#ficfic writer | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

secretlysheikah · 4 years ago

Text

Watching Water

Look at me Gooooo! The next chapter ready to go! I’m chuffed, this was actually easy to write! I hope you all enjoy! As always I took inspiration from @jojo56830 and their lovely Linked Universe premise. Very cool I suggest you check them out.

Start here:

Twilight peeled his eyes open to the soft rays of the midmorning sunlight filtering through the window above his bed and groaned. He felt awful. His head throbbed a slow and steady beat against the back of his eyes and his body felt like lead. He pulled his blankets snug around his chin, as he felt a shiver run through him. A cough quickly followed and he grimaced as he felt it rumble through his frame. As far as mornings go it wasn’t the best way to start the day. He shut his eyes tightly and talked himself through the process of sitting up. It took a monumental effort to lift himself to a seated position and his whole body protested loudly at the motion. The room swam around him and he had to take a minute to steady himself, ignoring the temptation to lay back down.

This was fine, he was fine, he had to be. There were things that needed to be done and laying in bed simply wasn’t an option given the events of the previous day. Before he could submit to the call of his bed he swung his legs over the side with wobbly determination. A chill shot up his legs when his feet touched the cool floorboards and he wondered if the fire had gone out in the night. He could hear the light chatter of voices filtering up from the floor below followed by the soft clinks of plates and cutlery.

He couldn’t smell anything but it was possible that no one felt the will to cook anything. He couldn't blame the others, not with Wild being… He shook his head, pushing the thought away for now and marveled at how the world continued to bob and weave long after he stopped. That probably wasn’t a good sign. The whole atmosphere of the house felt wrong, even as full as his house was right now, it still felt empty and he knew who to blame. He stoked the anger in his soul, using it as fuel to spur himself up and out of bed.

Twilight felt another cough rumble out from his chest and he winced. He wasn’t sick, no, he was just waking up, that was all. He rubbed at his sore eyes and gave a stretch, pointedly ignoring the way his body threw up fresh protests to the movement. He ignored the cold that seeped into his bones and finally stood. The room swung dangerously and he steadied himself on the railing next to his bed and looked down. He could see Time, Legend and Hyrule sitting at the small table below. They were talking quietly as they picked at some dried fruit and cheese they had found in his pantry. He couldn’t see the others but he was sure they were somewhere.

He carefully shuffled to the ladder and made his slow way down to the bottom floor. His hands felt clumsy, and he worried he might lose his grip a few times but he managed with little incident. His feet made little noise as they touched the floorboards below and he held on to the rungs until he was sure he was steady enough to move again.

“Good morning pup, I hope you…” Time started and stopped when he got a look at him. Twilight blinked a few times and offered a slow wave as he made his careful way over to the fire to stoke up the flames. He was freezing and he was surprised that the others were handling the chill of the room so well.

“Uh, hey Twi, how are you feeling?” Hyrule called out tentatively and Twilight spared him a glance. He could see worry on his face and Twilight noticed how his fingers drummed on the table top. He raised an eyebrow and offered him a small smile.

“I’m alright, Rule, just a little cold.” He said simply masking another cough behind the dull thump of the log that he tossed onto the fire. Heat flared up from the fireplace and he sighed happily as he felt some of the chill recede from his fingertips.

“Are you sure? Because you look a little…” Hyrule said as his hands waved through the air aimlessly.

“You look like a ghost,” Legend said tactlessly as he stood and made his way from around the table towards him. Twilight eyed him warily but didn’t move away as Legend grabbed at his sleeve to steady him.

“I’m fine, just a little tired is all,” Twilight protested as Legend put the back of his hand against his forehead. He hissed and pulled away.

“Stop that, your hands are cold,” Twilight groused as he slapped Legend’s hand away. He couldn’t read the other man’s expression and he wasn’t about to try.

“You have a fever, go lay down,” Legend said sternly and Twilight rolled his eyes. He was sure the vet was overreacting, he was standing next to the fire, of course he would feel warm.

“I’m fine, you guys worry too much,” Twilight said as he slowly made his way over to the small bucket of water sitting on the counter. His throat did feel a little sore, but that surely was nothing, a little water would solve that. He felt himself sway and caught himself on the edge of the counter before he reached for a small cup that sat next to the bucket. He cleared his throat as he dipped it into the water and watched as ripples marred the still surface. A hazy memory from the night before, of crystal blue eyes looking out from a puddle floated to the forefront of his mind. It nagged at him, and he found he couldn’t look away from the rippling water.

“Pup, you need to go lay down,” Time said and Twilight could hear the legs of the chair scrape across the floor as Time began to stand.

“I told you I’m fine, we have… To plan...” Twilight said as he felt his breath leave him. His legs felt shaky all of a sudden, his hand quickly joined his legs and he had to sit his cup down for fear of dropping it. Had he imagined seeing Wild the other night in the water? Somehow he didn’t think so.

“That can wait, you are clearly unwell,” Time continued but his voice seemed far away. The room was too small, like he had grown to the size of a giant while also feeling absurdly small all at the same time. The juxtaposition of the two opposing sensations felt overwhelming and it was getting harder to breathe and his hands began to grow numb. He could sense the others getting to their feet but things felt slowed down and too fast. He blinked, then he was staring at the ceiling. The room was silent around him but he suspected that that wasn’t actually the case. He could feel the rumble of floorboards under his back, his back? He looked around and to his surprise he found that he could see the underside of the table and the now abandoned chairs. How did he get on the floor? Nothing was making any sense and his racing heart only added to his distress. He blinked some more and the sound finally came back to the room.

“I fucking told you!” Legend shouted (was he shouting?) as he knelt down next to him, as his cold hand came to rest against his forehead. Twilight tried to shake it off but the room spun wildly when he did and so he stopped. Why did it feel like he just got done running? He was pretty sure he was just standing not a moment ago but his heart was pounding against his ribcage and he was struggling to draw in breath.

“Are you alright pup?” Time asked from his other side and Twilight felt distinctly confused. He was still having a hard time making sense of everything that was happening.

“Why am I on the floor?” He asked stupidly, and even to his own ears it sounded slurred and slow.

“You just passed out you moron,” Legend said tersely as he stood and stepped over him. Passed out? But he was fine? Right? Twilight groaned and tried to sit up but a new pair of hands pressed him gently to the floor again. A low whine escaped him but he relented, instead opting to rest his hands against his aching head, covering his eyes. His palms blocked out the light stabbing into his eyes and he felt this heart beginning to slow once more.

“Hey, move your hands, I want to check the back of your head. You hit the floor pretty hard just now,” The soft voice of Hyrule commanded him and Twilight relented allowing him to turn his head to the side. Gentle fingers prodded at the back of his head and he sucked in a breath as Hyrule found a particularly tender spot. Maybe that’s why his head hurt so badly?

“Okay, it’s not too bad, let me just,” Hyrule said slowly and Twilight could feel a warm tingling flutter across the back of his skull making the world blur at the corners. It helped somewhat with the pain but he could still feel the dull ache behind his eyes.

“Alright, that should be better,” Hyrule announced and Twilight gave him a noncommittal grunt.

“Can we move him?” He heard Time’s concerned voice rumble out above him as his hand came to rest against his head.

“Well we can’t leave him on the damn floor. Where the fuck are your rags Twi?” Legend snapped out from somewhere towards his feet, followed by the clunk of a cabinet shutting. He felt Time gently run his fingers through his hair and he leaned into subconsciously.

“They’re u-uh, w-wait, I can get them,” Twilight stammered, as his sluggish brain had trouble recalling where exactly they could be without actually going to get them himself.

“Forget it, I’ll get some from my pack, get him to bed,” Legend said dismissively as another cabinet door clicked shut and the sound of his footsteps stalked away from the small kitchen. Twilight huffed in annoyance. Great now Legend was mad at him.

“Alright pup, slow and steady,” Time said calmly as he and Hyrule grabbed at his arms and began to lift him to his feet. Twilight felt the room spin with the movement and he felt Time and Hyrule support his back. Seeing as his bed was up a set of ladders, they slowly made their way to the couch against the underside of the loft instead and sat him down gently. Twilight felt himself sag into the soft cushions and before he realized it he was laying down with several blankets on top of him. He still felt the chill of the room in his bones and he pulled the blankets tighter around his shoulders.

“Are you comfortable?” Hyrule asked and Twilight managed a small nod. He was so tired, and sore and even the act of keeping his eyes open was a challenge. He fought sleep, though, it didn’t feel right to rest just yet, they had to work on getting the others back. The memory of the puddle still hung in the forefront of his mind and he felt the urge to tell the others building in his chest.

“I’m fine, just need to rest a bit then we can figure out our plan to get Sky and Wild back,” Twilight said through slightly chattering teeth.

“I think the water is the key,” Twilight forced out between coughs and Hyrule shot a worried glance towards Time. Twilight hated that look, like they thought he was a invalid even though he was fine. They had things to do, plans to make, they didn’t have time for this. The water, he had to tell them.

“Pup, you need to rest, we will figure out a plan, but for now you need to rest,” Time said softly taking up the spot next to Hyrule. Twilight snorted and felt a cough force itself out between his teeth. Hyrule gave him a sad smile and reached out towards Twilight’s forehead, humming as he judged his fever.

“Please Time, they don’t time for us to wait around, the water...” Twilight pleaded weakly but he could tell he wasn’t getting anywhere. Time had a hard look in his eye that brooked no argument but he still tried anyway. They needed to know, they had to listen to him. He opened his mouth to continue but was cut off by his mentor.

“Hyrule, can you give us a moment please?” Time said softly and Hyrule nodded before stepping away.

“I’ll help Legend find some rags, your fever is high Twilight, get some rest, please.” Hyrule said over his shoulder before he walked away. Twilight ignored the comment and turned his attention to Time once again.

“Please,” Twilight began again but was stopped when Time shushed him.

“Twilight, listen to me, you are in no condition to worry about this. You nearly drowned yesterday and you are clearly ill and not making sense,” Twilight opened his mouth to protest but was stopped by a stern glare.

“Stop, I can see it in your eyes, this is not your burden to bear alone and I will not allow you to run yourself into the ground yet again,” Time said and Twilight could hear a thread of anger lacing his words. He looked away from his mentor, a flash of shame making his cheeks heat up.

“You can’t make me do anything,” Twilight said stubbornly as he squinted back at Time who offered his own stern stare back.

“Pup, that’s enough. You’re hurting yourself. Think of Sky and Wild. You are no good to them if you can’t even think straight,” Time pressed and this time he rested a heavy hand against the blankets. Twilight felt his heart give a painful throb at his words. How could he rest knowing the others were in danger? What if Wild was being tortured? What if Sky was doing… He swallowed hard, he couldn’t think that way.

“You are ill, if you won't do it for yourself, then think of the others. You need to get your rest so you can help.” Time said, his voice lowering to a whisper as he leaned his forehead against Twilight’s. Twilight felt his eyes close and he choked back a harsh frustrated sob. Why wouldn’t Time just listen to him? Why did he feel so damn weak? He was supposed to be a hero for Goddess’s sake but here he was laying down when others were in danger.

They stayed like that for a while, Twilight forcing back frustrated tears that burned his throat, and Time just resting his forehead against his while occasionally running a hand through Twilight’s hair. Despite his frustration he found it soothing and before he knew it his body felt relaxed and his eyes were staying closed for longer periods of time. His thoughts became well and truly muddled and after a while he couldn’t piece together anything even resembling coherent. He wasn’t sure when Time had left his side, or when a cool cloth had been laid across his forehead, but he was too tired to care anymore. He let his eyes fall closed as he felt the room continue the sway around him, and he let the soft motion rock him to sleep.

*******

Everything was a shade of gray, washed out and dull. Twilight sat on the same log as he did the night before and watched the puddle at his feet. Faint music cut in and out around him but his eyes never left the water. It was important that he watch, and wait. So wait he did. The wind tousled his hair and leaves landed in the water making the mirror smooth surface ripple.

He leaned down and plucked the leaves from the pool, determined to keep the water clear. More leaves continued to fall and obscure the surface and he quickly became frantic as he tried to keep the leaves from blocking his view. He had to see, he had to wait. More leaves fell.

He knelt next to the water, no longer a puddle but a lake covered with leaves. He scooped them out by the hand full heedless of the constant ripples that were quickly turning to waves. A brilliant flash of blue eyes appeared in the depths of the sea and he shot a hand down into the water, reaching, questing. His hands felt nothing but the soft shifting sand below and he burrowed his hands deep into the sediment.

Soon he was up to his armpits into the water, face inches away from the dark liquid. The blue eyes continued to stare at him. Wild’s face came into focus and Twilight watched as he mouthed words to him that he couldn’t understand.

“Hold on, cub!” He cried out as he dug his hands deeper feeling his fingertips grow cold as they scraped their way deeper into the waterlogged soil. Water tickled at the tip of his nose, Wild’s eyes looked desperate. Just a little more, he had to dig a little deeper.

“Who are you looking for?” A voice called out from behind him but he didn’t stop his single minded determination to pull Wild from the water.

“He’s in the water! I just need to get to him!” Twilight said desperately, hands still fumbling in the cold sand.

“Who is in the water?” The voice asked quietly and Twilight spared a glance from his task, seeing a dark silhouette standing on the far off shore. Waves lapped at their feet, a sparkle of green eyes broke the shades of gray. The green eyes met his own and he stopped his endless digging.

“Wild, I can see his eyes, he’s in the water, we have to get him out!” He shouted to the figure. They tilted their head but said nothing more before they faded away into the misty gray. He turned his attention back to the water and saw blue. He kept digging. The water rose around him and soon his face was under the water, bubbles billowing out from his nose as he dug.

Blue eyes with gold hair, just below him. His heart raced and he needed air. He went to kick off from the watery bed below but felt a hand grab at his wrist. He looked down but instead of blue he saw red. More bubbles exploded out from his mouth and he tried to wrench away.

“You want to see them so badly, then why won’t you join them?” Dark’s voice rang out from below him and his heart raced in fear. He struggled as his arm was pulled into the sand. He threw a desperate hand towards the distant surface of the sea and longed for air. He sank further into the sand and he drew in a breath of water no longer able to hold his breath.

Twilight’s eyes shot open as he coughed and gasped for air. His chest burned as he coughed harder and gagged feeling weighed down. He worked a hand free from the weight and clawed at his collar trying to get the pressure away from his throat. Hands grabbed at his own and he fought weakly against them.

“Calm down, let me help,” Someone said quickly as nimble fingers undid the buttons around his collar. Twilight let himself fall back against the pillows at his back as he worked through his coughing fit. His head throbbed painfully and he weakly pulled against the fabric at his throat even as the pressure receded. He drew in deep greedy breaths and shut his eyes against the faint light. He was shaking but he wasn’t sure if that was due to his fit or the nightmare.

“That’s right, just breathe,”

Twilight nodded slightly and just focused on drawing in more air. It was hard, his lungs felt weighed down and sluggish. His throat felt hot and raw and he swallowed against the burn with a grimace.

“Do you need some water? You were muttering about it for the past few hours,”

Twilight cracked an eye open and looked at Hyrule hovering at the side of the couch. His green eyes shone with worry and he held a cup in his hands. Twilight felt his stomach churn at the mention of water and he shook his head.

“Please? You need to drink something,” He pleaded and Twilight squinted his eyes shut and continued to shake his head.

“No water, I don’t want it,” He rasped even as his throat burned with a vengeance.

“Don’t be dafted, you’re getting dehydrated,” Hyrule said and he felt the cup being pressed to his lips. He turned his head to the side and flung out a hand knocking the cup away. He heard it clatter to the ground. There was a curse as someone stood quickly from the side of the couch followed by a larger splash of water.

“Damn it! Really?” Twilight opened his eyes and looked over to Legend as he stood next to the couch a wet splotch on his pants and a sour look on his face. He held a steaming cup in his hands and a tipped over bucket was at his feet. The floorboards looked dark with the water that had been tipped onto the floor, the cup he had knocked away a few inches away. Hyrule stood in the water head down and fingers pinching the bridge of his nose.

“It’s alright, we can go get more when Time comes back.” He said calmly and Twilight felt a pang of guilt.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean… I can,” Twilight said as he struggled to sit up more.

“No don’t get up, just…” Hyrule said as he made his way back over to Twilight, his boots leaving wet footprints on the dry sections of floor before he bent down and scooped up the discarded cup.

“Hyrule is right, just lay down Twi, we’ll clean this up in a minute. But you need to drink something,” Legend said as he sat back down on the edge of the couch and held out the steaming cup to him. Twilight eyed it blearily, the pale green liquid steamed innocently below his nose.

“What is it?” He asked after a beat, noticing the slight tremor in the vet’s hand.

“It’s tea,” Legend said slowly, the cup still held out to him. Twilight leveled a glare at him.

“What kind of tea? Who made it?” He asked, still not making a move to take it from Legend’s hand. The vet pursed his lips but didn’t pull his offering away.

“What is this? Twenty questions?” Legend deflected and Twilight said nothing as he continued to stare into Legend’s reddish brown eyes. Legend shuffled uncomfortably but still stubbornly held out the cup.

“It’s an herbal tea with some honey to help with your throat,” He said quietly, ignoring the second question entirely. Legend’s eyes darted to Hyrule for a moment, nervousness evident in the glance.

“Honey huh? Is that what you added to Wild’s tea?” Twilight asked casually and watched as Legend’s posture stiffened slightly and he visibly swallowed.

“Please, not here Twi,” Legend whispered as he motioned for him to take the cup. Twilight shot his own look to Hyrule who looked confused as he looked between the two. He still didn’t take the cup from Legend’s hand.

“What will it do?” He asked after another tense moment and Legend sighed and finally pulled the cup away.

“It will help with your throat for one, and seeing as you were having some sort of nightmare it should also help keep the dreams away for a while, at least,” he said slowly as he tapped the side of the cup and stared into the swirling liquid.

“I take it when I don’t want to dream and it helps,” Legend said quietly, like he was admitting a terrible secret. Twilight considered the cup thoughtfully. But the memory of that night so long ago (had it really been just a week?) still simmered away in his mind.

“No sleeping potion?” He asked in the barest of whispers and this time he saw Legend flinch slightly.

“No,” He muttered between his teeth “I didn’t think you needed it.” Twilight forced the small flame of anger down and hummed softly as he considered, Legend was clearly trying to help, and he clearly meant no harm. The promise of a dreamless sleep was tantalizing and his tired mind craved peace even as another part of him felt awful for even considering going back to sleep. His hand reached out and plucked the cup out of Legend’s hands before he realized what he was doing.

“No dreams?” He asked as he lifted the cup to his nose and sniffed. It smelled pleasantly earthy and slightly sweet. His heart twisted at the thought, like he was somehow betraying Wild by even accepting the cup.

“None,” Legend confirmed as he stood and grabbed the bucket off the ground, keeping his eyes averted from Twilight’s. He nodded and before he even realized he had done it, he drank the lukewarm tea down before he could talk himself out of the promise of peace the tea offered. He was weak. It warmed and soothed his aching throat and tingled as it hit his empty stomach.

When it was finally gone Twilight let himself fall back onto the pillows enjoying the feeling of warmth that creeped into his cold bones. He held the cup out and someone, Hyrule maybe, took it from him. He was tired and sore and all he wanted was to be left alone with his growing feeling of guilt. He turned over so his back faced the room and pulled the blankets around his chin. He could hear the faint sounds of shuffling and fabric shifting but didn’t make a move to look round.

“Time will be back soon and then we will go and fetch more water,” Hyrule said softly as his hands rubbed soothing circles onto his back for a moment. Twilight couldn’t bring himself to answer. His silence seemed to be enough and he heard the pair move away. He stared at the back of the couch as his eyelids slid closed and the room continued to tilt and shift around him. Somehow drinking the tea, choosing dreamless nothing, felt like he was turning his back on trying to find a way to get Sky and Wild back them. Hot tears worked themselves out of his eyes and with a watery sigh, he let himself fall into pleasant nothing.

***********

Hyrule stared at Legend’s back as he placed the empty bucket on the counter top and moved to grab some of the rags that they had found. He wasn’t sure what Twilight was talking about when he was asking about the tea Legend had made but it was clear that it meant something to him. The room felt stuffy and close, and tension made his heart flutter.

Legend moved wordlessly to the puddle of water on the floor and began to mop it up, studiously ignoring Hyrule’s questioning glances. He chose to let the conversation die for now and looked back over to Twilight as he slept peacefully. He could tell by the rise and fall of the blankets that he was still shivering despite the closeness of the room.

Legend stood as the last of the water was dried from the ground, and walked over to the dying fire to hang the rags up to dry before stoking the flagging flames. Hyrule really wished he wouldn’t, it was already too hot in the room. But he did nothing to stop Legend as he threw another log on the fire. The silence was quickly becoming uncomfortable and he could feel his fingers twitch in agitation. He let out a small cough, drawing Legend’s eyes to him.

“Your pants are wet,” He commented lamely, not knowing what to say to try to dispel the tension. Legend glanced down at his pant leg where the cup of water had splashed him when Twilight knocked the cup out of his hand. Legend continued to stare at his soaked pant leg and shrugged.

“It’s not too bad, I’m sorry I knocked over the bucket,” He said as he rubbed the back of his neck. He seemed to be struggling for just what to say as well.

“It’s okay, we just need to go get more water that’s all,” The pair stood in silence once more, both fidgeting and not knowing what to say next. Hyrule coughed again and shuffled his feet and Legend hummed tunelessly. The silence grew oppressive again.

“How much did you hear?” Legend asked after an age of awkward shuffling. Hyrule wasn’t sure how to respond. He had heard just about all of it even though he had tried his best not to.

“I heard enough of it to have questions,” He said quietly and Legend let out a loud groan and tipped his head back to stare at the ceiling.

“Fucking brilliant,” He groaned and suddenly Hyrule couldn’t catch his gaze no matter how hard he tried. He had gathered that Legend had made tea for Wild at some point, and apparently had done something to it but he couldn’t recall when that would have been. There were gaps in his memory and he didn’t remember Legend ever giving Wild anything. He was about to start asking questions when Time quietly opened the front door and made his way inside. Legend seemed grateful for the distraction and quickly turned his attention to the older man.

“How is he doing?” Time asked as he made his way over to the couch and sat down making sure not to disturb Twilight’s rest.

“He’s still got a fever, but he woke up for a little bit,” Legend said as he too walked over to the couch and leaned against the wall. Hyrule marveled at how quickly he changed gears, smoothly hiding the tension from not moments before and shifting into an air of calm nonchalance. Time nodded and rested a hand on Twilight’s back a small worried smile on his face before looking at the damp floorboards with a raised eyebrow.

“I knocked over the bucket by accident,” Legend said with a shrug, “Rule and I were waiting for you to get back so we could go fetch some more.” Time nodded tiredly but didn’t comment on it.

“The others found a small village, they went to grab some supplies so they might be a little while,” he said as he gently smoothed Twilight’s hair.

“Has he had anything to drink?” Time asked without looking up. At that Legend shuffled slightly and Hyrule quickly jumped in to answer.

“Yes, it was a bit of a hassle but we got him to drink a little something,” He said as he shot a glance at Legend. He was looking at the floor, still refusing to meet his gaze. Time hummed in acknowledgement and pulled out an old, worn looking ocarina from his side pouch. It was rare to see him play anything. He only ever seemed to play when one of them was hurt or injured and even then it was usually the same song each time. Hyrule wasn’t sure what it was, but it was lovely and soothing and always made him feel better when he heard it. It proved just how worried he must be about Twilight if he was going to play the little instrument again after he had spent the entire morning playing.

Twilight was rarely ill and even then he never complained, never took the time to rest only claiming that he had ‘things that needed doing’. Everyone would always make sure to take things easy for a couple days of course, and sometimes they would make him go to bed early but that was always a struggle. So Hyrule could understand Time’s worry seeing how frail and small Twilight looked under all the blankets. This was his way of soothing Twilight as well as himself. Doing something even though there wasn’t much he could actually do.

“Will you be alright if we went to go get some water?” Hyrule asked, suddenly wanting nothing more than to be out of the house. He couldn’t bear to look at Twilight’s shivering form anymore.

“Of course, just be careful. I didn’t see any monsters on the way back from the spring but that doesn’t mean much,” He said softly as he brought the ocarina to his lips and began to play softly. Hyrule nodded quickly and practically ran over to the bucket and scooped it up. Legend pulled himself away from the wall almost reluctantly and joined him as he hurried out the door and down the ladder.

The fresh air filled his lungs and replaced the stifling heat that had been swirling in his lungs. Legend lagged behind and Hyrule had to force his steps to slow so he wouldn’t lose his mentor. They continued to walk in silence for a little. Legend a dark and glowering presence to his energetic nervous one.

“Go on, ask your questions. I can tell you’re dying to know,” He said, breaking the silence with a defeated finality. Hyrule hugged the bucket closer to himself as he thought about which question he wanted to start with first.

“When did you make tea for Wild? I can’t remember you ever giving him any recently,” Hyrule started after a moment of thought.

“You wouldn’t remember, it was after the incident at the tower. You were out cold at the time,” Legend said mechanically, eyes firmly on the road ahead. Hyrule was about to ask another question but was cut off when Legend continued.

“Twilight and I had brought Wild back to the camp and... Goddess I didn’t want you to find out this way. In fact I was planning on not telling you or anyone about it at all,“ Legend said suddenly twitchy and now actively looking anywhere else but Hyrule.

“Legend, what happened?” He asked quietly. Legend took in a shaky breath, stumbling slightly as they rounded the corner into the spring proper. They paused halfway to the water’s edge, Hyrule still held onto the bucket like a life line as he waited for Legend to continue.

“Wild was dead set on getting out of there. He was convinced of another attack. He looked at us like we were about to kill him.” Legend forced out between his teeth and he didn’t like how his eyes seemed dull and lifeless. His hands clenched his tunic as he worked through his emotions.

“I was terrified Rule, I had promised something I shouldn’t have. I told him that we would leave even though I knew we wouldn’t,” Hryule could see tears in the corners of his eyes but he felt suddenly mute.

“I lied to him, Rule. I thought maybe when he was given some time to rest and know he was safe he would sleep and rest. Then I saw his eyes, I saw how he watched all of us and how he flinched when Sky, Sky of all people was sitting next to him and I just knew.” Legend was breathing heavily, tears beginning to streak down his face. Hyrule felt frozen unable to move and not knowing what to do. This had been clearly eating away at him for some time and the thought that he was planning on never telling another soul pained him. Hyrule wondered if keeping this to himself was his form of atonement.

“So I made a choice,” He gasped.

“I did something that I knew would earn me his distrust, I mean how much worse could it be? Wild already seemed to distrust us as it was,” Legend said as he swallowed hard and forced himself to breathe.

“Oh Legend, what did you do?” Hyrule asked so quietly he wasn’t even sure if he had spoken. Things were starting to click together and it made his heart hurt.

“I made him some tea, the same kind I normally make for myself when I know I can’t sleep for fear of nightmares and dreams. Except I added an extra ingredient.” He whispered eyes staring at the sand below them. Hyrule felt his heart stutter.

“I put just a splash of a sleeping potion in. Not a lot, just enough to tip him over into sleep. He was hurt and clearly exhausted so I knew it wouldn’t take much.” He hiccupped and wiped at his eyes.

“Legend,”

“I knew it was wrong, I knew but I did it anyway. I felt dead inside after he drank it and the look he gave me. Goddesses above the betrayal, Hyrule. I knew, I just knew. I convinced myself that it had to be done. Then Twilight, he found out and confirmed it and I don’t know how I had enough strength to help put Wild to bed after that.” Legend threw his head back suddenly and let out a pained yell into the air before he squatted down and buried his head into his hands.

“Tell me I'm a terrible person Rule! I earned it! I am worse than scum just say it! I’m no hero, I’m a fucking coward! Just say it, please, just get it over with,” Legend begged, head still in his hands as he shuddered.

Hyrule wasn’t sure when he had dropped the bucket. He didn’t know when he had wrapped up Legend in the tightest hug he could. Legend was shaking and Hyrule wasn’t sure if it was from crying or just the aftermath of telling him his secret. Hyrule shushed him and rubbed his back gently as the older hero quietly raged against him.

It all made sense now, Legend’s guilty almost manic behavior, Wild’s angry glances that he gave Legend for days, Twilight’s questions and suspicious glares when he was offered the tea. Hyrule squeezed him tighter and Legend squirmed slightly like he was trying to push him away.

“You’re not scum Legend. You made a mistake sure but it doesn’t make you scum, and it doesn’t make you a terrible person,” He felt Legend freeze in his arms.

“How can you say that? Did you even listen to what I said?” He asked shakily and Hyrule closed his eyes as he buried his head in Legend’s shoulder.

“I heard you, and I know how you feel. But I’m here to say that you are not a terrible person. You were scared, and worried and you didn’t see another way. I won’t hold that against you, it was just a mistake,” Hyrule said firmly.

“I don’t think I even said sorry, only that I would make it up to him. Now he’s gone Rule, he’s gone and I did nothing. I couldn’t do anything except watch.” He said softly as his arms finally came around and returned the hug. Hyrule felt tears sting at his own eyes as he remembered the previous day. He took in a breath and steeled himself.

“We will get them back,”

“I know,”

“Do you?” Hyrule asked and Legend paused before he answered.

“I don’t know,” He said after a moment. “I don’t have a lot of hope...” Legend admitted quietly and that had a tear run down his cheek at the words Legend hadn’t said. He didn’t have hope that they would ever see Wild alive again. Hyrule swallowed hard against the sudden lump in his throat.

“Well then I’ll just have to have hope for the both of us,” Hyrule said gently as he pulled away from the hug and looked into Legend’s red puffy eyes. Hyrule offered him a smile which to his surprise was returned, even if it was a bit wonky.

“Thank you Rule, I don’t deserve you,” He said and Hyrule let out a small laugh.

“You deserve love and understanding Legend, more than you let yourself have,” He said softly and Legend nodded slowly. He wasn’t sure if Legend was accepting that fact, or if he was just nodding to appease him but he let it go for now.

“Now, I think it’s time we get that water and go back to the house,” He said as he stood and grabbed the bucket. Legend stood as well and followed him to the shallow water. As carefully as he could Hyrule dipped the bucket in, trying to keep the sand and sediment out of the bucket as he did so.

“Wild!?!” Legend shouted suddenly causing Hyrule to finch and drop the bucket. His head snapped to Legend and followed his eye line to the small waterfalls at the other side of the spring. He felt his mouth drop open as he saw someone silhouetted against the water. Legend rushed into the spring Hyrule following hot on his heels. Water splashed out from their running feet as they moved through the water and over the slippery rocks.

Getting closer he could see Wild looking back at them but something was off. It was like he was rippling, his form wavering in the water. When they got close enough they stopped and stared. Wild stared back at them, his mouth hanging open, eyes wide before he lifted his arms and waved at them. Hyrule’s mind couldn’t wrap itself around what he was seeing, it was Wild yes, but just a reflection like the water was some sort of odd window. Before they could ask a question or even get closer, they saw Wild look behind himself and disappear.

“By the Goddess, did you just?” Hyrule started to ask.

“You saw him too right?” Legend asked at the same time and they both looked over at each other. A quiet communication passing between them as they confirmed that they both had seen the same thing. Without another word Legend turned on his heel and began to slosh back towards shore, stumbling slightly on the rocks as he went and Hyrule made to follow.

“No! Stay here in case he comes back! I’ll get the others! Just stay here!” He yelled over his shoulder as he hit the shore and ran off towards the tree house. Hyrule watched him go, as he left him and the bucket behind.

#linked universe #linked universe fanfic #twilight linked universe #hyrule linked universe #legend linked universe #sick and tired #sickfic #loz #the sheikah writes #tower troubles #hide and seek #the linked universe #my fanfic writing #ficfic writer

39 notes · View notes