Work Text:
Twilight pulled his sword from the last moblin and watched as it dissolved into smoke. He breathed a heavy sigh of relief it had been a long, hard fight, and he was exhausted. The Chain had been travelling through the heavily forested landscape of Time’s era for days now and with another night closing in were looking out for a safe bed down. Which, naturally, was when they stumbled into the monster camp. Because of course they did. Because they couldn’t have stumbled onto a fortified camp of black blooded monsters earlier in the day when they were all actually awake and well fed, no. That would have been too easy.
The sun had set by the time the last of the monsters was killed, and like a grown-up, seasoned warrior that he was, Twilight flopped down on the ground like a starfish, discarding his blade on the grass beside him. Night night, bedtime for Twi. The rest could build a camp on the hillside around him for all he cared, he wasn’t moving for anyone.
Something prodded him in the side and Twilight wrinkled his nose, cracking his eyes open to see which spirit-blasted ingrate had the audacity to disturb him when he was clearly sleeping.
It was Warriors, an exhausted smile painted across his face.
“Comfortable as I’m sure the ground is.” he drawled. “Wind’s spotted somewhere that looks like a good campsite just over there, he’s brought Wild to start setting up. Come on, your back will thank you in the morning.”
He offered Twilight a hand up and the Rancher - with very good grace, he thought, given how much he wanted to fall asleep then and there - accepted, climbing to his feet with a huff. Oh well. He supposed a proper campsite didn’t sound too bad. And at least there was the promise of a proper dinner cooked by Wild.
Twilight had no idea how they had ever managed mealtimes before Wild joined the Chain. He was just so much better at cooking than literally any of them could ever hope to be. Before he came along they were basically living off of the occasional time a portal dumped them near Malon or someone they could beg steal or borrow real food from, gorging themselves, and just surviving in between.
Yeah. Food and then sleep sounded good right about now. And absolutely no talk about what had or hadn’t gone well in their battle.
“Captain, if you try to debrief me on that fight I'll cut your damn scarf off.” Twilight signed grumpily. “It’s late. I’m too tired to talk about my form and shit.”
Warriors laughed. His habit of conducting post-battle reviews into their form was well known throughout the Chain, and while they often derided him for it there was no doubting that it had helped them improve as a team.
But not tonight. Tonight was for food and then passing out by the fire.
“But Rancher.” Warriors drawled. “If we don’t debrief now then how will you possibly manage the three hours of drills I have planned for after dinner?”
Twilight pulled a face “I know you’re joking but I am so close to slapping you Wars.”
Warriors grinned. “Well make sure you plant your feet squarely on the ground,” he teased. “keep that palm open and-”
Twilight tackled him to the ground, the two of them rolling down the hill and skidding through the mud.
Warriors cackled in delight. “Yes! That was perfect! You probably could have centred your weight better tho- aah! Ahh Twi stop!” he shrieked, spluttering as Twilight ripped a fistfull of grass from the ground and rubbed it in his face.
Finally, he managed to shove the Rancher off of him and they both clambered to their feet, giggling and still shoving each other occasionally as they walked. The rest of the Chain were already settled around the fire by the time they reached the camp, all tired and sluggish as they pulled off their armour and got ready for bed. Four, who was on first watch, was drinking coffee like his life depended on it, while Sky was already dosing against his arm.
Twilight flopped down beside Time and looked around, frowning.
“Where’s Wild?” he asked.
Nearby, Hyrule yawned. “Wind found some herbs and mushrooms growing nearby so they went off to gather some for dinner.”
Twilight gave a thumbs up and flopped back into his bedroll. Nothing unusual then, and they’d shortly have another fresh Wild-cooked meal. Amazing. He could already feel his mouth starting to water.
Yep, he thought as he began to doze, this was the life.
“GUYS!” Wind’s voice came echoing through the forest and waking Twilight for the second time as the sailor dashed into the campsite. His eyes were wide and horrified, his face pale as he gasped for breath. “Guys! Hyrule! Quickly! Something’s wrong with Wild!”
Twi was on his feet in an instant, any trace of tiredness gone as his heart lurched. Wind was already taking off back between the trees and Twilight took off after him, grabbing Hyrule’s shoulder as he went. The Traveller had already grabbed his new medicine bag and hurried along beside him, the rest of the Chain close behind.
All manner of horrible scenarios flicked through his head as Wind began to slow, pointing down to a cluster of overgrown grasses and herbs. “We were gathering herbs and he just flopped down! I can’t get him to move!”
Twilight turned and looked down to where he was pointing. And then he started to giggle.
Wild was sprawled in the undergrowth, his limbs spread out in all directions and grasping at the flora growing around him as he purred loudly. His eyes were wide and his pupils fully dilated as he nuzzled and nibbled at the plants around him. As they looked, Wild yipped and rolled over, burying his face into the undergrowth with a happy rumble.
Twilight snorted and could no longer contain his laughter, much to the shock and disgust of Wind. Beside him, Hyrule was starting to giggle.
“What’s so funny?” Wind demanded as the rest of the Chain reached them.
Twilight shook his head, unable to sign when he was too busy laughing so hard he could barely breathe. He held up a hand in pause as he caught his breath, waving to Hyrule to explain.
The Traveller pulled Wind into a fond hug, ruffling his hair and ignoring his protests. “Catnip!” he explained. “The herbs are catnip!”
Wind blinked slowly as behind him several of the Chain burst out laughing. “What’s catnip?” he asked. “That doesn’t sound good?”
“Yeah,” Sky cut in. “Why’s it making him do… that? Is it dangerous?”
Legend pushed his way forwards to get a better look, sending a teasing look at the sailor. “It’s like a drug for cats. Makes them go loopy. It’s not dangerous, just funny. Wind, have you got your picto-box?”
Oh hell yes! The sailor still looked uncertain so Twi carefully picked his way over to where Wild was happily rolling in the catnip, apparently completely unaware of his surroundings. He waved a hand in front of his eyes and Wild blinked slowly at him, nuzzling his hand for a moment and then apparently losing interest and returning to the nearest stalk.
Still giggling, Twilight carefully removed the slate from Wild’s belt. Ordinarily he would never have dreamed of doing such a thing, but ordinarily Wild was not so overwhelmed with cat-drugs that he didn’t even notice.
It occurred to him, briefly, that perhaps he should have been sending the others away and getting Wild back to privacy, but hey. Wild had taken plenty of pictures the time Twilight had gotten drunk on Four’s Uncle’s homebrew and made a fool of himself in the forge.
This was just brotherly payback. Twilight may have still been learning how to actually speak to Wild, but he knew his brother well enough to know what he would and wouldn’t be okay with.
“Twilight, what the hell are you-” Warriors began to say, but Twi shushed him and stood, waggling the slate. Warriors looked torn between an expression of extreme disapproval and delight, and settled on a chuckle.
“Do you even know how to work that?” he asked.
Twilight nodded. Wild had shown him back in Ordon, when he wanted to have his picture taken with the cats. It was as easy as point and click.
He was so going to regret showing him that later.
Twi crouched down and waved again, getting Wild’s attention. He whistled. Wild rumbled in question and looked around at him, his face still buried in the catnip. His pupils were huge, filling his eyes, his mouth was hanging open, and there were leaves and bits of grass matted through his fur. Twilight snapped a picture. Then another. Then another.
And then one more. As a treat.
Wild whined and flipped around, burrowing deeper into the catnip.
“Okay, that’s enough.” Time said, although his tone of authority was somewhat lost through his laughter. Still, he put a hand on Twilight’s arm, lowering the slate. “We should probably get him away from this stuff.”
Twilight sighed dramatically but nodded, stowing the slate in his pocket for safekeeping. Wind, beside them, still looked uncertain.
“Is it dangerous?” he asked, voice wavering. “This stuff? If he has too much of it?”
“Nah.” Warriors assured him. “It’ll wear off in a bit, he’ll just be a bit loopy until then. Do you think he knew it would hit him like that?”
Twilight shook his head. “He would have avoided the area if he did. Mustn’t have catnip in his era.”
Time snorted. “Wild’s first time on the ‘nip. I’m honoured to share this moment with you all.” he picked his way across the undergrowth to crouch beside Wild who, in response, batted at his ankles, his tail coming up to wrap affectionately around them. Time snorted with laughter. “Oh, Hylia. Okay. Wars, Twi, I think I’m gonna need some help moving him.”
“No way he’s going willingly.” Legend cackled. “Come on guys, we’ll finish setting up camp. Maybe make Wild some calming tea for when he comes down.”
Twilight laughed again and moved over to where Time was crouched, on the other side of Wild. His brother purred, curling close to Twilight. Or at least, close to the shoot of catnip beside his ankle. Oh, he was never letting Wild live this down.
“Wild.” Warriors crouched down beside their brother and spoke calmly, or as calmly as he could with his face almost purple from holding in his laughter. “Wild, can you hear me? Can you understand me?”
If Wild could either hear or understand Wars, he did not care about him. He just huffed, flipping over again and digging his claws into the catnip.
Twilight could feel tears of joy running down his cheeks. This was the best day ever.
“Okay, we’re going to have to lift him.” Time said and Twilight snorted.
“How are we going to do that?” he asked, watching as Wild wriggled around in the undergrowth, apparently having the time of his life. Wild was not a small man, he would be hard to carry at the best of times. Squirming and protesting as he tried to avoid being removed from his precious catnip? This would not be fun.
But also, at the same time, would be so much fun.
Time shrugged. “You take one arm, I’ll take the other. Wars, you bring up the rear.”
“Got it.” the Captain agreed.
“Three. Two. One-” Time counted them down and together they hefted Wild upright.
Immediately he let out a keening wail and began to squirm, batting at them and trying to pull away. He was uncoordinated, however, and with his arms in his brothers’ grip there wasn’t much he could do. He hissed, yipping.
Twilight laughed and rolled his eyes. Wild was never going to live this down.
“Come on, Wild.” Time laughed. “Let’s get you to bed.”
Wild whined and then turned to look at Twilight. Oh no. There was a decided mischievous glint in his eyes. Even if he could have spoken, Twi wouldn’t have had time to warn the others before Wild went completely boneless, becoming a dead weight in their arms.
“Shit!” Warriors cursed, barely reaching for Wild’s head before it hit the ground. “Is he okay?”
“He’s fine.” Time scoffed.
“Just being a little shit.” Twi signed as he dropped his arm.
“Okay, new plan.” Wars sighed. “Time, you get his shoulders, Twi and I will get the legs-”
“No.” Twilight said, a grin spreading across his face. It was a little mean, perhaps, but hey! Wild was using his cat characteristics against them, so they may as well use them back again. “Time, can I borrow your shield?”
Time frowned, and then, glancing up at the bright, full moon, slowly smiled. “Oh, sweet Hylia.”
Wars began to cackle.
A few minutes later, Twilight hefted the Mirror Shield onto his arm and used it to reflect the light from the bright moon to a patch of grass next to Wild.
Immediately his pupils narrowed to slits, focusing on the spot of light. Catnip forgotten, but still clearly working on his brain, he batted at it. Twilight snorted and shifted, moving the light a few inches away.
Wild mewled and climbed onto all fours, watching the light dance across the forest floor. He batted again, whining in frustration when he didn’t catch his prey.
“I can’t believe this is working.” Warriors whispered to Time, who was beside himself with laughter. Twilight shifted the light to a pile of grasses a few feet away and danced it about. Wild watched it, his eyes focused on it with deadly intent. He backed up a little, his tail sticking back behind him, his hips wiggling. Then, he pounced.
Uncoordinated with the catnip and foiled by the fact that the light was not actually a tangible object, Wild tumbled head over heels and landed in a confused huddle, whining.
Twilight set the shield down for a moment as he laughed, wiping tears from his eyes. Then he hefted it up again, catching Wild’s attention with the light before he could be tempted to return to the catnip. Twi danced the spot of light along the trail towards camp and Wild stalked over it, batting at it and hissing. Occasionally he darted down behind a tree and then pounced, teeth bared and claws extended. Each time he tumbled and yowled in frustration. He didn’t ever seem to learn, however, the catnip lying too heavy over his brain.
“Oh Wild.” Time soothed as they approached the edge of the camp, Wild sitting in a ball and mewling. “Come on. Let’s get you to bed.”
Wild whined and nuzzled at him, his pupils fully blown once again. Time slipped an arm under his and helped him stand, gently guiding him towards the fire.
Twilight, having absolutely no intent of stopping the funniest thing he had ever seen any time soon, hefted the shield once again and pointed the light squarely at where Legend was sitting and quietly sipping his tea.
“Hey,” the Veteran muttered, brushing at his tunic and frowning. “What’s this-AAUUUGH!” he screeched as Wild, spotting the light, tore himself from Time’s grip and launched himself at Legend.
He barrelled into the Veteran, knocking him over and, in his sudden scramble, getting himself tangled in Legend’s blanket. Legend lay flat on his back, undertunic soaked in tea and a scowl on his face. Beside him, Hyrule was bent double, clutching his sides in laughter.
Time slowly turned to glare at Twilight. Twi bit his lip, anticipating the tongue lashing he was about to get.
Oh well. Might as well make the most of the situation. Twilight lifted the slate and snapped a picture of Wild and Legend tangled up on the ground, tea everywhere. He put it in his pocket and lifted his hands to sign.
“I’ll go see if Wolfie’s about.” he promised. “Maybe if he lies on Wild’s legs then he won’t wander away before the ‘nip wears off.”
Time couldn’t maintain his glare with the laughter bubbling up behind his eyes. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Go. That sounds like a good idea.”
Twilight snorted and darted off into the woods, waving back to his brothers as he went.
He flopped down in the woods for a few minutes so that he at least looked like he was searching around for a bit before Wolfie showed up. It wouldn’t exactly be convincing if the wolf showed up a second after he left.
He looked around, his eyes landing on the growth of catnip a few feet away, now rumpled and distorted from where Wild had been rolling around. He laughed.
Who would have thought? Wild could drink coffee, he didn’t seem to have any of the allergies or intolerances that one would normally associate with cats - and yet here he was, sniffing one bit of catnip and absolutely losing his mind.
Twilight shook his head and stretched, reaching under his tunic for the fragment of crystallised shadow he wore around his neck. The transformation washed over him easily. It wasn’t like when he had first been cursed, when every transformation creaked and stretched and burned, it was easy now. Less like something Wrong and more like slipping into an old, comfortable pair of shoes.
A second later, he was the Wolf, and he stretched again, yawning. He was still exhausted, and fun as this evening had turned out to be, he could feel it starting to wear on him. Still, he had work to do.
Twilight shook himself and happily trotted back towards the camp. He wondered what mayhem they would have gotten up to in the five minutes since he left.
“Wolfie!” came Wind’s voice and a second later the Sailor had landed on top of him, petting him enthusiastically. “I didn’t know you were about!”
Twilight shook him off, nipping at his fingers. Not enough to do any harm of course not, but he was a wolf, for Hylia’s sake! Sure he was helpful and friendly enough, but he had a reputation to keep up!
Wind seemed undeterred, reaching out and scratching his ear. “Wild fell in some catnip.” he whispered. “It made him go loopy! Apparently it does that to all cats, though I’d never heard of it. I wonder if there’s anything like that for dogs?”
Woldie turned and glared at him, hackles raised. Wind laughed, holding his hands up.
“Okay, okay, ‘wolves’ then.” he laughed. “Wild’s over there, I think you should go see him.”
Twilight narrowed his eyes but nipped at him affectionately, trotting over to Wild’s bedroll.
Time had managed to get him to lie down at least. He was curled up at his side, Time with an arm around him, gently stroking his hair. Wild was holding a ball of wool, likely purloined from Warriors’ knitting stash, and was staring at it with fascination as he slowly batted it back and forth, a low purr rumbling from his chest.
Twilight laughed and loped over towards him, nosing at his side. He had been intending to flop on top of his legs, effectively stopping him from wandering off anywhere while also building up a comfortable cuddle pile so that he could finally get some sleep.
Of course, nothing could be that simple.
Instead, Wild’s head snapped around to look at him and his purrs rose in volume. The ball of yarn forgotten, Wild yipped and grabbed Wolfie, pulling him close and then draping himself over him. Twilight hissed, trapped under the veritable mountain of muscle and fur that was Wild, but all the scrabbling in the world would not get him free now. Wild had turned boneless for the second time that night, his arms wrapped happily around Twilight’s haunches.
Twilight gave one more token struggle, even though he knew it was useless. Beside him, Time was very clearly holding back laughter. To add insult to injury, the old man reached out and patted his head.
“Looks like he’s fallen asleep on you, Wolfie.” he grinned, and Twilight rolled his eyes in exasperation. Seriously? After all that, Wild chose now to fall asleep? Time laughed. “I guess that’s you until morning.”
Oh come on, old man! Twilight wriggled again, but Wild was not moving. He couldn’t believe that Time would leave him like this!
He sighed heavily. Well, it wasn’t the worst position to be stuck in. He was warm, and Wild’s bedroll was comfortable, what with its millions of blankets and pillows. And besides, come morning he would still have all of those pictures of Wild rolling around in the catnip to tease him with.
Huffing, Twilight burrowed closer to his brother and settled down to sleep.
-
The next morning was as delightful as Twilight had hoped.
Wild was already up by the time he woke and it was easy for him to slip away and change back to a hylian. By the time he returned Wild was sitting by the campfire, head in his hands as Time caught him up on what exactly had happened the night before.
“Howdy.” Twilight greeted as he approached, but got only a mournful yowl in response from Wild. He grinned. “Head sore?”
Wild shook his head. From the way he was sitting, the positioning of his tail and ears, he seemed more likely to have a bruised ego than anything else. Twilight nudged Time. “Does he remember any of it?”
Time shook his head, valiantly fighting back a laugh. “Bits. I’m just catching him up on everything that happened. You don’t have catnip in your era, do you Wild?”
Wild shook his head again, mewling pathetically. Twilight knew, of course, that he should have tried to comfort his friend. Unfortunately, however, Wild was also his brother, and as his brother, Twi couldn’t resist the opportunity for merciless teasing.
“Hey Wild.” he butted shoulders with him, grinning. “Want to see something fun?”
Wild, bless him, hummed in curiosity, no doubt hoping for something to take his mind off of his total embarrassment from the night before.
Alas, that was Twilight’s cue to pull out the slate from where he had stashed it and flick on the album rune.
The picture that flicked up first was of Wild lying in the catnip and contorted into a position that was more akin to a pretzel than a person. His eyes were wide as saucers, and there was catnip hanging from his mouth as he bit fiercely down.
Wild screeched and batted the slate out of his hands, sending it bouncing across the camp. Time clearly couldn’t hold it in any more and burst out laughing, and Twilight wasn’t far behind. Wild dashed after the slate and picked it up, beginning to flick through the pictures and his shoulders slumping more and more with each image that popped up on the screen.
Finally he turned to face Twilight, his jaw set. “You pay.” he signed slowly. “For this. I make you pay! Bastard!”
Twilight laughed, glad that he had taken the time to teach Wild how to swear all those weeks ago.
“Silly cat.” he teased, even though he had no doubt that it would only make his inevitable retribution worse.
Wild narrowed his eyes.
Sure enough, that very night Twilight found himself fused to his bedroll through the power of Wild’s weird hand-powers and no amount of wriggling would set him free. Wild sat beside him, unmoved by his plight, refusing to unstick him no matter how much he signed that he had to go and piss.
Bastard could tell when he was lying.
It was okay. Wild wasn’t actually that mad. If he was, he wouldn’t have saved a select few of the pictures Twi had taken on his slate, and he certainly wouldn’t keep looking at the image of himself sprawled across Legend’s soaking wet form and giggling.
So yeah, Twilight thought as he once again tried and failed to wriggle out of his bedroll. It had been worth it.