View From the Shadows

by Colibrie

Summary:

It had taken time, but he too had slowly adjusted to his new state, figuring things out through trial and error. He had even learned to value some aspects of his new life, like his ability to ignore the laws of physical world. He had also learned a lot by reading over Link’s shoulder as he dove into research about mirror portals and dark worlds. Yet he had never fully made peace with his inability to interact with the one person who mattered most. The inability to touch or be heard, or even the simple act of having Link look at him rather than through him was a curse of the cruelest kind, perhaps a punishment from the Goddesses for the wickedness he’d wrought upon their land.

It certainly felt like it now, as he watched Link bleeding out beneath him.

Notes:

• For karovie.

This started as another live write in the Wilds Cooking Pot server during Febuwhump 2022. It grew because of the wonderful karovie. If you haven't seen her art, check her out at karoviesart on tumblr!

Chapter 1: Shadows Plight

The day the dark mirror had shattered, Shadow had been prepared to die. He had been willing to die, to ensure his colors had a fighting chance to live. Their expressions of horror and heart break had been the last thing he could recall before the sound of shattering glass sent him tumbling into oblivion. He had been gone, fully expecting that to be the end.

So, it had shocked him to wake up on the floor of the Four Sword sanctuary next to his colors, rejoined into their original single form, trembling in Dot’s lap. He could still vividly remember the terror he’d felt when he had tried to shake them, to ask them what was wrong, only for his hand to sink through his shoulder. His voice had gone unheard, leaving him to drown in confusion as he had followed Link back to the ruined castle. It was only there that he began to piece together an idea of what had happened.

He had been made of the darkness in Links heart, as shadow given form and flesh by the power of the dark mirror. He had lost that form when the mirror broke, but his essence was still tied to Link. He was apart of him, yet separate, unable to interact. Intangible and invisible, he had been forced to sit back and watch as his rainbow had slowly pieced his life back together, slowly learning to relive his life from the ground up.    

It had taken time, but he too had slowly adjusted to his new state, figuring things out through trial and error. He had even learned to value some aspects of his new life, like his ability to ignore the laws of physical world. He had also learned a lot by reading over Link’s shoulder as he dove into research about mirror portals and dark worlds. Yet he had never fully made peace with his inability to interact with the one person who mattered most. The inability to touch or be heard, or even the simple act of having Link look at him rather than through him was a curse of the cruelest kind, perhaps a punishment from the Goddesses for the wickedness he’d wrought upon their land.

It certainly felt like it now, as he watched Link bleeding out beneath him.   

"Rainbow! Rainbow look at me!" Shadow begged, straining with all his might against the fabric of reality that kept him bound both to and from his other half. "Keep your eyes open! Help is coming but you have to hang on!"

Links only response was a gurgled exhale, specks of blood misting his lips before he fought to pull in another agonized breath. The fletching on the arrow that had struck him down quivered with each cycle of air. The blasted thing had missed his hero's heart, but that was small favors when Shadow was almost certain the damned thing has pierced his lung instead.

Panic shot through him as the hazel eyes he so loved began to slip closed.

"NO!" He bellowed, fighting with strength born of desperation. "No, no you open your eyes! Open your eyes right now! Where are those fucking heroes?!”

He was only a shadow, and shadows could not cry. Yet he felt the pressure build behind his eyes all the same as he tried to just hold his precious one’s hand. "I'm here! You promised you'd bring me back, not try and join me! Please don't give up!"

"FOUR?! FOUR WHERE ARE YOU?!"

The geezers voice had never sounded better.

"He's here!" Shadow wailed, desperate to somehow, some way, make his voice heard. "He needs a fairy!"

He knew it was pointless, knew that to his rainbows companions he was nothing more than any other shadow cast by the light. But perhaps the universe had finally decided to pity him, as the next moment a familiar armor came into view.

"He's over here!" the elder man cried, branches scrapping with an ear-splitting screech across the panels of his armor as he forced a path through the underbrush to his rainbows side. Shadow couldn't even muster the energy to mad when one reinforced boot stepped on his leg, simply phasing his body through it as he moved to cup his hands protectively around Links head.

Shouts of response filled the air as boots pounded the ground as one by one the others of Links group appeared. Some were supported by others, the most notable being the child of the group, the one they called wind. The boy was supported by the one he’d named Feathers, the entirety of one pant leg stained a deep dark red. Yet others moved freely, and the only two Shadow gave a damn about at this point were blessedly amongst them. The one with the blue scarf, and the one with the curly brown hair surged forward, following the path made by Time until they reached Links side.

"Four I need you to look at me," the scarfed one said, his fingers pressing into the pulse point on Link’s neck as the one with curly hair examined the arrow.

Link didn't respond, his half-lidded eyes glazed as he stared through the place where Shadow knelt.

"Come on Rainbow, listen to the pretty boy," Shadow cajoled, stroking his thumb across the apple of his twin’s cheek in a pantomime of a comforting caress. If he tried really hard, he could almost pretend he felt the soft warmth of Links skin beneath his hands.

"How is he?" The one wearing fur asked, and this time Shadow hissed as he was once again stepped on. A curl of petty satisfaction swirled through him when the dog boy seemed to flinch, though he knew it was probably more in sympathy to Link's injury rather than fear of him.

"Pulse is fast and thready," Scarf murmured, a frown marring his marring his face as he gently pinched Link's skin. "He's dehydrated. We need to treat this now."

"I have a fairy!" Dog boy said, pulling out a bottle with one of the fluttering spirits.

"It's a start," Scarf acknowledged before turning to Curly hair. "How do you want to do this Hyrule?"

"We have a problem," Hyrule said, the graveness of his tone sending a spike of cold fear through Shadows being. "The arrow hasn't gone all the way through.

"What?! What do you mean... no it had to have!" Shadow denied, panic sweeping through him as Hyrule, and Scarf gently rolled Link onto his good side. The armored geezer moved to support Links head, forcing shadow to float above them to see what was going on. The annoyed hiss for the geezer taking his spot died away as he saw that, sure enough, no arrowhead could be seen. The most he could make out was an odd lump just under Links shoulder blade.

"Goddesses damn it!" Scarf swore, his long fingers gently probing the bulge. "If he's got internal bleeding one fairy might not be enough."

"Are we sure it’s still attached to the shaft?" Dog boy asked, rubbing at one long pointed ear as he gave the space where Shadow had been an odd look. "He did fall quite a way down here; it could have broken off on the inside."

"Why are you saying that like it’s a good thing?" Shadow snapped, circling the group in search of a way to be close the Rainbow. In the end he was forced to settle next to Hyrule.

"No, it still feels intact," Hyrule said, gently tugging on the arrow shaft. Beneath them Link let out a pained wheeze, the discomfort of the arrows movement seemingly snapping him back into semi consciousness.

"No, Rainbow, don't move," Shadow soothed, hopping to Hyrule's other side as Link pawed at the ground, attempting to crawl away from whatever was hurting him. "Shhhhh it's okay. Help is here. You just have to bear with these idiots while they fix you up."

"Shhhhhh its okay Four," The geezer said, speaking over Shadow as he moved to pin Links shoulders to his lap. "It's us."

"There is only one thing to do then," Scarf sighed, his face set in an inscrutable mask as he pulled a knife from his boot and quickly splashed alcohol over its keen edge.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Shadow screeched, watching in horror as Dog boy sliced open the back of Link's tunic, exposing his delicate skin to the cold air and the cold steel of Scarfs knife.

"Time, Twi, you two are going to have to hold him down," Scarf instructed, splashing more alcohol on Link's back, drenching the spot where the lump lay. "He's not gonna like this."

"I have him," Time affirmed.

"YOU'RE SUPPOSE TO HELP HIM!" Shadow screamed, throwing himself at Scarf with every intent to claw that ugly blade out of his hand. His very being seethed, raging at him to rip that horrible face to shreds. To take that knife and teach this monster what it felt like to be stabbed. But the universe had apparently decided he had used up his miracles, because he still could not pierce the veil that bound him as the traitorous heroes moved into position around his helpless rainbow.

"It doesn't feel too deep," Scarf kept speaking, oblivious to Shadows murderous intent. "I think I can get away with a fairly shallow incision. Once I have it lined up, you need to push it through Rulie. I'll cut the head, and then you remove the shaft. Have that fairy on standb- Twilight!"

Dog boys head shot up, though his hands continued to rub at his ears.

"What the hell is wrong with you?! We need everyone's complete attention if this is going to work!" Scarf snapped.

"You're the one holding the knife, and you ask what's wrong with him?!" Shadow gaped, feeling as though he were one step away from a mental break down.

"I'm sorry, It... can none of you really hear that?!"

"Hear what?" Hyrule asked, cocking his head in concern.

"It doesn't matter right now," Scarf asserted, his tone brokering no argument. "Every second we waste is a second Four doesn't have. Get your heads in the game and do your part."

"I'm ready," Hyrule said, settling one hand on the shaft, near Links chest.

"I'm sorry," Twilight said, pulling the jar with the fair closer before clamping down on Links hips, his knees settling on his feet. "All good here."

"Then let’s do this," Scarf said, and Shadow wailed as the tip of the knife bit into Links skin.

Blood sprayed through the air as Link let a choked scream, the fine droplets tainting his teeth and lips as his hands clawed uselessly through the dirt. Fresh blood rolled down his back, painting porcelain with long lines of maroon.

"Rainbow!" Shadow wailed, trying to wrap himself around his other half in both comfort and defense. The other heroes continued, oblivious as Scarf pushed the tip of the knife deeper.

"Almost there, almost there. Hang tight little one." Time tried to sooth, ignorant to Shadows hostile growl.

"Got it!" Warriors cheered. "I found the tip of it. Okay, Rule, look at how my knife is angled. That is the direction the tip is pointed in. Push the shaft through."

To his credit, or perhaps his damnation, Hyrule didn't hesitate. Four cried out again as the curly haired hero forced the shaft deeper into his chest, pressing until the wicked metal tip emerged.

"Get that fairy ready Twi," Scarf ordered, grabbing the arrow just below the point to slice it from the shaft with a quick swipe of his blade.

"I'm ready," Twilight replied, grabbing the lid of the bottle with one hand while the other continued to pin Link's hips.

"Good. On three then. One...two...three!"

With a steady hand, Hyrule pulled the shaft of the arrow from Link's chest, tossing it aside as both he and Scarf scrambled to press their hands against the wounds, fighting to stem the crimson tide the gushed forth to drain his rainbow of further color. As they did Twilight yanked the stopper on the bottle out, freeing the sprite within.

The fairy wasted no time, spinning in frenetic circles around the holes in Links chest, weaving a thick curtain of magical dust that shimmered in the light before it absorbed into Link's skin. Soft cherry light began to glow around Hyrule's palms, forcing Shadow to flinch back instinctually at the feeling of the light hero’s powerful magic sliding over his spectral skin.

"Come on Four," Hyrule muttered, pressing his hands hard against Link's chest, even as the blood slowed from a flood to a trickle. "Come on. Hang on for just a little bit longer."

"Please," Shadow begged, cupping the side of Link's face with hands that trembled with fear. "Stay. I am begging you to stay."

Link made no response, his face almost the same color as the marble statue that stood to honor him in the courtyard of the castle. Link hated that statue, and now Shadow did too.

Eventually the rain of the fairy’s dust thinned, the tiny sprite nearly dropping with exhaustion, only to be caught by the geezer with surprisingly gentle hands.

"Thank you little one. You have our eternal gratitude," he whispered, reaching for the bottle that had held her with his free hand. "We will get you something sweet shortly, but for now, rest here."

"Well?" Dog boy asked, looking with anxious yet expectant eyes towards Hyrule. "Was it enough?"

"He's alive," Hyrule confirmed, slumping forward and bracing blood caked hands on the ground as he sucked in deep lungsful of air, "but his body is still weak, and he's lost a lot of blood."

"We need a camp, now," Scarf jumped in, his voice collected and matter of fact as he calmly pulled out a rag and wiped Link's blood away before sheathing it once more in his boot. "We need a fire to keep him warm and we need to get him to drink something. Our biggest enemy now is shock."

"Wild and Legend are setting one up now," Dog boy replied, gently pushing Hyrule towards Scarf as he moved to scoop up Shadows Link, cradling him like he was made of something fragile. The geezer slowly rose to his feet before moving to remove the man’s heavy fur pelt, draping it over Link until only his face could be seen.

"Drop him or hurt him in any way, and I will make your life a living hell, Dog boy." Shadow growled as he drifted just off Twilight’s shoulder, smirking when the canine hero flinched and rubbed his ears against his shoulders.

"Let’s move out," Scarf called, striding forth to take point as their miserable bad limped through the trees, following an invisible trail to safety and wood smoke.

Shadow flitted between checking to ensure the way was clear and checking the Link was still breathing, blessing every goddess who ever cursed him with each breath that came. Everyone gave a sigh of relief as the impromptu campsite came into view, though Shadow didn't pay much attention to Wild or Legend as they ran to help the injured. His focus stayed on Link, floating by Dog boy as he settled his other half onto a bed roll, leaving his pelt in place as he began to bury his rainbow in an avalanche of blankets.

"Hey not so many! Are you trying to smother him?" Shadow snapped, swiping his hands through the topmost blankets to remove them.

"Twi what's up? Why do you keep rubbing at your ears?" The one he’d named Long hair asked as he helped Feathers settle the child near the fire.

"Goddesses can't you hear it? Can't you feel it?!" Twilight complained, pressing his palms hard over his ears.

"I don't hear anything but your bitching Rancher," Scarf tried to tease, only to get slapped upside the head by the pink one.

"What are you hearing Twi?" Feathers asked, the snowy white of his cloak somehow still pure, even as he helped Hyrule tend the child.

"It’s like a high-pitched ringing, mixed with this intense pressure," Twilight tried to explain, shaking his head hard. "It's making me dizzy."

"I don't hear a ringing, but I did notice the same pressure you're describing," The Pink one quietly added, absently rubbing his own ears as sharp brown eyes scanned the clearing. "It’s the most intense around Four."

"Could it have been from the arrow?" Hyrule ventured, stifling a yawn against his shoulder as he wrapped the child's leg in layers of soft bandages.

"A cursed arrow?" The long haired one asked, his tone equal parts fascinated and skeptical.

"Given all the strangeness occurring with the black blooded monsters, it isn't that farfetched an idea." Feathers offered, gently rocking the child as he smoothed a hand through his sun-bleached bangs.

"The wound didn't feel cursed, but then again, I wasn't really looking for it" Hyrule amended.

"How come none of the rest of us feel anything?" Scarf asked.

"Well, I don't know about the others, but for you I'm guessing that massive ego of yours protects you," Pinky snorted, and Shadow couldn't help but snicker into his palm when Scarf returned the smack from earlier.

"Hmmmmm, hang on. I want to try something," the geezer said, moving over to rummage through is travel pack. After a few minutes of searching, he pulled out what looked like the oddest rod Shadow had ever seen in his admittedly short life.

It was small, the handle just long enough to fit comfortably in the palm of a person’s hand. A large, faceted crystal sat in a purple frame, from within which another, narrower ruby crystal hung suspended, like the slit of a cat’s eye. The top was studded by three rubies, their ends tapered to sharp points that caught the light as Time held the crystal up to his eye.

"That's an interesting toy Time. I don't think you've shown us that one," Pinky stated, his slouched posture perking up a little at the sight of something new and shiny.

"I haven't had much need for it," Time shrugged, idly sweeping his good eye around his fellow heroes as he gazed through the odd contraption. "But the lens of truth has always been useful with it comes to seeing what can't be seen."

With that, he brought the lens to his eye, pointed it directly at Link's prone form and looked directly at Shadow. Not over him, not through him, at him. The simple reality of that fact sent a shock down Shadows nonexistent nerves, paralyzing him where stood. For a long moment the two of them simply stared at each other.

"So? See anything?" Scarf prompted.

Panic shot through is his heart, and before Shadow knew what he was doing he had moved to place himself between Link and Time, his arms spread and his claws out as he prepared himself to fight.

"...No." Time said, lowering the lens. "But stay on guard. I'm going to walk a quick perimeter."

"I'll come with you," Twilight offered.

"No. We need to keep as many capable fighters around the wounded as possible." Time replied, His good eye looking at where Shadow still stood. A small jerk of his head, and then the armored hero turned and strode away into the trees.

And for some reason, Shadow found himself following.

The walk through the forest was quiet, full of a simmering tension that made Shadows phantom skin itch as his thoughts raced. He had been seen. Everything he'd prayed for, fought for, cried for as Rainbow bled out on the ground.

Except it wasn't Rainbow who'd seen him. Rainbow would understand. Rainbow would greet him with joy and relief. Would welcome Shadow home with open arms, even if they couldn't touch. He would stop driving himself so damn hard, now knowing that Shadow was ever by his side, not floundering along in a far-off world or shattered to a million pieces. He wanted Rainbow.

What he got was Time, and he wasn’t sure what to do with that.

They were decent distance from camp before Time stopped, his shoulders rising and falling on a slow breath as he turned to face Shadow.

"Thank you for following me," Time said as he raised the lens once more, his good eye locking with Shadows own.

"Did I have much of a choice?" Shadow grumbled, crossing his arms in an attempt to look imposing and strong.

"I guess not from your perspective." Time replied, taking a moment to study Shadow further.

"So... what now? Is this the part where you start screaming and swinging that big moron sword of yours around?" Shadow asked, forcing his voice to feign indifference, his eyes casually scanning the trees as he searched for exit strategies. He was confident he could get away from Time when the time came but getting Link away from the others before they turned on him would be a harder challenge.

"No," Time said simply, cocking his head in a way that was shockingly childlike for someone who seemed to be the adult of the group. "Why would I try to hurt you? You haven't done anything."

"Hasn't stopped most people. All though, to be fair, I did deserve it at one point."

What the hell was he doing?! What was he saying?! The last thing he needed was to give the one person who could see him a reason to want him dead! He bit his lip hard, scolding himself as he scowled at the ground.

"You look like Four," Time said, catching Shadow by surprise, "and you moved to protect him when you could have run and saved yourself. That says something."

"Can't really run that far," Shadow mumbled, chewing on his lip as he glared at Time through his lashes. How much did he reveal? How much did he keep to himself? His fate rode on this, not to mention Links.

"Are you bound to him?"

"Wha...How?..." Shadow spluttered.

"I once visited a land called Termina. It's actually where I got this," Time replied, hefting the lens a little higher. "It was a strange place, where those who died with regret in their heart could be bound into masks, restless until someone helped them ease their regret and let go."

"I'm not a regret...At least, I don't think I am," Shadow said without stopping to think. "I'm his shadow."

"You're his dark Link?" Time asked, his voice surprisingly neutral for someone who was possibly interviewing a mortal enemy.

"Yes and no,” Shadow tried, groaning as he rand his claws through his hair in frustration. "I am his literal shadow, brought to life by a dark mirror and two dick heads named Vaati and Ganon."

"Fours mentioned him," Time nodded.

"I was created to destroy Rai-Link. But the idiot decided to be my friend instead. The rest is complicated."

"Most things in our lives are," Time said as he gave a commiserating sigh.

"Long story short, I tried to save him, and the mirror got shattered, turning me back into what I am." Shadow finished quickly. "Link can't see me like this. He thinks I'm either dead or loss to another dark world and he's been looking for a way to bring me back. That’s what he’s been researching."

"That is...an unfortunate fate," Time murmured. "I'm sorry for you both."

"Whatever," Shadow mumbled. "Link is smart. He will find a way eventually. So, I'll just hang around until then. Now, if you don't mind, either attack me or I am going back to make sure that knife wielding scarf freak doesn't stab him again.

"You don't need my permission to go," Time replied.

"Wait, just like that?" Shadow asked incredulously.

"Yes. You've thus far given me no reason to suspect you have or would hurt any of us, and you seem to be completely intangible," Time said, giving Shadow a light shrug. "I will be keeping an eye on you, but if you are important to Four, I'm not going to stand in the way."

"I..."

"And, when he's better, I'll lend him this," Time continued, lowering the lens of truth. "He deserves to know the friend he is looking for is by his side."

Chapter 2: Rainbow's True Sight

Summary:

Some reunions are worth the wait.

"Okay Shadow, you’ve got this," Shadow muttered, pacing back and forth with his hands clasped tightly behind his back. His boots made no sound as he paced, and the grass beneath him remained unmarred by his passage. The end of his hood wavered behind him, flickering and dancing like smoke caught in an invisible breeze. The brilliant sun lovingly caressed his onyx hair, pulling out highlights of blue and purple. Yet the beams of light seemed to his pass through his pale skin, leaving no mark of his presence upon the ground.

The sun could have no effect on a shade.

 He shoved one hand through his hair before beginning to worry at the tip of one claw, his teeth gnawing and nibbling as his feet left the ground to continue pacing in the air. "It's not that big of a deal. All you have to do is say hello. Nice and simple. Just an easy "Hey Rainbow!". No, "Hey, how's it going?". Mmm that's too casual. Maybe..."

"Oh.  My.  Gods! It's happening AGAIN! "

Shadow scowled, turning his head to glare at the interruption. Below him the heroes of the strange little group his Rainbow had joined were sprawled out on the verdant grass. Most of them were busy with simple tasks like mending or tending weapons, while a few gathered around the lazily bubbling cook pot. The one with facial tattoo's, the source of the outburst, was sprawled on his back with one arm thrown over his eyes in an overdramatic fashion.

"Excuse you, do you mind?" Shadow snapped, throwing his arms wide. "I am trying to work through something here!"

"The ringing again Twi?" The long haired one asked from his place by the fire as he idly swished a beautifully carved spoon through whatever he was concocting.

"Yes!" Twilight groaned; his face pushed firmly into the crook of his elbow. "And the vertigo! I swear to the Light Spirits, how are you guys not feeling this?!"

"Legend? Are you okay?" Hyrule asked, gently nudging at curled up ball that was the pink haired hero.

"Nauseous," the pink one grunted, keeping his face pressed firmly to his knees. "I'm with Twi on this one."

"Are you positive you aren't sick?" the one with the scarf chimed in, drawing Shadows glare to where he sat cleaning his armor.

"Yes!" both Legend and Twilight chorused, irritation clear in their voices.

"I told you," Legend continued, leaning ever so slightly into Hyrule as the curly haired hero gently massaged the back of his neck. "It feels like magic, and it's strongest around Four. It's like... the best way I can describe it is it's a big wave of negative energy."

"Well EXCUSE ME princess!" Shadow snapped, his hands balling into fists as he angrily tossed his hair back from his face. "Some of us have problems that can’t be solved with kittens and rainbows!"

"And you’re positive it isn’t from Four?" The littlest one asked, craning his neck from where he sat by the fire with his heavily bandaged leg propped up. "I know he's not really been awake much, but maybe that injury is messing with him in ways we can’t see."

Like a moth drawn the brilliance of an open flame, Shadow felt his own eyes drift, following the youngest gaze to what lay below him. His rainbow lay swaddled in his bedroll, his torso and head propped up by a small mound of cushions that Long Hair had pulled from his strange slate. One side of the thin blanket that had covered his shoulders had slipped, pooling in his lap, leaving his upper half bare to the cool air.

His beautiful tunic was gone, the symbols of the colors absent. In their place were layers of linen, neutral lines of blandness wound tightly around his lighter twin’s chest. Just looking at them made something dark and ugly twist inside him, and so Shadow forced himself to concentrate instead on his beloved’s face. A face no longer gaunt or strained with pain, with lips stained by his own blood as they had struggled to draw in air. It had taken countless potions, but his face had slowly regained some of its healthy glow, his lips now their usual soft peachy pink. His eyes were closed, but his chest rose and fell in a soft and steady rhythm that did wonders to sooth some to the worry that still ate at Shadow.

Still alive. Still breathing. Shadow had to remember that he could do anything so long as those two things remained constant.

"Yes...No?" Pinky’s voice snapped Shadow out of his reverie and back to the conversation that was unfolding without him. "Four's magic is dormant right now, but in some ways, it does feel like it. Just, darker.

"Great job, master of the obvious," Shadow couldn't help but drawl, the sarcasm dripping from his lips with ease. It didn't matter that none of the light heroes could hear him, the familiar rejoinder brought him a small measure of comfort. "Got any other bright observations? Like how there's still a hole in his chest? Or how you idiots are all out of fairies, because of course you are?! When are you not?! Or how about all your pitiful little potions aren't-"

"AUGH! Crap!" Twilight groaned, scrambling to his hands and knees as his stomach revolted.

"Not near Rainbow you idiot!" Shadow screeched, dropping down to stand protectively in front of his Link. "You'll contaminate him!"

"Sky, try to help Twi get some space," Time's voice cut through the mounting tension, calm as the summer sky above. "Wars, clean that up. I am going to run a quick perimeter check to make sure that didn't attract anything."

Shadow did not miss the meaningful glance the eldest shot his way, even if it did completely miss him. The urge to curse bubbled up in him, but for once he choked it down as he sullenly followed Time out of the clearing. Last thing he needed was to make this situation any worse.

The warmth of the sun disappeared as Shadow followed Time deeper into the trees, blocked by a cathedral of branches, leaves and vines. The transition unwound a string of tension in Shadows spine, allowing for the release a slow breath that he hadn't even realized he had been holding.  The dim half-light of the woods soothed him, offering him places to hide and find quiet respite. He clung to that respite as they reached the small clearing that Time had seemingly designated the go to spot for talking to Shadow.

 As clearing went, it was nondescript. A small hollow where grass and wildflowers carpeted the ground. Yet he had come to both love and loath this spot. On the one hand having someone who not only could but would look at him and speak to him was addicting. On the other, coming here meant he had to continuously dance along a fine edge as Time peppered him with questions and concerns. While the leader of the group had been surprisingly understanding, a part of Shadow was still wary and waiting for the other shoe to drop.

He was seriously considering how best to slip away when Time spoke.

"Thank you for coming," the older man said as he turned to look back in Shadows general direction. He always started that way, even though Shadow still wasn’t truly sure how much say he had in the matter. The lens of truth in was in his hand, but Time held down by his side as he continued to speak. "Before we start, I want to make it clear that you are not in trouble in any way. I am not here to yell at you, I just want to help."

"I don't need help. I need Rainbow to get better." Shadow mumbled, crossing his arms to look casual as Time raised the lens to his eye. "I'm fine."

"No, you're not. You know you're not. Or your feelings wouldn't be strong enough to effect Twilight and Legend in the way that they are."

"I already told you I don't know why that's happening. Maybe Pinky and Dog boy are just sensitive."

"You do know they have names, right?" Time asked, one eyebrow quirking.

"See my caring face."

Time sighed, his free hand rising to push back his bangs. “He’s getting better. You’ve seen it for yourself. He’s staying awake longer every time and he’s managed short trips around camp.”

“I know,” Shadow agreed, his chin dropping to his chest as his crossed arms shifted from a pose of power to a hug of assurance.

He had been by Link’s side for every second of his recovery. He had curled up with him while he lay unconscious, whispering descriptions of the camp and the other heroes’ activities to fill the silence and assure his colors that they weren’t alone. He had done his best to stay close as his lighter half had choked down potions and suffered through bandage changings. He had tried to support him when he had taken his first shaky steps, one hand hovering over Link’s back as he had fought to catch his breath. Every little step had been a triumph, and his pride in his beloved had known no bounds. But under that pride had been something else. A deep, dark knot of tension that had grown from a seed to ball that ballooned to slowly fill his insides.

He didn’t know what it was, or how to address it, but it had grown worse as Link had slowly gained strength.  He had tried to ignore it, and he had tried to expel it. But somehow, the tension always returned, usually worse than it was previously.

“He’s not going to reject you.”

Shadows neck cricked as his head jerked up to look at Time. The older man’s expression had morphed, prior hints of frustration and exasperation giving way to a gentle understanding.

“That’s what this is about, isn’t it? The stronger he gets the closer you get to finally having to talk to him. And you’re scared that he is going to find out you are here and reject you.”

Was that it? The tension in his chest, the jitteriness that had hounded him for the last few days, was fear? Shadow had never thought about it in those terms, but the longer he stood there, rolling the words over, inspecting them from every angle, the more Times assessment made sense.

“The truest explanation is often the simplest,” Vio’s voice whispered in his head, and his heart squeezed painfully in reply.

“He might,” Shadow rebutted quietly, not even bothering to lie as he squeezed himself tighter for even the phantom impression of solace. “We parted under complicated circumstances, and I did horrible things to him and Hyrule before that. What if…what if he doesn’t want to see me, and all that research is just because he feels some stupid obligation as a hero? What if he’s upset or disgusted to know that I’ve been here and that he is stuck with me?”

“Or, what if he’s elated to know you are here?” Time countered, slowly moving closer to Shadow. “What if it takes a huge weight off his shoulders to know that you are safe, and you two can finally talk through everything that happened. What sounds more like the Four you know?”

“It depends which part of him I’m talking to,” he thought, though outwardly he simply shrugged in response. He was mostly certain Vio would be happy to see him, and Red had a big enough heart for every creature. Green was somewhat of a tossup, but he was almost certain that Blue would rather smash him flat than embrace him.

“If you can’t be sure of yourself, or him, then try to trust me,” Time offered as he tried to rest a comforting hand on Shadows shoulder. His hand slipped through him, but Shadow appreciated the effort all the same. “From what you have told me of your history, and from what I’ve seen of the effort he puts into his research, he will be overjoyed to know you are here.”

“I hope you are right,” he mumbled.

“You’ll see. For now, just try and take a break from camp. I think he should be well enough to make the trip away from camp in the next few days, and then you’ll have the answer.”

“I can’t go far…but I guess I can try it your way,” Shadow relented. “Especially if it keeps Dog boy from puking again.”

“I am sure he will appreciate your consideration,” Time said, a light teasing to his voice as he lowered the lens of truth, freeing Shadow from the expectation of his gaze. “Stay close, wait for my signal. I’ll meet you back here with Four in a few days.”

Shadow didn’t bother to reply before turning and diving for the safety of the obscurity of the forest. The shade of the underbrush welcomed him home like an old friend and he curled up in them, willing himself to breath through the tension that threatened to build inside him until he burst.

---

It took three more days for Times signal to come. Three more days of doing everything in his power to distract himself from the terrible tension of fear that ebbed and flowed like the tide. He had taken to stalking his own perimeter around the camp, one outside of the one paced by the other hero’s or Dog Boys wolf form. He had only allowed himself to return a small handful of times to check on Link, forcing himself to keep the edge of camp and observe as the other hero’s helped his rainbow build his strength. At night he would let himself get a little closer, sitting just outside the firelight as Link laughed with his friends, only to retreat again when one of them carried his other half to his bedroll.

It hurt to be so far, and yet it hurt to get closer. Feeling collided and exploded inside of him faster than he could comprehend, leaving confusion and anger as the only safe places to dwell. But he had made the mistake acting on those emotions before, and he wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.

But finally, the moment did come.

He watched from the edge of the clearing as Time slipped the lens of truth into a pocket of his trousers before making his way to Link’s side.

“Hey Four, how are you-”

“Feeling?” Link cut him off, and Shadow couldn’t help the chuckle that tickled his throat as he watched his rainbow cock an eyebrow in an expression that screamed of Vio’s influence. “I’m just as fine as I was thirty minutes ago when Warriors asked me the exact same question.”

“I see. In that case, perhaps you’d be up to taking a little walk with me to prove it?”

“Wait, seriously?!” Link asked, skeptical annoyance giving way to an excitement that was so purely Red that it made Shadow smile, despite the of the flips that his insides were doing.

“Yes, seriously,” Time chuckled, offering Link a hand to assist him to his feet.

“Are you sure that is a good idea Time?” Hyrule asked, his big brown eyes sweeping over Link’s form.

“He’s been doing well around camp. We need to see how he does at a longer distance,” Time replied. “We won’t go to far.”

“Well okay. Call us if you need help.”

“I won’t,” Link said with a grin that was full of Green’s confidence. “Come on Time.”

“Lead the way,” Time replied, a gentle hand on Links shoulder gently steering him in the direction of the designated clearing. Shadow found himself drifting after them without conscious thought, slipping through trees and underbrush until he reached Link’s side.

“Where are we going?” Link asked, his shoulders thrown back with careful nonchalance that was ruined by the wince that flashed across his face.

“Not far,” Time replied, moving forward to take the lead. “Just enough to give you a good stretch of the legs.”

“So, this is a test,” Four said, his tone shifting to a challenge that was clearly Blue’s.

“Think of it as a training exercise,” Time replied, pushing some branches out of the way. “A way to assess how well your lung is healing.”

“You spend way too much time with Warriors,” Link muttered, ducking under the branches. “Fine. Bring it on old man. I can handle it.”

“I hope so,” Shadow muttered, following them closely.

Fifteen minutes later the clearing came into view. Shadows legs locked at the edge, leaving him stuck under the cover of the branches as Time and Link continued forward into the light.

“See?” Link said, his chest rising and falling as he panted, one hand reaching down to brace himself against one knee as the other rubbed at the light bandages that still peeked from beneath his tunic. “I told you I could do it.”

“You did,” Time agreed, pulling out the lens and making a quick sweep of the clearing, sighing when he caught sight of Shadow on the edge.

“Means, we can break camp soon,” Link asserted, slowly straightening after a few moments of deep controlled breathing. “I can keep up on the march.”

“Perhaps, but first, we need to discuss something,” Time said.

“What’s that?” Link asked, cocking his head as he looked up at the taller hero.

“Do you remember the last time we were in your world? When you were sick and went missing for a couple of hours?” Time asked.

“Yes?” Four said hesitantly, caution and curiosity edging his expression. “I told you that I had been working on some research.”

“But you never told us what that research was for.”

“Because it is none of your business,” Link replied, his voice becoming clipped and short. “I told you then that my research is personal and has nothing to do with the outcome of this quest.”

“I know. I’m not here to criticize it or you. I actually found something that might help you,” Time assured before offering lens.

“What’s this?” Link asked, taking the purple handle from Time.

“That is called the lens of truth. It allows you to see things that are ordinarily hidden,” Time replied, gentle hands settling on Links shoulders as he turned him around. Shadow sucked in an instinctual breath, his body caught between the desires of flee and freeze. His heart felt like it was about to explode, the anxiety rising until he could barely breath. Yet the image of his rainbow slowly fading away, unaware of Shadows presence kept him locked to the spot. This was his chance. The miracle he had prayed for as he had wept over the effects wrought by that damned arrow. As much as he feared what came next, the greater part of him knew he needed to see it through.

“Okay, how does this help me? You don’t even know what I am looking for,” Link asked, running a cautiously curious finger over the rubies that studded the top of the lens.

“Just hold it up to your eye and look through the crystal. That will make things clear,” Time said before stepping back.

“Okay,” Link responded, and Shadow felt as though his heart had stopped as the lens rose to point directly at him. “But why bring me…”

Silence fell as words failed, leaving the clearing frozen as, for the first time since the mirror shattered, Link looked directly at Shadow and met his eyes.

“Hey,” he whispered, his voice barely reaching above a whisper.

“Sh-Shadow?” Link breathed, incredulous.

“Surprised?” Shadow asked, wincing at how stupid the word sounded even as it left his lips. And he had called Pinky the master of stating the obvious.

“Is it…it’s really you?” His twin asked, his free hand reaching out, fingers straining to close the gap between them.

“You should know by now I can’t be replicated,” Shadow said, forcing himself to step forward, away from the shelter of the forest and into the harsh light of the clearing.

“Shadow!” Link cried, the lens falling as he tried to lunge forward to hug Shadow. Relief blossomed, flooding his being even as Link sank through him.

“Huh? Wait, what’s wrong? Why can’t I touch you? Why can’t I see you without this lens?!”

The relief soured at the sound of distress in his rainbows voice. He forced himself to step back, to put himself back in the range of the lens’s view.

“Because I’m not on the same plain of existence as you,” he said, his heart twisting at the expression of heart break that cracked across Link's face.

“So, you are dead. We killed you…” Link concluded, his shoulders rounding as grief loomed like a dark cloud.

“NO!” Shadow shouted, moving as close as he could and still be visible through the lens. “Stop it right now you idiots! You didn’t kill me. Ganon can’t even do that!”

“But the mirror-”

“Was my conduit. It made it possible for a shadow to be corporeal in your world. Destroying it may have erased that physicality, but in the end I’m still a shadow. More importantly, I’m your shadow.”

“My shadow…” Link repeated, glancing at the ground between them.

“As long as you exist to cast a shadow, I exist too,” Shadow pressed, trying to hammer the point home. “I’m not dead, I’m not lost in some dark dimension. I’m where I have always been, with you. Watching you do dumb shit, like study yourself into the infirmary.”

“You’ve been here? The whole time?!”

“Yep.”

“So, you were there when we-”

“Yes,” Shadow said quickly, glancing at Time. The elder hero had moved off, standing with his back to them and the clearing with his gilded sword in hand, keeping watch. Yet Shadow was under no illusions that geezer could hear every word Link said, and while Time had been helpful so far, he wasn’t so sure that it was safe for him to know about the colors.

“I was there when you put the sword back, and for every step of your recovery. I’m going to be here for everything else that comes, no matter what. So, you need to stop pushing yourself so hard on the research. And yes, I’m talking specifically to you Vio,” he continued, dropping his voice to a whisper on the final part of his statement, just in case Time had some other trinket that would allow him to listen in.

“But I promised!” Link protested, his hazel eyes taking on a soft purple tint. “I promised I would get you back!”

“You will,” Shadow assured, reaching out a hand to trace an undetectable caress along his rainbow’s cheek. “Nothing can stand against the four of you when you are united. And I already promised I’m not going anywhere. So don’t be an idiot. That’s Blue’s thing.”

“Hey!”

Shadow cackled, ducking a swipe with a glib smirk.

“You are so lucky you are intangible, you little brat.” Link grumbled, his now blue tinted eyes glaring at him with mock annoyance.

“I love you too, Bluebell.”

“I swear are you ever going to grow up?” Link shook his head, green melting the fore as he stared at Shadow with fond eyes.

“Nope,” Shadow laughed. “Some one has to make you earn your gray hairs.”

 “How magnanimous of you,” Link sighed, then winced as his exasperation was repaid with a round of hard coughs. His free hand flew to his chest, and for the next few minutes Shadow could only hover as his friend slowly regained control of his breathing.

“You need to go lay down,” Shadow said, running a critical eye over his counterpart’s stance as he straightened. “You’re getting tired, and it is a fifteen-minute walk back to camp.

“I can handle it,” Link protested.

“What did we just talk about?! Elements, how did I end up being the voice of self-preservation?!” Shadow groaned, throwing up his hands. “Go give Time back his toy and let him know you are ready to head back!”

“But I’m not! I’m not ready to say goodbye!” Link cried, tears highlighting the ruby red tint that replaced green.

“It’s not goodbye dummy,” Shadow said, motioning towards Time. “Even if you can’t see me, I don’t just disappear. I can always hear you, and if you want to hear me talk, just steal the geezer’s lens. Problem solved.”

“You know he has a name, right?” Link giggled softly as he used his sleeve to dash away his tears.

“Yes, but I like to make them work for it. So much more fun that way.”

 “Next time we talk, you’ll have to fill me in on what other nicknames you’ve come up with.”

“I will,” Shadow promised as the two of them walked towards Time. “I’m particularly proud of Scarf and Dog Boy.”

“Hylia, help us, they are going to kill you if they ever hear that.” Link laughed, shaking his head.

“I think we are all fairly beyond help, divine or not,” Time chimed in, his droll tone provoking a full-bodied laugh from Shadow. “I take it he told you about his nicknames for us?”

“Just yours, Twi’s and Wars’” Link replied, casting Shadow a final look before lowering the lens of truth and offering it to Time. “Thank you for bringing me here, and for letting me borrow this.”

“You’re welcome,” Time answered, his voice gentle as he slid the lens back into his pocket. “You have a loyal friend there, and that loyalty deserves to be recognized.”

“He is the best anyone could ask for,” Link nodded, doing his best to press back a yawn.

“I think it’s time for us to head back,” Time said, placing a guiding hand on his rainbows back. “You are going to need all the rest you can get if we are going to break camp tomorrow.”

“Yeah, probably a good idea,” Link mumbled, stifling another yawn as Time lead him away. Shadow floated behind them, euphoria dancing inside of him even as they drew closer to camp. The ability to look his colors in the eye, to tell them everything he had wanted to say from the beginning meant more than he could describe. Even if he couldn’t touch him, being acknowledged healed a hurt in him that he had long ago resigned himself to never healing.

“There you guys are,” Scarf called as they approached. He, Child, and Feathers were seated with Long hair around the fire, knives pausing over cutting boards filled with vegetables and meats. Hyrule sat a little further away, Pinky and Dog boy curled up asleep on either side of him.

“We were just starting to wonder if we needed to go looking for you guys,” Long Hair chimed in.

“And miss your cooking? Never,” Time replied, gently pushing Link towards his bedroll. “Any way I can help?”

“Sure,” Long hair replied, blue light gleaming as he shoved his arm into his slate. “I need some apples peeled and cut for dessert tonight.”

“Apples?!” Link perked up, looking at a large bowl of berries by Long hairs knee with a hopeful expression. “Would those be for apple berry cobbler?”

“Maybe,” Long hair said, his voice matching his coy smirk. “You’ll find out when you wake up from your nap.”

“Ugh, fine! I’m going,” Link grumbled, kicking his boots off before shuffling under his blankets. He paused, his eyes searching the air to the left of Shadow’s shoulder.

“If you wanna join me, you can,” Link whispered, holding his blankets open as he pretended to get comfortable.

Warmth threatened to melt him into a puddle as he sank down to curl up next to his other half. He ignored the way the blankets fell through him when Link finally dropped them, drawing his own blanket of darkness over his shoulders.

“Sleep tight Rainbow,” he whispered, snuggling in as close as he could, until their foreheads nearly touched. He watched as the hazel eyes he so loved began to slip closed, but this time he felt no fear. Instead there was comfort, in the knowledge that they would open once again, and that they would know Shadow was there when they did.

Sleep tugged at his eyelids, the pressure and exhaustion from days of waiting crashing over him like cresting wave. The sounds of the camp grew dimmer as he let himself drift off, the two of them blissfully unaware as they abandoned reality for dreams.

Across the camp Time paused, slipping the lens out of his pocket when no one was looking and aiming it at the lump that was Four. One multiplied to two under the crystals divining gaze, bringing a smile to his face as he quietly observed them for a minute. Two twins, one made of light and color and the other shade of grey and black, perfect mirrors as they quietly snoozed together under the warm light of the sun.

“Time? What are you looking at?” Sky asked.

“Nothing,” Time replied, slipping the lens back into his pocket before picking up his knife and returning to his task. “Just checking in.”

Notes:

Thank you to everyone who left a comment or kudo! The feed back makes my lil angsty heart so happy!