundings. Most of the group lay down and seemed to fall asleep fairly quickly. For others, sleep didn't come so quickly but they still lay down, exhausted limbs pulling them to stay still. 

An hour passed, then another. Most, if not all of the group was asleep, except for one. Wild climbed out of his bedroll and quietly moved to sit by the fire with Four. 

"What are you doing awake?" Four asked quietly.

"Couldn't sleep. Thinking too much," Wild answered, staring straight ahead, beyond the cliff and into the night. 

"Would talking help?" Four asked. If Wild wasn't up to it, he wouldn't pry but if it helped, he would listen to anything. 

"Probably not, it's all in the past now." Wild sighed and looked up into the stars. 

Four didn't answer, just looked to spot the same stars Wild was so intently looking at. He quietly stood up and offered a hand to Wild. The champion took it and both stood up, Four leading them over to the edge of the cliff. Four sat down and Wild followed, kicking his feet off the cliff and staring into the expanse of forest below him. 

"I just get so confused sometimes," Wild started, taking Four by surprise, "at one time I was told to do something, and now it seems frowned upon.

"Something I was expected to do is now not okay." 

"Have you talked to Time about it? Make sure you know what you are supposed to do and work out why you aren't?" Four asked, seeking peace for the young boy's troubled heart. 

"I don't feel like I can," Wild looked down at his hanging feet sadly.

"It's alright, I know it's hard, but you'll figure a way out, you always do." Four looked at the champion and smiled. After some hesitancy, he received a smile in return. 

"Thanks smithy."

"Anytime."

Wild stood up, taking one last look at the sky before him and turned to go back to his bedroll. Four took another look and turned to follow him. 

Wild was a couple feet ahead of Four when the cliff started to crack. Pebbles showered down the side of the cliff and larger rocks uprooted themselves from under Four's feet. 

Wild looked back at the noise and stared in horror as the rocks underneath Four completely gave way. They slid and flung into the air, taking the smithy with them. 

"Four!" Wild yelled, already running towards him. 

Four was in the air, falling below the cliff too fast for Wild to reach. Without a second thought, Wild dove. He caught up to Four and grabbed the smithy's hand. 

"Hang on!" He called before wrapping one arm around Four's waist and whipping out his paraglider with the other. 

Without two hands to hold his glider, Wild continued to fall, only slightly slower than before. He panicked, seeing the ground approaching fast and faster every moment. 

Wild struggled with his glider before finally hooking his elbow across one strap and grabbing onto the other, right before he hit the ground. 

The glider billowed out for only a moment before Wild completely rolled around, placing him between Four and the ground. He landed hard, even though the glider had slowed him down a considerable amount. 

His body flopped, hitting the ground hard and snapping his head against the rocks beneath it. Four landed hard on his stomach, winding him and the smithy. 

Both lay prone for a moment before Four regained his senses and got off Wild. He looked at his savior, now lying still on the grass. Wild's hair was slowly turning red, the same color as the rocks around it. His body was still, unusual for the energetic teen. 

For a moment, Four was scared. Rarely did each of the colors in his head agree, but now they did wholeheartedly. They needed help. 

He called, screamed, yelled at the top of the cliff, hoping someone would hear him. His voice was almost raw, but at long last several heads poked over the side of the cliff. He breathed a sigh of relief and waved his arms. 

Immediately some of the group jumped towards him, and Four almost had another heart attack before they whipped out leaves, clothes and hook-shots and lowered themselves slowly to the ground.

He was soon the center of a buzzing mass, voices blurring all around him as he struggled to speak.

Thankfully Warriors, who had jumped down with his scarf being used as a parachute, took action. He grabbed Wild and looked at the boy, checking his head and the rest of his body. He said something to Legend, who pulled out a fairy bottle and released her. 

The world was a blur as someone lowered Four to the ground and sat with him. It was Sky, checking for injuries and just making sure Four knew that everyone was okay. 

More and more people fell from the sky, taking gear with them as they went. It seemed like no one was getting back up the cliff, so they were prepared to stay on the ground for a while. 

Wild was patched up, the fairy repairing most of the damage to his head as Warriors wrapped his bruised ribs and Hyrule healed him somewhat. 

He was still out cold, and that may have been a good thing, because Four was about to lecture him till he passed out again. Saving someone who was falling off a cliff was one thing, jumping after them with what seemed like very little of a plan was another. 

And by the way some other people looked at Wild, it seemed like he wasn't the only one who needed to talk some sense into the boy. 

Sweet Hylia, he needed a break.

Chapter Text

Sky quite liked knives

Not these knives

Specifically the one flying towards his face. 

Sky was a whittler, he knew now to use knives. He was safe as long as he used them correctly and wasn’t reckless. Of course he could be dangerous, he was a hero after all.

But still, normally he was fine with knives. 

Except when they were trying to kill him. 

They had been transported to Warrior’s Hyrule and were walking until they found the castle. Warriors kept saying he knew where they were going. That was questioned when they almost fell off a cliff, again. 

No one wanted a repeat of last week.

The time when Wild was found, busted skull and bleeding body, sacrificing himself for Four.

He had gotten quite a lecture after that stunt, and was now being mothered by Twilight. He couldn't go anywhere without the rancher watching him like a farmer watching a cucco. 

Wild was grumbling about it, but not pulling any of his normal stunts. He didn’t like being watched, that was for sure, but he wasn’t climbing trees or diving off cliffs like he normally would. It seemed like for once he was giving Twi an easy time. 

And it would have been easy, if not for the fight. 

Warriors had led them in another circle when he finally gave up. They rested by a pond for a while before deciding to hike up a cliff to try to see where they were. 

Wild had offered to climb alone since he was the fastest, but no one let him, so there they were, all hiking up the mountain side. 

At least the view was nice. There was a beautiful waterfall right next to rolling hills, fields of flowers and forests of pine trees. It was peaceful. 

The group was hiking up, some taking in the clear air, some panting from exertion and lack of breaks. Wild had run up a little ways, looking at the view. Twilight had yelled at him to stay close, but didn’t try to catch up.

The champion was about to yell something back when an arrow flew out of the sky and struck him in the leg. 

Wild fell with a cry, and the rest of the group started sprinting to get closer to him. 

When the group got to where he was, Wild had already pulled himself up and was returning fire to a band of men. Each hero ignored their shortness of breath and started attacking the group. 

It seemed to be a band of outlaws hiding up in the mountains. They were armed with bows, swords and throwing knives. 

Sky did not like knives. 

Someone threw one at him and it thunked into a tree by his head. This was not good. 

Sky didn’t have enough energy for this. He had used most of it trying to keep pace with the others when climbing the mountain. He barely had enough energy to dodge the attacks, much less get into a swordfight. 

Someone else better have a plan. 

And it seemed they did. 

Several of the heroes had already taken down a few of the outlaws. Warriors was interrogating the captured while others went after those who were still loose. 

The one throwing knives at Sky was hit over the head, and Hyrule gave Sky a big smile before dragging his victim away. 

Sky heaved in another breath, now that he wasn’t in immediate danger he could actually breathe. The battle had been quick and short, the heroes trying to take hostages rather than kill. 

The bandits were rounded up and Warriors was talking to Time, planning to take them back to the castle. If they could find the castle. 

Sky leaned against a tree, taking deep breaths and admiring the view from where he was at. 

In just a moment, he spun around. Someone cried, and the knife throwing guy had broken free. He launched a knife directly at Sky, directly at his face. 

Sky was frozen, paralyzed, unable to move as he saw his fate coming closer and closer. At the last moment he was pushed out of the way, someone tackling him.

An impact, long blond hair, a blue tunic, and blood. 

That was all he saw before he was stumbling out of the way, stumbling closer towards the side of the cliff. 

The same blond hair and blue tunic that was laying on the ground watched him, watched him swing his arms and tumble off the cliff. 

The same blond hair and blue tunic ran and dove after him. 

And that was what he saw, blond hair, a blue tunic and a frightened face, right before he fell into a river. 

The water plunged around him. All the air escaped his lungs, both from the impact and from the frigid temperature. He tried to gasp in air, but it was only water that he got instead. He started to flail, trying to get to the surface, trying to get back to his brothers. He panicked, choked on water, and ended up breathing more in. It hurt, a pain erupted in his lungs as water swirled around his slowly darkening vision.

All he saw before it was black was blond hair and blue eyes.

The chain could only watch. Could only watch as one of the men broke free and threw a knife at Sky. Could only watch as Wild pushed Sky out of the way and took the hit. Could only watch as Sky fell off the mountain. 

Could only watch as Wild dove after him. 

And now they watched, looking down at the river below, looking at two forms quickly disappearing into the water. 

Legend had almost dove in after them, it was only Time’s hand that stopped him.

Instead they were all making their way as fast as they could down the mountainside. 

Warriors, Time and Four had stayed to watch the prisoners. The rest were flying down the hill, trying to get to the river so far down below. 

If only they had taken shield surfing lessons from Wild when he had offered them. Some of them could do it, but not as well as the champion, and with two injured and a mountainside to get down, trying something new and dangerous wasn’t their first plan.

They got down to the river quick enough. Quick enough to see two bodies floating down soon after they got there. 

Most of the heroes quickly ran into the strong current and pulled both of them out. Wild had grabbed a hold of Sky and had been trying to keep both of them afloat. He had somehow changed into his zora gear, but it was almost not enough.

Twilight grabbed both of them and dragged them to shore.

Sky was unconscious and had probably swallowed a lot of water. Legend helped him while Hyrule looked on.

Wild didn’t look good either. He was almost out of it, tracking Twilight’s movements and then staring off into the sky. 

Blood was seeping through his clothes, one spot on his shoulder where he had taken the knife for Sky and another spot on his leg where he had been shot at the beginning of the battle. 

Twilight was about to say something when Wild faded out again, going limp against his arm. This kid has gotta stop giving him heart attacks.

Chapter Text

Finally they could relax. 

It had been way too long. Too long since they had a place they could truly let their guard down.

Time’s house was a paradise to weary souls. 

As soon as the light lit up in the old man’s eyes everyone was excited. Time led the way though magic filled forests and open plains until they caught sight of a ranch. A lovely sight for sore eyes. 

The group, even Time in his cumbersome armor, started into a brisk jog. He sped up when bright red hair could be made out against the door of the house. 

Time and Malon reunited with a hug as the other boys joined the reunion. It was a joyous day when they could see Malon, who was practically their mother at this point, and hang out on the ranch.

The boys gladly threw themselves into work as Time caught up with his wife. 

Twilight took care of the horses out on the field, Wild prepared a meal in the kitchen, Legend and Hyrule helped with the other animals, Warriors, Wind and Four moved farm equipment around and Sky(too gladly) helped with the cuccos. 

Everyone worked with a light spirit and came in, full of smiles, when Wild called supper. 

The boys all ate and traded stories, catching Malon up on everything they had done since the last time they had seen her.

“I almost died!”

“You almost die every other week, take a break.”

“Yeah, but this time was exciting!”

“You fell in a river.”

“I coulda drowned!”

“Well boo hoo, you didn’t. No flowers and funerals for you sailor.” Legend said, rolling his eyes at Wind.

“Well it’s a good thing you didn’t drown sweety, you must be one good sailor.” Malon whispered, winking at the boy who immediately became much more excited, bursting into a tail of another time he almost died. Someone interrupted Wind’s story though. 

“Twi’s a big dog.”

“Very funny, but don’t make fun of your brother, that’s not very nice Warriors honny.” Malon said, trying to keep a straight face through the mirth. 

“No! He’s actually a wolf!”

“Give it a rest Captain, don’t make fun of your brother!” Legend smirked and said sarcastically, elbowing Warriors, who then elbowed him right back. 

Malon dissolved into quiet chuckles at that. She already knew Twilight’s secret anyhow. 

The rest of the meal was eaten in a similar fashion, talking mixed with playful jokes and shoves. Eventually everyone had finished, and most had left the table to go back out one more time before bed. 

Wild was cleaning up the dishes left on the table when Malon grabbed a plate out of his hand. 

“I’ve got his hun, go outside, I think Warriors wants to see you,” She said. 

Wild had a slight look of alarm before he thanked her and started making his way outside, pulling his hood up over his head as he went. 

As he opened the front door he saw Warriors standing on the grass, looking at the sky. At the sound of the door he looked towards Wild, and gave him a soft smile.

“Will you come with me champ? I want to talk to you,” He said, trying to seem as calm and unthreatening as possible. He knew being a captain could sometimes upset the young knight, but currently he didn’t have his armor, or his scarf, or even his sword. 

Wild looked at him strangely, but nodded and started following after the captain. 

Almost right out of the gate they were met with a call.

“Where do you two think you’re going now?” Warriors looked behind him to see Twilight, hat on his head and wheat in his mouth, leaning against a fence pole.

“We’re just taking a walk, we’ll be right back!” Warriors called back. Twilight seemed confused, but waved them off and turned back to his work. 

Wild followed Warriors, his hood still up, until they got to a calm part of the forest and the captain stopped. He found a log and sat down on it, looking back at Wild.

“Care to sit with me?” He smiled, looking at the nervous teen. 

Wild seemed skittish, but sat down on the log, a bit away from Wars. 

Silence stretched for a while before a small question was breached “Why do you want to talk to me?” 

Warriors looked up at the quickly darkening sky for a second before answering him.

“Because I’m worried about you champ.” 

That seemed to startle Wild. Silence hung over them for another second.

“You’re being reckless. More often than normal I mean,” Warriors said, turning sad eyes upon the champion, who was currently staring intently at the ground beneath his feet. “What’s going on Wild?” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Yeah you do. You’ve had four major accidents in what, a week? This isn’t normal for you.” 

Wild didn’t answer, so Warriors went on “You shielded Hyrule with your own body, then blocked an octorok blast with your bare arm for Legend, then dove after Four when he fell off a cliff, then dove after Sky when he fell off a cliff, not to mention taking a knife for Sky before that. What’s gotten into you kid?”

Wild took a deep breath, sighed, and glanced up at Warriors.

“Um, well….” he sighed again “When was it, two weeks ago now? Uh, when we were at your Hyrule, the time before last. You know how we saw the guards training? It, uh, it kinda-”

Wild stopped, shot up straight, and started looking around. The rustle of paper and faint laughter caught Warrior’s attention. 

That sound was not good. 

Wild whipped out his sword, leaping off the log and looking around carefully. Warriors jumped up too, but didn’t have a sword to brandish. This is what his carelessness got him, he should have been more prepared.

Before Warriors could finish lecturing himself an arrow flew out of the trees, hitting the distracted captain in the leg. 

Warriors went down with a cry and Wild turned around, crouching to fumble a potion out of his slate. 

Before Wild could get anything Warrior’s face paled and cold steel slid its way under Wild’s chin. 

Wild was forced to look up as another blademaster appeared from behind Warriors, startling the captain. Warriors jumped, but wasn’t able to do anything as the blademaster stepped on his injured leg.

Wars cried out in pain again, the arrow digging deeper into his flesh and moving around in an incredibly painful way. 

Wild tried to reach for him but the sword under his jaw forced him to stay still. In a moment more yiga appeared, bringing with them bundles of rope. 

Wild’s sword was taken from him as his hands were tied behind his back and the slate plucked from his hip. Warriors hands were bound as well and they were both dragged apart from each other.

Wild kicked and thrashed, trying to get away from the people holding him. When a blademaster grabbed his tunic to lift him up Wild even went so far as to bite the man, smiling ferally when the soldier cursed and gave him a good kick for his troubles. 

Warriors was in a similar state, still being dragged away from Wild, arrow still in his leg and a blade at his throat. 

Eventually, with both heroes being held and no longer thrashing as much, the head blademaster looked them both over and started talking. 

“Heroes-”

“Quit the monologue, how did you end up here and what do you want?” Wild snarled at the man. One of the footsoldiers cuffed him upside the head but he wasn’t deterred.

“You’re traveling by portals now, aren’t you? Who is your master and where is he?”

The blademaster stamped his foot impatient, almost like a child throwing a tantrum. “Will you quit talking?! As I was saying, heroes ” He glared at both Warriors and Wild. One gave him a hard stare, the other stuck his tongue out. 

“I don’t care. Now are you going to get to the part where you try to kill me or do you have a new motive along with your new mode of transport?” 

Warriors was almost taken aback by Wild’s statement. Either the kid had no fear of death, was getting really cocky, or he needed a longer talk with him than he thought he did. 

Instead of responding someone tied a piece of cloth around Wild’s face, trying to keep him quiet. 

“ Heroes ,” The blademaster started again. Warriors could see Wild eating the piece of cloth from where he was at. 

“We have come to kill you.”

“Objection your honor!” Warriors almost facepalmed at Wild’s gleeful smile and feral glint in his eyes. Someone kicked Wild, making him double over, but he only breathed out a snarky comment in response to it. 

Warriors needed to get them out of here, otherwise the yiga would get so tired of Wild they would stop even trying to monologue. 

It seemed like they had already reached that point though, the blademaster walked over to Wild, brandishing his windcleaver. 

“I will kill you both, and our master will have his revenge.”

“No.”

“No? You have no say in this hero.”

“No. You will not kill my friend.” 

“What? What does his life matter to you. I will kill both of you and be done with it.” 

“No you won’t.” Wild’s eyes quickly flicked over to Warriors, almost an apology in them, but the kind of apology that didn’t really mean it, that said he would never change it no matter what. 

“Take me, do not kill my friend.”

“And why would I do that?”

“Because if you kill him, I will kill you. And if I don’t, my friends will. But spare his life, and I will do what you want.”

“So, your life for his?”

“Yes.”

Warriors wanted to scream, wanted to yell at Wild, tell him not to agree, tell him to keep fighting, but hands held him back and no words could make their way out of his tortured soul.

“Drop that one men, we will only be taking one prisoner. And with this, we shall complete the sacrifice!” The blademaster yelled triumphantly. His men cheered and Wild gave Warriors a small smile, as if to say ‘I’m going to be okay’.

Wild will not be okay and Warriors needed to stop whatever was going on right that moment. 

But that moment didn’t happen. As soon as the yiga rose their hands to the sky in triumph arrows whistled around them and swords flew from the underbrush.

The clearing was soon in chaos. Amid it, Time came out, killed the guards and slashed through the ropes tying Warriors’ hands together. He then helped Wars up, letting the captain lean against him to not aggravate his leg. 

“Time! I’m so glad you’re here we need to-”

“We’ve got it Wars, let's get you out of here.” 

Warriors was going to protest again, but Time started dragging him away from the battle. It was going quickly though. As soon as the yiga realized their prisoners had been stolen, most disappeared in a puff of smoke and paper. 

Standing alone in the woods, surrounded by blood and fabric, was the chain. Wild was leaning heavily on Twilight, a deep slash in his side. The rest of the group were making sure the yiga didn’t reappear and grabbing left behind weapons and Wild’s slate. 

Time walked over to Twilight, making Warriors hobble over as well. 

“Kid, you scared me.” Wars told Wild.

“Eh, it was worth it,” The champion grinned back. Warriors couldn’t tell if he was putting on a brave face or actually believed it but the captain knew one thing:

He really needed to have that talk with Wild later.

Chapter Text

It had been a whole week since they had left Time’s Hyrule and left Malon. They boys had high spirits, having a long time to rest when on Lon Lon Ranch. 

They were marching along Legend’s Hyrule. How Legend could tell, no one knew. It looked the same as every other forest in every other Hyrule, but somehow the vet could tell. He also could tell where they were, and was heading for his house. 

After a while of marching, the chain could see smoke rising from a chimney up ahead. Legend muttered something under his breath and started to speed up. Wind gave a little nudge to Warriors and sped up as well. 

When they got in they were met with a sight. Legend was holding some sort of item and yelling at Ravio. The others could only make out something about ‘stole’ and ‘sold’.

When Ravio finally did lift his hood enough to see the other heroes, he immediately regained his charming attitude and merchant job. 

“Heroes! Welcome! Care to rent anything?” He asked sweetly. Each Link declined politely, knowing the warning Legend had given them. 

Ravio soon gave up his bartering and went to talk with Warriors, the other heroes made themselves at  home.

“Don’t touch anything!” Legend yelled at Hyrule, who was picking up a potion bottle he had found.

“That goes for you too!” He turned around and snapped at Wild, Wind, and Four who had picked up a stack of knives and were examining them. 

Several other clinks and jingles were heard as heroes put down various items they were examining. Sure they might be cursed or dangerous, but then again, so were things they encountered on their own adventures. 

The group settled down as Legend pushed Warriors away and started speaking to the Lorulian. They’re conversation was hushed as the other heroes relaxed.

“Up on your feet,” Legend said as he walked back over and smacked Warrior’s head with a paper. The captain gave an affronted grunt and reluctantly left his seat. 

“There’s been reports of monsters around, grab your stuff, we’re going.” 

Several groans were heard as the chain grabbed their belongings and packed up anything they had just put down. No one wanted to leave that soon. Most of them had only just sat down and were tired from their near constant traveling.

“We’ll come back after they’re gone, but they’ve been terrorizing people and we need to stop them as soon as possible,” Legend said, trying to get the slower heroes on their feet and moving. 

Some echoes of ‘fine fine, I’m going’ were heard as the weary travelers grabbed their belongings and headed out the door. Ravio waved goodbye with a mention of some new super helpful item before Legend smacked him too and left with the group. 

With the veteran in the lead, the group started to make their way towards the monster camp. Wind started complaining about his feet half way through, but they all made it in one piece. The next challenge was actually killing the monsters.

Wild climbed a tree to get a good lay of the land. When he swung down, startling Time and catching Sky off guard, he reported what he saw. 

“Two red bokos from my world, one from Wind’s. A moblin from Time’s and a lynel, probably from here.” He said, looking dismayed. Lynels were not an easy enemy to face, the group had to strategize to avoid any reckless injuries or mistakes. 

Time looked at Warriors, who started forming a plan. “Wind, Four, Hyrule and Twilight, take care of the bokos and the moblin. Wild, climb a tree and be our sharpshooter. Time, Sky, Legend and I will take care of the lynel. Legend, I need to know every weakness that thing’s got.” 

The group split off and got ready. The group sent to deal with the other monsters began to strategize amongst themselves. Wild hopped up in the tree again and found a good perch. Legend started analyzing the fighting styles of the lynels in his world as the other group listened and planned. 

Soon everyone had finished getting ready, and the group attacked. A cry was sent up as soon as the heroes descended upon the monsters, another one when first blood was drawn and black blood confirmed. 

Twilight and Four worked together to kill off the moblin, Hyrule and Wind stood back to back and fought off the bokoblins. Time stood back and shot arrows at the lynel as the others ran in circles around it and hit it whenever they found an opening. Wild went back and forth between shooting arrows and the moblin, bokoblins and the lynel. 

It only took a little bit before a shout was heard, “Boko down!” and the resulting cheers as the other teammates kept killing their monsters. One bokoblin had died, the other two were slowing down, not making any devastating hits against the heroes back to back. Four and Twilight were making good progress against the moblin, but no matter how much it was injured it wouldn’t stop fighting. The lynel was also still fighting back, despite all the hits it had taken from the heroes circling it. 

The lynel had stopped for a moment, Legend saw what was going to happen only a moment before it did. He cried a warning only moments before it turned to him and let out a breath of fire. 

Most of the heroes dodged it fine, Sky clutched his arm in pain but assured Time he was fine when checked on. 

The lynel was about to breathe another fiery breath when Wild hit it with an ice arrow, stunning the beast for only a moment. The other heroes leapt back into the fray, dealing as much damage as they could before the effects of the magical arrow wore off. 

Another call was sounded, and another boko died. Hyrule pushed Wind towards the lynel, assuring him that their group needed more help than he or Twilight and Four did. 

Wind nodded and ran over, running beside Legend to know what he needed to do. Legend was about to answer him when he stopped and pushed Wind out of the way. Then, a red hot blast of flames separated them.

Wind looked at the Lynel, frozen while the monster prepared to attack again. Just when the creature opened its mouth, something jumped in front of Wind and pushed him out of the way again. This time, it wasn’t Legend. 

Wind washed, pushed to the ground again, as the person who saved him got hit with the resulting burst of fire. Wind cried out, looking upon the person who saved him, Wild , who saved him, lying in the dirt in the aftermath of the fire. 

His body was still, unusual for the lively teen. His eyes were open and staring at the sky. Wind rushed over, shaking the champion and trying to get him to move. His skin was hot to the touch, and burned badly in some areas. 

Warriors, Sky and Time, who had watched from the other side of the beast as it had unleashed its attack, started fighting with renewed vigor, tearing the beast apart, their aim only weakened by the tears in their eyes. 

“Hyrule!” Wind called out, his voice pained and choked with tears. The traveler looked over from where his last bokoblin dropped dead, and he stopped in his tracks. His eyes were pained before he finally seemed to gather the strength to run over to Wind in the dirt and the champion lying next to him. 

Hyrule dropped to the ground, hand immediately starting to glow. His tear filled eyes turned to Wind and he mouthed a word, ‘go’. 

Wind, still shaky, picked up his sword and went to face the lynel with all the fury of the fierce deity. The lynel was weakened now, panting hard and not moving much. Warriors struck out at it’s feet and the lynel leaned forward heavily. 

Wind, without a second thought, threw his shield away. He took his own sword in both hands, and with all the might of a hinox and the fury of the deity, plunged it straight into the lynel’s skull, just like he had done to Ganon so long ago. 

Then the monster finally gave up, disappearing in purple smoke and leaving Wind staring at the ground, tears still in the corner of his eye. 

He turned around, almost scared to see what lay behind him. Instead of seeing a friend, lying dead on the ground, he saw the champion sitting up, having his arm tended to by Hyrule.

“Wild!” Wind yelled, running at the hero and throwing himself into his arms. Wild winced but smiled down at the boy and ruffled his hair.

“It’s okay, I’m okay,” he reassured him, trying to take his arm out of Hyrule’s grasp. Hyrule didn’t let him, instead continued tending to the worst of the burns. 

Wind’s happy manner immediately turned dark. “Never, ever , do that again, hear me? I don’t need you protecting me! I was about to jump out of the way, and instead you needlessly put yourself in danger and got hurt! If you hadn’t done that, this wouldn’t have happened, I would have got out myself!” He said, pointing to Wild and emphasizing his point with light jabs every now and then.

Wild seemed confused for a second, but then just smiled at Wind, “Okay, I won’t sailor. I just don’t want you to get hurt.” 

Wind turned away, crossing his arms and pinching his brows together. “And I don’t want to see you hurt, so stop being so reckless!”

“Wind’s right champ.” Legend said, walking over to the group. “Don’t throw yourself in the way of danger if it’s not absolutely necessary.” Wild muttered something under his breath, but shrugged it off and stood up.

“Okay guys, I’ll be more careful, can we leave it now?” 

After a few shaky hugs and light banter, the group started making their way off. Warriors flashed his own burn scar at Wild and pulled him into a side hug.

“Twins!” 

Chapter Text

Wind bounced around the boat as he untied and retied ropes, yelling at the chain and Tetra alike. He had become so much more alive as soon as that portal dumped them onto a boat, a very familiar boat. The rest of the chain either pitched in and did as they were told or stood near the railing, some gagging and leaning over the side of the boat and others looking at the scenery. 

The boat had a small crew, enough that the group of heroes weren’t in the way, especially when a few of them, mostly Legend, were helping out. The others leaned over the rails and into the wind, looking at the sky and the water. Most of them hadn’t been out on the ocean, especially not like this. It was amazing to see so much water, to feel so free. They could see why Wind liked it so much, well, the ones not currently sick could. 

“Good news guys! We’re lucky, my island is actually pretty close by, we can be there soon enough if the weather stays good!” Wind called at them from up on the mast, how he got there no one knew. Warriors started yelling at him about being responsible but instead of listening, Wind just swung down on a rope, tapping the captain on the head before running off to do something else. 

Time put a hand on the shoulder of the worried captain, both of them watching the youngest member of their group in his comfort zone, it was easy to tell he was comfortable amidst the waves and rocking boat. The rest of them, not so much. 

As the sailing continued, most of the group got used to the rocking boat and traveling on the ocean. Four and Hyrule were not so lucky, but they sat at the back of the ship, next to the railing. Several of the others had learned simple commands and were giving Tetra’s crew a break, doing the simple tasks as payment for their ride, not like they had any choice to travel on the boat anyhow, considering they were just dropped onto a surprised captain from a nasty portal. 

They were getting closer to Wind’s island when he climbed the mast and looked across the ocean. He frowned and leapt down to talk to Tetra. He looked grave, but no one else saw any reason to be concerned. 

Legend went over and inserted himself into the conversation. Neither pirate cared and seemed to fill him in on what was happening. He frowned and walked over to Time.

“Looks like a storm is brewing,” he said, not happy about the predicament. 

“Are you sure? It doesn’t look like anything is happening,” Twilight asked, looking at the sky.

“No it doesn’t, but I trust Wind, he’s familiar with this land and it’s weather,” Legend said and walked off, probably to inform the others about what may happen. 

Later Wind came to the huddled group.

“Storm’s coming, you lot need to get down the hatch and stay put till the worst of it is over,” he said before walking off. The chain followed him. It was unusual to see the group of warriors follow their youngest, but on a ship, they all knew he was in charge. 

One by one the chain crawled beneath the deck, hoping to wait the storm out. Legend stayed with Wind, saying that he had had experience with that sort of thing. The rest of them stayed down below. 

“Do you think it’ll be soon?” Hyrule asked, still looking a tinge green, not being able to see the sky didn’t help his nausea. 

No one had any clue about when the storm would come. None of them had been on a boat enough times to know sea weather or what to do during a storm. 

When the storm did come, everyone felt it. The boat pitched, then rolled, then settled, then turned again. They could feel the waves beneath them and saw the boat as it rocked back and forth. All but the hardiest of seamen felt a little sick, and most were faring worse than before. 

The ones not feeling well sat back and leaned on each other while the ones more used to the rocking motion, mostly Wild and Sky, played a game by jumping from one side of the ship to the other when the boat hit a big wave and rocked enough for them to float in the air a second. Time smiled at the duo’s antics and patted Twilight on the back when a particularly nasty wave rocked the boat. 

They stayed like that for a while. Eventually Sky got tired of the game and lay down in the corner. Somehow he was able to fall asleep, even in the midst of the storm. Hyrule had gotten used to the waves a little bit and went to try out Wild’s game. Warrior had made one too many “sick as a dog” jokes direct at Twilight that they were wrestling on the floor of the boat. The others were still feeling a little queasy and watched the more playful with a smile. 

The rocking of the boat got less, Wild and Hyrule stopped playing as soon as the waves got low enough that it wasn’t fun anymore and decided to peek outside. It was drizzling, but since most of the storm was over Wind invited the rest of the group to come above deck. 

“Look at ‘er, ain’t she such a beaut?” He asked, opening his arms toward the horizon. Water stretched from the boat to the sky, at right at the middle, only a dot between the two, lay an island.

“That’s me home.” Wind said, taking pride in showing his island to the rest of the group, from arguably the best view around too.

The group leaned over the side of the boat, looking towards the island with the wind in their hair and the ocean at their backs. They could see why Wind liked sailing so much.

“Heads up!” Someone called from up high. One of tetra’s crew dropped a pail attached to a rope down to the deck. The call made the heroes look up, right as the bucket, filled with fish, dropped onto Time’s head. 

The bucket clattered to the ground, spilling fish all over the ground. Time was knocked backwards, he tried grabbing onto the rope but ended up just slipping on a fish.

Warriors started to laugh, but he stopped abruptly when Time, instead of slipping and falling with nothing but hurt pride, instead tumbled over the side of the boat. 

The group dashed to the side, seeing Time floundering in the water, quickly getting smaller and smaller as the boat moved forward with the strong winds. 

“Time!” Warriors called out before seeing a flash of blue to his right. Wild was in his zora armor and jumping off the side and into the water.

“Wild!” Twilight called out, seeing his cub follow after his ancestor. 

Wind quickly started barking orders, the sails were turned and the boat started heading back towards their fallen comrades. 

Most of the heroes rushed to do anything to make the turn back quicker. Finally, they got it around, but couldn’t get too close for fear of pushing Wild and Time underwater. 

Twilight had put on his zora armor and was leaning over the rails of the boat. As soon as they got as close as they could, he dove in. 

The water was freezing cold, he couldn’t imagine Time falling into it. He swam over and looked over both his ancestor and his descendant. 

Wild was treading water, a limp form leaning against his back. His face was wet and he was trying to do everything to keep them both from going under. Every now and then Wild sunk lower down, trying to save his energy before pushing both of them as far out of the water as he could.

Twilight came to his side and took some of Time’s weight, trying to keep all three of them afloat. Twilight pushed towards the boat and Wild followed him, keeping Time’s limp and unconscious body from sinking again. 

The crew threw a rope ladder over the side and Twilight climbed up, carrying most of Time’s weight as Wild brought up the rear. 

Once they were onto the boat Wind and Warriors took Time off their hands, checking over him and doing all they could. 

Twilight and Wild were given blankets to stave off the chill from the water. 

“You good?” Twilight asked Wild. He didn’t get a response, the champion was just shivering, looking at a soaked spot on the ground. 

He nudged his shoulder and asked again. “You good? Wild.”

The champion startled, as if out of a memory. He looked up. “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine.” and looked right back down.

“Cub, what’s wrong?” Twilight asked again. He didn’t like to push, but Wild was clearly shaken. 

“Nothing.” He sighed, “Just, well… you know I don’t like my head under water.” He said shakely. 

Oh. That’s what it was. Twilight knew Wild struggled with water every now and then. Sometimes it reminded him too much of Mipha, sometimes too much of the shrine. This time he was thinking of the shrine. 

Wild had admitted to him once, that having his head under water, the feeling of drowning, was what the shrine felt like. He was drowning, and he couldn’t get out. 

Twi scooted closer and wrapped an arm around him, sharing some of his own blanket.

“It’s okay, you’re not there. You’re safe, and you saved Time.”

“Yeah. I guess it’s just, I don’t want him to drown like I did.”

“He didn’t Wild, it’s okay, you saved him.”

Wild leaned closer and lay his head on Twilight’s shoulder.

“Okay.”

Chapter Text

The portal was almost a relief this time. The ocean was nice, but the group could only last so long surrounded by water and sand, especially those used to the forests and fields of their home Hyrules. 

Too bad they landed on Skyloft

The chain struggled out, the tension in their shoulders, waiting for a sudden attack, melted away as Sky recognized the floating island he called home. They staggered around, helping Four and any others who were stuck with an unfortunate case of post-portal headaches. 

They were happy and safe though, and were ready to settle in for the night. The sky was darkening, throwing deep blues and purples over the island and its inhabitants. The sun could still be seen, low in the horizon, burning a beautiful red and rippling orange amidst the blues. It sunk lower and lower in the sky, darkening the night into a beautiful and serene scene. 

With hardly a word, lest they break the beautiful twilight calmness, Sky led them towards the village inn. The group reserved their stay and started filing in. 

It was odd, so many normally rowdy heroes quiet and tranquil in the night air. They slowly lay their belongings on the beds they chose and got ready for a hopefully calm and restful night. 

Most of them were getting into their beds and Wind and Sky had already fallen asleep when Twilight walked over and sat on the bed Wild had chosen for himself. 

“Hey cub,” he said as Wild came back over and lay his tunic on the sheets. 

“Hey Twi, what’s up?” Wild asked, cautious. He seemed tired, but was masking it. Twilight was tired too, he didn’t blame the champion. 

“Are you going to bed right now? Can I just talk to you for a moment?” He asked.

Wild’s body went stiff, but nodded anyway and followed Twilight out the door. The rancher tried to pat him on the shoulder, trying to assure the young hero he wasn’t in trouble. Wild just looked tired, Twilight didn’t want to keep him up but there was something on his mind.

The rancher led the way out of the inn, through the fields and towards the light tower. It was a nice night, the moonlight shone on them and illuminated their path, guiding them towards their destination. 

Twilight leaned against the light tower, looking over the edge of the island and into the clouds and night sky. Wild stood next to him, still fidgety and unsure. 

Twilight looked back at the champion and smiled at him, then sat down on the edge of the landing and patted the ground next to him. Soon Wild took his seat, dangling his legs off the edge. 

“What’s on your mind Cub?” Twilight asked, trying to prod his protegee into conversation. 

Wild shrugged and stayed silent. 

“I know you’ve been having a hard time, and I know Wars has tried to talk to you about it. You’ve been scaring us all lately, why?” 

Another shrug was all he got. Wild didn’t even look him in the eyes. 

Twilight sighed, he didn’t want to force a conversation if Wild wasn’t ready for it but he also didn’t want to stay on the side lines as he watched his cub struggle. 

“Have you had any memories recently?” He tried again.

He got a shake of the head, but the kind that had a little pause in front, the kind that said Wild might not be telling the truth. 

“Homesick?”

Another shake. Twilight wasn’t going to get anywhere if Wild wouldn’t open up. He knew that the young hero was often quiet and reclusive, but he also knew that Wild was a ray of sunshine most of the time, it would take a lot to get him this down. 

"Wild" Twilight tried again, "please tell me what's going on, I can't help you if you don't tell me what's going on."

Wild stayed silent, it didn't look like he was going to open up any time soon. 

Instead of answering, the champion turned his head toward the sky, looking at the inky blackness. 

Twilight looked up too, taking in a breath of the fresh air. It was cooler up here, a brisk breeze and light air. The stars were much brighter too, they looked happy up there, twinkling to each other and shining down onto the people of Skyloft. He smiled, he had always loved the night sky. Oftentimes during his adventure he and Midna would watch the stars together, forgetting about all their hardships for a moment of peace. 

He looked back over at Wild. He was still looking at the sky. His eyes had grown shiny, he looked lost and confused, like he was trying to find his calling in the stars.

Twilight had tried that many times, it never worked. 

Instead he scooted over to Wild and put an arm on the champion's leg. Wild looked at him, somewhat started, and tried blinking away the water that was growing in his eyes. 

"It's okay." He said, giving the young hero a smile. He stayed like that a moment before he decided to risk it and pulled Wild into a hug. 

Wild went stiff, being pulled into an embrace but not leaning into it on his own. After a moment he seemed to gather his composure and relaxed, slumping into Twilight's strong hold. His arms came up and returned the hug. 

Twilight smiled, the kid wasn't a big talker in times like these, but he had other ways to communicate. 

He could feel all the tension bleed out of Wild and pulled back for a moment. 

"You alright?" 

"Yeah, I think so," Wild responded, giving him a small smile, "thank you."

Twilight smiled back at him and started to get up. He stretched his back and looked at the sky, still twinkling at him.

He gave a hand to Wild and pulled his brother up with him, sharing another small embrace before starting to walk back to the inn. 

Twilight hadn't figured out what  was really bothering Wild, but he was able to give him a moment of comfort, and that's all that mattered at the moment. 

A bush in front of them rustled, and made a small sound. Twilight glared at the bush for a moment. Sky had said there were no monsters on Skyloft, but he wasn't going to take any chances. 

He stepped towards the bush, but instead of a monster attacking them, a small ball of tan fluff jumped out. 

That wasn't a monster. Wild looked at Twilight in confusion, he had never seen an animal that looked like that. However, Twilight had.

"Wild! It's a cat!" He said, starting towards the animal, who was mewing softly. 

"Oh, I didn't know Sky had cats," Wild said. He didn't realize that other worlds had the animals Twilight always told him so much about. He had never seen a cat before, a downside of his world was that even with so much life, there were no cats. Twilight had always told him about all the cats that he had befriended in his world and kept telling Wild that he would show him one as soon as they got back to Ordon. 

"Come here kitty," Twilight called softly, he crouched down and held his hand out, trying to tempt the ball of fluff into coming towards him. 

The cat sniffed a little bit, its golden eyes looking sweet for all of two seconds before instead of coming and sniffing his hand, it attacked Twilight's face. 

Twilight yelled, stumbling backward and trying to grab that cat that kept clawing at him. 

Wild didn't know what to do, but he was pretty sure that he no longer liked cats. 

He jumped towards Twilight, who had managed to get the cat to detach from his face somehow but was still  trying to fend off the beast. 

Wild be a natural hunter, but that didn’t mean he wanted to kill the thing, and he knew Twilight certainly didn’t want to, vicious mean cat or not. 

So they ran instead. 

Twilight turned and started to get away, a split second before he realized his mistake.

They were on the edge of the island. 

Twilight tried to stop himself, swinging his arms and flailing in an effort to keep his body from catapulting itself off the edge. 

Wild tried to run to him, but with the vicious little remlit in between him and the person he needed to help, the cat got there first.

And he did not want to help Twilight. 

Wild watched, as if in slow motion, as the cat jumped squarely into Twilight’s back, then bounced off again like it was some sort of furry ping pong ball. 

Twilight staggered and looked back, Wild could see his face, full of fear, right before he fell off the edge. 

Wild screamed.

And then he dove. 

He dove off the platform, tucking his body and trying to make it to Twilight. It was familiar to him, but most of the time he didn’t do this off of islands in the sky, he thought that would be more fun than this. 

All he could see was Twilight’s face. It turned from frightened, to happy, then to angry. He understood why, but really Twi? Do you have to be angry at the person trying to save you? 

He grabbed onto Twilight, bringing them both together and trying to get a hand free to pull out his glider. 

“Wild! What are you doing?” He yelled, Wild almost didn’t hear him, the wind whipped around them so fast all he could hear was the sound of it whistling against his clothes. 

“Saving you!” He said back, still trying to fumble his slate out of his hands.

That is until he dropped it. 

He watched with wide eyes and the brown and teal box slipped from his hands, plummeting down. 

“No!” he yelled, letting go of Twilight with a hand and trying to grab it. He needed to save Twi, but he couldn’t do that if he didn’t get his glider. 

Well, there was one way to do it, one last resort if he did lose his slate. 

That was it then, he couldn’t grab his slate, so at least he could protect his mentor, one last time. 

The clouds approached, once he went through them, there was no way he could save them both. It had to be now or never. 

Wild looked at Twilight once more and smiled sadly, earning another confused face from his mentor. That’s a good last memory, Twilight’s face, he thought. 

He curled around Twilight trying to make them fall with him towards the ground.

He closed his eyes tightly, giving Twilight some cursed version of a hug, probably his last. At least it’s a good way to go, protecting his mentor, and his best friend. 

The wind was whistling, the clouds below were coming faster and faster, he was falling and falling and falling…

Until he wasn’t

He wasn’t?

Wild opened his eyes looking up to see the face of a giant bird. That almost made him let go, creepy bird, gonna scare him to death. 

He looked past the bird’s face to see a lady riding the thing, a cap with a light on her head. 

“Be careful next time!” She yelled, waving his slate in the air, oh thank goodness, she got his slate. 

The bird started to flap his giant wings, bringing them back towards Skyloft. Twilight was grabbing onto the bird’s giant leg, and Wild was clinging to Twilight. Finally they got to the sky island and both heroes dropped onto the grass, panting hard. 

“I don’t want to see either of you out here at night again, got it?” The lady said to them before tossing Wild’s slate to Twilight and soaring off.

Sounded good, Wild didn’t want to be here at night again. 

Twilight tossed the slate over to Wild and stared at the champion hard. 

“And I never want you to jump after me again.”

Sounded good, Wild didn’t want to have to either.