Chapter Text
Of all the places a surprise portal could have landed them, the courtyard of a castle was not the worst one. Sure, there were plenty of armed soldiers in the middle of training who were quite alarmed by their arrival, but unlike a monster camp they weren’t attacked immediately. In fact, the weapons that were pointed at them were lowered almost as quickly, several voices calling out.
“Sir Link? Is that you, My Lord?”
Sky glanced around to check his fellow heroes. He supposed technically he was a Sir, being a knight, but this certainly wasn’t his Hyrule. Likely not Wild’s, either, with tall walls that were nevertheless worn with age, but also —
Wars got up to his feet, sparing a concerned glance at the very nauseous Four before dusting himself off, standing at attention. The soldiers around them did the same by reflex, and Sky thought he saw Wild fighting back the instinct to do the same. His past really decided to surface at the worst times, but at least he was not quite so vulnerable anymore.
“We need an audience with Her Majesty,” Wars said, his voice carrying easily across the yard. “As soon as possible. We cannot guarantee when the Goddess will call us away again, and I wish to update her on our quest.”
That seemed to break them out of their stupor. The highest-ranking soldier barked out a few orders, sending people scurrying off to presumably arrange for that. A few others approached the Chain.
“Is your friend all right?” a soldier asked Time who was fussing over Four. “Shall I call a healer?”
“I’m afraid there’s nothing to do except get him to rest,” Time sighed. “I don’t suppose you could show us somewhere to wait for a response from Her Majesty?”
Time might not have possessed the army commander voice, but he did have a sort of natural authority that made people all too happy to take his suggestions as orders. Wars clearly didn’t mind not being strictly in control, giving Time a somewhat relieved look. No wonder. While they’d been in Wars’ era before this was the first time they actually landed in Castle Town, never mind the castle itself. After what Wars had shared about the situation in his time, it was no wonder he wasn’t too enthusiastic about being here.
Still, it did mean they got the chance to speak with his Zelda. Hopefully that opportunity was worth the amount of stress it would no doubt put on his brother. And if things got difficult, well. Wars might have been their strategist, but he wasn’t the only Link capable of planning.
Soon enough they were away from the crowd, taking seats around a large room that was no doubt meant for receiving guests in a less formal setting. Four groaned as he collapsed on a couch, looking rather green around the metaphorical gills. Hyrule checked on him, ever responsible despite clearly still not feeling all right himself, then claimed the other end of the couch. The rest of them scattered about the room, happy to be somewhere relatively safe and peaceful for the moment.
Clearly the queen had been waiting for just such an occasion, as they didn’t have to wait too long until the door opened and a servant ushered her in. A Sheikah woman followed her in — Impa, no doubt — and then closed the door firmly behind herself, proceeding to check every door and window as though fearing a trap. Queen Zelda, however, had her attention firmly on Wars, who stood up at her approach.
“Sir Link.” There was a clearly regal air to this Zelda — Artemis, as Wars had started to call her for the sake of clarity — but the way that she moved made it clear she was also a fighter. “While I appreciate the updates you have given me through mail, I have to say it is good to see you with my own eyes.”
“Your Majesty.” Wars gave a small bow, but smiled as he straightened himself. “I’m afraid my comings and goings are not within my control these days.”
“Yes, I have understood as much.” She glanced around at the rest of the Chain. “At least I know you are in very good company. With some familiar faces, even.”
“Definitely!” Wind grinned. “Nice to see you again! You’ve got a fancier crown now.”
“I suppose you could say that.” She gave a calm nod, then turned her eyes to Time. “And I see someone else decided to grow up since we last met.”
“Guilty as charged.” Time chuckled. “I promise I’m way less likely to cause chaos these days.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Artemis turned back to Wars. “Now, I wish we could simply sit down and catch up, get to know everyone and perhaps discuss your mission in more detail. However, I’m afraid your arrival is ill-timed.”
“Oh?” Wars frowned, gesturing for her to sit down. She did so while Impa settled to stand nearby, looking only marginally more relaxed than before. “Have the black-blooded monsters started to approach Castle Town? We’ve fought them elsewhere in Hyrule, but this is our first time being deposited so close.”
“It’s a very different sort of trouble, I’m afraid.” Artemis’s smile disappeared. “There is a royal ball set to happen the day after tomorrow.”
Wars’ expression immediately went blank. Well, blank to most people, but Sky knew better. To someone who had spent so much time with him, to another Link, it was obvious he was hiding a sudden storm of anxiety and apprehension behind the calm.
“I’m sorry.” Artemis clearly saw through the mask as well, her eyes full of sympathy. “This really is the worst possible timing. If we had more time, I could find an excuse to send you out. If it were closer, we could argue you cannot be ready in time after being on the road. But this? Unless there is an active monster threat within the next day or so, there really is no socially acceptable way to explain your absence.”
“And as much as I hate the idea, I still wouldn’t wish for monster trouble when it might hurt innocents.” Wars pinched the bridge of his nose. “I have to say, I can’t find a way around it. Not one I’m willing to entertain, at least.”
“Are you actually expected to attend?” Hyrule frowned. “I thought you said you’d stepped back from public life. And you’re not active in the military anymore, right?”
“I am still the Hero,” Wars sighed. “That means I will always be something of a public figure. Sure, if I was out of town or at least staying out of sight, I wouldn’t be expected to make an appearance just for an event like this. However, given the circumstances of our arrival, everyone knows I’m around by now.”
“So if you’re a no-show, that will look bad on you and potentially the Queen.” Legend rubbed his temples. “Din’s tits, I hate royal politics. Politics in general, but royal politics especially.”
“This shouldn’t be your concern anymore.” Artemis shook her head, though she still looked worried. “You’ve given more than enough to this kingdom. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your peace as well, not anymore.”
“I’m not going to abandon you to the wolves, either.” Wars gave her a determined look, although his scent was full of wary-distress-flee. He wasn’t this concerned even when faced with a full monster camp.
“Besides, he’s not alone.” Four grinned from the couch, a look that might have passed for cheerful if not for the bloodthirsty look in his eyes. It was, Sky decided, significantly better than pale and queasy. “We’ve been planning for this ever since he told us about the circumstances of his retirement.”
“You have?” Wars looked genuinely surprised. Sky wasn’t sure why; obviously they would want to be prepared to keep their packmate safe.
“Of course. There was always a chance of a fancy ball or something, and we weren’t about to let you get harassed.” Sky smiled. “Now, just having a bunch of other heroes at the party should help keep some of the pressure off you. However, we thought that since this is about you, having an actual strategy was only appropriate.”
“We’re going for a two-pronged attack.” Time smirked, a glint of mischief in his one eye. “Our more social heroes will be doing their best to draw as much attention as they can. The rest of us will make sure you’re never left alone.”
“And we’re prepared to get intimidating if needed.” Twilight’s smile was all teeth. “Ah. Assuming Her Majesty allows it, of course.”
“For Link’s safety and comfort? I have no complaints.” Artemis nodded. “I will ask that you not draw blood unless someone else starts it, but aside from that, please protect him where I can’t.”
Wind was all but bouncing. “So you also won’t complain if we make ourselves the center of attention? Dress up and act important and such?”
“My friends, I will personally make sure you have access to the royal tailors if you are in need of more eye-catching attire.”
“That would certainly be appreciated.” Sky nodded. “Of course, Wild likely has something fitting for the occasion, but the rest of us aren’t quite so well prepared.”
‘I simply plan to be worthy of my title.’ Wild gave a haughty sniff, fighting a smile. ‘Royalty from another era should be interesting for all the gossipers.’
“I’m glad to let you take on that role,” Legend grumbled. As Wars glanced at him, he snorted. “In case it wasn’t clear, I’m on intimidation duty. I’m way less likely to stab someone if I don’t have to try to play nice.”
“Minimizing stabbings would be preferable, yes.” Wars sounded a little stunned. “You’re all okay with doing this? Really?”
“What, you thought we’d let you get harassed? No way!” Wind leaped over to pull him into a hug. “I’m going to have fun sharing all my best pirate stories.”
“Indeed. I am also looking forward to socializing instead of a battle for once.” Besides, he was well aware of his temper. Was there a chance of, say, Legend or Twilight getting overly protective if someone did harass Wars? Obviously. However, Sky had no delusions about his own ability to hold back in such a situation. Better that he be across the room working the charm.
“I’m not good at either being scary or being social, so I’ll hang with Wild to interpret his signs as needed,” Hyrule added. “It’s going to make Wild seem even more mysterious and interesting, and means I don’t have to worry about what to say myself.”
‘And I get to dress him up!’ Wild beamed. ‘If anyone else wants to borrow some of my accessories, just say so. I have plenty.’
“Don’t suppose you have any spare collars?” Four asked. “I feel like this is as good an excuse as any to wear one for the first time.” He made a face. “I might not be physically mature enough by my era’s standards yet, but damn it, I’m an adult. I want to dress like one for once.”
“And I’m sure it doesn’t hurt that in this era it will be seen as a sign that you’re spoken for.” Twilight grinned. “I’m sure Wild and Wind will be happy to take a few pictures for you to show off to Shadow later.”
Four spun on his heel to point a finger at Twilight. “I know you’re teasing, but you know what? Yes, I want that. I’m going to get dressed up nice and have pictures taken, and I’m also going to stick around Wars all night and take my frustration out on any creeps who try to get too cozy.”
“Now, if you are all to appear as guests of Her Majesty, there will have to be official announcements,” Impa pointed out. “As you are not of this era, you will have to provide your own names and titles. That could be a further avenue of dividing the attention.”
“Oh, that could certainly work.” Sky grinned. “I can think of a few I can genuinely claim that will guarantee people will be flocking to speak with me.”
‘Absolutely’. Wild’s eyes sparkled. ‘I won’t pull out the full list from my wedding, but some highlights would work well.’
“Yeah, you do that.” Legend looked sour. “I’ll have a sizable list if I just mention all my quests.” Of course none of them expected him to bring up his royal connection, but he did have a point about all his adventures.
“Oh!” Artemis turned to him. “From that, I’m assuming you are Ravio’s Mr. Hero? He was all too happy to tell everyone how many adventures you had taken part in. How is he doing these days? I’m afraid Link’s letters have merely mentioned that he had met Ravio along your new adventure.”
For all that Legend pretended to stay gruff, there was no mistaking the soft look in his eyes now. “He was doing well last time we were in my era. As energetic as always, even when he should be taking it easy.”
“Oh?” Artemis leaned forward. “And is there a reason he might be in need of rest?”
“Ah.” Legend’s cheeks actually flushed, if only slightly. “Actually, it turns out he’s expecting. Which obviously makes me all the more eager to bring an end to this quest.”
“I’ll say! I must offer my congratulations.” Artemis smiled. “Impa, we must make sure to send a suitable gift along before our heroes leave again.”
“Certainly.” Impa gave an extremely serious nod. “Nothing else would suffice for the child of two heroes.”
Well, they had certainly solidified their place on Legend’s woefully short list of tolerable people. He was always in favour of people giving Ravio the appreciation he deserved.
The next day and a half were filled with tailor appointments, meetings with royal scribes, and trying to avoid any other social occasions. The Chain took the opportunity to rest after their latest stretch on the road while also doing their best to keep Wars from getting too stressed. At least Artemis was being an excellent help with the last point, spending every free moment with him to get updated on both their mission and his life during his absence.
Now there was no way of avoiding stress. Artemis was already in the ballroom, receiving her guests. The heroes were standing in the hall outside, waiting for their turn.
“Right.” Wars drew a deep breath, turning to the rest of them. “Now, I’ll be going first, since I’m the current hero. After that, we’ll go in order — first Sky and the smith, then each timeline in turn, and finally Wild. Wait to be announced, then step inside, walk up to bow at Her Majesty, and then come to the side to join me. …If any of you are hoping to run, this is your last chance.”
Twilight snorted, arms crossed over his chest. “Not a chance. We’re not leaving you on your own. Unless you’re worried of us being boorish yokels and embarrassing you, of course.”
“You don’t have hay in your hair, I’d say we’re already doing well.” Legend rolled his eyes, but they all knew he was mostly covering up his own nerves. Sky couldn’t blame him; even if his connection to Fable was a secret, he clearly had less than ideal experiences with royal functions.
And yet he was here because he wanted to support Warriors. Which was how they all knew he was really a softy deep inside.
A court page waved at Wars, and he drew a deep breath, walking up to the door. He looked brilliant in his dress uniform, hair carefully coiffed and every last button polished to a shine, a sword on his belt that might have been ceremonial on anyone else but was very much functional. Sky knew they sometimes teased him about his appearance, but he was very much deserving of all the compliments. Standing there, waiting to be announced so he could enter, Wars was every inch the hero.
As much as Sky wished there had been no need for further heroes after him, h was truly, deeply proud of every one of rhe people who had taken up the mantle after him.
“Royal Marshall Sir Link Fort, Hero of Warriors, Protector of the Realm, Marquis of the Rifts and Chosen of the Master Sword!”
Well! Wars had mentioned receiving a fancy title in honor of his not so voluntary retirement, but he had never said what that title had been. Was it the military title, the aristocratic one, or perhaps both? None of it truly fit him, though. Sky doubted his nickname of Captain would change any time soon.
He had no chance of discussing these revelations with the other heroes, though. After all, he was next, taking his spot at the doors.
Queen Artemis had been true to her word, making sure they all had the chance to speak with the royal tailors to make sure they had appropriate clothing. Sky had chosen to go for a mixture of his knight’s uniform and the more casual clothes he preferred. He was wearing simple green pants, although the boots he was wearing were new and shiny. His tunic, however, was a soft white with blue embroidery along the edges, familiar yet more elaborate than his clothes from home. A silken red shash around his waist and matching ruby earrings, courtesy of Wild, completed the look.
Well, that, and Fi on his back. Impa had agreed with them that a sword was an expected part of the outfit for a hero, which meant all of them but Wild were visibly armed. Which meant they all were armed, really, with how easily Wild could summon a blade from his slate as needed. Still, Sky was well aware that he carried the most impressive weapon, and the people in this era were bound to know that.
“Sir Link of Skyloft, Hero of the Skies, Beloved by Hylia, Vanquisher of Demise, Godslayer, Conqueror of the Silent Realm, Forger of the Master Sword, Blessed of the Golden Three, Slayer of the Imprisoned!”
The list was a bit pompous, but well, that was very much the purpose. Unlike some of his fellow heroes, Sky had no problem with chatting even with strangers, hence his assignment on the social side of things. Accordingly he walked in with his head held high, ignoring the obvious whispers that only intensified as they caught sight of Fi.
This was the easy part. Walk from the door to the throne, bow at Queen Artemis and receive her greeting, then step to the side to stand next to Wars. This meant he had an excellent vantage point to observe the rest of their group arriving one by one.
“Sir Link Martel, Hero of the Minish and of the Four Sword, Vanquisher of Vaati, Slayer of the Demon King, Forger of the Four Sword, Light to the Shadow!”
The last part was definitely a recent addition. A well-earned one, though.
True to his word, Four had refused to dress for his apparent age. His hair was up in a simple bun wrapped in ribbons, and he was wearing a white collar with gemstones of multiple colors decorating it, courtesy of Wild’s selection. In place of his usual quartered tunic he wore a deep grey sleeveless vest with golden designs embroidered into it, the billowy sleeves of the white shirt underneath gathered under leather cuffs that were purely decorative yet reminiscent of his bracers. The front of the vest came down to below his knees in the manner of an apron, his usual practical leggings replaced by white culottes that flared out like a skirt as he walked. The Four Sword was secured on his back. Even if this wasn’t entirely according to the local fashion, the message was clear: their smith might have been short and not quite physically mature yet, but he was also an adult and an omega and he wanted to make both facts clear to anyone who saw him.
His choice of tunic color also reminded them all of Shadow, which was no doubt the whole reason. They absolutely had to get pictures of this. That, and get him a more practical collar to wear on the road if he decided he wished to keep doing so. Of course Wild has already declared it was Four’s to keep, but white silk was less than ideal while traveling.
Four greeted the queen and then joined the two of them, standing at the front by virtue of his height. Sky gave him a small smile, receiving a brief smirk in return. Oh yes, Four was ready for his social guard duty.
“Sir Link Lon Lon of the Kokiri, Hero of Time, Savior of Termina, Moonslayer, Wielder of Godly Might, and Forefather of Heroes!”
“He definitely owes us that moon story, now,” Sky murmured at Wars and Four. “He’s the one who decided to put it in his titles, he doesn’t get to be mysterious anymore.”
Time was the least changed from his usual appearance, his armor being quite impressive once it had been properly cleaned and polished. He had at least let them fuss over his hair beforehand, but that was all. Which was fine; the combination of scars, armor, and the massive sword on his back were more than enough to impress the public.
Sky was rather satisfied to see everyone looking at Time with wary apprehension. He wondered if anyone besides the queen recognized him as the little Mask from the war. From the stories they’d heard from Warriors and Wind, he had been quite different in personality.
“Sir Link Lowell of Ordon, Hero of Twilight, Slayer of the Dark Beast, the First Divine Beast, Liberator of the Twilight Realm, and Beloved of Midna!”
Twilight had argued — and, in fact, won the argument — that keeping his wolf pelt would serve him well in appearing more intimidating. While they’d given in on that, he had at least agreed to wear a new tunic, pants, and boots. The effect was rather striking; a hero clad in practical but well-made clothes yet carrying the pelt of a beast. The way he walked only completed the effect, closer to the stalk of an experienced hunter than the march of a soldier. The smirk he flashed just before bowing to the queen, with teeth just a bit too sharp and gleaming, completed the effect.
“Link of Outset, Hero of Wind, Hero of the Great Seas, Founder of New Hyrule, Slayer of Ganon, Reforger of the Hero’s Spirit, Wielder of the Phantom Sword!”
Wind entered with a confident swagger, hair gleaming like gold and his grin even brighter. He had been delighted to get the tailors to create a flashier version of a captain’s coat from his time in bright blue and golden buttons; Sky had no doubt he’d insist on taking it with him for later use. His boots had large, dramatic cuffs and gleaming buckles, heels clicking against the floor with every step. Even his bow to the queen was dramatic, all pomp and flare and a sweeping arm, and as he stood up afterwards Sky could have sworn he had grown a couple of inches just since this morning.
“Sir Link Appleton, Hero of Legend, the Bane of Ganon, Protector of the Golden Realm, Hero of Labrynna, Hero of Holodrum, Hero of Hytopia, Hero of Lorule, Master of Ages, Dreamwalker!”
The list was impressive, yet Sky suspected Legend would have preferred to keep it shorter. The problem was, while he wasn’t personally known in this era, Ravio certainly was, and he had regaled people with many tales of his dear Mr. Hero. No matter how much he would have preferred to skip a few of the titles, Legend couldn’t escape his fame even here.
For all that he claimed not to be going for attention, Legend couldn’t quite help but dress well. He was wearing a fine tunic in a deep shade of gold, one that Sky suspected would absolutely shine next to Ravio’s favorite shade of purple. White embroidery formed twisting vines along the edges of the tunic, and all his rings and other accessories were polished to shining. The only slightly less than perfect part of his outfit were the Pegasus boots he was wearing, and even those were striking enough in their bright red to hide the fact they were clearly well worn.
“Link the Fair, Hero of Hyrule, Reforger of the Triforce, Scourge of Evil, Friend of the Fey, and Master of Magic!”
Wild had been all too happy to coordinate with the royal tailors to make their healer both impressive and comfortable, and Sky had to admit they’d done an excellent job. The outfit wasn’t too different from his usual gear, with a tunic, undershirt, and leggings with boots. However, the quality was miles above what he wore on the road, with rich fabrics and subtle patterns embroidered in thread that nearly matched the color of the clothing. At a glance the clothes looked plain, but when the thread caught light just so it shimmered and glinted.
What was not at all subtle was the shine of gemstones from the ruby circlet and earrings Wild had lent him, glimmering with every step he took through the hall and echoing the jewels on his magic sword. Sky could have sworn Hyrule himself glowed, a faint aura lingering about him that all but screamed magic and power.
Good. For all that Hyrule tended to avoid attention, he was just as much a hero, and just as worthy of admiration, as everyone else in the Chain.
As Hyrule joined the rest of them, the Chain, along with the rest of the crowd, turned to the entrance once again. Sky couldn’t help but grin. He was sure Wild would make an impression.
“His Royal Highness Sir Link of Lanayru, Prince Consort of the Zora, Hero of the Wilds, Destroyer of the Calamity, The Twice-Risen Hero, Freer of the four Divine Beasts, the Hylian Champion, Dragonrider, and Royal Knight Defender of the Queen of Hyrule!”
When Wild had declared his intention to draw all attention possible, Sky had known they would all be impressed. Even so, he couldn’t help but grin as they all watched their brother’s arrival. Of course, so did everyone else in the massive room. The announcement was more than enough to turn heads, and once they caught sight of Wild there was no way to look away.
Wild had his hair set up in elaborate braids, beads carved of luminous stone and precious gems glittering among the golden strands. He was wearing a circlet of silver vines, three crescent-shaped sapphires set into the Zora emblem in the middle. The colors were echoed in the collar around his neck, delicate and shining despite the fact he hardly ever took it off even on the road. It must have been enchanted to the high heavens, Sky mused. Good. Wild more than deserved it.
The rest of his outfit was just as showy. A blue-green tunic embroidered with silvery designs with sheer sleeves covered most of his scars, though some still snaked up the side of his neck and face. A loose pair of paints shimmered like flowing water, tiny scales — either fish or Zora, Sky couldn’t tell from the distance — glittering in the lights of the ballroom. A small capelet was attached to his shoulders with white brooches made of what looked an awful lot like shark teeth. The outfit was completed with the addition of silvery chains and glittering gemstones everywhere, from the large sapphire drops on his ears to the tiny pearls lining the hem of his tunic. Even with the scars, he was an absolute beauty.
“That Sidon of his is one lucky fish,” Twilight murmured, and Sky bit back a laugh. He had to agree, though. He couldn’t really see Wild as anything but a brother even if he hadn’t been perfectly happy in love with his Zelda, but he was also not blind.
“And yet I suspect he’s not the most beautiful man present in your opinion,” Sky teased, nudging Twilight in the side. That earned him a grumble, though it also made Twilight flush and give a reflexive glance in the direction of Wars. Sky couldn’t help but grin even wider.
He hoped Twilight could work it out sooner or later. Sky had a feeling it would make both him and Wars happier in the long run. And if Hylia wouldn’t allow them to remain together, well, Sky had every intention of bringing the issue up with Herself.
Of course, before that could happen they had to get through the night without anyone harassing Wars.