#not familiar enough with vio and shadow

[breannasfluff]

Cling with a Vio+Shadow reunion? (Or Twi+Wild reunion if you'd rather)

[CLING ]:     sender wraps their arms tightly around the receiver, clinging on to them throughout the embrace.

The smell in Wolfie’s nose is familiar. It’s also out of place. It’s the crisp mountain air, the rich loam of the forest. The faintest hint of burnt skin he shouldn’t be able to smell. Wild. 

But Wild shouldn’t be here. The journey ended and the heroes went home. There’s no possible way the champion’s scent should lead a trail through Ordon Woods.

Hope and fear war in his chest, matched by the pounding of his heart and paws. It can’t be, it can’t be, it can’t–

It can.

Wolfie bursts from the bushes and there’s Wild, hair flaring as he spins to the noise. A smile breaks across his face, heartbreakingly familiar.

The wolf transforms into a hylian with the faintest nudge of the crystal.

“Twilight!” Wild runs for him and Twilight is running as well, catching him in his arms. “I’ve missed you!”

“I’ve missed you, too,” he half-sobs, clinging to the champion. If he holds on tight enough, this won’t be a dream. Wild won’t be sucked away by another portal. He won’t be alone again.

Already, the champion is wiggling, but Twilight doesn’t let him go. He holds him tight breathing in the familiar scent of his friend and accepting that yes, this is true.

They have each other.

[bepisbee]

Take me back to eden

based on this post https://www.tumblr.com/c-is-for-circinate/731826400486653952?source=share

“The eyes are the window to the soul, they say. An important part of you. Part of you we brought back haha,” He cupped Shadow’s cheeks in his hands “I am so glad you are here.” Shadow was overwhelmed at the moment in conflicting emotions. “Welcome back.”

Read on Ao3

He was suddenly and painfully, very painfully, aware. Everything was wrong. His body felt too big, he couldn’t get enough air. There were black spots covering the majority of his vision. Shadow's body gasped air into his lungs, retching him upright with the force. Too many things slammed into him at once, his head felt detached from his body and dizzy. If he could see the room would be spinning wildly. Shadow could hear voices but not make out what was being said. Gulping in air fast, then slowly ebbing out to normalcy. It quenched the ache in his chest. The burning sensation faded. Someone was gripping his left hand tightly. Something hard and cold was under him. Stone? As he blinked the black blurred into shapes. Tunnel vision faded as his body finally calmed down. He still felt too big at the moment.

“Can you hear me?” A familiar voice was in his ear, soft and concerned. More mature than he last remembered. Was it possible?? Shadow looked over and met his eyes at last. Unique ice blue as sharp as glass filled his vision. Until it got blurry with tears. There would never be any mistake whose eyes those were. His heart thumped loud in his ears as blood rushed back into his system. Something in the eye contact was beginning to bring up a fight or flight response.

Shadow had a feeling it wasn’t to do with his sudden consciousness.

Vio sat next to him on a hard cold stone floor. Hand interlaced with Shadow’s clawed fingers. Shadow nodded at him yes to the question. Vio being the first sight since he’d died, it made him breathless. It was almost enough to shake off the strange chill that ran up his spine when he met his gaze. Something putting goosebumps and hairs on end in an unfamiliar way. At least the feeling of running from immediate danger had gone away.

“Hey.” Shadow’s voice was rough and dry. His lips stuck a little when he opened them to speak. A shorter version of Vio, wearing a red cat shirt, handed over a glass potion bottle. He took it gratefully. After chugging the refreshing liquid magic he finally realized who was all around him, his senses coming back but by bit. Kneeling down was Red, who gave him the potion. Green, a little ways back standing up. Blue halfway between, watching. He couldn’t read their expressions from here. Vio. His beautiful Vio. His dry lips split as he smiled to his eyes. Shining bright and pretty as ever. Vio melted.

“The eyes are the window to the soul, they say. An important part of  you. Part of you we brought back haha,” He cupped Shadow’s cheeks in his hands “I am so glad you are here.”

Shadow was overwhelmed at the moment in conflicting emotions.

“Welcome back.”

Shadow was now sitting on a large old jean blue couch. Its cushions restuffed (overstuffed) to pure comfort. The small home was new to him of course. As was everything inside it. It had been a few days since he woke up and things had been a roller coaster. After some serious private conversation with Vio, they had decided on a trial relationship. There were many things to air out between them and trust to rebridge. Shadow tucked himself up, knees underneath like a cat loaf. He was wearing Vio’s ratty black hoodie. He had said it was a five “ex el” so it was ginormous on them both. Shadow had a lot to learn about the world. It had been interesting enough when he barely saw it but now that he had the time? Technology amazed him, as limited as they had right now.

Vio had explained they owned a cottage in Faron Woods. Well he did anyways. The others lived in Hyrule City, where they could walk to work at the castle. They had rebuilt and recovered quite well. Shadow hummed in thought, looking down at the bowl of stew in his hands. It has been ten years so it wasn't surprising life was normal again. Vio claimed to be a potion curator. Creator, herbalist, and magic influencer. He seemed hesitant to talk in detail about it.

Steam rose up from the bowl. Shadow needed to get used to this whole eating thing. The others were currently working on projects, (Blue and Green), cooking, (Red, who had woken him for this delicious smelling meal) or somewhere. He wasn't actually sure where Vio was at the moment.

He had been getting a nagging feeling they weren’t telling him something. Everyone on the surface was smiling, laughing, talking, and teaching. There was something in it though. Smiles that didn’t quite reach their eyes, nervous glances at each other when they don't think he’s looking. Not to mention how cold he felt down his spine when making eye contact with Vio. Shadow had been doing his best to put it aside. How would he even ask something like that without making it sound bad?

“ -ot feeling stew or too hot?” Shadow jumped, startled at Vio’s sudden voice. Speak of the devil.

“Ha sorry.” He laughed it off. He genuinely was happy to see him. “Just thinking about you actually,“ he put the bowl down on the coffee table in the middle and patted the seat next to him. Vio sat, one long graceful leg over the other. A strange chill filled the air again.

“What've you been up to? I couldn’t find ya.” Shadow leaned against him barely. Vio leaned back. They were still learning each other's boundaries and touch starvation made things complicated on both ends.

Shadow’s skin felt warm and tingly where they made contact.

“I’m sorry, I got lost in some research. You know me and books.” He nervously tucked some hair behind his pointed ear. A habit he had picked up a while ago.

“Down in your super secret locked basement of doom?” Shadow teased. It had 5 deadbolts and a magic seal. His memory of waking up was hazy enough he knew it was downstairs, but not much else about it.

“There’s dangerous equipment and ingredients. Red spilled something once and burned a hole in the floor.” Vio smiled fondly. “I’ll spend all of tomorrow with you, to make up for it.” the blonde hesitated a little before running a hand through his purple locks. “How about a little bath? I have these soap things that we call bath bombs.”

“Bath bombs??” Shadow perked up. He liked explosives.

“You put them in water and they… well you’ll see it.” Vio chuckled at his excitement. “They are surprisingly easy to make…” he began talking about how to make the soaps, scents, and compress it. Shadow sort of listened. The longer he sat close to Vio the more he noticed the slightly off smell. Not bad or stinky necessarily, just different. Usually it was his lavender soap, maybe some incense. Today it was different. It reminded him of the dark world portals he used to plague the world with. Strange herbs and weird fire. Shadow mentally shook it out of his head. There was no way. He must just be thinking about the past too much.

Shadow helped clean up some dishes, much to his grumbling. Red claimed it was to help him get better with helping people. While he was washing, hands all full of soap he had an idea. He grinned and slowly snuck up behind the red hero bubbles a plenty. Just as he was about to prank he noticed: the distant look. Red’s eyes were flat, plain, no light. Just staring off creepily. An offset frown on his face. It was the first he had ever seen a frown on Red, even during their adventure. Shadow paused for too long getting his attention.

“O-oh! Sorry! Did you need something?” Red went back to his cheery self but it was empty. Shadow shook his head and went back to the sink. That really weirded him out.

“I'm going to go to bed soon, I think Vio said for you to meet him in the bath when you were done? G'night shadow! ~’

“Alright!” He called back to his retreating form. “Erm- thanks!” Shadow remembered. They had tried to teach him about politeness. Whatever was going on with them he did not want to rock the boat.

Shadow kept replaying the odd scenarios over and over. He finished setting all the dishes on a drying rack and let the water go down the drain. “Fuck. I’m sure it’s just me…” shadow took a deep breath and headed over down the hall. It started smelling very strong like soap and herbs.

He gently opened the bathroom door. No he did not open the wrong door first and blush about it, thank you very much.

Vio was waiting for him, reading while sitting on a counter. “Ah! Hey,” he put it away. “Good timing.” The bath was luxurious! A giant tub that you feel the warm water of making the room humid. He handed Shadow a small chalky ball that was purple and dried but with something inside. Flower petals?? 

“Hey,” Shadow looked it over and was about to lick it.

“Do not!” Vio laughed. “You put it into the water.”

“I know!” Shadow flushed. He did not know. He stepped over and put it in. It seemed to spark to life. The tiny ball started fizzing and rolling around in the hot tub water. “Woaaah!” It started to turn it into a deep purple color that sparkled. The tiny petals floating at the top. It smelled of lilac and honey.

Vio put a hand on his shoulder. “If you step in, I’ll wash you?” Vio looked a bit uncomfortable and vulnerable. This was a big step for them. This almost felt more intimate than some of the things he’d read in Vio’s secret book stash.

Shadow did as told. Thankful Vio had turned around while he derobed. He almost missed the cute blush on his face. The blonde only turned around when he heard Shadow stop moving. “This is so warm!” He sank into bliss. Vio knelt down by the edge and rolled up his sleeves. It was almost scandalous. He never showed any skin afterall. There were some battle scars but not anything that seemed too concerning.

They spent the next while talking while Vio washed his hair and showed him to clean up. As peaceful and serene this moment was, an anxiety formed in his gut. Shadow tried to push it down but it just would not go away. Vio seemed to be the only color fully presently aware when making eye contact. That was almost worse. It felt intense, like a predator about to strike. And he knew that feeling, for Hylia’s sake he had a dragon! Shadow’s shoulders remained tense.

“It’s alright if this is too much for you,” The ever observant Vio noticed. “I can stop-”

“No! No- I uhhh…” shadow raised his wet hands up. “I'm just not used to this sorta thing!”

“If you're sure… I think it’s probably time to get out and dry anyway. The water is turning cold.” Vio stood up. “There's a plug in the bottom can you reach? You just pull it out.” He turned to grab a fluffy towel from the small cupboard. Shadow leaned down and did so. A sharp spike of fear struck his back upright afterwards for showing his back to Vio. But when he looked, he was still in the cupboard fiddling until he found a black towel. Shadow let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding and stood up carefully. He was warned the water was slippery.

Shadow took the offered towel and dried up, the wrapped it around his waist haphazardly. He had no idea what he was doing and the panic was rising as much as he tried to bottle it up. Something wasn’t right. It was awkwardly quiet on the walk to their room. Him and Vio shared since there were only two in the small cottage. The others were sharing the guest room and rotating who slept on the couch.

They changed into pajamas avoiding eye contact. Shadows of course was just some of Vio’s old clothes. When he brought up shopping (stealing really) something for his own it was shut down hard. Faster than reasonable honestly. More so about going into the city. Shadow supposed it was reasonable, he did terrorize them after all. But it had also been ten years since, and surely no one would question their heroes?

They slipped into the bed and eventually Vio fell asleep.

It had been very hard for Shadow to sleep next to him. At first he thought it was lingering feelings over Vio’s betrayal. He was sure that was still part of it. But not all.

It must have been well past midnight when Shadow snuck up. Careful not to disturb Vio, he crept downstairs. He needed to know. He wrapped the loose long edges of Vio’s sweater around his palms in comfort as he slowly walked to the basement door. Tunnel vision prevented any other thought. Need to see, need to know. He reached up and undid all the locks. It was just his pure luck that this night Vio had forgotten to reseal the magic. Maybe it was him sitting on the couch? Or a slip of carelessness. It didn’t matter. The door opened. It was darker than the abyss that had trapped him so many years.

His mind whirled back to that first day. Less than a week ago now, that still felt like years. Just out of reach. It smelled the same as Vio had when he approached earlier. Like dark magic.

Shadow took each step down slowly, unsure in the darkness. Feeling the walls as he went for any sort of switch or even a candle. He found one at the base of the steps. It flickered the overhead light in a dingy barely lit yellow. It flickered and buzzed. The room of course was made of stone, as most basements were. There was a small white container in the corner, shelves upon shelves of things, a cauldron in the middle. Jars of specimens, parts, preserved roots, all things that would seem normal for an alchemist to have, lined the shelves and table. It was creepy but not out of the ordinary. He noticed drag lines near the bookshelf. Way to make your secret liar obvious, Vio. He smiled a little. It gave him nostalgia. As he pulled aside the shelf he found another room. There was no stash or storage. It looked savage and It all came back to him at once. This was the room he woke up in. He could feel the unnaturally cold hard floor. It was a giant mirror surface, or at least appeared to be. Shiny inky blackness of a dark mirror on the floor. A circle with some kind of writing he didn’t recognize the language of sat in the middle. He had enough experience to know that it was dried blood that spelled out whatever ritual he had been part of. Shadow’s whole body felt cold. This entire room, the second he stepped into it, felt absolutely utterly wrong. He had been in the presence of evil, hells he was evil until very shortly to the end of his life! This was something darker. More malicious. The floor under him swirled about not acknowledging his presence.

A sharp chill shocked his spine. Something was wrong. He felt watched. That first instinct he had had on this floor: the fight or flight. It was kicking in and he was freezing instead.

In hindsight, VIo thought, he should have double checked the door as he usually did. Tonight he was just so ecstatic that Shadow seemed more reciprocating to his touch and advances. He just didn't think about it. His revived partner was happy, warm, in his clothes. Vio’s breath came quicker now, looking around. Shadow wasn’t in bed, wasn’t in the bathroom, or the kitchen. Options to where he could be were running slim and he didn’t like the odds. He glanced over now, at the partially ajar basement door. Shit.

Shadow meanwhile looked around in paranoia. He shuddered and when he turned to look again from the corner of his eye he saw eyes watching him inside the mirror. He quickly faced them as they disappeared. Whose were those?? It happened again. Lingering longer than last time. Three pairs stayed this time. He couldn't look away. It was Link. Or well, his parts anyways. Something clicked for him.

He wasn’t sure why but something Vio had said to him after waking up.

“The eyes are the window to the soul, they say.”

What had he done?

As true panic began to set in, making him hyperventilate, a sudden force knocked his world into blackness.

Shadow woke up the next  morning with a minor headache and a start. “Ha! Whuh??” He looked around. His movement woke a bleary-eyed Vio in the process.

“Huh? Whas?” Vio mumbled rubbing his eyes and sitting up. “Ok?”

“Oh.” Everything felt fine. He was exactly where he had been the night before. Vio was where he had been when he fell asleep. Fell asleep?? When did he fall asleep?

“Are you alright Shadow? You were kicking in your sleep, was it a nightmare? I’m sorry, maybe I should have woken you… but I’ve read it’s better to let nightmares sort themselves out…” Vio sleepily supplied. Shadow started. A nightmare…. Of course! That’s why his brain was foggy about what he saw. There was no way the other colors would have let Vio make a giant floor dark mirror in his basement, let alone sacrifice their own souls to bring him back.

“Sorry. I… I don’t even really remember what it was about now.” He laughed nervously. Vio did not catch onto his lie. “Can we have some of that tea? The Sharp one.”

“Chai?” “Yeah! Ch eye!” Shadow beamed at him, once again stuffing down his body response. Vio smiled back and got up. “I’ll be right back then.” He left to go downstairs.

Shadow let out his breath, his body still tensed up. He knew exactly what happened. He knew it was no dream or nightmare. Maybe one day he would be willing to accept that.

A thought occurred to him though, as VIo left the room. He didn’t remember seeing Green after the first day in the basement. He didn’t remember seeing Blue on the couch where he was supposed to be sleeping last night. He couldn’t hear Red humming from the kitchen today…

Downstairs, the door had a new magical seal on it. This time, to keep anything in rather than out.

Vio glanced only briefly at it, before heading back upstairs. He needed to make sure Shadow couldn’t see them anymore after all. He brought up the tea where Shadow was waiting.

[gust-jar-simulator]

It was stuck in my head.

Characters: Vio/Shadow

Prompt: Waltz

.⛰️🏔️🗻🌋⛰️🏔️🗻.

Vio laughed here, during the worst events of his life, more than he arguably would for the rest of time.

Shadow’s waist was cool under his palm, claws gentle against the back of his hand as Vio guided him into a turn, smirking. “It’s cheating to float, you know. I’m basically just dancing with myself.”

“We’re evil, we’re supposed to cheat.” Shadow turned up his nose in proper lordly offense, the tail end of his hat curling past Vio’s cheek. Keeping him close in his own way.

Vio shrugged. “A fair point, but it makes some things harder.”

“Like what? Dancing is just spinning around eachother, but… fancy.” His dance partner trailed off vaguely, claws twitching like he wanted to make a gesture. Vio squeezed his hand softly, fingers interlaced, and they both shut up for a moment to marvel at how hot Death Mountain could be, and the way Vio’s boots tapped a smooth rhythm to no music at all.

If Vio let his mind wander, the lava underlighting the evening ash clouds looked almost like candlelight back at the palace, the harvest ball and the clink of cutlery, noble perfume heavy in his nose. Crystal-cut laughter, crystal-cut eyes.

He pulled them into a sharp turn and Shadow whooped with glee, blood-and-fire eyes catching the pop of lava like fireflies.

“You’re not wrong,” he managed around the tangled feeling in his throat, enunciating because if he spoke clearly enough then he could focus, “but there’s….”

Claws curled against his shoulder as Shadow’s gaze narrowed, hunting out his hestitation. “Tell me. If we’re ruling the world together I have to know how to dance.”

“You do?” Vio slid a foot back, turned them again, and felt the way Shadow pulled himself closer like the moon pulling closer to an eclipse. “I thought evil was allowed to cheat.”

A fang dug into Shadow’s lower lip, briefly, and Vio couldn’t look away. His partner’s tongue flicked along the mark. “I cheat stupid things,” Shadow corrected firmly, quiet. “You’re not stupid. So what comes after spinning?”

He hadn’t gone to the academy to learn to make a fool of himself. It was simple enough, if he could get the words out.

Vio moved instead of speaking, because he couldn’t, but something unlocked in his throat anyway by the time he’d dragged Shadow to his chest and bent over him a little, hand splayed across his back- and since when had Shadow fit under his chin like this, tucked into his shoulder like this, needed to take a shaky human breath he felt in his own ribs? His hand felt… Shadow clutched at his shoulder, unfamiliar and too familiar, and Vio’s palm fit in the small of his back like a key in the turn of a lock.

“You fall,” he murmured into Shadow’s dark ear.

He’d expected protest.

Shadow fell without a word, full weight in the palm of his hand, and Vio dipped him gently to the floor.

[undertheopensky]

Wildlife 2

Whumptober Day 5: “It’s broken,” though elements of Pinned Down also snuck in

Characters: Blue Link, Red Link

Trigger warnings: Violence to a child, broken bones, mentions of slavery, but nothing happens

Read on Ao3!

Missed the first instalment? Read here!

-----

“Blue~! If you sleep much longer, Vio’s gonna try cooking again!”

Blue grunts and flails. “I’m up, I’m up, keep him away from the stove -”

His hand hits grass instead of fabric and suddenly he’s awake, jolting upright and blinking in the cold grey light.

Red’s singsong fades with the last wisps of the dream. He’s still alone. Still trapped in a sectioned-off forest with no supplies or equipment or any idea how to get home.

His stomach growls.

…and he’s still hungry.

Blue rolls into a sit and wraps his arms around himself. The constant ache in his back and shoulders and hips is annoying, but he’s almost getting used to it. It’s just one more thing making shit hard. Like the way his head hurts, and he’s sometimes racked with shivers despite the warm temperatures.

Sooo, are you gonna get up, or are you just gonna sit there and complain that you’re hungry?

Blue sighs theatrically. “Yeah, yeah.”

He knows it’s not real - that Green’s voice is just his memory playing familiar sounds. That he’s playing pretend like a child. He just -

He’s never been alone this long. Not since their last adventure, when they’d split not just in body but in mind, and never (wanted to) rejoin. Not since wind screaming, snow in his boots, hands numb with cold where they wrap around his sword hilt, shadow at his back and he - can’t - move -

His fingers tighten. At least it’s not cold here.

C’mon Blue! What do you want for breakfast?

“Bread,” Blue mutters, reluctantly dragging himself to his feet. “Apples. Goddess I miss apples.”

There’s no bread to be had here, though, and he doesn’t have the mental stamina to go through the laborious process of gathering enough wood and kindling and lighting a goddamn fire to cook a fish, so it’ll be tubers and greens. At least he’s found something that looks and tastes like a dandelion, though it never flowers - means he doesn’t have to eat spruce needles like a starving deer.

(Blue hates them, and may never drink lemonade again.)

Foraging for breakfast at least means doing something. That’s almost the worst part - the boredom. That’s when the voices in Blue’s head get a little too loud and a little too real, and he’s left scratching at his own skin with all the wrongness of being alone. Sometimes when it gets too much he’ll practice drills from their squire days, waving his favourite stick like it’s a badly-balanced sword with his brothers giggling in his ears, or run the perimeter like there’s a chance something will have changed. But more and more often, Blue finds himself just - stopping, in the middle of doing something, and thinking, I’m so tired.

Your stomach doesn’t care that you’re tired. Vio’s brisk as ever.

“I know, I know.” Blue hauls up the tuber plant he’d been digging and stands, ignoring the damp that’s soaked into the knees of his worn pyjama pants. It’s a big one - if he can find enough dandelions then all he’ll have to do is park his ass by the stream to wash everything, and then he won’t have to move for a while.

What, sure you don’t wanna practice later? Bet I can do more drills than you!

“Too tired, Green.” Truth is, Blue is probably losing strength, but he’s doing his best, dammit. Everything just feels weighed down, lead-heavy and slow. It’s almost all he can do just to sit here on the bank, rinsing dandelion leaves and trying to put more into the ‘later’ stack than into his mouth.

Building and maintaining muscle requires a better diet than you’ve been getting lately. It’s no wonder you’re tired.

“That’s nice, Vio.” The roof of his mouth itches. Blue scrubs his tongue over the ridges there, frowning. He better not be developing an allergy to the not-dandelions. He does not want to go back to eating spruce tips for greens.

The tingling fades. Blue cleans another leaf, a little more thoroughly, and chews it slowly, paying attention to the feel in his mouth. This time, there’s nothing, so he shrugs it off as a weird-body thing and turns to getting all the flour-fine dirt out of his tubers.

The comforting chatter of the water is soothing, almost drowning out the emptiness of the surrounding forest. There’s no birds, no small mammals, just plants and fish and Blue, and it’s always too quiet and too still.

From the corner of his eye, maroon flickers between two trees.

Blue blinks, for a second disbelieving, then looks up, because he can swear he hears footsteps -

Instinct makes him grab for his stick.

“Hey - hey, you! Do you know where we are? I was travelling through the forest near Lake Hylia and now I can’t find the road!”

Blue stares, uncomprehending. He hasn’t seen another Hylian in over a week. He hasn’t seen another living creature besides fish in nearly as long. It’s - something in his brain is hitting on person right in front of me and stumbling, reaching for normal interaction and finding only empty shelves.

Where did they even come from?

“Are you listening?! I’m lost!” The stranger staggers out of the underbrush, shaking off a last clinging branch, and Blue finally gets a good look at the person shouting at him.

Hard-wearing travel gear, good leather boots, the kind of warm vest he usually sees on merchants who travel long distances - brown hair, dark eyes, not familiar. If he was following the Lake Hylia road he’s likely a travelling merchant from Labrynna, as that’s the main pathway between the two kingdoms.

Thanks Vio, that’s very helpful, Blue thinks.

Always welcome, brother dearest.

The probable-merchant look up from pulling a stick out of his boot and focuses on Blue. “Hey, you’re just a kid!” The light in his eyes shifts then, to something almost greedy that makes Blue’s hackles rise in response. Abruptly feeling vulnerable, he stands and takes two steps sideways from the stream. Securing his footing.

“What’re you doing out here all alone, huh?” The man takes a couple steps forward, arms held away from his sides in a way that should read as unthreatening. Blue wants to bare his teeth instead.

“What, got nothing to say? Where’s your family, kiddo?”

The stranger rushes him.

Well if he wants to fight that bad, Blue’s got a week’s worth of disquiet and frustration to work out.

He sidesteps the rush, uses both hands on his stick to shove, and knocks the man cleanly away. (He catches himself before he lands in the stream, to Blue’s private disappointment.)

Back off, he thinks.

“Are you all alone?”

He ignores the words, ducks the grasping hands and shoves his shoulder into the guy’s gut, getting a pained grunt. The hands try to secure a grip in his hair; Blue twists away.

What does this idiot even want? They’re stuck here. It’s not like he could be dragged off to be sold into Labrynna’s slave trade -

- unless he hasn’t realised that yet.

Fuck.

Blue steps back, and back, mind racing in circles of no way out no way to get him out no way out. The merchant - the slaver - thinks he’s running scared. He’s following, smirking, just waiting for Blue to back himself into a corner, bump into a tree - trunks are thick around them and there are plenty of trip hazards in the form of shallow roots.

The man suddenly lunges. Without thinking Blue jams his stick down and across to block him, maybe trip him.

Instead the thin pine gives way with an audible crack.

Blue catches a blow on his cheekbone that has him seeing stars but it doesn’t hurt as much as his fist does when it makes contact, fuck. Must have got him in the face. The brief moment of disorientation hampers Blue more, because there’s hard hands at his shoulders and a foot between his own, and then they’re falling, Blue crushed beneath the heavy weight of a full grown male.

Real terror surges through him. He doesn’t know this person but they feel wrong and they’re much bigger and stronger and he doesn’t have a weapon -

He thrashes, kicks, scratches, and bites, all to little effect through the man’s sturdy clothes. Then, desperation overriding caution, he slams his head forward.

There’s a shriek of pain, a spatter of wet heat. Blue kicks free of the stranger’s weight and scrambles back. Pain radiates from the point his head made contact, white-hot and dizzying. His shoulder hits a tree; he grabs for it, misses, finds purchase and uses it to drag himself upright and damn the black spots that bloom in his vision, he is not lying down for this -

Things have gone eerily quiet.

And when Blue blinks the stars out of his eyes for good, he’s alone.

He spins all the way round. There’s no sign of the stranger in the trees, no flickers of colours or moving foliage. Blue remembers the horrible light in his eyes and knows there’s no way he’d just - given up -

He - he can’t have hallucinated an entire fight, right?! No, the grass is torn up. And there’s blood from the guy’s nose, splattered on the ground and on his skin, and Blue isn’t bleeding at all. The guy’s just… gone. Without a trace.

(Like the fish appearing in the stream, but in reverse. Like they’d always been there; like he’d never been there in the first place.)

Distantly Blue’s aware that he’s shaking. His head throbs, and his vision’s still a bit wobbly. Trying to squint through the trees makes him nauseous, so he lets his eyes drop to the torn-up grass, where the broken pieces of his trusty stick still lie.

And it’s so fucking stupid, but that’s what makes his eyes overflow.

It’s just a stick, and he can get another just like it, but he’s had this one since first being dropped here. It was his main tool, long enough to drag down overhead branches when he wanted or to poke through bushes, stout enough to help with digging when the dirt is stubborn. And now it’s broken, because some fuckwit saw a lone kid and decided to be an asshole about it.

C’mon, Blue. It’ll be okay.

Red’s voice is so real Blue nearly calls out to him. Stifles it at the last minute, heart panging. He misses them, suddenly, more fiercely than ever. Green wouldn’t have made the mistake that ended with Blue nearly pinned and helpless. Vio would have talked his way out of the fight completely. And Red - Blue huffs, and sniffles. Red would have been perfectly earnest and polite, right up until the first lunge - at which point everything would have gone to hellfire and screaming.

He misses them. He wants to go home.

Blue’s face hurts, a steady throb of heat up the side. It’s more evidence of the fact that there was someone here, however briefly. He wasn’t alone.

(He hates that he can’t decide if it’s a good or bad thing.)

-----

That night Blue jerks awake multiple times, heart racing.

Sometimes he moves, making his face spike with pain. Sometimes he thinks he’s hearing noises - rustles of leaves, the puff of air from someone breathing way too close. Other times, shadows in his dreams steal close and crush the life out of him, hissing warnings about the road to Labrynna, and waking to the complete darkness of the forest doesn’t help to dispel them. His eyes are open and the weight is gone but he can’t see and he can’t breathe and he can’t hold his eyelids up forever -

It’s a bad night.

-----

Blue pauses in another fishing expedition when the air shifts.

The air in this place is unnaturally still; there’s no breezes, no winds, nothing to brush the leaves or stir hair. It means that when something does move, it feels super fucking obvious. And something in the air just shifted.

Snatching up his new stick, Blue wades out of the stream and heads for drier ground. He is not getting caught off guard again. There’s a thicket of nasty spiky shrubs not far off just waiting to make a nuisance of themselves.

He freezes in his tracks when someone wails.

It’s thin and breathy and agonised, the kind of noise an animal makes when it’s horribly wounded, a sound that forces its way out of you because the pain can’t be held in.

Worst of all - he thinks it’s familiar.

The scream dies before he can get close. His heart goes cold and so does his skin, almost tingling-numb with terror so he can’t feel the thin leaves of the shrubs whipping past. No no no goddesses please don’t let him be too late -

Then the sobbing gets past the ringing in his ears and his heart thunders back to life just as bright colour comes visible through the woods.

He’d known it was Red from the first echo of sound but it doesn’t feel real. His brother is here, bawling on the grass in an awkward sprawl, the soft pink of his pyjamas filthy with grass stains and dirt and blood -

The word tears itself from his throat. “Red!”

Red flinches back then shrieks when the movement pulls at his leg.

“Red, no - don’t - don’t move -” Blue stumbles to kneel beside him, hands hovering like he’s - fuck like he’s scared to make contact because he is, where is he hurt?

Red flails a hand, smacks Blue on the neck with it. “Blue - you’re - you’re real, aren’t you?”

“I’m real, I’m here, I’ve got you -”

Red’s arm hooks around him in a clumsy hug. “I missed you so much,” he wails, trying to get his other arm up and around but whimpering when trying to roll hurts him. “I missed you!”

And Blue had missed him too, so fucking much, that he can’t stop himself from leaning in and hugging him back, tight and guilty. His brother is trapped here too, trapped and injured, and all he can feel is relief.

“Lemme see,” he says, pulling back. His left leg is obvious cause for concern, twisted and swollen under thin linen. Red whimpers as Blue pulls the fabric away. He can only be glad Red favours a loose fit.

He does not like what he sees underneath. Not as much blood as he was expecting, heavy bruising from dark angry red through blue-black and edged with green, and not even the swelling can hide the way his shin bends in the middle.

“Red, this is definitely broken.”

“No shit!” Red says tearfully. Then he bursts into fresh tears. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry I know you’re trying to help -”

“You’re in pain, you’re allowed to be grumpy,” Blue says, pulling up his other pant leg for inspection. Some cuts and grazes, but so far he hasn’t found anything worth the smears of blood that had caught his eye first. “Red, where are you bleeding from? Do you have a cut somewhere?”

“I - no, it’s - I can’t - I can’t walk,” Red admits, like not being able to walk on a broken leg is somehow shameful, the little idiot, “an’ I grazed my knees crawling to water. They hurt, Blue.”

“Washing them out’s gonna hurt worse.” Blue finds the wounds, and yow. Red hasn’t just grazed them, he’s stripped the skin right off a palm-sized section of both legs, still oozing clear fluid. Not for the first time, he wishes for potions, but wishing won’t get them anywhere. Work with what you’ve got.

The broken halves of his first tool-stick will be just about perfect, he thinks. “Red, wait here, I’m gonna grab a splint -”

“NO!” Red screams and hurls himself at Blue, “don’t leave me!”

Blue freezes. Partly it’s the contact, which is again sparking a weird and not entirely comfortable tingling. Partly it’s Red and the potential damage he could do to himself moving suddenly. And partly it’s because his heart just fell into the fucking dark world.

“Red, you scared the shit out of me,” he grunts, wrapping a supporting arm around Red’s shoulders.

“‘M sorry,” Red sniffles, “don’t go. I’ll lose you - you’ll disappear - how do I know you’re real - can’t I just go with you?”

“Red, your leg is broken, you really shouldn’t move it.”

Red sniffs and gives Blue as dry a look he can manage while drowning in his own tears. “I’ve been dragging it around for the last five days, I don’t think dragging it the last however far to your camp’s gonna do it any more harm.”

He would - Blue knows he’s been here longer than that. He hasn’t taken to cutting tally marks into a tree yet, only because he doesn’t have a damn knife, but it’s been at least ten days since he woke up in this strange, enclosed forest. But right now, he doesn’t care enough to do the math, and in the face of his brother’s injuries it’s low priority anyway.

“I don’t have anything to camp with,” Blue says dryly, “but there’s a stream further in. Think you can make it that far if I help?”

Red nods, determined.

“Then deep breath, and don’t bite your tongue - up we go.”

Red swoons a little at the gravity shift.

Blue holds him up, wishing Red wasn’t hurt, and feeling guiltier than ever at how comforting Red feels pressed up close like this. He smells like dirt and sour-pain and the sticky-pine of the forest, but under it there’s smoke and iron and home.

A few shuddery breaths later, Red lifts his head from where he’d let it fall to Blue’s shoulder. “‘M okay.”

“Then let’s go.” Strategically Blue arranges them so most of Red’s weight is on him, arms over shoulders for support. “The stream’s not too far away - it even has fish in it.”

“Fish?” Red’s eyes light up almost comically. He’s probably been restricted to whatever he could reach from his prone state on the ground, and Blue’s stomach lurches again with combined guilt-horror-relief.

“Yeah,” he says, through the tightness in his throat, “I’m getting pretty good at catching them. I’m still shit at lighting fires, though. Think you can give me a hand?”

Red grins at him, shyly hopeful, and Blue hugs him a little tighter.

-----

Read Part 3 here!

[lucky-clover-gazette]

very cool fic submission from @james-p-sullivan​!!!! ahhhhhh pinecone!!

aight im at work so ill submit this to ao3 later but here’s the drabble feat. pinecone! consider this a thank you to the cute drawing you made me last week :) its super short but i hope you like it!

Vio wasn’t sure if it was the flash of lightning or the rumble of thunder that came shortly after that woke him from his deep slumber. Blearily, he propped himself up on an elbow, rubbing his eyes as he glanced to the other side of the bed that should have held his lover snug tight, but quickly found the space empty. A quick look around the room held no answers as to where Shadow was and through the torrential rain hitting the glass of the window, it was impossible to tell what time it was.

He had gone to bed early that night, exhausted from a rigorous round of training with the other archers and he had returned home that afternoon with only thoughts of his bed occupying his mind. It had been far too early for Shadow to join him, instead opting just to lie with him until he fell asleep before leaving Vio resting peacefully. Vio frowned, he wanted to get up to see what had captured Shadow’s attention so much that it was still keeping him awake, but his body was sore and the allure of sleep was still pulling at his mind and he soon found himself sinking back into the pillow, his heavy eyes sliding shut.

Sleep had nearly taken him when the subtle creak of the bedroom door being opened stirred him again. He cracked an eye open, expecting to see Shadow entering the room but was surprised when he saw nothing. A very soft padding sound was enough to make him realize it must have been Pinecone pushing her way into the room, a very familiar scene.

He had just been about to sit up to help the little three-legged cat onto the bed when she managed to jump up on her own and trot up his side to gently nuzzle Vio’s cheek. The light was so dim and Vio was barely able to make out the outline of the beloved feline, but he still reached out to give her a quick scratch behind the ear before settling on his side, raising the edge of the blanket so Pinecone could duck inside, quickly curling up into a little ball near his stomach.

A warm feeling burst in Vio’s chest as he smiled to himself and held onto the little tortie close to him, her gentle purrs filling the small space perfectly. There was another flash of lightning, the thunder even louder than before and Pinecone jolted, burrowing herself even further into Vio for comfort. Vio just clicked his tongue, cooing at the poor animal as he pet her small head, trying to soothe her as best as he could.

Even with the storm raging, Vio quickly found himself slipping back into sleep with the newfound warmth added to his bed and he paid Shadow one last passing thought before fully succumbing to his rest.

—-

Morning came too soon and Vio groaned as Pinecone decided it was at that moment she would scream in his ear for breakfast.

“Okay, okay. Just relax.” Vio mumbled, his voice gravely with sleep. He reached up to pat her head as she meowed again, insistent that he get out of bed right that very second.

Vio stretched, feeling his joints pop and froze as something that definitely wasn’t him or Pinecone shifted under the blanket. He lay in confusion, looking back toward the tortie who was looking at him expectantly and then toward the small lump curled up beside him. Slowly, he lifted the edge of the blanket to try and peek inside and was met with a paw stretching out and a little, black face staring up at him with the biggest red eyes he had ever seen.

It took him a second to figure out what exactly he was looking at before he glanced to the still empty spot on his bed and then back at the small, black cat practically in his lap. “…Shadow?”

The cat began to purr, happily and stretched out again, this time slowly getting up on ttt four paws, a detail that Vio had missed in his half asleep state the night before, and sauntered up the bed, poking his head out from under the blanket. Pinecone paid no mind to him and meowed again, this time jumping up to paw Vio’s shoulder the best she could as the Hylian tried to make sense of what he was seeing.

He thought back to when he tucked who he thought was Pinecone under the blanket with him and how frightened the poor cat had seemed and it began to click. Shadow had shapeshifted before when he was uncomfortable or felt threatened, but typically he would transform himself into something terrifying or melt himself into the darkness to hide, but how could he hide from a thunderstorm? With the lightning constantly lighting up every dark corner of the rooms, Shadow had nowhere to go except into Vio’s arms.

Shadow slowly trotted up the bed to headbutt Vio’s nose, his whiskers tickling his face as he nuzzled him. Pinecone leaned over to gently sniff Shadow before turning her attention back to Vio, who at this point had still not gotten her any breakfast. How dare he!

Listening to her meow and feeling Shadow rub against him made him laugh at the absurdness of his weird, little family. He tucked an arm over Shadow’s belly and reached up and did the same to Pinecone, pulling both of them into a tight hug against his chest, pressing his face into their soft fur. Pinecone struggled for a second before ultimately giving up and snuggling into Shadow and Vio, letting out an annoyed huff as she did so. Vio smiled and kissed her forehead and then did the same to Shadow and leaned back to rest his head against the pillow, content to lie in the tangle of paws and tails.

Pinecone would survive if her breakfast was a little late that morning.

[shade-pup-cub]

I know this is a longer writing post, but it is one of my favorites and I wanted to share. Warning: descrpition of M.C Death and how everyone grieves differently.

"I'll never be far away."

Oh how those words stung in each of their hearts. It was acceptance for the one who was dying as well as a promise to the living.

It was quiet around the campfire that night. No laughter or joy, only sorrow and grieving. They lost one of their own and it was unexpected.

Each hero was replaying the scene in their head over and over and over. Was there something that could have been done? Would a few seconds faster, one swing harder or a better plan have changed the outcome? What could have been different?

If onlys, what ifs and could haves wasn’t going to get rid of the image of their brother, a son, having a blade sunk into their chest by a silver Moblin and being lifted into the air by the sword before being thrown twenty feet through the air.

Wouldn’t get rid of the sounds of metal piercing skin and muscle with the all too familiar ‘squelch’ sound. The gasp from everyone who saw, the scream of someone close by or the gurgling sound as blood spilt from the dying hero or the sound of bones breaking with contact to a cliff side he was thrown into.

It wouldn’t suppress the pain each felt in their souls, the soul they shared with each other. A piece of them died with their brother. A hole now took residence in their chests', permanently.

And the hardest thing it wouldn't change was the final moments. The moment when Hyrule's magic wouldn't be enough. When potions were thrown back up with a mixture of blood. When everyone checked for a fairy only to come up empty.

It wouldn't change how Twilight pulled the boy to his chest, eyes wide with fear and desperation, clinging to him. It wouldn't change how their leader sat at the dying boy's back and wrapped one arm around him, his other hand in his Pup's hair and his head laid in the crook of the dying hero's neck, soaking in all he could. Or how the Hero of Time broke. How the Hero of Twilight screamed as the boy took his last breath. Those three were actually family, after all.

It wouldn't change that Time's and Twilight's cub was gone.

It wouldn't change that Wild was dead.

The Captain, all too used to this, wrote a letter near the fire to Wild's Zelda, Flora. He asked for preparations that needed to be taken care of when it came to Wild's body. The conversation with a dead soldier's family face-to-face was difficult. This felt cruel, for the Queen to have to read that her knight, her hero, her best friend, her lover was never returning to her side.

Legend and Hyrule took the liberty of cleaning Wild's body. Bandaging the wound closed and cleaning the rest of the blood and mud from his skin and under his nails. They worked in silence, honoring their brother, only placing the brown blanket over his body when they were finished. Neither wanted to be finished, it meant that he was truly gone.

Four, overly mature for his age, had a shivering Wind in his arms. The younger hadn't stopped his silent sobs for hours and no one was going to tell him to. He had never experienced something like this before and it was one of his brothers. Four knew this pain all too well from when Shadow and Vio had their last moment. Those shards from the broken mirror matched the shards of his heart.

Sky, the soft hearted knight, made dinner and checked on everyone else. Giving them comfort when needed with an ear to listen to their grief, a shoulder to cry on, arms to protect them and words to bring peace and encouragement. The others gave him the same when it all became too much.

Twilight, he never left Time since the moment Warriors and Legend pulled Wild from his arms hours after he had passed on. He sat between his ancestor's legs, curled into a ball against the older hero's chest as if he was merely a small child. He didn't hold back his emotions for a second. He had spent the most time with Wild. He was there for part of the Hero of the Wild's adventure and was still there for him during this quest. He screamed into his father figure's chest until his voice became hoarse and exhaustion took over.

Time saw these boys not just as his brother, but his boys, his sons and Wild made it clear that he needed that figure in his life. It wasn't right. A parent should go before their children, not the other way around. He knew he had to tell Malon, but what words could he say? Everything felt so wrong. He wanted to take the scarred boy's place. The young teen had endured so much in his short waking years. He watched him grow from the reclusive, untrusting, skittish yet fearless, feral teen to the joyous, confident, bubbly, protective, warrior of a man that had a sweet heart, but also was a gremlin. His little gremlin.

The letter was sent, one was returned.

The tear drop stains were clear on it and fresh. Flora told them that, due to the state of his Champions tunic, to place him in his knight armor. It was what he always wore before the blue tunic and it was honorable. She wrote that Hylia came to her in a dream, saying that a portal of white light would appear to them. It would take them to the Spring of Wisdom where his body would be burned at his request so his ashes could fly with the dragon that resided there.

Twilight had let out a chuckle at that. "That's Wild for ya." He said when eyes went to him. He remembered the crazy child flying with the blue dragon to free it from malice.

The next day a portal of light brought them to the spring where the dragon and the Queen were waiting. She wore her Snow Quil in white and blue, hands folded in front of her and ever so slightly holding her stomach. Her hair was shorter, green eyes rimmed red, but still the beautiful Queen with the goddess's blood.

On the platform was a bed of wood where Wild's body would burn and be set free.

Flora took her hero's long hair, tied it off in nine places and braided them. She cut each piece and smoothed his hair out to how it was before at his shoulders. She smiled down at him and kissed his cold cheek. "I love you." was the only thing she said.

They all had a bow with a fire arrow knocked at full draw. Flora let the first one fly, the others followed suit. The fire caught quickly and began setting the Hero of the Wild free.

They stayed there until the fire went out and in its place was a teal flame. It morphed into the one they all adored, Wild. His head was bowed and sat on his knees.

He stood and walked to them, leaving no footprints. "Before anyone says it wasn't my fault, that one of you should have seen and stopped it from happening or any other stupid thing like that, I am sorry. None of you deserve this pain. But I did mean it when I said that I'll never be far away.”

Flora walked to him, still gently holding her stomach. "Hello Zelda." He ran his ghostly fingers through her hair and she slightly leaned into it. He knelt down and placed his forehead on her belly alongside his hands. "Hello Dawn. Be a good girl for Mommy, but be my little gremlin for all your aunts and uncles.”

Flora laughed, tears slipping from her eyes. "If she's anything like you, she will do just that". Her fingers went over his ghost form hair.

“In that case, be an extra gremlin for Uncle Sidon, Bazz and Teba. Be sweet to Aunt Riju and Saki. Learn all you can from Impa about our history and research from Purah and Robbie. Love music and have Kass sing you songs. Most importantly of all, have fun. Be a child and pave your own path. I love you, my little princess.”

A rumble came from behind Wild and he gave a small smile. "That is my warning that it's time to go. I'll see all of you soon."

They watched as the young man walked away and looked up to the dragon who was now moving to fly away. The dragon leapt into the air and flew off in the opposite direction of the living, Wild flew close to its side until he disappeared.

"That's our Cub." Time whispered.

~

There was still someone who didn't know about Wild's departcher. Malon. She knew something was wrong when they all showed up, tear tracks on their faces and dead silent. Even her own husband was struggling to meet her eyes, because how do you tell a mother that one of her sons has died? Well, tell her openly and honestly.

It brought all the emotions back quickly to the others. She sobbed into her husband's chest- he wasn't fairing much better as he listened to her- until she was exhausted and fell asleep in his arms on the leather recliner in the living room.

Time carried her to their room and got her into nightgown before settling her under the sheets. This was going to be a long healing process and they all had each other to get through it.

[ordon-shield]

Febuwhump Day 16 (Blood on Your Blade): Semi-Conscious Limp

ao3 link here

(Content warning for: major character death, blood and injury, mind control/manipulation)

Vio is back in the Fire Temple. His sword is in his hand. Something is very very wrong.

He’s fighting Green again, but something feels off. The first time it felt like a spar, neither of them truly taking it seriously. Vio because he knew it wasn’t a real fight, Green because he still couldn’t really believe Vio had turned on them. It wasn’t like a spar this time, blades clashing and blood being drawn.

Vio was pushed back as the fight continued, Green striking out swiftly, predicting his moves easily. He mostly managed to avoid them, but he was being worn down, bit by bit, cut by cut. It felt like the opposite of the fight they’d once had, Vio finding himself on the defensive, unwilling to hurt Green, even as his injuries grew.

Green rushed at him again, and, starting to feel faint from the blood loss, Vio didn’t dodge quite in time, the blade slicing over his throat, leaving a clean, sharp cut across it, blood dripping down from it in a small waterfall, too shallow to kill… but close enough. Vio began to panic. Green really seemed to be trying to kill him. His attacks became more desperate, more risky, the urge for survival overriding all other instincts. He used every trick he knew, every flaw he’d spotted in Green’s fighting style when they’d sparred, every dirty little tactic he’d picked up from Shadow. There was something off in Green’s eyes, something that told Vio he wouldn’t listen to reason. The others would do the same for him, he assured himself. None of them would stand down and let one of the others hurt them, even if they were under mind control. Vio would want them to stop him as soon as possible, so Green would want the same.

It was enough to turn the tide of the battle, pushing Green back towards the edge of the platform— wasn’t there meant to be fire there? He could remember fire being there— where he was cornered. Vio paused for a moment at that, not sure how to continue. Why was Green fighting him? Why couldn’t he remember how they got back to the Fire Temple? As he stood, frozen by indecision and sudden realisations, Green took the chance to surprise him, rushing forward with his sword raised. Vio reacted on instinct to the threat.

Green stopped moving, his body going limp. He was bleeding, Vio noticed, the bright red staining his tunic and dripping down the sword that was stuck halfway out of his gut, and halfway in. His mouth hung open, his face blank as his body became limp, sliding back off the sword as Vio watched.

Vio collapsed into a kneeling position beside the body, checking its pulse even knowing how useless it was, then frantically searching for a potion or fairy. He didn’t have much time before he found himself under attack again. Shadows came out of nowhere, like dark reflections of himself, but unlike Shadow, they couldn’t be reasoned with, instead attacking him mercilessly, pushing him further and further from the body, even as he tried to fight his way back. Mind filled with desperation and fading hope that he could fix his mistake, he fought harder than he ever had before in his life, taking out each shadow, all three, as fast as he possibly could, just to get back to Green.

As he found himself by the body once more, lifting it up and close to his chest, he felt something shift in his head, like a pressure he hadn’t even noticed had finally lifted. The familiar surroundings of the Fire Temple shimmered and shifted, fading away to reveal the strange cold halls of Vaati’s palace. Vio felt his memories come back as well, in little bursts of words and images. There had been something wrong when they’d entered, a foreboding feeling that all of them had felt. Had Shadow come for him, looking for revenge? He held his hand up to his throat, where Green had hit him earlier. It came away clean and bloodless.

His body went limp at the realisation. He didn’t want to turn around, but he did anyway. There were three familiar limp bodies lain across the cold stone floor, right where he’d left them. Cruel laughter echoed in his head as he felt strands of magic wrap themselves around his limbs, pulling him up from where he’d sprawled to the ground in despair, like strings on a puppet, inextricably pulling him towards the centre of the palace, forcing him to leave the bodies behind. The voice still whispered in his head.

“You made your choice.”

[ultimateily-icus]

More thoughts about the LU Sealed Hero Au I made for Shadow:

After joining the team, it becomes increasingly obvious that Shadow(Sealed) SUCKS with weapons. He seems good albeit rusty with a sword, but other weapons? No. Don’t even try, he’ll just hurt himself.

However, countering this, Sealed is stupid fast on the battle field. Whether it’s him using his shadow magic to travel faster or it’s just pure spite you decide.

The Links all speculate how Sealed defeated Ganon, or even one mini boss.

Hyrule likes to think Sealed survived most of his journey by outlasting his villains in battle.

Legend thinks it was pure luck.

Twilight speculates he’s hiding magic, and may have wrongfully assumed Sealed has Twili magic that he’s afraid to use.

Now Four’s thoughts on this? Chaos, they cannot stand it. This “Sealed” hasn’t seemed to recognize them, but they’ve caught one another other staring at each other. So maybe he did recognize them? They are completely torn between trusting him or not. Especially Vio, who feels like he’s been reversed catfished.

Sealed gets along great with Wind and Hyrule, the trio finding themselves wandering off for mini adventures much to the dismay of the rest.

Sealed has told Wind that the absolute vibe & energy he has reminds Sealed of an “Old pal” he once knew but didn’t have enough time to get close to.

Four overhears Wind telling Time about this then begins to choke on his food. Red is sobbing internally. Out of confusion, joy, or frustration, you decide.

There’s been a few times when Hyrule and Sealed get extremely lost; only for Four to be able to find them a few hours later. Sealed has made a joke about Four being the “troublemaker tracker”

Seeing as Four reacted badly(?) to this joke, Sealed then laughs it off and hides behind Hyrule, who takes over the talking from there.

Hyrule and Sealed share stories of their “other forms” (Fairy/True form) while omitting the fact that they were in those “forms” causing mild confusion yet understanding for each other.

They also share stories of being chased, and or having to hide during their journeys. Sealed obviously is not saying that he was the bad guy for most of his journey. Yet the two seem pretty content at knowing they can rely on one another for “quick paced battles.”

Monsters still attack Sealed, but Sealed is shown to be a less desirable target during ambushes. Sealed grows more and more annoyed at this treatment, to the point where he’ll actively be on guard so he can attack monsters first.

The links have mistakenly assumed that his growing aggression and paranoia is due to a traumatic response of whatever their current location is.

Sealed once looked at his reflection and made a comment about his good looks, this caused Legend who was unfortunately near him, to groan in annoyance. Sealed turned over in mild confusion until Legend shouts something along the lines of “Warriors come here you have another drama queen to be friends with.”

Sealed then decides to play up that “ego” of his around Legend and ONLY Legend. He finds Legend’s rage very amusing and familiar.

[twink-between-worlds]

im on a fuckin roll today anyways The colours argue and four isnt smart enough to not let them argue out loud

Well…isn’t that familiar? Shadow didn’t try to kill me because I loved somebody else, you fucking moron. He tried to kill me because I betrayed him and broke his trust. ..do you love someone else? Please say you aren’t in love with Shadow. …I am still very much in love with him, thank you You don’t understand—he isn’t a bad person! He was on the wrong path, is all…Shadow was misguided. He tried to kill us! You tried to kill us! No, Vio tried to kill you Blue has a point…Vio didn’t hurt me or Blue physically. I apologised for trying to kill you, but I will toss you into lava the next time I get a chance if you don’t shut your fucking mouth— You want a rematch? Please don’t fight This time? I’d actually kill you instead of pretending. Bold words coming from an ex-villain. Who said I’m an ex-villain? I could be working against you all right now and you wouldn’t even know it. But you’re not, right? Of course not, Dark Link is nowhere near hot enough to make me betray you all, but it was a possibility— “Uhh…Four?” Four’s eyes turned to the chain, only to find them all staring. “Yes? Did you ask me something?” “No but…you just had…a whole conversation with yourself? A concerning one.”Warriors frowned, and Four wanted the ground to swallow him whole. We used to be better at not doing that. 90% sure we only spoke aloud because Vio and Green want to kill each other, which is stressful for Four. And you, Red. I guess so..

[oceanera12]

Linked Darkness

Four wanted to scream. All four of him.

So. Apparently something called “Dark Link” was behind their meeting or something or other. He was the one infecting monsters. And he looked like a Link. Most everyone didn’t even flinch at this revelation. If anything, most people were angry and threw their nearest weapon at the time in the general direction of the creepy red-eyed guy.

Dark Link just laughed, all evil like and made some comment about how they’d have to do better than that to catch him.

And then he ran off into a cave.

And everyone chased after him, sans Four. He was a little busy trying to keep his four selves from murdering something because for a brief second they had all thought...

Never mind what they had thought. This “Dark Link” gave a bad name for all shadows and by Hylia, they would not let that stand. And so they dashed, a bit late, after the group.

-------------------------------------

Warriors was hitting his sword against a stone wall, when Four finally found the group. Blue had to admire the angry yelling that was also being shouted. Legend and Time were panting from exhaustion from something and it seemed like they had all determined to leave Warriors alone. For now.

Time nodded at Four, “I was about to send someone to look for you.”

“Sorry,” Four shuffled, “Dink caught me off guard.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow, “Dink?”

Vio smirked. It had been his idea for the name. It was every bit demeaning as that cursed shade deserved. Red had clapped politely for the name but Blue had expressed how proud he was of Vio for such an idea. Green had to be the “normal” person but he wanted to pat Vio on the back and determined to let Vio be heard by the other Links more often.

“I am not calling him Dark Link. It sounds wrong on so many different levels,” Four replied. “Dink is short, easy to remember, and gives him the right amount of respect. Which is none.”

No one spoke for a moment. Warriors began to laugh, soft and low. His sword stopped hitting the stone and he sank to his knees. Wind took a very hesitant step away from the Captain. “Guys, I think he’s lost it.”

Warriors turned around and rested against the stone wall. His laughter turned into a chuckle and he shook his head. “Four... don’t ever change.”

Vio frowned, puzzled. Green forced a stiff nod. Red bristled with pride at the compliment. Blue just rolled his eyes.

Twilight sat down in front of Warriors, “You okay?”

“Yeah... sorry. Dark is a touchy subject with me.” Warriors shrugged. “He taught me a very valuable lesson.”

Time nodded slowly, “I believe he taught all of us something.”

“I haven’t met him... at least, I don’t think I have.” Wild said.

“Consider yourself lucky, cub,” Twilight sighed loudly.

“We should get moving,” Time finally said. “Dark Link--

“Dink!”

“--is long gone.”

A chilly wind suddenly blew through the cavern, chilling every hero to the bone. “Be careful what you wish for...”

And that was when everything went black.

-----------------------------------------------

“Four!”

“Present,” Four grumbled into the darkness. “I think Dink decided a cave in was the best way to kill us.” At least he hadn’t crushed anyone... or even tried to. Four was worried about that last part.

Wild’s Sheikah slate was currently the only source of light, but he was working on getting some torches out.

“Only two,” Four had told him. “We need the oxygen as much as the light.”

“You been in a cave in before?”

“No, but I read about it.”

Vio was in charge at the moment. They had all determined the cool, calculating, smartie pants was the best bet at the moment.

Fire sparked and suddenly the cavern lit up a few feet. The torch was passed to Time, who held it aloft to get a look at everyone. No one appeared injured and satisfied with the well being of the group, he turned to the far wall. “We need to find a way out.”

“Great...” Legend grumbled.

The second torch flared to life, illuminating the group enough to see Legend’s displeasure. Wild shrugged, giving the second torch to Twilight. He fiddled with his slate for a moment. The eye on the front suddenly illuminated so brightly that Four shut his eyes for a second. “Wild! A little warning next time!”

“Sorry!” Wild turned the light outward. “This was something my Zelda figured out shortly before our journey. She called it a portable light or something.”

And with that, the group set out on their trek. The cave system was relatively safe, compared to other caves the various Links had gone into over the years. A few keese here, one wizzrobe there but nothing out of the ordinary. They were not even enhanced, which was definitely weird. Alarm bells were ringing through Four’s mind and all four of him were on the highest alert. 

They finally found the exit door after two hours of wandering into dead ends. And that was when Legend began to curse. Loudly.

“Language,” Time scolded.

“Don’t!” Legend hissed. “You don’t even know why I'm cursing.”

Siy asked, “Why are you cursing?”

“Because I know where we are. And we are not getting out.”

Dink’s cold laughter echoed through the cavern and everyone drew their swords, standing back to back to each other. “Enjoy your suffering heroes...”

Four bit back a few choice words. “Legend, where are we?”

“An old prison of some ancient tribe of something or other, I don’t remember. But here’s the thing: the tribe were traitors to Hyrule. They got a kick out of taking loyal citizens and soldiers and tossing them into this prison to fight and eventually die. The only way to open the door is to have the blood of a traitor of Hyrule.” Legend cursed again. “I’m many things, but a traitor isn’t one of them.”

Four felt Warriors stiffen to his right and heard Time utter his own curse under his breath.

Wind spoke up, a bit hesitant, “There’s another way out, right?”

Legend shook his head. “I have chased after traitors to this prison. They used it as a hideout. I searched for weeks for another entrance. Nothing I tried did anything. And I tried everything from magic to brute force.”

“But didn’t Dink cave us in?” Wild asked. “That was another exit!”

Legend shook his head. “I don’t think it was a cave in. I think he shut the door. Do you remember a large crash of rocks?”

No one spoke as Dink laughed, and laughed, and laughed.

Well, that certainly put a damper on the situation. 

Four looked about the room, glaring into the darkness, “Shut up, Dink, I’m trying to think!” He put his sword away and marched forward.

Dink stopped, probably from the shock of the name. Or maybe he just wanted to watch Four pace back and forth. When nothing happened to kill Four, the rest of the group relaxed (mostly) and began to run through options of how to get out.

Four had a different kind of debate. This one took entirely in his head.

Green was hesitant to start. Vio just sighed. “We have a way out.”

“But do we?” Green argued back. “No one knows about the whole ‘split situation’ and I don’t feel like now is a good time to show that off. And even if we were, you were not an actual traitor, Vio.”

“If I recall, you all called me such,” Vio argued back. “And I did nothing to deny the fact. And I did a few things that would be considered treason to many people.”

“But you were faking it!” Red yelled back. “You were not a traitor.”

“For once, Red, I need you to think I was,” Vio would have glared at his brothers. “It is our only way out of the cave.”

“We can find another way!”

“Blue, you have been awfully quiet. Something on your mind?” Green asked.

There was a pause. Then, “We can’t throw Vio under the horse.”

“... Aw, Blue does care,” Red sighed.

Vio growled back, “Now is not the time to be sentimental. This is our way out.” Vio paused. “It would be best to split. The group will see you as heroes and me as the traitor.”

“We are not just going to let you take the name traitor in this group!” Blue practically shouted.

“WELL ,YOU DON’T HAVE A CHOICE!” Vio roared back. He paused, collecting his thoughts. “It is fine. For once, being a traitor is turning out to be a good thing.”

No one spoke for a moment. Green then hesitantly asked, “Would it work if we did not split?”

“Why would we do it as Four?” Vio huffed. “No need for the group to hate all of us.”

“Would it work?” Green pressed.

Vio sighed, “It most likely would. We are one as Four. All our blood is the same.”

There was silence.

“No.” Vio growled.

“All in favor?” Gree asked. He, Red, and Blue chimed in. “All opposed?”

“I can handle this by myself!” Vio protested.

Red spoke up, soft and slow. “But you don’t have too. We do this together, or not at all.”

“They will see all of you as traitors. They will not see you as a hero.”

“You’re a hero too, Vio. You’re our brother and we stick together. Got it?” Blue demanded.

Vio was quiet for a moment. “It is illogical and sentimental and will be detrimental to the entire group.”

Green sighed, wishing for the ability to hug all three of his brothers. “But it won’t be to you.”

Silence.

“We love you, Vio,” Red said softly. “You did what you thought was best and it hurt you. And you were alone. You are not alone anymore.”

“... I still believe it to be a poor decision. But very well.”

“Alright,” Green sighed. “How are we going to do this?”

--------------------------------------------

Four had been quietly pacing for over an hour. Warriors watched him out of the corner of his eye that entire time.

Most everyone had settled down. Dark Link had left them alone again, thank Hylia. The group had been listing off various actions that they considered “treasonous” or ideas on how to get through the cave. All of them had been shot down, one after another. The familiar feelings of despair had settled over the group.

Four stopped pacing.

Warriors looked over at him. He caught the blacksmith’s eye. For a brief second, he could have sworn it flashed purple, but then it turned back to it’s usual green color. Warriors blinked, but shook the situation aside. “Any ideas, Four? You’ve been awfully quiet.”

He really hoped their smallest warrior would have a better plan then throwing remote bombs at the door.

Four didn’t respond. He tore his eyes away from the group, looking down at his belt. A small dagger was produced and Four marched over to the door.

Time sighed loudly, “Four, we already tried that.”

And they had. Warriors had been ever slightly relieved that his blood hadn’t done anything.

Four ignored the group, making a shallow cut on his hand. The smallest bit of blood oozed out of his hand and Four pressed it against the door.

Nothing happened.

“See?” Time said. “We’ll need-”

The door suddenly flared red. The writing glowed of pure malice and the old magic hummed. The air felt “wrong” and Warriors found himself gripping his sword hilt as the door opened.

No one moved for what felt like a century.

The sun had set at some point while they had been in the prison. Four was illuminated by the night light outside.   His back was turned to the entire group. He was looking down at the blood on his hand, but Warriors was unable to see his face.

Four finally turned around. He appeared very nervous, but he squared his shoulders and stood as tall as he could. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. He closed it, paused, then tried again. Nothing. Finally, the words came. They were cold, calculating, and felt hollow. “There was a moment in my adventure where I found it necessary to pledge loyalty to a dark lord, who was trying to overthrow Hyrule. Many people in my life, including my family, branded me a traitor of Hyrule. I turned against him in the end, but I did still do it.” He paused. “There were some... actions I had to take to ensure Vatti believed I was on his side. I do regret that I had to do them but I stand by my decision.”

No one moved.

Four shifted uncomfortably. “Think of it this way: if I hadn’t done it, then we’d all be trapped in here for eternity. So... yeah.” He turned on his heel and marched out of the cave, calling behind him, “You might want to move. I don’t know how long that door will stay open.”

There was another pause and then a mad dash for their supplies and for the door. It shut behind them with a grinding sound, leaving the prison dark and cold.

-----------------------------------------------------

No one had spoken since they left the prison. Camp had been set up in silence, Wild had cooked without his cheerful humming, and no one was looking at Four.

Four tried to ignore it. He knew what he was doing. Vio was yelling at the others for being idiots and not allowing him to take the full force of eight heroes disapproval, but they paid him no mind.

This had been for Vio. Not for them.

It was Wind who broke the silence, with a question “What kind of actions?”

Everyone looked at him, clearly confused. Wind gestured vaguely at Four, “You said you took actions to ensure what’s his name thought you were on your side. What kind of actions?”

Four thought for a moment. “Mostly the passing along of information. Battle formations, dates and times of when and where Vatti’s enemies would be, etc.”

“So...” Warriors said slowly. “You were a spy.”

“Of sorts,” Four shrugged. “I also had to appear to try and kill some of my... comrades. I failed, obviously, but it looked real enough that they believed I actually turned against them.”

Warriors didn’t reply to that.

Time cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention. He turned to Four, “It was very brave of you to admit that to us.”

Four shrugged, “I did not see another option out of there. It was the logical decision.” He paused. “I am unsure if Dink knew about my past or if he was just as shocked as all of you. I would like to think the latter.”

“Wait,” Hyrule raised a hand. “Wouldn’t Dink know about it if you know him?”

“Uh...” Four paused again. He was quiet for sometime. “I don’t know him.”

“But you have had some experience with something similar?” Time asked. “You did not like Dark Link. That hatred did not come from nothing.”

“... I told you that there were reasons I had to swear allegiance to Vatti,” Four wrung his hands, avoiding eye contact. “It is... complicated but the short version is there was someone who was like Dink. I called him Shadow because he... well, he came out of my shadow.” Four appeared lost in memory then snapped back. “Shadow was loyal to Vatti, but he would often seek me out to simply... talk. I found myself confiding in him and he in me. Being the hero was very... difficult on my mind. It was good to have a friend. 

“It was Shadow who asked me to join him and Vatti. I refused, at first. But the more time we talked the more... human, Shadow felt. It is hard to explain but I wanted him to be free of Vatti. To have a life of his own. So I told him I would help him.” Four looked into the fire for a moment. “He took my betrayal to Vatti... very hard. But something must have gotten through to him because he shattered the Dark Mirror, which was Vatti’s source of power. It was also... Shadow’s life force.”

Someone gasped softly. Four didn’t look up. “He gave his life for mine. Even after... I hurt him.” He paused, “I killed my own Shadow.”

No one spoke again for some time. The fire sputtered and turned from a roar to a crackle. Wild pulled a log from somewhere and placed it on the fire. The light caught and everyone watched the log slowly wither away.Another log was added some time later.

Warrior let out a heavy sigh, “You’re really something, Four.”

Four titled his head to the side. “I know.”

“That’s not... Four, your shadow turned away from the darkness it came from.” Warriors smiled bitterly. “Mine never spoke and killed many good men. It was born of my own pride and overconfidence. Yours was born...”

“I had to pull the Four sword to rescue Zelda. It was going to release Vatti, but I couldn’t let her die. When I pulled it, Vatti stole my Shadow.”

“Well, no wonder it turned to the light,” Warriors shook his head. “No matter what anyone tells you Four, you’re amazing.”

That was... not what Four had been expecting. “I’m a traitor.”

“Maybe,” Warriors conceded, “But I don’t think any of us ever gave our own darkness a chance to change-- or even had a chance to try. You are a hero in my book. Nothing more, nothing less.”

Four bent his head, hiding the tears pricking his eyes. Vio’s voice was shaky, but it carried. “I... you... what?”

Warriors moved across the clearing and pulled the smallest hero into a hug. “Four... don’t ever change.”

-------------------------------

This got way to long way too quickly but eh. I woke up this morning with this idea and put off homework for almost three hours to write it so now I need to go work on that. Thanks brain. Thanks for nothing.

Warriors was the one who needed convincing. Everyone else can just accept Four’s actions with his explanation. Warriors is the one who needs the explanation and I will die on Warriors and Four being friends. I just love their dynamics with one another.

[gust-jar-simulator]

I love the idea of writing Vio as goth within the context of Four Swords, as opposed to goth in the sense of my 21st century irl perspective.

There’s a quote that I found via Wikipedia via the NYT that encapsulates the genre pretty well: “In the world of Goth, nature itself lurks as a malign protagonist, causing flesh to rot, rivers to flood, monuments to crumble and women to turn into slatterns, their hair streaming and lipstick askew.” That, plus a few notes on Victorian mourning culture, as well as punk elements like androgyny or gender anarchy, with some elements of pagan symbolism sprinkled in for flavor.

The idea of paganism in the land of Hyrule is actually so delicious I need a minute. I feel like a lot of fan writers are familiar with the wealth of Christian religious trauma that can be applied to every mention of Hylia and the Golden Three, but there are other belief systems in the series.

Vio as a character has some very interesting possibilities open to him. First off, he used to be part of one person, who could arguably be considered dead after splitting into Green, Blue, Red, and Vio. Depending on how you write them, even when they recombine the original still might not exist anymore. Vio is the contrary one, the one who least resembles the original- I feel like it’s not out of the question for him to see that death and rebirth as a kind of punk freedom, and cheerfully mourn that change in the same way I cheerfully mourn the person I used to be. I love a good skull or two. Hell yes I died, look at what I’ve become. It’s not mocking as much as it is a strange form of respect, if you pressed me to define it. Also, importantly, it’s fun.

Secondly, there’s their association with the Minish. Minish culture is very animistic, the Shinto influences are obvious if you look, and even if the Forest Minish have a rather Catholic (read: Hylian) chapel I think there’s evidence enough that it’s a result of cultural exchange. I am kind of feral about the idea of Zelda being essentially Jesus, and her knight making little offerings of fruit in the woods to the spirits of root and vine. For Vio in particular, I’d be tempted to introduce him to Gerudo beliefs via Shadow. The goddess of the sands, ancestor worship, etc. Not that Shadow is very devout, but he’s willing to talk about it to satisfy his nerd boyfriend.

I don’t think I need to say much about gender anarchy. He’s a Link. We all know.

Lastly, there’s Vio’s position as the member of the group that represents elemental earth, both the foundation of life and its final destination. Vio would absolutely have a complex relationship with death, both in abstract forms like death of the former self as well as quite literal death, considering his position as a fragment of a whole and the avatar of the element most closely tied to it. If anything, the only element closer is Shadow’s, void or aether. I think if he took some time on his journey of self-discovery, in a world where he didn’t have to rejoin into Link, he’d at the very least end up visiting a cemetery or two to try to connect to that aspect of who he is.

Don’t get me started on the fashion choices all of this could result in, or we’ll be here all week.

[thesacredtwink]

For convenience you can reply to this ask when you finish my comfort fic ^^

What We are Made Of

For @umbrenshadow who requested Vio/Shadow, with shadow getting to vent. I hope it's just what you asked for :)

Shadow hesitates outside the door, one grey hand raised inches away from the wooden surface. Logically, they know that they are welcome here, that their boyfriend is unlikely to turn them away no matter the hour, but the former minion of Ganons can’t help the small flurry of anxiety that courses through them.

Taking a breath, Shadow brings fist to wood, knocking softly against the heavy door. It sounds like a cannon blast in the silence of the night, though that could just be the shadow spirits' nerves playing tricks on them. Seconds pass which feel like hours, and Shadow is contemplating turning away when the door creaks open and a familiar set of violet eyes peek through the crack.

“Shadow?” Vio asks, voice heavy with sleep, and pulls the door open fully.

Dim candlelight spills into the hall, and Shadow is able to make out the long shirt and sleep pants that their boyfriend is dressed in.

Shadow takes a breath, resisting the urge to twist their fingers into their tunic and mentally waves goodbye at their last chance to change their mind.

“Can I talk?”

Vio says nothing, only stepping aside to allow Shadow entrance into the room, and as the shadow-being crosses the threshold it occurs to them that this is the first time they have ever been here at night. In the darkness, the familiar walls seem endlessly tall, the only source of light coming from a single candle on Vio’s bedside table which flickers with the air currents. Vio shuts the door behind them, and casually leads his boyfriend over to the unmade bed and sits down amidst the blankets and pillows.

Shadow sits with uncommon hesitance for the normally decisive being, committed but unsure how to proceed with the reason why they came at such a late hour.

“I’m sorry, I know it's late.” They say, and Vio takes their hand.

“You can always talk to me,” he says, and Shadow feels a pang of [something] go through them. [It’s been hard adjusting back to life in the world, with the hardest adjustment being the man sitting next to them. Shadow had been half convinced that the arms that caught them when they were pulled from that place, back into a world of light and sound, were a dream. They had wanted to believe it was real, but it was hard to believe anything- least of all Vio- after everything Shadow had been through, including the purple hero's betrayal. Since then, Vio has worked on proving to Shadow that he isn't going to betray them again, and has done so in the way that Vio does most things - through his actions. While they appreciate the effort, Shadow does feel a little bit like they are taking advantage of Vio. They shake the thought away. Vio has offered, and Shadow knows how it makes their boyfriend feel when they constantly doubt him.

“I’m tired,” Shadow starts, shoulders slumping at the admission. “Ever since you rescued me, I've felt like I have to prove myself. To you, your brothers- the world. And I get that I did horrible things and I don't expect anyone to forgive me, but I feel like I have to walk on eggshells all the time. Watch everything little thing I do, especially around your brothers, and just- I’m tired and I can’t help the feeling that no matter what I do it won’t be enough.”

Vio’s hand tightens around theirs in a reassuring squeeze, and Shadow looks down at their linked hands, squeezing back.

“But the worst part is, I don't think I’ll ever be good enough. I want to, I want to be good enough. But every time I think I’m making progress, proving myself, i can hear him in my mind-”

Shadow closes their eyes, and it's easy to picture him: the red hair, the hulking figure, the cruel bite of words reminding Shadow that they were made for one thing and one thing alone, and what a failure they were at doing that. Ganondorf was not a kind master, Shadow had always known that, but for so long there had only been Ganondorf. They hadn’t realized how deeply they believed what they were being told. Shadow can say with certainty that they  know better now, that they are not just a tool for evil (Vio has shown them that, endlessly patient in his own way). But they cant deny the truth of what their former master had said. Shadow was born from darkness.

“- and I hate that he was right about any of it, that it wasn't all lies. I don't want to be evil, but what if that's what I am? What if, no matter how hard I try and fight it, that's what I’ll always be?”

Without warning, Vio reaches out and hugs Shadow. It catches the shadow being a little off guard, momentarily confused by the uncommon tactile forwardness. They can't deny that it's nice though, and they all but melt into the embrace.

“I’ve been doing research,” Vio says, and Shadow snorts and rolls their eyes because of course Vio has been doing research. The sound ears a light smack from Vio. “Hush you, I’ve been doing research on how Ganon made you. From what I have been able to find, while the methods Ganon used to reach through the mirror were dark along with the mirror itself, the place you were pulled from is benign. Just a place like any other.”

The words process slowly through Shadow’s mind. They go through them once, then twice to make sure they are understanding them correctly. Even then, Shadow isn't sure if they have understood right.

"Say that again?" They ask, voice quiet, hardly daring to believe their own ears.

“What Ganon made you for is not what you are made of.” Vio says, soft but clear.

“You’re sure?” Shadow asks.

“I can show you my sources,” Vio offers, starting to pull away, but Shadow shakes their head.

“In the morning?” They ask, and Vio settles back down.

“Alright.”

Shadow chews the inside of their lip, the candle on the table burning low. The conversation is over, but they aren't ready to leave the comfort of Vio's facts and steady breathing just yet.

“Can I stay with you tonight?” Shadow asks.

“Of course,” Vio responds, carefully laying down with Shadow still in his arms. 

It’s a rare night when Shadow actually sleeps, the darkness calling to something inside of them. But tonight, secure in the warmth of Vio’s embrace, Shadow sleeps.

[bosmermage]

Whumptober Day 12

It’ll Be Fun They Said (torture, made to watch, begging)  

Characters: Vio, Shadow, Green

Tw: temporary major character death, broken nose, choking

There were many cold and lonely nights Shadow curled up with Vio by the fire. It was a form of solace they both sought, that everything could be alright after all. They would mummer assurances into each others hair until one of them fell asleep. Tied up, what a cold comfort the memory was.

Despite the uncomfortable position: bent over on his knees, arms tied behind his back, neck chained to the ground, just barely he could force his head up far enough to see where Vio was. He slumped against the chair he was bound to, blood staining his white undershirt red from the weeping head wound he'd gotten from the attack. Unfortunately, whoever had captured them knew exactly what Shadow was. Vio went down like a sack of bricks and the soul binding object Shadow so carefully guarded was flashed in front of his eyes by the masked figure, all but ensuring his compliance. Not that he knew where they were since the fucker had the indecency to teleport them. The room was the painful side of bright anyways causing him to endlessly shift against the prickling sensation, there was no shade for him to draw off of, the generator the princess had entrusted him with confiscated in the attack.

It was supposed to be an easy mission. Some cattle had been going missing and some travellers had been harried but unharmed in the fields north of the castle. Find the culprit, get them to stop, back home for dinner. Ah well, they did always say the worst thing to do on a battlefield was to underestimate your opponent. All the more when you didn't even know you were standing on a battlefield. And Vio had wanted to go alone.

“Guys?” Green's voice caused Shadow to jerk against the chains, and sure enough just out of the corner of his eyes he could see their green clad counterpart, suspended with his feet off the ground on a pillar by ropes in an eerie pantomime of memories best left forgotten.

“Green?” Shadow whispered. Green nodded, shifting against the ropes uncomfortably, he was struggling to breathe properly. Shadow couldn't help but shift his eyes back to where Vio was unconscious and bleeding.

It took another half hour for Vio to stir. Shadow's legs were painfully numb and Green's lips had started to go blue from the strain. Vio's eyes went wide, trained on the spot between the other two before immediately setting into a practised neutrality and that made Shadow's heart drop. Whatever it was behind him wasn't good news to make Vio react like that, to make him ignore their plight in favour of stone walling. Unable to turn and look, the prickling hairs on the back of Shadow's neck were useless.

“Oh good morning sleeping beauty!” The voice was familiar in a distant sort of way, like he had heard it floating down the castle halls before, or perhaps on the streets of castle town. Shadow jerked away from in instinctively and the voice cackled at his plight. He was beginning to think, perhaps, they were in a whole heap of trouble.

“What do you want with us?” Vio's face was impassive and his voice was steady, but Shadow had seen the fear in his eyes. The longer they spent together the easier it was to see his mask for what it was, just porcelain. Pretty, but easily shattered. He watched it fall apart in slow motion as something sharp and searing with magic poked at the back of his neck.

“Right now? Well, right now I just want you to sit back and enjoy the show!” the poking sensation began to burn horrifically as it was pressed into his skin and Shadow bit down on his lip to resist the urge to squirm, heart sinking with every second longer he watched Vio flounder.

Vio really was as white as porcelain now. Or at least, Shadow thought he was, before his head was stomped down into the ground, breaking his nose and drawing a choked scream out of him from the sheer shock of the sensation.

“NO!” he could hear Vio thrashing against his bonds through the daze and the cackling voice enjoying their plight. He wished he could tell Vio he'd had worse, that he'd be alright.

“No? Oh alright, if you insist.” The boot left Shadow's head. He didn't dare move his head to look but he could hear the footsteps walk off in the direction Green and a spike of panic shot through him at the idea. The sickening sounds of Green choking told him all he needed to know.

“NO, PLEASE DON'T HURT THEM,” Vio was crying, he could tell from the gasp he took in. The chair must be bolted to the floor to be able to stand up to the amount of struggle Vio was putting up. Green took a shuddering gasp in, coughing on the air.

“Neither of them? Oh you're such a picky guest Vio. Hmm. Tell you what. I was going to kill both of them, but since you're begging so nicely I'll let you choose.”

“Choose?” He was trying to buy time and it wasn't working, no one would come looking for them for days yet anyways.

“Don't play dumb Vio, choose who dies.”

“God no, kill me please, don't hurt them any more,” Distantly Shadow realized he must look like he'd passed out. And goddess only knew what shape Green was in.

“Oh no no, I need you to go back to the princess for me. You better hurry up and pick too, or I'll pick for you. And I think we both know who I'll choose.” The sizzling pain of light magic was at his back again. Shadow jerked away from in instinctively and the voice cackled at his plight. Vio screamed, high and wordless.

“It's okay Vio. It's okay I won't be mad. You can pick me, we don't have to loose Shadow again. Please.” Green's voice was filled with tears and it made Vio break into full blown sobs.

“Awe, so brave of you hero. But can you really accept an offer like that? Would you be able to live with yourself knowing you were the cause of the people's beloved hero's death. Maybe no one would know what you did, but could you really live with yourself?”

Vio hung his head, before Shadow could so much as open his mouth to protest a hollow voice sounded out, “I pick Green.”

The cackling rose to a crescendo and a sickening squelch was followed by the sound and smell of blood flooding the room. A thud and Vio's wail told Shadow the deed was done. They were left in silence after. A crashing noise made Shadow wince, it must have been his soul binding hitting the floor because electricity bright and numbing shot through him for a second as it settled down. A door clicked shut. When the lights blinked out a second later he was able, finally, to escape the bindings and pull Vio into his chest, hacking away the restraints with claws. They stood there for what seemed like forever as Vio's wailing slowly petered out. A soft glow began to emit from behind them. It got brighter, and Shadow winced away as the memory of the four sword's glow raked down his spine.

“Guys?” Impossibly, inconceivably, Green's voice rang out from behind them.

Shadow swivelled around despite himself and sure enough, drenched in what had to be his own blood hung Green. Completely unharmed. In fact, looking healthier than he had in a while.

“Green?” Shadow didn't even realized the words had come out of his mouth until Green smiled at him.

“Hey can you get me outta here, this is really uncomfortable.” Shadow snorted at that and shifted Vio in his hold, rousing him with those same affirmations mumbled into his hair.

“Green?” Vio's voice was soft, and his knees gave out. Shadow floundered for a moment before scurrying over to free Green. He'd found that the clattering noise had also been the two four swords hitting the ground. It was Vio's he picked to hack away the ropes, more of habit than anything else. The dark magic generator was still missing but that was a problem for future Shadow.

“God you two just about gave me a heart attack with that stunt. But the look on maskies face is gonna be so worth it. How'd you even figure out the four sword could do that??” Shadow helped Green back to his feet but Vio's ashen fear filled face stopped him dead in his tracks.

“We didn't”

[triplechain]

The deal with Four in Triple Chain

I came up with this stuff before Four split and the explanation from Jojo, and I'm gonna stick with it. Probably not gonna get too deep into it, cause the point of this blog is for my additions and also cause I haven't done enough research into systems and how they function to be completely confident. I'm completely open to feedback and criticism to try and make things better.

tl;dr Four Swords Link was a system before drawing the sword and it only further created/divided the alters (the colors) to be (mostly) separate, the Heroes of Men and Minish are just leftover souls from the seal on evil, and FSA Link did not sign up for any of this.

The Four Sword and its previous forms are able to seal away evil in part due to taking part of the wielder's "soul" when used as a seal. When the blade is drawn once again, the "soul" transfers from the blade and into the wielder. This is entirely based on Jojo's comment back in the first post:

‘Hero of the four swords’, b/c I combined ALL the links who’ve handled that sword, even the link from the intro in Minish Cap.

which I took as an excuse to more literally combine all the links who've handled the sword ^^;

The Picori Blade contained the Hero of Men, though the soul could not "transfer" until the blade was restored by the Hero of Minish.

The restored Four Sword held the Heroes of Men and Minish, though upon being drawn to combat Vaati in Four Swords, the mind of the wielder was somewhat "split" and with that split went the heroes. (Yes, I'm sort of ignoring the one from the intro of Four Swords. Partially because I forgot, and partially because it makes the headcount uneven.)

The new wielder and Green shared one body, the Hero of Minish and Red shared a second, and the Hero of Men and Vio shared a third. Blue was left alone in his body, and because of the strange circumstances, the wielder gained the nickname "Four" and carried the colors with him upon replacing the blade. Parts of all five's souls remained in the blade to seal away Vaati, joining the earlier heroes to become seven. Four was not the person he was before, though the colors existed before drawing the blade and the sudden diversion into multiple bodies shook the pre-existing system. It took time for Four and the colors to adjust to sharing the body once more, but they prospered nonetheless.

The current wielder drew the blade at the beginning of Four Swords Adventures, once again splitting the blade's souls across multiple bodies. Link - the new wielder - and Green in the first, the Hero of Minish and Red in the second, Four and Blue in the third, and the Hero of Men and Vio in the fourth. While the previous body split had been tumultuous enough, the current split shook the group further as Blue was no longer alone and neither was Vaati.

(The Hero of Men was not fond of Vio's adoration of Shadow Link.)

While I'm not entirely sure how they have the Four Sword since it was supposed to seal Ganon at the end of FSA, the reformation of four bodies into one has not been an easy ride for Link.

The Hero of Men typically just goes by "Hero", rarely ever fronting even when it's just them and Vio sharing after a split.

The Hero of Minish prefers "Cori", most often fronting when smithing work is needed.

The Sealer of Ganon has gained the nickname of "Light" internally, having restored the Light Force to the blade.

Four is one of two "leaders" of the group, the other being the current wielder, Light. Four was the host and somewhat of a gatekeeper in his old body and adjusted quickly to the new body. Light is still somewhat coping with sharing his headspace with so many others.

The colors most often shift between each other and Four, otherwise remaining relatively dormant outside of commentary on a given situation. They argue and disagree, but Four's familiarity prevents the others from realizing there's any sort of inner turmoil.

Shadow Link is not part of the internal group, instead "living" as the body's shadow. Then again, no one's seen him since they stepped through that first portal...

[lucky-clover-gazette]

it's dangerous to go alone

(formerly known as this is our get-along fic)

two years after shadow and vio's evil takeover, the gang reunites for dinner. this is a multi-chapter continuation of the oneshot "thank darkness for that," which introduces a corruption-type au that's actually super chill. definitely read the one-shot before following this one!

chapter 3 of 7: the dungeon (4950 words)

Vio blinks tears out of his eyes as he surveys the group, all of whom look… well, bewildered is the best word he has for it. Not angry, not hurt, not even annoyed—just, varying degrees of confused. Like they’ve just now realized that there’s something real between the Kings of Hyrule, that they’d been so close to losing it before and fought so hard to keep each other close. That maybe, as hurtful as it’d been, their betrayal hadn’t been without good reason. That they’d had something to lose, and they’d been scared, and they chose the best of several bad options to preserve the love they’d found against all odds.

Or maybe they are just annoyed. Vio’s never been good at reading people, anyway.

read the full chapter on ao3 or under the cut:

There appears to be a sword to Vio’s throat.

He hears himself mutter incoherently, wincing at the cold steel against his cheekbone. The world slowly comes into focus, and after a few rapid blinks Vio can identify the immediate threat. “Hey! Stop!”

Green scowls above Vio and holds his blade steady. Vio can tell now that he’s seated in a chair… and judging by the stiffness of his arms, also tied to it.

“What did you do?” Green demands. Vio’s mind races—how does Green have his sword? Where are they? Where is Shadow?

“I didn’t do anything,” Vio says, experimentally shifting his lower body. Yes, he is most definitely tied to this chair. “Why did you tie me up?”

Green rolls his eyes. “I didn’t.”

Vio wants to assess his surroundings, but that’s not really possible with a blade to his throat. “Green, put it away, I need to see where we are.”

“Looks like the castle dungeons,” Zelda says, out of Vio’s line of sight. Vio doesn’t know if he’s relieved.

“Is everyone here?” he asks Green, refusing to be intimidated despite the power imbalance between them. Green seems to notice this, and his grip on the sword tightens.

“Yes,” Green says, “everyone’s here.”

“Hi!” Red calls, somehow chipper as always.

“You did this,” Blue echo’s Green’s sentiment, and Vio pretends he’s not there at all. Green, Zelda, Red, and Blue—that just leaves…

“Shadow?” Vio asks softly, unsure if he wants a response at all. Whatever—whoever—brought them all here, maybe they only wanted the four Heroes, and the Princess… maybe they left Shadow alone, maybe he could help them—

“Here,” a familiar voice says from behind Vio. “Tied to a chair, but here.”

Vio raises an eyebrow at Green. “We’re the only ones restrained, and you want me to believe you four had nothing to do with it?”

Vio can feel Shadow shifting around behind him, their chairs positioned back-to-back. Shadow moves a little too violently, slamming his head against Vio’s and causing Green to reflexively withdraw the sword.

“Ow,” Vio groans, wanting to rub his head but unable to do so.

“Sorry,” Shadow says sheepishly. “Wrong headbonk.”

Vio is so close to smiling at that, but maintains his grimace instead. “Put it away,” he tells Green again. “You know I’d never tie him up like this.”

Green considers this, his eyes searching Vio’s. “Fine,” he says after a beat, withdrawing the blade. “But I’m the only one here who’s armed.”

Vio nods, finally able to move his head freely. Zelda’s assessment of the space is correct—they are most definitely within the Hyrule Castle dungeons, a long underground system of rooms used for miscellaneous purposes. The stone floor and peeling wallpaper are dead giveaways, if the slight scent of mildew in the air wasn’t already enough. “Shadow?” he calls, craning his head backwards. “Does this room look familiar to you?”

“No, Vi, sorry. Also, are you okay? And do you know what’s going on?”

“Somewhat and no,” Vio sighs, trying to take better stock of the area. Green stands with the others, none of whom appear to be armed, in a large storeroom full of miscellaneous furniture. Wardrobes, desks, statues, sinks... random items of varying quality, all coated with a thick layer of dust.

“I recognize some of this stuff,” Zelda says, lightly kicking a velvet ottoman with her kitten heel.

“Probably got shoved down here when they stole the entire castle,” Blue says, crossing his arms.

Ah, yes. Vio remembers this room now, from their initial move-in two years ago. One of the first things he had done was call for the removal of Zelda and the original Link’s furniture from the castle’s main floor.

“More or less,” Vio admits, his ability to run a hand through his hair once again limited by the restraints. Really? I can’t even fidget now?

“Okaaaay,” Zelda says, really drawing out the middle of the word. Vio doubts she suspects them of planning this—she’s way too close with Shadow for that—but still, the cynicism is her voice is unmistakable. “But you can’t explain why we’re here. Or what knocked us out. Or why only Green got his sword back.”

“Or why we’re tied up,” Shadow adds, his voice cold. “Zelda, you can’t seriously think we’re behind whatever this is.”

She avoids him, continuing to stare Vio down. In a way, Vio is actually glad Shadow can’t see what’s going on, because the look on Zelda’s face would have him hurting for a week.

“Only Green got his sword back?” Vio asks, dodging Zelda’s interrogation entirely.

“Yeah,” Green says, still holding it in front of him. “Blue almost grabbed it first, but Red intercepted.”

“And how long have you all been conscious?”

“Only a few minutes,” Red answers, easily the least suspicious of the four. “This is all so weird. I think our soup may have been drugged.”

“Yeah, no shit,” Blue says, rolling his eyes. “By them.”

“It was the soup,” Shadow confirms. “I… hold on, can you at least turn me around so I can see everyone?”

Zelda looks to Green, who just shrugs. “Yes,” she says, her voice slightly apologetic. “One second, Shadow.”

Vio can hear his husband’s sigh of relief. Even in this bizarre and potentially dangerous predicament, he still cares what the others think of him.

“Thanks,” Shadow says as Zelda turns him around. Vio cranes his head to face him, trying and failing to muster a reassuring smile. Hylia, it’s torture not to take his hand...

“How do you know it was the soup?” Green asks, motioning to Shadow with his sword.

“ Hey, ” Vio says sharply. “Get that thing away from him.”

Green narrows his eyes at Vio, undoubtedly recalling his previous threat of banishment. He has too much to lose, Vio knows, between his ranch and his business and Zelda. He lowers the sword completely, although Vio can’t help but notice the implicit refusal to disarm himself completely.

“How do you know the soup was drugged?” Blue asks Shadow, picking up where Green left off.

Shadow shrugs. “You all ate it, and then passed out.”

“But you didn’t?”

“I ate the soup, but it didn’t do anything to me. I got knocked out the old-fashioned way.”

Yet again, Vio wishes he could fidget. He thinks best when he’s doing something with his hands, or when he can tie up his hair. Anything but just sitting here restrained, unable to even comfort his husband—

“So whoever drugged us,” Zelda says, “must have realized it didn’t work on you, and… what? Whacked you with a blunt object?”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

“Harm towards Shadow Link,” Blue mutters to Red. “Sounds like someone’s getting banished.”

Vio has the strongest urge to bare his teeth.

Zelda ignores the snide comment and turns to Green. “I really don’t understand. Who would do something like this?”

As if answering her question, a small television comes to life in the corner of the room. It’s an ancient Sheikah device, something Vio had dismissed as a broken artifact rather than a functional object. But it’s definitely working now, its screen casting a sickly green light through the dark room.

“Hello, esteemed guests,” says a familiar voice, causing Vio and Shadow to immediately lock eyes. There’s no way it’s—

“Tingle Tingle Kooloo Limpah!” exclaims the man himself, who stands uncomfortably close to the camera with a deeply off-putting smile. Like, even more deeply off-putting than usual.

Vio gasps. What the actual—

“Fun times ahead, gang!” Tingle exclaims, although his sinister tone of voice indicates otherwise.

“I… what?” Shadow asks in a choked voice.

“He can’t hear you, dumbass,” Blue says, and Green shushes them both.

“You see, I’ve been working on this plan for some time now,” Tingle says, each word echoing through the cavernous space. “Ever since I watched the Kings of Hyrule steal the throne from under their allies’ noses, and I thought to myself, ‘well, why can’t I do that too?’”

Vio’s jaw drops. This can’t possibly be happening. Tingle is harmless! He’s… he’s not nearly as smart as Vio and Shadow, as capable, as—

“So I played the long game,” Tingle explains. “I gained the Kings’ trust, kept my plan on the back-burner—much like the delicious pumpkin soup I prepared for you this evening—until the time was right to finally strike. And now you’re all here, trapped within the devious dungeons of Hyrule Castle, surrounded by dangerous foes you have no hope of surviving!”

Vio watches Blue grab Red’s hand, taking the other man by surprise. He then turns to Shadow, whose expression of betrayal is so foreign that it makes Vio’s heart ache.

“Sooooo if you’re wondering how I actually plan to take the throne,” Tingle says, “it’s actually a pretty neat scheme: trap you six in a scary murder dungeon, knowing that the Kings’ guests already have a two-year grudge against them. Make sure Your Majesties start out at a huge disadvantage. I don’t care if you guys actually kill each other—if not, I’ve set up enough monsters and traps to get the job done. I just know that when I stop by in a few hours and discover your bodies, and I tell the whole kingdom of Hyrule that the scorned ex-Heroes and ex-Princess murdered the Kings and perished in the process, they’ll be so stricken with grief and confusion that they’ll have to accept me as their ruler!”

Tingle laughs maniacally, shaking the camera in the process. Vio and Shadow lock eyes again.

“Oh, and King Shadow can’t use his powers,” Tingle adds. “I’ve gotta make a special soup for that, I’ll just knock him out with a big spoon or something.”

“I don’t think he ended up going with the spoon,” Shadow says, his eyes looking upward. Vio winces, noticing the nasty bump poking through Shadow’s dark hair. If Vio gets through this alive, he is going to strangle that tiny green bastard with his bare hands…

“He can still shapeshift, though,” Tingle says brightly. “Couldn’t figure out a way to nerf that one—see? I’m not a total genius.”

Green turns to Vio. “You know, he kind of sounds like you.”

“Not the time,” Zelda scolds him, while Blue releases a short laugh.

“Anyway, that’s about it," Tingle says. “Sorry it had to be this way—except no, I’m really not. Have fun!”

The TV shuts off on its own, leaving the room in stunned silence. That is, until Blue walks up to Vio, somehow grinning despite the circumstances.

“How does it feel?” he asks, and Vio knows exactly what he means. He sees the irony in the situation. Tingle’s bizarre plan has certain similarities to what he and Shadow had done to the others two years ago: convincing them to give up their connections to the Triforce, only to leave them high and dry and cheat their way into power… because it had been cheating, with Shadow’s shapeshifting, they both know it. But the things they had done with their power—uniting the Light and Dark worlds, healing the land of Hyrule, separating the state from a deeply flawed church—had always felt like it made up for their less-than-legitimate ascension.

But they had gotten cocky, obviously, somewhere down the line. And now here they are, powerless, at the mercy of the same former allies they had once betrayed in a chillingly similar manner.

Vio doesn’t think of Hylia very often anymore—doesn’t address her in his head, doesn’t see himself as one of her Chosen Heroes. But in this moment, he has to hand it to her: Well-played, Goddess. Well-played.

“You need to untie us,” Shadow urges the others, “right now.”

Blue opens his mouth, but Green cuts him off. “Fine. You two know this place the best, you’re our best chance out of here.”

“And we’re not going to consider just leaving them behind?” Blue demands as Green cuts Shadow free. “They did this to themselves.”

Shadow stands, shaking out his arms and legs. Green seems to hesitate and Shadow rolls his eyes, extending his sharp nails like a cat. He swipes at Vio’s restraints, startling his husband in the process.

“I forgot you could do that,” Vio mutters as Shadow offers him a hand. He takes it and allows himself to be lifted to his feet, then pulled into a very tight hug. They stay like that for ten seconds, twenty seconds… until Green finally clears his throat.

“We need a plan,” he says, returning his sword to its scabbard. Vio and Shadow separate and join the group in a circle formation. “I don’t care about stopping Tingle from taking the throne,” Green continues. “I just want to get out of here and enjoy my normal life on the ranch.”

“You might not have a normal life to enjoy, if Tingle takes the throne,” Zelda counters. “Shadow and Vio know what they’re doing. I know what I’m doing, as their advisor. Hyrule would probably be a nightmare with Tringle running it.”

“Whatever,” Green says. Zelda shakes her head, clearly wanting to say more, but deciding against it.

Red sniffles, clearly trying to put on a brave face. “Guys, a plan?”

“Well, we first need to escape this room,” Vio tells the group. “Once we can pinpoint where we are, within the dungeons, we’ll be able to determine a way out.”

“I’ll check for doors,” Zelda volunteers. “Green, you can help.”

Vio nods at them, more comfortable in this position of relative authority than he’s been all evening. He’s a planner, always has been, and his success record speaks for itself.

For the sake of Vio’s ego, Tingle doesn’t count.

“He mentioned monsters,” Blue says, his eyes scanning the space. “Nothing in here, which means we’re probably supposed to escape this room at least. Green’s got his sword, but the rest of us…”

Red smiles, probably happy that Blue seems to be playing along. “We’re in a room full of random stuff, I’m sure we can find some weapons!”

“There’s nothing here,  just a bunch of stolen furniture.”

“We can be creative,” Red insists. “Improvised weapons are fun!” In demonstration, he grabs a fireplace poker off a nearby couch. “See?”

Shadow and Vio exchange a look, then shrug. “I have an idea,” Shadow says, a mischievous grin on his face. He walks over to a small table and grabs one of the matching wooden chairs, hoisting it up for Vio’s approval.

“Seems a bit impractical,” Vio says, holding his chin in his hand. He wants to ask his beloved husband why a fucking chair is his weapon of choice, but doesn’t want to waste any more time than they already have.“Here,” he says, crossing over to join Shadow. “Hold it steady.”

Shadow raises an eyebrow but does as he’s told. Vio grabs at one of the chair’s legs and pulls, muscles straining with effort. He knows he can do this, he just…

A loud crack startles Vio out of his concentration. Blue stands a few feet away, shit-eating grin on his face, offering Vio a chair leg identical to the one he had been trying to break free. “Your Highness,” he says with a flourish.

Vio feels himself blushing from embarrassment, and anger, and just— really? Blue had to make him look so unimpressive in front of Shadow? His husband?

“Aw, babe,” Shadow says, using one of their rarer petnames. “It was your idea, that’s what counts.” He ruffles Vio’s hair and takes the improvised weapon from Blue without a word of thanks.

Vio grabs the chair leg from Shadow’s hands and breaks it in half against his thigh. Now it’s Shadow’s turn to blush as he accepts the jagged wooden stake.

“You guys are weird,” Red says, wrinkling his nose. “Blue, what’s your weapon?”

“Just like I told the guards: these hands.”

“Okay, but you need a real weapon.”

“Fine,” Blue says, grabbing a snow globe from Zelda’s old desk. “You happy now?”

Red answers with an unironic hum of assent, and Vio starts to wonder if he and Shadow aren’t the only gay people in the room. Green had mentioned something at the dinner, hadn’t he?

“Found a door!” Zelda calls from across the room. Vio, Shadow, Red, and Blue run over to join her and Green at the furniture chamber’s single exit.

“It’s locked,” Green says. “We already checked.”

Vio tries the door knob anyway. No luck.

Red cocks his head. “Do we have to find a key?”

“Don’t think so,” Blue tells him. “Look up.”

They all do, noticing an oval-shaped switch above the doorframe.

“It looks kind of like an eye,” Shadow observes.

Vio nods. “I’ve seem this kind of thing before, in books. I think we’re supposed to shoot it. If I only had my bow, I could—”

“You should get a weapon,” Red whispers to Zelda. “Anything you can grab.”

Zelda nods, and wanders back into the sea of furniture. Vio clears his throat indignantly. “I said, if I only had my bow—”

Blue throws his snow globe at the switch, glass smashing against metal. Liquid drips inside the eyeball, causing it to close, and a loud… noise?… plays through the room. It’s a short melody, only a few notes, completely unknown to Vio but also strangely familiar.

“Do you guys hear that?’ Vio asks the group. Zelda shakes her head, but everyone else—all the various Links—nod. Vio fidgets with the scrunchie on his wrist. “Weird.”

“Got a weapon!” Zelda announces, brandishing something small in her right hand. “Fountain pen. Pointy.”

“That’s…” Green begins to say, but then stops. “You know what, sure, that’s great.” He puts a hand on the door knob and turns to the group. “Everyone ready?”

Vio feels Shadow take his hand and gives him an uneasy smile. “Yeah,” he says, and Shadow nods.

Red holds his fireplace poker in front of both him and Blue, who now truly only has his hands to defend himself. “We’re ready,” Red says, and Vio has to hand it to him—he can be fierce when he wants to be.

Zelda twirls the fountain pen in her hand. “Open it, Green.”

And so he does, and everyone braces themselves for the worst: monsters, traps, fire, ice, electricity or poison gas. But outside the room, they only see an empty hallway, silent and seemingly free of environmental hazards.

Vio almost expects Blue to volunteer him and Shadow to test the hallway’s safety, but… well, they’d all held the Triforce of Courage at some point, hadn’t they? Except for Zelda, whose divine wisdom would probably have kept her out of this situation if she were acting alone.

They all step out together into the hallway, weapons drawn, incessant bickering turned to nervous silence. Compared to this, Vio thinks he might prefer the bickering.

“What’s at the end of the hall?” Shadow asks between gritted teeth. The group keeps formation as they sidestep to their left, ignoring the obvious dead end to their right.

“Does anyone feel kind of silly?” Vio asks as they continue this awkward manner of movement. “I think we can just walk like normal.”

“Your funeral, nerd,” Blue says, but it’s not with the bite Vio would expect. It’s almost playful, the same kind of tone he’d use to tease Vio before he…

“As much as I hate to admit it,” Green says, “I agree with Vio,”

Red gives him a thumbs up, peering down the dark hallway. “Breaking formation in five, four, three, two… one!”

The six separate and collectively hold their breath.

Nothing happens.

“Well, that’s nice,” Red says, holding his hands on his hips. He walks into the dark with that ever-present smile. “Maybe we just have to— FUCK! ”

“Red!” Blue shouts, immediately running to his aid. Out of the corner of his eye, Vio sees Zelda and Shadow making eye contact.

“Hylia, I hope not,” Shadow mutters to her. Zelda covers her mouth to hide a smirk.

Vio and Green follow Blue to Red, who sits on the ground and shoves them away. “Guys, I’m fine! Just ran into a wall. It was closer than I thought.”

“Glad you’re okay,” Vio says, and means it. Red beams.

“We need some light,” Zelda says as she and Shadow join the group. “I can’t see what’s on the wall.”

“If only Miss Fairy were here…” Red says as Blue helps him to his feet.

“I can take a look,” Shadow offers, gently parting the group. “I have Dark World night vision. More a biological feature than a magic power, so Tingle’s potion shouldn’t have affected it.”

“What do you see?” Vio asks, wrapping his arms around Shadow from behind. He feels Shadow’s body relax in his arms, and thanks the darkness for hiding the act of physical affection. If Blue teases him about his relationship with Shadow one more time, he might just start teasing him back about Red.

“It looks like some kind of puzzle,” Shadow says slowly. “A big padlock on the door, and four… keyholes?  But they’re, like, bigger. Vertical. You could fit, like, a sword in there. Four of them, actually.”

“So...” Vio hears Zelda say, “four swords?”

“Oh. Yeah.”

“Well, I’m holding onto mine,” Green tells the group. “At least, unless we all find ours.”

“Sounds like we just might,” Vio says, stepping out of the dark. He hears a small disappointed noise from Shadow when he tears himself away.

Blue pinches the bridge of his nose. “I want to make sure Shadow Link was telling the truth.”

“ Just Shadow, ” Zelda, Vio, and Red correct him in unison.

“Fine, Shadow, whatever.”

“Go ahead,” Shadow says, motioning towards the dark corridor. “You can feel for the padlock and keyholes.”

They watch Blue disappear into the darkness, and Vio can see on Green’s face how torn he is between him and the others. To think that all the times they’d brunched together, Green had still been so bitter about Vio’s betrayal… he’d disguised it pretty well, but still. If Vio had known Green was still so angry, he probably wouldn’t have gone for Zelda’s dinner party idea in the first place.

I should be more like Shadow, Vio reminds himself. Shadow, who clearly believes in his heart that they’ll all come around eventually. Shadow, who had somehow managed to heal his relationship with Zelda, the same person he’d kidnapped, usurped, and tricked into giving up her Triforce of Wisdom. Shadow, who’d forgiven Vio for his own manipulations, and had stood unwaveringly by his side ever since.

 “Shadow’s right,” Blue calls reluctantly from the darkness. “Feels exactly how he described.”

“No surprise there,” Zelda mutters, loud enough so Shadow can hear. Vio decides that if they survive, he’s going to find a way to thank her for being Shadow’s #2 defender—maybe send her an edible arrangement or something.

Vio’s still #1, though. Always.

The second Blue passes the threshold between dark and light, Vio hears that weird melody again. Judging by the looks on the others’ faces, so do they.

“Must mean something’s happened,” Vio tells Shadow, who nods. “Oh, Zelda, it’s that noise again.”

“Well, now I just feel like I’m missing out.”

Two edible arrangements, Vio amends, for all her troubles.

“I think it’s clear what we have to do,” Green says, leading the group to the other end of the hall. He motions to three doors on the wall, across from the one they entered through. Vio frowns. Had he missed those? He could have sworn they weren’t there before…

“It’s pretty obvious,” Green continues, “that this whole dungeon is some sort of puzzle. We discovered the keyholes at the end of the hall, realized we need to find the three remaining swords, heard the weird noise, and look! Three doors have magically appeared! I wonder what could possibly be inside.”

“Maybe our swords,” Red says thoughtfully. Blue looks like he wants to mock him for missing Green’s sarcasm, but ends up just nodding instead.

“Whatever we do,” Vio says, “we definitely shouldn’t split up.”

“I disagree,” argues Blue, surprising no one. “We don’t have a lot of time. There are three doors and six of us—if we split into teams of two, we could be back here with all the swords as soon as possible.”

Green considers the conflicting viewpoints, and then turns to Zelda. “What do you think?”

“I think we should split up,” she admits, cringing as the words leave her mouth. “I know it’s not the wise thing to do, but...”

“Nah, you’re right,” Shadow cuts in. “I see what you’re saying, Vio, but Tingle was pretty clear about the importance of urgency. If he gets enough time to take the throne, that’s going to be a giant mess for us to deal with when we beat this thing.”

When , Shadow’s voice echoes through Vio’s head. When we beat this thing.

“I’m okay splitting up,” Red says. “I trust you guys.”

Vio sighs at that, holding up his hands in surrender. “Fine. We can split up. Which door should we take?”

Blue raises an eyebrow. “You mean you and Shadow? You’re not going anywhere together. You might be the smart one, but we’re not stupid.”

“Blue…” Green mutters it warningly, but also doesn’t correct his implied accusation.

Vio takes Shadow’s hand and holds it tight. “We’re not going to betray you again,” he says. “But we’re about to enter what I assume are dangerous situations, and my husband and I need to have each other’s backs. Not to mention the multiple threats you’ve made against him, Blue—I’m not leaving anyone alone with Shadow, not until this is over and we’re all safe.”

Red, Blue, Green, and Zelda exchange uneasy glances. Shadow sighs.

“Vi, I think they’re right about this too.”

Vio scowls, turning his head to face his husband. “Shadow, you don’t owe them anything. You don’t need to prove anything. I want you alive, and me alive, and going along with the group to win their favor isn’t worth the threat it poses to our well-being.”

Shadow sighs again, gently sliding his hand out of Vio’s. He takes Vio’s face in both hands, pulls him in close so their foreheads touch.

“I trust Zelda,” Shadow says quietly, although the others can absolutely hear him. “You know she wouldn’t hurt me.”

“But I have to protect you,” Vio argues, his face growing pale. “I already almost lost you once, I can’t go through that again.”

Shadow chuckles. “Well, to be fair, you were the one who was going to kill me in the first place…”

“Shadow. Please.”

Shadow gives Vio the smallest smile and pulls him in for a kiss. Vio can hear Blue’s exaggerated gag, followed by someone elbowing him the gut, but it doesn’t matter. Nothing matters except him and Shadow, because that’s who he chose two years ago, and he has not once regretted it since.

“I fought for you too, you know,” Shadow says, this time in a voice low enough that Vio knows it’s meant only for him. “I will always fight for you. For us. And right now, I really think our best chance of getting out of here alive is splitting up. This is our castle, Vio—whatever’s in those rooms, chances are we put it there. It’d be unfair to the others to make them go in blind, even if one group will be doing that regardless.”

Vio takes a long, deep breath. Hylia, he thinks, why me? I mean, I know why me, but I swear…

“If you’re talking to the Goddess in your head again,” Shadow interrupts, “I’d suggest you find a more productive way to wish me good luck.”

Vio sighs and kisses his husband. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” They remain forehead-to-forehead, lost in each other’s eyes, because when it’s the two of them together they may as well be the only ones in the room—

“Red’s with me,” Blue says, yanking Vio by the shoulder. “Green, you take His Majesty. Zelda, you can have… the other one.”

Vio scowls at Blue and reaches for Shadow again. “Please be careful,” he says, and Shadow nods.

“I will. You too.”

“I love you. I know I just said it, but I want it to be the last thing we say, before we go, just in case…”

Shadow’s face softens. “Of course, Vi. I love you too.”

Vio blinks tears out of his eyes as he surveys the group, all of whom look… well, bewildered is the best word he has for it. Not angry, not hurt, not even annoyed—just, varying degrees of confused. Like they’ve just now realized that there’s something real between the Kings of Hyrule, that they’d been so close to losing it before and fought so hard to keep each other close. That maybe, as hurtful as it’d been, their betrayal hadn’t been without good reason. That they’d had something to lose, and they’d been scared, and they chose the best of several bad options to preserve the love they’d found against all odds.

Or maybe they are just annoyed. Vio’s never been good at reading people, anyway.

“I guess it’s you and me,” Green tells Vio as Shadow takes Zelda’s side. “How about Door #1?”

“Whatever,” Vio says, avoiding his eyes. He wants to turn to Shadow, see what door he and Zelda have chosen, but no… he must preserve that final moment, just in case it’s their last.

Now you listen to me, Vio tells—not asks—the Goddess in his head.

It will not be our last.

[silverdragon-imagines-blog]

Counter Clockwise - Chapter 5 - Final Hours

[Here’s the final chapter of “Counter Clockwise” the second fic in my “Threatening Darkness” series. A friendly reminder to check the tags and warnings before you read this, just in case. And feel free to let me know if I tag something incorrectly so I can fix my mistake. I hope you enjoyed this fic, and I hope to start editing the third fic in the series soon. ^u^]

Warning(s): Character death

Read it on AO3

Fear rushed through Time's veins spurring him to run faster than he had in a long time, his old joints aching as he rushed through the front door of the Inn and heading straight for the room he and the boys had rented. The door practically slammed against the wall as he entered, startling the room’s occupants and abruptly getting their attention as he stood, panting heavily as the adrenaline wore off.

"We need to leave. Now."

"Time, what's going on?" Twilight asked, but Time didn't answer, only shaking his head.

“Old Man,” Time turned to see Legend and the rest of the group making their way toward him, out of breath and slightly concerned, “Why did you start running? What’s going on?”

“Just trust me, get your things together, we need to hurry.”

Four and Wild looked to each other, then moved to gather their bags and items. Wind soon joined them from where he had been laying down before Time arrived, rubbing at his eyes with his bag in hand. As they were leaving the room, dropping the key off at the desk, Time found himself looking at Anju, and the words left his lips before he could stop them.

“What day is today?”

“Hm?” she questioned, taking in the appearance of the group, gaze settling on Time, “Link? Oh, you must not remember, though it has been quite a while since your last visit.”

She smiled, slightly leaning over the counter.

“It’s the day of the Carnival. The Carnival of Time.”

And Time felt his stomach drop.

The group left the Inn just in time to witness Legend race through the entrance, a panting Hyrule and Sky at his heels, and Warriors looking concerned as he spotted Time with the rest of the group.

"What the hell is your deal, Time?" Legend yelled, only to stop his tirade when he saw the terrified look on the other's face.

"We need to get out of here." Time could practically feel the words shake as he spoke, pointing at the looming Moon, "That thing is gonna drop in only a couple of hours."

"But all these people..." Wind spoke up, worrying the hem of his tunic, "we need to warn them."

“It won’t work, they never listened-”

“What do you mean won’t work? We have to at least try!”

“You seriously expect us to just leave these people to die?!”

“What the hell Time!”

“Hey, quiet for a second will ya?!” the heroes grew silent, Twilight glaring at all of them before standing at Time’s side.

Time felt a hand slide into his grasp, Twilight standing next to him with a confident and determined expression, "You said you've done this before, right? Just tell us what you did last time. We'll follow your lead."

“There is a way to stop this, right?”

Time smiled slightly, turning to Hyrule and Sky, taking in their nervous expressions.

“Remember when I said I fought the Moon?”

“Oh Hylia, you were serious,” Sky’s genuine astonishment broke the tension, startling laughter out of the group. Time even breathed easier, the constricting anxiousness loosening its hold as a more genuine smile settled on his face.

When the moment passed, Time motioned for the group to follow, crossing under the entryway to the Clock Tower in the center of the town. It was strange though, no matter how much Time looked around, the town’s inhabitants barely paid the Moon any attention, ignoring it, unlike the terror they had before. People were wandering around, stalls with food and trinkets were set up around the square selling their wares. It was such a stark change that Time was almost convinced that nothing was wrong.

“We won’t be able to get up to the top of the tower until the gate lowers at midnight.”

“What do you expect us to do until then?”

Time looked over the group, knowing that they wanted this to be over as much as he did. There was no other way up to the top, and so they were forced to wait.

“Make sure you’re prepared. Stock up on potions and items. If this is anything like my previous quest, we’re going to need everything we can get.”

They nodded, dispersing and heading off to buy the necessary items. Time stood by the Clocktower, leaning against it as he watched the familiar faces of people he had helped save so long ago pass by. They seemed to be happy, carrying out their lives as though nothing was wrong, unaware that history may as well be repeating itself. He could feel the side of his face twinge from the familiar memory of crazed laughter and power that was not his own. The hours seemed to slow to a crawl, the heroes returning one by one as the sky darkened, stars leaving pinpricks of light in the void left behind.

As midnight drew nearer, the bell began to toll. The platform in front of the gate was low enough that climbing up was much less of a hassle and Time was able to help the rest on top as well.

It was a tense few minutes, waiting for the entryway to open. The sound of nervous fidgeting was almost deafening in the near silence.  Fireworks began to get launched into the air, startling a few of the heroes slightly, earning a few curses. When the gate finally lowered, Time practically ran up the stairway, the rest scrambling up after him.

From their new vantage point, they could see the town and the far-off locations that made up the land of Termina. Time, however, was not looking at the scenery, instead searching for the person who had been torturing the group for the last three days. There was no skull kid in a mask this time, and yet, he wasn't sure how else they could find a way to stop whatever nightmare this was. Finding and killing Dark Link, at least, was a step in the right direction.

Glaring up at the Moon above them, Time could see shadows collecting in the air casting the top of the clocktower into darkness. Time gripped the hilt of his sword, waiting for the moment he could end this once and for all. A distorted child's laugh could be heard, Time flinching at the familiar sound as Dark Link hovered over them all taking the form of a Skull Kid. The mask that he wore was much too real to have been an illusion, and it was that thought that made Time grip his sword more firmly.

"Welcome, heroes," he spoke, voice distorted with that of Skull Kid's, but Dark's much deeper voice overlaid it, "I'd like to welcome you all to the Final Hours."

"What do you want with us, Dark Link?!" Wild shouted, a spear materializing in his hands, the blade pointed straight at the figure looming above them.

"Why, hero of the Wilds, you should know by now," he chuckled, removing the mask from his face to throw it in the air and catch it, "It's just so entertaining. Your desires, your lives, promising you those things only to watch as you suffer the consequences. What could be more entertaining than watching as you all desperately cling to whatever safety you find, only for you to be swept up into my game once again."

He cackled, clutching his sides and holding on tightly to the mask with one hand, his voice distorting more and more the longer it went on. The heroes all began to draw their blades, readying themselves for a fight. However, Dark just seemed to laugh more at the display, wiping a tear from his eye.

"Oh heroes, who said it would be me that you would be fighting?" With a snap, the light returned, the Clock Tower they were standing on once again visible as Dark stood before them.

A pitch-black portal opened up beside him as he smiled gleefully, his form mirroring that of Four. The smith sucked in a shaky breath, taking a step forward as Dark’s smile widened, growing sharper, with red eyes gleaming brighter.

Four's eyes widened as a dark figure emerged from the portal, purple hair familiar-looking with a black tunic, a mirror image of his own. He felt his chest constrict as their blue eyes opened, confused as they took in the sight of eight unfamiliar heroes until they locked eyes with Four, expression turning to shock and then fear.

"V-Vio?" he spoke, and Four lunged forwards, Time gripping his arm tightly before he could get too close.

"Shadow, move away from there!" Four called out, but Dark Link just smiled wider as he stepped in front of the disoriented Shadow, facing the other with an almost deranged grin.

In a split second, the mask was no longer in his hands, now slammed onto Shadow's face. With a scream of pain and surprise, the boy crumpled to his knees, and Four screamed along with him. Time could only look on in horror as the mirror of Four succumbed to Majora.

Dark laughed, and as he did so, Shadow began to stand. The deranged magic of Majora ran through him, his skin pulsing with purple light as he rose into the air. Raising his hands, the Moon opened its mouth, and the heroes were sucked into it.

=

They were in a field, a small hill with a giant tree in the very center, and Time could just make out eight mask-wearing children running around it. Wild pushed on, making his way forward and motioning for the others to join him, but Time stood back, unsure of the change from before.

Wild reached the hill first, watching as a small child stopped following the rest and turned to face him, the Sheikah crest on the mask almost shimmering in the false sun. The child approached him, and as they got closer, a chill ran down his spine leaving goosebumps in its wake, the need to grab at his sword grew until the child was only a few steps away.

“Those memories… are they really that important?” the child spoke, voice a near whisper yet loud in Wild’s ears, “What do you think… the others would say… if they knew what you did?”

Wild took a step back, the words the child spoke ringing in his ears and causing his skin to prickle. The child vanished with a flash of blue light, not unlike the teleportation of the Sheikah Slate. Wild stood there, holding himself as he breathed, trying to ignore the dread that began to settle in his mind.

==

Warriors walked past Wild, sparing a look of concern, yet not stopping to check on him. The tree in the center was his goal if only to satiate his curiosity. The seven children running around made an unconscious smile spread over his face, but he brushed off the feeling long enough to get to the very top of the hill, where another masked child sat huddled near the roots of the tree, wearing the mask that Dark Link had forced upon what looked like a Dark version of the Smithy. He didn’t get far, however, as a tug on his scarf had him halting to see a child wearing a hooded mask grip the bright blue fabric.

“Did you need something, little one?” he asked, facing them and bending down slightly, what he hoped was a kind smile gracing his face.

“Your friends…” they whispered, though Warriors could almost hear them echo in his skull, “I wonder… do you trust them? … do they trust you?”

“What?”

The child never responded, their body changing to a shadowy black, the eyes that were visible on the mask changing to a glowing red for a second before the child simply vanished. Warriors looked confused for a moment until the words began to sink in. His hand unconsciously reached for the small bag around his waist and he let out a shaky breath.

“It’s nothing… You’re overreacting.”

But even as he told himself that, he could feel his hands shaking as he watched the other heroes making their way toward the hill.

===

Sky kept his gaze on the children, trying to ignore the uneasy feeling as he watched them pass by. Something about them felt… unnatural, but he couldn’t place the feeling. His hands still ached somewhat from the burns that still marred them, but he still kept his sword arm ready to draw Fi if necessary. The area was just too calm.

One of the children slowed down as he got near the bottom of the hill, bending over as though winded. The opalescent mask they wore never left their face as they recovered, then turned to walk toward Sky. He flinched as they approached, hand reaching for the hilt of his blade as he expected an attack, but the child never got more than a few feet away.

“Your friends… do they know… the real you?” the child asked, Sky could feel his heart pounding in his ears, “If they knew the truth… would they still be your friends?”

Sky could only stare, the question echoing as the child tilted their head to the side. They stood still until white light began to envelop them, and they vanished as though never there to begin with. Sky looked around, relieved when he realized that no one else had heard or seen the child in front of him. He forced himself to let go of his sword and continue making his way up the hill.

====

Four had to admit he was curious about the area they had appeared in, but he refused to stop and admire it. Shadow was in trouble, and the fear that he was too late to save him kept him moving, ignoring the few questioning glances he saw from the other heroes. There wasn’t time to explain, and frankly, he didn’t want to explain anything. Not when there was something more pressing going on.

He paid no mind to the children running around, focused solely on the small figure he could see huddled under the roots of the tree. That had to be where they were supposed to go, there was nothing else that he could see that was important. A child wearing a leaf mask began walking next to him, and he refused to acknowledge them, at least until they stood in front of him.

“I don’t have time for this,” he mumbled and began to walk past them until a cold hand grabbed onto his hand.

“I wonder…” the child spoke, Four whipping around to face them, “what would they think… f they knew your secrets… are they really worth… that much to keep them hidden?”

The smith tore his hand out of the hold, the child shattering in front of them like glass. He took a moment, closing his eyes to fight the panic that began to set in. It was fine. He was fine. No matter the question they asked or how they departed... He needed to keep going.

=====

Wind had stayed with Time until the older hero started walking towards the center of the field. A few of the heroes had already gotten to the tree, waiting under it for the rest of the group. Wind wanted to run ahead, but the way that Time walked, all tense and focused made him think that there was more here than what he could see. Something dangerous, most likely.

The group of children had stopped running and just watched as the remaining heroes approached. He hesitated, goosebumps running up and down his arms as the children stood still. One of them seemed to spot him and began to come closer. Wind could see Time walking away, not noticing what he had, but the Sailor could admit that he was curious about these children. The fact that one of them was approaching-- even if it was creepy-- made him wait. The child had an odd yellow mask on, almost reminding him of a strange fox, and the quiet and careful way they walked made him think of one as well. They stood at a distance, close but not too close.

“Is it true?” they asked, and Wind tilted his head to the side, confused, “Are you a hero? Or are you lying… to everyone… including yourself?”

“Wh- I am a hero!”

The child laughed, a distorted sickly-sweet sound that sent shivers down his spine as they turned translucent and fell to the ground as a splash of water. Wind flinched, looking to make sure that no one had seen, and breathed a sigh of relief when no one was around. The sailor unconsciously rubbed at the faded mark on his left hand, trying to tune out the echoing of the child’s voice as he approached the rest of the group.

======

The Veteran refused to dwell on what had happened, what he had seen back in that wasteland of a boss room, despite the way his hands itched to move, to do something. He could picture the illusion perfectly because that was all that was, an illusion. A dream. But he knew that wasn’t quite the case. He shook his head, attempting to rid the fog that threatened to cloud his mind with memories and doubts that didn’t belong there right now. There were more important things to worry about.

The hill wasn’t particularly steep, which he was grateful for though not necessarily for himself. Sky was already under the tree, sitting down with his eyes closed, and he was secretly glad that he didn’t struggle to get up the damn thing. He glanced back to see the rancher and traveler keeping pace, the former watching the trio of masked children as they approached them.

He wasn’t planning on stopping, the kids were unsettling for one thing, but of course, he was curious. Time had ignored them completely when he walked past, but maybe it was because this wasn’t new to him. Still, it was new to him, much different than the masked people of the Dark World. Maybe that was why when a child wearing a black metal cage on their face stood in front of him, he stopped walking.

“Do you think… you can protect them?” they asked, Legend flinching at the question, “... Or is this another illusion… yet another dream… will you wake up this time?”

“That’s none of your concern, brat,” he responded, his hands feeling as though they were burning as he spoke.

The child laughed, high and airy as their body dissolved, drifting on a breeze that didn’t exist. The Veteran scowled, rubbing his hands on his tunic as though it would take away the feeling. He looked behind him, seeing the traveler looking back, the child that had been approaching him no longer there, leaving Hyrule looking at the others nervously. Legend looked away, cursing Dark Link under his breath as he fought the guilt threatening to choke him.

=======

Twilight liked to think that he knew the Old Man the best out of everyone, but as he followed him at a distance, he began to realize just how little he knows. This place was strange, a stark contrast to the world outside, and the way that Time simply marched onward was strange as well. He didn’t think he had ever seen him look so tense, though it was true that the rest of the group was in much the same state.

It really proved how little he knew about all of them, and in a way, that scared him. Everyone had secrets, that much was true, and he couldn’t judge them, but he liked to think that he was there for all of them when they needed him. He was almost positive that they’d do the same for him.

He could see a child with a gibdo mask stalking towards him, the image of a wolf settling itself into his mind. The child stood near him, watching him, and he could feel the unease growing the longer the silence lasted.

“What makes them… worth leaping into danger?... Why put your life in danger… for theirs?... Do they know?... Would they appreciate it?”

The voice was unnatural, distorted, and wrong for a child to have, but the words they spoke lingered in his mind. What did this… thing know that he didn’t? Of course, the child didn’t stick around, black particles starting from their feet spreading over them and taking them away in what looked like Twili Magic. It was unsettling but looking up toward the group and the veteran and traveler making their way toward the rest, he figured it wasn’t important. Not now at least.

========

The magic here was nearly stifling, a wave of darkness despite how bright the false sun above was. It felt wrong, but that was why they were here. To put a stop to whatever this was. It was strange though because outside of the heroes, there was another magic signature that wasn’t quite so dark. It had to have been the boy from earlier, that was the only guess he had. He found himself glancing at the veteran hero often, wondering if he could feel the magic as well, but besides that, he couldn’t help but wonder if he remembered what happened earlier…

He almost crashed into another person, pulling himself out of his thoughts long enough to stop just in front of a child, wearing a stone-colored mask and wringing their hands in front of them.

“Was what you gave up… worth the price?... Would it make… your friends happy… if they knew… how selfish you are?”

The traveler felt his breath stop, the child unmoving as their words settled and his thoughts spiraled. What did they know? Did anyone else know? Questions of his own repeated as the child faded away, as though never there to begin with. It did little to quell the guilt and fear of the others finding out, and as he looked up at Legend, he silently hoped that he, at least, understood. That he didn’t judge him.

=========

Time stood before Majora, hearing the rest of the group approach him. The scene was familiar, the child sitting before him with knees drawn up to their chest, Majora’s Mask sitting on their face with eyes staring straight into his soul. It was time to end this.

“So, we meet again…” the child spoke, getting to their feet and gazing up at Time, “We both know how this is supposed to end. But I wonder if you’ll be able to finish this. Good guys against bad guys… do you think you’ll be able to kill me this time?”

“I plan to.”

Majora laughed, the field changing into a room pulsing with colored light. The child was no more and standing before them was the boy Dark Link had forced the mask on, the wooden eyes glowing as it clenched and unclenched its fist. Time unsheathed his blade, watching the being in front of him carefully, waiting for it to make a move.

“Hm, this body seems to be much better than the one before,” it spoke in a voice that sounded much too similar to Four’s despite Majora’s distortion of it, “This second chance may be exactly what I need.”

Majora turned to face them, the mask glowing brighter as the wood fused to the boy’s skin. Its arms became longer, whip-like in appearance as the boy’s skin turned red, veins pulsing with dark magic. Its legs grew longer, muscular and the boy’s torso changed similarly. Time could hear as the other heroes changed into a fighting stance; swords poised to attack at the first opening. Majora’s Wrath stood before them, and the battle began.

“Move!”

Time yelled, pushing the nearest hero out of the way of one of the whip-like appendages. The others scattered to the corners of the room; shields raised in defense as Majora began its onslaught. Sky ran towards them, rolling into a dodge when a whip cracked where his head had been. The boys were pinned, stuck in the corners of the room, unable to move or risk the monster’s flailing limbs striking them down.

“You’ve fought this thing, what do we do?!”

The Chosen Hero blocked one of the whips aiming for Time, slashing out at it with his sword. The attack did little to damage it, Majora laughing at the attempt. Time could see Wild lining up an arrow across the room, Warriors covering him as he let it fly. Majora ignored the attack, the arrow flying through its head, yet leaving no wound behind.

“I think I may have an idea,” Time spoke, reaching into his bag for the accursed mask. A hand on his arm stopped him from withdrawing it, and he turned to look in Four’s direction.

“Please,” he begged, eyes flickering wildly, “Don’t kill him. This—this isn’t his fault.”

“I know it isn’t his fault, smithy, and… I’m sorry but I can’t make a promise I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep.”

Time tore his arm out of the other’s grasp, the Fierce Deity mask in hand. His markings burned as the mask came into view but watching his group—his boys—struggling to avoid blasts of dark magic and lightning-fast strikes decided for him.

“Sky,” he spoke, the hero snapping to attention, “make sure the others stay away from the middle of the room. Let me take care of this.”

Time didn’t wait for a response, letting the power of the mask run through his body. With the Deity’s blade in his grasp, he rushed forward, the demon the only one his vision focused on. He slashed once, Majora screeching in pain as its arm hit the ground. It retaliated, its other whip-like appendage wrapping around his leg, knocking him down and pulling him closer. The Deity slashed upwards, blade cutting through its chest and releasing its hold. The demon fell to its knees, and the Deity smiled. He rushed forward again and stabbed the beast through the heart.

He could barely hear the cry of the smith over the power he felt.

“Any last words, demon?”

Majora laughed, choking on its blood.

"You act as though this is over, old friend. No,” Majora stared into his eyes, "Your suffering, and that of those around you is only just beginning."

He laughed a moment longer, but with a single twist of the blade, he was silenced. Time pulled off the mask and watched as the corrupted magic of Majora left the boy in front of him, watched as he fell forward onto the floor.

He was pushed away, Four crashing to the ground and gathering the body into his arms. The smith pressed at the wound in his chest, as though stopping the blood would save his life. The rest of the heroes gathered near him, some looking at him with distrust while others watched the smallest hero crouched in front of them.

“Hyrule please,” he looked back at them, tears gathered in multi-colored eyes, “heal him. Please save him.”

The traveler made his way over, kneeling next to him with hands outstretched as though to start the Life spell, only to hesitate. He laid a hand on Four’s shoulder, tears gathering in his eyes.

“I’m so sorry.”

Four held the boy closer, tears streaking down his face as he shook his head.

“No, someone has to have a fairy! Anything, please!”

“Smithy…”

Time reached out to him, only for Four to flinch and move away. He held the boy close to him, protecting him from the man who had slain him, fear and anger twisting his face.

“Stay away from us!”

Time took a step back, his companions watching him with uncertainty. He could feel their gazes on him, Majora’s final words echoing in his mind.

This wasn’t the end. Everything was just beginning.

“Hey, there’s a portal,” Warriors broke the silence, drawing the group’s attention away from him. For a moment, no one moved. Warriors looked back at the smithy and traveler with pity, then to Time before leading the way through to the next Era.

Most of the group followed him, leaving Time, Hyrule, and Four behind. The portal stayed standing, the dark magic swirling inside almost mockingly. Time stood near it, watching as Hyrule comforted Four. The sobs tore into him, and his guilt only grew. This was his fault and truly he deserved whatever resentment the young hero held for him now.

He waited for them, waited until Four gently laid the boy’s body down and stood. Hyrule held his hand as they walked away, towards the portal with no emotion. And if Four lingered a moment longer at the entrance to the portal, looking back to the body of his friend, Time said nothing. Only walked forward, hoping that they could leave this land of painful memories behind them.