Time knew he should have let Warriors and Legend banter as long as they like during dinner. It would not be ideal, considering there are times that their friendly banters turn not-so-friendly, but it would have been better than with everyone skittering around the campfire like some lizards trying to outmaneuver predators. They have been sneaking glances at the new Link since they returned to camp, and they are not even being subtle about it. They managed to catch a small boar and forage a few herbs and mushrooms earlier that day when Hyrule came to fetch them. The Traveler informed them that their newest member is finally awake, and Twilight is keeping him company. The biologically eldest Link would have let it slide as a simple report were it not for the troubled expression on the Hyrule's face. He tried asking him what was wrong, but their resident healer simply shook his head as he inspected their finds and chucked away most of the mushrooms they foraged, which apparently are poisonous. He had no choice but to signal Legend and leave dealing with Hyrule to him. The Veteran nodded and gave him a look that promised him that he would have a talk with his successor later.

Dinnertime was a lazy affair. Twilight and Four were assigned to cook while Wind and Sky are temporarily banned from handling their meals. Cooking was quicker this time without the usual bickering from Legend and Warriors or mortifying experimentation often done by Sky and Hyrule. The portions were rationed equally among the nine of them, as they are running low on supplies without prior preparations from the past two Hyrules they came from. They cannot exactly lug around raw ingredients, especially meat or any cooked food, without spoiling, and even if they freeze it with magic, the ice will eventually thaw in a matter of hours. They all knew they need to resupply soon. Otherwise, they will be in serious trouble in and out of a fight.

"Hyrule," Time called out to the Traveler who looked up from his meal. "Where is the nearest town from here?"

Hyrule set aside his plate and pulled out a map from his bag. He flattened it on the ground in front of him and studied it. "I have yet to pinpoint our exact location, but I think we've landed near Kasuto Mountains. The closest civilization will take three to five days to reach. Probably two if we take short breaks only."

"That's no good." Four said, sitting close to the cooking pot to tend the flames. "We'll be too tired before then. Plus, we're almost out of food."

"We will not last in a fight like this." Warriors added, poking his boar meat. "And we're facing infected monsters. We have to be in peak shape in case we fight a really strong one."

There was a collective hum of agreement, albeit a glum one. They are in a pinch, and everyone knew that. Time could read their thoughts on their faces. If only they resupplied in Twilight's Hyrule. If only some of them took on Gesane's offer while the others chase after their new member. If only. If only. There are a lot of If only, but there is nothing that could be done. What happened has already happened. Wishing for things that they could have done will not solve their current predicament. That, and Time did not want any of them to put the blame on the new Link and open a rift before any of them could properly know him.

He glanced at their new member at the corner of his good eye. The kid has not moved from his position ever since they arrived, though he has removed the blanket over his head. He was nursing his share of food on his folded knees, eyes trained on it to avoid their gazes. He has yet to speak to anyone, but then again, none of them knows how to approach him. He has that uneasy look on his eyes as if one wrong move from any of them will be enough for him to make a run for it. Or shoot a bomb arrow at their faces. Time grimaced, and he quietly reprimanded himself for thinking that. They are a team, and this Link is one of them. Dragging him down like that would not do good to him or anyone else for that matter.

The new Link is not the only one feeling at the edge. Time could see how his protégé fidgeted on his seat next to Four. The Rancher is the one that kept glancing at the boy the most, and Time might have an idea why. The new Link trusts Wolfie, but not Twilight. It does not seem that the boy knows the two as one entity. Otherwise, he would not run away from the Hero of Twilight like he did days ago. He wondered if he should try to persuade his protégé to reveal his identity as Wolfie, but he was reminded of what Twilight told him – that it was something that he and their new member have to sort out themselves. If that is the case, then Time will have to trust in his descendant's decision. He just hoped he would make a move soon. Whether it is a feeling or a hunch, Wolfie might be the key in connecting this new Link to the others.

There was a rustle on his left, and he looked up to see Sky slinging the Master Sword on his back. The Skyloftian turned to Time, slightly tilting his head to the direction of the new Link. So, it is time. Them taking on the role of explaining their divine-given quest and initiating the naming ceremony to a new Link always leave a bitter taste in Time's mouth. While no one has officially claimed him to be the team's leader, all of them looked up to him as such, even Sky who is technically the oldest among them. Time could have told them off, but it felt too late to do so. He even falls to the leader role like a natural when the need arises, which is always.

Resigning to his repetitive role, he set his plate aside and gestured for Sky to follow him. They stood up, ignoring the heated stares of the other Links on their backs as they approached the new Link. The broken conversations dissolved into a lull as they sat across the boy who nearly jumped from his borrowed bedroll when his eyes flicked toward them.

Time raised his palms in a placating manner, hoping to appear harmless as much as possible. It is a good thing he had removed his armor and weapons beforehand. If this Link is that badly startled with them unarmed, then how would he even react if they are in full armor? He tried to appear smaller than he actually is, eyes darting to Sky to signal him to do the same.

"Easy there. We're not going to hurt you." He spoke in the tone he usually uses to console Wind during his bad days. He hoped it would work on this Link too. "We're just here to talk. I'm Time, and this is Sky." He gestured to the Skyloftian, who gave a nod and a gentle smile. "We're heroes like you."

If them approaching already incurred a poor reaction, then this might be worse. The boy flinched at his last statement, and Time could already see the alarm in those eyes. He placed a hand on Sky's arm, gently urging for him to give their new member more space. From the corner of his eye, he saw Hyrule abandoned his map and carefully made his way to them. The others have also scooted closer, eager to listen to what would this new Link's hero title be.

Putting more distance between them seemed to do the trick and Time waited a few seconds to continue. "I know you don't trust us, and we understand why. If you want us to stay farther, we'll do that. We just want to talk."

Link's fingers tightened around the handle of his spoon before nodding slowly in assent. He did not indicate for them to move away, so Time decided this might be a distance that is comfortable enough for him to converse and interact with them. "Okay. First, I'll introduce everyone." He scooted a bit to the side to give him a view of the others. "That's Hyrule. I'm sure you're already acquainted with him from earlier. The ones by the cooking pot are Twilight and Four, while the guys at the back are Legend, Warriors, and Wind."

Hyrule simply gave a small smile as his nickname was called. Twilight glanced briefly before turning away while Four stared with a scrutinizing look directed at the new Link. Legend gave a huff while Warriors raised a palm and a charming smile. Wind was the only one who shot off his seat and enthusiastically greeted their new member with a Hello! I'm Wind. Nice to meet you! Please don't shoot a bomb arrow at us again. The Veteran hushed the Sailor as Time looked back at the kid and tried to glean his reaction. It is as he expected – curiosity, confusion, and Why are you guys named like that? It is a standard mixture for a first impression that Time knew too well.

"We're actually named Link at birth just like you, but we use nicknames to avoid confusion." He settled back to his original position, lightly elbowing Sky to prepare his part. "Our nicknames are our hero titles. I'm Time because I am the Hero of Time, Twilight is the Hero of Twilight, Hyrule is the Hero of Hyrule, and so on. You see, we came from different timelines, and we were gathered together to fight against an enemy threatening all Hyrules.

Time paused and let that sink in at first, just in case their new member was feeling overwhelmed. Instead, the kid slowly placed down his plate beside his things and opened his mouth to speak. "You're…her heroes." He supplied cautiously. His voice was rough but younger than his scarred face indicated him to be. "Hylia's heroes."

The Hero of Time barely managed to hide the scowl on his face. Hylia's heroes. Her heroes. Her possessions. Her playthings. He wanted to scoff. Just thinking about it sours his mood. He wanted to correct the kid, but he reminded himself to exercise patience and discipline. He is not talking to some worshippers blind by their devotion to the Goddess; he is speaking to a hero, a young hero, subjected to the whims of the Goddess and the machinations of the so-called fate. He has suffered as much as any of them and may or may never be able to live a normal life he had before the calling of a holder of the Hero's Spirit has torn and worn him down.

"We're reincarnations of the same Hero's Spirit." He continued, now noticing how Hyrule was getting more and more anxious by the second as his eyes darted between him and Sky and their new member. He wondered what is up with him, but he could not get Legend's attention with his back facing the others. "But we're our own individuals. If Hylia gathered us together, the reincarnations of one soul, then that means we need each other's help…and that includes yours."

Link's eyes flicked nervously between him and Sky. "I…"

"Time, wait." That was Hyrule, whom neither noticed to have wormed his way between them and the new Link as if to shield him. Twilight also left his place beside Four and situated himself behind Time's left side. When did he get here? "I don't think it's the right time."

Time frowned at that. Behind them, the others had inched a lot closer than before, with Warriors leading the other four Links. "Hey, 'Rule." The Captain called out. "What do you mean you don't think it's the right time? All of us have been through this the first day we joined. Do you think he's not ready?"

"Yes! Well, no! I…" Hyrule sighed. "It's just…I don't think we should hold granting his hero title right now. He just recovered. He still needs to rest. We can't just put him in a spot like this."

"Hyrule." They turned to Legend, who has his arms crossed over his chest. There is an apparent scowl on his face. "That's bullshit! He's a hero. Why would he need to rest first? He's just touching the sword to get his hero title. Nothing else." He scoffed. "What? You think he's going to get burned or something?"

"Yeah, Legend's right!" Wind protested. "He's just touching the sword, and BAM! He gets his title. Everyone wants to know his, you know! It's not fair if he only knows ours."

"I think Hyrule is right." Twilight cut in, tapping his foot impatiently against the ground. "Let's skip this for now."

Warriors rose up from his seat, looking intent to square off against the Rancher. "What's up with you two? You're acting strange. What are you hiding?"

Twilight whirled around to face the Captain. "We're not hiding anything." He answered matter-of-factly, though the exasperation in his face was not well-hidden as he intended it to be. "I'm just saying we should listen to Hyrule. He's our healer. He knows what's best for our new member." His eyes narrowed at the Captain. "Or are you saying his opinions don't matter?"

Warriors was offended by that notion. "What? Of course, 'Rule's opinions matter! I respect him, I respect all of you, and you know that."

"Well, you're not acting like it."

"Well, I don't understand why you're getting riled up and saying that nonsense!" The Captain shot back. "If you got a problem, why don't you spit it out, huh? Or do you want our swords to do the talking? I'm fine with that."

"That's enough!" The two heroes immediately clammed up as Time fixed a heated glare at them. There was no anger in his voice, but the disapproval on his face was enough for them to shrink. "This isn't the time for you to bicker like children. I know we've done this many times before, but may I remind you that this is a sacred ceremony. If you insist on going at each other's throats, then do it later. But know that I'm going to have a word with you." He locked eyes with Warriors and Twilight. "Both of you."

Twilight muttered a half-hearted apology while Warriors plopped down back on his seat as he grumbled under his breath. Time stared at both heroes a little longer before turning back to their new member. Link was frowning at the scene, eyes darting fearfully between Warriors and Twilight. He looked tenser than before; the rectangular Sheikah tool that was left on his folded clothes was now grasped with both hands.

"I apologize for that." Time sighed. "Those two have an unspoken rivalry going between them. Quarrels like this happen sometimes." He tried to offer a reassuring smile, but that did nothing to ease the kid. He cleared his throat, glancing at a worried Sky. "I think we should proceed now…?"

"W-Wait!" Hyrule's eyes swept at their party. There is something desperate with the way he looked at them. "Time, we can't-!"

"Hyrule." Time placed a firm hand on the Traveler's forearm. "It's okay. We're just getting his hero title, and then after that, he could rest as you advised."

"But…!"

"Please, Hyrule." Time is tired, so so tired. He already felt spent even though he had just eaten, and there is a dull throb in his head – the beginning of a headache. He wanted to end this now and rest for the night. "We'll finish this quickly, okay?"

Hyrule glanced at the new Link, looking defeated, before giving a half-hearted nod. He stepped back, not far but enough to give the two space to do what they have to do. Time gestured to Sky, and the Skyloftian took the Master Sword off its scabbard and cradled it on his palms. He presented it to the new Link with a reverent flourish. Time watched as the kid's eyes landed on the sword, recognition pulling his face taut and then confusion. It was standard, similar to when he introduced the others to him – something he or everyone else expected. The Master Sword had been a vital part of their journeys, with the exception of Hyrule and Four, and is usually returned to its resting place once their quests have come to an end. What he did not expect was what comes after that confusion.

There was screaming…screaming and shrieking, and limbs flailing at a desperate attempt to escape. Something fell, barely cushioned by the bedroll, and a plate broken to pieces. Boar meat and vegetables littered the ground, and a bottle of red potion was shattered – its content coloring the soil in an eerie shade of red. Suddenly, there were two more bodies piled up at their line of sight, restraining the hysteric new Link, and Hyrule shouting at Sky to put away the Master Sword right now.

"NO NO NO! PLEASE!" Link wailed, thrashing against Twilight, Hyrule, Legend, and Warriors, who were struggling to keep him from hurting himself. He kicked and screamed, his voice tearing through the silence of the forest like a fragile piece of paper. "NOT THE MASTER SWORD! ANYTHING BUT THE MASTER SWORD!"

"For the love of the Goddess, put the Master Sword away RIGHT NOW, Sky!"

"NO! GET AWAY FROM ME!" Link shrieked, nearly clawing at Twilight's face. Tears streaked down his face, mingling with the scars that crept on his skin. "I DON'T WANT IT! GET IT AWAY FROM ME!"

"SKY!"

For a moment, Time did not know what to do, and neither did Sky. The Skyloftian was too shocked to move a centimeter, his breathing ragged at where he was sitting. It was Hyrule's third demand to put the sword away that spurred the Hero of Time to action. He unceremoniously hauled Sky by his arm and nearly dragged him out of the overhang. They passed by Wind, who had curled to himself, hands covering his ears in the effort to block the desperate cries, while Four sat stone-still from where he last remained, eyes flashing in different colors that Time thought to be a trick of the light.

Time escorted Sky out of the overhang's view before hurriedly fetching Wind and Four. The latter, however, refused to come and instead joined the others to pacify their new member. By the time he carried a trembling Sailor in his arms and returned to where Sky is, the Skyloftian had curled on the forest floor, hugging the Master Sword as if it is his lifeline. Even with hysteric screams and frantic shouts coming from their camp, he could still hear the forlorn pleas whispered by the Chosen Hero.

"Fi…what happened?"

Time could not sense the Spirit of the Master Sword strongly just like Sky does, but he knows the answer the sword has given him. He could tell with the repeated questions, the sudden gauntness on Sky's face, and the way the Skyloftian clutched the sword tightly that his knuckles turned white, whether from misery, anger, disbelief, or the combination of all three. He knew yet he, himself, could not accept nor believe that the sword would do such a thing.

There is no answer.

The Spirit of the Master Sword is silent.

Well, that escalated quickly. Did I feel sorry for Wild? Yes. Did I regret writing this chapter? Not really.