Archive of Our Own

It had been a normal day for this new adventure. They had fallen through a new portal the day before, with Warriors quickly claiming the era as his own. They had made their way to Castle Town and spoken to his Zelda, Artemis, she had pointed them in the direction of a larger than normal monster camp. The Chain had stayed at the inn for the night. Wild had complained about not getting to cook. Wars and Legend had bickered about nothing for hours giving Wind the chance to sneak sips of their drinks. They had woken up early and walked across Hyrule Field. They had found the monster camp without any trouble. It was no bigger than the camps they had been fighting for months now.

It was hard to believe it had gone so wrong.

Twilight cut down the last moblin with a grunt. He looked around, checking on the others' battles. Legend and Hyrule stood together, cornering a pair of bokoblins. Legend kept them in place as Hyrule swung his sword in a wide arc sending a phantom duplicate of his weapon flying at the monsters and killing them both. Twilight scanned the battlefield, Warriors and Wind were paired off against one of Wild’s weird gangly moblins. A little while away Time spun, slicing into several monsters with one swing of his massive sword. Twilight located Sky and Four surrounded by a few disappearing monster corpses as they scanned for the others as well. All the monsters appeared to bleed red, and they were all dissipating into smoke as usual so it really wasn’t a difficult fight.

Twilight frowned when he couldn’t see Wild anywhere but he wasn’t too worried, Wild often distanced himself from the group so he could use his larger attacks. As much as they all wanted him to be more careful, none of them could deny that he fought best when he didn't have to worry about electrocuting or blowing up his allies. He also might have choosen to use his bow and climbed up that hill they passed to get better aim.

Soon enough the last enemy fell with a completely unnecessary running leap and “Hyah!” from Time. Twilight chucked at the sight. No matter how stoic their leader pretended to be, he was still just as overdramatic as the rest of them. Hyrule immediately started to scurry around as he always did after a fight, checking for injuries even though it had been a light battle. Twilight watched as Time frowned as well, noticing he was one son short.

Has anyone seen Wild.” Time’s voice was long-suffering. That sentence was quickly becoming the Chain’s most common phrase.

Legend hummed, glancing at the hill. “Last I saw, he was headed up there. I assumed he would be using his bow but I never saw any arrows.”

Twilight bit his lip. Legend was right. Wild hadn’t been sniping monsters from above. The Chain was used to monsters they were fighting suddenly sprouting arrows through their eyes, but that wasn’t the case this time. Besides, Wild rarely ever stayed in one place for the whole fight. Even if he started with his bow and arrow he would usually end up on the ground with the rest of them.

Something was wrong.

“I'm going to look for him.” Twilight started off to the hill.

Time put a hand on his shoulder, “Not alone you’re not”

Twilight opened his mouth to argue, but cut himself off as he saw the rest of the Chain quickly dealing with injuries and getting ready to move.

Twilight bounced on his heels as he waited for everyone to finish. He just wanted to find his Cub. He was having to restrain himself to not go bolting off as Wolfie.

Finally after what felt like ages, but was probably only a matter of minutes, Twilight felt Time’s hand on his shoulder again.

“We’re ready Pup.”

Twilight barely waited for him to finish his sentence before he was running up the hill.

He could hear the others calling for him to slow down, but he couldn't.

Something was wrong. He knew it.

Something was wrong.

His legs burned as he neared the crest of the hill. The rest of the chain hurried up behind him. As much as they complained, Twilight knew they were worried too. He wasn’t surprised as Hyrule caught up with him, concern evident on his face. Aside from Wild, Hyrule was the most used to tougher terrain.

“He’ll…” Hyrule’s voice wavered. “He’ll be okay.” He didn't sound sure.

“Yeah.” Twilight tried to comfort his little brother, but his voice came out even shakier than Hyrule’s, “He’s tough. He probably just got distracted by a mushroom or something.”

Hyrule laughed nervously, “Maybe he chased a butterfly.”

Twilight chuckled. Wild was known for wandering off at every little distraction. He had once sent the Chain into a panic when he wandered off while they were traveling. No one had noticed he was gone until they made camp. After a frantic search they had found Wild halfway up a mountain collecting some flowers. After that, they had managed to convince him to at least let someone know before he wandered off.

Twilight smiled fondly as he remembered Wild bouncing on his heels waiting for confirmation before running off. Goddesses, Twilight loved him so much.

Twilight and Hyrule slowed down slightly, allowing the rest of the Chain to catch up.

Legend huffed, “If this kid is gonna run off can he at least run downhill.”

Warriors grinned, “Careful Vet, you're starting to sound like the Old Man.”

Legend rolled his eyes. “You’re damn right. I’m supposed to be retired.”

Time’s eyes sparkled as he held back his grin.

They crested the hill. Their smiles fell.

Wild hadn’t chased a butterfly. He had chased a lynel.

One of Wild’s golden lynels lay in a twisted heap, sluggishly bleeding black from its many wounds. Its severed head rocked back and forth several feet from the rest of its corpse. Its exposed spinal cord dripped blood and fluid into the growing puddle on the ground.

At the edge of the pool, red blood mixed with black.

Twilight’s heart stopped.

Wild lay completely limp, covered in so much blood that it was hard to recognize him.

One of the others called his name. Wild didn’t move.

Twilight barely felt himself move as he stumbled down the hill toward his cub. He fell to his knees next to Wild, uncaring of the blood soaking into his pants.

Now that he was closer, Twilight could see all of Wild's injuries. Ordonia, he wished he couldn't. Twilight was used to gore. He had been fighting monsters since he was a teenager. But it was one thing to see the blood and guts of an enemy. And a completely different thing to see the body of his brother.

There was a massive gash in Wild’s stomach almost cutting him in half and exposing his intestines. Twilight could see the bottom of Wild’s rib cage through the blood and viscera.

Twilight couldn't breathe. Tears streamed down his face as every thought was filled with the sight and smell and feel of Wild’s lifeblood, seeping into the ground, making the grass slick and poisoning the air with the smell of copper.

Hyrule fell heavily next to him, slipping in the pool and coming to a rest at Wild’s side, his hands already glowing. Through his own tears, Twilight could see the determined and desperate look on Hyrule’s face. He could see the streams of tears pouring from Hyrule’s eyes as his sobbing grew more and more desperate.

He knew.

They both knew it was too late.

By the time the others stumbled over with tears in their eyes, Hyrule's attempts to stop the bleeding had turned into a desperate outpouring of magic into Wild’s mangled body.

His dead body.

Twilight was numb as Legend pulled Hyrule away. He barely processed as Hyrule screamed, pounding on Legend’s chest, begging him to let him heal Wild. Legend stood like a statue, his face carefully blank.

Twilight just watched the blood seep from Wild’s stomach. He watched as the color left his cheeks. He barely heard the sounds of his brothers’ grief as he stared at his little brother's corpse.

Wild was dead.

He was dead.

Dead.

Dead.

dead.

dead…

dead..

The fog broke as Time placed a hand on his shoulder.

With the loss of the fog came the pain.

Twilight screamed.

He pounded his fists into the earth made soft with blood. He rested his forehead on Wild’s still chest.

It hurt. Goddesses, it hurt.

Twilight was sure he was going to die right there beside Wild. He would have preferred that to this mind numbing, heart wrenching agony.

Twilight cried out. He barely noticed the gasps that his brothers let out. He didn't see them back up in alarm and shock. He didn't feel Time‘s hand tighten on his shoulder and try to pull him away. He was too wrapped up in his own pain and grief to notice the teal light that swirled around Wild, growing from his still heart and twisting around his body like a phoenix from the ashes.

Twilight didn't hear the whisper.

“It was my pleasure.”

Wild’s heart stuttered. Then started.

Twilight reeled back as Wild sucked in a rattling breath. He grabbed Wild’s hand and squeezed.

Twilight waited an agonizing second.

Two seconds

Wild squeezed back.

Someone let out a sob behind him. Legend cursed.

Twilight watched in shock as the wound in Wild’s stomach knitted back together. Wild whimpered. He sucked in breaths that rattled less with each inhale as his lungs melded back into shape. Wild squeezed Twilight’s hand tighter as his injuries healed at impossible speeds.

The Chain watched in horror and hope as Wild’s dead body healed itself until he was whole again. He looked completely normal if it weren’t for the blood caking his hair and clothes and the unnatural pale hue of his skin.

Wild’s eyes fluttered open. He let out a sound somewhere between a groan and a sob, lifting his head slightly to peer around at his brothers. Apparently satisfied with what he saw, he flopped back down, landing in his own blood with a sickening splash. He brought his hands up to his face. “Fuck.” Wild muttered, clearly not intending for anyone to hear him. “That never gets easier.”

Twilight didn't have a chance to process that before Wild was engulfed in a sobbing blue blur.

Wind clung to Wild even as Wild tried to prop himself up on one elbow. “What the fuck was that you stupid. Fucking. Idiot!” Wind emphasized his words by punching Wild’s shoulder, ignoring the way Wild bit back a grimace with each impact.

Time had mercy and pulled Wind off, holding him a foot above the ground like a kitten. Hyrule took advantage of Wind’s predicament and rushed to Wild’s side. He pulled the torn remains of Wild‘s shirt over his head. Wild allowed him to wipe away the blood on his stomach. The whole chain leaned forward to see that where there was once a massive hole was now just smooth skin. His older scars were still there but the recent injury was just gone. Not a scratch or a scar. It was just gone.

Twilight watched himself reach forward and run his hands along the clear skin. He lifted his gaze to meet Wild’s eyes.

Wild turned away.

The Chain swarmed, talking and hugging and slapping and yelling.

“What happened!”

Closer.

“A Lynel, Wild? Really?”

Louder.

“Don't scare us like that!”

Bigger.

“This could only happen to you!”

More.

“Are you going to explain!”

The volume rose, as each person tried to make their voice heard. They crowded in, desperate to touch Wild, to reassure themselves he was alive.

Twilight watched as Wild’s eyes widened. Wild was trying to stay present and answer their questions but Twilight could see the panic growing in his eyes. Wild scooted back, moving to pull his hood up before realizing he had taken off his cloak before the battle. His hand fell back to his lap.

Twilight opened his mouth, but was cut off by a loud whistle from Time. The Chain turned sheepishly to face Time.

Time set down Wind. He walked over to Wild and knelt down by his side. No one missed the way Wild shifted back. Time sighed, “Wild, are you alright?”

Wild stared at his hands for a moment, clenching and unclenching them, before nodding. He raised his hands to sign. ’Okay. Tired. — can’t help blood loss.’ He made a sign that Twilight didn't recognize, probably a name sign of some kind. Wild’s way of signing was always concise and he only made the bare minimum of movements to get his point across, but his actions seemed even more clipped than usual.

Twilight recognized Wild’s expression. He shifted his gaze around, looking at the spaces between people and watching their hands. His leg bounced despite his clear exhaustion.

Wild was about to run.

Twilight finally managed to meet Wild’s eyes. He raised his eyebrows in a silent question. Wild swallowed and nodded. Twilight pushed past the rest of the Chain and pulled Wild into a hug. Wild practically melted into the embrace, leaning his head into Twilight’s chest. His eyes fell shut, not quite asleep but not having the energy to keep his eyes open.

He must have been even more tired than he said.

The Chain fell silent out of consideration for their exhausted brother.

Time cleared his throat. “We should find somewhere to make camp.” No one complained, despite the fact that it was only just past lunch. Time turned to Warriors.

”There's a copse of trees a little to the west.” Warriors pointed, “I'm pretty sure a river runs near there as well. It's not perfect but it's better than nothing.“

Time nodded. The rest of the Chain went to grab their bags from where they had left them at the beginning of the fight. Wild started to get up as well but Twilight scooped him up before he could.

‘I can walk.’  Wild complained, squirming weakly in Twilight's hold.

“No you can’t.” Twilight started to follow the group as they walked toward the trees Warriors had pointed out. He noticed that Time had grabbed his bag. “You lost a lot of blood and whatever magic you just did took a lot out of you.” Twilight pulled Wild closer, relishing in his warmth and the steady, if fast, beat of his heart. And I really don't want to let go of you right now. The last part went unsaid as Wild settled against him, either agreeing or running out of energy to fight it.

After the Chain dropped their bags at the area they would be camping, Warriors directed them to the river so they could clean the blood off.

Twilight found a private inlet away from the rest of the Chain, and set Wild down at the water’s edge. Wild looked at the river with distaste.

“Don’t even think about saying you don’t need a bath” Twilight cut off Wilds groan, “I know you don't like water, but you’re covered in your own blood.”

Wild huffed, nodding reluctantly. He glared at the water like it was Ganon himself.

Twilight nudged him, “I’m sorry. You don't have to put your head under water. We could just dump water over your head?” His voice was soft.

Wild nodded slowly. He stood up with a wobble. Twilight reached to help steady him, but Wild shrugged off his hand.

“M’fine” Wild’s voice was quiet, but Twilight smiled at hearing it regardless.

When Wild first joined the Chain he had been completely silent. He hadn’t even laughed. But after a few months of traveling with them he had warmed up. He had started laughing and humming as he cooked. One night after Twilight comforted him from a nightmare, Wild had whispered “I love you.” He still didn’t talk for long at a time, but it was clear he was growing and healing from the silence many of them adopted on their journey.

Twilight took great pride that Wild talked to him the most.

Wild stripped, and stepped carefully into the water, watching his feet carefully to ensure he wouldn’t slip. He sat down slowly.

Twilight knelt down next to him and started scrubbing Wild’s blood off his hands.

Wild perked up significantly as they washed though he still looked too pale. Ten minutes later both of them were free of blood and set to work cleaning their clothes. Wild grumbled at the massive hole in his Champion’s Tunic.

Twilight chuckled, “I’m sure Wars would be happy to fix it for you.”

Wild raised an eyebrow. He shoved it in his slate and pulled out his Tunic of the Wilds.

“Or you could do that.” Twilight shook his head and went back to his own tunic.

Wild stuck his tongue out, shaking his hands dry and starting back toward where they had set up camp.

Like the mature, adult, Hero of Courage that he was, Twilight splashed water at Wild.

Wild turned around slowly, hand on his chest, looking scandalized. He maintained eye contact as he slowly walked back to the river. Twilight chuckled nervously as Wild stood directly in front of him, looking up at him with squinted eyes.

He lunged down to the water and sent a huge wave at Twilight. Wild sprinted off with a giggle.

TwilIght stood stock still for a second, dripping water back into the river. He watched as Wild ran in the direction of the others.

He waited.

One second.

Two seconds.

He chased after Wild.

Wild had reached the others and turned back around, sticking his tongue out as Twilight got closer. Time looked on amused.

In his hurry to get to Wild, Twilight didn’t notice Four walking back to camp until they crashed into each other, sending them both splashing back into the river.

Twilight scratched the back of his neck as Four sat back up.

The two made eye contact for a second before Four slapped the surface of the water, sending a wave in all directions. Four’s shit-eating grin was wiped off his face as Legend tackled him into the water. Wind noticed the rapidly escalating water battle and started to climb onto Wars’ shoulders in an attempt to wrestle him into the water. In their battle, Legend and Four had drifted over to where Hyrule and Sky were dangling their feet in the water as they dried off. Four hid behind Sky as Legend grew increasingly bold with his attacks. Legend splashed them both, leading Hyrule to give a mighty war cry and start wading toward Four, kicking water into the air as he went.

Twilight chuckled, glancing over at where Time was watching with an amused smile. Wars and Wind had seemingly reached a truce and had found a bucket from who knew where that they had filled with water and were sneaking up behind Time. Just before they dumped the bucket all over him, Time turned around and knocked the bucket out of Wars' hands, spilling it all over him and Wind. Time scooped Wind up in a bridal carry, holding him tight as he squirmed. Time walked over to the water, casually tossing Wind in and chasing into the river after him with Wars close behind.

Twilight realized too late that he couldn’t see Wild, whipping around just in time to get a face full of water as Wild used the Sheikah Slate to create a bomb and detonate it. The explosion sent a massive wave which sent the whole Chain spinning head over heels through the river as they struggled to catch their footing.

When Twilight finally figured out which way was up and pushed his head above the surface, the first thing he heard was Wild's manic giggling. The little shit was standing on the shore, high and dry as he watched the rest of the Chain splutter as they crawled out of the river.

Damn it, Twilight couldn’t find it in him to be mad at Wild. His laughter was contagious as the whole group dissolved into giggles. Their cackling echoed across the rippling water.

…

An hour later, the Chain was settled around the campfire more or less dry. Wild had passed out pre-made rice balls for dinner after Hyrule forbade him from cooking.

Hylia hath no fury like a healer scorned.

A heavy silence fell over the clearing as their playful mood fell back into the memory of what happened earlier.

Wild sat cross legged, eating uncharacteristically slowly as he stalled the inevitable conversation. After Wild pulled out his fourth baked apple, Time spoke up, “What happened earlier Wild?”

Despite knowing it was coming, Wild stiffened. He glared at his apple as if it had personally insulted him. He sighed and put it away, clearing his hands to sign. ‘I died.’

The Chain remained silent waiting for him to continue.

He didn’t.

Legend scoffed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Yes Wild, we noticed that.”

Wild stared at the ground as he shifted his feet, leaving scuff marks in the soil. He bit his lip, ‘No chance I could leave it there?’

“Fuck no.”

”Nope.”

“Not a chance.”

Wild sighed. He lifted his hands, letting them hang in the air for a moment before dropping them back to his lap. He lifted them again. ‘You know the champions?’

Twilight nodded. Wild had explained the basic nature of his journey after a bit of confusion with some people in his Hyrule. He had told them about his knighthood, his death, and the Champions and their Divine Beasts.

He had mentioned the Champions abilities but when questioned about what they did he had simply grinned and said they would find out.

So far the Chain had seen three of the four abilities. The last one they had learned about (Revali’s gale) had been so long ago that most of them had forgotten there was a fourth.

‘I said before that Mipha was a healer.’ Wild finger spelled her name before repeating the name sign: friend combined with health. He wore a soft smile on his face as he spoke of his lost fiancé. ‘I freed her spirit. She passed that magic to me.’

Hyrule cleared his throat. A sickly sweet smile stretched across his face but didn’t meet his eyes. “Do you mean to say you’ve had a healing ability this whole time that you haven't been using.”

Wild‘s eyes widened and he shook his head. He paused then waved his hand in a so-so motion. ‘Not really? I don’t control Mipha’s Grace. Still her magic. She chooses to help.’

Twilight almost thought Wild looked guilty at that but he couldn't be sure.

Hyrules unhinged smile was replaced by a frown. “Then why doesn’t she just help you more?”

Wild bit his lip, ‘How explain?’ He used his finger to draw a line in the soil. He drew a stick figure at one end. ‘We’re alive. We occupy the physical world.’ He tapped the stick figure. ‘We die. Our spirits go to… Hylia’s Realm, Somewhere Else, what have you.’ Wild doodled a gravestone on the other end of the line. ‘The Champions stick around to help me. They haven't been able to move on. They’re ghosts. Ghosts reside somewhere in the middle.’ He drew a ghost in the middle of the line.

Wild tapped the stick figure again, “Mipha can't heal me while I’m here. She can’t reach. When I die she can…’ He traced a line from the stick figure to the ghost and back again. ‘…intercept my spirit, heal me, and send me back to the physical plane.’ He scratched the back of his neck. ‘At least, that’s what she said.’

Wind’s eyes widened, “You can talk to them?” He seemed to focus on a point a small distance outside the firelight. When Twilight turned to look, there was nothing there.

Wild shook his head sadly ‘Only for a few seconds after I die. They don't want to strain my sketchy connection to the physical world.’

There was silence for a moment as everyone processed. Four spoke up, “You looked like you were in pain earlier…”

Twilight winced, remembering the way Wild had writhed and whimpered, even as he was brought back to life.

Wild grimaced, he shook his head and shrugged, ‘Purah told me that healing only works if the person is alive. The first step in resurrection has to be restarting their heart, lungs, and brain… waking them up…’ Wild trailed off. “Unfortunately.” He whispered, rubbing at the scars on his face, clearly falling into some unpleasant train of thought.

Hyrule bit his lip, glancing at Wild and making sure he was done signing for the moment. “Most healing magic works by accelerating the body's natural healing process. You know that achy, itchy feeling you get when a wound is in the process of healing? I’m willing to bet that’s what being resurrected feels like. That feeling turned up to a hundred. Fairy magic numbs the area, that’s why it doesn’t hurt when I use magic. Our red potions also use fairy magic but Wild’s elixirs don’t. They use a more raw nature magic and a bit of dark magic which is why they are more powerful but they hurt as well.”

By this point most of the Chain was familiar with the ache and fatigue that came with drinking one of Wild‘s hearty elixirs. They only used them in extreme cases due to their painful side effects and high potency. Red potions could handle small injuries but anything major would be left partially healed. Hearty elixirs completely healed everything, sometimes even to a dangerous degree. An elixir could heal bone even if it wasn’t set properly. Despite Wild being able to make elixirs, the Chain usually stuck to potions.

A few people winced as they mulled that over.

Time sighed in the way he did when he was about to start a conversation that he didn't want to bring up. It was a very common sigh as of late. “Wild, why didn't you call for help?”

Wild winced, pulling up his hood.

Time continued, “Aside from that lynel, it was an easy fight. None of the rest of the monsters were even infected. We could have helped!” He sighed, running his hand through his hair. “Wild, we didn’t know where you were until we found your body. Why didn't you call for help?”

Wild fidgeted with his hands, ‘It was a lynel from my Hyrule. I knew how to fight it. I didn't want the rest of you to get hurt.’

“Wild, we don't want you to get hurt either!” Wind’s eyes were shiny as he punched Wild’s shoulder in the same spot as earlier.

Wild rubbed the spot that was sure to soon sport a bruise.

Time nudged Wild with his elbow, “Please call for help next time. None of us want to see you die. Again.” They would be resuming this conversation later, but they were all too tired.

Wild gratefully took the out. He started to sign, ‘I won’t—’

“You fucking better not.” Hyrule wore a crazed look on his face. “Otherwise I will hunt you down and kill you again myself. As many times as it takes for the message to sink in.”

The Chain laughed uneasily as Wild’s face paled. They all knew Hyrule wasn’t joking. In a second, Hyrule’s face shifted back into his usual sugar-sweet smile. “I’m glad you're okay Wild!”

Legend nudged Hyrule with a chuckle as the Chain’s nervous laughter dissolved into full cackling. The heavy atmosphere that had been hanging around the Chain since they first realized Wild was missing vanished as the conversation shifted to how scary Hyrule could be.

‘Have you tried that on a monster? You would send it running.’ Wild scratched his neck as he finished signing.

Hyrule laughed, the bell-like sound echoed around the hearing as the Chain cracked jokes and told stories.

“You should have seen—“

“How many times.” The mood sank like a rock as Twilight spoke up for the first time since Wild had started his explanation. The question settled in the air with an almost audible thunk.

Twilight stared with hollow eyes as Wild tensed. He turned to Hyrule in an attempt to redirect, ‘Yeah Hyrule, did you do it more than once or—‘

“Wild!” Twilight stood up and stormed over to where Wild sat between Time and Wind. He grabbed Wild’s shoulders and dragged him to his feet. “How many times!”

Twilight’s heart twinged as he saw the fearful expression on Wild’s face. But he couldn't stop.

He needed to know.

He didn't want to know.

He needed to know.

Twilight vaguely heard the protests of his brothers. He felt Times hand on his shoulder. He shook it off. The betrayal and heartbreak and fury he had been feeling for the last ten minutes spilled out all at once.

“How many times have you died, Wild?” The desperation bled into his tone and his voice broke as he screamed.

It hurt.

It hurt to know that his Cub had gone through so much. They all faced death. They all fought against it tooth and nail, clawing, hissing, screaming, doing anything to run from death.

They were Heroes of Courage.

The only thing Courage ran from was death.

It hurt to see his Cub meet death with little more than mild uncomfort. It hurt to see how quickly everyone else moved on so quickly.

He was angry at the people who let that happen. He was angry at himself. He let this happen.

His ears filled with static as his eyes filled with tears. All Twilight could see was red and black on crushed green grass. Blue turned purple with blood. Pink intestines that were never meant to be seen. Skin painted red.

Wild’s body had looked so small.

“Twilight!”

The world around Twilight finally snapped back into focus as Time grabbed his face between two hands and forced Twilight to focus on his face.

“Twilight, breathe.” Time‘s voice was steady, if Twilight hadn’t known him so well he never would have seen the fear in Time‘s eyes.

Twilight realized he was hyperventilating. He tried for a deep breath. It came out as a sob. He tried to say something, say anything. His voice caught in his throat. The feeling was painfully similar to the way he’d been on his journey, too suffocated by the weight of suppressed emotions to speak. He let out another sob as the feeling melded into his growing panic.

Time ran his thumb along Twilight's cheek. “It’s okay Pup, just breathe.” He brought his other hand around Twilight’s back pulling him into a hug.

Twilight managed two full breaths before he completely dissolved into sobbing. He stumbled, only staying on his feet due to Time‘s arm around him.

Wild took his distraction as an opportunity and ran into the trees. He quickly left the light of the fire as he disappeared out of sight.

Twilight's knees gave out as he reached pointlessly in the direction Wild had run. Time took his weight and lowered them both to the ground.

Twilight felt numb as Time rocked them back and forth gently and hummed a song Twilight couldn't recognize. He was vaguely aware of his own continuous sobs as he turned away from the trees and buried his face in Time’s tunic. Twilight inhaled, the wolf part of his brain always seeking comfort in familiar scents. Time smelled like livestock and metal polish. Apple pies and safety. Time smelled like home.

Time let him cry. He never stopped humming and he had started to rub up and down his back in slow steady strokes that reminded Twilight of the way Wild would trace patterns in his fur when he was upset.

Gradually, his sobbing turned to silent tears, then to sniffles. Twilight started to notice the crackle of the fire and the flickering shadows at the rest of his brothers went about the nightly motions.

Twilight let out a shuddering sigh and clutched Time tighter. Maybe it was selfish and cowardly, but Twilight wasn’t ready to lose the comforting warmth of the hug. Time hummed and shifted his legs, placing a kiss on Twilight’s forehead.

Twilight hid in Time’s chest for as long as he could, but eventually he sat up, keeping his hold on Time’s forearms and facing him. “I messed up didn‘t I.”

Time shrugged, “Yeah, but I understand. Emotions have been running high all day, it was bound to reach a breaking point.” Time glanced around at where the rest of the Chain was trying valiantly to make it look like they weren’t listening, “I don’t blame you. And if I know anything about Wild, then he won‘t blame you either.”

Twilight mulled that over. Like all of them, Wild was more likely to blame himself over anyone else. He was often kind of clueless when it came to emotional matters and, like Hyrule, he needed to be alone in order to think. Having spent so much of his journey by himself, Wild needed silence and time to think. As good as he was at fighting, Wild had only woken up two years ago. He was still learning a lot of social skills. Most likely, Wild had run off just to have space to figure out what had happened and puzzle over what Twilight could be thinking. He was probably planning some way to apologize right now.

Twilight breathed in relief at the realization that Wild wouldn’t be mad at him, confused yes, but mad no. He turned to Time, “When did you get so smart?”

“I married Malon, remember.”

Twilight chuckled wetly. He stood up and brushed off his pants. “I'm gonna go find him.” He offered Time a hand up. Time took it. “I need to explain.”

Time nodded, ”Be careful, I don't expect there to be any monsters, but we didn't expect that lynel earlier either.”

Twilight glanced back at the rest of the Chain, “Can you—“

Time smiled softly, “I'll tell them something.” He gave Twilight a meaningful look, “I trust you’ll be able to find him.”

Twilight grinned, and slipped into the trees shifting into Wolfie as soon as he was out of eyesight.

…

As the magic settled, Twilight took a moment to adjust to the sudden onslaught of senses. The air hung heavy with petrichor he hadn’t noticed before. His field of vision extended, and the shadows lightened. He shook out his legs with a chuff.

Twilight inhaled deeply, separating Wild’s scent, soot and apples and wildflowers, from the scent of the forest. He followed the familiar smell to the hill they had left behind earlier. Twilight cringed at the blood still soaking into the ground on the other side of the summit.

Wild sat with his knees pulled to his chest. He faced away from Twilight and his hood blocked his face but the defeated slant of his shoulders made it clear he had been crying.

Twilight hesitated behind Wild. The Chain had learned to never sneak up on Wild after Wind had ended up knocked out by a cutting board. The longer Twilight hesitated, the more he worried he wouldn't be welcome. He had hurt Wild. He had yelled at his little brother. He had scared him.

He was worried that was unforgivable.

”Hi Twilight.”

Twilight was startled out of his thoughts by Wild’s voice. The words were heartbreakingly small and shaky. It hurt to know he was the reason for the unsteadiness in Wild's voice.

He shifted back into a hylian. “Hey Cub.” He sat down beside Wild, splaying his legs out with his hands shifting in his lap. He followed Wild’s gaze to the blood-stained and trampled patch of grass where Wild had died.

Ordonia, he hated it. He hated that he could still smell Wild’s blood.

He tore his gaze away and turned to the stars instead. Wind had pointed out when they first met that, between their Hyrules, the stars were one of the only things that were the same. For a moment Twilight tried to imagine he was back at home in Ordon, sitting in the door of his treehouse, listening to the night. The grief would be for a lost love instead of a brother. Instead of Wild, Colin would be the one sharing his silence.

Colin’s blood would replace Wild’s on the ground.

Twilight choked on his sob, “I’m so sorry Wild.”

Wild turned to him, surprised, and that just broke his heart more. Why had Hylia hurt this child so much that he was shocked at a simple apology?

Twilight sighed. He fidgeted with the grass. “I shouldn’t have yelled at you like that.” Twilight could see Wild signing something out of the corner of his eye, and he felt like a jerk for taking Wild’s voice from him by staying focused on the grass. He needed to get through this now or he wouldn't be able to say it. “I was angry. But I wasn’t angry at you. I was furious at everyone who hurt you and at the fucking goddesses for putting you throught that.“

Wild blinked, Twilight didn't usually curse, but this day had pushed him too far.

“I was scared and angry and didn't know how to deal with it so it exploded at you.” Twilight turned to look at Wild. “It was wrong, and I'm so, so sorry.”

Wild just sat there for a moment. His eyes focused on the bloodstain. One hand pulled tight around his curled up legs as the other reached up to fiddle with his earring the way he did when he was thinking.

Slowly, Wild uncurled his legs and scooted over, tucking himself into Twilight’s side.

Twilight let out a sigh of relief.

Wild understood.

Wild wasn’t one to hold grudges. Twilight was half sure he didn't understand grudges at all. Even so, the Hero’s Spirit had learned to assume the worst, and Twilight couldn’t help but be afraid that Wild would have never forgiven him.

Twilight wrapped an arm around Wild with a smile. He rested his cheek on Wild’s head.

It wasn’t perfect. They would still need to talk about what happened, but they had each other.

“523.”

Twilight lifted his head and stared at Wild. Wild stared back. Twilight thought he had imagined Wild’s words, “What?”

Wild swallowed, looking back over the field. ‘Your question. 523’

Twilight took a moment to roll the words over in his mind. His heart stopped.

He understood. He wished he didn’t.

Twilight had seen Wild die today. He never, ever, wanted to see that again. Once was enough to haunt his nightmares for the rest of his life. He couldn't imagine another 522 times. It was unfathomable.

“H-how…” Twilight‘s voice cut off.

Wild shrugged, ‘I failed… a lot.’

Twilight shook his head vehemently, pulling Wild into a hug. “Never.” He whispered in his ear, “You haven’t failed.” Twilight remembered what Time had told him back when he knew him as the Hero’s Shade. “Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it is action in spite of it.” Twilight pulled back to look Wild in the eyes. “You aren’t a failure because you fell, you are stronger because you got back up.”

Wild looked away. Twilight could see tears in his eyes. ‘You don’t understand.’

“Then tell me.” Twilight was begging, he clutched Wild’s shoulders desperately. “Please Wild.” The world went dark, leaving the two of them drowning in fear and the pleading need to know.

Wild inhaled deeply, letting it out with a shuddering sigh. ‘Not a big deal…’ his signs were small, held close to his chest as if someone would take his words if he didn’t protect them.

Twilight stared at him. “Wild—“ his voice caught in his throat again. Twilight closed his eyes and pushed through it. He refused to be silent again. He refused. “Wild, it is a big deal. We’re talking about you dying hundreds of times!”

Wild rubbed at the edge of his hood.

“I'm your brother.” Twilight choked up, “Help me understand, please.“

Wild’s hands fell to his lap. He took a breath and counted on his fingers. Twilight recognized it as the breathing technique Legend had taught him after Wild had come back from a memory in the throes of a panic attack.

In for four.

Hold for four.

Out for four.

Hold for four.

Wild just breathed for a few seconds, seemingly gathering his courage. ‘Millions died in the Calamity. Their pain, their blood is on my hands.’ Wild paused his signs to rub at his hands, as if trying to wipe off imaginary blood. ‘I need to atone for that. I can't rest until my blood has spilled in equal amounts.’

Twilight shook, “Wild you—“

“I’ve died 523 times. 523 out of millions.”

Wild’s voice was quiet but it might as well have echoed across the plain. He… he couldn’t actually think that. Right? More questions opened up a pit in his stomach the more he thought about it.

“Wild… you don’t… tell me you don’t think like that.” Twilight pleaded. He needed to hear Wild tell him it was a joke.

Twilight caught sight of Wild’s frown underneath his hood. ‘I know it's not right.’ He chuckled, ‘Sidon practically kidnapped me until I admitted that, but some part of me needs to keep count, I need to keep dying otherwise the sacrifices people made were for nothing. So many people died. I deserve to suffer for failing them. If I'm not suffering then how do I escape the guilt? How do I carry that?’

Twilight… didn't know how to react. He was feeling a lot of things and despite years of practice since his journey ended, he still wasn’t the best when it came to emotional maturity. Like all of the Links, Twilight tended to shove his emotions down and ignore them. which rapidly became a problem when they were all thrown into this quest together. When Twilight asked Rusl about it he had said all his feelings were valid and real, and had recommended talking through it out loud, taking time to separate out each emotion and understand why he was feeling that way.

“Wild, can I give you a hug?”

Wild didn’t wait before leaning into Twilight's arms. Twilight closed his eyes and relished in the reassuring warmth and steady breaths. He allowed himself a moment without thinking, without worrying about death or guilt or 523. He just breathed in the quiet night air and listened to the familiar sound of crickets and animals.

Finally, once he was centered, Twilight spoke. “Wild, is it alright if I talk through what I'm feeling?” He felt Wild nod against his chest. This wasn’t the first time Wild and Twilight had done this. Due to his few years of experience, Wild often had trouble reading other people’s emotions. He tended to assume all negative actions and feelings were directed at him. Talking through it like this had not only helped Wild, but had helped Twilight manage his anger in healthier ways.

“I’m gonna be honest. This all scares me. A lot.” It felt wrong to admit that. Shortly after the Chain had met, they had discussed what it meant to be a Hero of Courage. Most of them had gone through their journeys afraid of being scared. They had thought that that fear meant they weren’t a worthy hero. Time had quickly set them straight, saying that he had felt the same way during his quests but, in the years since, had realized that it was okay to be scared. What was important was action. They had all pushed through fear. They had carried on when no one else was willing or able. For better or for worse, that was what made them Heroes.

“I have spent so much of my life running away from death… it scares me to see you face it. And then to find out you’ve done it not just once but hundreds of times?” Twilight took a shaky breath. “I’m frustrated with the people who let this happen, including myself, and I'm upset that you're only now telling us even though I understand why.” Twilight ran a hand up and down Wild‘s back as he chose his next words. “Hearing why you have… “ he choked up, “let yourself die… makes me angry. I'm so angry at whoever made you think that the deaths during the Calamity were your fault. I’m furious at the people who made you think that your own suffering could assuage that misplaced guilt… and I'm mad at myself for not realizing this sooner and helping you.”

Twilight hesitated before he asked the next question. If Wild answered there was no going back. Twilight knew that he didn’t want to know the answer, but he also knew he needed to be there for Wild. He loved his brother and in order to help him he needed to understand. Even if knowing was hard, it would be harder to stop now and leave the question unanswered. Leave him to wonder.

Twilight swallowed. “I'm scared to ask, but… have you ever killed yourself?“

The air solidified with the weight of the question and the unspoken answer. It felt like everything froze, the animals and insects and plants and the ground itself. They froze. And waited. And listened.

In Twilight’s arms, Wild inhaled sharply. He tensed then deliberately relaxed. Twilight waited with baited breath. He knew the answer. They both did.

“Yes.” Wild whispered into Twilight's chest. He wouldn’t have been audible if it hadn’t been so quiet.

Even though he was expecting it, the single word still punched the air out of Twilight's gut. He tried not to think too hard, to imagine the specifics, but his mind betrayed him. He saw Wild leaping off a cliff, his paraglider abandoned at the top. He saw Wild shoving a sword through his chest, blade piercing through his scarred skin. He saw Wild with a rope wrapped around his neck, swinging from a tree. Wrists slit. Blood pooling on the floorboards. Lungs filling with water—

Twilights shook his head as if he could physically force the thoughts from his head. He didn’t want those images. He didn't was to imagine his little brother going through that. Over and over.

Wild pulled back from the hug just enough to sign. ‘At first it was fairly innocent. Mipha could heal me completely without needing a potion. She became a last resort in bad situations.’

Twilight winced. He didn’t want to think about a situation bad enough that dying was preferable.

Wild chucked wetly ‘At first I didn't even know what it meant. I needed to talk to the Champions. I needed answers, or just to hear their voices. Dying was the only way I could do that. It was that simple. But everytime, they would all look so sad. Eventually, Revali snapped. He just yelled at me as Mipha brought me back, crying the whole time. He practically forbid me from doing it again. He said that it only hurt them to watch me hurt myself.’

Wild fiddled with the grass. ‘I tried not to do it after that. For fear of invoking the full rage of a——.’ Wild made a sign Twilight didn't recognize. It had the swooping full palm moments that most of the Rito signs did.

'I told Sidon about it. He took it worse than Revali. He just cried and hugged me until I promised never to do it again. He eventually did explain that death was supposed to be permanent. And that my flippant disregard for my own life was bound to get me in trouble.’

Twilight wholeheartedly agreed.

‘I held to my promise… for a while. Of course accidents happen, you forget to put on your cold weather gear before teleporting to Hebra, and end up falling into a pond and freezing to death.’

“Yeah… accidents…” Twilight was pale as he pictured it. He didn't want to.

‘But after we defeated the Calamity…’ Wild trailed off.

Twilight’s hands shook. He knew it was coming, but some part of him didn't want to know. This was his last chance to walk away without knowing. He could stop Wild here. Say that he didn't need to share such a traumatic memory. Twilight could continue with his life, not knowing the details of his brother's death.

But… he needed to know. Deep in the soul they shared, he needed to know Wild’s pain. He needed to help. He needed to listen.

Wild shook off his hands and took a deep breath. It was funny to watch, because the actions were the same things Legend did before every fight. Wild must’ve picked it up.

‘I didn't remember a life outside of traveling, and fighting, and helping. I didn’t know what to do without a task. No ’Free the Divine Beasts’, no ‘Defeat Calamity Ganon’, no shrines or towers to hunt down and complete. I didn't know how to live without a task.’ Wild chuckled wryly, ‘Zelda and Sidon tried to help me, they really did. Problem is, it's hard to help someone when you have no idea where they are. I didn’t know a life without traveling. I just think I'm not built for it.’ Wild shrugged letting his hands fall. He flopped back against the grass, staring up at the moon.

Twilight laid back next to him. “What happened?”

Wild worked his jaw. Twilight watched the pain in his eyes. Finally, Wild spoke, “I ran.” He swallowed, “People kept telling me to rest but… I didn't know how to do that. I literally forgot. Defeating the Calamity took a year. Four months on the Plateau, relearning how to be alive, then eight months traveling Hyrule. Completing shrines, calming the Divine Beasts, meeting people.” Wilds smile grew wistful as he talked about his friends. “In all that time, I never stopped. I went days without sleep. I only ate when I needed to heal. I know now how unhealthy that was, but that was literally all I knew. I didn’t know that most people had three meals a day, simply because I had never seen it.”

A gentle wind rustled the grass. Wild closed his eyes, reveling in the feeling. His smile faded as the wind stopped, returning to the baited stillness of before. “Then, after the Calamity, to have people telling me that my job was done, that I had been living life wrong, that I could stop, that I needed to stop…” Wild trailed off as his voice gave out. He winced and rubbed at his throat.

Twilight winced alongside him. “You can go back to sign if you need.”

Wild shook his head, shifting the grass around him. “I need to say it out loud, or I'm never gonna get it out.“ His voice dropped to a whisper so it didn't strain his throat. “I’ve never told anyone this… but, I didn't expect to keep living after I defeated Ganon.”

Twilight’s brow furrowed. He didn't quite understand what Wild was saying, but he didn't like it. It felt like looking at one of Wind’s Pictos but the details were blurred. He could see the general shape, enough to understand what was going on, but any finer lines were lost to the haze.

Thankfully, Wild wasn’t done. “The first time I faced Ganon, one hundred years ago, I failed. I died.” Twilight watched as Wild’s eyes unfocused. He panicked for a second, thinking Wild was going into a memory. But a moment later, Wild blinked and shook his head. “I was put in the Shrine so I could have a second chance. I thought… I thought that after that was over, after I had atoned for my failure, after I had fulfilled my purpose… I thought the Shrine would take away my second chance.”

It clicked into focus. Why Wild always looked at the world with such joy. Why Wild only spoke of the Shrine with quiet words and stilted signs. Why Wild’s journey had lasted for much longer than the rest of theirs. He had been stalling. He had waited to fight Ganon for as long as he could because he had thought that defeating Ganon would be the last thing he did. He saw every moment as a gift, because to him, it was.
Wild was afraid of the Shrine, even beyond the trauma of waking up in your own grave.

Twilight kicked himself for not noticing sooner. He shook because he knew there was still more to the story.

“When I saved Zelda and I was still alive, when the Shrine didn't take my life… I wondered if it should have.” Wild’s voice was barely audible. His whispers were almost lost to the wind. “Then to have people tell me that I was done now, that I could rest, that the way I had been living was wrong… it felt like a dismissal. I stuck around long enough to get Zelda settled in my house in Hateno, then I disappeared.

”By myself in the wild, I had too much time to think. I kept returning to the idea that I should have died, that Hyrule didn't need me anymore. That I needed to make up for the blood on my hands. I didn't know how to move on from my journey. I couldn’t sleep without being woken up by nightmares. I didn't know what to do with myself once my purpose was over.”

Twilight understood that. He had been in a dark place after his journey. He had spent his whole quest slowly falling in love with Midna, only to have her ripped away with no hope to see her again. He had returned home victorious, but directionless. He remembered days spent holed up in his house unable to rouse himself from bed. He remembered thinking many of the same things Wild talked about. It was only due to the stubborn support of his adopted family that he made it through that time. He hated to think about Wild facing that on his own.

“I really needed help, but I had asked for space, so no one knew where to find me.” Wild choked up. He made a noise that probably would have been a sardonic laugh if his voice wasn’t fried from talking and crying. “Eventually I decided to take things into my own hands. I jumped off the edge of The Great Plateau. I left my paraglider at the top.”

Twilight moved before he realized it. He shifted into Wolfie and pressed against Wild’s side, whimpering until Wild wrapped his arms around him. He wasn’t sure if he needed the hug or Wild did.

“When I saw Mipha that time, she just held me. She cried and begged me not to do that again. “ Wild’s whispers broke in a sob but he kept talking. “I tried, I really did, but eventually I did it again. I don't even remember how I did it that time. It's all a blur. I was in a really bad place.”

Twilight was fairly certain wolves didn’t cry, but he swore he felt his eyes burn as he felt Wild’s sobs muffle in his fur.

“I kept doing it again and again, and somehow it became a habit. It became another quest… finding a way to die.”

Twilight shuddered. One of the way’s Rusl and Uli had been able to help him had been to give him small tasks. They had asked for help with things around the village: carry those boxes, go hunting, fix the roof. His Hero’s Spirit had been unable to say no to people needing help and the jobs had given him a purpose similar to his journey. It wasn’t until a year later that Twilight had realized that they had been helping him rather than the other way around. During a hard time, he had taken those tasks and made a list, checking them off each day until his life reached something resembling normal again.

Unbidden, he imagined that list with every single task replaced.

Die.

Twilight whined.

Wild noticed his distress and hugged him tighter. He fisted his hands in his fur as he continued his whispered story. “246.” Wild chuckled darkly. “I can't remember my family, but I can never forget that. In the three months after I finished my journey, I killed myself 246 times. I tried everything, starving, falling, freezing, burning, starving, electrocution, blunt force trauma, bleeding out… drowning.”

Twilight sucked in a breath and Wild clutched his fur tighter

”That was the worst.”

If Twilight had still been hylian, he wouldn't have heard Wild’s gut wrenching whisper, but his wolf ears picked up every word.

It was well known in the Chain that Wild hated putting his head under water. He had admitted to Twilight late one night that he woke up while he was in the Shrine. He remembered the agony of his body knitting back together slowly. He remembered the claustrophobia of laying on his back in his own grave, the lid of the tub inches above his face, unable to turn over for lack of room. He remembered the soul crushing terror of breathing in thick liquid instead of air. Wild avoided putting his head under water due to his fear of finding himself back in there. He was terrified of drowning. Twilight ached as he imagined his Cub, holding himself under the surface, choking on his last breath with his tears bleeding into the water.

Wild burrowed into Twilight's fur, seeking warmth. Twilight was more than happy to provide it, moving again to curl around Wild as much as he could. Twilight shoved his nose into Wild’s shoulder, reassuring himself with the comforting smell of apples and wildflowers. He heard and felt Wild’s heartbeat in his chest. He clung to he steady sound life a life line in the otherwise quiet night.

Eventually, Wild sighed. “The whole thing turned into a devastating loop. A loop I couldn't get out of until I found you guys.”

Twilight froze. He knew it hadn’t been that long since Wild‘s journey ended but he hadn’t connected how that related to the story Wild was telling. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. The more the puzzle fell into place, the more his heart ached. It explained the guarded way Wild had acted when they first met. It explained the haunted look in his eyes and his disheveled appearance. It explained the instability that had characterized early interactions with him. It explained the way Wild had been so confused when he was first offered a shoulder to cry on.

Twilight kicked himself. How had they not noticed, the signs had been right there!

Twilight's world crashed around him as a thought crossed his mind. He shifted back into a hylian and whispered, sitting up shakily. “Did you…” The silence filled in the words he couldn't bring himself to say. Kill yourself. “… since we met?”

This time Wild didn't hesitate, “No.”

Twilight let out a breath, practically melting into Wild’s awaiting arms.

“Being on a quest again helped.” Wild hummed into Twilight’s tunic. “Then, once I got to know you, you all helped.” He pulled back to look Twilight in the eyes. “This is the first time I’ve died at all since we started this quest.” Wild looked down, seemingly finished at last.

Ordinarily, that statement would be a cause for concern, but when was anything they did ordinary? Twilight felt himself growing oddly proud of Wild. He had gone through a very hard time and had come out the other side. It clearly hadn't been easy, and it had no doubt left scars, both visible and invisible, but Wild was here. Alive. He was sitting next to Twilight, breathing, fidgeting, telling his story.

Twilight blinked the tears out of his eyes and placed his hands on Wild’s shoulders.

“Wild, look at me.”

Wild bit his lip, but complied.

“I am so proud of you.”

Wild blinked at him. His brow furrowed in confusion. “Wh—“ Wild’s voice cut out with a painful sounding wheeze. He grimaced and switched back to sign, ‘Why?’

“Because you made it through all of that.” Twilight squeezed Wild’s shoulders, “I wish you hadn’t had to, but you did and I’m proud.” Wild looked like he wanted to argue, but Twilight cut him off. “What did Malon tell us last time we were at the ranch?”

Wild rolled his eyes fondly. ‘That all of us stupid heros need to be kinder to ourselves.’

Twilight chuckled, “Exactly, so whatever you’re gonna say, be nice to my little brother.”

His tone made it sound like a joke. They both knew it wasn’t one.

Wild shifted, tucking himself under Twilight's arm. Twilight leaned his head onto Wild’s slightly damp hair.

Wild sighed contentedly. He tapped his fingers to his chin. ‘Thank you.’

Twilight squeezed him close, “Thank you, Cub.”

It was quiet. The moon rose slowly. The two of them sat, basking in the relief of a story finally told. They still had a lot to talk about. They still needed to discuss Wild’s recklessness earlier. They still needed to talk about why Wild hadn’t gone to his friends for help when he needed it. There was a lot left to discuss, but the air was a lot clearer than before.

A particularly strong gust of wind made Wild shiver.

Twilight sighed and pulled back to look Wild in the eye. “Are you ready to head back to the others?”

Wild hummed and nodded. ‘It’s cold.’ He pouted.

Twilight ruffled the wet hair hanging down Wild’s back, “I wonder why.”

Wild ducked away with a hand on his chest, feigning offense.

Twilight laughed, big and loud for the first time since his outburst earlier. Wild joined in with raspy giggles. It was refreshing to see Wild joking like this.

Twilight smiled and committed Wild’s grin to memory, carefully replacing the images of death that had filled his mind earlier.

A breeze sent another shiver through Wild. Twilight finally took pity on him and draped his pelt over Wild’s shoulders. Wild grinned sheepishly.

Twilight chuckled again. He threw his arm around Wild, “C'mon Cub, let’s get you back to the fire before you catch a cold.”

Wild leaned his head into Twilight. It made it hard to walk, but neither of them complained. They were just glad for the opportunity to enjoy the other's company.

…

When they returned to the campfire, the others all made a valiant attempt to make it look like they hadn’t been waiting for them.

Sky held his knife and a small piece of wood, but the wood was too small to carve properly so he was just cutting slivers of wood. The pile of wood shavings around him implied he had been doing this for some time.

Wars and Legend were sitting beside each other, uncharacteristically silent as they pretended to organize their bags.

Hyrule, Wind, and Four poked at the fire, setting sticks alight and watching them burn out.

Time was watching the forest where they emerged, not even bothering to pretend. “Are you two alright?”

Time’s question carried a lot of weight. The Chain stopped what they were doing to listen for Twilight’s and Wild’s response.

Before Twilight could say anything, Wild grinned and gave a thumbs up.

The heavy atmosphere lightened as a few people chuckled.

Wild stepped away from Twilight and flopped down next to Hyrule at the fire. He tapped at his slate for a moment before pulling out a massive tree branch and setting the tip in the fire. His eyes lit up as it burned.

Twilight watched and rubbed his temples. It didn't take long for Wild to go right back to arson.

Time chuckled. The traitor.

Thankfully, Legend stepped in before anyone burned something important. He snatched the branch from Wild and dropped it on the fire, “Yeah nope.” He raised an eyebrow at Wild’s pout and Wind’s groan. “If you want to burn something, at least do it right.”

Twilight tensed, as the rest of the Chain whipped around to stare at Legend. He knew Legend being responsible had been too good to be true.

Legend dug around in his bag for a minute before pulling out a tied cloth sack. They all watched with bated breath as Legend struggled with the knot. Some watched with eager anticipation while others, like Twilight and Wars watched with fear. Twilight was surprised to see Time among the first group.

Legend laughed in triumph as he finally untied the string keeping the bag closed. He opened the sack to reveal a clump of small white cylinders.

“The fuck are those?” Wind sat back with a disappointed huff.

”Language.” Time muttered, but he seemed too intrigued by Legend’s bag to put any real heat behind it.

Legend ignored Time and responded to Wind, “They’re called marshmallows. I got them from one of the other countries I’ve visited. I don't even remember which one, but they’re squishy and sweet, especially when you roast them over a fire.”

Wind snatched one and licked it.

“That one's yours.” Legend deadpanned

Wind hummed in delight. He passed it to Wild, who also licked it.

Twilight was too tired to worry about the spread of disease.

Wild grinned.

”Here.” Legend pulled out two metal sticks. He stabbed one into a marshmallow from his bag and passed the other one to Wild, motioning that he should do the same.

Before Wild could, Wind snatched the marshmallow and the stick from him, mimicking Legend and spearing the marshmallow and holding it over the fire. He stuck his tongue out at Wild

Wild just shrugged and grabbed the bag, pulling out his own marshmallow before passing the bag to Hyrule.

Hyrule took his own and passed the bag to Twilight. Twilight almost dropped to marshmallows as Wild tapped on his Slate, pulling out a glowing orange claymore that had to be bigger than he was. Twilight’s eyes bugged out as he recognized it as a Great Flameblade.

Beside him, Time coughed pointedly.

Wild looked over sheepishly. Time raised an eyebrow.

Wild’s eyes flicked between Time and his sword. He smiled apologetically and set the marshmallow on the blade, instantly setting it on fire.

Legend finally looked up from his careful rotation of his own marshmallow as Wild squeaked in panic. He just sighed and turned back to the fire.

Time shook his head, “Are you gonna intervene?”

Twilight watched as Wild somehow managed to put out the marshmallow. He blew on the charred husk and placed it reverently in his mouth. Hyrule watched on curiously.

Twilight chuckled, “Nope.”

Hyrule set his own marshmallow on fire. Wind noticed the smoke and joined the Arson Club.

Twilight smiled fondly as he searched for a stick to roast his own marshmallow in a civilized fashion. On the other side of the fire, Warriors and Sky had joined Legend. Twilight watched as Wars looked up to snark at Legend. The minute he looked away his marshmallow slid off his stick and into the fire. Twilight snickered as he looked frantically before noticing what had happened. Warriors whimpered seeing his treat go up in smoke. Legend flipped him off without looking up from his own marshmallow.

Twilight huffed triumphantly as he finally found a satisfactory stick. He picked it up, weighing it in his hands. It was straight and smooth with a slight bend at the bottom. He sniffed it and nodded. Perfect.

Twilight turned to brag about his find to Time, only to see him perched right next to Wild at his flameblade, watching in awe as his marshmallow lit aflame.

Twilight blinked, turning back to the main fire. Honestly? He shouldn’t be surprised.

He spotted Four crouched at the bag of marshmallows, carefully spearing four onto sticks.

He walked over, shoving his own onto his perfect stick. “Watcha doing?” His southern accent came through more than usual as he offered Four a hand up.

Four held his four sticks in between his fingers like claws. He took Twilight's hand, “As I can see it, there appears to be various methods to roast a marshmallow:” In the firelight, his eyes appeared almost purple. He pointed to Legend, “careful browning over the embers,” He gestured to where Warriors was frustratedly spearing his third attempt, he had pulled out a plate and layed out his “failed” marshmallows. They appeared to be burnt on the outside and raw on the inside. “lighting it on fire for a moment, leaving the outside crisp,” Behind Warriors, Sky was chewing a marshmallow without cooking it at all, “raw,” Four angled his head over to where the rest of the Chain were huddled around the Flameblade. “and whatever they're doing.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow in amusement as he listened to Four’s rant.

“So obviously the correct choice is to try them all and determine the best method.”

“This is just an excuse to eat four marshmallows, isn’t it.”

Four paused, “…maybe.”

Twilight grinned and left him to it, settling next to Legend. “This might have been a mistake, Wind is gonna have such a sugar crash after this.”

Legend snerked, “I'm not the one who has to deal with him.”

“How many have you had?” Twilight gestured to the marshmallow Legend was slowly rotating near the base of the fire.

“None, this is my first.”

Twilight stared at him. “No kidding? You’ve been sat here for ages.”

Legend scoffed, “Listen, Goat Boy, properly roasting a marshmallow is an art form. It requires skill and patience that those bozos clearly don't have.” He jerked his thumb to the cloud of smoke rising from Wild and Time’s group.

As if on cue, Warriors set his third marshmallow on fire. “Come on!”

Four laughed at him.

Legend lifted his marshmallow to his face, spinning it around, he must have deemed it complete because he carefully, slowly pulled it off the stick. It practically melted in his hand, held together only by the thin crispy outside.

Twilight opened his mouth to speak, but Legend held up a finger, silencing Twilight as he slipped the marshmallow into his own mouth. He closed his eyes, sighing in pleasure. Twilight watched the fire awkwardly as Legend finished his bite and licked his fingers clean.

Twilight bit his lip. That looked good.

Legend let his hands fall to his lap. He sighed contentedly and looked at Twilight. “You want me to teach you, don't you?” He deadpanned.

Twilight turned on his best puppy eyes.

Legend sighed.

…

By the time they went to sleep that night with full hearts and sticky fingers, everything felt like it might be alright. Despite the horrors, they had each other, and that was enough.