Archive of Our Own ^beta

Time knew he was beyond exhausted and his boys certainly were feeling even worse. As he glanced behind him to check that everyone was still along, he simply confirmed what he already knew. The Links with him, even his big brother, weren’t far from snapping and ending up with even worse mood. And he knew he would end up barking at them too when the hell would break loose.

They needed a break. From everything. Not just from the battles and long and boring walks but from each other too. They needed a chance to gather themselves and be off from being bothered by others. The last worthy break for such had been way too long ago. The Chain’s leader knew that such was exactly two weeks, three days, five hours, twenty minutes and seconds ticking it further back from sixteen. Sometimes he really hated the precise clock in his head.

Suddenly a quiet, almost unnoticed, call caught the one eyed male’s notion. He swiftly glanced at Hyrule but the Traveler clearly wasn’t paying attention into his road. “Just a bit further, boys.” Time called as firmly as his tired voice allowed. “I know the next part of the path isn’t easy but after that we can get the much needed break from all of this.” He promised before turning to his right and starting to lead the Heroes through the thick and hard to pass forest.

The area really was doing its best to keep the Fairy Pond out of reach. Time knew it should’ve accepted him and the half-fairy without trouble while doing its best to ease their road forward. And yet, as out of it they were, the woods probably didn’t catch to their magic and connection into this kind of places. Nonetheless, he knew this would be entirely safe place for them. And certainly not just because how hard it was to reach the needed destination. It just was a feeling of home and safety that kept growing the closer he got to the sacred place.

Time, even though desperately wanting to reach the place, was starting to lose it. The boys had started to grumble and whine and he fought to keep himself from snapping at them. Just as he began to truly think about just turning back and giving up on reaching the safety, Hyrule perked up.

The Traveler didn’t think twice as he changed into fairy and suddenly dashed past everyone. “Fairy Pond!” He screamed out gleefully in Fairy Language.

The Chain’s leader sighed in relief and relaxed a bit. “A moment longer, guys!” He called as encouragingly as possible before already forcing his way forward again. For their luck it was only couple of more rough patches before they finally came out of the forest and into a very beautiful looking area.

The clearing of sorts they had arrived into was enormous. In middle of the area was a huge and clear watered pond. On its edge on right was an old looking tree. There were grass and blooming flowers all around. The fairies were dancing mainly over the water but also all around the place. The trees, cherry trees mainly, were in full bloom and gave the whole area a soft feeling. There were few different trees too to give shade and safe places for the animals and fairies. Besides grass and flowers, there clearly were some medical herbs and such growing around the place too. There was a small rocky formation at the opposite side of the place to where the Links were at. It had a nice little waterfall and another, smaller, pond by it. The whole place was surrounded by the thick and hard to get through forest the Heroes of Hyrule had just gotten out of.

The Chain gasped in shock and awe as they took in the place. Time just smiled fondly before pointing to a wide trunked but shortish tree. “You can leave your gear at there.” He told calmly before trying to bit stretch his own body covered by his armor.

“Come on, Sprite. You too.” Warriors said softly while giving a gentle jolt to his little brother to get him moving. Time chuckled a bit and followed the others to get the heavy armor off. The Captain aided with the unstrapping of the protective gear and the older Link returned the favor for him. The others quite well just handled the work swiftly and more or less dropped their stuff into a heap by the tree before already dashing off to look around the place. Time just bit chuckled and shook his head at the antics of the younger Heroes.

The Old Man fully and thoroughly stretched with a slight grin. “You want massage?” The war Hero queried but his little brother shook his head.

“At later time.” Time replied while going through his backpack. He drew out his journal and a pen. “Right now everyone needs a moment to themselves.” He mused while looking around the place. He smiled at what his boys were doing.

Sky had found a leafy tree and was sleeping in its shade. Hyrule was dancing over the pond’s water with his kin. Twilight had changed into Wolfie and was rolling happily in the soft grass. Wind was in the waterfall’s pond swimming. Four had found another tree that gave enough of shade to make his place comfy but still giving enough light to read too. Wild was taking pictures while surely thinking about climbing up to the top of the rocky hill where the waterfall came from. Legend was just wandering around calmly while taking in the whole place.

Time turned his notion into Warriors to figure out what he’d be up for doing. Yet, he ended up snorting softly and shaking his head with a slight grin. “We’re here to take some much needed time off and you’re up for working.” He pointed out almost incredulously.

Warriors chuckled and shrugged as he went through the Veteran’s tunic. “I promised to fix the gold lining and this is perfect chance to do such.” He explained before turning to search for right colored thread. “Besides, you know I can’t really ‘calm down’.” He pointed out and glanced at the one eyed male. “This is my way of calming down. Just having something nice to do and all.”

Time snorted again softly and shook his head. “I and the boys really have to teach you how to let go.” He mused fondly while knowing his big brother knew he wasn’t really meaning it. “Anyway, I’ll search a nice little spot for myself to write a letter for Malon.”

“You do that, little brother. I’ll join you in a moment.” The Captain called calmly.

Time just nodded and left towards an area where two cherry trees were close to each other. It gave nice shade of pink into the area while taking the worst of the sunlight away. He sat down to the soft grass and crossed his legs before already searching for clean page from his journal.

Warriors soon came to sit behind the one eyed male… And leaned against him while resting his head on his brother’s shoulder. Time chuckled a bit and smiled fondly both at the little doodle of sorts he was creating as well as at his big brother’s actions.

The Captain sighed contently while having the golden yarn tightly between his hands.  He had already pulled his sleeves up while enjoying of the current era’s summer. He closed his eyes and just took in the calmness around him and the nicely warm day. The slight breeze was warm and getting some of the petals of the cherry tree’s flowers to fall off. It made nice and gentle rosy rain around them.

“I remember when we were like this in the war.” Time mused softly.

Warriors chuckled a bit. “I always feared I’d end up crushing you.”

Time chuckled, almost laughed while grinning. “I can take your weight anytime and any age.” He claimed boldly.

“I know you can, Sprite. I know you can.” Warriors mused softly. “It’s nice at here. Safe and calm.” He whispered quietly. “Why was it so hard to get into here?”

“To keep it as such.” Time answered without thinking. “The harder it is to get to here, the more certainly those deserving and needing this place get to here. And those will certainly know how sacred this place is and act accordingly.”

Warriors nodded a bit. “I can understand that reasoning. Keeps this place safe and sound, calm and beautiful.” He mused almost dreamily.

“Falling asleep there, big brother?” Time teased with a grin.

Warriors chuckled and shook his head. “No. Just enjoying of the moment.”

Time hummed in understanding before already bit grinning. “If you’re enjoying the lack of doing anything and just be, then you know what ‘calming down’ and ‘letting go’ mean.”

Warriors chuckled, almost laughed and nodded. “Got it.”

It took a while before the Captain sat up bit straighter and returned his notion into the tunic in his hands. Yet, only a moment later he glanced over his little brother’s shoulder to check on what he was doing. He chuckled as he saw the moment ago finished doodle. “Oh yeah, I remember that one.” He mused with a grin.

“You should. You started it.” Time pointed out with a grin while thinking back to that situation. The boys had bit teased Wild about one of his more unique piece of clothing he had along. He knew he should’ve stopped it but things had been calm and quite gentle in overall. Wild had retaliated by dropping whole bottle of Goron Spice into the food. Not that he minded. Spicy and hot food was nice change every now and then.

Warriors laughed and shrugged. “It was fun while it lasted.” He mused softly while thinking back to that incident. “Though, that food nearly burned my tongue.” He grimaced a bit.

Time chuckled and grinned. “Serves you right for your foolishness.” He told while leaning backwards to get to stick his tongue out at his big brother.

Warriors laughed and matched the grin. “You’re still a gremlin.” He pointed out mischievously. “Besides, you had a chance to stop it but you didn’t do a thing to do so.”

“Point taken.” Time replied with a fond smile while returning to doodle little memories of their quest to Malon. He would write the whole situation for each picture but right now he just wanted to draw.

They continued their ‘work’ in silence for a while until the Chain’s leader raised his gaze up when he heard the laughter of his boys. It took a moment for him to realize the splashing of water. His notion straight off went into the Fairy Pond but none of the younger Heroes were there. He sighed a bit in relief for them to be wise enough to stay out of the sacred water. After that his gaze searched out the other watery part.

Time smiled as he saw Wild, Wind, Hyrule and Legend playing in the smaller pond. They were splashing the water around while swimming and diving. Wolfie was laying close by and watching them having fun. Part of the one eyed male wished that his blood relative would just change forms and go join the others. Yet, he knew the four probably needed bit of supervising to make sure things didn’t get out of hand at there.

“All good?” Warriors inquired as he felt his little brother return to draw his little doodles.

“Absolutely perfect.” Time replied happily. “The boys are having fun together.” He told calmly while actually drawing the current situation down.

Warriors glanced at the fun the four Heroes were having. He smiled fondly at them before bit chuckling as he returned his notion into the delicate work of fixing the tunic’s embroidery. Time gave a questioning hum from behind him. “Just remembering that one situation back in the war.” The Captain mused with slight mischievous grin.

“Oh you mean the time I pushed you off that small bridge into the muddy ditch.” Time half queried, half mused while nodding. “That was fun.”

Warriors laughed and shook his head. “Gremlin.” He muttered underneath his breath. “No. I mean the time I threw you into the lake for much needed bath!”

Time chuckled and grinned. “The time I pulled you along, eh?” He nearly smirked mischievously.

“Not that either.” The war Hero playfully deadpanned. “The one where that damn King Dodongo almost ate you and you were all covered in drool. Sticky as hell. I thought it would never get off of you.”

Time burst out into laughter. “Oh right! That one time I pushed you off the way from getting squished by its front leg.” He mused with a wide grin while nodding. “Lot of fun that day.”

Warriors groaned and slumped backwards against his little brother. Time just chuckled and grinned while watching him. The war Hero opened one eye to see what the older male was up to. He ended up bit startled when his little brother pecked a swift kiss to the side of his head and smiled happily and widely at his action.

Warriors blinked once in surprise before already relaxing and smiling. “Love you, my little kitten.” He whispered softly.

Time gently pushed his head against the Captain’s like a cat while smiling fondly. “Love you too, big brother.” He mused happily while fully enjoying of the moment. He closed his eye and just relaxed while knowing he and Wars were keeping one another in their position by the fact of leaning against each other.

The Chain’s leader glanced at the pond every now and then just to keep check on his boys. Yet, there was no chance he’d get involved into the situation as he really wanted them to just have some fun and not worry about being a Hero and having heavy burden on their shoulders.

Slowly the background sound of the laughter, happy squeals and splashing calmed down. Time took a check around to see that the Chain had once again scattered around. Yet, this time it was to enjoy of the warm sunlight and to dry up. He knew Twilight was keeping close check on things so that no-one would end up getting sunburn and such.

“I remember that one time at the Fairy Meadow.” Time started quietly as he watched his boys enjoying of doing nothing. “We were as calm as we are now.” He mused softly.

“I admit that I hadn’t even known my Hyrule had such beautiful and calm place.” Warriors whispered while thinking back to that situation. “It was odd. The war was ranging on but at there… Such peace and calmness I had never felt before. It’s like at here. Like nothing exists beyond this place.”

Time nodded and rested his head on Warriors’ shoulder to look up at the flowers of the cherry trees. “Part of it is the Fairy Magic. And part of it is the fact that the area was so well secluded that the war’s sounds didn’t reach to there.” He explained and sighed contently while closing his eye. “This is like a world of its own.” Warriors just nodded in agreement.

The two of them just stayed like that for quite a while. Just leaning against each other while resting their heads on the other one’s shoulder. It was a perfect moment without even one bit of fear or worry. Neither fell asleep but both were just listening to the sounds of the nature and feeling the other one right by them.

“We rarely had this kind of moment in the war.” Time whispered after a while.

“True. And that’s the reason we should really just enjoy of this while it lasts.” Warriors replied quietly while having no interest of moving even one bit.

 “Time. Captain.” Wild suddenly called and startled both of his brothers. Neither had really paid attention into what was going on around them other than by subconscious mind to know if someone was in need of help.

The Champion bit flinched as he took the two most perceptive members of the Chain off guard. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to startle you two.” He apologized bit sheepishly before already offering two small treats to his two brothers. “Here. Something little to enjoy of before I make the evening meal.”

Time just gave a dismissive sound while bit shaking his hand. Yet, he blinked in surprise when the chocolate lollipop was brought into his notion. He blushed a bit while accepting the candy. “Thank you, Rascal.” He half whispered fondly.

Warriors sighed in relief after the startling before already giving a soft smile to his fellow Knight. Yet, he got another surprise as he saw the pack of cashews. His smile widened as he took the treat eagerly. “Thank you, Champion.”

“You’re welcome!” Wild beamed happily before heading back to the fireplace he had set up. He had already shared other little treats around his brothers. He would let them enjoy of those for a while before doing another round with different goods.

Time took a check around just to make sure everyone was enjoying of their own little treats. He smiled as he confirmed things to be as he hoped to. Besides that, everyone was awake and having gathered into small groups.

Sky had honey candy, Four had dried fruit pieces and Legend had honey glazed apples. The trio was by the same tree where the Chosen Hero and the Smithy had been. They were sharing a book and reading together.

Hyrule had berries by him and Wild had apple between his teeth. While the Traveler was fixing and braiding the Champion’s hair, the master archer was working with his Slate. He clearly was checking through his ingredients to figure out what to do for food while sticking with the theme he already had going.

Wind had fish shaped cookies and Wolfie had a bone he was gnawing on. The Sailor was combing the huge canine’s fur happily. Time bit chuckled while realizing that his descendant hadn’t yet changed even though he certainly could’ve gotten something better than a bone as a treat.

“I remember the first time you gave me a piece of chocolate and introduced me into the world of candies.” Time mused while happily licking the chocolate lollipop.

Warriors tried to suppress his chuckling but he couldn’t take off the grin from his voice. “Ah, yes, the day I gave you the sweet tooth.” He stated out before sighing happily. “Never regretted that.” He whispered softly.

“Most of your money went into chocolates and other candies after that while I was there.” Time chuckled with a grin.

“It was entirely worth it!” Warriors replied enthusiastically and carefully pulled off from the leaning.

Time replied into the action and held himself from crashing or following his brother’s action. Yet, the one eyed male could feel his brother staring at him soon afterwards. He opened his eye and bit checked over his shoulder to see that soft fond smile on the younger male’s face. He fought the slight happy grin off so he could give a raised eyebrow at him.

“The blissful look on your face was worth all the money used on those chocolates and candies.” Warriors told softly before already taking the earlier place back. “Still is, by the way.”

Time was bit taken off guard by that and he swiftly turned away while blushing. Yet, he couldn’t help but smile softly at the claim. He blinked once in surprise when he felt the war Hero lean against his back again. Yet, he soon sighed contently and returned to leaning against his big brother.

After the treats were enjoyed of, Time returned into doodling and Warriors picked up the tunic. They worked silently on their choice of activity without anything bothering their calm and happy moment. Like the others around them, they were in the world of their own with each other.

When Wild next time approached the head of the Chain, the duo was much more prepared for his visit. They already looked up at him before he got too close to take them off guard. The cook of the Chain smiled happily at them and nodded his greetings.

This time the Champion had a glass of strawberry milkshake for both of them. Yet, there was difference in them. The one he gave to Time had chocolate chips and two halves of strawberry while the one he gave to Warriors didn’t have any extras. “Enjoy~!” He nearly chirped after having given the glasses to his brothers. The duo only had a chance to give a fond smile and a nod before the master archer had already left back to the fireplace.

The head of the Chain happily and calmly enjoyed of their drinks in small sips. “I’ll never forget that confused, mistrusting and uncertain look you had whenever I introduced you to new little treats.” Warriors mused quietly. Time just chuckled a bit before humming in acknowledgement. “And then that shock, surprise and bliss when you got the actual taste.” The war Hero continued softly. He could imagine the fond look and slight blush on his little brother’s face. “I just wanted to keep that look on your face. So cute and full of life.”

“Lot has changed since then…” Time whispered bit sorrowfully.

“Not really.” Warriors claimed with slight shrug. “You still got that look.” He told fondly. “And I still want to keep you safe and sound. I still want to keep seeing you happy and well.”

Time pretty much melted into those claims and he smiled so very softly. Even after everything in his life, it still took him off guard when someone told how much they cared about him. He set the glass down and pulled off from leaning against Warriors. Yet, before the younger male could fully react properly, Time had already turned towards him and hugged him. “Thank you, big brother.” He whispered with voice bit thick from all the emotion he was feeling.

Warriors placed his own glass down before carefully turning around a bit in his little brother’s arms to hug him back. “Always, little one.” He replied softly.

They stayed like that for while before pulling off and returning to their drinks. Warriors checked his work and put few last finishing touches into there. Time picked his Journal and looked his little doodles through while numbering them to know what happened when to get them into right order.

Once done with their checking and the treats, Warriors just laid down to the soft grass. Time didn’t think twice as he laid his head down over him. He smiled happily when the war Hero started to gently pet his hair. Their gazes were in the blue sky seen through the two cherry trees’ branches and flowers.

Everything was calm and perfect all the way until Wild broke the serenity by his call of the food being ready. The eight Heroes stood up slowly and stretched while making their way over to the fireplace. Once having sat down to the logs around there, the Champion already shared out the plates and cutlery. The food stayed in line with what he had already been sharing: Crepes with honey, jams and berries.

After the mealtime was over, Time gave massages to his boys. Those were much needed and loved. They happily fetched their bedrolls and chose their places for the night. The place was safe and sound so no-one needed to stay up for nightshifts.

Warriors patiently waited for the Chain’s leader to be done with the work. After that he returned the favor and gave his little brother the massage he needed as much as everyone else. He smiled when the one eyed male purred beneath his hands.

Though, once the war Hero finished his work, he didn’t get to leave the spot. Time turned around with mischievous grin and grabbed his big brother. Warriors gave out startled yelp as he was yanked down right over the older male. Yet, he had no intentions of fighting himself free as his little brother held him tightly but lovingly.

Time was still purring while very much loving their current way of being. It was clear he wasn’t going to move from there for the night. Warriors just chuckled a bit and bit shifted to have a better position so he could return the hold. He smiled while closing his eyes and feeling his little brother calming down and relaxing as he fell asleep. “Wish I could’ve raised you, Sprite. It would’ve been a great honor to me.” The Captain thought before following his brothers into the dreamland.