Chapter Text
Time inhaled slowly, savoring the brief moment of peace. Wild was cooking by the stove, with Hyrule helping him prep ingredients, Warriors and Legend were playing a game with Wind, and Twilight and Four were taking care of their swords, while Sky strummed his harp in the corner. Say what you will about Wild’s Hyrule, but it was mostly peaceful, with the monsters staying in their little groups and territories.
Only, because they can’t have nice things, there was a tugging in Time’s gut, and a large, black portal opened up next to Sky, who stopped his strumming. The group packed up, and after a large amount of grumbling, his team stepped through the portal, Time not far behind.
===
Ghost was having fun! Hornet had come back from her adventure, and given them a bell! Ghost liked their bell, it made a fun sound, going dingdingding from when it was equipped.
Plus, Hornet brought back friends! Their favourite friends Hornet brought back were the fleas! Ghost liked how soft they were, and Hornet liked them too. Plus, Hornet traded Hunter’s Journals with them, so now they had the creatures of Pharloom and Hallownest in their journal. The Hunter was very happy with them! The Hunter gave them head pats! Ghost liked the head pats.
Now they were getting tiktiks for Hornet, because she missed the taste on her adventure, and wanted to share the taste of tiktik with Lace! Hornet really liked Lace, they were like Sheo and Nailmaster!
They used Shape of Unn to become a slug, and wiggled across the floor towards the unsuspecting tiktik. Slug-Ghost moved carefully so they didn’t make noise, and pounced! Turning into regular Ghost, they bapped it with their nail until it didn’t move, and put their nail behind their back before scooping it up, and walking to the entrance of King’s Pass.
Only, there were now things in Ghost’s way! They came out of a black thing that closed! There were many of them, and they looked smooth. The things had fur coming out the top of their masks, and most of their fur was yellow, though one had pink fur. Most of them had green cloaks, and shiny silver shells on top of their cloaks!
Ghost tucked the tiktik in their void and walked up to the pile of things, deciding to poke one. It made a groaning noise, and started to get up. Quickly, they pulled out their nail, prepared to dash over the thing if need be. “Where are we now?” Oh! The things were friendly bugs! They should speak to Friendly-Bug!
‘Friendly-Bug okay?’ Ghost asked in their echoey voice. It had been great to finally learn how to speak while Hornet was on her journey, and they taught Hollow too! Friendly-Bug looked at them “What?” It said, confused. The other Friendly-Bugs started getting up, and Friendly-Bug-One started to check on the other Friendly-Bugs.
They pulled out their Hunter’s Journal to make a new entry. The Hunter would love to see them, and Hornet would want to pet the Friendly-Bug’s fur! Only, they needed to know the Friendly-Bug’s name! It was time for them to make a plan!
===
Twilight woke up in a weird place, with a little thing wearing a cloak in front of him. The thing was holding a weirdly shaped sword, and had a white head with horns. “Where are we now?” He asked, mostly to himself, only the weird thing answered! ‘Friendly-Bug okay?’ It asked, and the words didn’t even come from it, they were just kind of… around?
“What?” You know what, friends first, weird sentient thing later. He went around waking up all his friends, checking they were okay, only to feel something tugging on his tunic. Twilight looked down, and there was the horned guy, holding some kind of journal in one hand and tugging on him with the other.
It looked up at him with empty black eyes that were almost cute, and spoke again ‘Friendly-Bug have name? want to add Friendly-Bug to Hunter’s Journal!’ Twilight looked up, made eye-contact with Time (who was silently laughing, the bastard), and looked back down at the thing. “Sure, I’m Twilight. What’s your name?”
The thing blinked, before opening up its journal and turning to a page with a scarily accurate drawing of Twilight. Next to his picture, it said, ‘strange bipedal creature with a smooth body and strange eyes’. Above the picture, the thing scribbled ‘Twilight’.
It then looked back up at him ‘I Ghost! What other Friendly-Bugs named?’ Twilight had no idea why Ghost thought the Chain were bugs, but he didn’t question it. “Um-, that’s Time, Wind, Four, Wild, Legend, Hyrule, Sky and Warriors.” He said, pointing at each of his companions.
Time then decided to speak up “I’m afraid we’re rather lost. Could you perhaps point us in the direction of the nearest town?” Ghost turned their black eyes to Time, and nodded vigorously. ‘Ghost can show Time to Dirtmouth! Ghost going there to give tiktik to Hornet!’ Ghost clapped their little paws together, and Twilight had to resist the urge to just squeeze them, they were so cute!
Still, he forced himself to be composed, and followed Ghost when they started walking towards a large open doorway, chattering all the while ‘Hornet asked Ghost to get tiktik for her and Lace! Hornet said if Ghost gets tiktik, Ghost can try out Hornet’s new traps! Hornet has so many pretty traps, and-’ Their ramblings were cut off by Wind, who was looking at a strange slab with words on it “'higher beings, these words are for you alone.’, what does that mean?” the sailor asked their chattering companion. Ghost seemingly pondered the question for a second, before hesitantly responding;
‘Higher beings are…. They are the lady in his head that feels like light!’ They pointed at Wild, who made a little ‘oh’ with his mouth “so higher beings are gods?” Wild asked Ghost, who nodded vigorously, ‘that is your word for them? Ghost calls them higher beings. Can Ghost meet your higher being?’ Wild looked confused, “sure? You can try?”
At this point everyone had stopped walking, more interested in what was happening with the two. Ghost walked over to Wild on their stubby little legs, and, before any of them could protest, brought out their sword and struck him with it, disappearing in a cloud of particles?
Wild blinked a couple of times as Twilight rushed over to him, checking over his protege for injuries. “Wow. That feels weird.” Four decided to pipe up at that moment “what feels weird?” Wild cocked his head “I’m pretty sure Ghost and Hylia are arguing in my head.”
Sky’s head snapped over to Wild “They’re doing WHAT?” He looked incredibly confused, which Twilight could definitely relate to. “They’re arguing in my head! Well now it seems like they’re chatting? Hold on a second, I’m trying to listen.” Wild furrowed his brow, apparently concentrating. “Oh, wow! Ghost is joining us on our journey apparently.”
There was an immediate uproar, with the Links briefly descending into chaos before Ghost reappeared in a flurry of particles, and just… continued to walk forward. Twilight blinked a couple times, before deciding to follow them, figuring he might get answers that way. The others probably thought the same, because they followed Ghost too, quietly chatting.
Ghost led them out the large doorway, and down a set of carved stone stairs, onto strange purple-grey grass. The whole area had an empty vibe, and it kind of freaked Twilight out to be honest, and he felt like growling at the whole thing.
Still, he continued following Ghost, until they reached a large, red tent, with strange creatures out front. Ghost absentmindedly pet them as they went by, and continued walking to a figure in a red cloak, with pointy white horns. The pointy creature was talking to a white, mushroom headed one, and as they got closer, Ghost broke into a run.
Twilight watched in bafflement as Ghost launched themself at the pointy figure, saying ‘Hornet!’ Hornet, presumably, simply moved out of the way blindly fast, causing Ghost to faceplant on the ground. Ghost got up, dusting their cloak, and if they had a face, Twilight thought they would be pouting.
The person next to Hornet chuckled, before catching sight of the chain and pulling out a sword with a hooked end. “Spider, your sibling has brought back enemies!” Instantly Hornet was on alert, bringing out what looked like a giant needle, and saying “Gramma!” seemingly as a war cry.
Before a fight could break out, a terribly inhumane screech came from Ghost, and black curved creatures came out of their head. Hornet instantly switched her attention to Ghost, and seemingly softened. “What is it little ghost?” She said, and Twilight suddenly reevaluated her.
‘They friends! Have higher-being in his head’ Ghost pointed at Wild, and, instead of looking confused, like most people who hear that someone has a god in their head, Hornet looked even more on-edge. “Which higher being? Is it Grimm?” Suddenly there was a burst of flame, and a horned creature with a black and red cloak appeared.
The new creature cackled “Of course not my dear! No, this higher being isn’t one of hallownest. Hylia is a higher being on the surface wyrmling!” Hornet bristled slightly, but put her needle on her back as the (god?) teleported away.
She looked like she had aged thirty years from the interaction, which was valid. Ghost tugged on her cloak, and Twilight wanted to squish them again! ‘Hornet, Hylia says her champions need Ghost’s help! Ghost and Hornet talk Hollow in bellhome?’ Hornet nodded, and headed towards a large, red, bell with Ghost.
Twilight blinked at the abruptness of their departure, and decided to try and make friends with the remaining person. “So, what’s your name?” He asked, trying to be friendly. “My name is Lace, strange creature, and if you are seeking company, I suggest talking to another bug. Perhaps Iselda or Cloth.”
He shrugged, so not a talker. Time gestured for him to come back to the group, who were now huddled together. Once he got over there, they continued talking. “I say we split up and talk to the locals!” Wind suggested, eying some of the people around. “Sounds like a plan sailor.” responded Time. “Alright, let's meet outside this tent in 15 minutes.” There were murmurs of agreement, and Twilight set off on his way, wondering what kooky characters this world had to offer.
===
Hornet could not believe this, this, this BITCH OF A HIGHER BEING wanted to TAKE HER BABY SIBLING AWAY! They were now all situated in her bellhome, and Hornet was pacing rapidly, turning every so often to check that Ghost was still sitting on her bed. “Why you? Why not me, or, or for void’s sake why not Hollow?” She gestured to her older sibling, who was sitting next to her desk, looking out of place. “It should be their turn for a grand adventure! Why you again!”
‘Why you upset Hornet? Is not problem, Ghost is good at adventures!’ The child said in its broken language, remembering words but not lots of grammar. “You are a CHILD” she seethed, feeling the urge to slash this new being with her needle. “You shouldn’t have had to go on the first adventure, much less this one!”
Ghost blinked a couple of times, and they were oh-so-young, and so innocent, going to visit the White Lady to keep her company, despite her hand in their torment, playing with their siblings in the Abyss, welcoming Lace with open arms despite her wary demeanor.
Hornet didn’t want that innocence to be robbed by this quest. Yet, they had to go, because the monsters the bugs outside were hunting bled void, and it was their job as Lord of Shades to find who was abusing their domain.
Still, if she had to be parted from her sibling (again), then she would make sure they were as safe as possible. Rifling through her pack she brought home from Pharloom, she removed a couple of more personal items before giving the rest of it to Ghost. “These should work like charms do. Can I borrow your dreamnail for a minute?”
The little ghost, bless them, instantly handed over the dream nail, and continued looking through her bag of trinkets and tools. “How do I tell which one has the goddess in his head?” She asked of her little sibling, fully intending to give this ‘Hylia’ a piece of her mind. ‘Find the one with the teal ghosts above him!’ Ghost said cheerfully, and Hornet nodded, fully prepared to show this ‘Hylia’ just who she was dealing with.
===
Wild was interested in the place the chain had found themselves in. Not only had the chain found someone who could talk to gods, but Ghost could also go in his head! It was honestly really trippy hearing two people arguing in there, and after they reached the town and split up, he decided to just sit down for a minute, fully intending to relax.
That is, until the person (spider? Wyrmling?) called Hornet stalked up to him, holding the weapon that had caused his woes in the first place. “Wild, correct?” She said shortly, clearly in no mood for small talk. “May I go into your head to speak with your goddess? I need to make some things clear to her.” She said, the threat clear in her tone.
He nodded carefully, and tried not to flinch when Hornet pulled out the weapon and hit him with it. It was a strange feeling, being able to see the world around him, but also being able to see Hornet and Hylia inside his mind, it was like his vision was split.
Still, he decided to focus on the conversation, since he wasn’t doing anything important anyways. “You are the one they call Hylia, correct?” Hylia nodded at Hornet clearly humouring her.
She must have realised this, because she drew out her nail, and, in a flash, had it on Hylia’s neck. Wild made a dying animal sound, having no idea how to deal with this. “Let me make some things clear about your ‘journey’.” Hylia flinched back, clearly hearing the anger in the overprotective sister’s voice.
Wild watched as she removed her nail, glaring at his goddess coldly. “My sibling.” Hornet said, now deadly calm. “Is barely two years old.” Wild gasped. They were taking a two-year-old with them on their journey? No wonder she was so pissed!
“They have not even reached their first molt, and yet you drag them on your ‘quest’ to deal with a problem YOU created, due to YOUR ignorance. Am I correct?” Hylia nodded, clearly pale, yet Wild couldn’t find much sympathy for the goddess at the moment.
The terrifying woman advanced on the goddess, “So, I am going to lay out some terms, and you are going to meet them, or else no mindscape will save you from my wrath.” Wild shivered at her delivery, fully believing that Hornet could kill his goddess with the coldness in her voice alone.
And then it was gone, the terrifying aura, and she clapped her hands together, backing up a couple steps. “Time to talk terms! Wild!” He flinched at his name being mentioned, but tentatively whispered “Yes?”
Hornet pulled out a list out of her cloak “I need you to tell the other members of your group the terms, since Hylia here seems stingy without contact.” Wild couldn’t help choking out a laugh, ignoring the stares of the chain.
“Right, here are the terms. One, you will let Ghost fight with you.” Wild was filled with rage, the good impression he had of Hornet shattering, but then he felt a pat inside his head “let me explain first genius,” she said to him. “Ghost is a stubborn little bastard, and despite their age, they are more than qualified to fight with you, and if you don’t let them, they’ll do it anyway.”
Hylia blinked at her, looking confused at her indifference, and Wild couldn’t help but agree with her. Hornet rolled her eyes inside his mindscape “they’ve killed like, 42 skilled fighters, killed a god, dueled another one twice, and still came out on top, they’ll be fine.” Damn. That was… an impressive amount, did they have a new godslayer on their hands?
She turned back to the list in her hands “Two, Hylia will provide Ghost with plenty of chances to rest, and let them know when a portal is coming.” Hylia nodded. “Three, you and the other Links won’t touch their stuff without permission.” Sounded fair to Wild. “Four, no asking about what they are, or their backstory, unless they volunteer information, and don’t freak out if they do anything weird, that’s par for the course.” That one made a little less sense, but maybe Ghost was traumatized?
Hylia had acquiesced with all the terms so far, so they couldn’t be that bad. “By the way, if Ghost is ever hurt, don’t bother trying to heal them, just get them a couple of things to kill and they should be fine. Now, terms five and six are the most important. Term five, no hurting them under ANY circumstances. And six, the group will portal back to Hallownest at least once every two months, and stay for a week at least.”
That seemed to be the last straw for Hylia, as she finally spoke “no.” Hornet visibly raged “no? No? Let me be more clear. Ghost will be coming home every other month, or I will find your host and murder both them and you, damn the consequences, understand?” White strings wrapped around Hylia as Hornet spoke, restraining the goddess, as Hornet stalked towards her. “Fine.” Hylia said. “Excellent!” False cheer filled Hornet’s tone. “I’m coming out now Wild, and,” she turned back on Hylia “I better not learn you or your bitch of a servant have been in my little sibling’s head, understood?” Hylia remained silent, with merely a nod.
===
Wind really liked this place! Sure, he didn’t get, well, anything, but the people were nice, and they were getting a new questmate! Speaking of said questmate, they had just left the giant bell, and were now walking towards Wind, a satchel now on their shoulder.
“What’s that have in it?” He asked, curious, ‘Ghost’s charms, and some tools Hornet gave Ghost, pouch leads to pocket dimension. Is easier than reaching through Ghost’s body whenever they want something’ ignoring that disturbing visual, Wind examined the bag more closely.
It was a black color, a nice contrast to the teal of Ghost’s cloak. It had a strange clasp, a white ball with a line dividing it and three eye-shaped things on either side of the line. It looked vaguely spider-like, and interested him to no end.
Just as he was about to ask about it, Wind felt the familiar tugging in his gut and groaned, only to be distracted by Ghost tapping him with their little paw ‘what is strange feeling?’ Oh, right, newbie “It means we’re going through a portal to someone else’s kingdom. We probably won’t be back here for a while, sorry buddy.”
They shrugged, ‘portal is there’ they pointed next to the bench Wild was sitting on ‘Ghost go say goodbye to Hornet and Hollow.’ Wind let them run off, knowing the portal would drag them in whether they wanted it to or not. He instead headed to the rest of the Chain, who were waiting next to the bench.
“Where’s the new blood? Did they chicken out or something?” Legend asked snarkily ‘Ghost is right here!’ Legend shrieked at where Ghost had seemingly appeared out of thin air on the bench. ‘We go now?’ Time, bless his soul, simply nodded.
Making a split-second decision, Wind took one of Ghost’s little paws in his hand, startled by the softness of it. Ghost looked up at him with big, black, eyes, seemingly questioning his decision. “So we don’t get separated in the portal!” Wind said, and watched as Ghost's eyes widened, before they nodded, stepping through the portal with Wind to a new adventure.