The original chapter is twice my usual word count, so I have no choice but to divide it into two separate chapters. Don't wanna bore you guys with a lengthy chapter.

Legend is THIS close to becoming the trigger-happy of the group. More than a week ago, Hylia lobbed them to the new Link's Hyrule during bedtime, only to make them jump off a death fall of a plateau and teleport them to his successor's era. Now, this? A mob of monsters out for their blood in the middle of the night and an underground dungeon right after? It might not be the first, but it is still fucking infuriating! The next time Link hears Hylia announce about transporting them to another Hyrule, he will tell him to say to the Goddess to fuck off and to interrogate her if she is planning to drop them next to who-knows-where that is potentially dangerous and claustrophobic. Honestly, a little warning would be nice.

"At your right!"

Legend sidestepped just in time to avoid a Tektite landing smack on his face. While the four-legged monsters are generally weak, they are a pain in the ass with them skittering and jumping around, trying to make him into their oversized trampoline. The hooks protruding from their legs might be small but are definitely sharp enough to cut through fabric. He ducked his upper body from another Tektite sailing overhead and thrust his sword upwards. He barely managed to move his weapon away just as black blood spurted out from the wound. Bathing in infected blood is not a part of his How-To-Take-Down-Annoying-Four-Legged-Jumping-Monsters procedure nor his to-do list of the day (or night). He would rather bathe in Hyrule's failed attempts to brew potions than being showered with monster goo. Really, it is disgusting.

"How are you holding up, Vet?"

Legend huffed, not bothering to look at his only companion. "Better than Pretty Boy, I can bet." While he and the Captain often tease and bicker about the pettiest of things, it is still concerning whenever he or anyone in their group gets injured. Not that he will admit it. He just hoped his successor got transported with the blue scarfed hero. Sky can hold fine with how shallow his injury is, but the Captain? The guy was unconscious when they passed through the portal. He doubted Warriors would wake up anytime soon.

Twilight stepped back as the last two Tektites landed on the spot where he was standing a second ago. He sliced his Ordonian sword in a low arc, dismembering the two monsters in half. The Rancher watched the corpses spasm before stilling and then scowled at the sticky mess coating his blade. "This will be difficult to clean."

"No, shit." Legend flicked his sword in an effort to remove some of the monster guts. "The Smith will have a fit if we don't. I will have a fit if it doesn't come off."

Twilight sheathed his sword and walked to where the Veteran left his Fire Rod in the midst of the fight. He picked it up and passed it to Legend, who slung his shield on his back and freed one hand to hold the magic rod. The Veteran kept his sword on his other hand as he adjusted the flame to an intensity bright enough to light a few feet behind and ahead of them. The corridor they are in is completely dark, with ancient stonework pressing on them from all sides. The air is uncomfortably humid and smells stale, but they have yet to see any sign of water anywhere. There is no moss, no lichen, or anything to indicate normal life except the monsters they have encountered so far. There are also no signs of anyone else venturing the underground dungeon other than them.

Beside him, Twilight brushed his fingers against the stone wall as they continued traversing the dark winding hallways. The fire from Legend's Fire Rod was big enough to illuminate their path but not to burn them accidentally. They are fortunate enough not to face monsters right when they appeared on the other side of the portal and have encountered only a few since they started their search for their companions and a way out. They do not know how long they have been walking – the darkness has a way to distort time to those who have lost their way.

"I can't tell whose Hyrule we're in yet. Probably mine or Time's." The Rancher paused on his steps and squinted at the carvings on the wall. "Most likely mine, but something feels different."

Legend reached for his bag, only to be reminded that his things are still with the new Link. He clicked his tongue in annoyance. He has no general hate for portals, but Hylia's are the exception. Those magical gateways might be divine and beautiful, but they have no patience. Much like their creator. "Good different or bad different?"

"I can't say, but it's better for us to be careful." The Rancher glanced suspiciously at all four sides of the hallway they are in. "There might be traps in here."

Legend hummed his agreement. "Not the first, but you think it's the new kid's?"

"No." Twilight shook his head, rapping his knuckles against the unfamiliar chiseled designs. "Link's Hyrule doesn't have dungeons like this. He has a couple of mazes, but nothing like this. They're open-air and usually located in mystical forests like the Lost Woods. There's one called Thyphlo Ruins that is always pitch black even at midday, but we only went there once for that shrine." A chuckle rumbled from his throat. "Cub's not one for mazes, after all."

There was a beat of silence. When Legend did not react, Twilight turned to the Veteran, who was staring at him with an incredulous look on his face. "What?"

"How…how did you know that?"

The Rancher blinked, confused by the question. "Huh?"

"How did you know that the kid has no dungeons in his Hyrule?" Legend waved his Fire Rod in front of the taller hero's face. "Did you go to his Hyrule before?"

"What?" Twilight's eyebrows furrowed. "No. I haven't….I think…?"

"You think?" The Veteran exclaimed. "You said 'we'. Like, you know, you've been there. Like you've travelled with the kid before."

"I don't think so…."

"You called him Cub." Legend pointed out as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "That's definitely a nickname. You don't just give a nickname to someone you've just met."

"That's…" Twilight frowned, brushing his bangs off his forehead. Cub…Cub…why does that sound familiar? He felt like he used to call someone that, no, he definitely calls someone that. Someone that is close to him like a best friend, a confidant, an equal, and a family. He might not have been able to express it in words – being unable to speak but only make canine sounds – but it is the thought that matters...or so he told himself. Honey-blond hair and blue eyes flashed in his memory – hazy but existing. Who? Who was it? Was it Link? "I…I don't know. Why did I call him that?"

The question was more directed to himself than to the Veteran that it made the latter sheathe his sword and cross his arms. "You're acting strange, Rancher. First, you, then the Traveler. The Smith's not so much, but still…who's next? The Old Man?" He poked an accusing finger on Twilight's chest. "Be honest with me. Who really got a concussion? You or Pretty Boy? Why are you guys so smitten with the kid?"

Twilight looked at him like he has offended his honor and his whole family lineage. "Excuse me? Smitten? What the hell, Vet?"

Legend threw his arms in mock surrender. "Fine. Overprotective."

"I am not overprotective, and neither are Hyrule and Four." Twilight argued. "Have you seen his face, Vet? Like really looked at his face? He's young but he got amnesia and those scars…." He shook his head before continuing. "The way he reacted to us back in his Hyrule? How he distances himself from people who know and care for him? How terrified he is of the Master Sword? That's not normal."

"I'm not saying he isn't fucked up as the rest of us." Legend turned his head to the wall behind Twilight. "That's what defines us, Heroes of Courage, after our journeys. Having the shitty ass Hero's Spirit and all that." He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "What I'm asking is why you're so attached to kid, Rancher. I've seen how you act around the Sailor and the Smith, but the way you danced around the kid like you're stepping on a landmine is unnerving. On top of that, you seemed to know him but don't remember."

Don't remember. Twilight deflated. Legend is right – he does not remember. He has been having dreams of another life every night since they first landed in Link's Hyrule. He dreams of events that he could not remember happening, of a person whose face he could not distinguish, and of a world that is suspiciously like the kid's Hyrule. A voice, a woman's voice, kept urging him at the end of each dream to not forget, but the dreams kept fluttering away from his grasp every time he wakes up, only to slam back to him in waves whenever he is around Link. He feels relaxed and safe whenever he is near their new member, as if he had known him for a long time, as if he is part of his pack long before the others came along. The sense of protectiveness is especially strong whenever he transforms into a wolf, and that is what makes him anxious around the new Link. He could not remember, yet his instincts and feelings tell him that he knows him, and it is confusing him to the point that even Legend has noticed it.

"Do not forget, Hero of Twilight. Do not forget what you have lost through time and space. When the promised day arrives, he will need you again. So, you must not forget…and save him."

Forget, huh? Should it not be remember? He wanted to tell Link earlier that night, but he cuccoed out at the last minute. He could tell that Link sensed something was off and has tried twice to ask him about it, but fate has a knack for messing things up, and now they are separated and trying to grope their way out of a goddess-damned dungeon in a who-knows-where Hyrule. It must be his punishment for trying to skirt around the problem a little longer.

Back to the present, Legend is still glowering at him indignantly and tapping his boot impatiently on the stone floor as he waits for another bullshit that the Rancher will answer him with. Twilight let out a low rumble from his throat as he turned away. "Drop it. I'd rather we find an exit than stay here any longer."

"Excuses, excuses." Legend scoffed. "Who are you? The Old Man?"

Twilight glared over his shoulder. "I'm serious. This place is bad news. Unless you want to –!" He paused abruptly and turned, his eyes wide at the darkness ahead of them. "…Did you hear that?"

"Hear what? I swear if you're trying to change the topic, I'll –"

"No, listen!" Twilight hissed. "I think I heard a voice."

Legend scowled but kept his mouth shut. He tried straining his ears to listen to whatever the Rancher is hearing. It took him a while, being one of those that lack the un-Hylian sense of hearing of Twilight and the new Link, and finally caught the faint echo of someone calling out. The voice was lacking its usual timidity and gentleness and is replaced with weakness and uncertainty. It is familiar, that Legend is sure, and he knows who it belongs to.

"That's Hyrule." Twilight remarked after noticing the flash of realization on the Veteran's face. "Let's go!"

Legend did not need to be told twice. He went for a head start and was running ahead of the Rancher. The light of his Fire Rod blurred past against the walls, forgotten at the single goal of reaching his successor as soon as possible. He swerved right at the corner of the hallway, past an intersection of four more before picking the eastern path. He has no need for a map or any source of light. His feet carried him to the route where it would lead him to his destination, the intangible connection that binds them all guiding his body at full force toward Hyrule.

"Traveler!" Legend yelled, panting as he reached the hallway that he knew where their resident healer is. "Hyrule!"

"Over here!"

The response came a bit farther down the corridor, and Legend pushed a few meters more before stumbling into Hyrule and a still unconscious Warriors. The Captain's head was propped on the Traveler's lap while the latter was slumped against the wall. The bandages were slightly dirtied, probably due to their unsavory landing through the portal. Hyrule's own Fire Rod was propped to the wall – the light just bright enough to illuminate their forms. It is a blessing in disguise that it was Hyrule that Warriors ended up with at the other side, or else, the Traveler will go on full worrywart mode with whomever unfortunate enough to pair with him.

Behind the Veteran, Twilight finally caught up, mildly wheezing from the sprint they did. The Rancher did not even question where the Veteran got his sudden burst of energy and speed because he just knew. The Hero's Spirit does the weirdest things at them when it is most necessary.

Legend knelt beside Warriors and inspected the injured man. His eyes roved from his broken ribs to his bandaged head before landing on his successor. Hyrule looked drained - his eyes sunken and his freckled cheeks pale - most likely from healing the Captain earlier with magic, but safe as one can be in this accursed dungeon. "How is he?"

"He's stable now. I've healed his head wound and most of his ribs." Hyrule answered, placing a hand on the Captain's chest. There is a weak glow from it, but it is healing magic, nonetheless. "The rest of my red potions are with Link. You guys don't happen to have some with you, do you?"

Legend shook his head. "Mine's with the kid too. The portal sucked me in before I could take my things back." He scowled. "Honestly! What's up with that? Won't a few minutes of waiting hurt? Screw Hylia!"

"SHH!" Hyrule hushed him, his eyes darting to all sides. His voice was low enough for a forced whisper. "Keep it down! There are Skulltulas here. I had to fight some while defending Warriors."

"Skulltulas?" Twilight's eyes flicked to the dark corridor ahead and behind him. "They didn't get you, didn't they? Those things are venomous."

The Traveler shook his head. "No, they didn't." He reached for his magic sword on the floor beside him and tapped the hilt. "I only fought two. They're quite small too, but fast. Thank Hylia, they burned easily."

Legend seemed satisfied with Hyrule's report, but Twilight was feeling anxious for some reason. He gripped his arm with one hand – the nails digging painfully against the fabric. There is that ominous feeling that tells him something is about to go wrong…or is already going wrong. He looked at one side of the corridor – the one he and Legend have yet to pass through – and frowned. Whatever the reason for this feeling, Twilight did not like it at all.

"I should continue looking for the others." Twilight said, already moving toward the other side of the hallway. "I can track you guys down and lead the others here when I find them."

"What? No!" Legend stood up and grabbed his arm, intent to block the taller hero from leaving. "What the hell, Rancher? No one's going alone in this goddess-damned dungeon."

"Twilight, did you forget?" Hyrule reminded with a frown. "We agreed to stick with the group at all times or go in pairs for small trips. We never go out alone."

"Unless it's necessary." Twilight met the Traveler's eyes with a challenging stare. "And right now, it is. We have an injured here, and you protecting him alone won't cut it. You're exhausted from using magic, and that's why Legend will have to stay to support you."

"Both of us are staying, Rancher!" Legend growled. "There's no way -"

"No." Twilight cut off firmly. "I'm going, and you're staying here, Vet. If you're going to fight me for it, then better reserve that energy in guarding Hyrule and Warriors." The Rancher yanked his arm away from Legend's grasp and pushed past the Veteran. He glanced over his shoulder. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

Without waiting for a 'take care' nor a 'good luck', he started his blind run toward the pitch-black corridor. The desperate call of his name echoed behind him until it is swallowed by the darkness. He pressed and groped for the walls to find his way, listening to any sounds aside from his frantic breathing. He rounded the corner of the hallway and reached for his Shadow Crystal. He felt the familiar pull of Twili magic against his skin, peeling the layers and changing his form into a creature feared by many. His skeleton shifted and rearranged itself, no longer Hylian but of a wolf. Waves of scents and sounds slammed against him at full force, and he let himself take it all in, processing the information and adjusting to his much keener senses.

When he finally got ahold of himself again, he lifted his head and sniffed the air. Different scents swirled around – most are faint and almost ancient, while some are relatively new but familiar. He concentrated on the latest ones, mapping them in his mind. Three wafted strongest behind him – an agitated Legend, a tired and worried Hyrule, and a wounded but alive Warriors. Ahead of him, the path opened to a chambered intersection with another four hallways. All reeked of monsters – Skulltulas, Chuchus, Tektites, and even large swarms of brooding Keese.

From the west, he picked up on four familiar scents – two pairs separated yet heading in the same direction. Sky ended up with Four; the Skyloftian is fine even with the earlier injury. Both stank of Tektites that they must have encountered before. Time and Wind are currently engaged in combat against a small horde of Chuchus. Twilight could smell a bit of blood but not enough to warrant worry, and the duo seemed to be almost finished.

The Rancher let out a howl, loud enough for them to hear and know the general direction he is in. He noted the immediate shift in their scents and the diminishing distances from the sources. In a few minutes, the two pairs will find each other and venture the same pathway left for them to go through. He willed himself to enter the chamber and stopped before the mouth of the western hallway. His ears picked up the thumping of multiple boots, the arrhythmic breathing of four individuals, and the familiar low hum of the Master Sword. He howled again and waited.

Not too soon, the hallway spat out four heroes – each more disgruntled and dirtier than the next. Their clothes and weapons were stained with a layer of fresh black blood over some dried ones. Four has a cut across his left cheek while Sky has a few cobwebs stuck on his unkempt hair, trailing and shimmering behind him like some creepy veil under the divine light of the Master Sword. Wind was wiping a small splatter of black blood on his cheek with the right sleeve of his undershirt while Time smelled of smoke and tar coming from the makeshift torch he built to serve as his and Wind's light source. Overall, they are relatively unharmed, except with a few scratches and many smears of unwanted dirt, grime, and monster blood.

Twilight approached them with a skip on his step, his tail wagging and tongue lolling at the side of his mouth. He let out a bark, and Time reached out to scratch him behind the ears. "Good job, Wolfie." The now second biologically oldest Link then levelled him a look that only the two of them know about. "You don't happen to have seen the others, did you?"

The wolf barked and turned around - his snout pointing to the hallway he came from. Time immediately understood and turned to the others. "Wolfie found the others. We'll go that way." Then, back to Twilight. "Are all of them there?"

At that question, Twilight let out a whimper. A 'no' then. Time glanced furtively to the many hallways in the chamber and then to the one his protégé was directing them to. It seemed he wanted to join the Rancher with his search but considering the gap between their speed, he will only slow him down. The others too. "Alright then." He finally said. "Go and find them. We'll wait and regroup to where the others are at."

The Rancher bobbed his head to a nod, and Time gestured for the others to follow him. His mentor lowered his voice to a volume only his sensitive wolf ears could hear. "Be careful, Pup."

Twilight gave a soft chuff and watched them go. Wind squeezed and rubbed his hands over his furry cheeks, praising him with a Good boy, Wolfie, before waving a See you later. Four patted a hand on the top of his head while Sky smiled gratefully as they passed by. Time glanced at him over his shoulder one last time before their group disappeared at the corner. As the last flicker of light receded from the walls, Twilight turned around to face the shadowy chamber once again and the four maws of darkness waiting to devour him.

Alright. Where are you, kid?