Chapter Text
The roiling waves crashed against the side of the ship, which made it tilt precariously to the side. Cries filled the air as orders were shouted to stabilize it and frustrated yells back of "HOW" from the non-sailors of the group. Not to mention the pouring rain drenching anything and everything. And also the thunder, so loud multiple people threw their hands over their ears to stop their eardrums from exploding. And also the lightning. But he didn't like to think about lightning.
In short, Wind's sea decided to be stormy that night.
Honesty, all they wanted to do was take a trip to Windfall Island and stock up on supplies before they went to handle a Big Octorock that was terrorizing Outset Island. Wind had said it would be quick, since he could do something with the..er..wind that could warp them there and back again.
Apparently, though, he had forgotten he didn't have a direct warp spot to Windfall Island, so he warped them to a giant pillar sticking out of the ocean he called Tower of the Gods, which was about a day from Windfall. He had said that another island was closer, but that it was called Tingle Island and he liked to stay far away from that place. For some reason, Time, Four, and Warriors all vehemently agreed. Legend couldn't understand why, Tingle hadn't given him much trouble while in Labrynna, and he really didn't want to go on a voyage, albeit a short one. But he was outvoted by the others and that's why there were stuck in the goddess-forsaken ocean in the middle of a goddess-forsaken storm.
Legend didn't like oceans. Not after his fourth adventure. He never mentioned it to anyone, especially not Wind, whose whole life was spent on it, but being on the water always made him nervous.
Especially during a storm.
The boat they were on was small, barely large enough to fit the nine of them (why had they all needed to come again?). He was constantly bumping into someone else as they attempted to ride the waves and not tip over sideways.
He glanced at Hyrule, who was drenched and shivering, much like everyone else stupid enough to brave the sea at this time. (Them. Just them. Only a bunch of heroes could be so stupid) If the boat flipped, the other teen wouldn't be able to swim.
Legend tightened his hold on the rope, the end of which was wrapped securely around his upper arm. It was almost useless trying to control the sail, and each crest they peaked nearly yanked him from the rope entirely and put strain on the shoulder that had the rope tied tightly around. Also every time a wave hit. And every time he was jostled in any way.
Warriors dashed past, bumping into Hyrule, who, in turn, bumped into Legend, who swore as he tried to get his grip back tight on the rope. The floor underneath shifted and he nearly fell over, Hyrule helping him catch his balance. "Thanks, 'Rule." he muttered. Hyrule merely nodded and grabbed his own rope tighter.
"ARE YOUR STORMS ALWAYS LIKE THIS?" Legend called over to Wind, who was manning the rudder with the help of Twilight.
He shrugged, "NOT USUALLY. THIS ONE'S A LOT WORSE THAN THE ONES I'VE HAD BEFO-"
Wind was cut off by a loud CRACK that filled the air. Legend went stiff. He couldn't do this. The ocean, the storm, and now lightning??? It was all too much. He closed his eyes, hoping the raging sea would magically calm. He felt someone steadying him from behind. Turning, he saw Sky, whose white sailcloth billowed in all directions thanks to the raging wind. Legend took a few deep breaths. He could do this.
Sky was called over by Four who was doing something over by the other end of the boat soon after and Legend was left steadying himself and shifting his weight as the boat rocked. Gritting his teeth, he kept a fixed hold on the rope, trying to control the sail yet again.
He sensed it before it happened. Another CRACK of lightning. He looked up just in time to see a blinding white light strike the mast.
NO. NO NOT AGAIN.
He heard shouts from his brothers, the snap of wood, the rope in his hands burn as the part he was holding was torn from his grip. The mast, dark and looming, toppled. Legend went with it, his arm still fixed to the rope attached. He heard another CRACK of lightning way too close by.
Then everything went white then faded into black.
X-X-X
When Hyrule woke, he was surprised to find himself on a beach. Actually, he was surprised to find himself alive at all. The storm had been brutal, after all, first breaking the mast and nearly killing Warriors by falling on top of him as well as yanking Legend away. Hyrule had let go of his rope in surprise, thankfully. Lightning struck the boat again, splitting it in half and sending the two sections away from each other. Then the waves rose and without either side to stabilize the other, the boats flipped. He, Wind, Twilight, and Time had plunged into the cold ocean, and from the screams that seemed too far away, Hyrule had guessed that the same had happened to the others. He had stopped himself from latching on to Twilight or Time when he surfaced, knowing that would drown them quicker. But he couldn't swim, and couldn't help but flounder in the water, calling for help. Wind had tried to help him, but in the end they both went under and Twilight had to dive after them. The others were still nowhere to be found. Time disappeared after about two minutes and the remaining three were in full panic mode. Wind had told Twi to go look for the others and Twilight had agreed, after making sure the two younger heroes would be alright. They wouldn't be, Hyrule knew, but they needed help and the others might too. Then it was just Wind and Hyrule. The sailor had been yelling near the end, likely trying to encourage him. Another wave, too many breaths of water instead of air, and everything went dark.
Time (thank Hylia he looked okay) was next to him now, sitting up and looking from side to side, probably doing a head count to make sure everyone had made it. Wild (he looked uninjured too) was on his other side, bright blue eyes open, but only gazing at the partly cloudy sky. Hyrule shifted to a sitting position to see if he could see anyone else. Twilight was helping Sky stand up, the Skyloftian leaning on him heavily. Wind and Four were also sitting up a ways beyond Time. He caught the Smithy's purple gaze and the small hero gave him a reassuring nod.
Then Hyrule looked past them and worry dropped like a rock into his stomach. Warriors was bending over an unconscious Legend, checking for a pulse. Fear kicked in and Hyrule leapt to his feet, hurrying over. It might've been a bit to much for his limbs to do, as his legs stopped working as soon as he stopped, but he did get to the Vet.
"He has a pulse." Warriors reassured, "And I can't find any injuries. Actually," he gazed around at the other six, "I don't see any injuries on any of us. Mostly dizziness or nausea, I think."
But Hyrule wasn't listening. Something wasn't right with the Vet. He was pale, almost all color drained from his face. "Was he like this when you first saw him?" he asked Warriors.
The Captain nodded, "It is worrying, I know. But I'm sure he'll be okay soon."
"Guys, look up there!" An excited Wind bounded over to them, "Look on the top of that mountain!" The two looked to where the Sailor was pointing. Hyrule noticed the rest of the Chain look too, Wind's voice carrying across the beach.
On top of the mountain was a giant egg. A giant white egg with purple dots.
Hyrule gazed at the bizarre sight, trying to process it. He was snapped out of it when a voice called, "Oh!"
A few paces away from where Hyrule, Wars, and Legend were, stood a red-headed girl in a light blue dress. She wore a pink hibiscus in her hair and a surprised expression.
"Who are you?" demanded Warriors. He stood, clenching a fist on the handle of his sword. The girl, eyes wide, replied, "I'm Marin. Who are all you?"
Wars's grip loosened as he cocked an eyebrow at her. "I'm Warriors. These are my brothers, Time, Twilight, Sky, Wild, Wind, Hyrule, Four, and Legend. Where are we?"
She smiled, although still looking a little confused, "You're on Koholint."
"I've never been here," Wind's eyebrows were scrunched, "and I thought I had mapped out all the islands in the Great Sea. Is Koholint close to Windfall?"
"There are no islands around here for miles." Marin replied, "I don't know what a Windfall is, sorry." She tilted her head at Legend, "Is your brother alright?"
Hyrule looked back at him and answered, "We were caught in a storm. He took a beating."
Marin's eyes were still wide and curious. "Mabe Village isn't too far. You could recover at my house if you want."
Time strode forward. Hyrule wondered why he had let Warriors take the lead in the conversation at first. "There are nine of us," he warned.
She nodded, "We have space." Marin waited until Warriors lifted the unconscious hero and then hurried up the beach, the rest following.
Mabe Village looked pleasant, almost nothing like the towns Hyrule had grown up around. Children played with a ball in front of a white building Marin said was a library. Dogs ran around, most giving the heroes a wide berth. The girl led them to a small cottage and opened the door to let them in. Inside was a man with black hair and a black mustache. He looked shocked to see Marin leading nine people, all with swords, into his house.
"Greetings," he said uncertainly, "Marin, who are these people?"
She smiled more widely, "Outsiders."
The man tilted his head, "Impossible. There is nothing beyond the sea."
Marin's eyes glowed as she replied, "Maybe there is."
The man smiled halfheartedly, "Well, my name is Tarin. Is there anything I can help you fellas with?"
"One of them is hurt," Marin told him, "I told them that he could rest here. That's okay, right?"
Tarin nodded in agreement. "There are some beds over there."
Warriors crossed the room and laid Legend on one of the beds. Hyrule came over too and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Is there a shop around here?" Time asked.
Marin nodded. "Yes, we have one. Also a Trendy Claw game if you're interested."
Wind's eyes lit up, "Can I go check that out? Please?"
Time smiled wryly, "Sure. Take someone with you, though. We still aren't familiar with this town. Rancher, Champion, could you come with me to buy supplies?"
Soon, everyone but Marin, Tarin, Hyrule, Warriors, and Legend of course, had cleared out of the small house.
"How did you get to Koholint?" Marin piped up after a few minutes of silence.
Hyrule opened his mouth to answer, but was distracted by Legend stirring in bed. The pinkish-blond-haired hero blinked open his eyes and looked extremely bewildered by his surroundings. He focused on Hyrule first, then Warriors. Then he gazed around the house and finally fixed his eyes on Tarin and then Marin. He wore a confused epression as he looked at Hyrule and asked,
"Where are we? And who are they?"