Link was sitting on his bed in his room at the castle. His sleeping quarter was sparsely furnished, with only the basics cluttering the already small room. A bed was shoved at one side with a bedside table while a wooden desk and a chair were stuck at the other. A clothed bundle full of baked treats from his home and a stack of letters laid on the surface of the desk, still untouched after days of arrival. A mirror was hung on the wall beside the door, with his Champion's Tunic and the baldric he uses to attach the scabbard of the Master Sword. A large transparent window stood by the headboard of his bed, giving him a good view of the castle courtyard below.

At least, he has his own room. The barracks cramped six soldiers per room while those who ranked as royal guards get to have their own rooms on a floor just below the royal family's. But even so, it is still suffocating – a reminder that he is not just any soldier to the Crown. He is the royal princess' personal knight, the Hylian Champion, and most of all, the prophesied hero destined to save Hyrule from Calamity Ganon's return after ten thousand years.

The Master Sword laid on his lap, the golden motif on the scabbard glittering under the dancing firelight of the lone lantern. Even when sheathed, he could still feel the thrumming power from the blade beneath his fingertips. A scraping sound made Link look up to see his father pulls the chair away from the desk and sits across him. His father – a burly man of his late forties - was an esteemed captain of the royal knights before he stepped down after an almost fatal injury made him incapable of holding the sword. He then immersed himself in learning the art of blacksmithing and would occasionally send over his best works to his son while looking after their home and his only daughter and Link's younger sister, Aryll.

His father sent a letter of visitation a week ago, and Link could not be happier. It has been months since he last saw his family or anyone he knew back home in Hateno Village. He has been preoccupied with his duties since becoming a royal guard – from escorting the princess to the sacred springs to suppressing monster attacks that have gotten frequent as they inched closer to the center of Hylian civilization. It is expected of him – being the destined hero chosen by the sword that seals the darkness – and leaves no room for him to catch his breath. Every second that ticked by is a step closer to the awakening of Calamity Ganon. They cannot afford to lose more time, lest they lose this war.

"Talk to me, Little Courage." His father's voice was gruff, yet the fatherly concern was not lost. Worry colored his bearded features and the scars that tell of his time as an illustrious captain of the royal knights. "What is bothering you?"

Link's breath hitched. Little Courage. That was the nickname his mother often calls him before she died giving birth to his little sister. His father rarely calls him that, as it is something special between mother and son. He only does when he could tell his son has something to get off his chest…like now.

"Dad, I…" He let out a shaky breath. "Remember when I went missing four years ago? You brought me to the Military Training Camp to check on the squires under you. I disappeared for a full day, and you…" His eyes flicked briefly to his father. "I heard from the squires you were panicking because if Mom finds out, she's going to skin your hide."

His father gave a low chuckle at the memory. "She found out eventually." He recounted wistfully. "Oh boy! Your mother might not have given me the time of my life, but she knew how to give a mean scolding. She's a force of nature, that woman."

Link smiled thinly. "Yeah…and you found me outside the Great Hyrule Forest…" He leaned back for his father to see the Master Sword. "With this."

The abrupt shift in his father's expression told the Hylian Champion that he already knew where this conversation is going. His father did not say anything yet, which he is grateful for. "Dad, I…" He inhaled, words of a confession hanging precariously on the tip of his tongue. "I don't want it. I don't want to be a hero."

"I was thrilled back then, knowing I will get to be one. I didn't understand why you wanted me to hide the Master Sword and not tell a soul that I pulled it before I became a proper knight. But I was a kid back then, a twelve-year-old who knew nothing, and now…now, I understand." Link pursed his lips, gripping the sword weakly. "I don't want it. I never wanted it. But I can't do anything about it."

"Link…"

"I'm sorry."

Link looked down to the sheathed sword on his lap, head hanging low to avoid his father's gaze. He has prepared himself for the possible backlash from his admission, prepared for the shame constricting his chest, prepared for anything the kingdom would throw at him. He would not be deceiving himself if he admitted that he was prepared to be executed for treason.

He did not want it.

He never did.

That is the truth. But the calling is stronger than the truth, and he feels conflicted about it. He did not know what to do. He could pray to his predecessors for an answer, but he knew they would not respond. He is similar to the princess in so many ways, and this might be one of the worst of them.

"I'm sorry." He repeated, lips quivering at the first sign of weakness. His voice getting hoarser by the second, and for the first time since he pulled the Master Sword four years ago, he let himself fall ungracefully. "I'm sorry…."

Link let out a choked sob as his eyes fluttered open. He sat up by reflex, hands immediately flying to his cheeks to wipe the tears with the sleeves of his shirt. His heart rammed painfully on his chest, and he gasped for air that he never lost.

What was that? A dream? A memory? He had not received any memories of the real Link since the Divine Beast Tamer's Trial, and the memories of the Champions he witnessed during that do not count. It was odd…and baffling too. He was not just watching how the conversation between father and son unfolded – he was in Link's shoes. No, he was Link. He was Link, yet he could not speak and move the way he wanted to do. He was possessing Link's body, but everything was set to stone. He could not understand. Why did he have that memory just now? Is that even a memory?

Link gripped the blanket, willing himself to take deep breaths. He needed to calm down. He closed his eyes and drew up the sceneries he loves the most from his journey in his mind – his first view of the world outside the Shrine of Resurrection, the view of the sunset from Lurelin Village, the aurora lights dancing above Hebra Peak, the gentle sway of the pink blossom tree atop Satori Mountain, and the Koroks dancing and playing in their forest beneath the ever-gentle watch of the Great Deku Tree. He let the sights, scents, and sensations associated with those places washed over him and slowly and finally opened his eyes once again to face reality.

He was on a clearing; the night sky above choked in bare branches and gray clouds. The forest was nothing like any forest he has been to – a sparse forest floor, bare dying trees, and an eerie silence - and he has gone and seen every forest in Hyrule. A campfire was built in the middle of the clearing – the flames flickering under the dim light of the barely visible moon. Bags were shoved beside a fallen log – some were carelessly left open for hungry predators to rummage food from.

Right. He is not in his Hyrule. He is in another Link's Hyrule with eight reincarnations of the true owner of this body. He tried to recall what happened before he fell unconscious. They decided to make a camp early evening at Hyrule's instruction, and Wind, Legend, and Warriors scouted the area for monsters. When the three confirmed they were on a clear, they settled down, and Link once again took over cooking their meal. This time, however, he has Hyrule as his assistant after the Traveler won a game of rock-paper-scissors against Wind, who wanted the position. They ate Carrot Vegetable Risotto while the heroes shared more of their adventures with Link. The last thing he remembered was staring at Time's discarded armor by the log as the flickering flames of the campfire washed it in gold and then nothing.

He could only assume that it must be what triggered the memory to surface in his mind, but the fact that he seemed to have collapsed after that is not a good sign. He could spot Hyrule's bedroll the closest to him, though the others seemed to have inched closer compared to last night. He does not want to think how panicked the Traveler must have been, even though he, himself, did not know that passing out after a memory is a thing. This is the first time, though whether that was a memory or simply a dream is still debatable. But the fact it is about the real Link and his views and relationship to the Master Sword had him reeling.

He never felt such powerful emotions before from the other memories…at least, not as intimate, and personal unlike now. The real Link was a stone-cold fortress – someone who never let his feelings cloud his judgement and his goddess-given duty. Despite that, the Link in that memory (or dream) is more of a person, not a soldier, and it felt right and wrong at the same time. He could not understand it…then again, a child inside an adult body like him cannot comprehend so many things he was supposed to in his biological age.

Now he thinks about it, he wondered how Sky ended up with the Master Sword. He swore he returned it immediately to its pedestal after his battle against Calamity Ganon. He could not bear holding onto it any longer - the temporary truce ending the moment his secondhand quest concluded. He could still feel the phantom heat searing his skin, could still smell his burning flesh as he drove the blade back to its resting place. He did not hang around after that, did not say nor hear goodbyes from the Great Deku Tree, Hestu, or even the Koroks. He just left and returned to the princess' side, promising himself to never speak of it again nor lay eyes on the sword that seals the darkness.

Yet here it is. The sword lays on the hands of one of its true masters – cold, beautiful, and loyal – and holding true to its divine oath to never to turn against them nor hurt them. Even if they were both creations of the same Goddess, he is still not one of its masters. He will never be its master. He does not bear the Hero's Spirit – the one and only soul whom the sword is eternally bonded to. It is cruel, but it is his reality.

He heaved a tired sigh, rubbing his scarred palms on his face. From between his fingers, he caught a figure staring at him by the edge of the camp. He recognized the pelt and the markings on the upper half of the face that he could not still point a finger at. Twilight stepped inside the disorganized circle of occupied bedrolls, and Link could tell he was on him with how purposeful the Rancher's stride is.

A part of Link wanted nothing from anyone at this time of the night. He is still bone-tired like he fought three Golden Lynels at once, but if he were to act up now, that would only worry the heroes more. He quietly watched as the Rancher stopped at a reasonable distance and sat down, narrowly missing Legend's head by an inch and a half. They stared at each other for a moment, and Link wondered what is raging inside the Hero of Twilight's mind right now.

"How…How are you?"

Link would have snorted at how nervous the Rancher is, even though their positions are supposed to be the opposite. He raised a hand and let an easygoing smile flicker on his lips. "Just fine."

"You collapsed," Twilight told him. His voice was a bit firm and stern this time. "You zoned out on us and collapsed. You have no idea how freaked out Hyrule is."

Link felt his throat constrict. "It's just…I, uh, I got a memory back." He cleared his throat. "It happens." Liar. A voice accused in his head. It never happens. You never had memories to begin with.

"A memory…" Twilight breathed shallowly. His hands clenched and unclenched on his lap. "Is it…is it bad?"

"No…" Link shook his head, confused. "Why?"

"You passed out." The Rancher pointed out. "I thought it might be bad if you lost consciousness after that."

Is it? Link considered the hero before him. He never had anyone ask him if remembering…or taking in those memories can do harm to him. Not that he had anyone with him when he searched for the places indicated in his Sheikah Slate. Perhaps they assumed he would be alright since those are just memories – intangible and of the past – even though they are obviously not his.

Now looking at the Hero of Twilight, he could tell his worry is sincere, and it turns his stomach upside-down. He is not used to such concern, not that he did not want it, but because it is just wasted on someone like him.

Link raised his palms in assurance. "I'm okay." He told him. "His…I mean, my memories return during unexpected times. It's just…I never collapsed before now." Noticing the frown on the Rancher's face, he added hastily. "But really! I'm okay. No need to worry."

There was a beat of silence as Twilight studied him with those sapphire-blue eyes – the color strangely reminded him of Wolfie's. "Does it happen during battles?"

Link blinked at him. "What?"

"I'm asking if your memories trigger in the middle of a fight." The Rancher explained, a hint of frustration leaking out of his voice. "If it does, we will have to be alert of it and cover you until you come out of it."

Oh…OH! "Ah, no! It doesn't." When the Rancher's eyebrows furrowed, Link elaborated. "No, I'm serious. It never comes up during battle. Just…" He tried to pluck for the right words in his mind. "Just happens when I'm relaxed. Not exactly like that, but similar. Battles tend to make me high-strung, so my mind's hyper-focused on them. I can't get distracted. Otherwise, I'm done for."

Twilight nodded slowly in understanding, though Link could tell he is not exactly convinced and will still look out for him either way. The Rancher did not inquire what the memory (or dream) was about it, so he decided to lay off telling him to mind his own hide during fights. Still, the silence that has come between them again was overbearing, and his eyes drifted to their surroundings to avoid the hero's hawk-like gaze. He blinked at the darkness and strained his ears, hoping to find any sign of a certain wolf. It has been a full day since he last saw Wolfie.

"Where's Wolfie?"

The question just slipped off his tongue, and Link noticed how Twilight flinched slightly at the corner of his eye. The Rancher shifted uncomfortably on his seat before answering carefully. "Must be somewhere. He isn't one to stay too long in one place. That's how wolves are."

Link hummed but kept an eye trained to the Rancher's body language. Something is suspicious about him. He is hiding something. "When did you guys meet?"

"Shortly after I joined Time. We're the first ones to be called to duty by the Goddess."

It was an answer that was said too many times…and a partial lie. Which one is the lie, however, Link could not pick apart, though he placed his bet on the first part. He decided to poke around a bit. "You and Wolfie seemed close. I heard from Hyrule that the two of you always change places. Whenever you're out to scout, Wolfie takes your place with the others. The same goes for Wolfie. The two of you are never at the same place at the same time."

Link watched the subtle gulp of the Rancher's throat. He is nervous. A different kind of nervousness compared to before. He might not be wise as Zelda is, but he knew his way around. He knows people, how to read them, and how to play them like a fiddle, despite being just a year and nine months old. He does not know if it is something innate to him or he managed to pick up in his journey, but he knew he struck the right nerve with the Rancher.

"I like being with animals." Twilight's reply was measured, and Link felt that it did not match him at all. "And I guess they like me too. The guys don't call me the Rancher for nothing."

Link's eyes narrowed at him, scrutinizing him for one painful second, before slipping into a façade of naïve tomfoolery. "I see! I like animals too." He let a thrilled smile plaster itself on his face. "My Hyrule's full of them. Wild horses, sand seals, bears, foxes, deer, you name it."

"Wild horses…?" Twilight frowned. "You don't buy horses?"

"Nope! We have to tame horses to ride them." Link cocked his head in the direction of Epona. "I own five horses. One of them looks like Epona. She even has the same name! I'll let you meet her when we get back to my Hyrule."

The Rancher seemed to buy it and mirrored his smile. "That would be wonderful." He paused and cleared his throat. Link knew it is his turn to answer. "How about you?" The way Twilight asked was cautious yet not without a motive. "How did you meet Wolfie?"

Link thought for a moment. "Somewhere at the beginning of my journey. Maybe around the second month? We just happened to cross paths when I raided a Bokoblin camp after I finally got down the Great Plateau. I was being careless back then, being…amnesiac and all, and was about to get whacked to a second death by a Moblin when Wolfie came out of nowhere."

He shrugged nonchalantly and adjusted the blanket on his lap. "You know what happens, wolves being wolves, he mauled it to death and saved me." A fond smile graced his scarred features. "Wolfie was wary of me first, and I could say the same for me. We didn't exactly trust each other, but we eventually became best of friends. We watch each other's back at all times, though he never likes going into some places like towns and shrines. He would often search ingredients for the meals I cook, with pumpkin stew being his absolute favorite. Though, it's kinda weird for a wolf, to be honest."

Link chuckled softly before his face fell. He looked at his scarred palms. "He left though. Wolfie left just before I fought Ganon. Dunno why, but I always knew he would have to leave someday. Didn't expect it to be before the big battle though." Then, a smile lighted up his face. "But he's here now, so it's okay! I'm glad he isn't hurt. He's my best friend, after all."

"I…I see." Twilight's expression was pained like he was trying to remember something, yet it kept evading him constantly. Link is familiar with the feeling, though such emotion became foreign to him once he realized he is not who the people of his Hyrule thought him to be. "You…you must have missed him while he's gone."

Gone. Not away. Link noted. The longer the conversation drags on, the stranger the Hero of Twilight is acting. It made him feel uneasy but telling him off would not be the wisest choice, and something in his gut told him to stay and listen. He always listens to his instincts, after all.

"Very much." He nodded with much conviction he could muster. "Wolfie's my only constant companion in my journey. Sure, he isn't Hylian or Zora or Goron or any other race in my Hyrule, but he is my precious friend."

Though he acts more like a person than a wolf at all times. Link did not say it. He has already said a lot of odd things about his wolf friend. He has no exact idea what Wolfie's relationship with these heroes is, but they seemed to be on friendly terms. Maybe even friendlier with Time, Wind, and Four. The others? Not so much. Yesterday, he glimpsed Warriors reaching for his sword when he embraced the wolf. Link was ready to call on the fragments of Daruk's Protection or even Urbosa's Fury to defend his friend, but the Captain, seeing him unharmed by the wolf, eased and let his hand fall to his side. It seemed that the blue-scarfed Link thought that Wolfie would bite his throat off, but that was not the case. Some of Links are certainly wary of the wolf, considering Wolfie could be mistaken as a Wolfos, but not enough to push the wolf away from their circle.

"Does Wolfie…" Twilight spoke up. "Did you find anything strange about him? Any secrets?"

Link was too engrossed in his thoughts that he almost forgot that he was not alone for a moment. "Hmmm…" He tilted his head, trying to rack his head for anything. "I don't know. Can't say I noticed anything weird. He's too intelligent for an ordinary wolf, but maybe because he's a new breed?" He frowned. "I think Zelda called it evolution or something. I think you could ask her when we drop by my Hyrule."

Twilight pursed his lips, and Link has the urge to interrogate the Rancher right here, right now, but it is still too early. They barely know each other, and he would rather not make an enemy out of any of the heroes. Not all of them looked particularly strong, but looks can be deceiving. Getting inside Gerudo Town in the guise of a vai proved that to him plenty. He will not even set aside the possibility that Sky might be the scariest of the Links despite the carefree attitude he has shown so far. The guy is not Hylia's Chosen Hero for nothing, after all.

Twilight opened his mouth as if he was going to saying something before deciding against it. He stood up and dusted his pants. "You should sleep again." He said tersely as he turned on his heel the other way. "We have another full day ahead of us. You'll need all the rest you could get."

Link has a nagging feeling that he needs to hear whatever the guy wants to tell him right now or else, he might regret it later. He opened his mouth to call and stop him when the hairs on the back of his neck rose, and his fingertips felt the marching vibrations on the ground. His ears twitched, once or twice, as he heard the distant shuffling of skin and leather, of grunts and huffs, and his nose picked up the smell of bloodthirst and a decaying scent akin to Malice.

He threw off his covers – the action catching Twilight's attention – and snatched his Sheikah Slate with one hand and grabbing Hyrule's shoulder with the other to shake the Traveler awake. The healer jolted upright almost immediately, his eyes blown wide in his direction.

"Wha-? What? What's happening?" Hyrule squinted against the dark. "Link?"

"What are you doing?" Twilight hissed. "You're gonna wake the others!"

"Monsters." Link turned to Twilight with stony cold eyes that the Rancher only saw from either Time or Warriors at the battlefield. The eyes of a soldier. "They're here."