Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Legend woke up with his breath held, almost like even unconsciously he was on edge. Waiting for a blow to strike down on him like it felt like it had for the last week, but nothing came. Legend looked up to the sky, seeing stars dot the sky and the trees above, oaks, swaying in the breeze.

Legend looked to his left, hesitant at first even though he could feel weights on his chest and right arm. Wind’s head was leaned on his chest, breathing even in slumber. On his right arm was Hyrule, arms wrapped around his arm like a lifeline, Four was tucked into Hyrule’s chest but his legs kicked over Legend’s own.

Everyone else was piled together, with Legend in the center of it all. No fire had been lit, they had just collapsed when they had crossed through the portal that had appeared on the ship and no enemies appeared on the other side. Wind and Legend both had adrenaline crashes and their brothers were also tired and sore from their unwilling fight against them. (No one talked about what happened, Time had tried, clearly confused but had been silenced by Twilight and Warriors immidatly. No one was ready for that talk, for… any of it.)

They had done it, Legend thought absently. They had really done it, he didn’t have to worry about dreams anymore and his brothers were all safe…

Marin wasn’t-

He hadn’t dreamed.

Legend had fallen asleep like all the times before, but he hadn’t dreamed. He wouldn’t ever have to fear dreaming again, he killed the Wind Fish. 

Legend gave a disbelieving chuckle, he was free…

Wind groaned, and Legend tried to hold his breath, but apparently he wasn’t the only one on edge still. Wind blinked beadily before jerking his head up and looking at Hyrule and Four across from him.

He could hear the younger suck in a breath and tense. He let out a long breath, after a moment and looked at Legend, surprised to find him staring back for just a second. Legend gave a little smile to him, genuine.

“Hey, bud.” Legend whispered.

“...hi.” Wind greeted, eyes looking behind Legend and towards their other brothers.

Sky had curled up behind Wind and Warriors was next to him. Twilight and Wild were curled together behind Hyrule and Time was slumped near them, looking like he fell asleep sitting up. They were all here.

( No thanks to him, he had given up on them. Had only saved himself and Wind-had mourned them and moved on. How could have-how dare he-)

Legend’s head started to feel fuzzy, like cotton was being pushed into his ears. Thoughts harder to focus on.

Wind’s eyes look teary as they gaze on their brothers, and the younger wets his lips before he asks, “What are we going to tell them…?”

Legend swallows, clenching and unclenching his hand, his shoulder protested but the pain helped his mind clear. “What happened, what else would we say?”

Wind’s eyes lowered to Four, his breathing started to get erratic and his eyes looked terrified.

“Hey-hey,” Legend whispered, and Wind slowly pulled himself to look at Legend. “We don’t have to tell them everything.”

Wind shook, trembling like the wind would knock him down. “ They’ll hate me-they- ”

“No they won’t,” Legend promised, but his promises had always been empty.

“ They will, they will- ” Wind repeated.

“Sailor.” Legend said more firmly, darling to be louder.

Wind shut his mouth with a click, it was unlike him before and Legend stopped for a split second to wonder what habits had been ingrained into him by that monster before he shook the thought out of his head for another time.

“It will be fine, no matter what, I will be here for you always, ok? I’m here, I’m not leaving, I was never going to leave you behind.” Legend says, every word is true. (But would it have been true if Wind had been infected like the others? Give up on just like Hyrule or Four? Legend was the worst of them, but he hoped they would allow Wind to stay. He didn’t deserve what Legend did.)

Wind just nodded, laying his head down on Legend's chest, taking the comfort he could get. They just sat there for a minute, taking in the information that they had escaped and so had their brothers, even through the pain of losing them and fighting them, somehow, they were here.

It felt too good to be true, Wind thought so too apparently.

Legend watched as Wind looked to him slowly and asked, “Is it-Is it real ?”

Legend's eyes filled with tears, knowing that it was and almost broke that Wind had to ask the same thing Legend had, but he smiled, “Yeah, yeah we did it sailor.”

“Oh,” Wind then pinched his own arm, “Ow.”

Wind snorts first, and then Legend is holding a hand to his mouth trying to stop the laughter from bubbling up. But it-it was just so good to know. That they somehow made it. Did it. And Legend’s cheeks were hurting as he smiled wider and wider, as he giggled. Wind was joining in, trying to keep his noise down, but they just smiled at each other. Looking like madmen as they clutched their hands in front of them. Tears stained their cheeks as they laughed like they never thought they would be able to. They had done it. Really done it .

 Legend laughed, staring up at the sky, just palling a bit for morning. Wind laid down next to him, trying to catch his breath. Legend looked at him and Wind was chuckling again and Legend was hugging his chest because it was hurt and his eyes wouldn’t stop the tears. Legend couldn’t stop the laughter, the freedom-the relief of what was happening. That it was true. That this wasn’t a dream anymore. 

Legend was still laughing when he caught Hyrule’s eyes peeking up at him questioningly. Legend then noticed that they had woken up the rest of their brothers as they tilted their heads to the commotion. 

Legend brought his hand to Wind and patted him as Legend tried to dial down his own laughter, “We-We got an audience.”

Wind finally started to see the stares of the now awake brothers but WInd just smiled and stood up, pulling Legend who just groaned and let himself be dragged upright was all. 

“We did it!” Wind shouted, laughter in his voice.

Legend smiled wider, grinning at the brothers who started to realize, let it sink in that they had slept and were free.

“No dreams to be trapped in anymore,” Legend  said with pride lacing his words, he felt no guilt, only accomplishment.

Wind whooped, “Take that you giant, whale sucking-”

“Please, I just woke up,” Sky muttered into his pillow.

And then there was more laughter and chuckles, and it was the lightest Legend ever felt. Like the seagull he always wanted to be, feeling free as if given the gift of flight. He hoped Marin would be proud.

Wild rolled up, hair in every direction and some of it statically trying to stick to Twilight’s pelt. He rubbed his eyes, saying, “I’ll get started on breakfast in a sec.”

Sky grumbled and pushed his pillow over his head, Legend snorted.

“Some of us like to get up when the sun is actually in the sky,” Four grumbled, unmoving from where he was on Hyrule.

Hyrule didn’t seem bothered.

“Didn’t like staying up all night before,” Legend joked.

Four groaned, “Noooo, it sucked.”

“Double sucked.” Wind inputted with a smile.

“Tripled suck,” Hyrule added, a smile on his face as he kept his eyes closed.

Wild had gotten up and looked over, frowning on his features as he held his slate before him but wasn’t looking at it. 

“It wasn’t… too bad, right?” Wild asked, eyes skirting around towards the faces, landing on Legend smirk.

“What? Like when you guys were all against me and the kid and we had to fight you to escape a dreamland?” Legend asked rhetorically.

Four deadpanned, “Yeah, like that. ”

Legend didn’t realize that in his words, his joke, how much it held. How it was like a barrier against the bad, the haunting memories that lurked still in the shadows. But it felt as long as Legend smirked, that Wind grinned (not genuine), then it wouldn’t hurt them to admit it or say what happened. Because if they didn’t joke, if Legend didn’t make some sarcastic comment, he would break.

And he didn’t think he would be able to stop if he did.

Wild face fell and his shoulder hunched up, he started to pull out his pot and some wood to start a fire. Legend felt his grin fade. Everyone had no more comments to distract his brain so all he could do was think and feel how terrible his body actually felt.

Legend realized only then, that he didn’t know if he could actually get up. He hadn’t thought he could’ve actually ever fallen asleep if he hadn’t crashed so hard after that fight. Or the time leading up to it-

Regardless, he could feel the ever present ache, burning and every present in his knees and ankles, the way his sword arm burned and bruised. Everything felt heavy, even with being patched up, Legend didn’t think he could get up without help. 

(Before he had bad days, knees that wouldn’t bend as easily as they once had, being tossed around and battling so much had its weight, and he was cracking under it. Body unable to substance the constant battle without having its ever present aches. 

At least with Wild back, he could use their fire chuchu goo, and get some relief, but at the thought of the slate and the memories that rushed with it, Legend didn’t want it yet.)

When Legend made eye contact with Wind, he saw the sentiment with the kid, he just pressed his head to Legend as he groaned. 

As he leaned back, he felt something on his chest, under his tunic. Something cold. He felt a cord around his neck. He pulled on it and saw the metal of the compass looking back at him, dinted. When he turned it to face him, the cracked glass looked back. 

Behind the web of white, he could see the red point spinning in a circle, as if it was being tugged in a million directions at once. Wind was looking over his shoulder too. Eyes wide.

They both knew what it meant, that there was no dream to escape. That their one way out had been that, their out. The compass had no more point, why would it? The purpose was served and done. Legend didn’t need it anymore.

So Legend didn’t know why he slipped it back under his tunic, fingers trailing the circle of the object. Feeling some comfort in it.

Wind didn’t comment on it, and Hyrule and Four were trying to go back to sleep and didn't even look up. 

Legend wondered if anything else had come back with them. Sky had come back with Legend’s own sword while Legend had the Master Sword and had switched when they realized this. Legend had given back Wild’s slate and even felt giddy that it worked and they had all their rations and medical supplies back once more.

He wondered if the flute was still in his bags, if it still worked or if the magic was still so intense. He wondered if it only worked in the dream world or if it too, was something just too powerful for mortals to have.

He wondered what he would do with it if he did still have it.

There was a yelp and then a crash, Legend snapped his head back to see that Twilight had tried to get up and failed.

And suddenly reality came crashing back into him with a sudden ferocity. 

Legend had forgotten about the injuries, that not everyone had been healed like Four or spared like Time. While most of their injuries had been healed as if they had been given a potion-Twilight’s injury hadn’t been as lucky. Wind had maimed his leg in a desperate attempt to save them, it did. Legend knew they wouldn’t have gotten out if Wolfie had still chased them-

But Twilight’s leg wasn’t healed. Wasn’t fixed like everything else. It had only been half healed, the bone couldn’t be seen and the flesh had scabbed over thankfully, but the missing flesh wasn’t there. Wouldn’t ever be there. No one needed to say the words about how it was permanent. That Twilight would always have a weak leg, maybe never even run again… all because they didn’t have another option. Because of something Twilight hadn’t been conscious of or given a choice about.

The sudden silence and realization was across the camp, the first to react was Wind, surprisingly. 

The boy shot up like a bolt of lightning and untangled himself from the blankets and barely made it to the small clearing edge before he was dry heaving. Legend flinched at the noise, as did Hyrule.

Hyrule pulled himself up next, going to help Twilight as soon as he could while also probably looking at the wound. Or Legend guessed, he couldn’t bear to look over, his own hand over his mouth as he held in the hot bile in his throat and curled up, knees but his head as he ducked his face from view. Eyes clenched closed. 

The memories rushed back, the helpless feeling as he watched Wind-Wolfie in pain, screaming like a hylian with the wrong vocal cords, the horrified face Wind had made when he had come back to his body, shaking in pain and guilt. The wolf still had tried to bite them, crawling on the ground with its only front paws…

Legend breathed heavily, trying to keep whatever he had instead where it was meant to stay. Wind finally puked, but Legend already knew it was nothing. They hadn’t eaten in a long time…

“Vet?” A voice asked softly.

Legend hummed, not looking up just yet.

“Are you…” They faded off. 

Legend propped his head up on his knees, recognizing Red’s tone. Red glanced at Legend, biting his lip as he thought over his words before saying, “I… I know whatever happened wasn’t good. But we’re all here now, it’s going to be better.”

He was comforting him.

Four was comforting him.

Legend wondered if he knew he had left him for dead, twice technically, if Red would still comfort him. He didn’t deserve it. He almost said as much, before his own cowardly thoughts wouldn’t let him.

“Thanks,” Legend said instead.

Red hummed, they figetted with their hands before looking over to Wild, “Were gonna have to talk about it, with the others?”

Legend nodded, then added, “I can do most of the talking, don’t worry.”

“Green says he’ll help,” Red communicated, “I don’t… I don’t want to talk about any of it yet.”

Legend didn't want to either, he wanted to pretend it never happened. “That’s okay,” he said.

Their conversation ended when Wind came back, leaning on Sky or maybe Sky was leaning on him, either way, both sat down on the other side of Legend.

“Better?” Legend asked Wind.

The boy flipped him off and Legend chuckled.

“You're lucky I’m too tired to lecture you,” Sky replied.

“Does that mean we can swear?” Wind asked, actually perking up at this idea.

“No.” Sky shut down.

Wind crossed his arms and laid his head on the skyloftian’s shoulder. Hyrule was then sitting in front of them with his ‘healer’ face and Legend subjected himself to whatever news they would hear.

“I want to look at Vet’s and Sailor’s injuries before I bandage them again,” Hyrule said, “Knight, I would like to look at your shin again, too. Is there anything else I need to look at?”

“I dislocated my shoulder,” Legend offered up first, now that he was up he couldn’t ignore it anymore and it was killing him. He knew it was bruised but damn did it make itself known.

Hyrule hummed, “I’ll see if the Cook has any painkillers. Rancher needs some too, Knight, how’s your shin?”

Sky made a face, “It’s not bad, just numb mostly.”

Hyrule hummed and looked at Wind with a raised brow.

“My shoulder’s good,” Wind replied, “My other cuts and bruises hurt but I can handle them.”

“My shoulder and chest are good too,” Four added before Hyrule got to ask him, “I don’t have any pain at the moment.”

Hyrule sighed and nodded, tapping his leg with his finger. “Alright, good, good… Vet, If you’ll need to do some stretches with your shoulder later and if you need a sling I can make one up for you.”

“I’ll be good without a sling, I don’t want it in the way right now.” Legend replied, Hyrule didn’t look happy about it, but allowed it if Legend promised Hyrule could see if he could heal anything.

“There is another thing you should know, Healer.” Four added, “Once you were gone we didn’t have much or any food left. I don’t know if the others had anything in the end.”

Legend sighed, hating the reminder when Wild was literally cooking close to them. 

“Smithy’s right, we should all eat less than normal, we don’t need to be like the Kid this morning.”

Wind’s face colored, but he didn’t say anything. Legend frowned down at him. 

Hyrule hummed, “I’ll tell the cook when I get everything else. I’ll wrap your bandages after breakfast, sounds good?”

They all hummed in agreement and Hyrule skipped off to Time and Warriors who were chatting quietly.

After whatever Hyrule told them, they looked over to Legend’s area and Time got up and approached. Legend built up all of his energy, knowing that he would have to use whatever he had for what was to come.

“We’re going to eat soon, but… we need to talk. To know what’s going on.” Time stated.

Legend nodded, “We can talk before we eat… it might be better.”

The others nodded in agreement. Some of the subjects they might mention could… it wouldn’t be good. Or pleasant at least.

Standing up felt like an enormous effort even with Four’s help, and Legend could feel everything in him just wanting to lay back down as his sore body potested, but he pushed it forwards and settled near the cook pot Wild had set up. He didn’t care what he was cooking just as long as he wouldn’t have to worry about bugs or mold in it.

Wind settled on one of his sides and Four the other. Hyrule was on Four’s side with Sky next to him as Warriors sat next to Wind. Time sat across from them and Twilight sat near the Cook, bad leg stretched out before him.

Wild was still chopping up some veggies before sliding them into the pot while Time seemed to be looking at them all, yet no words had come.

Legend wondered if Time was hesitating now even though he wanted to ask the same question he had the day before. Legend knew he wouldn’t given the same answer, he had finally been able to sleep and rest, yet the memory still came back to him all the same.

Time looked at him, taking in the dried blood that stuck to his clothes and the bruise that littered his skin, the look on his face that he already probably looked like a corpse half-way into the ground.

“What… what happened?” Time questioned.

Legend just stared at him, at the one who had been their leader since the start, the one who had held them all together and didn’t even know it. He didn’t know half of what happened, the one who they acted like he knew the most, was clueless.

Legend didn’t know when he started laughing, or when they turned back to tears, just that many hands hugged him close as he broke once more.

“You can ask,” Legend said, “We’re ready now.”

“What happened?” Time asked.

“There’s a lot to say,” Four answered, folding his hands together before his eyes glanced over to Legend and Wind, “But I’m sure we don’t know all of it either.”

Legend swallowed, opening his mouth.

“We were infected,” Warriors started, directing his words at Time. “By the Shadow.”

Time frowned and so did Wild and Twilight. Time asked, “The one who imprisoned the Sailor in the dungeon?”

“Yes,” Legend answered, “The one who brought us to the island, infected everyone, the mastermind behind it all, made the portals, and genuinely hates us, yes that Shadow.” Legend glanced at Wind as he added, “Did I miss anything? Oh, abusive I think.”

“Major jerk,” Wind added with a careful look at Sky. Legend heard him say way worse than that so he let it slide.

“Infected?” Time asked, getting them back on track, “What does that mean?”

“You were… corrupted, not yourself. Like being controlled.” Wind replied, moving his hands, “Think like a puppet!”

“Actually, on this,” Four commented, “Can we talk about how weird it was for the Captain and Traveller to talk to us? Like what was that?”

“I talked?” Warriors asked as Hyrule perked up next to Four, “I did?”

Wind was nodding too, “Freaking creepy way, too.”

“You really don’t remember?” Four pressed.

Warriors shook his head, frowning as if he was dealing with a headache, “It’s… fuzzy. Hard to think about, and every time I do, it’s like it slips away.”

The chorus of hums that went around told clearly that there wouldn’t be any information they could gain that way.

“What did I say?” Hyrule asked Four.

“You just taunted us, like the Captain.” Legend answered for Four. He looked to Warriors with a glare and pointed finger, “And you, sir-”

“Wait did I do?- well besides the obvious -”

“You completely downgraded your abilities and left us to defend against you!” Legend accused.

Warriors just looked dumb as he looked at Legend, “I’m sorry, I didn’t think my magicless and abilitilessness would be trouble?”

“What does that mean?” Wild asked, looking at the others for an explanation he wouldn’t get. 

“You literally planned an entire ambush in an hour and got us defenseless in a matter of minutes! Multiple times! Your stupid strategic mind wasn’t fun to fight against, Captain.” Legend explained, but his tone is not condensing but having some lighter humor in it.

“Oh,” Warriors said.

“Don’t give him that hard of a time, it's not his fault he self-deprecates himself.” Four was saying and Legend couldn’t tell if he was joking or not.

“He doesn't with his looks!” Legend argued back.

“Have you seen my face, I don’t need to.” Warriors reasoned. 

Legend gave him a glare, but Warriors just glared playfully back. 

“Boys,” Time called back into conversation. But it was hard for Legend, hard to keep back on the dreadful subject when all he wanted to do was deflect, make jokes about things that scared him. Pretend he wasn’t still terrified of closing his eyes.

“Right, corruptions.” Legend repeated, “From our time there, all of you were corrupted. Where your memories ended, that is most likely when you were corrupted.”

“Wait, how did I get infected?” Wild asked, pointing to himself.

“Your potion with the infected monster guts,” Four answered bluntly.

“Oh,” Wild said, looking at his cooking pot with a frown as it sizzled, “Wait-do you guys not want me to cook anymore then? Because of-”

“Nope!” Four shouted with Legend and Wind, “Please keep cooking, we love your food just no more home-made potions for a bit, okay?”

Wild nodded slowly, looking back at his pot.

“At least we don’t have to worry about it rotting anymore,” Legend muttered.

“Wait! The champion is here!” Wind stated suddenly with his eyes lit up. “We can finally find out about the sweets!”

Legend laughed at the idea, at how far away it felt. 

Four gasped, “We CAN!” They turned to Wild who looked up from his cooking pot with owlish eyes as everyone else quieted at the yelling. Looking at one another. 

“Champ!” Four stated, Red’s bubbling smile creeping up. “Do honey sweets go bad?”

Wild paused, taking in the question. 

“He’s too quiet, means I’m right and they never go bad.” Red said with too much glee.

“He hasn’t said anything yet!” Wind reminded.

“I’m still keeping my rubies regardless,” Legend insisted. 

“You didn’t even think about it that long,” Red said.

“Eh, I’m still with the kid.”

“Of course you are.”

“I think they do?” Wild answered after a moment. 

“Think?” Red pressed.

Wild nodded, more sure now. “After a reallyyy long time they can get too hard to chew. More rock-like and the taste doesn’t really come across the same.” 

“I swear you’ll eat anything like the Traveller,” Legend hissed as he shook his head. 

“HA!” Wind pointed at Red and laughed. He fist pumped. “TOLD YOU!”

Red rolled his eyes as he crossed his arms with a huff.

“Wait,” Legend stated, “But if it's just hard does that qualify as not edible?”

“Now you're talking-” Red added with a smile.

“Nuh uh,” Wind butted in as he folded his arms, “We just clarified I’m right you can’t take that away-”

“But what considers to be uneditable-” Legend asked, liking Wind and Four’s smile as they talked about their sides. It felt right, felt…normal almost. 

“I’m a sailor, I know that everything can go bad.” Wind stated unphased.

“But the Cook said that they can be eaten-which means-”

“Even water can go bad , I don’t think candy can-”

“So you're doubting the fact?”

“You literally drank water that went bad ages ago, I don’t think you have-” Wind said with a glare.

Four interrupted him, eyes looking at Legend as he stated, “Wait-how did you guys survive without water? I thought-”

“I got some in the well,” Legend replied easily enough. “It was the rations we didn’t have,”

Wind grimace, “Yeah, but we have the cook to make up for that now! I’m ready for a meal!”

Legend side eyed him, “Remember what the healer said?”

Wind rolled his eyes as he pushed his tongue out between his lips child’like.

“Very mature,” Legend sassed. 

Wind rolled his eyes as Four hummed, thinking again. 

“What do you mean about the rations?” TIme asked, voice calm but deep.

Legend withheld the flinch at hearing it. He wondered if he had forgotten the others were there. He rubbed the back of his head but Four answered well enough for them. Calculated like Vio’s speech. 

“After the night you went,” Four explained, “Food started to age faster. One point, even the water was poisonous, we had to ration carefully. But that shouldn’t be a problem now.”

“The water?” Hyrule asked, brow furrowed deep. 

Time hummed and Wild let the jolt in his shoulder rise before he muttered, “I, uh, the food’s… I think it will be fine but tell me if it’s not. If it’s too much spice or-”

“We’ll be fine, cook.” Legend initiated, hated that the eyes of the group were darting around now. Twilight with a guilty expression while warriors and Hyrule shared a deep sigh and Sky toyed with his sail cloth. Legend needed to sew it up.

“So I was corrupt the night of the festival,” Time stated, “What happened after?”

“We couldn’t fight you, so we ran,” Legend admitted, although he still felt ashamed that they couldn’t do anything. Now, it seemed hilarious that they ran from a single enemy, even if it was a war spirit. Compared to the gauntlet Wind and Legend went through, it seemed like a far off dream.

“We regrouped and the Cook tried to make a potion to help the Rancher,” Legend saw as Time flinched, realizing that he had hurt Twilight. “But then the Cook was corrupted from his potion since someone thought monster parts were a good idea.”

“That’s how you make a potion!” Wild rebutted. Then huffed, “Whatever.”

“The Cub bit me and that’s how I turned, “ Twilight added softly.

Wild’s eyes widened, he looked at Twilight, apologies written all over his features as his shoulders hunched. Twilight whispered something to him and Wild seemed to unwind little by little at Twilight’s quiet words to him.

“And then the wolf,” Legend said deliberately. Because Twilight was Wolfie, but what had come after them wasn’t Wolfie, just like the others corrupted.

“It’s okay,” Twilight interrupted, “They both know, you can just say my nickname.”

That wasn’t the point Legend had tried to make but he would comply.

“You mean they know?” Wild stated, eyes wide as he looked at Twilight.

“I had to tell, he was-he did make me turn.” Twilight replied.

“We couldn’t afford to keep secrets,” Warriors replied, “We had to spill them after, just in case something was used against us.”

“Ah,” Wild replied.

Time looked away, clearing unsettled by the turn in conversation. Legend couldn't help but be annoyed at the secret kept from them, he understood why, but it still…

“I think another thing we should discuss is the Masks.” Four stated.

Time snapped his head up, one eye wide. “What do you-?”

“Everything,” Warriors said.

Time went quiet at this.

“You have a cursed mask,” Legend said, looking at Time, “You already should know the danger of that.”

Time straightens his shoulders, “I’m aware, yet they can be useful. If there wasn’t a cha-”

“Or used against us.” Legend remind. Time fell silent.

“I think we should keep them, the Old man is right that they could help.” Four replied. “He has more than the War Spirit mask, correct?”

Time nodded. 

“Then any cursed mask I think one of us should keep. Maybe the Rancher or the Captain. Someone close to you, where if we need it, you can have it, but if it’s another trick of the past, they wouldn’t be pressured to tell you no.” Four concluded.

Time thought about it for a moment before he gave a slow nod. He sighed and folded his arms as he looked to Twilight, “When you feel ready, we can go through my bag.”

Twilight nodded.

“Do we need to rehash the secrets again with everyone just in case?” Hryle asked, clearly looking nervous about the idea.

“Wouldn't be a bad idea,” Warriors added, “Besides, most of us know anyways.”

Four gave a deep sigh, “Fine. We’re four people and with my sword we can turn into them, the rest of the time we're all in our head together. I also can turn into a minish.”

“I can turn into a fairy, cus I’m half fae, and also in my world if my blood gets on Ganon’s ashes he’ll come back so, uh, yeah.” Hyrule finished lamely.

Getting everything out there before the other three had time to react or say anything, Legend followed up, “I can turn into a mermaid and a picture, hurray.”

“I can see ghosts,” Wind said.

“I have prophetic dreams,” Sky responded.

“I’m Hylian,” Warriors added with a joking tone.

Legend, Hyrule, Four, Wind, and Sky looked at him with a glare.

“I’m a good strategist.” Warriors replied in a bored tone.

“There, now is there anything else we need to know?” Four added with an annoyed tone.

“That was a lot of information to just process.” Wild said, eyes wide.

“Well desperate times have you accept things in a fast manner.” Warriors stated.

“I don’t think we need to add anything?” Twilight replied, but looked unconfident.

“Great, so we can move on?” Legend stated.

“Can I ask how my leg got mailed?” Twilight questioned.

Legend took a breath, trying to figure out how he could word it in the best light for Wind, but the younger was ready for this.

“I did.” Wind whispered, voice quiet. The hands on his thighs were clenched in the fabric and he started to tremble a bit.

Twilight looked surprised at first before his face darkened. Legend was ready to jump to Wind’s defense mentally or physically if needed.

“I’m sorry you had to,” Twilight said instead.

Wind looked up at that, shocked.

Twilight didn’t take back the words, “I know… I know you wouldn’t hurt us without reason, and knowing that I had to… that you were being hunted by me, I’m glad nothing worse happened. I don’t blame you, I can’t.”

The silence was strong, but it wasn’t judgemental. Just an acceptance of the words that their brothers nodded along to. That any injuries they got they were okay with because it meant they didn’t harm someone else.

(Four was different. Four was… had been… Legend didn’t want to think about it.)

“I’m sorry,” Wind said wetly, tears gathered in his eyes. Legend pulled an arm around his shoulder, giving him his comfort.

“I forgive you,” Twilight said with a bittersweet smile.

Tears spilled over Wind's cheeks and he hunched low, as if trying to hide them. Legend rubbed his back and Warriors scooted closer, hand on the boy’s shoulder.

They took a moment to let the words sink in and to give Wind and Twilight a moment to gather themselves.

“After that, we got a magic flute near the mountain and the village.” Legend summarized.

“I was corrupted then,” Warriors added.

“Yes,” Legend said, before wondering if he should include the ambushes, the close calls or… or some of the things they saw in the village.

“We lost the Healer in a cave where we found a Boss key.” Four stated when Legend fell quiet. No one disagreed or added to that statement. It just was all that needed to be said.

“Chosen was caught on the beach,” Legend said when Sky remained quite next to Hyrule.

Four hummed, “I got caught near the village again.”

Legend nodded, adding on after that, “Me and the Kid went back to the dungeon and got a compass to get out.” The weight was comfort on his neck, “We fought on the beach before we could get on Linebeck’s boat. When we awakened on the ship, the Shadow was there with the Wind fish. We killed both.”

And that was it. There were no words needed to be said.

“Well food’s ready, I mean the, uh, Healer, who needs the herbs? And Who couldn’t have any species yet?” Wild asked.

Hyrule got up next to Wild as he helped split up the meals and dictated who could have what. (Legend was just glad he wasn’t the one cooking.) Soon a bowl of rice was pushed into his hands with a side of scramble eggs and veggies. He knew some of the painkiller herbs were mixed in, so he ate the veggies first with some rice before downing the rest in a quick manner.

“We’ll see how you're feeling at lunch, but if you're not feeling good let me know,” Hyrule stated, Legend wanted to ask him how it was being on the opposite side of things, but he was too tired to argue. Finally knowing he didn’t have to keep up his energy.

Hyrule finished the meal quickly and began to look over him and Wind for their minor cuts. They got wrapped and Time was staring at them until he finally asked a dreaded question.

“How…” Time paused, face grimacing, “How much did I hurt you?”

Legend quirked a brow, leaning back, “What do ya mean, Old man?”

“How much did I hurt you, when I was corrupted, “ Time clarified easier. 

The entire group shifted, not wanting to look at one another but wanting to know. Wind paled too quickly and he gave Legend a fearful glance. Legend tried to calm him, but he knew it would haunt Wind. Scared him.

Legend tried to shrug it off, “What does it matter? It’s over now, let’s move on.”

“But-but we did hurt you,” Wild stated, hands grasping at his knees as he looked into Legend’s eyes. “We know we did-”

“Let’s keep what we did infected,” Warriors stated strongly, “To those who know and if they want to share. We weren’t ourselves and we weren’t given a choice, we shouldn’t feel guilty for what we couldn’t control.”

“Agreed,” Four answered. “Getting caught and being infected was strategically done as well, do not think you are weak for it or guilty for your actions. What is done is done.”

Legend nodded and Wind joined him. Soon everyone else agreed. They didn’t need to pile on more guilt. Not when they already dealt with enough.

There had been a reason they didn’t speak about the battles that had happened. The pain of it all, to fight your own brother knowing it was one or the other.

Time took the response in grace and moved on to another query.

“Does anyone know what place we’re in?” Time asked.

“Not to my knowledge,” Wild answered honestly.

Everyone else had similar statements. Time hummed, and said, “I think it might be wise since we are in a new area, to stay for the day. We’re still resting and any exploration should be done in a group.”

“I agree,” Four replied, “After everything I don’t think anyone should be alone.”

“Even if the threat is gone?” Wild questioned.

“Yes,” Four replied carefully, “We don’t know much of this world but I think individual exploring is still a bad idea. That’s how this mess all started.”

At the mention, everyone grew quiet once more. 

“Pairs again, then.” Warriors said. “Does that include the Rancher too?”

“Not like I can walk well anyways,” Twilight offered and Warriors winced.

“Either way, we need to remain here until we are rested enough.” Time said.

“Good, ‘cus I can’t move today.” Legend said with a lazy grin.

“Can I sleep all day then?” Wind asked, “Because that sounds really good.”

“That's my line,” Sky joked.

“It’s a rest day,” Time stated, “Besides I would rather have Hyrule clear everyone before rushing into anything.”

Hyrule hummed, “As long as everyone rests today, I don’t see much of an issue. I want to see how much magic I can heal the Rancher with.”

Twilight agreed and then breakfast had been dubbed complete. Hyrule and Sky started to make a split for Twilight in the meantime and Legend and Wind collapsed into their beds and slept until the afternoon.

Legend and Wind couldn’t eat lunch, their stomach cramped at the possibility, but Four and Sky managed to eat a little something before they couldn't handle any more. Twilight went through the mask collection Time had, only taking three away, the War Spirit, which Time had called the Fierce Deity mask, a Goron and Deko one. Both Legend and Hyrule could feel the cursed energy off of them and were glad Twilight put them away when he did. 

Legend fell back asleep until he was woken up by Hyrule. Wind was still asleep and would get to be for another hour unlike Legend, who had to have Hyrule heal him(his shoulder did feel better, as if his dislocation had been weeks ago instead of yesterday) and did the exercises requested of him and more painkiller herbs.

Once done, Legend left Wind to the care of Warriors who was taking a cat nap and sat next to Four as they watched the Cook prepare their meal. Wild was making kabobs and had been cutting up mushrooms when he nicked his finger.

It was like the whole camp held its breath, watching what would happen.

The crimson color that beaded from the small nick was god sent, Legend could have started crying then and there. He hadn’t realized how that had been a thought in the back of his head, the possibility that it could have been all fake. 

Four relaxed with Legend and then the older teen realized how the others also looked on and breathed a sigh of relief. Wild didn't seem to understand and only sucked on his finger as he finished his cuts, but the impact was there.

Wind and Warriors were awakened for dinner and everyone joined again for the meal. No comments were made except for Wild about the meal, everyone was too tired or worn for conversation that didn't have to be had, until Time once again looked like he was going to bring something up.

Legend spoke before Time could, “Old man, we already said that you weren’t in control with what happened, so let it go.”

Time looked at Legend sharply with a frown, “I… I understand. But-”

Legend wasn’t going to let him bring up anything that would disturb the others or have memories they would rather not think about. He didn't want to think about it.

“If no one wants to talk about it-” Legend defended, “Then no one has to.”

“I agree,” Time replied sternly, making Legend fall quite. Time took a deep sigh.

“Oh.” Legend says. Not knowing how to feel.

“What did you want to say?” Warriors asked instead, prompting Time to speak his thoughts.

“I still need to apologize,” Time said.

“For what?” Legend asked.

“For letting my mind get the best of me, and for letting myself be the first to go. It’s not becoming of a leader to fall so easily.”

“It’s not your fault,” Warriors replied. “We had as much warning as you did but weren’t quick enough to stop anything.”

“Still-” Time pressed.

He thought of Time, the unmoving god spirit staring at him. At stabbing the masked salesman. The unyielding foe. Almost the death of them too many times. 

“We're alive,” Legend snapped, “That’s what matters.”

Time didn’t respond and the rest of dinner was a quiet one. Before they finished, Warriors held Legend back when Wind and Four went to their bed rolls.

“What is it?” Legend questioned, realizing that Warriors had guested for Time and Twilight to come over.

“I… well, we wanted to thank you.” Warriors said.

“For?” Legend asked, already feeling as uncomfortable as before.

“For leading the others we were unable to.” Twilight replied. 

“We are the oldest and it was our responsibility to protect you guys, but that ment we also left you,” Warriors explained, then as ducked his head lower in shame, “I left you, I’m sorry for that.”

“We already said-” Legend started before Warriors waved him off.

“Still, you took the lead for the others, kept trying to get out.” Warriors replied. “We wanted you to know that you don’t have to do that now. We're here to help. You aren’t alone.”

Oh.

Oh Legend hadn’t thought this conversation was going this way.

“So-oh, okay.” Legend replied, feeling like all the words left him.

“Don’t feel like it’s all on you,” Twilight replied. “We see the others trust you, that’s good, but it’s not just on you anymore. If you need help, we're here. Together.”

Legend nodded, and felt relief slowly trickle into him. He hadn’t realized how he had seen the others as under himself. His group in his mind, Hyrule, Wind, Four and Sky. Had had them under his care and even after it all, they seemed to have flocked back to him. Still feeling that safety Legend had somehow provided in their own hell. 

“I… thanks.” Legend said lamely.

Warriors ruffled his hair, “No probably, squirt.”

Legend hit the hand and growled, “Take that back! You have no place for words you giant di-”

“Sorry can’t hear down there-”

“I’ll-!” Legend started before Time cough pointedly.

Legend grumbled and rolled his eyes. Warriors looked sheepish. Legend almost wanted to say he liked the distraction of something normal, that he could sink his teeth into. That he and Warriors could rile each other up, but he also knew it was late and getting into a yelling match when the others were headed for bed wasn’t a good idea. 

Legend parted ways and headed others to his bed roll. Legend finally started to settle down, Time sat by the fire as it seemed it was his watch for the first night. 

Wind looked up at him, “What did they want to talk to you about?”

“Eh, nothing much.” Legend admitted. 

Neither Four or Wind were comforted by this fact.

“Do we need to-?” Four asked and Legend really had no idea how he was going to end that sentence.

“It’s fine,” Legend replied, “Just finite stuff, wasn’t about what happened.”

The boys took that as it was and laid down. Four was still frowning slightly, eyes darting to Wind’s form that snuggled up to Legend’s side, but said nothing. Four eventually fell asleep along with all of their brothers. But the exhaustion that had come with the day and even Legend still felt in his bones, wouldn’t allow him to close his eyes.

Wind was the same, still looking up at the stars above them.

“I don’t want to fall asleep.” Wind admitted quietly.

“Me too,” Legend whispered back in a hush, like it was a secret to be kept.

“The stars are normal,” Wind said, “I know these consultations.”

Legend didn’t, he didn’t spend much time looking at the sky, he hadn’t needed to.

“I know this is real,” Wind continued, “So why can’t I fall asleep?”

Legend knew, he felt it in the rapped beat of his heart in his chest, the nervous thoughts that circled his head. That if he fell asleep, like every night since that shipwreck, there would be a chance he wouldn’t watch up.

“We killed him,” Legend stated, voice firm, but soft enough not to wake anyone or travel to Time as he stood watch. “He's dead and he can’t trap us anymore.”

“I’m still scared,” Wind whispered.

Legend closed his eyes for a brief moment, as he repeated, “I know, me too.” He swallowed, turning his head to look at the boy, “But it’s okay, because we’re here together. If we are trapped again, we’ll get out, just like last time, yeah?”

Wind chewed on his lip, eyes looking over Legend's face for a lie but he would never find one. He slowly nodded back, hand coming to grip Legend’s own. Legend held Wind hand, the warmth comforting and grounding. 

In the end, they fell asleep together like that. Hand in hand, until the sunrise would come again.

Chapter Text

The night was not a restful one like the one before it, instead Legend woke up three times. First was Warriors switching his shift with Time, they spoke too quietly for Legend to hear and he quickly fell back into dreamless sleep once more. 

Second time was a few hours after, or around Legend could guess. He woke when he heard someone shifting restlessly. He pushed himself up enough to see Sky tossing back and forth. Warriors, who had been near him to sleep, had also awoken and leaned over Sky as he softly shook him to rid him of the nightmare.

Legend had usually been jealous of Sky, unlike the others he usually slept hard and without many dreams or nightmares, and the nightmares he did have wouldn’t leave him breathless or shaking, merely a startle before the calm. But it didn’t look like his usual nightmares that just got a simple shake and calming words before Sky would settle back into his peaceful rest he usually held. Instead, he tossed more and made a moan of despair pass his lips. 

Warriors shook Sky enough to wake him, saying softly something-but Sky was pushing back on him. Standing up fast and breathing hard, Warriors started to come near and Sky pushed him away. Legend started to get up before Time intervened. Sky jerked back at Time but paused long enough that Legend knew that he recognized the one eyed old man and not the two sighted war spirit. 

Whispered words were passed that Legend could barely catch.

“-back to sleep?” Warriors pressed.

Sky shocked his head, “No-not near you-I’m sorry-”

“-about, Vet? You feel safe with them?” Time asked, head pointing in Legend’s direction and Legend straightened himself up.

Sky looked back and Legend waved a hand towards him, inviting him near to rest in the pile of bodies he was in. Hyrule shifted in his sleep as Legend had moved, but none had woken up.

Sky nodded and grabbed his sleeping roll and pulled it behind Wind before he laid down, Legend gave him a smile and Sky tried to return it. Legend layed back down and listened to hear Sky’s breaths even before he allowed himself to slip back into sleep.

The third time he woke, marking an early morning and telling the mood of the day, was another nightmare of his brother’s.

Four made a high whine and Legend jolted awake, fear coursing through him, he fumbled for his sword at his side but didn’t find it, only Wind’s body jolting awake too. He glanced to Four, fear climbing up his throat as he wondered what the Shadow was doing to him-but instead only saw him and Hyrule curled up side by side.

Legend was thrown for a loop, wondering how Hyrule had sneaked in or why he was asleep before memories crashed around him and Four made another distressing noise. Legend leaped up, pulling himself to Four’s side as he shook the other roughly awake. He wouldn’t allow his brother to be trapped in another nightmare.

Four jolted awake, breathing heavy eyes a bright violet as they looked into Legend’s own. He sat up and took a deep breath before saying, “I’m fine-I’m fine.”

Legend hoovered over him, doubting the statement. He glanced over at Wind, who hadn’t moved from his bed roll, he was on his knees like he had intended to follow Legend but had frozen instead. When Vio looked over at him Wind ducked his head and avoided eye contact.

Legend looked to the sky, noticing the early colors of dawn approaching. “It’s going to dawn in an hour or two. Can you still sleep?”

Vio gave a laugh and shook his head, eyes darkened in thought. He merely said quietly, “I can’t… go back to bed, I’m calm. I’ll keep the old man company until the Champion wakes.”

Legend hummed, seeing that Time was still awake by the fire and looking their way. He must have taken two shifts then. 

Legend made no move to leave and Vio huffed, “I’m honestly fine, Vet. Go back to sleep, you look half dead.”

Legend frowned, “Are you sure? I don’t-”

Vio looked Legend into his eyes and stated firmly, “I’m fine. I need to-I just need to breathe. Go back to bed.”

Seeing the genuine look of honesty, Legend nodded and left Four. He crawled back to his bedding and layed back down. Wind had turned his back to him and Four, but his breathing was even, Legend ran a hand down the boy’s back and forth, to calm him. 

Legend didn’t mean to drift off again, but he came back to consciousness when Wild pulled himself up and started to make breakfast. Wind was fast asleep as was Sky and Legend let them be.

He pulled himself up and began to dress for the day, feeling rested and more energized than before. (His knee hurt, his shoulder still ached, and his muscles burned in the memory of their overuse, but he was alive and with his brothers, he couldn’t be more thankful.)

The rings slipped on his finger dulled the pain and he breathed a sigh of relief. 

Hyrule groaned from his side and peeled his eyelids back as he asked, “Do I have to get up?”

“Only Champ is up if that’s what you're asking,” Legend answered as he started to stretch his sore shoulder out and around.

Hyrule grumbled some more but slowly pulled himself into a sitting position as he let himself slowly wake up. Legend let his gaze sweep over to Four, seeing the younger bent over his notebook and writing or drawing something with a deep focus. Time sat near, making small talk with Wild. Seeing everyone calm and peaceful had Legend relaxed.

Legend stayed where he was at and Hyrule didn’t move until both Warriors and Twilight were up as well. Going over to check on Twilight’s leg Legend guessed. 

Wind woke up a minute after Hyrule’s departure, pulled from his dreamy sleep with a yawn. Hearing the soft rumbles of morning conversations and cuddled on his back by Sky, he woke calm and only jolted for a moment once the rest of his thoughts or memories caught up to him.

He looked up at Legend, almost surprised before his eyes darted to the rest of their awake brothers and he let his tension go and a small smile fell on his lips.

“Feeling better than yesterday?” Legend asked him.

Wind hummed, rolling out from Sky’s grasp and started to untangle his bedhead. Legend stood up and did some leg stretches and was relieved to find that his knee burned with pain but nothing unbearable or that brought tears to his eyes. Simply overused, but workable.

Four, seeing both him and Wind up, started to walk over, notebook clasped to their chest. Wind saw and froze, clearly fearing what Four would bring to speak about. Deciding to be the barrier for him, Legend went to meet Four instead.

“Are you doing better?” Legend asked genuinely.

“Yeah,” Vio answered, voice low and slower, “I was writing some notes, didn’t get many before Blue decided to bother me.”

Legend frowned, “You-you can hear each other? Like-?”

Four nodded, “Yeah, sometimes if uh, sometimes. Like we're talking right now they can do the same.”

“Huh,” Legend then smirked, “Guess there's still a lot I don’t understand about you, Smithy.”

“You're not the only one who wanted people kept on their toes,” Vio snipped back with a matching grin and Legend chuckled.

“Hey, Sailor,” Vio called, stopping WInd from sneaking around them to the campfire.

Wind paled, looking like a caught rabbit in a snare. Legend was ready to jump in between in case either got defensive or lashed out.

“Old man said he wanted to ask you two, Rancher, and the Knight if we could travel today. Thought I’d give you ample warning.”

Wind kept his mouth shut and just nodded but Legend thanked Four for the warning. It looked like it had been almost a summon as Time was walking towards them as Four had spoken the words.

“Hadn’t we already agreed on that yesterday?” Legend asked.

“If you remember, half the day you spent it unconscious.” Vio reminded.

Legend huffed and rolled his eyes, like that mattered much.

Time approached them and settled a hand on Wind’s shoulder; the kid still at the gesture as Time asked him directly first. “Do you think you are able to travel today?”

“Yes.” Wind said, but there wasn’t any emotion in his voice. Legend looked at him confused but Wind’s eyes were staring straight ahead and his posture was stiff.

“Kid?” Legend asked, trying to catch Wind’s eye, but they just stared right through him. Like he wasn’t even there.

Time slowly pulled off his hand from Wind’s shoulder but nothing stopped Wind, he just stood still, emotionless. 

It felt like something cold was pressed to his chest, feeling an overwhelming amount of tension and dread. He didn’t like this, he didn’t like what was happening. The day had barely begun, it wasn’t meant to be this bad already. It wasn’t meant to start with his brothers freaking out.

“Link?” Vio called, stepping in front of Wind and taking charge.

Wind snapped his head to Four, but his eyes still had that hazy look. “Yes?”

“Can you sit for me?” Vio requested. 

Wind sat, almost rushed, as he sat on his legs and his arms resting on his sides. Vio sat before him for a second before he asked another question.

“What’s my name?” Vio asked, eyes watching Wind very closely.

Wind opened his mouth, then shut it, brow wrinkled and his breath started to hyperventilate. 

“Link? Link, I need you to breathe.” Vio stated, trying to sound calm but collected. Legend could see Vio’s hand out of Wind’s sight, fisting and unfisting anxiously. Time was looking at Legend with concern and shock but Legend just guessed that it was fine. (It wasn’t fine, Wind never acted like this, what was happening, why—)

Wind was breathing shallowly, but breathing. Vio shifted to get more comfortable on the ground and Wind flinched back, head lowered and shoulders risen. Nothing happened and Wind still seemed tense. Vio made no comment on it.

“Can you tell me four things you feel?” Vio asked.

Wind took a moment and looked to think, he said, “Grass.”

Wind’s fingers curled in the grass and pulled some strains up that broke under his grip. “Good,” Vio said, “What's another?”

“Wind.” Wind replied, “I can feel the wind.”

There was a slight breeze in the air that Legend just noticed.

“Hair, my hair.” Wind added. 

It was long , Legend thought. It covered Wind’s eyes and was lengthy in the back that to fight Legend was surprised he didn’t need to pull it back like Wild did. 

“My-my clothes.” Wind said, voice choking up a little.

Vio hummed, “Good, what about three things you can hear?”

Wind stilled, then in a low whisper, “Breathing. I can hear his breathing.”

Legend frowned before he glanced at Time with a realization. That's what started this, he thought that Time hadn’t been the old man but the Shadow using his shapeshifting. He put it to the side for the moment. 

“And what else?”

“Wind.” Wind answered again.

“And one more thing,”

“I…” Wind paused, “You?”

“And who am I?” Vio questioned.

Wind frowned, his eyes lifting again and Legend was grateful to see that they weren’t hazy anymore, just puzzled. 

Wind’s eyes darted up to Four’s figure and he froze again, face palling before he ducked his head. Whispering his name, “Smithy.”

Four tried to act unbothered by Wind’s reaction and smiled, saying softly, “That’s right. Are you okay now? Can you-?”

“I’m fine!” Wind stated loudly, then pushed himself up to his feet roughly as he looked at Legend and Time with wide eyes and shoulders hunched. He said again, “I’m fine!”

Wind then turned on his heel and went to the pile of bedrolls and pulled him out from the mess and started to roll it up and pack his belongings. 

Time turned to Legend with a stoic look that Legend couldn’t read, but he only said to the older man, “If Hyrule says we're good, then we should travel today.” Legend answered for both him and Wind.

Time didn’t look like he wanted that answer, but nodded and left to go speak with their Healer. Four slumped on the ground, eyes never leaving Wind’s form. He didn’t look at Legend, just kept his lips pressed firm in a line. 

He stood up with a sigh finally and said, “Guess I’ll start packing too.”

Legend hummed and made sure to keep between Four and Wind as they packed their things together. Wind hurried to get out of the way and to avoid Four. Vio took his time putting their things away and even began to help Hyrule with his own things as the teen seemed to be checking on Twilight and Sky before he made his way to Wind and Legend.

Hyrule had his bag of medical supplies and herbs that he kept together but had used all of before but been given Wild’s own supplies once the slate had been working correctly. It was such a relief to not have to worry about rations or running out of bandages.

“How’s the shoulder?” Hyrule asked, poking at it as tested Legend’s shoulder with his own hands and Legend had to hide a few winces.

“Good, only a little sore.” Legend answered.

Hyrule hummed, “Knee?”

“Better.” Legend stated honestly. “Doesn’t feel like I’m dying when I use it.”

“Think you can travel with it—” Hyrule held up his finger before Legend could answer. “And not push yourself to any extreme pain?”

“Yes.” Legend hissed out, “But maybe not at a harsh or fast pace, but I could.”

Hyrule hummed, nodding approvingly as he looked over some of Legend’s more minor cuts. Legend noticed at such a close proximity that Hyrule had little scars all over his face that blended with his freckles. He knew they hadn’t been there before, hadn’t trailed up his ears or dug into his cheeks like someone took a poker and started to indent his skin.

They were bite marks.

Legend looked away, feeling sick all of a sudden. Guilt swirling around his throat like it was about to drown him.

All those marks, they were his fault. 

Hyrule pulled away from Legend and moved to Wind. Legend tried to take a deep breath, push the feelings away and breathe. Focusing on Hyrule asking the same questions to Wind, how he could travel which received the same answer of yes.

Hyrule looked over Wind’s shoulder, still healing and had been stitched up, but no infection.

“I need to redo the bandages on your hand,” Hyrule said before Wind could leave, he pulled out the cream that Legend and Wild both used on bad days.

“Didn’t you heal it though?” Legend asked, growing concerned. Hyrule had used what little energy he had left yesterday to heal what he could of Wind’s palm(it wasn’t going to be perfect, but it was much better than Wind getting an infection or losing his mobility in his hand. Legend didn’t want to think what would have happened without Hyrule’s help.)

“Because of the severity of the burn, it took off layers of his skin and now the newly healed skin needs to be treated carefully and stretched so that it heals correctly.” Hyrule explained as he unwrapped Wind’s bandaged hand, Wind watched, silent. “I’m putting cream on to help soothe the skin and keep it bandaged and clean for the time being.” 

Unwrapping it showed a nasty scarred palm, but looked weeks ahead of healing then the mere three days it actually was. The dead skin and blistering that had been there when Legend had wrapped the wound were gone, taken care of by Hyrule when Legend had been asleep to the world. It looked good, pink and raised and different, but healed or on its way to. 

Hyrule applied the orange cream to it and rubbed the palm with both his hands and push his fingers deeply into the palm for a few moments in a circular pattern. Legend watched, transfixed for a moment. Then Hyrule whipped his fingers on his tunic and pulled out clean banagages to rewrap the palm in.

Legend looked at Wind who stared down at his hand for a prolonged time with an ambiguous expression. Legend realized he wasn’t the only one watching him, he glanced to the side to see Four, who was also staring at Wind with a troubled look. When he noticed Legend looking, he darted his gaze away and bit his lip.

Legend didn’t know how to fix it, he didn’t know if it could be fixed. 

“Breakfast is ready!” Wild announced, calling all attention to him.

Legend leaned down and shook Sky awake, who was groggily but stumbled his way to breakfast. 

Legend sat with Wind on his right and Four on his left, being given simple rice for them to stomach for the morning. Hyrule had mentioned since they all did well yesterday perhaps they might get chicken this afternoon and his mouth was already watering. 

Sky and Hyrule took it easy themselves on their meals which translated into them being able to eat the eggs and meat Wild provided them and the others without any seasoning. Legend tried to ignore the smell but it was a temptation at best and torture at worst.

“Do we have a plan for the day then?” Warriors asked after a few of them had dug into their breakfast.

“What does our healer say of the injured?” Time asked instead of answering Warriors.

Hyrule took a sigh, “Taking everyone at their word, which I doubt, they say they can all travel-” Multiple voices rang up on that comment from Hyrule but he continued, “Being that of a leisurely pace with many breaks.”

“That’s durable.” Time confirmed.

“I beg your pardon,” Sky said, offended, “I was very truthful.”

Hyrule just hummed, as if knowing each hero there wouldn’t willingly ignore their injuries if it meant someone else got a need met.

“What if we only do half a day’s travel?” Warriors offered, “Be just enough to travel but nothing hard, rest of the day to set up camp and give time for Champ and Rancher to hunt and restock supplies.”

Time was silent in thought as Wild jumped in, “I’d be good to see some of the local plants! We're running low on herbs and veggies, and I’d rather be stocked on meat than not with our group.”

“I think it's a wise decision,” Twilight stated, adding his vote.

Time nodded, “Then that’s what we shall do. Pack what you can after breakfast then we shall headout.”

“We don’t know what direction to go though.” Four pointed out.

“Does it matter?” Legend asked, “Where still lost either way we go.”

“I could climb a tree and see if I see anything?” Wild offered.

“I haven’t seen any smoke,” Four stated, violet eyes looking up to the sky, “Today or yesterday. I doubt we’re close to anything.”

“We could— Champion !” Twilight hissed as Wild was already making his way up a tree. 

Hyrule looked longingly at him and Legend sighed and gestured for him to follow. Might as well for the younger to get it out of his system before they were actually on the road.

“Not you too, Traveller!” Twilight bemoaned.

“He’s fine, it’s not even that tall.” Legend commented. 

“We don’t have any supplies if they break any bones or fall.” Warriors stated plainly.

“They don’t fall, they know to be careful.” Legend replied sharply. They were all aware of the risk they were in, it was too soon not to be.

Wild yelled down, “I don’t see anything! Just trees!”

Wild scurried down and Hyrule made a leap down onto the grass, saying as he did so, “I didn’t see anything either, maybe some hills or mountains in the east? Hard to tell.”

“I guess we just pick a direction?” Sky said.

“I could become wolfie? And look around? See if I smell anything to help?” Twilight offered up.

“No.” Warriors snapped quickly, voice a little harsh and answered too quickly to be anything but fear. Time looked at Warriors but Twilight didn’t seem to catch on to the small detail. Warriors cleared his throat, “We’d just waste time, if we can’t see anything then nothing must be here.”

“Okay,” Twilight said. “Then I don’t think we have any issue with where we go then.”

Everyone was silent and Warriors just stated, “I guess so, after breakfast will head out then. Any objections?”

The sound of scraping spins in bowls and silence was enough to know. It was frighteningly similar to how it was before—before everything went wrong. 

Wild cleaned up his pot and Sky helped with dishes as did Wind, he only dried as his bandage couldn’t get wet and he was still avoiding Four.

Legend packed all of his gear up, setting his weapons close in order to grab, just in case. Anything could be in the woods. Four were helping the others get the camp up and in less than an hour they were heading out.

They decided to go west, for no particular reason, just Warriors pointed that way and everyone just nodded as they started to trough through the trees and bush. (Both Hyrule and Legend agreed that the forest was natural and there wasn’t any magic they could feel in it. Not like before. It was comforting, for something to be normal for once.)

With no road it was slower, Sky and Twilight were in the back, the slowest walkers due to their injuries and Hyrule kept close to keep any eye on them. Legend kept himself ahead of them but still close enough to jump in if they needed help. Wind stayed near him but would start to get distance if Four got too close, who was in pace with Wild behind Time and Warriors.

Four glanced at Wind twice in the last thirty minutes, eyes narrowed and brows furrowed in concern. Legend did not blame him, Wind was quite at his side, not unlike how he had been a few days ago but before everything… he would always talk or hum, or something . Now he was silent, now they were safe and yet Wind still remained silent.

They all were.

After a break and Wind still avoided Four, Legend decided he might try and see what had happened that morning. What had triggered the reaction, what he could do to stop it(how he could protect him).

“The shadow—what form did he take with you?” Legend asked.

Wind startled, not because he didn’t know Legend was there but because of the question. He looked at Legend wide eyed, and then glanced away, “Why-Why do you want to know?”

“Will it freak you out, later?” Legend pointed out.

Wind sneered, offended. “I won't mistake any of you for him !”

Legend raised an eyebrow, “But that happened this morning?”

Wind colored and looked away, cheeks puffed out in a sort of child-like pout but eyes distance like he wasn’t fully there. Legend called him back, “I’m not trying to embarrass you, kid.” (He shouldn’t be embarrassed at all, yet here he was, acting ashamed for fearing a monster.)

“...it won’t happen again.” Wind whispered.

“I need to know in case it does,” Legend pressed, “So I know why it happened and help.”

Wind looked at Legend, as if trying to judge how honest the teen was being. He found nothing but genuine concern and sighed, curling his arms around himself. He spoke low, for only Legend to hear, but Legend’s eye caught Four’s ear twitch and attempted to listen in as well.

“He liked the old man’s form, but younger. The Captain too, those were his favorites… he did all of you a few times, but they were his favorite.” Wind answered, he paused, opening his mouth before biting his lip. Legend stayed silent and gave him time to find his words. 

“He always liked to scare me.” Wind admitted, eyes lowered and body curling into itself. “Come from behind, or whisper in my ear—I had to be on edge. That-this morning, that—I didn’t hear the Old man—”

Wind kept stumbling over his words and Legend finally said, “Thank you for telling me.”

Wind pressed his lips closed and nodded. 

Legend bumped Wind’s shoulder, “I’ll be watching your back then.”

Wind grew a small smile for Legend, and it warmed him to his core. He gets to keep this, this brotherhood. The thing he fought for til the end, to keep his brothers. He wouldn’t trade it for the world.

He traded lives for them, gods, monsters, shapeshifters, people… Marin .

(Her tears, her smile, her warmth on his lips that were burdened with cold and anguish. Her.)

He had-

“Look!” Wind pointed out, fingers reaching up high towards the trees.

Legend's eyes glanced in the direction and he saw a blue bird, small and tiny with a reddish brown belly. It hopped on the branch, looking down at the boys before it flew off.

Wind grinned, wide as he could pull his face as he looked to Legend and said in a bittersweet laugh, “It wasn’t a seagull!”

“Yeah, it wasn’t.” Legend said, voice still low. It wouldn’t have made sense for it to be a seagull, they weren't by the beach so- so-

So why did it hurt? Why did the thought of it not being a seagull hurt so bad ?

“I haven’t seen any other bird for so long-” Wind was saying, but his words started to tune out and Legend felt his eyes start to tear up.

It wasn’t a seagull.

…it wasn’t her, and he would never see her again.

The tears suddenly dripped down his face, it wasn’t a noisy cry, merely a sniffle of a blocked nose trying to breath through the pressure.

Wind noticed immediately and went quiet before he grabbed Legend’s free hand and squeezed it tight. It was almost enough of a gesture for Legend to tear up again, but he didn’t. Wind didn't say a word, Four lingered back on Legend’s other side and started to talk about the types of foliage they needed to look for(they didn’t, Hyrule and Wild were already looking for anything to scavenge, Legend knew Vio was doing it to distract Legend and to cover up the little noise he was making from the others).

It didn’t last long, maybe ten minutes at most. Either way, it was short and Legend rubbed his eyes until they burned at the roughness and he just felt worn and tired.

“You okay?” Four asked, breaking off his tangent when he noticed Legend seemed more collected.

Legend nodded, still voiceless.

Wind’s hand stayed on his own and Four stayed in pace with him, they wouldn’t leave him. Why would they? As much as Legend swore he was their brother, they said they same back with as much feircity. 

None of them would suffer alone again.

-

Hyrule gasped, suddenly stopped walking and turned south. Legend paused, twisting on his heels and scanning the forest as he asked Hyrule, “What is it?”

Everyone was tense and on edge now, but Hyrule just was still, like he was trying to feel for something before a wide smile exploded on his face and his eyes light up, green eyes bright.

“I can feel something!” He declared, he looked to Legend as he stated it.

“Magic? Fairies?” Legend asked, trying to gauge what it was.

“Fairies,” Hyrule confirmed, “I can’t tell what though.”

“How far?” Twilight asked, looking in the same direction Hyrule had been looking.

“I don’t know,” Hyrule’s brow folded, he sighed, “Far. But I can feel it calling me, maybe two days walk at most?”

“Then what are we waiting for?” Wild asked, “Shouldn’t we start heading there then?”

Time looked to Hyrule, saying, “If our Traveller thinks so, then yes.”

Hyrule straightened up and nodded, “If-they will help us. They might be able to help Rancher and Chosen with their injuries.”

“Then lead the way, Traveller.” Warriors said with a nod.

Hyrule pinkened, but straighten up and started to walk, Legend decided to keep close to him, Four and Wind followed him, on opposite sides of him. 

“Can you usually feel the magic or fairies?” Four asked, vio eyes sharp and watching closely for Hyrule’s response. Hyrule glanced over at him but didn’t seem to mind the question.

He hummed, “Fairies magic is easier to feel, it is brighter in a way. More… potent? Magic is… different. Feels different, like when you cast a spell, it depends on the person's magic experience and ability, same is for feeling it to.”

Vio took the information, nodding to himself and pulled out his notebook, writing what Legend assumed were notes of Hyrule’s answer.

“What about you? You're half fae, right?” Four questions.

“Yeah, if you're asking about my parentage I have no idea.” Hyrule replied.

“I meant more like-fae rules? Names and uh, they have rules and food stuff?” Four looking up from his book to step over a root. Legend was impressed with his ability to do dual tasks. Wind was listening in and getting distracted by the shadows.

“Oh, no, those don’t really apply to me?” Hyrule stated. “More like, steel hurts wish is why my sword is silver, and uh, magical.”

“Right.”

“So, uh, yeah, but I get lots of magic?” Hyrule said, voice going higher pitch like he was embarrassed about it, “Like spells are easier to cast apparently? Or that’s what Vet told me-”

“I said your casting is less about pull and more about control,” Legend explained. “Magic is natural to you, using spells isn’t as much but pulling magic is. It's the control you need practice with. That’s the only thing you have trouble with.”

“Right, that.” Hyrule nodded, “Uh, but yeah.”

Four wrote down this and then asked, “Do you have an idea why when you were infected you didn’t use any spells?”

Hyrule stumbled a bit as he twisted his head to look back at them, his eyes wide, “I-I didn’t?”

“You, no, you didn't.” Legend said carefully, looking at Four and trying to show him that maybe this was a subject to be talked about carefully.

Hyrule turned around and his shoulder raised up. “I don’t…”

“Maybe the Shadow couldn’t control our magic?” Four theorized, “It is mostly light magic.”

“What about the Rancher?” Wind offered up.

“That;s dark magic,” Legend answered, “The Shadow’s magic is dark magic, he would be able to use it easily. Light magic would be more difficult.”

Wind looked confused and Hyrule answered, “There’s two types of magic, Dark magic and Light magic. For two worlds, two realms more like-Fairies and Hylian magic are light magic. The Rancher's form changing is dark magic, which is different.”

“So he couldn’t control anything with light magic, even if it was him controlling it. Interesting…” Four muttered, writing it down.

Hyrule coughed and spoke up again, looking back at Four, “Why do you ask?”

“Am just wondering is all,” Four answered, frown on their face. 

“Right.” Hyrule nodded and kept walking. 

Four wrote a little more in their book before they pocketed it in their pack and looked to the ground in thought.

-

They finally stopped at noon and Legend thought he might be close to dying again with how his body was acting.

“ Piss in my boots and shi- ” Legend was muttering under his breath as he sat down, legs and arms feeling as if they would fall off. He thought he would have been fine after a day of rest but apparently killing a dream god and fighting an evil shapeshifter was too much for it.

Wind snorted next to him, face pressed into the ground and bag next to him. He was tired out as he was. He turned his face to look at Legend as he muttered, “Thief.”

Legend shrugged as he rolled his shoulders, laying down on the ground spread eagle. He would have worried earlier about Time treating them like they were brittle with their breaks and stopping half way in the day-but he was too worn out and just wanted to rest for a moment to catch his breath. 

“No more than you,” Legend shot back, looking at Wind.

Wind shrugged, “I got a skill for being bilingual.”

Legend let out an open chuckle at that. He raised a hand up towards Wind, “We make a good duet.”

Wind smiled as he shook Legend’s hand a moment later.

“You can sing?” Hyrule was now asking, looking down at Legend with surprise.

Now Four was laughing from where they were standing, Green eyes crinkled up in an open smile. “He means cursing, Traveller.”

“Oh…” Hyrule replied, he looked down at Legend as he added, “You're good at that too.”

“ Pfft -thanks,” Legend replied.

“I’m afraid to know what you both have learned from each other,” Sky was muttering, rubbing his face.

Legend and Wind both gave a look to each other as they grinned wickedly. 

“What can I say,” Legend said with a knowing look at Sky, “When there’s not a responsible adult around we really let loose.”

Wind lifted his head up, eyes brightening with a challenge, “Do you think that the Champ would tell us all his if we joined forces?”

Legend sat up at this as he shouted to Wild who was talking to Twilight. “Hey, Champ! How many swears can yo-”

Legend was smacked as Sky dumped his very heavy pack on his chest and he coughed and glared at the cheeky Sky above him. He shoved off the pack as he rolled to a sit, “ -the hell? ”

“I’m not encouraging that behavior and as you so well put it, ‘responsible adults’ are here now.” Sky stated with a grin.

Legend glared at him.

“You're no fun,” Wind complained from the ground, having yet to move.

Looking towards the group huddled together, Time was speaking to Twilight and Wild as Warriors were standing there nodding to whatever was being said. His eyes dropped to Wild’s hip, where his sheikah slate rested and glowed. Legend looked at Wind again and asked, “Do you still have your pirate rock? The one Cook would talk to you in?”

Wind sat up, looking in his bag before he pulled out the blue stone, he just looked at it for a moment before looking at Legend and saying, “First off, called a gossip stone, and second, why?”

Legend shrugged, “If both Rancher and Cook are going out, it would be nice to know if they need help they can call to us.”

“Oh. Yeah, that’s-I forgot.” Wind stumbled, Legend didn’t blame him. They hadn’t needed it before, not unless they wanted a corrupted Wild hunting them even better or a corrupted Warriors trying to listen in to their plans.

(Or when they had needed it, it had been out of reach.)

Legend stood up, knee almost buckling under him, but he gritted his teeth and forced himself up and limped over to the adults. Warriors catching his eyes and giving him a confused look.

“Champ,” Legend called, interpreting whatever Twilight was saying as the teen looked over at him and tilted his head in a silent question. “The Kid still has his stone, if you need anything you say, alright.”

“I-yeah, yeah, we can do that.” Wild nodded, blue eyes flickering off into thought as he mumbled some things.

“It’ll work?” Twilight asked.

“It’s in the range, so it should.” Wild stated, “That’s why it didn’t before.”

“And another thing,” Legend said, making them look at him again, hinging on his every word. “Do you have any excess blue fabric? Or anything at all?”

“Oh-” Wild grappled for the slate and pulled it out, humming, he clicked some buttons and a bright blue fold of fabric fell to the grass. Wild picked up and handed it to him, saying “You can use all of this if you want. That's all I have.”

“I can color match some thread if you need,“ Warriors added.

“I’d appreciate that,” Legend said, “Thanks, Cook.”

Warriors gestured at him to his ac and Legend followed, letting the man find the closest match of blue he could get(not that he cared that much).

“Need your style, right?” Warriors said with a little grin.

“Something like that,” Legend muttered back, before giving thanks and going back to his pack and laying down Wind.

He sat, groaning slightly as his pain was relieved and he leaned back on his pack.

“Why do you need that?” Wind asked, looking at the fabric in Legend's hands. Legend rubbed his fingers over it, it was rouger then what he was used to, but clean and a nice weave.

“I lost my hat, remember?” Legend said, “I kinda want it back.”

Wind hummed, “I don’t know why you do, they look stupid.”

“Not on me,” Legend complained, “Besides, it’s comforting and I want something since my legs have decided not work anymore.”

Wind snorted.

He saw Wild and Twilight leave the clearing they had found. He searched in his pack until he found two needles and scissors. 

He knew the pattern he needed and it was easy to map and cut out. Wind watched with his hand prompt under his chin and eyes trace Legend’s hands. After he had some scraps, Legend threaded the two needles and bit off the thread left over.

Legend patted near him, “Come here, kid. I’m gonna teach you.”

Wind’s face wrinkled, “Why?”

Legend rolled his eyes, “You really think the Captain is going to med every tunic you ruin? Besides, you know stitches require sewing.”

Wind sighed but couldn’t argue as he crawled over to Legend side and mirrored Legend and followed the instructions. He was slow and messed up, but Legend knew that was everyone on their first try. 

(He didn’t try and rush or get out of it like he would’ve before. He kept trying and tried not to mess up, almost scared that he would. He soon relaxed once he got the rhythm.)

Four sat near them, writing away in his little book before his eyes would sometimes glance up at the others in the camp before ducking his head back down and writing more, he looked over a few times at Wind but didn’t say anything nor did Wind to him. It wasn’t good and Legend knew there would have to be a change but he knew he couldn’t push, too afraid one would break.

He knew something would break, but it couldn’t be his brothers. He was trying to figure out a way to mend it, mend them, but was stopped before his thoughts could go further. 

“Can I speak with you alone?” Time asked, standing above Legend.

Legend nodded and packed his fabric away and took Wind’s needle away (he didn't know how the kid would react yet to poking himself and he would rather be there with him for it). “We’ll practice another time, squirt.”

Wind made a face at that but still looked tense as Legend stood(the break doing much for Legend’s strength and pain in his legs, his limp wasn’t too big now) and walked after Time. When they reached the edge of the clearing, he looked back.

Wind looked after Legend, Four seemed to want to take the opportunity and started to move towards Wind, saying something, but the younger was already up and walking towards Warriors. Hands close to his chest and Four gazed at him as he left. Shoulder slumped and face defeated.

“We need to talk.” Time started and pulled Legend’s attention back towards him. 

“What about?” Legend asked. 

“This morning,” Time said, “It was clear there are… things that not everyone knows about. But it scares others and we can’t have that. Someone needs to know how to help.”

Legend frowned, “I am helping, I’ve been helping-”

“But you need it to,” Time argued before he sighed and rubbed his forehead, “That’s not what I meant, Vet. I mean the waking nightmares, I know more will happen, we’ve all experienced them, and if what you have said is all true, then more will come now. We need to be prepared.”

Legend breathed heavily, “I’m not telling everyone’s secrets or-or how they were hurt .”

“I’m not asking that-”

“Then what are you?” Legend pressed.

“I need to know, I can help.” Time said, “I need to know.”

Legend huffed, crossing his arms and narrowed his eyes. He didn’t like it. 

“I can’t lead anyone if I don’t know what the danger is to everyone or what hurts them. We need to help them and I need to know how to do that.” Time explained.

Legend closed his eyes, hands fisting and nails digging into his skin before he let out a long sigh before nodding, “Fine, fine.”

Time looked relieved, “Thank you.”

“Yeah, Yeah, where do you want to start?” Legend asked.

“The pup,” Time answered.

Legend nodded, “He was fast, right after you. I don’t know if he has anything he’d even remember. But-he was the reason the Rancher got infected. He bit him, Rancher might get scared by him if he isn’t too careful.”

Time nodded, “I’ll keep that in mind and watch them.”

It felt like some of the burden slipped off Legend’s shoulders, that it wasn’t just on him. That Time would help. He was here to help, not to hender.

“Captain was attacked by Wolfie, we all were.” Legend listened, feeling like he was giving away things he should be keeping close to his chest, should be hidden, but he knew this was the only way to help. 

“Traveller was infected with bugs, Chosen’s knee was taken out and over powered by all of you… we have all fought each other, Champion’s bombs might frighten Four or Chosen, uh, the Sailor… I’m still figuring it out, but no sudden movements. He said the shapeshifter took your form and the Captains to taunt him, I’d be careful about that too.”

Legend tapped his foot, trying to think, but there was so much, so much and it all hurt. What hurt the other more? What got to them but didn’t for him? He had to think, hylia damnit !

Time rested a hand on Legend’s shoulder, “This good, if you think of more or others confront you and tell you, tell me as well? We aren’t in this alone anymore.”

Legend nodded slowly, he swallowed, “Yeah, yeah.”

Was he meant to feel so guilty? He betrayed all of their trust, just stating what they went through without their say or knowledge. But they couldn't afford all the secrets, not when they could get hurt or it could split them apart.

(What about his secrets? How he left them all to die. Wind’s guilt or Four’s pain? Did it mean nothing? Not worth mentioning? Or was too much as it threatened to tear them apart.

Was he even meant to be here?

He survived, was he really meant to get past that state and further? Would it really matter if Hylia just threw him into another adventure?)

He pushed the thoughts away and walked back to his spot, eyes darting out to see where everyone was. Sky and Four were sitting together, discussing something and Warriors was talking softly to Wind who seemed to be curled up as tight as he could and stared blankly at the fire that had been set up. Legend hadn’t realized how dark it had begun to get. 

Legend walked over to Wind and kneeled down, trying to catch the kid’s eyes.

Warriors motions and Legend watches as he signs, ‘ Came to me, won’t speak, won’t move.’ He pointed to Wind then used two pointer fingers up to the sky and pulled towards himself and then pointed at his chest. Flat plan at his lip that tapped it twice with a frown and pulled his thumb and pointing and middle finger to meet. He did the former again after he pinched his fingers together facing down and moved them twice across his lap.

Legend nodded, and waved in Wind’s face, trying to see if he could get the glazed, blank look out of his eyes. Wind blinked and looked at Legend, taking only a moment to jolt and sit up. Warriors and Legend both stilled, Wind pulled Legend into a hug suddenly and Legend looked at Warriors with a confused face.

“Don’t leave me! Don’t be mad, I’m sorry-”  Wind mumbled into his tunic and Legend rubbed his back.

“I’m not mad, I’m here, okay? I’m not leaving you.” Legend said. “ No one is leaving you, okay?”

Wind just pressed his face further into Legend’s chest so he got himself more comfortable as he calmed Wind down. Warriors stayed near, eyes only flickering away when Wild and Twilight returned with game (Legend was relieved and some tension melted away. He didn’t like anyone being gone, but at least they also didn’t have to worry about starving).

Dinner was set up quickly, and by then, Wind was sitting on his own, looking embarrassed and Warriors were making light chatter as Hyrule came and sat by them. Hands fiddling with the grass.

Dinner was rice again, but with some chicken. Legend gratefully ate it and tried not to stare at Hyrule’s bowl which was too close and looked more full and plentiful. Wild and Twilight talked about anything they saw(he saw the wink Twilight gave him when they mentioned seeing a family of bunnies).

It was still a little too tense, but Legend felt too tired to really care much another, feeling the guilt still swirl heavy in his gut and almost make him not finish his meal. He scrapped it down and handed his bowl in, Wind at his side as they set up their packs for the night.

In the corner of his eye, he could see Four standing a few feet away. 

Four seemed to be deciding on something as he looked over the quiet camp getting ready for the night and Wind and Legend before him. He took a few breaths before he made a choice.

“Sailor,” Four called, Wind froze, back still facing away from him.

Legend watched quietly, from where he was sitting. Wind looked at him, eyes wide and lip bitten. Legend gave a small nod and Wind took a deep breath and turned to face Four. Hand tangled in his tunic and eyes downcast.

“I’m-I’m so sorry, I, I, I-” Wind babbled, voice wavering and uneven. Those still left in the clearing, left with their thoughts of what had accord, made no motion to look over but were definitely listening in. 

“Sailor.” Four settled a hand on Wind’s shoulder, making the boy shut his mouth with a snap. “I don’t blame you,” Four admitted.

Wind’s brow furrowed and he dared a glance up, “But I-”

“After I told you.” Four reminded, small grimace. “I won’t say it wasn’t hell to feel, but it was my choice.”

Wind was shaking his head, body trembling, “I thought I had ki-you weren’t moving and it was my fault— ”

“Kid.” Four started, then shook his head, “ Link . Listen to me.”

Wind held his breath as he looked at Four, Four gave a smile as he continued, “I made that decision, you trusted me, and so you did what I asked. It’s not your fault, alright? I know that, and now I need you to know that.”

Wind chewed on his lip, eyes misty as he gave a slow nod.

Four let a soft breath escape him as he smiled, pulling him into his arms. He whispered to him, “I’m here, okay? I’m here now, and it’s all over. No avoiding me anymore, alright?”

Wind said something back but Legend couldn’t hear it. Four glanced at Legend and gave a small gesture to join them. Legend hesitated for a moment, knowing it was a private moment but a needed one. (Wind needed the reassurance, he hadn’t gotten it before from Legend.)

Legend joined in, hugging the two boys as Wind gave a snort. Legend smiled, feeling as if things were getting better in some way.

“It’s not your fault either, you know?” Four told Legend.

Legend nodded, trying to believe it. But he couldn’t, because there was too much that had been his failure, so he nodded and let his brothers melt in his arms and feel like they were on the right track to recovery.