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Hyrule cautiously looked around this new Hyrule. Birds flew overhead and greenery covered the land. To an average onlooker the whole place looked lively and beautiful. But Hyrule was not an average onlooker. Instead he felt dread.

This Hyrule reminded him of his own. An apocalyptic wasteland where evil had almost won. There was a weight here. Magic he just couldn’t place draped over it. It made him shiver despite the bright sun.

Warriors sighed and put a hand over his eyes as he looked up. “Suppose we might be getting a new hero.”

Legend groaned, having just left his home. “Of course.”

Hyrule tried for a smile despite the uneasiness of the world. “Hopefully he won't fight us that much?”

”If they do, good for them,” grumbled Legend.

”Well we’re not going to find him if we stay here,” said Wind. “Let’s go!”

The four of them followed Wind as he bounded through the trees. As Hyrule looked around he couldn’t help the feeling they were being watched. As he peered through the undergrowth he swore he saw the flash of something small move by. His fairy senses were tingling. He could feel the nature magic that seeped off every leaf and trunk. He tried to shrug the feeling off. It was probably just curious fae. Yet it didn’t sit well paired with the weight of this new Hyrule.

Time glanced back at him. His face was unreadable but he slowed down to walk by Hyrule. “I suppose you feel it too don’t you?”

Hyrule blinked. “Yeah,” he muttered.

Time stared off into the distance. “I’ve felt this before: this underlying dread.”

”What does it mean?”

Time shook his head sadly. “Nothing good.”

Hyrule looked at where Wind had slowed to a happy bounce. Warriors was chiding him on running off without them. “What should we do?”

”Nothing for now,” said Time. “This is something for the hero to deal with.”

That didn’t make Hyrule feel better. This feeling, it was too big for one person. It felt wrong to let it stay yet he didn’t think they’d be able to do anything about it either.

Eventually they made their way out of the forest. In the distance they could see the smoke of chimneys. Ready to ask about for the hero, their group headed off towards the unseen town.

When they arrived they were stopped by guards. “Halt!” one cried. “Who are you strangers?”

They exchanged glances. “Uh,” said Warriors. “We’re a group of travelers from afar. We were curious about the hero.”

The guards’ faces paled. “Are you sure?” asked the other, timidly.

”What?” demanded Legend. “Is there something wrong with them?”

”Uh… Of course not. It’s just…”

“Why do you want the hero?” The guard said the word ‘hero’ strangely.

“We have a quest we would like some help on,” said Time stepping up.

The first guard bit his lip. “We’ll alert the castle.”

”Just be aware,” said the more shy one. “The hero isn’t what you expect.”

”We’ll be okay, thank you,” said Time coolly.

The five of them continued on into the town as the first guard ran to the castle. Hyrule shuddered from all the looks they received from the townsfolk. They didn’t seem angry, per say, more curious and fearful. It made him sad to see young children shushed by their mothers fearfully as townspeople wordlessly walked by each other. He’d been so happy when he’d gone to other, happier, Hyrules. This Hyrule did not look happy.

Hyrule looked up at the castle. He could see that a part of it had been recently destroyed, but it seemed that the whole of it was also going through restorations. However there was something else that was present. The same dark magic that cloaked the whole of Hyrule seemed to come from the palace. He’d sensed it on the nervous guards and felt its presence in the villagers’ day to day lives. Yet nothing looked off at all. Only the people’s strange behavior was what indicated anything was off and that was normal in Hyrule’s era.

“It’s quite a quiet town,” remarked Time. “Everyone is minding their own business.”

Legend scowled at the castle. “I don’t like it.”

”But I thought you loved people minding their own businesses,” said Warriors.

Legend glared at him.

Hyrule’s eyes continued to whisp around. “Do you think we should have heeded the guards’ warnings?”

Legend snorted, although he still seemed to dislike the castle. “My knights would have said the same thing. Being a hero doesn’t mean that people like you.”

”Okay…” said Hyrule hesitantly. He still felt like something was wrong.

Soon the crowd of people started to clear. Townsfolk rushed to get inside and any children that were around were ushered into any house available. The five heroes were the remaining people.

A young short boy made their way to them. He wore a tunic clad in four colors and a strange smile on his face.

”Hello,” he said, as he stopped in front of them. “I believe you are looking for me.”

Besides him, Legend froze. As Hyrule glanced at him he saw a flicker of fear cross his predecessor’s face. In fact all of them were just as silent. Even the normally loud Wind was.

Eventually Warriors spoke up. “I assume you’re the hero?”

The boy smiled, almost cruelly. “You assumed right. I heard you wanted my help with something.”

Wind nodded, seeming to have recovered. “That’s right. Another adventure! By the way, how old are you?”

The new hero raised an eyebrow. “About sixteen. I simply have stunted development.”

“Aw,” said Wind. “I was hoping for someone younger than me.”

”I can assure you I will be much older than you. Now what was this about a new adventure?”

”We’re all heroes from across time,” said Warriors. “We believe we’re being brought together to fight some big evil. We’re not sure yet.”

”I see.” The new hero made no acknowledgment of the strange story. “Well, I am packed already; it's best we be going.”

Hyrule looked at his sword with its strange pommel. It seemed to swirl with purple although it was hard to tell in the bright light. 

The new hero walked through them and led the way. “We’ll look for signs of this ‘great evil’ throughout my Hyrule.”

The five of them filed after the new hero. Hyrule still couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. The new hero seemed to radiate it. But Hyrule pressed on. This was another hero after all. He just had to ignore the looks of terror from the people peering behind curtains.

Warriors had always found Four strange. Not in the way they were all strange but in a way that made his skin crawl and reminded him of the war. Perhaps it was rude to think that way of another hero but he felt it nonetheless.

”Hey Captain,” said Four, their purple eyes bearing into his soul. “What do you think of traitors?”

Warriors growled. “A traitor to Hyrule deserves to die,” he said just like he’d learned to.

Four cocked their head at him. “I see.”

”Ooh,” said Wind. “Are we talking about traitors?”

”I guess we are now,” said Warriors.

”I remember when Lineback got possessed and I had to fight him. He wasn’t a traitor but it still wasn’t very fun.”

Warriors recalled the days of the war and the spell that had overcome many soldiers and caused them to turn against their crown. It haunted him to this day but not as much as the ones who’d chosen to turn.

”Me next! Me next!” Wild waved their hand in the air. Twilight sighed. “So you all know about the Yiga right?”

The very word of their existence made Warriors’s blood boil. They were a so called clan of traitors who’s only goal seemed to be killing Wild.

A course of “yeah”s went around the campfire in response to Wild’s question.

”Well, they try to kill me everyday, which isn’t much of a big deal ‘cause they’re easy to spot-“

”You really shouldn’t be this calm about this,” muttered Twilight exasperatedly.

”-but they love bananas. Which I don’t get. Like, yeah, bananas are fine but worth having piles and piles of, nah.”

”Champion, you literally have hundreds of bananas in your Sheikah Slate,” said Warriors.

Wild stuck his tongue out. “I’ve been in their base before and it’s not that cool. But I’ve been thinking of getting some Yiga armor and going in undercover.”

Twilight pinched his nose. “Please don’t.”

”Sounds cool!” cried Wind.

”I also have a group trying to hunt me down and kill me,” said Hyrule, far too unconcerned.

“What,” said Legend, not beating the softy allegations. “Who?”

Hyrule shrugged. “Just a group of monsters. They call themselves the eyes of Ganon, I think. They want to use me to revive Ganon.”

Legend scowled. “Remind me to kill a few of these guys when we get to your Hyrule next.”

“Ha! The veteran’s being softttttt,” said Wind.

Legend blushed. “Shut up.”

Four was looking at the campfire, their face carefully blank. “Why did they become traitors?”

”What?” asked Warriors. A trickle of coldness crept down his spine.

”Their motives.”

”Hmmm,” thought Wild. “I think the Yiga were part of the Sheikah like a thousand years ago but split off when the King ordered the destruction of their Sheikah tech.”

”Is that not a fair reason?”

Warriors’s stomach churned. He didn’t like what Four was saying.

”Eh. I don’t really care. They just keep trying to kill me and are annoying.”

”Please, don’t just refer to them as just annoying. They literally want to murder you,” muttered Twilight.

“A traitor to the crown is still a traitor to the crown. No matter their motives they need to be taken down,” said Warriors.

Four looked him in the eyes. “Do you really believe that?”

Twilight sneaked away from the camp. No one seemed to notice other than Time, but that was okay since Time no doubt knew what he was leaving for. 

Once Twilight was what he deemed a safe enough distance from camp he let the dark magic of his shadow crystal overtake him. He started to make his way back to camp, sniffing the air instinctively as he did so. Hyrule had taken a big hit last battle and he seemed like he needed cheering up. Hyrule tended to feel worthless when he couldn’t actively offer something of value. It made Twilight sad but at least some cuddles with Wolfie was bound to make him feel better.

Suddenly a scent filled his nostrils. His ears stilled in preparation and he scanned the treeline.

Out of the trees emerged Four, almost as if he’d been part of the shadows. Four looked down at him. Dark magic seemed to pour from Four and Twilight’s fur prickled.

”Hello Rancher,” said Four as if they hadn’t just revealed they knew about Twilight's secret.

Twilight woofed in surprise.

Four raised their eyebrows. “It is quite obvious. Your markings are the same as well as you reek of dark magic.”

Twilight started to feel a bit bashful.

”Do not worry,” said Four. “I will not share your secret with anyone. There is no reward in doing so. Besides, that would make me a hypocrite.” Their normally impassive face grew into a twisted grin. “I use shadow magic comfortably as well.”

Twilight nudged Four’s chest. Four pat Twilight soothingly. “It is not something you would have to worry about either.”

Something about the way they said it made Twilight feel like goosebumps were going up and down his skin.

”Let us go back to the camp together,” said Four, their hand still in Twilight’s fur. “If anyone asks, I left the rancher to have some alone time.”

Twilight barked thankfully and gratefully leaned into the small Hylian as they walked back together.

”We’re going to split up,” said Warriors. “Try and stay in groups of two and come back to the inn before the sun sets. If you blow all your rupees on unimportant stuff that’s your own fault. Now good bye I need to go to the spa.”

Legend snorted. “I’m sure it’s exhausting keeping up that pretty boy appearance every day,” he called after Warriors’s quickly retreating back.

”Shut up!” he called back.

Legend rolled his eyes. He looked around at the others. Hyrule and Wild had chosen to go shopping together and Twilight was not so subtly trailing them. Sky had already disappeared, swept away by a current of people. Wind had bound off to the shop that had caught his eye the moment they stepped into the town. Time muttered something about needing a spa day too and walked off. 

And Four was staring at him.

Legend immediately avoided their eyes. He couldn’t look at Four without feeling a surge of guilt. Sure it was rude to avoid them but Legend had made his whole thing being rude. Just because he’d been scolded on it multiple times did not mean he was going to stop.

Quickly he tried to duck away and go spend the rupees Ravio constantly sent him. Unfortunately he wasn’t fast enough. Four walked after him and cornered him in a small alley.

Four’s purple eyes looked straight through Legend. “You have been avoiding me,” they said simply.

“So what?” said Legend. “We can fight together just fine.”

”I want to know why.”

Legend gulped. “Why should I tell you?” he asked even though he knew Four rightfully deserved to hear the reason.

Four’s eyes glinted darkly. “Because you want to.”

Legend scoffed nervously. “Where’d you get that idea?”

”You feel guilty and I want to know why.”

Legend glanced to his sides: no escape. He sighed. “Fine. But don’t interrupt me.”

Four tilted their head but said nothing.

”On my first adventure I ran into this dungeon. Inside were four swords, each of their pommels a different color: green, red, blue and purple.”

”Violet,” Four corrected. Legend glared at them.

”They also held a darkness in them, one that swirled in their pommels. Using all four of the swords I was able to get into the fifth area. There I had to fight four dark links, one for each sword.” Legend shook off the memory of being far too young and staring down the darks. The green one had been the easiest; sometimes it even seemed like it didn’t even want to fight him. The red one had been next. Its movements had been almost telegraphed and Legend had to avoid looking at it, lest he fall into the sea of sadness in its eyes. The blue one had been powerful and strong, rage radiated from it. Legend had almost died and upon trying to recover the purple one had shown up. It was the worst of the four and it seemed to take pleasure in how Legend had had to use two fairies to survive. Legend was convinced to this day that the purple one had let him win in some sort of twisted plan. 

“After I just barely defeated them a new sword appeared—a mix of all four. I left it there because despite the purification I still could feel the dark power from before within it.”

Four was looking at him carefully, a smile almost seemed to tug at their lips. “You believe that was me then?”

Legend didn’t meet their eyes, they reminded them too much of the ones of the darks in that tomb. “Yes.”

”I believe you are right,” said Four, making no show that they felt discomfort from learning of their death. “I am assuming that the violet one was the most difficult.”

Legend narrowed his eyes. “Yes.”

Four hummed. “Thank you for telling me this. You can go and buy what you want now.” And with that Four turned around and disappeared, almost seeming to slink into the shadows.

Legend was left standing alone in the alley, a trickle of dread—much like the one at the dungeon—spreading to the tips of his body.

Wind shuffled through his bag. He pulled out a doll and placed it on his bedroll. It was the newest one he’d bought: from Time’s Hyrule. It had red hair and a dress much like that of the Greudo he’d seen. Time had told him that it was supposed to be a pirate but Wind didn’t think it looked like one. Nonetheless it was cute and Aryll would definitely love it.

Granted recently she’d been enjoying Tetra’s more violent gifts, but he was her brother surely she’d appreciate these gifts. After all, Wind had been collecting a doll from each Hyrule. He was almost done with his collection—lacking one only from Four and Hyrule’s.

He reached into his bag again and pulled out the other dolls. Warriors’s one was not looking too good. Wind carefully smoothed down its hair and dug through his bag to grab the matching accessory. 

“What is all this for?” asked Four, sitting down across from Wind on their bedroll.

Wind put down the doll from Warriors’s Hyrule. “They’re for my sister. I’m getting her a doll from each of your eras.”

A flash of something—sadness perhaps?—crossed Four’s eyes. “How many do you have already?”

“All but yours and the traveler’s.” He started to point at each doll. “This one’s Warriors’s, that one’s Wild’s, that’s Twilight’s, that’s Legend’s, this is Sky’s, and this is Time’s.”

Four looked at them and hummed. “They are cute. I might get something like that for my brother.”

Wind’s eyes lit up. “You have a brother?!”

”Brothers, in fact. They are a pain.”

”Siblings normally are.”

Four smiled. “Do not worry. I have taken care of them.”

Wind was practically bouncing with excitement. “I take care of Aryll too! Grandma takes care of both of us but she’s getting too old now so when she can’t I do.” He put his hands on his hips proudly. “I’m the best big brother.”

Four looked a bit sad. “I am sure you are.”

Wind put his hands on Four’s. “Tell me about your brothers! What are they like? Are they older or younger?”

”In a manner of speaking we are all the same age.”

”Woah,” said Wind. “Are you, what’s the word, twins? Trins?”

”Quadruplets would be the word you are looking for. And not exactly.” They shrugged. “It is too complicated to explain to you.”

”Well, what are their names?”

Four’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “It is a secret. Perhaps you can guess something.”

”Hmmmm. John? Scot? Garret? Eryll? Ooh, are you all named Link?”

”In a way.”

”Wait really? Isn’t that confusing?”

”We also have our own separate names,” said Four. “Which I will not tell you either,” they added, upon seeing Wind’s face.

Wind sighed disappointedly. “Then what about their personalities? I wanna know what they’re like.”

”Loyal and angry, a leader and calm, and emotionally sensitive and emotionally intelligent.” They paused. “And logical and cunning, I suppose.”

“Can we meet them when we go to your era?” Wind was vibrating with excitement. He wasn’t the only one with actual siblings. Sure, Twilight had the children of Ordon, but their relationship wasn’t that of siblings in a traditional sense. Warriors also had a few sisters but since he was all grown up and boring stuff like that he didn’t see them often. Linkle was fun to talk with though.

Four smiled, a smile that sent a chill down his spine. “Do not worry. You will meet them.”

Sky sat on the edge of Skyloft, right next to the cemetery. The others were exploring his home. He spotted Wind riding with Groose and Twilight cuddling with all the Remlits on the island. It was peaceful here and he loved it.

To his side lay the Master Sword and inside it the spirit that had helped him throughout his adventure. Sky smiled at Fi and unsheathed her, resting a hand on her grip.

”Hello Master. How can I be of assistance?”

”I don’t need anything. I just… wanted to talk, ya know?” said Sky.

“I believe I do.”

”I’m just so happy that we get to see each other again,” sighed Sky. “I thought that once I returned your sword I’d never talk to you again.”

”I believed the same thing Master. I was supposed to go into a deep sleep but this quest has awakened me. I am glad to talk to and assist you again.”

”Were you awake during the other’s adventures?”

”I was only semi-conscious of what happened during my other Masters’ journeys. I was unable to talk to them and could only offer assistance through the power of my sword.”

”Oh,” said Sky. “Then what about Legend’s sword, his tempered sword. He said that it used to be the Master Sword. Can you sense yourself in it?”

“I am there—sleeping. I am only glad that I can prove to be more useful to him, although it saddens me to know that there are heroes that I do not assist.”

Sky tried for a reassuring smile. “We all survived and saved Hyrule. And you still were a massive help when you could. I don’t think I would have survived without you. I don’t think I really got to thank you completely before you had to go.”

”You are the goddess’s chosen hero. I am honored to help you and will continue to do so.”

Sky looked out at the sky and the Loftwings swooping around it. “Thank you.”

”Of course Master.”

”You are talking to Fi, correct?” Four’s voice caused Sky to jump slightly. He removed his hand from the Master Sword and turned around. Four stood in front of him, looking at Fi curiously.

”You surprised me.” Sky chuckled softly. “Yes. I am. She was a great help during my journey and I really care about her.”

“How does it work?”

Sky cocked his head. “What works?”

”Being a sword spirit.” Four sat down next to him, looking at the Master Sword but avoiding it just like they did every day.

”Oh. I don’t know. I can ask her if you want. I know you don’t like touching the Master Sword.” When Four had refused to touch the Master Sword upon meeting them it had made Sky feel uneasy. He’d shrugged it off though. Time wasn’t a fan of Fi and Hyrule hadn’t wielded her either.

”That would be appreciated, thank you.”

Sky put a hand on Fi.

”What does the Hero of the Four Sword like to know about my existence? I will try and answer their questions to the best of my ability with the knowledge I have.”

”She says to ask a specific question,” relayed Sky.

Four fiddled with the edges of their tunic. “How did she become a sword spirit?”

Sky was confused. “I think she’s always been one?”

”You are correct Master. The goddess Hylia created me to reside within her Goddess Sword and assist the hero. I have always been a sword spirit with the goal to help my Master.”

”Interesting,” said Four. “Can a… Do sword spirits only get created, not born?”

“Throughout history the only instance of sword spirits appearing was through the creation by what is typically a god. I have no knowledge of a sword spirit being born nor a creature being born and then becoming a sword spirit.”

”Um, she says they don’t get born.”

Four pulled out their Four Sword and laid it on their lap. The purple pommel swirled and light glinted of the blade. They bit their lip and they ran a finger along the blade. 

”Why are you so interested?” Sky asked. Perhaps it had something to do with blacksmithing? He recalled Four being interested in crafting magical swords.

”There’s almost nothing in the history books about sword spirits. I think part of my adventure has to do with them but with so little information it is hard to tell.”

”You’ve met a sword spirit too?” As far he knew none of the others had. Wild had only mentioned how the Master Sword had a voice in his time. 

Four smiled looking down at their sword. “Not quite.” They stood up, sheathing their sword. “Thank you, both you and Fi.” They turned around and walked off to another part of Skyloft.

Sky watched them go curiously. Finally they turned back and watched the sky dim as an elaborate dance of Loftwings crossed the sky.

”Hey, this is the old man’s time!” Wind pointed at the edge of Kakariko Village. 

As they walked towards it, Time couldn’t help feel a sense of dread. Somehow the village looked wrong—reminiscent of a time that should have never come to pass.

Hyrule shuddered slightly, no doubt he felt it too. “It looks bigger than I remember,” he said.

Wild shrugged. “I haven’t even been here before. It looks like a regular village to me.”

Legend rolled his eyes. “Whatever. Let’s go. It’s a town and we’re running low on potions.”

Upon entering the town, Time found himself agreeing with Hyrule’s observation. The town was far too large. In Time’s era the village was small, a home for poor Hylians. This version of the village had plenty of people. They gave them strange looks and children were stopped from approaching them.

There was one thing that this place reminded him of.

A future he’d left behind.

A future that should’ve never happened.

Four looked around and at the sky. “I don’t think this is the old man’s era.”

”But it looks like his,” said Wind.

”The smithy is right,” Time said. “My Kakariko is smaller. However, that doesn’t mean I haven’t seen this town before.”

Sky sent him a confused look. “How could you have seen it if it’s not your Kakariko?”

Time sighed. He didn’t need to—didn’t want to—share his adventure with the group, but they needed an explanation. “This Kakariko Village never should have existed. It’s a future I worked to prevent.”

“Ugh,” said Legend. “Did you have time travel in your quest too?”

Time gave him an amused look. It was quite in character for their veteran to have had an adventure dealing with time travel as well. “Quite.”

”It is dark here,” said Four.

”It is,” Time agreed. “This was a future where Ganondorf was able to rule.”

Four let out a hum.

”What!” exclaimed Warriors. “How did that happen?”

Legend scoffed. “It’s not much of a deal. The old man stopped it. Unlike another hero I know of,” he muttered the last part and Hyrule winced.

”Then what happened to the old man here? Why does this future exist?” asked Wind.

”We could ask a local,” asked Wild.

”Wait,” Time tried to call out after them but Wild had already pranced up to a random woman doing laundry.

”Hey. Do you happen to know what happened to the hero?” Wild asked bluntly.

Time massaged his forehead.

The woman looked at them sadly. “Of course I do. I’m no fool.”

”Cool,” said Wild. “Can you tell me?”

The woman narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

”Uh… I have amnesia.”

The woman was clearly still suspicious but answered anyway. “He died to the King years ago.” She shook her head. “They say that he was a little boy.”

Wild’s eyes widened. “Um. Thanks!” They quickly ran back. ”Did you hear that?”

The group was exchanging glances already.

”I don’t like it, but yes,” said Warriors.

”Are they talking about the old man?” asked Wind. “But he’s, well, an old man!”

Dread curled up in his stomach. Time grimaced. He was old now but he had not been on his adventure.

”Is it possible that it has something to do with time travel?” said Sky. “Like maybe the old man”—he gulped—“died during his adventure in a different timeline.”

Legend’s eyes widened. “Was Ganondorf the King the woman mentioned?”

Time felt sick. He thought he’d left the timeline in which Ganondorf had won behind. Apparently instead there was one where he’d died trying to fight Ganondorf as a child. All those poor people he’d saved were stuck under a tyrant’s rule here. Malon was stuck under a tyrant’s rule.

He felt like sobbing.

Four’s eyes meet his. “I think we should leave for right now. I do not think the old man is enjoying this discussion.”

Hyrule’s eyes widened. “Oh goddesses. I’m sorry old man.”

Four took Time’s hand. “I believe it is best if I take the old man away. You guys get the supplies we need. Be mindful of the realm we are in.” With that Four steered Time out of Kakariko Village.

Four sat him down on a fallen log. As he sat down, his shoulders shook and tears started to free themselves from behind his eyes.

”I am sorry,” said Four.

”It’s not your fault,” said Time, attempting to stop his sniffling. As much as he told his boys that they could cry as much as they wanted he still felt shame at crying in front of them. He knew he’d become their leader and he wanted to be strong for them. It was an issue he’d been working through with Malon but months away from her had been unraveling their hard work.

Four’s eyes seemed to look through him, seeing something else. “Maybe not now but it was.”

Time wiped away some tears. “What?”

Four sat down next to him and patted his back. “Do not worry about it. This is not your fault either. You would not be able to predict that your adventure would result in a different timeline where you died. You still tried.”

Time looked at the ground. An ant crawled up a strand of grass. “I guess that’s true.”

”None of us will treat you differently knowing this,” assured Four. “Like Legend said, you still succeed.”

Time’s tears started to fall slower. Four’s reasoning made sense. He wiped his nose on the back of his hand. “Thank you,” he said.

Four smiled sadly at him. “Do not thank me.”

Wild found Four crouched over one of the few remaining patches of Malice. They reached out to poke at it. Quick as a flash, Wild slapped their hand away.

”Don’t touch that,” they said.

Four looked up at them curiously. “Why?”

”It’s Malice, Ganon’s corruption. It’s the same thing that took over the Guardians and the Divine Beasts.” Wild shook their head and shuddered. “I’ve touched it before and it burns. Zelda says it’s a manifestation of Ganon’s hatred and it sure feels like that.”

”Hmm,” hummed Four. “It is a substance of corruption.”

”Yes.” Wild had literally just said that.

“I see. I will not touch it.”

Wild let out a sigh. As reckless as they were they didn’t dare touch Malice again and there was no way they were letting one of their companions touch it.

”Hey, Four! Wild!” Twilight called out at them. “We’re setting off again.”

Four stood up straight. They nodded at Wild. “Come on.”

Later that night Wild would swear they saw Four scoop some Malice into a glass jar.

Hyrule rubbed his head. The darkness of his vision slowly cleared. Hands supported him. 

“You okay traveler?” asked Legend.

Hyrule blinked a few times and made a ‘so-so’ motion. His fairy part still recoiled at the portal’s magic.

”Hm. This is my Hyrule,” he heard Four say. “Come, I will bring you to the castle.”

”Not your forge?” asked Wind.

Four was silent for a second. “No.”

As Hyrule’s vision completely recovered he felt the same pressing feeling from when he’d first arrived in this Hyrule. Only now it was accompanied by a deep feeling that something was about to go wrong. Still he pushed through the feeling and followed Four with help from Legend.

Again, Castle Town was silent. They didn’t see people run into homes this time, almost like they were told they’d be coming ahead of time. Hyrule resisted the urge to shiver. Of course the smithy was always strange but nothing bad would happen to their group in their era. Right?

”Hey, can I buy a doll here when we’re done?” Wind asked Four. Hyrule couldn’t see Four’s reaction but he got the sense it was a melancholy one.

”Of course. You only have mine left, do you not?”

Wind nodded eagerly. Hyrule remembered being approached by Wind in his Hyrule asking for a doll. Hyrule had almost had a heart attack—believing Wind was asking for something else—but he’d help Wind make something out of some scraps they found at a town. Hyrule’s world didn’t sell dolls.

Four walked up to the gate of the castle. They waved their hand and the guards wordlessly let them pass, bowing as they did. Hyrule glanced around; the feeling that something bad was about to happen was getting worse.

Warriors’s hand rest on his sword. “Are you sure everything is alright here, smithy?”

Four turned around, their violet eyes glinting violently. “Oh yes. I am quite sure.”

Hyrule found himself taking Legend’s hand. The veteran let out a little scoff but held his hand nonetheless.

Four started to walk again. “Come on. We are going to the throne room.”

”How do you know the princess will be there?” asked Wild.

”Who said anything about the princess?”

”Uh, smithy,” said Wind. “I don’t think I want to go into the throne room.”

”You do not have a choice,” they said. Knights emerged from several doors and surrounded them, swords pointed in threat. Everyone took out their weapons. Dark magic seeped out everywhere.

 “Let us go.” Four continued to walk towards the throne room as if nothing had happened. The dark knights herded them behind Four. They cautiously glanced at one another, ready for a fight.

Once they got to two large doors, Four waved their hands and the doors opened. The knights pointed them in and the doors shut behind them.

At the end of the room were two thrones, both of them a dark violet. A person lounged on one. They had purple hair and a dark tunic along with a hat that’s tail floated around. Upon seeing them enter his eyes lit up and he jumped up into the air.

”A dark Link,” hissed Warriors.

”What’s happening?” asked Wild.

Hyrule squeezed Legend’s hand.

Four walked up to the thrones and stood beside the dark Link. Besides each other, the identicalness was uncanny. The dark Link grinned while Four kept a blank expression.

”We’ve been sold,” Legend hissed.

”You’re working with a dark link,” cried Warriors.

”Ooh,” said the dark Link. “These are the heroes?”

”Yes,” said Four. “Most of the are from the future, although he,” they pointed at Sky, “is the first hero.”

The dark Link clapped his hands together. “Wonderful. How about we introduce ourselves. My name is Shadow Link, but you can just call me Shadow.”

”Did you do something to the smithy?” Twilight demanded.

”The smithy? Is that what they call you?” Four nodded. Shadow scoffed. “They have a name you know.”

”Well yeah, but it’s the same as ours,” said Wind.

Shadow tsked. “This is not Link. This is Vio!” They elbowed Four—Vio? “Show them!”

Four—or actually Vio—sighed. A ripple of dark magic came across them. Once they finished their tunic was only violet and their hair and skin lighter.

Shadow laughed at their dumb folded expression. “There is no Link. There hasn’t been a Link in years. Tell me, have you ever heard the story of the Four Sword?”

Legend narrowed his eyes at Shadow, grip tight on his sword and Hyrule’s hand. “Most of its legends are clouded in mystery. Historians suspect there was some large cover up, but they say that the hero split into four.”

”Righto! Vio here”—he swung an arm around Vio—“is one of Link’s colors. The other three,” his face darkened, “were far too much of a hero.”

Warriors pointed his sword at Shadow. “What did you do to them?”

”Me?” said Shadow. “Nothing. That was all Vio here. You see Vio joined me during their adventure. Together we hatched a plan to not only kill Vaati and Ganon but to get rid of those pesky heroes and princess. Unfortunately, Vio betrayed me but when I killed myself to defeat Vaati they realized how much they cared. However Vio’s brothers didn’t agree, so Vio had to get rid of them. Then Vio got me back and we lived happily ever after!”

Warriors glared at Vio. “And what do you have to say for yourself?”

Vio looked them over emotionlessly. “I made my choice years ago. As nice as you all are, I had a mission to complete.”

Tears welded up in Wind’s eyes. “I slept and shared with you and you were just going to betray us?”

Vio’s eyes seemed to soften just a bit. “I do bad things. I have learned to get over it.”

”Why did you even feel the need to bring us here, hold us here?” demanded Time.

 Shadow grinned. “The more heroes the better. Vio has quite a lot of things they’d like to research.”

Hyrule let out a little whimper. He’d spent years on the run from Ganon’s eyes and now here was. Captured and betrayed by a close friend.

Legend glared at Vio. “I can’t believe I felt bad for you. I’m glad I killed you.”

Vio smirked at Legend. “Did you? You also killed Red, Green, and Blue.”

”That’s their names!” said Wind, wiping away some stray tears.

”If it makes you feel better,” Vio said. “I do not feel any joy in doing this, but betrayal has become a vital part of my life.”

Shadow grinned. “Take them away. Put them with the other heroes!”

Knights shrouded in darkness moved from their spots at the walls. The eight of them immediately started to fight. For the most part the knights were easy to defeat. It was the numbers that made it harder. Most of them weren’t used to fighting so many enemies. Warriors barked out commands—giving advice on taking on multiple enemies at once.

Sensing Warriors’s helpfulness. Shadow scowled and let out a wave of shadows. They restrained the Captain and muffled him.

”Captain!” Twilight shouted out. He rushed to try and help him only to get tangled in the shadows as well. 

Time pushed away a knight’s blade. “Avoid the shadows,” he advised. “They have the upper hand here.”

Hyrule tried to call upon his magic but his feelings wouldn’t cooperate with him. He couldn’t focus enough to harness his magic. Besides him a lucky knight hit Legend in the head. Legend crumbled to the ground. Hyrule bit back a sob. Things weren’t looking good.

Hyrule saw a knight go for a stab behind Wind. Quickly he rushed to put himself in between the two. He let out a scream as the blade cut through his flesh.

His vision faded into darkness.

Hyrule woke up to a slight burn around his wrists. Hyrule moved to rub his eyes and finds his hands linked together by a chain. Rapidly he sits up and looks around. He’s on a circular platform of stone in the sky. A roof towers above him and clouds cover the ground. Cuffs of metal—no iron—wrap around his wrists and most of his stuff is gone. The only saving grace was that his undergarments were still there. For some reason he didn’t have any shackles but he supposed it would be suicide anyways to walk off the prison in the sky.

He crawled to the edge and peered around. Other platforms floated in the sky. Hyrule could see figures on them. The nearest one person peeked over the side. Their face lit up upon seeing Hyrule.

”Hiiiii!” they yelled, waving. “I’m Red! Who are you?”   

Hyrule blinked at them. Red as in Vio’s brother’s name? He waved back awkwardly. How did he even introduce himself? “Uh hi,” he called back. “I’m Link but you can call me the traveler.”

“Ooh cool. I haven’t seen anyone new here in years. It gets boring only talking to my brothers.” Hyrule was surprised at how easily he could hear Red. Granted his voice was louder than average, but he wasn’t shouting anymore, and Hyrule could hear him fine. Perhaps it had something to do with the lack of sound up in the sky.

”Shut up!” yelled a voice: Legend’s. “Some of us are trying to lay in misery in silence!”

”There’s more of you!” said Red. “I didn’t see Vio and Shadow bring you in because I was sleeping, but it’s nice to meet you!”

”Ughhhhhh,” groaned Legend. Hyrule glanced behind him and saw Legend drag himself to the edge of his prison and collapse, looking down at the clouds. “I really don’t want to do this today.”

”Shut up!” cried another voice. “Neither do I but I’ve been doing it for years!”

”Aww,” said Red. “Be nice Blue!”

”You shut up too!”

 A yell interrupted Red's response. Hyrule immediately looked around. Wild had jumped off their hold. Hyrule’s breath caught in his throat. Besides Wild’s prison Twilight had rushed to the edge, looking as if he’d been awakened by Wild’s scream. 

The clouds suddenly swirled upwards and pushed Wild back into his prison. Wild fell on his butt. Hyrule couldn’t see Twilight’s face well but the pure relief that radiated off the rancher said it all.

”Don’t do that again,” Twilight chided. “I almost had a heart attack!”

”Yeah, that happens,” came a muffled voice from behind Wild. It sounded much like Red and Blue’s so Hyrule assumed this was Green.

“Where am I?” came Sky’s voice. Hyrule saw a lump move in the middle platform.

”Hello!” said Red cheerfully. “You’re stuck high above the clouds in a prison. I assume Shadow and Vio captured you?”

“You sound far too cheerful Red,” said Green. “I’m not sure why you guys are here but this is where Vio and Shadow have kept us locked up for a few years. I don’t remember how long.”

“You’re the other heroes of the Four Sword, yes?” confirmed Time. Hyrule looked to his left, surprised that Time was awake.

”Well yeah,” said Blue. “Who else would we be? Some random villagers that Shadow and Vio didn’t like? The heroes of the sky?”

”No,” said Legend. “That would be Sky.”

”What?”

”We’re actually heroes from across time. We came here to your Hyrule to recruit you and your brother came along. However upon coming here again Vio betrayed us and locked us here. Sky is the first hero—coming from the skies,” said Time.

“Of course they betrayed you too,” Blue groaned. “They’ve betrayed everyone they know. Us, Zelda, our father, our grandpa, the kingdom, even Shadow!”

”They sure have a track record of betraying people,” said Sky.

“This place is boring, though,” complained Wild. “Isn’t there anything to do?”

”Aside from throwing yourself off the platform?" Twilight asked.

”Vio brings us stuff sometimes,” said Red, his voice cheerful despite the undertone of sadness. “As long as they don’t deem it something that we could escape with they can bring it.”

“Can I have a cooking pot then?” asked Wild. “That would pass some time.”

”Red can’t have fire,” said Blue gruffly. “It’s why it’s so dark here at night. Lights are either magical or fire. Red can’t have either.

“It’s because of my magical alignment,” Red explained bashfully, as if it was his fault they are imprisoned in the sky with no light. “Despite my cuffs stopping my flow of magic Vio prefers not to take any chances. They’ve always been smart like that.”

”Stop complimenting the enemy,” chided Blue.

Red looked down sadly. “I know. I just wished they weren’t.”

”None of us do,” said Green comfortingly. “Unfortunately things played out that way.”

A huge yawn broke the silence afterwards. “Ugh. Why am I on a floating platform?” asked Wind.

”Hello sailor,” drawled Legend. “Welcome to our new home.”

”Wha?”

”Hi, I’m Red and that’s Green and over there is Blue!” Red turned around and pointed towards Green and Blue.

”Vio’s siblings?”

”Yup! We’ve been trapped here for ages and it looks like you are too.”

”But what about my family?” Wind said quietly, the words carried by the wind.

”Oh,” Red said. “I’m sorry.”

”We’ll never get to see our friends and family again will we?” said Time blankly.

”Most likely not,” said Green sadly. “You can’t escape this place. Believe me, we’ve tried.”

Hyrule thought about his Zeldas, the only true friends he had. What would happen to them? Would they try and search for him?

Hyrule then thought about the others. The others that had much more friends and family. Wind had a sister and Grandma along with a whole band of pirates. Twilight had a whole village who adored him. Sky had a girlfriend who he loved with his whole heart and friends from the knight’s academy. Wild had their Zelda along with the diverse cast of friends that lived around their Hyrule. Legend had a roommate and Zelda that Hyrule knew he cared for deeply. Warriors had sisters and brothers in arms, plus a few sisters of his own. Time had Malon. 

Oh goddesses. Time had Malon.

And here was a group of brothers—betrayed by one they called their own—telling them they’d never see those people again.

Hyrule felt tears slip down his face. This is all they’d become. Fallen heroes trapped inside cages with no walls but with no means of escape.

It was almost poetic that only another hero would have the courage to defeat them all.

So Hyrule put his head in his knees and wept.

”Hello all! I see you’ve met the rest of the colors!” Shadow’s voice filled the sky. Hyrule looked up to see Shadow causally floating above the clouds—by Sky—with Vio next to him. Vio was covered in a misty dark cloud which seemed to be the reason they were also floating.

”Hi Shadow, Vio,” said Red, with a lot less cheerfulness than when Hyrule first met him.

”Hey why’d you lock these guys up with us!” yelled Blue. “Now I gotta listen to ten blubbering fools.”

”Sorry Blue but we’re going to keep all the heroes together. You guys get special treatment after all,” Shadow said.

”Why are you here?” demanded Time. “What are you going to do with us?”

”Can we not just stop by to see how you’re doing?”

A chorus of “no”s echoed around.

Shadow pouted. “Okay fine. It’s all Vio’s fault.”

Vio rolled their eyes. “You have been practically begging me to let you meet the heroes.

”But you just had to finish creating your oh so cool evil darkness slime.”

”Evil darkness slime?” repeated Wild. A chill went down Hyrule’s spine and not because of the wind.

A smile spread across Vio’s lips. Hyrule noticed Red tremble and scoot back. “I call it Guile. And I really should thank you Champion, after all, you introduced me to your Malice.”

“Wha-what?”

Vio floated over to Wild, Shadow leaned behind them with curiosity. The dark mist covered Hyrule’s view of Wild but he could make out the vague shape of their body.

”You wanted to know what we are going to do with you,” said Vio. “I have quite a few curiosities to test. What better way than on heroes?”

Hyrule’s face paled.

”No…” said Twilight. “I won’t let you!”

Shadow laughed. “You don’t have a choice, dog boy!”

“It should not be too painful,” Vio said in a monotone. They approached Wild. Twilight screamed some more. Next to Hyrule Warriors got to the edge of his platform and yelled insults at Vio. Red was crying.

As the dark mist completely enveloped Wild, they heard a scream.

Wild had cried out in agony.

The others started to yell louder. Hyrule felt tears run down his face. He knew he wasn’t the only one.

”Oh shut up will ya,” said Shadow. “Vio can’t work with all you shouting.”

Vio floated upwards to join Shadow. Their eyes held no joy. Underneath them, Wild lay on the ground of his prison. He appeared uninjured but the dark magic Hyrule could feel disagreed. “Do not mind them. I can work with or without their screams.”

Vio approached Twilight next. The rancher growled at him and tried to escape but Vio easily forced a bottle to their mouth. They plugged Twilight’s nose, forcing the rancher to take in the Guile. As soon as Vio had deemed it long enough they removed the bottle, letting Twilight collapse.

Red let out a sob and covered his face. Sky had his back to Hyrule but Hyrule could sense the rage coming off him. The rage of a god killer.

“Ya know,” said Shadow as Vio moved to Wind. “This would be a lot easier for both Vio and you if you obediently drank it.”

Warriors scoffed. “Never you monster.”

Shadow shrugged. “Whatever. You’ll have to realize at some point; Vio will continue this little project.”

Wind’s scream tore through their prison.

Time had sat down on his platform, his face covered. Warriors was attempting to break free, tears in his eyes.

”You can’t hold us here forever,” hissed Legend. “With all of us together we will escape.”

Shadow snorted. “No you won’t.”

”You don’t know that demon. We’re all heroes, we’ve escaped from worse scenarios."

”Do you really think that this isn’t the worst scenario you’ve been in?” Shadow grinned, floating closer to Warriors. “I know you’ll never escape because history says so.”

”What?”

Shadow spun around. “Tell me, what happened to your predecessors? Did they ever get a happy ending?”

A terrible feeling boiled in Hyrule’s stomach. He recalled what he knew about the Hero of Legend: of Legend’s story. He remembered spending hours in Hyrule Castle’s library to learn the most he could about his idol.

He remembered learning that the hero had mysteriously disappeared one day and never returned.

”No…” breathed Hyrule.

Shadow laughed. “See? The traveler gets it!”

”No!” cried Warriors. “You’re wrong! I’m- I’m sure I’ve heard something about the heroes of the past’s lives after their adventures!”

Time let out a gurgle of pain and Hyrule saw him fall limp. Vio looked up and caught his eye. Hyrule knew who was next.

”No, I’m pretty sure I’m right. Vio meticulously researched each and everyone of you in your futures. They studied the timelines—went to countless of libraries. And every single source lined up. Each one of you mysteriously disappeared after your adventures.”

Vio closed in on Hyrule. Hyrule let out a sob. Vio held out the bottle.

Hyrule drank the Guile.

“What if we all jumped off our floating thingys at the same time?”

”Champion, that's the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard.”

”A gift.”

”What! I don’t want this! I won’t even get to,” a sob, “give them to Aryll anymore!”

”Perhaps not, but they can give you company.”

”Vio is so scary. Even more so than Shadow. I just- just wish I had my brother back.”

”I wish we could go back to before this whole thing.”

“Time? Why is my skin becoming gray?”

“Your eyes were glowing last night too.”

“I spy with my little eye something blue.”

”Is it the sky?”

”Yes! How’d you guess?”

”It’s always the sky Red!”

”Umm, I don’t think you’re supposed to look like that.”

”He’s getting younger! He’s no longer an old man!”

”His hair is becoming gray too.”

”If you could, would you kill Vio and Shadow?”

Silence. “I don’t think I would have a choice. I would have to do what’s best for my kingdom.”

“It hurts so much Rancher…”

”I know Champion, I know.”

”Ooh! You all are getting greyer by the day! Hey traveler, you’re looking a little black there—you feeling all right?”

”Get out of here Shadow!”

”Vio looked different last time. More gray… Like us.”

“Do you think they’re taking Guile as well?”

”I don’t know.”

Crying. ”I miss Zelda.”

”I think we do.”

”I wish I said goodbye to Grandma.”

”Shut up! Your guys’ groaning makes me want to strangle you!”

”Ha! I’d like to see you try! You’re chained to that platform just like all of us!”

”Stop talking about families! We’re never going to see them again; I don’t need a reminder!”

”You don’t get to dictate what we talk about; you’re just a child!”

“Why are we fighting so often?”

”I think it has something to do with the Guile.”

”I hate Guile.”

”Hello.”

”Don’t hello me, demon! You did this to us!”

”I’ll kill you!”

Shouts of anger. Tears. “Can’t we get along like before?”

”Shut up crybaby! You’ll cry over every little thing. I wish you were dead!”

”Guys, I don’t think the Champion can talk anymore.”

”Good!”

”What is he trying to say? It’s just a bunch of hissing.”

Silence.

”Guys? Oh… right. You can’t talk…”

Growls. Grunts.

One day the prison in the skies is brought down. Two figures greet the ones on the stone. The Shadow lifts a hand and the cuffs on each prisoner’s wrists shatter. The dark ones growl at each other. Some attack each other. The Shadow hisses at them all and power comes from its hands. A dark cloud of shadows wraps around each dark one and transports them away.

The Violet one smiles and nods to the Shadow. Together they step into the shadows.

Years later the dark ones will meet who they once were.

The dark one labeled Time will meet the young Hero of Time and face him on the glassy surface of the Water Temple.

The dark one labeled Legend will face the Hero of Legend multiple times and the Hero of Legend will find himself facing off against different dark ones.

The dark one labeled Hyrule will find peace by the Triforce’s light until the Hero of Hyrule arrives.

The dark one labeled Wind will not find the Hero of Winds but instead the Hero of Trains.

The dark one labeled Twilight will haunt the Hero of Twilight.

The dark ones labeled Warriors will find the Hero of Warriors on the other side of the battlefield.

The dark one labeled Wild will wander aimlessly trying to find the Hero of the Wild.

The dark one labeled Sky will know of the Chosen Hero but never meet him.

Deep in a tomb lies four swords. Connected to those swords are four dark ones. The Violet one watches over them. It knows what will happen.

One day a young boy will wander in. He will fight Arrghus and pull the Green Sword. He will fight the Helmasasur King and find the Red Sword. He will fight Mothula and gain the Blue Sword. He will fight Blind the Thief and lastly collect the Violet Sword.

The dark ones that wait there will attack the boy. The boy will kill them.

The Violet one is last. The Violet one knows this will happen. It knows that in order for it to succeed it must die.

And so the boy strikes the finishing blow.

In another timeline a princess who grew up during a turbulent time will put an ocarina to her lips. The man that’s not actually a man will find himself transported to another timeline.

 The dark one of that time gets transported with him.

Time wakes up in the grass in front of a familiar house. He sits up, looking around frantically.

”Link!” A woman runs out of her house. She cups Time’s face. “What happened? Where are the others?”

”I-I.” He coughs. He can’t remember the last time he talked, only the time before that. “We- we…” Tears start to pour free from his eyes. “Malon,” he rasps.

Malon’s eyes widedened. “Oh Link… Let’s go back inside.”

Time lets Malon support him as she leads him back to the ranch he loves so much. This is home but he knows that he’ll never feel right again.

Time knows the dark ones are still out there.

That his boys are still out there.

And he searches.

He never stops looking for the dark ones.

His child is born and he can’t but help be reminded of those boys—who he’d go to care for like his children.

They needed him.

Time never got to save them.

One day the Shadow appeared. Time had begged that it release his boys but it said nothing. Time tried to fight it for his boys.

He didn’t get back home.

Years later he would meet the Hero of Twilight and weep if only ghosts could weep.

He knew that the Hero of Twilight was one of his boys and that the Hero of Twilight would become a dark one.

There was nothing Time could do.

And when he joined the many others who had died before him he didn’t see his boys.