Reluctant

'Where am I?' The Hero of Time had yet to open his eyes, though he could tell he was in a limbo of sorts. An ethereal high on top of it all made him feel a certain lightness, a certain carelessness…a certain sense of self.

"Are you sure you want him sitting that close?" A deeper woman's whisper invaded his thinking space, "I told you everything he told me."

The response from another woman entered as well, "I—He's capable enough to come to that conclusion on his own."

'…what are these voices talking about?' As his thought finished, a series of colors flooded his eyes as he caught something's appendage and forced it onto it's back. His voice echoed off the walls as his raised hand became a violent ball of flame, "What dares to disturb me!?" A snarl of thunder ensued afterward. 'Wait…huh?'

The appendage was a hand that profusely glowed.

A grief-stricken sob pushed its way into his ears. Time's eyes widened as he recognized the horrified, bloodshot blue eyes that were beneath him. The sight immediately snuffed the fire into a thin smoke. The deity's expression changed to one of delight, "My descendant!" He happily exclaimed, pulling him up as he sat on his legs, "I should have known from the glowing hand alone. See, I'd just demolished an entire fleet of Yiga and I acted accordingly! My apologies!" Now he took his face into his hands, wiping away his tears, "Your face is worrying me. Your eyes tell me of nothing but anger and sadness. Oh, and these endless tears too. Wha—"

Link sobbed as he took his hands into his own, "Please, I can't understand you."

He tilted his head before rising and pushing his forehead against the knight's. The words had completely slipped by as if they'd been muted, "Your voice evades me…so let me guess…" He envisioned the guardian spewing lasers at the citadel, "It was something that mega-beamos did, wasn't it!? I knew I didn't like them for a good reas—"

A small glimmer appeared in Link's eyes as he recognized the word. He sniffed, "S-something about the guardian?"

The New Hylian finally registered in his head, "Riiiiight, you can't understand me." He sighed as he sat back into his lap, wiping away more of his tears, "I'm sorry for that. It's very easy to prefer my own tongue." He lightly pinched the other's wet cheek, "I'm so limited in this one after all, dearest descendant. You understand." He paused, thinking, 'Goodness…time to backtrack on everything I said.' "I was saying that I didn't mean to treat you as if you were part of the army I just killed. Oh, but I'm so happy to see you!"

Much to his surprise, this made his descendant cry even more! Aside from his voice still producing an echo, unbeknownst to him, the fierce markings on his face and his glistening white sclera had reappeared the moment he tackled him. Time looked bewildered as he wiped his hands on the blue tunic before drying the knight's face once more, "Yes…these tears and your red eyes. What can I do to help them, hm? Oh, maybe I cou—"

He blinked in confusion, pulling himself away from the knight. The ethereal feeling was leaving and in through its door returned his corporeality, "c…could…" His blue eyes rolled back. The rays of the hot morning sun irritated his wounds. He painfully scooted back into the shade, "Ow…shit…that sun is awful." What's more, the slash across his midriff began to ooze due to the tackle from before.

No one knew how to react to what they just witnessed.

Except Link who immediately joined him and pushed his ancestor's head into his shoulder as a way to hug him, continuing to soak his hair in tears and quietly sob. "I'm just happy that you're awake."

Time's voice came out strange due to his nose being pressed against him. Despite wincing from residual pain, his typical mannerisms returned, "Believe me, it's going to take a lot more to kill me than that." Peering up at his face—no, his entire being in general—whatever happened to him the past couple of days were probably some of the worst days of his entire life. Link's hair looked far more unkept than usual, his left arm was bandaged, and he exuded stress, anger, and sadness.

He couldn't stifle a chuckle as he commented on his appearance, "Dear Goddesses…you look terrible." He could recall everything he'd already said, but he just had to get that out. Disperse the tension a little.

Link shakily smiled, "Oh shut up," His voice wavered as he was starting to calm down, "Have you seen your—sniff— self?"

Young Link checked his wounds, frowning at how little they've healed, "I have yeah, back when these were all fresh. I know it's been two days, but it's like that entire sleep was for nothing. Geez."

The initial voice from before turned out to be Urbosa's. She stood as though she'd learned several things, "Actually you've been asleep for almost five days now, or it would have been five had you awoken this evening."

He froze, 'What!?'

"Also, that fire in your hand was very impressive. Zelda explained to me that the fire you set to those papers in Khoga's room was one of your magical abilities. Do you have any others?"

The Princess wore a bittersweet smile as she replied, "He said something along the lines of it 'taking away the surprise' when I asked." Now she walked over to the Hero and pat his head, "You have no idea how relieved we were when we finally got Urbosa's letter, and yet I almost thought you were dead when we first saw you."

'Wow, I guess it never crossed my mind what I might have looked like during that…' "To be honest, the only thing I understand about them is that they happen for at least two days after I get really hurt." He spied some of the sharper carvings that appeared to have gotten smoother with new skin…and also kept the blood from his midriff from getting on Urbosa's sheets, "I guess I almost died."

Link revealed a roll of bandages while the chief spoke, "I told both of them everything you told me, but I know you weren't able to finish recounting it. Do you think you can tell us the rest?"

Young Link raised his arms as he watched the white wrappings make their way around his torso, "Uh, sure." 'She mentioned the fire…so…right, I remember.' "Let's see, I burnt the guy's neck down to his spine, and I found my clothes in Khoga's room. The bastard was sleeping despite the whole clan being on alert as they were looking for me." His lower lip curled as he shook his head in distaste, "That would have been the easiest boss I'd ever taken down. Simply sleeping! But I didn't. I thought that doing so would have made things far worse than they already are." He smiled, "I wonder how much of his room caught on fire?"

Catching a glimpse of Zelda's alarmed expression, he told them of how he left and ended up holing himself up in a room with the right-hand man, "I turned around to leave since I realized the room didn't have any other doors, but just behind me was Sooga himself! Oh man, he was pissed! A ton of other guys teleported into the room too, so there wasn't any way for me to escape. Anyways, he figured out from me wearing my clothes that I'd found Khoga's room, and he thought I killed him. I didn't say anything because that's all I was good for by this point—aside from killing them." His smile grew into a grin, "He quickly tried to get me with his sword, but I'm faster. I made my way up to his shoulders and ripped his mask off before burning the shit out of his left eye—face, same thing. It felt nice to get him back for branding me, hearing his pain and all that, but now I had a whole army of people that wanted me really dead. Really really dead."

His happy demeanor faded as the echoes of their hearts started to bounce around his head. A hand drifted up to his ear as he felt his blood grow hot, "I ran out and I…Ugh, I couldn't stand it any longer!" An aura of pure wrath emanated from him. His racing heart in reaction to the echoes growing louder made his wounds trickle blood. Time just barely heard the sound of a few gasps, "I killed them all." His composure was returning, "Simple as that." He sighed, "Then I saw your town and came here as fast as I could, and here we are now."

Surveying their expressions, Zelda was horrified—which was to be expected. Urbosa merely blinked as she appeared to be processing what she heard and witnessed, and Link was more focused on the bleeding that hadn't stopped. "I'm just going to wrap your chest at this point," He muttered, not waiting for an answer before he started.

"Hm…" Urbosa rubbed her chin, "Very well then, thank you for telling us what happened. As the chief, I also thank you for wisely choosing to not kill Khoga. I understand it seems strange of me to say such a thing, but you would be surprised to learn how much of history is caused by those who think nothing of their actions."

He totally never heard something like that before, 'Yeah…I know. I'm sort of living proof of that.' "For sure, and no problem…thanks, Link." The knight had finished with his chest, "It'll be so nice to—" He realized that Urbosa must have given Sahdri her shawl back, "—keep these out of the sun."

"No need to thank me. I probably would have done it later anyways." It was nice to see him physically look like he was doing better. His eyes were still puffy, and a sniff would interrupt his breathing here and there, but it was a significant improvement.

"Bluebird, may I have a word?" The chief gestured to the Princess to join her on the balcony.

She strolled over to her, "Yes, of course."

Young Link's eyebrow raised, 'Eh? What could they be talking about?' When he looked to his descendant in question, the knight poked his cheeks and forehead.

"They're probably wondering why these faded back as you talked about how you escaped," He whispered.

His eyes rolled before his hand met his forehead, 'Thank goodness you're such an effective whisperer, Link. In the meantime: what the hell guys!?' "Maybe I prefer that they talk to each other rather than ask me…" He quietly replied. Link rested his cheek on the top of his head while the Hero acted like he stared off into space as he listened in on their conversation.

"Curious, bluebird, do you happen to know anything about where those marks on his face are from?" Urbosa asked, looking down on her town.

The Princess had taken her travel journal from her belt and hid her mouth with it, "I don't actually. This is the first time I've ever seen them on him…"

"Really now?" Urbosa recounted his brief duel with Revali, "That was the first time I saw them." She sighed as her hands went to her hips, "As curious as I am, I think it wise to not meddle with the secrets of Heroes. I'm sure he'd close up like a clam if you asked about it."

She considered her words, "I suppose you're right. I think if it were truly something to be concerned about, he wouldn't seem…well… somewhat normal afterward. Still, the way he spoke after—"

"He realized your knight couldn't understand him? In fact, I understand where he's coming from but—"

"'Dearest descendant?'" They both nodded.

Time pursed his lips as he thought back to his prior actions, 'Yeeaah, I think I've really picked up too much from Hylia…but," realizing he felt indifferent about them made him simmer in the shade, 'Those damn mannerisms…I think the worst part is that I'm starting to not understand why it's weird!' The rest of their conversation nitpicked how he didn't appear to know where he was and things of that sort. All potential holes to fill if he were to argue why they were the case.

He woke Link from his peace as he stood from the bed. A wave of apathy washed through him in distaste for the gall they had to talk about him when he was right there. Silently scoffing, he briefly met his descendant's eyes before zipping downstairs and finding a spot to sit atop the town walls where their water flowed.

And yet.

After a minute or two of listening to the coursing water, his palm made another regularly scheduled visit with his forehead, 'Ugh…I feel even more like an idiot for leaving in the first place. Granted, I'm allowed to feel offended, even though I was the one eavesdropping…or something— but still.' He knew his expectations, most of which he gained from Link, were too high. 'And really, the only reason Link even acts normal whenever that happens to me is because he knows why! He knows basically everything! Gods, I really didn't intend for him to either, but it's worked out so well!'

'I suppose it would make my life far too easy if either of them could just shrug their shoulders at my true form getting triggered by my own emotions. I could try to keep myself under better checks, but that's exhausting.' His stomach growled at him, 'Dammit, I'm hungry.' Through his fuming, clouds had started to gather above. At one point, he squinted his eyes at the sight of a camouflaged lizalfo in the sand no farther than twenty yards away. In the next second, it was struck down with purple-tinted lightning.

That slightly humored him as his thoughts turned back to what initially occurred when he woke up that morning, 'I wonder if my other form simply doesn't feel all of this because it doesn't run deep enough? I wonder if it would be different if I were stabbed, or if my hand hadn't healed so fast from when it was stabbed.' He shrugged, 'In a way, it was sort of nice to not be so attached to everything—as strange as it felt. I might have a better idea of where Hylia is normally coming from.' Another part of him was curious to see if there was a way to get that feeling back, but it was doubtful. 'That's likely for the best as well. I don't think that would merge very well with the others. It would pain them to hear me be so casual about some…I dunno, some awful lightning storm, for example.'

The sky seemed to take cue from this, for another five bolts came down and struck the sand at intermittent intervals.

"Hey stop that!" He commanded with a hiss, hearing the unsettled murmurs begin to rise from the town, "Do that elsewhere dammit! Let the scorching sun return!" It wasn't immediate, but after several minutes passed, the clouds began to slowly lighten and dissipate. If anything, it seemed like they hesitantly left. Though, 'scorching' was the right word to describe the sunlight that came back at full power. It gave him a headache, which didn't help with the added soreness from his wounds. Zipping around is the last thing he'll do for a while.

Young Link chuckled to himself, 'Oh what I wouldn't give for a cap to at least cover my face with! Well, that and for my long naps to actually work!' He rolled backwards off the wall and landed with a soft thud below, stumbling as he went to stand back up. An ear flicked, he already knew who was behind him, "Yes?"

Link nonchalantly blinked, "Well first of all, why did you leave? Second, if it was because you were hungry, same. I bought one of those huge skewers to share."

"I'm certainly hungry now, but I just didn't feel like being there for a conversation I didn't want to listen to. Why did you come looking for me?"

His entire being seemed to sigh at the question, "After they got done talking about you, they made plans to go to the divine beast and I was going to ask if you wanted to come with."

A long period of silence passed between them as his fingers began to pick at one another. The thought of going off into a massive piece of machinery was the last thing he wanted to do. Not to mention, it would lead to more opportunities for Zelda's inquisitive gears to get turning again. His throat felt tight as he looked at the sandstone walls. His entire body generally ached. His bruises still had yet to completely disappear, many of which on his face had remained to some degree. And then that hot sun…

"Can I be honest for a second?"

"Of—Of course!" He leaned in closer as he intently listened, though it was quickly replaced by surprise as he was led to a shaded part of town.

Young Link felt like he could think more clearly now that the sun was off his head, "I feel…so trapped right now. Trapped in this town. Trapped in this body. Trapped in this pain because of course this had to happen to the one part of me that takes forever to heal!" He took a breath, "Maybe it's the heat, but I kinda feel like I'm going crazy. Does any of this make sense?"

"If I'm frank, it's a miracle that you're walking around and talking in the first place. I think no one knows what to do with you because you're not exactly acting like you've been through anything, but you're clearly wounded and a little disoriented from being asleep for so long. So yes, I can see where you're coming from." His descendant's eyebrow raised, "My turn, for the uh—honesty-thing: you feel very…well…strange."

"Yeah?" 'That could mean several things…'

"Knowing as much as I do about you, you still felt very…um down to earth? Y'know, like me, like Zelda—kinda like any other person. It was the most obvious when you had tackled me earlier and were talking to me, but right now you give off this sort of…" His hands were trying to search for a way he could describe it, but they quickly slumped before swinging back to his sides, "Ugh, the best way I can put it is that you give off the same feeling as when you were in your real form at the fountain."

'Oh…shit.'

His chuckle was hesitant, "I'm sure you can imagine what it's like to see someone much higher than you stand in front of you. Oh! Or like how it feels when you catch a deer grazing in the forest and you don't want to scare it away!" Link looked more fascinated now that he could say it aloud, "Well, not that I'm worried about scaring you off, of course. Moreso that instant feeling of 'Oh gosh it's a deer!'" His head tilted one way, "If you don't mind me asking, how did you kill that entire army?"

The smile that slid onto Time's face teetered on the line of cunning and devious, but as his descendant's heartbeat began to grow more prominent in his ears, it was replaced by an uncertain expression. One that was still reflecting on the past, "I don't think I've ever told you this, but I can hear the sound of hearts. People's, animal's, monster's—not bugs…you get what I mean. When I ran out of their hideout, I could feel myself getting more and more angry at the sound of theirs—the Yiga's. When I transformed at the fountain, I was letting it happen. This time it felt like I was ripping from my own skin, like this was the consequence for such awful noise." He took the skewer from his hand as his gaze drifted toward the meat, sounding plain, "And I didn't feel better until I killed them all, until I couldn't hear them anymore…not that it took long of course."

It was hard to tell how the knight took this. His question was answered, and perhaps his suspicions were too, but at the very least he didn't seem bothered by it. "Huh, I guess I wish I was there to see it." He thought about that statement a little longer, "Well, on second thought, maybe not. Maybe it's just me, but that seems to explain a bit."

His eyes widened mid-bite. He had to let go of the meat before he could speak, "Wait really? How?" 'I feel very inclined to know where you've suddenly come up with all of this. Also, this tastes amazing!' He could feel his spirits beginning to lift.

Link became bashful, "Well hold on! At least give me the benefit of the doubt that I'm wrong!" He smiled, "I guess the way I'm making sense of it is that, y'know, if I were you, and I've got this crazy strong form that is the 'real' me, and I just used it, I think I'd want to go back to it too."

Time frowned at the hopeful gleam in his eyes, "Link, Goddesses above, where do I even start? You're sort of—mm, no—barely correct. Also, you're bad for wanting to see me like that, especially when you know that it would cause trouble." He lightly smacked his hand to pretend-punish his descendant, resulting in a few chuckles from them both. Their conversation had distracted him from the previous feeling of the encroaching walls that loomed overhead, but it was starting to creep back. He shook his head, "Ah, sorry. I bet Zelda and Urbosa are waiting on you. I'll let you get back to them."

He was reluctant to go, "What are you gonna do? Especially after telling me that you feel trapped here. You sure you don't want to come with? You'd be out of town."

A small chuckle escaped at the champion trying to be persuasive, "I think I might go look at this old temple I passed while I ran here. Just looking, of course. I won't take something that isn't mine." 'I'll strongly think about it, though.' His free hand was tugged on.

"But…" His eyes looked away, "Please? Pretty please?"

Young Link's eyebrows raised as if to say "Really?"

Link slumped, "Aw c'mon! I'm pretty sure I heard Urbosa saying you told her the Yiga were gonna try to attack the divine beast or something."

'Oh my goodness,' The Hero of Time merely stood there as his own hand was now getting more or less played with, 'I can't believe he's trying so hard to get me to go. I kinda wanna see how far he takes it.'

"Okay," His descendant sighed, but in that way where he was recuperating himself, "Time, can you please come with me? I want the company, dammit. Besides," Link's eyes grew a tad solemn as his finger referred to his own face, "you have no idea what your sudden disappearance—ahem—did to me. I know we're together all the time, but after stressing about whether you've been killed or not for the past week, I want to spend some time with you. You can just sit and relax and let me do any hard work, okay? Yes? Tell me yes?"

The Hero blinked in astonishment at the sliver of the knight's perspective that had been revealed. He was originally going to say no regardless, but after hearing that, he was fine with feeling as if he had no other choice, "O-Of course. I'm sorry tha—" His words were cut off as he was pulled up onto Link's shoulders.

"Don't worry about it! Believe me, I feel much better knowing that you're going to be okay."

"Pfft, alright, but you're still gonna tell me what happened later, got it?"

He laughed, taking his skewer back, "Yeah, after that gash across your chest heals."

Time stayed atop his descendant's shoulders and tried to see if he could find anything new from the height he gained. This was with little luck, of course. Meanwhile, Link essentially walked them both across town to the southeastern exit where they met up with the Princess and the chief.

"Out getting some fresh air?" Urbosa asked.

The Hero smiled, "Just a little, and at this point, probably a tan too."

"Good. I'm impressed to see that your prolonged sleep didn't slow you down one bit." She motioned for them to start walking to Vah Naboris. It was parked a couple hundred feet away from the town.

"Well, like before, this isn't the first time. Though, you'd think after being asleep for so long, I'd at least wake up with some energy! Can't say that's ever happened, though." He internally giggled at Link having to account for him shifting his weight as he talked.

Zelda's face gave away her sympathy as Urbosa replied, "Goodness, that's terrible. In that case, I'm glad that you've enlisted the champion to carry you around."

Link could hardly stifle a sigh while his ancestor hid a snicker, "Anyways, did you figure out something new about the divine beast?" 'Like, what kind of beast it is?'

"Good insight, but we're actually hoping to accomplish just that," Zelda mused, "We're here now, so I thought, why not?"

"Hey, well as long as we don't crash it, I can't wait to see what you guys get it to do."

…

A few minutes later they boarded the beast and had it up off the ground. While Zelda and Urbosa discussed different possibilities, Young Link had dismounted off Link's shoulders and gazed at the blue glowing heart. His thoughts wandered back to the citadel where they found that he could control the guardian, 'Really, I could control this thing too if I wanted…I hope Zelda is too interested in figuring it out for herself to remember that.' He was going to try his best to stay away from it, thus giving him a reason to head to the balcony.

He leaned up against the handrails, taking a deep breath before wincing as he exhaled, 'Seems the bandages can only make me forget so much.' To be frank, he was there because Link asked him to be, and he didn't feel like putting too much effort into pretending otherwise. He folded his arms against the rails and rested his forehead on them. The beast lurched with a groan before it started to move. 'Maybe I could manage to fall asleep before anyone else comes out here…granted I'm not worried I'll fly over the edge of these rails.'

And he almost did, he was about to pass the "light snoozing" stage into the "more asleep" stage until his ears perked at the sound of multiple pairs of footsteps. He slowly blinked, "Oh hey, are we gathering for some important reason?"

The other three of them had all walked to the balcony together, presumably after they steered the divine beast in the direction they wanted to go. Link naturally stood beside him while Zelda and Urbosa stood a bit further away.

"We're off to a more secluded part of the desert so we don't run into anything while testing," Urbosa responded, "I won't deny that Naboris is a little slow, so it'll be a while before we're there."

Time nodded as his head settled back onto his arms. He was about to consider trying to sleep again until he did a double take at the Princess, 'Hmph…peculiar.' She was flicking through the pages in her journal. However, there's no way she can read that fast. She must be looking for something in particular. He closed his eyes, 'I'm just not going to think about that. I'm going to fall asleep and be peaceful.' Once more, he was nearly able to attain genuine rest before the sound of the turning pages became far slower than before.

Flick.

…

"That's right…" She whispered, humming a note or two.

Flick.

Now the deity's eyes creaked open once more, 'There's this feeling in my gut that something is going to happen…and I probably have an idea of what it is.' Letting loose a sort of half-yawn, he rose from the rails and gazed at the passing sand. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the Princess eyeballing his waist.

Her lead in was promising, "Huh, I just noticed…" But then out came the question: "Where's your mask?"

Though, after turning and looking at her, it became clear that the simple tone of the question had briefly hidden how she'd actually felt. The fact that her stature was leaning away from him made it obvious that she was at least a little nervous, "I…can tell that this is personal to you, but after reviewing some of the things I wrote down…I'm sure you saw this coming."

'Y'know, what do I gain or lose by telling her what happened to my mask? Do I really just say that "something happened" and it's merged with me? I woke up one morning like this sometime after the dinner? It's reacted to the fact that I don't have the Triforce of Courage anymore?' He thought on it, 'That's not a bad take actually…because neither of us really understand how either of that could really work. Her guess is as good as mine.'

A moment had passed, "You're right. Truth be told, I don't have it anymore. It's kinda just a part of me now? If that makes sense." He put a hand on his hip, noticing that her heart began to beat a little quicker. "I've been giving it some thought mainly because it happened only after I gave your knight the Triforce of Courage. I'm assuming it has something to do with that, which would explain why every time I touch his right hand, his piece starts glowing. After that, I have no idea."

She carefully worded her response, "So, earlier with you turning all of the sudden when he touched you, was that you controlling it or it controlling you?"

'Wooooow these are well thought out questions I don't immediately have an answer fooor.' "I mean, I presume Urbosa told you about what happened to me. That shouldn't be surprising. Also, magic always obeys its user. If it worked any differently, it simply wouldn't be magic." That much he knew was true…hopefully.

Zelda nodded her understanding midway into his sentence, now jotting this down his words, "That's an interesting principle. How do you control it? Do you say something? Do something? Feel something?"

'Right, she's curious because it's looped back down to magic, which she still thinks her goddess powers are.' "Uhh…feeling something seems like the best way to say it. So, with my movements back at the citadel, that was me sort of getting a feel for how hard I needed to push down to get back on the bridge. I clearly didn't know," he chuckled.

"Oh right, you said it makes you into a more powerful version of yourself, so that makes sense. You made it sound like your look changed…" She paused to read her writing, "Yes, you said it makes you transform."

'Can I jump off this divine beast and die? Here I was, thinking I was all mature, but what have I done? I gave her nearly every bit of information about what has become one of my biggest secrets! Damn it!' He might as well draw a line, "Right, well while that's true, I'm still not going to do it. Not for research, not for fun, not for anything but when the situation is so bad, I have no choice. The other times my face or eyes might change is me getting ahead of myself…admittedly." Darkened clouds had started to gather and loom over the divine beast as he spoke. Knowing that Urbosa would have some understanding that they were not naturally forming made their unwelcomed presence all the more aggravating.

'What have I said!?' He quickly scolded, 'Make me remind you again to leave me and I will have you answer to Hylia herself! Go!' Now…how clouds could possibly answer to anything was above him, but it made them quickly go away so…whatever works. Hopefully that's the last time.

Zelda put her hands up as his phrase ended, even Urbosa looked intrigued at his straightforwardness, "Got it. Trust me, I won't ask. Though I've got one more question, if you don't mind."

'I'm confident in my ability to deflect my way out of this.' He shrugged, "Hit me with it."

"The Fierce Deity's mask, right? So it originally sort of turned you into a deity, or deity-like I presume—what now? What does it mean now that it's a part of you?" She had her pen ready.

…

'Shit!' If it weren't for his torture, his eyes would have widened at the question, 'Uuuh…um—I got it!' "You know, I said I was thinking about how this happened, but honestly this is the first time that I'm considering that part of it. As weird as things can be, I like simple things, and so I kinda called it good after I thought it had to do with the Triforce." He half-forced a chuckle, "Good thing I'm not a scholar! I'm still me as far as I know, and believe me, I know when a mask has changed someone." 'That was Termina in a nutshell, but since I don't have an effect on this entire world, I'm going to purposefully think that this is not a similar case with me.' "Ahem, anyways, the good part is that the historian's fear can never come true. He was saying that if they got a hold of it, things would go to shit, but now it's pretty much impossible."

Her eyes lit up, "Ah! That's right! I completely forgot about that! Wonderful news indeed!" She scribbled that down as well, smiling afterward, "Hm, I feel satisfied. Urbosa, are we where we want to be?"

After reacting to his statements the whole time, she finally spoke, "Another minute or two to go, but we can get stationed early. Come."

Once they were gone, Young Link held his chest as he let out a pained sigh of relief.

Link gently nudged his arm as the divine beast began to slow to a stop, "I kind of feel like applauding you for how you answered those questions."

"Look, I just don't want to make any problems. No one reacts well to that kind of thing, not even you did this morning."

He jumped on that phrase, "Wait what now? Are you saying tha—"

Time stopped him there, "Ppffftt not…really. I don—It's hard to explain. Just, sometimes, when I act a certain way, I'm still being me, it's just not a me that makes any sense to anyone but myself." He rolled his eyes, 'My words get me into so much trouble…' "Earlier I was literally just trying to have a conversation with you about why you were here because, at the time, seeing you was complete surprise. The uh…physical stuff is a long story I'm just not going to tell, but…I…" He made himself tell the truth, "Do mean all of it. I wasn't doing it because you were sad." He immediately felt a hand on his head after he finished.

"Aawww!" The knight cooed, shamelessly ruffling his hair, "So I'm your 'dearest descendant,' huh?"

"Link I will throw you off this divine beast and ground you from the sword in a heartbeat!" He crossed his arms, "That's just another one of those things that just is the way it is. You're that, and I'm like…something I don't know how to say." Now he resumed his leaning against the guardrails, "Anyways, I'm done talking about this for as long as we're here. And don't ever repeat that anywhere else, got it? You'd be doing me a huge favor."

"Well, can I at least give you a pet name?"

"LINK!" His voice echoed off a couple of walls from how loud he yelled, "No! You! Can't! Shut up, dammit!"

"Whyyyy?" He teasingly whined, remaining quiet, "Mine isn't gonna be as long as yours is."

"You already call me Time, that's good enough."

Link jokingly scoffed, "Fine. I guess you've got a point…but that's a name you like."

From there until they returned to town, they both occasionally made small talk as the others tried to get the divine beast to do more than turn-on and walk around. Their efforts bore little fruit, as they only managed to get it to run. Though, at one point the entire beast seemed to momentarily light up in the color of Urbosa's lightning, green. According to them, they tried over and over to replicate what they were doing and saying beforehand, but it simply wouldn't happen again.

"Don't you worry, bluebird," The chief reassured the princess before heading to her own quarters, "I'm sure Naboris is just being stubborn. I bet it's missing just the right touch."

"Yes, I hope that's the case, but I have faith that it'll listen to you." They exchanged goodnights.

Meanwhile, Time was exhausted by the time they returned. The evening had begun to set in, but both his mind and mainly his body were not having it. Both the Princess and the knight could agree for themselves. They went through the trouble of traveling all the way there after all. Just like before, they stayed in Hotel Oasis.

Zelda nearly groaned as she sat down, "Goodness me…" She blinked after realizing the other two were still there, "Pardon…I'm quite sore from all the traveling…and research."

The Hero had an idea, "Ah, you should go get a massage by the woman up front!" His cheeks were rosy as he recalled the time he got one, "Me and Link got one for free last time and I felt like I'd been…uh…born again? Either way, there's no way she'll turn you down!"

Her eyes looked to her knight, "Really?"

Link decisively nodded in agreement, adding a thumbs-up as well.

"For free hm? Maybe I could get the same offer…I suppose that's what I'll do then. You two go get some rest." She used the arms of the chair to help herself to her feet before walking outside to go talk to the masseuse.

Young Link yawned, "Let me guess, back to sharing?"

His descendant smiled as a hand went to his hip, "I don't see another bed in here, do you?"

He couldn't help a smirk as he rolled his eyes, "No. Just remember you can't cuddle me, bastard. I don't need these cuts taking any longer than they need too."

"Yeah yeah, I think I know that better than anyone else," He chimed, claiming one side as the Hero claimed the other. The knight couldn't help but eye his handiwork with the bandages as he watched him, "I'm glad those have held up pretty good."

Before Young Link could respond again, Zelda had returned with the masseuse. The delighted sparkle in her eyes as she pumped a fist at them let them know that she received a free massage as well. They both gave her a thumbs up as she disappeared into the other room. "Er…anyways, yeah same. Thanks again for that by the way."

A small frown had appeared after he'd given it some thought, "They really didn't patch you up? I can only imagine how this looked a couple of days ago, let alone five." Link sighed, "I just don't understand. I mean yeah, you're a Hero and you can heal on your own, but still. Seems a little cruel."

"Ah, I guess Urbosa didn't tell you guys this then, or maybe she only told the Princess. They're pretty low on that kind of supplies. It's all brought from other parts of Hyrule, and they've only been getting attacked by the Yiga more and more. I assume that since Urbosa already knew I could heal, she maybe wasn't as worried about it."

"I guess, but even after the self-heal-thing, you're still a person who can feel pain. Like, the sun hurt. What more can I say?"

A smile appeared on his face as he chuckled, "It's cute that you think I should have been treated better."

It was his turn to roll his eyes, "Sometimes I think you miss the point on purpose. What did you do while you waited for us to get here?"

"I stayed here actually…admittedly for the entire purpose of staying out of the sun. It stung pretty bad once these were clean, I can't lie. Then I was talking to Urbosa later that evening before I passed out." He yawned, reflecting on the last time he was in the hospital wing, "Y'know, it didn't happen with those acid burns, but maybe I'll get better a bit faster with it on."

The knight shifted to laying on his side. His eyelids gave away that they'd gotten heavy, "If it's not too personal to ask, your entire chest seems like a pretty important part of your body. Why does it take so long to heal?"

"I don't know honestly. I like to think it's because it doesn't do anything to help me fight or run away, so it takes the longest because of that. Also, I doubt the Yiga know that about me. They're just actually this messed up when it comes to torturing people." Another yawn came on and it was time to lay down and call it quits on keeping his eyes open, "Well, I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight Time."

Right as he pulled the covers up and turned the other way, an arm flopped itself over his shoulder, "Link, I'm injured. What the hell."

"Shit sorry!" The arm immediately jolted back, "I know you already told me, but I genuinely wasn't thinking a second ago."

"I think you're saying more than you might want to. Just keep facing the other way and you won't have to think about it." He could tell his descendant was scolding himself based on the tone of his voice.

"Right, right. Goodnight and a half, then."

"Goodnight."

Young Link waited for the Princess to return before he completely let himself fall asleep. Maybe two hours afterward, a familiar soft voice woke him from his slumber.

Ah, with your companion once more, my love?

The Hero of Time blinked half in astonishment and half in grogginess, 'Wha-what? No. He's my descendant…as I've said before.' There was no sign that his words changed anything that went on in her head as she continued to speak.

I've been meaning to contact you about that storm you created not too long ago. I figured from previous times that you prefer to be alone, but I've waited long enough.

Her phrase ended in a giggle. In a way, he was proud of her for considering such a thing that she otherwise has demonstrated was beyond her scope. 'So have I actually. Can we go to your domain?' She smiled before dappling his forehead with kisses.

Of course! One second.

She pressed her lips against his, and once more, he felt the mattress beneath him turn into the otherworldly cloud material. Looking down at his hands, he saw that he'd shifted into his deity form and that Hylia now sat beside him. The moon above lit her domain while the stars twinkled in the night. Their butterflies were either resting or flying about.

He made the top part of his black underclothing disappear, pointing to his shoulder as he turned for her to see, "See, what had happened was those damn Yiga. They kidnapped me and I ended up getting branded in the process. My other scars on my adult form are fine, but this one is disgusting. I'm not ashamed of it, but I don't want it."

Hylia ran her fingers over it, "Ah, them." Her tone sounded a tad murderous for a moment before returning to being sweet, "I suppose this is why you created that storm, hm?"

"Well, I didn't exactly feel like I was in control of it, if I'm honest. I was mad at hearing them all exist, and then boom, lightning strikes me, and I'm…well me. Though, if there were more of them, I can see myself using it against them." He spied her face, finding it to be only subtly interested. Time smiled, turning to face her, "What? Expecting something deadly?"

She cupped his cheek, "Using it to transform is one thing, my love. Using it is something else entirely." Now she smooched the other cheek that lacked a hand, "You have much to remember." Her focus returned to the scar as she made him turn in the other direction, "In the meantime, this shouldn't take long."

Once again, she was being her typical mystical self, though he couldn't help his relieved sigh as he felt her kiss his shoulder three times. It vaguely made the shape of a triangle. "Could you ever help me remember?" He asked.

"Some of your abilities are not my own, my sweet. Besides, I know you know."

In the middle of this, the butterfly that had disappeared into his face at the Spring of Power emerged from the same spot and flitted onto his head. It made his cheeks warm, but he was focused on trying to find out more about himself, "Are you sure about that, though? I'm not sure I can even tell you what all I can do." He hoped that she might list them out for him.

But she only giggled, planting another kiss on his shoulder before doing the same to his cheek, "Ah, you're very interesting, Dear Hero. So wise and knowing to everything but yourself—seemingly."

The fact that she was absolutely correct left him internally screaming. If only she would just tell him! Though, keeping his expression neutral, he looked over his shoulder and was glad to see that the mark was entirely gone, "I guess I'll figure it out one day, Dearest Hylia. Thank you very much for getting rid of that scar."

The Goddess leaned on him, "Are you sure you don't want to get rid of any others?"

Time pecked her forehead, a small butterfly flitting away from her as he spoke, "You realize that I too know when you have some ulterior motive, right?"

Now she blushed, "Hmmm…maybe my Hero is a little too cunning." She threw an arm over his shoulder as she shifted in front of him, "However will I fix that?"

"Ha! I can't say I'm cunning all the time, so I'm really not seeing anything for you to fix." His own cheeks began to turn a little pink, "I know you're thinking about our butterflies. You don't need anymore." He gestured to the one on his head and the other that danced with the rest of them, "Especially after I learned that they could possibly get me into some trouble."

Her thumb ran over his bottom lip, "Maybe so, my love." Hylia was fully aware of her ability to be cryptic, "Is there anything else you wanted to come here for?"

"I can't think of anything besides the scar, no. I should probably head back before my descendant causes some kind alarm over me being gone…if he's even noticed that is. He sleeps like he's been killed, and he falls asleep so fast too!" The deity crossed his arms, "I'm a little jealous."

"I could help you with that."

He remembered the way he collapsed in front of her statue in Castle Town, "Oh right! By all means, go ahead." An abstract thought came to mind, "Can I do something like that? Kiss a forehead and make someone sleep?"

Hylia made a peculiar yet nonchalant expression, "It's similar, but not quite the same, my love. I'd be especially sparing if I were you."

He wondered what she meant as another kiss sent him back to the bed he shared. Luckily, he was back to his typical form, though his consciousness had already begun to fade as he felt her lips graze his forehead. Achieving a deep sleep that didn't come from him passing out due to injury was pure bliss. So much so that his slumber had no dreams or thoughts to disturb it.