Author's Note:

CW: some graphic violence in this one :)

Fresh Air

Since then, nearly a week had passed with little issues. It kept a part of the Hero on edge to remember how the black-purple sludge in Faron could spawn hordes of monsters at will. If it truly was something from Calamity Ganon, it was only a matter of time before something similar happened again. The Yiga were awfully quiet too. It wasn't hard to believe they weren't biding their time before unleashing another attack of some kind. Whether it would solely target the Hero or span to the citizens felt like a coin toss.

The effect of the rumors—whether they originated from the Sheikah or Yiga—appeared to infect the regular people of Hyrule at a fair pace. From what he could tell, he was still largely revered by the regalia, and those who turned their shoulders at him were met with tepid reactions. The same couldn't be said for the townspeople. They were among the first to cast looks of suspicion and doubt his way. He paid it little mind, 'They're addicted to castle drama anyways.' Another thing he'd learned.

In the meantime, the Hero eagerly watched the champion improve at honing his focus. It could be a little faster, he was nearly there, but his stamina greatly improved. They followed through on their plan to keep the King's suspecting eyes off them. They would get up before the crack of dawn and train until the sun came up. This particular morning was a little chilly as Time beamed with pride after another more confident swing unfolded before him, "I'm very impressed!"

Link smiled at his praise, wiping the sweat from his forehead, "Does this mean you'll teach me that one move now?"

He was already dragging out a dummy from the sidelines, "Let's see if you're up for it first." He gave the shoulder of the wooden figure a couple of pats, "Jump over it."

The knight blinked, "…with a running start or just stand in front of it and jump?"

Time weighed either option in his head, leaning against the dummy, "Your end goal would be standing in front of it and jumping, but sure, give it a running start."

"Are…are you gonna move first? You don't really think I'm gonna—" His eyes widened at watching him smirk, "Time! What if I end up kicking you in the face or something?"

"Who says your enemies won't be thick or wide? Remember, this jump is going to turn into a front flip at some point. I can't have you hitting your head on their shoulder and knocking yourself out cold." Watching him realize the agility needed for the move made him snicker, "C'mon! Just don't look at it like a fence and push off the ground with your thighs!"

"Well now that you mentioned a fence, I'm already thinking of one!" Link seemed to shake the thought from his head and ran at him. He managed to clear up to where the middle of his shins would have hit the dummy's shoulders. A surprised yelp escaped as his ancestor grabbed him in mid-air.

"Haha! You've got some squats to do, Link!" Time planted him on his feet, now using his finger to demonstrate, "See, if my finger is the bottom of your boot, this," it moved in an arch to hover roughly three inches above the dummy's shoulder, "is where your foot needs to be in order to clear this thing with a front flip, let alone anything this size." He could hear his heart racing, "Wanna give it another go?"

"How about," Link panted, "you show me again?"

"A run and jump version?"

"Sure."

He walked over to where the knight initially took off, ran, and jumped over the dummy. "See how I was over it? Though," He considered the other logistics surrounding the move, "I will note that the front flip you'll do isn't exactly typical. Watch carefully how I make myself flip." Starting again, he was over the dummy's head before he used the swing of his sword to flip forward. "It's essentially like a super high jump attack and then you swing to get the rotation in the air."

Link's eyes glittered with a new appreciation for the technique, "Damn…that means you just barely nicking my ear from that one time makes you a massive show off…"

"Maybe!" He nudged him, "Now really push off the ground this time!"

After several more attempts, the highest the champion could get was clearing his ankles. He slumped to the ground after getting caught again, breathing hard on all fours, "I just—pant—I can't believe—wheeze— I can't even get past the first part!" His head drooped but he was by no means discouraged, "Dear Hylia!"

Time had a knowing gleam in his eyes, "I think it'd be a little crazy if you got it right away. Now we've got something else to work on."

He sat back on his heels, a little less winded than before, "At this point, is there anything you can't do?"

"Fighting-wise? I'm sure there are some weapons out there that I'd end up sort of swinging around due to a lack of experience." 'Ha! He doesn't believe that for a second!' "Generally speaking? A lot more than you'd think." The Hero took note of the time, "Well, seems we've gotta stop here. It's seven-fifteen."

"Man…" Link never failed to let him know he didn't want the training to end, "Hey actually, I'm sure it's because you're the Hero of Time, but how are you able to tell it down to the minute based on the sky alone? I bet even our most experienced astrologists would be jealous."

"Hmm…" 'I guess I can't see the problem with telling him part of the story.' He motioned him over to the bench, smiling as a giddy expression emerged on Link's face. "So, not long after I saved Hyrule—I was still ten, by the way—I found myself in another land. This place was pretty damn strange, I can't lie. What ended up happening was me getting stuck in a three-day time loop. There was this moon that would essentially end the world on the third day, so I always had to turn back time over and over again to avoid dying and killing everyone else too."

The champion was stupefied, "And you said you were ten?!"

"Considering the circumstances that led up to it in the first place, it's very ironic. I'd be lying if I told you I had a normal childhood…if you can call it that. Anyways," He was frank, "Link I can't even tell you how long I spent in that land in real time. At least a few months or longer. Because everything worked on a schedule, similar to how things typically work in a town, I got scarily good at being able to tell time without a clock. Think about it this way: if twelve in the afternoon felt the exact same every day, you would know what time it was based on that feeling alone." His smile faltered, "It's not something I wanted to be able to do if that makes sense. If anything, it was a reaction to my situation to give me some kind of peace of mind. I wouldn't be the first to say that being able to feel the seconds tick by is a gift."

He remembered how he got frustrated at the stubbornness of the townspeople and verbally lashed out at them one time, trying to convince them that the moon wasn't stopping. Then, he found himself in the next cycle feeling guilty and yet, when he went to go apologize, it was as if he never said anything in the first place. It was hard to feel like interactions had any sort of meaning when, in the next cycle, the people acted as if it had never happened before. There were instances—intrusive thoughts—that crossed his mind where he could have killed anyone and anything, reset time, and never experience the consequences…aside from those coming from an otherwise deteriorated psyche. He originally burst into tears at the mere thought. He could never.

"Dear Hylia…that's…a lot." A finger went to his bottom lip, "So…even now?"

"Funny you ask, there are ten or so left until the new hour and first bell." He used his index finger to represent a pendulum, saying, "tick, tock," for each passing second. On the last tock, the bell from the church simultaneously chimed.

"That's…very depressingly cool." Link was impressed either way.

Time chuckled, "Well now it's really time to get going."

"Will I find you in the library later?"

"Probably." He made the knight's forelock poke at his cheek, "If not, you know other places to check for me." They walked out of the arena together before splitting ways.

Spending time in the castle library was the other way Time kept himself out of the King's radar, let alone any Sheikah who were more forward about their suspicions. After coming up empty handed in his pursuit to understand what the purple goo was, he spent the last few days reading about mysteries of the land, taking note of possible locations to find treasure, relics—for Zelda's sake—and even spots where tougher monsters were known to dwell. It was nice to learn more about the land this way, but anytime he came across something remotely more interesting than the last, the yearn for adventure called to him.

He would also occasionally find himself in Zelda's Study listening to any new theories she'd spent the previous day developing. Her pursuit in studying the castle guardians was steadfast as she awaited the return of her friend. Though, a stiff feeling in his gut told him visiting her today might not go too well. He turned another page, "Be wary, those who think it wise to enter…hmm."

Time quietly sighed as he closed the book. A common theme he found—aside from all the covers dripping with dust—was the mention of the Goddess. They would either give her the credit for the creation of some of the landmarks or it would go to the "ancients before them," likely referring to some other ancient race or perhaps distant ancestors. His eyes trailed to his left hand. Not a day had gone by since his initial encounter with the Goddess of Courage where he hadn't longed to know why Farore did what she did, said what she said. He avoided talking to Hylia out of caution for the innocent, just-a-Hylian-but-a-Hero image he was trying to maintain. Maybe he'd gotten it across by now, at least enough to chance talking to her in the privacy of his room. He returned the books before heading back.

The Hero plopped onto the edge of his mattress, 'Hylia?' A few seconds later he heard her voice enter his head.

Yes, my sweet?

How in the world did it feel awkward now to ask? 'Can we…talk for a moment?' She was overjoyed.

Of course!~

I presume you want to come see me as well?

He chuckled, 'Seems you've read my mind.' In the next moment, he felt a soft touch on his left cheek as he watched the walls of his room evaporate into a puffy cloud plain. There were some huge ones today. Maybe she'd been in a good mood to adorn her skies with such vast, cumulus bundles of vapor. Looking to where the touch originated from, he was met with far more kisses than he expected. He laughed, planting one on her cheek, "It's nice to see you too."

"So, what brings Fierce Deity here today? I've taken notice of you and that knight's secret trainings."

"I wouldn't…" 'Dammit.' "…say it like that, Hylia. I'm just concerned about how the Master Sword doesn't glow in his hands despite it accepting him when he pulled it from the pedestal. If I'm honest, I'm sure this has to do with the shrines somehow, but it's worth training him at least."

The clarification made no difference to her, though her brow rose with interest, "I suppose that suggests you have some doubt in his abilities? How curious."

He frowned, '…hm. I suppose, from her perspective, that's exactly how it comes off…but actually,' that reminded him, "Not necessarily. Back on the plateau in that shrine, I kissed his hand—"

"As we do."

His lips briefly pressed into a line, "—yes—and I saw glimpses of my own adventure, but it was only the beginning…or what I would have called the beginning. From my understanding, I had the feeling that what I saw through the Triforce of Courage meant that he too was somehow at the beginning of his adventure, so it would make sense that he couldn't use the full potential of the Master Sword yet."

"Ah," she folded her hands, "so you didn't come for a tour of the realm."

"I was hoping you'd correct me where I'm wrong."

She warmly smiled, "My, when was it my place to interpret the way you use your powers, my love?"

'My what. That's just something I can do? But you won't even—I'd like to know if I'm right dammit!'

Either way she appeared pleased with herself, "Hm, seems I was correct in sensing more of your questions.~ Are there any others to keep this game afloat?"

He had to smirk at the mention of that ridiculous notion she's had this entire time. "Yes actually." Seeing as he knew he wouldn't find himself back on the Great Plateau anytime soon to personally ask Farore, he figured out a way to work around asking about what's going on without breaking the rule of affairs. He spoke sweetly, "Dearest Hylia, tell me about the Triforce again."

Despite his prior question, Hylia was intrigued yet surprised, "Really? But there honestly isn't much to say."

"But," Time took her hands into his own as he pulled her closer, "won't you? Pretty please?"

Her cheeks began to glow, "'Pretty please,' he says.~ You know, after all this time I've spent watching you, I'll admit that sometimes your charade doesn't feel like one—but only on occasion. I'm quite impressed." She waved her words away, "In any case, I've said it was simple before, but I'll humor you further since you insist." Her eyes met his, "To hold a piece of the Triforce is to be ever bound by fate, my sweet."

He breathed as he thought of the distant worlds he'd gone to where the Triforce of Courage no longer dwelled on his hand…including this one, "So…as my circumstances would have it…I'm just pausing my own, aren't I?"

"You are quite different from the rest of us in that regard, but—in a sense—you're not so different from me." Joy sparkled in her eyes as she kissed him.

While that didn't answer his question, Time didn't have to tell her that—clearly—her fate killed her.

This only made her smile more, "Did I truly die, Dear Hero? Really?"

He held her chin as his brow raised, awaiting her answer. It made her all the more smitten with him.

Hylia spoke into his cheek, "I would argue this is the most lively I've been in eras!~" The Goddess giggled as she kissed him more. She pinched his cheek as she rested her head in his lap, leaving her hair to pool beside him, "See, it's rather common for some of us to disappear for so long, dearest; it's our nature. It wasn't surprising when the same happened to you."

His eyes widened, 'The same happened to me!?' Time's lashes fluttered at the implications.

"But of course," she continued, her tone turning thoughtful, "we all have our duties here and Demise's curse has grown quite powerful over time…"

He tried to keep his cool, nodding as he recognized the name, "Right, he cursed my spirit and your bloodline."

Hylia's pale eyes flicked to his as she made the distinction, "The Hero's spirit, yes." She carried on, "Either way, with that said, our realm perseveres through his attempts throughout the millennia, but," she warmly smiled, "I certainly missed you.~" It only grew as she sounded like she was happily recalling a memory, "Then, one fateful day, I find my little Hero in sheep's clothes toiling with the demon in that little village. He'd been up to his tricks again in such a form like that."

His breathing had grown quiet as a silent gasp escaped him.

The Goddess booped his nose, "And you had to have grown more powerful as well, sealing yourself into that mask. You were so Hylian I would have been convinced you were just a gifted child. Especially given that the Triforce of Courage favored you over your fated companion."

He flinched in realization as his mind raced back to the Great Deku Tree and what had occurred before Link pulled the sword. "Does…!?" Time couldn't believe it, but the forest protector's words shed new light on what had actually taken place, '…let him pass on your holy right…' "That means I must have passed time on my piece of the Triforce and sent it to the time when Link would have received it!" His fingers raked through his bangs, 'Gods, I think that's all I could have done as the Deku Tree sang! The Song of Time is one of a few that makes time pass! It would have worked the same way those time blocks did…playing the song changed their position based on where it would have ended up in the future!' Then his mind warped to the dinner where she spoke his true name to him, causing him to unify with the mask. The deity looked her in the eye, feeling a new resolve develop inside of him, "I know you think I'm playing tricks but…" He pulled her into a grateful hug, "Hylia you've awakened me! Truly!"

She squeezed him back, though she looked vaguely mystified once they pulled away, "Ah, your clouds."

This was the first time he witnessed them at such a tiny size as they hovered about his cheeks, peacefully misting and white, rather than gray and furling. However, he hid his perplexity at her initial expression. The Goddess appeared mystified before her eyes moved to his familiars. He didn't let it put a damper on his mood. It felt so relieving to finally learn more than just bits and pieces!

"Weird," He smiled, a feeling of solidarity swelling within him, "I don't recall asking for them. Perhaps they were wondering where I went." Time kissed her forehead.

Her bottom lip jutted ever so slightly into a pout as her eyes cast in the other direction. She puffed out a sigh, "Clouds above…does this mean you're leaving me again? Returning to your companion once more?"

Okay now he had to ask, "Right," he blinked, "why does no one seem to believe he's my descendant? Does he not descend from the Hero's spirit?"

"He does," she confirmed, "But you don't possess the Hero's spirit anymore."

His head cocked to one side, "Um…because he currently has it?" 'Duh? Isn't that how this works?'

A hand went to her hip as a butterfly landed on her head, "Come now, the spirit of a god is not the same as the Hero's." Hylia's demeanor denoted that this information should be obvious, "Both are immortal, yes, but the Hero's I've learned is quite particular." She explained, "It conjoins with the host's spirit until their fate as foretold by prophecy has run its course—with rare exceptions as all things have. In any case, there's no feasible possibility that you directly descend from the Hero's spirit, my love, you're a god. To my knowledge, you've also completed your prophecy, so you've long been without it as well."

Now she kissed his forehead, "The others couldn't tell fate from natural consequence even if it hit them in the nose, but you and I?" She cuddled up beside him, "We've been dealt our fair share, and that's the way in which we're the same, like I was saying earlier."

He had to clarify, "So…I've been a god this whole time?"

"Always have, always will be."

"Then…" He looked at his arms and hands as he thought of times he'd gotten exceedingly hurt. Not to mention feeling hunger and fatigue, "How am I mortal? How am I Hylian at all? I didn't do what you did Hylia, or at least I don't remember doing that." 'I sealed myself into the mask?'

She only smiled back at him, "How should I know, my love? I know most things, not all things. I don't recall you telling me what happened to you while you were gone, but I'm always willing to listen."

"Well…but then how did you know I'm the Hero of Time?" This wasn't adding up.

"Because of your feats no less. Words like those even reach my ears, however I didn't know it was you until I saw you. I knew of a Hero of Time, then made the connection that it was actually you, Fierce Deity."

His head shook as it felt like his memories were arguing over which were true and which weren't, "So then something happened to me even before all of that? What was it?" Time's frustration had begun to turn her white clouds gray to match those around his cheeks.

She wrapped him into a hug, apologetically smooching the side of his face, "I'm sorry, I wish I knew…" Her eyes gazed into his own, worry tinted their depths, but she didn't say anything. Instead her lips drifted closer to his, softly asking, "How can I take this weight off your mind?"

For the first time, his perception of her shifted from being an all-powerful Goddess, a divine entity capable of more things than he could imagine, into an ally, a friend he could confide and find comfort in. He dolefully pressed their foreheads together as he shook his head, taking a deep breath, "I-I think I just need some fresh air…" The deity kissed her goodbye before excusing himself from her domain.

He reappeared at the Sacred Grounds in the same form he'd left his room in. It was the same place where he and the others convened before taking off to the Great Plateau. That feeling of solidarity rotted into restlessness, unease. Time brought himself to gaze at the silvery waters deep within his mind. 'What!? How?' He thought, if anything, he'd find himself in a similar situation to when they escaped the Spring of Courage! Instead, his noble form remained, unmoved, unbothered, and ever diligent as it kept watch over the now tumultuous waves clashing together as it rained. Everything appeared significantly darker as well.

'Why has nothing changed!?' He brought his focus back to the present, feeling a sparse sprinkle coming from the faint, cloudy sky, 'This doesn't make any sense!' Every part of him wanted to fixate on the way he felt, but he knew mucking around for answers wasn't going to make him feel any better. After taking several deep breaths to calm himself, he made his way back to the open Castle Town gates. He had no idea why he ended up at the tree-shaded pavilion, but he wanted to mull this over in his room, somewhere he knew he was least likely to be bothered.

Time began the trek back, trying to save face as he strolled past wary eyes. Several things bothered him, but one thing in particular had to do with Link pulling the Master Sword and the Triforce of Courage. 'He…he was meant to pull the sword then, right?' He passed by the center fountain in Center Square, 'I didn't…I couldn't have—no, he pulled it himself! I only gave him my Triforce piece…but is that the only reason why he could pull it?' He'd have to find a way to ask the sword later as he came up to the castle gates. He nodded to acknowledge the guards before continuing up the sloping path to the right. His ears perked at the sound of fast footsteps as he made it to the bend before the First Gatehouse.

Tap tap tap tap tap.

"Time!" Came his descend—Link's voice. He sounded a little fervent, "There you are! I uh—phew!—I was looking for you! Do you think you coul—!?" As their eyes met, the Triforce in his right hand brightly glowed. He blinked between the Hero and his hand.

This commotion caught the attention of the guards at the gatehouse.

The champion spoke softer, "Hey, are you okay?"

His voice had a quiet echo to it. By this point he felt lightheaded, solemnly blinking, "I think so." His clouds slowly gathered in the sky above over the course of his walk, they spanned the castle grounds as if to keep an eye on him. He watched the piece shine brighter after taking his hand, "I might know after I have some time to process things."

Link's mouth opened, but the sound that followed wasn't his.

Ha ha ha haa!~

A Yiga scytheman instantly appeared behind him, yanking Link by the arm before teleporting away.

The sky crackled in dismay as the deity quickly searched the clearing. Gazing straight ahead through the gatehouse, he snarled at Link reappearing in the clearing between the gatehouses with five more Yiga surrounding him, all mid-swing with their nasty blades aimed to maim and slaughter him right before his eyes.

Electricity instantly flickered off the god's figure as he forced time to a complete stop, 'I KNEW IT. I knew these traitors were behind this blasphemous rumor! That attack in the forest was meant to expose me!' Heaving, seething with unbridled rage boiling inside of him, he stalked through the gatehouse over to the group. Three blademasters, three scythemen. He ripped their weapons out of their hands, taking the trajectory of their fists into consideration and ensuring they wouldn't lay a finger on the knight.

They were going to suffer.

When time resumed, his clouds struck him with a fantastic, earth-churning bolt of lightning, obliterating his last fuck. The deity sprang from six feet tall to thirty, staggering his enemies with a roar that shook the grounds further. Heavy rain pelted the land as he donned his armor, his marks brightly shining as they seared onto his face. He didn't bother with his true sword; instant death would have been too good for them. No…he had other plans. Shots of paralyzing electricity kept them from attempting to escape his wrath as howling wind sent the rain down in punishing gusts.

"Was this what you wanted?" His warped, taunting voice could be heard well into Hyrule Field. He grabbed two of the scythemen and tossed them in the air, sharply smiling at their screams of terror. His black blade illuminated purple as his lightning struck it. Swing by swing, he cut them into strings of flesh, scattering blood on those below. "Fine." He smashed the last scytheman with his fist. "But you've made a grave mistake getting him involved! Such insolence will NOT GO UNPUNISHED!"

The first blademaster received a similar fate the first two scythemen received. For the last two, he ripped them from where they stood, gripping them in either hand while his sword faded away. "Khoga…Sooga. Should your kind…your clan…dare show their presence around me again. Know you will face an end worse than death." Fierce Deity slowly crushed them until their guts burst from their mouths and eyes.

The red bands on his cheeks glowed brighter than the blue as the blood running down his gauntlets was absorbed. It made him faintly happy to know he didn't need to address whatever other presence lie beneath the surface either. That would have really pissed him off…nevertheless it would've been against Hylia's wishes too. He felt a bead of crimson drip from the lower band on his left cheek, "Ah…too much…" His terrifying scowl morphed into a pleasant, friendlier expression as his gaze fell to the knight below.

"My, my, my," His soft and caring voice fiercely contrasted his prior tone as he dropped the mangled corpses. The torrential rain ceased with a wave of his hand. He willed his gauntlets away before gingerly scooping his companion into his palms. He brought him closer to his face to look him over, his brow lifting at the amount of red he saw. "None of this blood is yours, is it?"

Link panted as he stared back at him, speechless. His eyes darted over the edge of his hand, breathing harder at how high in the air he was. They threatened popping out of his head as they flicked to entrails littering his palms. The deity patiently waited as he took a minute to catch his breath, "I—Dear Hylia!" He kicked away a loose eyeball, "I-I don't think so…I don't um… feel hurt." His hair flew away from his face as the god blew air from his pursed lips. Any blood that didn't belong to him dissolved into the air like dust. His pupils narrowed, "Wait, what are yo—AAHH!"

Time gently pinched his ankle between his fingers to check for himself, briefly lifting him into the air. His brows furrowed, followed by a disapproving grunt, "Mm, not good." He spied two short blades, kunai, lodged in the knight's left shoulder. 'Seems I made a small miscalculation.' The red bands on his cheeks glowed brighter as he gently sat him back in his left palm, careful not to make it worse, "Take as you need, my spark." He brought him closer to the marks while the other hand flicked away any remaining innards.

Link didn't understand as he stood with a wince. He sat his right hand against his cheek to keep his balance, "What am I supposed to do?" The red glow began to pulse, redirecting his attention. His hand traveled higher, "Am I supposed to—EH?"

The god chuckled at the fuzzy sensation that came from the knight accidentally submerging his entire right arm into the reserve. He spoke as a bright light enveloped his figure and he shrank down to six and a half feet tall, "Just return what you don't use, please." He let him down from carrying him.

Link's arm dripped fresh blood as he stood aghast at what to do.

"Ah, that's right, you wouldn't know. First, I am terribly, genuinely sorry." Fierce Deity held his uninjured shoulder with one hand while the other quickly pulled out the kunai. He winced at the painful gasp that came from the first, but his ears drooped at the grunt that came from the second. "Then, you do this," He quickly took the crimson-soaked hand and moved it to his bleeding shoulder. The god held him upright as he watched the red begin to flow from his fingers. He couldn't blame his knees daring to give out after having two blades removed. The blood seeped into the stab wounds, essentially working like a healing potion to close the wound and heal it without a scar. This brought the red from the champion's armpit down to his forearm as the god moved his hand back to the marks on his cheek, "And then you give it back."

Poor Link went from sucking in air at the sharp pain to finally sighing in relief, finding the use of his legs again. He slumped his forehead against the deity's chest plate, "For the love of Hylia, please give me a warning next time…I can still feel the sensation of them getting pulled out…"

Time thumbed his cheek, "Don't worry, I'll fix that too." His eyes shined brighter as thunder violently crackled above, making the knight flinch.

Link whipped around, holding his hands out to his fellow knights who slowly advanced toward them, "Wait guys don—"

"You DARE approach me without invitation!?" Fierce Deity sensed them before, but now his irritation preceded him. His words cut through the air as they forcibly knelt into a bow as his eyes cast over them. It was too late to appease him, he was already to pacing, snarling, "Weapons sheepishly raised against me…insulting! Did my display of vengeance mean nothing!? There is plenty that comes to mind of what I do to the likes of those who recklessly demonstrate such foolishness!" Each exhale was a growl that grew more and more threatening. A cluster of bolts struck him, giving him a sense of clarity. The god scoffed, "I've put up with this for long enough!" A sea of gasps flooded his ears as he took Link's hand and zipped away.

As much as he wanted to take them somewhere far from the castle, he was still inclined to be considerate of his companion. Merely "out of sight" will have to do for now. He slowed from his sprint, coming to a stop at the north side of the Deku Tree in Korok Forest. He breathed in the air, 'Ah, such a beautiful forest!' He found much joy in the lively flora, 'But more importantly, I'd rather not throw us straight into danger by accident…'

He sat the knight down from his carry before squeezing him into a tight embrace—one that lifted him off his feet again. It would've been unethical to drag him along at such speeds, so he picked him up not long after his trek began. Now he sighed in relief, letting him down once more. "I'm so glad you're alright, Link. Oh speaking of which," the deity bent forward and pecked where he'd been stabbed, quizzically watching for his reaction afterward. He seemed to relax a little. "Did that make your phantom pain go away? I realize now that my healing methods aren't ideal for your kind."

Link's eyes fluttered in response as color began to tint his face. They flicked to his shoulder, "O-Oh, uh, y-yeah I think so." His uncertain posture abruptly straightened as he stammered, "A-And thanks of course…f-for um…" His head shook as he stepped away, his hands stopping short of his face, "Ugh, I just—I have no idea why I feel so—" His palm raised to excuse himself, "I think I need a moment…"

Time respectfully nodded his understanding. He watched him cross his arms while a hand perched at his forehead. If he weren't biting his lip, he might have been murmuring to himself instead.

A few minutes later, the knight puffed a recuperative sigh. His gaze met the god's, "I-I have questions first."

His eyes brightened, "Please ask." 'Oh that's interesting.' His head cocked to one side, "You're nervous?" His tone was thoughtfully attentive, "Have no worries. The vast majority of my…let's call it anger…was left back there." 'I didn't scare him, did I?'

The knight mildly stiffened at the indication his underlying emotions could be so easily read, "Er…right. Those blademasters…their blood running down your arms. Did I see that right? You can suck the blood out of things?"

"It keeps me from using a more tiresome way of healing, much like what I've been doing this entire time." 'Ah…you're just a tad shaken, or that's what your glass eyes tell me.' The god chuckled, "Suck, huh? That's one way of putting it. Though, it's not as if I use my teeth the way those fantasy stories suggest."

Link's eyes widened, "Can you do that?"

His brow rose, "Is that a personal inquiry?" Time smirked at his dismay, "Oh I'm just teasing, fair knight. Otherwise, yes, theoretically I could. I can't imagine why I would choose to do that though."

"Fair enough." Link crossed his arms, "Either way, could that be why you sleep for a few days after you get hurt?"

He nodded, "I don't prefer it if I'm honest. It leaves me quite vulnerable."

Now a confuddled frown emerged, "S-So then…why didn't you use that after you fought the Yiga in the desert?"

Time tapped his temple, "I didn't know to. Did it appear that I did?"

Realization lit his eyes, "Right right…you still don't know everything about this god stuff." His head tilted, "Seemingly?" Link continued, "Anyways, I've…well obviously I've never seen you that way before. I guess…I suppose I'm just curious why you didn't kill them immediately or something."

A plucky smile pushed at his cheeks, "Of course my sweet knight would have been merciful. Very cute." His stance shifted, "I strictly believe the best examples are made from suffering, my spark." The god motioned to him, "Oh, and don't sell yourself so short either. This was you they nearly took from me. Not just anyone." He nodded to himself, "Death was too good for them, really. I could have been less charitable, you're right."

"Um…" Link breathed, "moving on…" his gaze veered off, "Why did the knights suddenly bow to you? Why didn't I do it too?" A scoff jerked his attention back.

"You? Bowing to me?" He let his irritation slip into the air. The thought irked him the more the image developed in his mind, "That's beyond ridiculous, beyond unnecessary. No no, I wouldn't like that at all." He blinked, "For the others, I was simply reminding them of common courtesy before they offended me further." Fierce Deity shrugged, taking a more relaxed demeanor, "You know, I feel I've been quite good at minding my patience as of late." He sighed. "I don't like to think I'm so irritable, but I can't help it sometimes." He flicked away the sparks that'd begun to whizz off his fingers. "My apologies, pay that no mind."

The champion wore his perplexity well, "O-Of course. I can see where you're coming from." Meeting his gaze once more, the pits of his eyes were warm, grateful. His thumbs and forefingers held each other, "I want you to know…it means a lot that you basically just gave away your entire identity to protect me, Time. Really." He folded his hands, "Horrifying mental images aside, I'm truly grateful."

While concerned for his psyche, his cheeks felt rosy from his words. He closed the gap between them, "Ah~ it makes my heart warm to hear it!" The god wanted to hold him close as if he'd nearly lost a precious gem. Holding his cheek would suffice. "I'll admit that it wasn't my intention to reveal myself in such a way. Those traitors put you in a position to taunt it out of me. I can't say I had much of a choice." His voice was compassionate, "But I would choose it every time, no matter the personal cost, my spark."

Speechless. His sparkling blue eyes were glossy.

This made the deity's smile much sweeter and kind, "Of course, there is always satisfaction to find as well—despite a rather gloomy outlook. My own includes your safety and blood payment—true blood payment—" Arms wrapped around his waist. "—in…in that order." He softly exhaled, looking down at the face pressing into his chest. Time dismissed his chest plate and armor, patting his head.

A moment after, Link loosely chuckled as he let go, "You…you really get a bad case of blood lust, huh?"

"Aw, is that what you would call it?" His tongue clicked, "Link, I simply take pride in making those who wrong me, and those I care about, suffer beyond their wildest imaginations. Besides," the bands on his cheeks dimly glowed, "my reserves are full for the most part. I can regenerate as normal, and I can help you too if need be." He finally gestured to their surroundings, "Right, I brought us to the same forest where you pulled the Master Sword. Very calming, isn't it? I love the plant life here."

The champion stepped away to take it all in, "That's right, I thought I recognized this a little." His gaze returned, "Um…before you saved my life, what was wrong? When I met you on the path, you didn't," he half-shrugged, "seem all that okay. Not to mention, you looked at me and—" His eyes flicked to his hand, dumbfounded by the shine it continued to emit. It hadn't left his hand since they ran into each other, "How is it still glowing?!"

"Hm…" Time took his hand as he brought them to a dryer patch of grass to sit, "When you found me, I'd just come from a spell of realization. I'd found a bit more information about myself. You'll agree with me when I say I'm a god but," he raised a finger, "I wasn't aware until now that I'd always been one." He gazed at his hands, "Isn't that fascinating? Can you believe I'm a god first and the Hero of Time second?"

Link's jaw nearly dropped off his face, quietly uttering, "Hylia above…"

"It…it feels like parts of me are coming back like pieces of a puzzle." His head shook with a sigh. "For example, there's a place I know I would have taken you instead but…the memory…it feels just out of reach! I have no idea how to get there, but I get the feeling it's mine and we'd be safe. My lack of memory is also the reason why I didn't do the same as I did now back in the desert." Despair crept up the sides of his face as he cradled his head in his hands, "I feel…so incomplete. It's—it's maddening to only know bits and pieces of what you are, and every other piece redefines who you are, who you've been. What's more, everything seems to contradict itself on top of it all!" 'Does she even know what she's talking about!? Why would I seal myself into a mask!?' Trembling hands made fists as he looked back at his companion. Exhaustion hung off his ears and eyes. He huffed a sigh. "I'm just…frustrated—I'm still frustrated."

"I…can't begin to imagine what that's like." This was a lot for him to take in as well, "Is there…anything I can do to—"

"I'm getting to that part, don't worry. As for your hand," Time took it into his own, watching it shine brighter, "I wonder if it's reacting this way because of my presence?" He bit his inner lip; nothing was coming to mind. "Forgive me, I think I'll have to return to this theory later. I could always be wrong too. You would know as much." He pecked his palm for good measure before giving his proposition. He sat up straighter, "Soo…I know I didn't ask when I took you here, but I don't like," he motioned to himself, "feeling this way. I'm trying my hand at hiding it, but I'm exhausted. Exhaustion doesn't hide feelings of anger, distraught, and a lack of world sense too well, I'm afraid." Then a small smile emerged. It was hopeful as he caught the knight's eye, "Want to help me distract myself for a bit? If you ever wish to return to the castle at any point, just let me know." The god took both of his hands into his own, "Truly, Link. Don't feel as though you're being kept against your will or that you have some divine obligation to pit against your own. It'd make me quite sad."

"But of course I'll—" Link clapped a hand over his mouth, "Uh, I mean wait, I—" But he knew it was too late to catch himself. His nose was booped.

"Aha, seems you should work on that." He wore a thoughtful smile, "You already said yes, but go on, ask away. I won't make you do anything."

The knight shrugged, "I guess I'm just curious about what all we'll be doing. Just staying here?"

"Why no actually, I'd read a number of books regarding mysteries and treasure throughout this land. It was in case you and I had some free time as a far-off, more fantastical thought." He squeezed his hand, "However, given the circumstances, I think it'd be perfect! After all, I love the thought of us adventuring together! I could teach you a thing or two—oh, and continue your training, if you'd like."

A huge grin spread across his face, "Haha! That sounds like fun! I'm in!" Then his grin slipped into a smirk as he put his hands on his hips, "Also, you're funny, y'know that?"

"I've found a means to amuse you?" His head mischievously dipped one way, "Do explain." 'Though I think I have an idea of where this is going.'

"Well I can tell, despite your…well." Link's lips pressed together, searching for what to say. "You're a little high and low at the moment—justifiably so, of course. Yet, despite that, I just find it funny that it's still really obvious that you're—" his shoulders slumped. Whatever words he wanted to speak must have been hexed. Instead he held out his arms, "Do you want a hug? I think you want a hug."

Time took his offer and pulled him close. He smushed his cheek into the top of the champion's head, "More than that really." He internally chuckled after feeling his arms briefly tense, 'It's amusing when you assume things.'

"Yeah? In what sort of way?" The knight watched the blonde hair beside his face twist and unravel around the god's forefinger, "Didn't you say something about your interactions being based on something different?"

"I suspect you're requesting an answer with words?" He peered at his face, finding it pink.

"Yes." Link recaptured his composure, "Ahem, yes…words please."

"Very well." Fierce Deity explained, "When earned, we seek to make a personal connection to the person we're talking to. All of these gestures I share with you is my way of saying I respect you; I care; you've earned my trust." He spotted one of the forest spirits from afar. "Yes, there are certain rituals and customs related to every other thing, but that's…a little unnecessary when it comes to you. New dawns and nights are really all I'll bother with. Though, with that said, in your terms it's all considered 'surface level.' Friendly if you will." He returned to resting his cheek on his companion, "Strangely, your kind considers them rather intimate, which at least explains your reactions when I think about it, but you've recognized before that I don't intend it that way."

He appeared to be soaking this in, "So…following your logic, your—all of this—is just normal, friendly stuff?"

'I just said that.' "Yes, that's right. In fact, what your kind calls 'love' doesn't exist for my kind, so it'd be impossible to assume anything along those lines." 'I'd like to get to the part where I can show how happy I am that you're safe…'

"Huh, interesting…" Link scooted out of his hold to face him, eyeing a patch of mushrooms, "Though, I guess I'm just surprised since you said you feel angry and distraught an—" Eyelashes fluttered at lips touching his cheek.

"But not at you, of course," Time softly reasoned, his tone dripping with wistful charm. His cheekbone was next, "Even your savior would like a moment to rejoice in your safety." Fingers brushed the hair away from his temple, "I'm sure of my abilities, yes, but that doesn't mean I'm free from worry." Observing the way he winced from a gentle hand on his shoulder confirmed as much, "I'm not perfect, Link."

Flustered, his face creased in dismay, "That's not fair and you know that. I-I didn't even notice them until you did!"

"Thanks to the shock from everything going on around you." The god smudged his thumb red from the marks on his cheeks, "Don't misunderstand, I'm not angry at myself. Instead, I see it as an opportunity to be better…though I hope a similar situation doesn't meet us so soon." He blinked, revealing blue eyes with red slits, 'Now…did you miss a spot earlier? How are you still hurting?'

Link flinched. His expression had shaken from annoyance to bewilderment. He leaned away from him, his gaze darting between his thumb and face, "Wha…What are you doing? What are those eyes?"

"Stop moving away from me. I'm trying to help you," he murmured, focused on the skin before him. "The front seems fine," He grabbed his belt and slid him closer, ignoring his protest, "The top seems—ah, there we are." A slit just to the left of the nape of his neck. "Of course…"

"Time!" The knight exclaimed in disbelief, "You can't just do that and then ignore me!" Hands trying to flip him on his stomach made him yelp, "Ack! Sweet Hylia help me!"

Time paused at the mention of her name, losing the focus he required to keep his eyes. They shined white once more, "Hm? What's wrong?"

He panted, "Y-You're just…you don't…YOU LOOKED CREEPY AS HELL, DRAGGED ME CLOSER BY MY BELT, AND THEN YOU TRIED TO FLIP ME OVER! All while saying Hylia-knows-what!" Link heaved a sigh, his palm slapping against his forehead, "Just…just tell me what all of that was for. Please."

"You missed a spot when I was helping you heal your wounds earlier." His ears perked after finally registering the sound of his racing heart. Out of the corner of his eye, it would appear his companion's yelling attracted more Koroks as well. "I was trying to look through your clothes to find where you missed, but you kept moving away from me." He started to reach out to him but stopped mid-way, "Sit up for a second and turn your back to me, please."

"I wouldn't be on my back in the first place if you weren't manhandling me…" the knight grumbled, red in the face. He did as he was asked…then side-eyed him, "Wait, did you say you were looking through my clothes? What now?"

"To look for this here, yes." Fierce Deity felt him shiver at his finger poking just beside it. Luckily it didn't run deep. He could imagine the kunai was meant to stab him but cut him instead as it flew by. "It was either this, or your phantom pain from before was more stubborn than I thought."

"But those eyes let you look through things? Why weren't you listening to me?"

"They let me see through most things, fair knight. In other words, I apologize, I have to focus to use them. I truly didn't hear you. I also have to think to speak in this language, hence why I used my own." The red on his thumb had been reabsorbed. He pushed it into his reserve before placing it at one end of the cut. "Tell me, what does this feel like? I'm curious."

"Warm…like weirdly warm." He held his low ponytail out of the way, "Maybe if you took the sensation of drinking a potion, heated it up, and poured it on my shoulder, that's about what this feels like. I think."

"Foreign yet welcome, interesting." The wound closed without a trace, "You should be good now. How do you feel?"

"Fine, but tired. I think that's just from today in general." His chin fell to his chest, "I think that belt-thing has been added to the other stuff I'm not forgetting anytime soon, though."

He listened to his muttering, 'You're not sure how that makes you feel? You seemed annoyed to me.' The deity bent from behind his shoulder and kissed the side of his face, "Unfortunately I seem to only be good at forgetting memories I didn't know I had or else I'd help you, fair knight."

"Fair knight," Link repeated, rubbing the spot where he'd been smooched, "What's that mean? You're not teasing me, right?"

Time laughed before turning the champion's chin this way and that, "I believe I have yet to see a single mirror shatter in your presence, my sweet. The last I checked, you're also a knight, therefore: fair knight."

He blinked, his eyes revealing his pleased esteem, but he waved off his words, "I guess I can see the sense in that." He yawned, "You said something about bothering with new dawns and nights. What were you talking about? I know you mentioned a formality back on the plateau, but," he shrugged.

"Curious are we?" The god watched him nod, "I'm afraid that's a shame."

"What." Link frowned, "What's that supposed to mean?"

Smirking, he tucked away a strand of his loose hair, "I'll remind you that I have your best interests at heart, Link."

"Then…" he bit his lip as he thought. His eyes momentarily glanced away, "I'm interested in seeing what you mean."

"How amusing." His head gestured to the Koroks, "But I think someone wants to talk to us." Even more rose from the grass.

"Oh wow." He just noticed.

Khoga rolled his eyes as he heard his second in command appear beside him, "YES, Sooga, I'm aware my life—sorry, our lives— have been threatened by an angry storm-god-guy. I know. I heard him say it." He crossed his legs, "I hope you're here to tell me about something else."

"I'm unsure if you'd like to take action, Master, but the god has run off with the Hylian champion, severely weakening the castle's defenses."

He quickly looked at him, "Ran off, you say? Really?" His finger tapped his chin, "Whatever to go do? He's not making that idiot knight more powerful, right?"

"We can't be sure at this time, Master." Sooga thought for a moment, "Given the castle is free from its most esteemed protectors, what is our course of action?"

"Sooga…Sooga…" A banana warped into his hand, "This is why I'm the top banana around here. We're not doing anything other than what we've already discussed with our spies."

He bowed. "I have an inkling that I understand where you're coming from, but please explain if you would, Master."

"Look, if we take advantage of the fact that the castle is really weak right now—trust me, the possibilities are endless, I know—the both of them are gonna hear about it in one way or another, and then we," He motioned between them, "are gonna die before we ever see our Master, Ganon, return. The castle is an undercover rotten banana, Sooga. The brown spots make it seem like it's ripe for the picking, the sweetest treat yet!" Khoga shook his head as he waved the unpeeled banana in a circle, "But no, it's a trick, the banana is trying to trick us, Sooga! We cannot be fooled!"

"I understand, Master. I think it wise that we continue with caution. I'll make the others aware of this."

His hand waved after him, "Wait wait…" He scoffed, "So soon? It hasn't been longer than five minutes! We could share this banana together!"

"Master…duties first."

Khoga crossed his arms, pouting, "Pfft, whatever. That's what I like about you anyways." He looked to his doors, "Should I request more guards in case of a raid?"

Sooga sighed, "I don't think it's necessary, but if it would make you feel safer, then your wish is my command, Master."

His hands turned into fists as he murmured, "Huh…even tougher to make jealous." He spoke louder, "Never mind! Forget I said anything! I'll await your return and we can continue with our plans from before."

"Understood."

Author's Note:

Meant to post this in July but y'know...life. Our favorite plot pusher. Anyways, this is the last chapter I wrote before TotK came out (yes this has been in the oven since April, but I've made several edits to it since then so, y'know XD).

I'll admit, Time and Hylia's convo was one of those ideas that just came to me and made me be like, "YO. OML." Heck, I think the last chapter is gonna be so long, not only because of what happens, but also because you'll get me ranting at the end about how excited I've been to reveal everything.

This is also 100% my favorite Khoga and Sooga interaction by far lmao. I enjoy making Khoga decently silly but not entirely stupid. For being genuinely awful people who do terrible things, their leader sure is bonkers. Then again, his response to his men getting killed by a "little snot-nosed shit" is that Time culled them off and did him a favor, so I suppose his cruelty shines somewhere. XD

Hope y'all enjoyed! :))