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theoneeyedgoldenwolf · 5 months ago

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Memory of the flames

Birthday fic for @freezingwhitefire!! <3

Summary: Time finally has managed to set a day for Dotour family to come over. Yet, even though things don’t go exactly as he planned, it does help to heal one of his boys a bit.

Notion: - I can’t do a normal first time meeting people fic so I needed an ice breaker… Or rather putting out the fire. ;) Aaand I just ended up making a whump story out of this. =/ - I will do better explanation of Wild’s past eventually. This is only part of the situation as Wild doesn’t fully recall everything due to being sick back then.

CW: Past attempt at burning one alive, protective anger, cursing, sickness (shivering, nausea, throwing up)

In AO3: Memory of the flames

Wild: Link Banda Dragomir - From Sumerian banda "young, wild, fierce". - Dragomir, of Slavic descent, means ‘precious and peaceful’, often carried by individuals of noble heritage.

Mr. Kiefer Dotour (Kafei’s father) - Kiefer: From a German surname meaning either "pine tree" or "barrel maker".

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Time couldn’t help but feel bit anxious. He had been postponing this meeting for quite a few times by now. He honestly had meant for his boys to meet with his friend long ago but things just hadn’t given him that chance.

Things had been hectic for few months as the seven youngsters, one by one, had been up for meeting with their blood relatives. Sadly, most of those meetings hadn’t gone well. Not to mention that he had, eventually, lost one of the boys as he fully returned to home. He had just felt bit grateful that Wind had been last one to reunite with his blood parents as he doubted to have been able to deal with things as well as he had.

Before all of the youngsters had had the chance to meet with their families, the ranch had been attacked. The ranch’s owner shuddered at the memory before turnings his gaze into the window and searched out Wars. He smiled a bit while remembering how that situation had fixed things between the two of them.

After the rest of the meetings, the one eyed male had ended up into a mission that had been supposed to be long one. They hadn’t been longer than couple of days in the area before things had gone to hell. Time unconsciously touched the markings of the Fierce Deity. Well, there were only half of them but even that felt bit too much. Still, he forced himself to accept things for Wild’s sake. If he felt ashamed or tried to hide the unwanted and cruelly given tattoos of sorts, it would definitely affect into how the younger males saw things.

Time’s smile widened a bit when he caught the notion of Wind. If anything good had happened out of that wrong gone mission, it was the very fact that he got the boys back. All of them. Though, he couldn’t deny the fact he would’ve rather had the seven boys of his concentrate into their own lives. Yet, it had been only couple of weeks since that mission and he still was getting used to the different outlook of his. At least the markings didn’t hurt anymore when he touched them accidentally, unconsciously or by own choice.

Since things had finally calmed down and he had healed well enough, he felt like it was finally the time he could call Kafei and his family over. The boys were excited to meet one of his friends which only made things that one bit better for him. Though, Hyrule had already met with Kafei but back then that had been police matter so the meeting wasn’t exactly as he had hoped it to be done. Nonetheless, Time was fully up for making everything right this time around.

The Lon-Lon Ranch’s owner jerked a bit when he heard the car coming to the yard. He took once a deep breath to calm down and left the house to meet with his friend and his family. “Hey there!” He called happily while approaching the car once it was parked and the four were coming out of the vehicle. “Welcome to Lon-Lon Ranch. Been way too long since you guys have visited here.”

“Hey, Spri— OH SHIT! The hell’s happened?” Kafei nearly shouted as he saw the markings.

Time chuckled nervously and scratched the back of his head. “Yeah, new look.” He bit grinned and shrugged. “Quite recent too. Not from my own choice, though.”

The lilac haired male came closer with wide eyes. “Sprite…” He started without really knowing what to say or do.

The one eyed male shrugged again. “It’s fine. I’m okay. The boys are okay. My bro’s okay. Just…” He shrugged once again. “…gotta get used to it. That’s all.”

“You gonna tell me?” Kafei asked while raising an eyebrow.

Time sighed and gave apologetic look. “Sorry, don’t really have the rights.”

Kafei nodded in understanding. “Anyway, where are your boys?” He half queried while glancing behind his friend.

The second oldest resident of the ranch chuckled and bit grinned. “Around.” He replied and glanced behind him. “I keep on telling them that they’re not obliged to do the ranch work and…” He shrugged. “…they do it anyways.”

“You should be grateful of that.” Anju, Kafei’s wife, simply said while coming to them.

“I am. It’s just—“ He started before shutting up as he saw the woman. “Oh wow… Congrats!” He half shouted as he took in the fact of her being pregnant. “You two are going to be absolutely amazing parents!” His smile was wide and genuine even though there was slight bang of grief in the back of his feelings. Yet, he squished it swiftly while concentrating into the happy news and into having the rights to introduce these people to his own family.

Anju and Kafei glanced at each other with a loving gaze before the woman already gave bit of an apologetic smile. “Sorry. We probably should’ve informed before coming to here.”

Time shook his head and waved his hand dismissively. “Nah, no worries! Just happy for you two.” He replied before glancing towards the main area of the ranch. “Just… You having rights to eat outdoor food? Wild was adamant about getting to handle the meal today and even more so to cook on open fire.” He queried bit worriedly. “Though, I’m sure he’d be happy to do different meal for you if needed.”

“Outdoor food sounds perfect.” Anju answered happily. “What is he creating?”

The one eyed male chuckled a bit and shrugged. “I’ve no idea. He wanted to keep it a secret.”

The older couple, Kafei’s parents, joined the trio at then. “Been a while since we were here last.” The husband commented while looking around.

“Bit too long, to be honest.” Time answered tad sorrowfully. “Sorry about having not been able to get this settled earlier.”

The man waved his hand dismissively. “Not your fault. Life’s rough sometimes.”

Time just nodded while trying not to think about what he lost eleven years ago. “Anyway, how about meeting my boys and my brother, hmm?” He suggested while being fully willing to change the topic. The four with him nodded and followed him towards the horse pen. Once close enough and seeing Wild’s back at the cooking area, the one eyed male stopped and gave out a whistle. After that he just grinned and waited.

“I’ll be there in a moment!” Wild called while needing to get his work into such place that it wouldn’t get ruined while he was meeting with his caretaker’s friends.

“Take your time, Wild. No hurries.” Time called back fondly.

Soon enough the seven others were already coming out of the areas they were working at. In no time they were pretty much standing in a spread out line in front of the one eyed male. Time chuckled and shook his head a bit while facepalming. “Seriously, guys. Can’t ya shuffle now and then?” He mused fondly with a grin while noticing the boys having once again picked their places by the order they had been brought to the ranch while leaving a spot open for Wild. The ex-Captain was standing as last one on the line’s left and bit grinning about the upcoming banter of sorts.

Twilight shrugged a bit while slightly grinning. “I don’t know. It’s just easy this way.”

Time playfully groaned and rolled his eye. “Why not go by age or height or something?” He mock-whined.

“If we go by age it would just put Wind to last and Four second last without changing the order otherwise.” Sky replied matter-of-factly.

The one eyed male blinked once before facepalming. “Good point.” Yet, he soon grinned and slightly shrugged. “At least it would be slight difference in there.”

“Don’t ya like the order you brought us into here?” Wind inquired while putting on his best puppy-dog-eyes. The rest of the boys followed with that look.

Time blinked and whined while turning towards Kafei. “See what I’m dealing with here? I can’t win!” Yet, he was grinning and enjoying of the laughter he got out of the four guests of theirs. “Okay, okay, anyway…” He continued while smiling fondly as he looked at his boys and big brother. “So, since everyone got to here, we can—“ He began as Wild came to take his place from between Legend and Wind. Yet, he already frowned at the gasp and shock of recognition on his third boy’s face.

“You!” Kafei’s father suddenly shouted as he saw the scarred boy. While everyone’s notion went right into him, Time moved swiftly straight in front of Wild while turning around. He kept the youngster behind him while narrowing his gaze at the man. He felt bit grateful as the seven others moved closer to Wild too to give support, comfort and being ready to protect him if needed.

“How do you know my boy?” The ranch’s owner did his best to keep his growl out of his voice but he wasn’t fully successful with it. He carefully moved backwards to get in touch with the cook. He slowly moved his arm back to give a slight hug of sorts in attempt of comforting. “I want the full and absolute truth.” He quite well commanded while being entirely ready to defend Wild in any way possible.

The man was startled of the situation and he stared bit wide-eyed at Time. Kafei moved to stand between his father and his friend while facing his father. “Father, how do you know Sprite’s boy?” He quite well demanded for an answer.

The oldest male on the ranch at the moment opened and closed his mouth while feeling unable to speak. Time had a moment to think about the situation before already making his choice. “I want the answer but before that… Give me a moment.” He stated out firmly before already turning around and crouching down to Wild’s level.

The one eyed male very gently hugged his boy while whispering reassuring words and promises of keeping him safe and sound. Wild was trembling and close of tears. He shut his eyes tightly while wishing to be fully hidden and out of sight at then and there.

“Wild.” Wind suddenly called with bit of a whine while tugging on the older boy’s sleeve. “I want a hot choco. Please, Wild? Pretty please?” He begged while giving his best puppy-dog-eyes.

“That’s a brilliant idea.” Time half exclaimed while kissing the top of Wild’s head. “Hot chocos sound like a good idea, don’t ya think?” He coaxed gently while drying his boy’s tears.

“I… Y-yeah… O-okay… If you’re sure…” The cook of the day whispered while turning his gaze into Time.

“Absolutely.” The ranch’s keeper stated out firmly with a wide smile. He kissed Wild’s forehead before gently ushering him and Wind to head towards the house.

“I’ll go with them.” Twilight told while being ready to follow his younger brothers. He gave a slight grin and shrug. “Besides, they might need bit of help in getting them all here.”

“Cub.” Time called with a requesting look.

“I will, Time.” The first brought boy simply answered with a nod and his caretaker sighed in relief and relaxed.

Once the trio was out of hearing range, the male with Fierce Deity’s markings returned his gaze into his friend’s father. Yet, before he could start his interrogation of sorts, he noticed the bit confused looks on the faces of his boys and big brother whom had stayed by him. He chuckled a bit and shook his head with a slight smile. “I just made sure Wild’s getting a hot choco to calm down. He’ll get another too once those will be brought to here.” He told calmly before returning his hardened gaze into the oldest male of the group at the yard. “Now… Talk.”

The man gasped slightly and bit jerked at the given look. Kafei grinned and chuckled slightly. “Yeah, he got that aura of a leader.” He partly mused before getting serious of the situation. “Yet, if I were you, I’d talk. Sprite doesn’t take lightly anything that concerns his boys. And, father, right now you’re on thin ice here.”

Time felt relieved for Kafei standing by him. He had slightly worried about him taking his family’s side. Yet, clearly, the police side of him wanted the answer as much as he did.

The current head of the Dotour family raised his hands in soothing manner while having returned his gaze into Sprite. Part of him wanted to count into being a family friend but he could easily see that it would be the worst possible path to take. “First of all, I have never harmed any of your boys, Sprite.” He started as firmly as he could.

Time tried to stay calm and not give his boys and big brother any reason to take actions on his behalf. “Maybe not while they’ve been my boys but the question is… What about before they came here?” He bit hated of his voice being closer to snarl than he had meant it to fall into.

The man sighed and let himself slump a bit before crossing his arms over his chest. It wasn’t for defiance or such but simply for the fact that he didn’t really know where else he could keep his hands while explaining. “As you know, I’ve worked as a firefighter for a few years between the police years.” He started as calmly as he could.

“It was for the experience in learning to know arson cases better.” The old man Dotour explained before sighing sorrowfully. “On one case then…” He hesitated and shook his head while turning his gaze away from the group. “An abandoned house was on fire. Nothing out of ordinary. Either an accident by people playing at there or keeping it as a place away from the weather or, at worst, just bad guys burning it down. Obviously, we didn’t know what would be the reason for the start of the fire. We went there and…” He trailed off in sorrow.

The man slowly shook his head before trying to dry his tears. “It wasn’t empty. There was someone inside.” He continued quietly while feeling the lump at his throat. “A kid. No older than eight or so. The boy just ran out of there in terror. Screaming and fully on fire.” He shook his head as he recalled the situation and barely being able to breathe. “I-it freaked the crap out of us. We caught him and somehow, with the kid struggling and screaming, managed to put the flames out.”

Time stared wide-eyed at the man and gasped a bit as he fell to his knees. Wild had never fully talked about his burn marks and he hadn’t forced him. He barely noticed the youngsters and his brother coming down in attempt of comforting him. He fought not to cry but soon enough he just hid his face into his hand while imagining the hell his boy had gone through.

“He fell unconscious before the ambulance came.” The oldest of Dotour family continued without having noticed the situation outside his sight. “I wanted to talk with the kid. To find out what had happened. Some claimed he had done it to himself. Few thought it had just been accident.” He shook his head. “I think it was attempted murder. He hadn’t been there alone. A kid of his age…” He shook his head again. “Too young to be on his own. Dear Goddesses, how cruel this world can be…” He half mumbled before sighing heavily.

“The kid…” The man snorted and sported disbelieving grin. “Damn it… I don’t know how he was capable of it but he refused to stay in the hospital. He kept escaping from there. And the docs told he was quite sick too and been such for a while. I just…” He sighed and slumped again. “I just wanted answers. I wanted the bastards at the fault of his situation into jail. I wanted him somewhere safe.” He growled a little while shaking his head and fisting his hands. “Three times he ran out of the hospital. On that third time I lost track of him. I searched the streets and abandoned placed but I didn’t find him. Thought he probably left the town to somewhere else.” He sighed and shook his head. “Never forgot him, though. One of the few I failed to help.” He whispered quietly in sorrow before finally turning to look at Time with a small smile. “I’m just glad he’s still alive and somewhere very safe in these days.”

Time dried his tears and bit shakily took a deep breath. “You…” He gulped once while standing up slowly. He showed to the others to stand back a bit before taking another, bit steadier, deep breath. “You do understand I need to check on Wild about his version of the situation, right?” He queried while feeling tad grateful of his voice being steadier than what he felt at the moment.

“Of course.” The man nodded with a sorrowful smile. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The one eyed male simply nodded before glancing bit uncertainly at his boys and big brother. Yet, they simply gave a reassuring smile and a firm nod. “Alright.” He half whispered before taking a deep breath to calm himself down. “You guys can start to get the introductions done while I go to talk with Wild.” He gave a slight fond smile to his family and one last nod before heading off to the house.

The story was going vividly around his head while feeling tad contradicted. Part of him wished Wild would tell different story and he could just kick the guy out of their home. And yet, bigger part of him hoped for similarity as he wanted to help the scarred boy of his to deal with this bit of his past. And, obviously, for the reason that the one whom had told the story was his friend’s father.

Time entered the house and took one more deep breath in hopes of staying intact a while longer. He moved as calmly as he could to the doorway of the kitchen and smiled fondly at the situation at there. Twilight was by the table. Wild was sitting on the counter while sipping his hot chocolate. Wind was actually doing the hot chocolates with Wild’s instructions. He watched the trio for a while before knocking on the doorframe to catch their notion. He couldn’t help but bit grin as he unintentionally slightly startled the three boys of his. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare ya.” He apologized before putting his notion into his third boy. “Rascal, can we talk for a moment?” He requested with bit hopeful voice while nodding towards the living room.

Wild very clearly felt uncertain but he nodded and jumped down from the counter. “You can take the hot choco along.” Time told calmly when his boy was up for putting the mug away. “Unless, of course, the mug’s empty at which you’d need a refill.” He continued with a slight grin. The youngster blushed a bit which ended up widening when Wind eagerly filled his older brother’s mug. Time just watched happily the situation happen before moving off the way as his nineteen year old boy left the kitchen.

The caretaker of the scarred boy gently petted his boy’s hair as he moved past him before already following him to the living room. Once they had sat down, the one eyed male sighed heavily and looked bit sorrowfully at Wild. “Rascal…” He started hesitantly. “I never wanted for you or the others to ever have to talk about your pasts like this. This isn’t the right way.” He told nearly desperately while making his choice. “It’s up to you, young one. Do I kick him out?” He knew he should’ve found out about the other side of the story but he just couldn’t force his boys into talking about stuff that left traumas without their consent while making that choice by themselves instead of it having been made on their behalf.

The cook of the ranch had at first just nodded but at that simple question he jerked slightly and snapped his gaze into the one eyed male. Part of him wanted to say yes but that didn’t feel right. The four guests were part of his caretaker’s past. A part that was actually a good one. And yet, he hadn’t really wanted to remember that one day from his past. Still, he really had been meaning to talk about it with Time but he hadn’t found the courage or a chance to do so. Now he was face to face with it and he couldn’t block it out of his mind or sight.

Eventually Wild slowly shook his head. He dropped his gaze into the mug while pulling his legs up to the sofa and close to his chest. He noticed the ranch’s keeper wanting to come close and hold him but he stayed to his place while being uncertain of what was allowed at the moment. He took bit shakily a deep breath before patting the place next to him. “Please?” He partly requested with quiet voice.

Time straight off got up and moved next to his boy. The youngster leaned against him and the one eyed male swiftly wrapped his arms around him to hold him lovingly and securely. “You’re safe here, young one. You’re always safe with me.” He promised quietly and Wild just simply nodded.

The scarred youth took a deep breath, leaned fully against his caretaker and closed his eyes. He held the mug securely by both hands while taking comfort from the embrace, the scent of the hot chocolate and the warmth of the mug. It all grounded him into the present as he slowly and quietly began to talk even though Time’s words of not needing to say anything he wasn’t ready to tell yet was clear in his mind. Still, he wanted this out for once and for all.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Link Banda Dragomir, eight years old boy, was shivering in the abandoned house. It was summer but he was sick. He had been nauseous for couple of days already and this had been the first safe enough place he could find. Luckily the forest and small pond had provided him with bit of food to survive.

The place, even though abandoned, wasn’t unused. Few teenagers had claimed the place as theirs. At first they had ignored him but that soon changed. It had been just bad luck that he had ended up throwing up onto group’s girl’s cape. The two guys with her had gotten furious and attacked him.

The line of “Burn him.” just barely registered in the child’s mind before one guy held him down while the other one fetched a burning log from the small fireplace of theirs. The girl was laughing while actually spreading the fireplace around and setting the dry wood of the house into fire. With a smirk, the second youngster swiftly yanked Link’s shirt up and pushed the burning log into there. The one whom had held him down took hold of him without caring of the terror and agony filled screaming and just threw him past the swiftly spreading fire. The three of them escaped the place with maniacal laughter.

Link fought the log off of him but the fire had already spread. He was screaming and desperately trying to find a way out. The terror was only thing keeping him alive and moving. Eventually he somehow stumbled out of the place.

Before he understood a thing, he was already surrounded by adults. He was restricted and forcefully held down. The pain, terror, exhaustion and sickness eventually knocked him out.

When the boy finally woke up, he found himself from white room and fully bandaged. He freaked out without even one bit of knowledge of where he was. All he could think about was to get away. The place didn’t feel right but he wasn’t certain if it was because he was sick or if there really was something off in the place. Either way, he didn’t want to stay any of longer than needed.

Link escaped the place without really knowing how he managed with it. Yet, before the day was over, an adult caught him and dragged him right back into the place he had tried to get away from. He was terrified, sick and in pain. Yet, pain was something he could deal with. Terror was what had been accompanying him for as long as he could remember. And sickness… That was something he really didn’t want.

Third attempt at escape finally was successful. He ran out of there during night when others slept. He used pickup trucks to get away faster and further than what he could’ve done by walking or running. He didn’t like it but he stole few simple items from some of those cars for his survival. It was mainly food but few old clothes and a knife left with him too.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Time listened silently with aching heart. He carefully pulled his boy right into his lap and tried to curl up protectively around the youngster while doing his best to hold back his tears. Once Wild fell silent, he kissed the boy to the top of his head. “What you told goes along with what Kafei’s father said.” He started quietly while already trying to figure out how to make things right. “The adults were firefighters, Kafei’s father being one of them. They simply tried to save you. And the place you escaped from was a hospital.” He explained sorrowfully.

The scarred boy nodded while bit smiling as he felt fully at safe in the hold. “Makes sense. I was feeling bit better after each time I had been at the place. I just…” He trailed off with a sorrowful sigh.

“You were sick, Rascal.” The one eyed male reminded quietly. “And pretty roughly too, if I understood right, so it’s not your fault that your mind wasn’t fully working correctly.” He kissed the top of his boys head again. “I’m just glad you survived, young one.” He whispered quietly while just trying to soothe himself with the fact that Wild was in his arms very much alive and well.

After a moment of silence Time gently pressed his forehead against the top of his boy’s head. “Link.” He called quietly while trying to keep his voice normal but being unable to prevent some of his anguish seep into it. Wild frowned in slight worry while humming to show he was listening. “If you ever see those three again, lead me to them.” The ranch’s keeper fully commanded with dead-serious voice.

The youngster was quite startled of that hard request. “Time…?”

The one eyed male sighed heavily while keeping his eye closed. “We’ll see what I’ll do at then but they need to pay for what they did to you.” He commented firmly while once again seriously wishing he could just hunt down each of those bastards that had hurt his boys and make them pay the hard way.

The silence fell between them again for a while. “People are gonna get hungry if I won’t start with the actual cooking soon.” Wild mused surprisingly calmly. He had his own restaurant to run but right here, in Time’s arms, he felt like a child again and he really loved the feeling the ranch’s owner gave him. He felt so happy, protected and loved.

“We’ll head there only when you’re feeling like you’re able to handle things. Not a second earlier.” The male with Fierce Deity’s markings stated out firmly but still calmly. He grinned a bit when the youngster in his arms chuckled.

The scarred young man gently pulled away from the embrace and turned to look at Time with a smile on his face. “I’m ready.” He told firmly with a nod.

The one eyed male returned the smile and nodded back. “So… About Kafei’s father…” He started bit uncertainly with a slight frown.

“He’s no harm.” Wild replied with a gentle shake of his head. “He tried to help. I just didn’t understand it back then. My life…” He trailed off with a sigh. “It wasn’t easy or safe. I…” He shrugged and gave bit of a sorrowful smile. “I guess I bit feared for the three to come after me if I talked.” He confessed quietly.

“Well, if they ever do, let me know.” Time replied calmly while gently running his fingers through his boy’s hair. “You’re safe and sound with us. I, your brothers, my big brother, we’ll defend you with anything and everything we got. I swear this to you.”

“I know, thank you.” The youngster smiled widely while leaning forward to hug his caretaker tightly. Time returned the hold equally tightly before allowing his boy to pull away. “So… Food time!” Wild exclaimed eagerly before standing up and pulling the ranch’s owner up too.

Time chuckled a bit while accepting the aid. He followed his boy back to the kitchen where everything was ready with the hot chocolates. “Let’s get going before the others start to wonder if I’m gonna feed them or not!” He grinned widely but he didn’t need to pick the trays up as Twilight and Wind handled that part.

The four of them left the house with Time in front while holding his arm around Wild’s shoulders and smiling fondly at him. The first brought boy and the Pirate followed them calmly while feeling grateful of things having been cleared for their brother. Yet, when the ranch’s owner saw the standoff between his family and Kafei’s family, he quite well groaned and facepalmed. “I thought at least you would’ve known how to act correctly in the situation, Wars.” He called out with a shake of his head. “Has anyone done introductions in here?” He queried before nearly slumping at the unvoiced answer he gained from his boys and big brother.

The five males of the ranch had quite well jerked when they had heard Time’s voice. The oldest of the group, the ranch’s owner’s big brother, slumped and gave a sheepish look to his little brother. Yet, he was ready to state out his defenses when the five years younger male continued to talk. He, like his brother’s boys, gulped and that sheepish look returned right onto their faces.

“Seriously…” Time muttered while shaking his head. “I thought I taught you boys better than this.”

The four with Wars avoided to look at their caretaker while looking bit ashamed of the situation. The ex-Captain finally found his own courage to actually face his younger brother. “This was about your third adopted son, Sprite. You know I will defend your family with everything I got and your adopted sons will definitely defend their brothers.” He reminded firmly but he ended up bit frowning.

The ranch’s owner blushed a bit at the word his big brother used to describe the seven boys he had adopted. He had avoided that one simple word as part of him still believed he had no rights to use such important word as “son” when referring to his boys. Yet, soon enough he took a deep breath and let it out in a sigh. After that he raised his hands in bit of half soothing, half defensive way. “Okay, okay, let’s just calm down.” He partly requested while wanting to get the introductions done so he could let Wild off into his work of cooking.

As the situation was calming down, the scarred youngster gave a nod to his two brothers with him. With the given rights, Twilight and Wind began to share the hot chocolates to ease out the situation even more. Time smiled fondly at the trio and nodded his thanks as he was second one to give the hot chocos with Wild being the first.

“So…” The one eyed male began while making sure the cook stayed close to him for the time being. “These eight here actually, crazily enough, share the first name of Link.” He started with a slight grin before shrugging a bit. “Don’t ask me if I share that too. I doubt it but I don’t think I’ll ever know for real.” He straight off confessed while bit petting Wild’s hair. “Anyway, the eight got nicknames of their own choice which are quite well in use at here.”

“Not entirely, Sprite.” The ex-Captain commented with a grin.

Time groaned and rolled his eye. “Fine. I nicknamed him.” He confessed while giving a swift point of his thumb at his big brother. After that he turned his gaze into the older male. “Are you going to introduce yourself or do I do that for you?”

Wars chuckled and grinned at his little brother’s expression before turning his notion back into the police family. He got far more serious while still being ready to defend his brother’s boys if needed. “You can call me either Captain Link or Wars.” He stated out firmly while making sure he preferred his title but also giving out the nickname used more by the family he had by him which the Dotours weren’t yet entirely part of.

“I’m Twilight.” The first brought boy of Time’s introduced himself with a firm nod. He still felt bit uncertain of how to feel about these four guests of theirs. He glanced once at Wild and bit calmed down while seeing the couple of years younger male actually relaxed while staying by Time.

“Wind!” The youngest person on the ranch at the moment almost shouted gleefully. He really wanted to change the atmosphere a bit and knew his enthusiasm could be the key for such.

“Call me Sky.” The pilot-to-be said softly with a kind smile. He didn’t show it but he still felt horrified about what he had heard Wild to have gone through in his past. Sure, he knew it couldn’t have been good considering the burn marks but he hadn’t waited it to be something like that. He gave a swift sorrowful look towards his brother before actually moving next to Time and leaning against his free side.

The one eyed male really wished he could’ve hugged his boy better but he had the mug in his hands. With a slight grin, he gently rested his elbow on the youngster’s head. Sky blinked once in surprise and glanced upwards before tad blushing and just pressing even more firmly against his caretaker.

“I’m Hyrule.” The boy interested in exploring introduced himself with a nod. “It’s nice to meet you all.”

“Legend.” The second boy of Time’s stated out firmly while keeping close check on Wild even though he’s gaze wasn’t in him. “The caretaker of the ranch’s apple trees.” He added bit proudly without really knowing why he told that.

“Four.” The shortest boy of the ranch said firmly before tad blushing. “Like the number.” He explained before feeling even more embarrassed until shrugging and turning to face elsewhere. “It’s hard to explain…”

Time put the mug to his other hand and gently tapped Sky on his shoulder to catch his notion. When the younger male looked at him, he just nodded towards Four. The youngster smiled and nodded before he already went over to his brother and just simply hugged him. Their caretaker just smiled fondly at the scene for a moment before turning his notion into his scarred boy by him.

The cook of the day took a deep breath to stay calm. “I’m called as Wild.” He finally told with a slight smile.

“It’s absolutely amazing to finally meet with you all.” The younger male of the Dotour family started eagerly. “My name is Kafei and this is my wife, Anju.” He continued before kissing the side of her head. “And these are my parents, Mr. Kiefer Dotour and Madame Aroma Dotour.” He introduced as calmly as he could while hoping the earlier situation to have been cleared off well enough for now.

“You left your upcoming little one’s name off.” Time commented with a slight grin.

“It’s a secret.” Kafei replied with a mischievous grin. While the eight around Time smiled and nodded understandingly, the one eyed male opened and shut his mouth few times. He turned his gaze off while looking tad uncertain. Yet, before anyone could comment on his behavior, he already returned his gaze almost bit challengingly into his friend.

“I doubt that’s the little one’s name.” The ranch’s owner finally told while hating how he had for a moment considered that word as one’s name. He grinned slightly at the chuckles around him but it didn’t really take away his feeling of shame.

“No, it’s not.” Kafei answered calmly before grinning again. “And we’re not telling the little one’s gender either. You just gotta wait until we invite you guys over to the naming day.” He told nearly smugly.

“We’ll be looking forward to that then.” Time answered happily and his boys and his big brother nodded firmly too. “So…” He started while turning his gaze and slight grin into Wild. “Master chef, food?” He partly inquired while raising an eyebrow.

The scarred youngster nodded eagerly. “Absolutely!” He half exclaimed before pulling out of the loose one armed hug of sorts. He happily moved over to the fireplace to continue with the last preparations for the dinner. The one eyed male stayed close to him while doing his best to be out of his boy’s way. Everyone else followed them and began to take placed around the cooking area.

There still was bit of awkwardness around them as no-one was coming up with good topics to talk. Yet, eventually, it was Wild whom broke the silence. “Um… Mr. Kiefer Dotour, I… Um…” He stammered while glancing at the man every so often.

“Just call me Kiefer.” The head of Dotour family offered as kindly as he could.

“R-right, um…” The cook still stammered before taking a deep breath and forcing himself to take eye contact into Kiefer. “I just want to say… Thank you.”

Mr. Dotour was bit taken off guard by that line. “Uh… You’re welcome but… For what?” He half queried with a slight frown while feeling like he hadn’t really done anything for this young lad. And even now he had quite well gotten everyone to be on guard and waiting for him to say the wrong words or something.

Wild smiled a bit while calming down. “You saved my life back then.” He started bit quietly. “You and the others saved my life. I just…” He sighed slightly and shook his head. “I was sick. I didn’t…” He trailed off for a moment as he searched for the right words. “I was eight. Alone in the world. Sick. I shared a rundown abandoned place with three youngsters. Since we’re gonna be eating soon I’ll just say that accident happened and the group wasn’t happy of that.” He pointed to the burn marks. “And this was the result of it. I was…” He dropped his gaze into his work for a moment as he searched for right words again. “I think I was bit delirious due to sickness, terror and pain. Didn’t really comprehend what was happening around me. Didn’t realize that I woke up in a hospital instead of…” He gulped once and shrugged while giving a sorrowful look. “Somewhere else.”

“Those three…” Kiefer started but leaving the question hanging into the air instead of fully voicing it.

The scarred youth shook his head. “I don’t know who they were and I doubt I’ll be able to give actual descriptions. I was delirious and not seeing things as they were.” He told bit apologetically. “But, should I ever cross paths with them…” He continued and glanced at his caretaker whom simply nodded in acceptance. “I’ll let Time, you and Kafei know.”

“Thank you.” The old man Dotour nodded firmly with a slight smile. “I wish you never meet with them again but I can’t help but wish to throw those three to jail and leave them to rot to there.” He stated out firmly and Wild just nodded his thanks.

Soon afterwards the day’s cook finally began to deliver the meals while starting from their guests. On the plate was couple of small meat rice balls, one meat filled crepe and salad. Milk and the hot chocolates were on the line of drinks.

Wild blushed at the given compliments while feeling tad shy of the notion he gained. His blush only brightened and he whined when Time told that the Blue Moon Cuisines restaurant was the youngster’s. That only increased the awe as it was nearly whole time booked full and getting a reservation would be a year from the call if not further. From there, obviously, the one eyed male went his boys down one after the other while fully showing how proud he was of them all.

Twilight had animal shelter called Sheltered Strays. Legend worked from the ranch underneath the name of Orchard of Sweets while selling both apples and goods made out of them such as pies. Sky had a year ago gained his pilot license and had been searching for a best airplane and a place to set his own business up. Four was working as an apprentice to his uncle but doing his own little business in the side by selling self forged decorations, weapons and items. Hyrule was still going through different courses considering history, exploration, park guard’s work, archeology and such. Wind, even though only fourteen, had already gone through couple of courses on sailing and dreaming of his own ship.

“Couldn’t be more proud of these kiddos since if I tried I’d probably explode at then.” Time grinned while looking fondly at his boys and gently running his fingers through Wild’s long hair. He chuckled a bit at the whines and blushing the seven did.

“What about me then?” Wars inquired with a grin and raised eyebrow. The one eyed male chuckled and tilted his head while faking confusion. Yet, that look was only met with pleading look from the ex-Captain.

The ranch’s keeper grinned. “Of course I’m proud of you too, big brother. “ He shrugged with a mischievous look. “Though, you’re not exactly doing anything unlike the others.”

“And you are?” Wars countered calmly.

Time chuckled again and shrugged. ��I’m just the guardian.” Yet, he was grinning widely and mischievously at that line as he knew what his words would bring out.

The moment the words sank into the knowledge of the seven adopted boys of the one eyed male’s, they already moved closer to him with clear denials of his claim. “You’re more than that!” Was the main line the youngsters shouted out.

Time couldn’t hold back his half laughter, half chuckling. “Aaand I’m entirely overruled in here.” He told while still grinning widely. Yet, he laughed again as Wars facepalmed and muttered one simple word underneath his breath: gremlin.

As the moment calmed down, the male with Fierce Deity’s markings looked fondly at his big brother. “Honestly speaking, Wars is a Captain in Hyrule’s army. They’re calling him legendary already.”

“I’m ex-Captain. Retired. And I’m not that special.” The oldest resident of the Lon-Lon Ranch corrected firmly.

Time waved his hand dismissively. “Eh, they keep calling you every now and then so they clearly want you back.”

Wars just rolled his eyes at that comment. “I work as freelancer for them now and then.” He calmly admitted.

The Dotour family watched the nine before them in mix of feelings. Kafei and Anju were feeling happy and like part of the group while bit grinning as they listened Sprite talk about his family and banter with his big brother. Kiefer and Aroma were smiling fondly at the younger males while seeing how much they loved one another. As they had been more of Talon’s friends, they felt more like bit distant grandparents for the group before them.

“Well, if we’re talking about work then I can tell to be a chief of one police squad.” Kiefer started while catching the notion and interest into him. “Madame here…” He continued and turned his loving gaze into his wife. “…was even higher ranked than me when she worked at the police forces. She retired when she waited for Kafei.” He started proudly before his voice turned almost tender with love.

“I’m just a police officer.” Kafei told while trying to pull off of the notion that would surely be put into him. His father chuckled and shook his head.

“He’s more than that. You could be much higher already.” The head of the Dotour family told with a slight grin.

“I’m happy with the work I have. My place is in the streets as I get far more done at there.” The younger Dotour told calmly while bit blushing at the pride his father was feeling of him. “Anyway, Anju’s on maternity leave at the moment but she works as clerk for the police academy.” He pointed out while wanting to get the notion off of him.

Kafei’s wife blushed at the info. “You make it sound much grander than what it is.” She scolded softly which only got his husband to chuckle and bit grin.

“It is more than what you give it credit for, my dear.” Madame Aroma told firmly but still gently. “You are part of the process making the best police persons into the forces. Your sharp eyes have taken off the bad seeds from the lot.” Anju just blushed at the compliment but she was happy of having her own way of making the streets safer.

After that the work topics just took flight. Time simply watched and listened as his boys quite well infodumped the Dotour family about their interests and daily works. He glanced at Wars whom was the only one besides him who didn’t blurt all out. Their gazes met and both just grinned at the situation. Yet, the four guests of theirs honestly were interested in listening and learning more about the seven boys of their family friend. The one eyed male just felt grateful that the youngsters didn’t talk over each other and gave one another the chance to say a thing or few before someone else took over to explain stuff and so on.

Once the situation started to calm down and go more into actual conversations, Kafei caught his friend’s gaze. “Sprite, can I talk with you for a moment?” He queried calmly while nodding towards the horse pen.

Time glanced at his boys and big brother to make sure they were okay with him leaving them with the rest of the Dotour family. Though, sure, he wouldn’t be than ten meters or so away but he still wasn’t happy of leaving Wild out of his sight for the time being. Yet, the eight nodded to show it was all right for him to leave them out of his supervising for the time being. “Uh… Sure, why not.” He finally replied while getting up and following Kafei away from the group.

The ranch’s keeper glanced at his boys bit worriedly before returning the same look into his friend. “You found some new info about my boys? Or about my big brother?” He inquired bit concerned.

Kafei shook his head. “No, nothing of such. I’d inform you differently if I found something about them.” He answered calmly before turning around to face his friend.

“Right…” Time partly mumbled with a slight firm nod. Yet, that only got him more confused of the situation. “Then… What’s the matter?” He inquired while trying to figure out all that had so far happened in search of finding the right topic. He had asked for Kafei’s aid in getting some information and warned him of some harder bad guys but none of those seemed like being the reason for this.

“About when I said we’d keep our little one’s name as a secret…” Kafei started calmly but trailing off while raising an eyebrow. His friend grimaced and bit slumped as he realized his little mishap hadn’t gone unnoticed. “You okay, Sprite? I’m a cop. I’m supposed to notice that kind of things. I’m not sure if your boys or big brother noticed but… I’m hoping you won’t end up into bad situation with them about this.”

Time sighed heavily and leaned against the fence of the horse pen. “They know of my problem, Kaf.” He replied bit sorrowfully. “There are some words that I struggle with.” He explained while dropping his gaze into his hands. He carefully rubbed at the scar of a stab wound while trying to keep himself intact. “For a stupid moment there I thought the word secret was going to be your little one’s name.” He confessed before snorting a bit and shaking his head. “Like the orphanage’s keepers called me Stolen.” His voice came out bit angry but his expression was sorrowful.

“You haven’t really talked much about this part of your past.” Kafei commented with a slightly worried frown.

Time raised his gaze up and into his family. “There’s not much to talk about. I don’t know a thing about where I come from. I was a baby Wars raised.” He whispered before sighing and eventually shrugging and turning his gaze into his friend. “I’m happy as things are. I’m not interested in searching my past. I wouldn’t even know where to start. At least my boys had names and bit of info to work from. For all I care, I could honestly be fully orphaned without even one blood relative. It’s a safer idea than what most of my boys have had in their past. In all reality, the keepers of the orphanage could’ve just called us by such names to confuse us and lead us astray with our possible search for blood family.”

Kafei sighed and nodded in understanding. “I guess that makes sense.” He half whispered before taking a deep breath. “Do you want me to see if I can find something anyways?” He offered while in fact having sometimes done slight searches in the police database in hopes of finding some clues for his friend about his past.

Time smiled and shook his head. “Thanks but I’m happy with how things are.” He answered far more confidently than before. “Still, thanks for checking in on me and for the offer.”

Kafei nodded firmly with a smile. “Of course.” He simply replied before starting to grin. “We probably should get back to the others or they start to fear we’re planning on something.”

The one eyed male chuckled and grinned. “Now that would be a good idea.” He mused mischievously before chuckling again and shaking his head. “Yet, maybe for some other day.” He half whispered while watching his seven adopted boys and his big brother getting to know the Dotour family. Yet, his gaze soon drifted into Wild and taking in how calm and relaxed he was. He fully wished that small piece of his boy’s past’s trauma had been addressed and dealt with now that he got bit more of clarity of what actually had happened back then.

“Yeah, things seem way too calm to be worth of breaking with bit of mischief.” The lilac haired male mused with a slight happy grin. “Come on, let’s go and see what’s the current topic going at there.” He pushed himself off of the fence he had bit leaned at some point. Time just nodded and followed him back to the group of their families.

The time flew by without the people really noticing it. Yet, couple of hours before the Dotour family needed to head back home, Legend and Wild took over the indoor kitchen. Their caretaker had a good hunch of what they were up for but he kept their secret. And, eventually, the duo brought out apple pie, hot chocolates, whipped cream and few different jams.

It was late in the evening when the nine residents of the Lon-Lon Ranch finally bid goodbye to the Dotour family while promising to keep better touch with them. Once the car was out of sight, they handled the evening work around the ranch. Soon enough they were already getting ready for bed.

It was no surprise to Time when Wild just simply followed him to the king sized bed and snuggled close to him for the night. He held his boy lovingly and securely while counting the minutes. Eventually he heard what he had waited for: His room’s door opening and the rest of his family sneaking in to claim a place from the bed while getting close to him and their brother.

The one eyed male just smiled happily while feeling like the day had been a success even with the memory of the roughness of the scarred youngster’s past. Still, he could see that the situation of dealing with that piece had slightly eased out the boy’s posture and given bit of healing. The day certainly had been worth it. Time grinned a bit as he thought about the fact of having gotten the chance to bit brag about his boys and his big brother. With that in mind he finally drifted off into dreamland while smiling happily.