I'm not sure how big the LU fandom is here in Fanfiction, but I like to keep my accounts matched, so here it is.
That aside, this is my completely indulgent WarTemis fic that Time and Sky decided to crash in.
"…That's the end of my report."
Warriors stands tall before his princess. The Links he's been travelling with the past few months behind him, trying their best to stay still, but clearly failing.
Impa and Lana stand besides Zelda by her throne, listening in on the whereabouts of their previously MIA hero.
Artemis herself, his Zelda, takes in the information with two fingers rubbing her chin, elbow resting on her other hand, "Portals, other heroes, different timelines…"
"Familiar isn't it?"
She nods at Impa's more-statement-than-question then looks to Lana, "And none of this is Cia's doing?"
Wars tries to not make his flinch obvious.
The way Time grips his hand tells him otherwise.
"No," The mage confirms, "You would have been the first to know if it was."
Back to Wars, "And only you chosen heroes are able to traverse through them." I can't go with you, goes without saying. It's the same silent question in everyone's Hyrule.
"That seems to be the case." Sorry, the same answer each time.
"It's for the best," The sheikah tells her, "You have a kingdom to rebuild. Leave the heroics to Link."
A sigh of defeat, "You're right." Then a bow to the Chain, "Thank you for taking care of him."
"We're only returning the favour," Time speaks up and Wars keeps the blush of pride to himself. He only did what he had to do; keeping the people he's proud to call his brothers safe.
"Even so," Zelda hums, a calmness in her voice, "It's good to know he's not alone in this journey."
The same calm Warriors had knowing he didn't leave Artemis to rule alone in their Hyrule, Impa had fortunately remained by her side during his absence from what he was told.
"Captain," Artemis snapped him from his musings with a clap of her hands, he stood to attention, "Please escort our guests to their rooms. I'll have them prepared nearby yours."
He nods and takes the dismissal, ushering his companions out of the throne room and towards their soon to be bedrooms.
"One more thing."
Her voice has all of them stop and turn, but her look was meant for him and him alone, "When you have the time, please come and see me, Link."
It's training that keeps the butterflies in his stomach from taking over and leaving him a puddle of goo.
Somehow he manages a smirk of his own, "As you wish, Princess."
There was a mumble of, 'Great, another one,' from Legend followed by an 'Oomph' courtesy of Hyrule elbowing him.
Wars ignores them with an eye roll, casting one last look at Artemis.
And catching the cheerful wave she makes, before being ushered into her own duties.
Oh look at that, the butterflies are back.
Later, he had to remind himself.
That needy feeling in his heart can wait. Right now, get his brothers settled.
In the end, there was no time to see her that night (From restocking to mending and planning, Chain duties took most of his day), and so this morning it was.
Bright and early, before any work had to be done.
Hopefully he could meet up with Artemis, catch up on life and their ongoings, just spend some time together...
"Captain!"
Behind Warriors, a knight comes over looking relieved; one of his older men from the war who was worried when he up and vanished.
"Good to know you're back."
Wars smiled apologetically, "Unfortunately, I won't be here long. I'd have to start moving soon."
Not too soon hopefully.
Sure there weren't any sightings of unusually strong monsters, or any monsters at the moment, but knowing that the portals they were going through were made by the Shadow meant that he's here somewhere and the Chain would have to leave soon to chase it.
Warriors is just glad that the other Links are willing to wait till his main objective here is seen through.
The knight looked contemplative, "Then if you don't mind, could you help train the cadets while you're here?"
Yes, he would mind actually, he had a princess waiting.
But he couldn't tell him that.
Not when he looks at him so expectantly…
"I suppose I don't…"
Then like a set of open floodgates, there was another request. And another job. And another task.
And like an idiot, he simply had to agree to it all.
And of course, it didn't stop till the day was nearly over.
Darn the hero's spirit and the inability to not help other people.
"Morning, my princess."
Warriors bows with a swish of his scarf in front of Artemis, a boyish smirk sent her way when he holds out a hand.
Artemis takes the joke in stride and plays along with him, curtsying before taking the hand, "Good morning to you too, my faithful knight."
Arm in arm, the two make their way to the dining hall for breakfast.
"How nice of you to join me today," She starts and he finds himself scoffing good naturedly.
"You wouldn't believe what I had to do to get here."
Nothing bad really. Might have missed out on a few hours of beauty sleep, but with the hope of being earlier than the day before so he could have a quick bite with Artemis before he had to see to his men.
"I could imagine."
That was as far as they managed before their names were heard.
"Your Majesty!"
"Captain Link!"
Linked arms were separated as a professional mask was donned; flirting set aside for after whatever issue they needed to handle was done and over with.
That and to avoid any more gossip from spreading.
Not that it's not well known the relationship status of the crown princess and captain of the royal guard, but… well…
It's undignified to act all chummy with your significant other in front of the people they served.
The number of times they got caught doing just that…
At least these two had the decency to look sorry.
"My deepest apologies Princess, but there's an emergency in Castletown that needs to be overlooked immediately."
"Sir, General Impa wishes to see you."
His heart plummets.
Castletown he gets. The market opens early, something happening so soon makes sense.
But you couldn't have picked any other time, Impa?!
He hoped for a quick breakfast, he didn't think it'd be that quick.
Artemis shares the same sentiment if her disappointed glance was anything to go by.
Wars gives her a shrug, hoping to convey his, 'What can you do?'
She sadly smiles in return.
With a hasty wave and an untouched breakfast, the two were whisked away to attend to their duties.
Warriors fell face first into his bed, groaning.
How can helping people be so much more draining than slaying monsters?
And why are there so many people in need of help?!
"Tough luck eh, Cap'n?"
He forced himself to turn if not to avoid suffocating in his pillow, then to see Time and Sky waiting at the small tea table in the corner of his bedroom, "How long have you been here?"
"Not too long," Sky ensured, "We came to call you for dinner."
A tiny ray of hope, "And Artemis?"
Only to deflate at the shake of Sky's head, his smile pitying (No, not pity. Sky of all people would understand what he's feeling right now), "Sorry."
Another groan and he dramatically smashed into his pillow again, "In my own Hyrule and I can't even see her!"
Who knows when they'd get the chance to come here again? He's already waited this long…
Time chuckled, "Clingy are we?"
Wars tried to keep the glare at mild annoyance. Time too would know what he's going through.
Both Links have a significant other waiting for them in their Hyrules. They're only trying to help someone in the same boat. No need to get defensive.
That aside, he really did want her cuddles…
He sighs, feeling like a patient in a therapy session, "I… I just miss her. We could leave at any moment and the last thing I did with her was a formal check-up."
Times hums in that way of his when he's trying to sound wise and mature which would work with the younger Links, and maybe Twilight, but just makes him look silly with Warriors, "It's said that 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' you know."
Well yes, he knows that, "And I think I've been absent long enough."
And practically overflowing with fondness by now.
At some point, Sky had sat at the edge of the bed and he placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "With any hope, there's always tomorrow."
He could only pray.
Nope. Of course not. Why did he expect something different?
He really did pray. Prayed with all his heart that this would be the day, but of course, fate had other plans.
Artemis was available that morning, but he had training as usual, then some errands here and there and a meeting discussing several changes with night watches before he was actually clear for the day.
Now he had free time, and Arty was currently in a meeting with some other royals.
In the castle pantry, Sky and Time were once again the poor souls listening to his rant about the hardships of dating the ruler of Hyrule through mugs of apple cider because Time forbade him from drinking anything heavier after the last time he drank himself dry.
And, you know, being just as important a figure in the castle.
Both horrible roles at the moment if he's being honest.
"Can't you say no?"
Wars glares at Sky. As if he wasn't the very reason none of them could not physically do that.
The Skyloftian raises hands in peace.
'He's just trying to help. He's just trying to help.'
'And doing an awful job at it.'
And this thought process isn't helping him.
"Sorry," A hand ran down his face, "This shouldn't be bothering me this much."
Time smiles sympathetically, "I'm sure we'd all act the same to see someone we hold dear being so close yet so far."
Ain't that the statement of the century.
He just wanted. To spend some quality time. With Artemis.
Was that so hard?
"Sir Link!"
Sorry he asked.
Exhaling, he smoothens his distress and turns to the servant with his best captain face.
Out of his sight, the two Links exchange glances.
Listening to the request, Warriors tries to keep his grimace to himself at the thought of another hour running around the castle.
"Of course, I'll be right over."
It's a bad sign that he'd rather take signing documents right now.
At least then he might have a chance to see his Zelda; who might have had to come to his room to see his progress, then they'd have to go through each paper thoroughly and take their time…
Ah, but that's too good of a dream isn't it?
"So we all know the plan?"
"Yes."
"Yep."
"You've only repeated it like a hundred times."
"Shush, Vet."
"And I'll repeat it again if I have to."
"No need for that."
"Yeah, we all wanna help him."
"No. I just want Wars and Artemis to do whatever the heck they wanted to do so we can start moving."
"Sure. Keep telling yourself that."
"Oh, this is gonna be awesome!"
"Alright, Operation: WarTemis is a go!"
"Let's do this!"
"For our Captain!"
"For Pretty Boy..."
Fourth time's the charm he supposes.
Though the knows that's never gonna happen and prepares himself for another day of being overly nice and self torture as what he really wants lies stubbornly away from his grasp.
So his surprise at seeing Sky with the other soldiers in what was essentially showing off each other's sword skills; He's not usually one to exhibit his prowess.
Not to mention he's up this early in the morning…
"Sky?" Come to think of it, he left him and Time yesterday without so much of a goodbye. He should probably apologise for that, "What's…"
"Morning, Captain!" Said man lowered the practice sword he was currently using, quickly turning to Wars, "I was visiting the barracks and your soldiers asked if I could show them some tricks I've learnt as a Skyloft knight."
It definitely was what they were doing. He recognised the familiar moves that Sky does being tested with his cadets; precise slashes, quick dodges, nimble movement; they're picking up the motions pretty fast.
At the same time…
"You didn't have to," These were his men. His brother shouldn't have to do his job.
Sky apparently didn't share the same problems about it.
"Please," There was a dangerous glare in his eyes, daring him to argue the matter, "I insist."
His hands raised in defeat, "Fine, suit yourself."
Who was he to fight their best swordsman? At least his soldiers could learn a thing or two from him.
It seemed normal enough at least. A little unexpected coming from Sky, but normal.
What was strange was the sudden disappearance of the castle servant that was definitely behind him not too long ago. He was sure of that.
And was that Wind giggling mischievously?
One weird Link is slightly off putting, two was suspicious.
Curious, and admittedly anxious at what his brothers are doing, he follows the muffled giggles to a door guarded by Time.
Three meant something was brewing.
His eyes narrowed, "Mask…" Cause whatever's going on definitely originated from the young child he used to know rather than the leader he is now, "What's going on?"
In his most deadpan voice, "I haven't the slightest clue what you're talking about."
Eyes narrowed further.
"What I do see is a Captain with nothing else to do and maybe should take this rare opportunity to do what he's wanted to do since we got here."
That's–
Oh…
He would have wiped the smirk off the man-child as the realisation settles in if he weren't feeling so damn emotional right now.
"Time… I…" What could he say? His brothers didn't have to do this, but they did and… this was the sweetest thing anyone's ever done for him. His heart's touched with the gesture. Really.
Right in front of him, Twilight tackled the soldier running his way into Wind's waiting door and the feeling shattered.
Four meant chaos abounded.
Six, seven, eight are most definitely in cahoots with them.
"Guys…" If his men were getting hurt because of this…
If the older Link flinched at the glare, he didn't show it.
Deflected it with one of his own instead.
He knows that won't work on him right? Not when Wars had seen him when he was a tiny child trying to mimic him.
"Link, go."
But he will take that advice.
"Going!"
His men will be fine~
No, he did not skip like a schoolgirl with a crush the moment he saw the doors he's been waiting to enter since this morning void of guards and cracked open a smidge.
He would have if he wasn't running like a madman trying to be rid of soldiers, maids and generals alike all wanting something from him.
Bless the other Links. This would have probably been impossible if it weren't for them… distracting… for lack of a better term, everyone who tried to get between Warriors and Artemis.
Even if it was through… unconventional means.
He shuddered.
Note to self, don't get on Four's bad side.
With that out of the way, he raced to the unlocked door with no qualms, opening it with flourish and closing it quickly with his back, letting out a loud sigh as he did.
Finally.
The sound of papers being completely abandoned was heard and Warriors looked up to see her.
His Zelda, looking as tired and worn out as him, but even more beautifully breathtaking than ever.
"Fancy meeting you here," He grinned.
Her laugh made all the chaos worth it as she held out her hand to him, "I believe we have the other heroes to blame for that."
As if on cue, a howl was heard.
Wow, okay. Wolfie somehow was in on this too.
Taking her outstretched hand, he let himself be led to the balcony where a light breakfast waited for the two of them.
They didn't immediately sit and eat, instead, taking the time to enjoy the view of their home they fought hard to protect.
With everyone busy on the other side of the castle, leaving them blissfully alone, did they really see each other; exhausted, burned out, but happier than they ever were the last four days.
He really owes the Links big time doesn't he?
"They made this possible," In a rare display of affection, he rests his head on her shoulder, "Never thought it would."
She agrees melancholily, resting her own head on his, "It was easier during the war…"
And it was, in some twisted, messed up way. While they were still figuring out them in the midst of bloodshed and treachery; if there was an actual attraction or are they just together because they've been told it was always Link And Zelda.
Though by then they'd already started dating, it was a relief to know that Time ended up with Malon rather than his own Zelda; proof that there was something real between them.
The downside was that it took a brand new adventure that decided to pull them apart to learn it.
"Once all this is over, we'll have to figure out a schedule that doesn't overwhelm us like this," He tells her.
"Or you could stand to be a little more selfish."
If ever asked, Wars will forever deny his sad cat pout at that suggestion.
Artemis laughs anyways, "I might have a few ideas." She makes that face he absolutely adores where she assesses the theoretical playing field, deciding the best ways to strike and leave the enemy in shreds, "If I bring it up with Impa, we could hopefully start implementing them the next time you come."
He couldn't wait to find out what she had planned.
Crashing was heard and the two exchanged glances, one shocked and one resigned.
"Should we…"
"Nah, the Old Man's got it."
Hopefully.
A lightning strike from a distance.
You know what: yes, yes he does.
They could do whatever they want as long as it lets them get their time alone. Something he's desperately wanted since he left his Hyrule.
Don't get him wrong, he loved his brothers; there was no one else he'd trust his back during battle with, but out of battle is a different story entirely.
Warriors used to thrive in company and physical contact. Only a natural development when living with a crowd of people for most of his life. Cia and the War destroyed that comfort.
He had to relearn, but relearning trust is hard when you tense every time someone approaches you, be it from the back or front; when you doubt every word one says no matter how truthful it'd be. It was a slow process that was still going.
But he needed touch. It was still his love language despite all that's happened.
It's just harder to find people he feels safe and comfortable with nowadays.
Most of the Links are happy to indulge; usually Sky, Wind or Hyrule.
But more often than not, he wanted Zelda.
The only person who could really touch him, other than his brothers, but even then there were times, without his skin burning and the need to claw it out–
A firm touch on three points of his face, "You're spiralling," Artemis warns him, voice soft despite their foreheads pressed against each other, "It's just us. You're safe here."
He takes a breath, reaching for her hands cupping his cheeks and squeezing them, relaxing in the knowledge that she won't hurt him, not in the way that matters, "I missed you."
"How did you ever manage without me?" She asks jokingly, manoeuvring her fingers to slip through his, arms circling into a resting position.
"I had help." Time, who was aware of Wars' problems; Wind, who discovered it completely by accident, but gladly does his part when it happens; Twilight, while not exactly the same, has helped Wild with his own dissociation and helps out when he can, "But none of them were you."
The first person—other than Proxi, but she's a fairy and doesn't account—he dared to willingly open up with; who understood the weight of a whole kingdom on his shoulders; the person who someday… he'd ask to share his life with.
But he was alright with what they had now.
"Then it's a good thing I'm here now." She smiled, leaning closer.
There was quite possibly an explosion from the other side, followed by screaming and mad cackling.
They gladly ignored it.
For now it was just Link and Zelda; the rest of the world can wait.
And if Impa were to crash in asking for Warriors to do something about his brothers gone crazy…
Then that's gonna be a future Wars' problem.