Work Text:
Wind breathed heavily, hands choking the being as he put all his moral strength into breaking the immortal. Tears still stained his cheeks as he was brought to complete exhaustion but pushed over his own boundaries.
He could feel the vibrations of the black being kneeling before him as it gave a laugh, bright red eyes (like the blodbloodbloodblood on the ground-) rolled to him as it gave a laugh and black ink stained his crimson hands.
It swallowed as bloodied teeth smiled up at him and it stated breathlessly, “You're stronger than I thought-but not enough to kill me… is it?”
Wind pressed harder with a choked sob, but it didn’t do anything. The being was still breathing-harder but still there-maybe it didn’t even need air. The white hair blew in the breeze as it had taken its last form of Warriors to enrage Wind. It was working-
“Shut up-” Wind stated, arms trembling at the strength he was putting in as the being knelt before him like a wolf before the shepherd and the lumps of the flock around them. The sinner before the judge.
The being tilted its head-face too close to Warriors, but dark and twisted like everything else. It’s pure hair stained from the grim of the ground and splattered blood. Red still was on its cheek from where Wind had spat on it before he had gotten the upper hand. The hair, imperfect, fell across its face as it started with a lazy eye and curled sly grin, “If only it was enough to save them, right?”
Wind stopped, cold rushing into him as he stared with wide eyes into the dark shift shaper. Seeing his own reflection in its crimson gaze. How awful he looked with black and red smeared across his brow and golden hair tarnished. Eyes bloodshot and tears the only thing that cleared the dirt from his face.
“At least their precious little brother is safe-at least they accomplished that.” Wind could only stare. “Not like you can do anything. You killed a man but can’t even kill me? Was it worth their death? Not even a chosen hero-nor a reincarnation, not really, and yet even with those lies they still saved you. If they knew the truth would they have?”
Wind couldn’t answer. Couldn’t find the energy but held his hands in its neck and wanted to snap it off. Cut the head of the silvered tongue snake and wake up from the nightmare. But it wasn’t a nightmare, it was real. It was all real.
“They could’ve saved themselves the trouble.” It continued.
“Stop talking,” Wind begged.
It curled into a devilish grin at pulling Wind apart and its smile wasn’t even like Warriors but merely a patte to stretch the taunting expression further up. “What pathetic heroes, couldn't see through the lies and just could only save one person. And you can’t even fished the job-”
“Please-” Wind begged, but he felt distant already, hands numb.
“I hope Hylia is proud of her pathetic Heros-”
“SHUT UP!” Wind screamed as suddenly he realized his hold, much to the shadow’s surprise.
He grabbed his chin and his shoulder as suddenly he pulled everything he had into the mere motion. Nails full of dried blood, the sound of stretching skin and the being screaming. Something cracked as Wind pulled off the head of the snake. There was a gurgle as the body dropped to the floor, black ink blood seeping into the grass as the enemy was no more.
Something cracked on Wind's wrist as he huffed and hunched over. Looking at his wrist he realized dully that his strength bracelets broke and slipped off his wrist to the ground. Wind watched them and felt something shatter in his chest too. He stood there a moment. Looking at the destruction around him and the body at his feet.
He now had a count of two. It made him sick of himself.
He choked on the thought and held a hand to his mouth as he realized what was at his feet and backpanned. He gagged again when he realized what was on his hands and tried to vomit on the ground. Only spit came up. He started to breathe quickly and his mind started to feel muddled before a single thought came into mind.
Wind snapped his head behind him as he straightened himself up, “Captain…”
But no one was there to greet his eyes. No living soul was.
-
There was something cold in him. Pulling at him, chilling him and freezing him to the ground. Wind snapped open his eyes as he gasped, folding himself up as he tried to breath, but almost gave a shout at what awaited him.
Time-one eyes staring into him and keeping him routed-but aglow in the light. Form not solidified. A ghost.
Wind’s hands were bloody still-he hadn’t even seen the others yet and-Time was speaking. Wind tried to listen and not to panic.
“You can see me-they said that you could?” Time stated firmly.
He was talking about the Champions and the other ghost who stayed around. Wind nodded, eyes glancing to the side to hopefully see his other brothers. To catch a glimpse of them, but Time snapped his fingers as he made Wind look at him.
“Listen closely, Sailor. We don’t have much time-but we can fix this. I… you have my ocarina. I’m going to teach you a song.”
Wind frowned, heart still beating too fast from the other day's battle and Twilight’s pelt and Warriors bloodied stained scarf still in his lap. He nodded cautiously.
“You have to trust me, Sailor.” Time stated coldly. Leaving no room for error. “You have to do exactly as I say-and if it works… you’ll know what to do. I trust you-but you have to trust me too. Got it?”
Wind nodded.
“Good,” Time stated, face too stony and too desperate to care about anything else. “Get my ocarina and stand up.”
Wind nodded. Darting to his side where the ocarina laid and pulled it up. In the moonlight he could see it simmering with power. He could feel the hum of it in his fingers as Legend's rings clicked on it. Standing up with a quiver, Time waited as he looked it over. Humming and standing behind Wind as he watched his fingers become position on the instructment.
“I will show you the notes, memorize them quickly and then you need to find the right consistency to blow into the air piece. Now, watch me and copy it.”
Wind tried not to shiver from the icy present of Time, how his fingers were like snow against his frosted fingertips-but the urgence of which he spoke made Wind bite down on the complaint and let his fingers become numb. Pressing all his frustrations down on each hole perhaps too hard, but soon was losing care.
“Good, now blow softly into the piece.” Time instructed.
Wind blew too hard the first time, but after his second attempt he finally got the hang of it. He practiced a few times before Time snapped at him. Before he tried putting the notes together for a song, Time looked him in the eyes as his eyes finally softened.
“Listen to me carefully, what happens-I don’t blame you. No one does. But we don’t want to leave you like this-but Kid, you're… you’re a great hero and a great brother. See you soon.” The words were ominous, but Wind took them gratefully as he tried to believe them.
Wind opened his mouth to protest, to say something -but Time shook his head and Wind looked down at the instrument. Feeling the pressure of something heavy on him. Taking a deep breath, he pressed the cold clay to his lips. He began to play softly.
He watched Time in the corner of his eye as he watched with bated breath. Then-as the last note began to take form, a forgein light came over. Surround him as Time lost his form and something else took over. Wind gasped, blinking rapped at the blinding light as the song overhead began to transform into the rookie song had been doing into a gloriously chorus.
The wind started to pull at him and make him tumble as things pulled at him and wrapped him in its embrace-and then it was gone.
Wind blinked at the sudden light. He hid his face a moment as he put his hand up. He looked down when he realized his hand was clean. Pure. He felt his face mortified into confusion as he felt his smooth palm. He pulled it down as if testing the skin. Birds chirped and the dust road before him picked up a bit of breeze.
“Kid! Come one-you don’t want to be left behind again!” Some shouted.
Wind snapped his head up and withhelde a gasp as he stared at Warriors. A living breathing Warriors . He looked confused at whatever look Wind was giving him but he just watched as he realized all his brothers had turned to look at him and he just stared. Not feeling the weight in his hand as he pushed the instrument behind him and away from Time eye as he was the last to turn.
Oh.
This was a second chance, wasn’t it?
That’s what Time had meant. He had feared to hope the older man had had some back up plan. He shouldn't have ever doubted his title, not that he had.
He blinked rapidly as it hit him in the chest, suddenly the change of it all. He had a second chance-
And then his brothers would be-
His brothers would be-
“Sailor?” Someone called, some coughed, and someone sighed. And it took all of Wind’s attention span that had faded and twisted and dragged through the dirt. Of coming from night to day, from sleep and memories to the present, of the dark grim blood filled past to something still clean and pure and untouched. (His memories weren’t they would always hold true to what he saw and could never unseen again. He would carry that blood on his hands forever more, but if he could save his brothers-maybe it could be worth being dirty for.)
And taking all the courage he could, he looked back up. To face the past that had yet to mock him or fail-he looked on those he vowed to save.
It was his brothers.
Locks full and not clottied with red, clothes clean from the grim and sweet of battle or wounds bleeding and broken bones. No swords out or curses on their lips as they looked at the ones already fallen or the desperation in their eyes that told them that there would be few who would see the sunrise again; no, none of them looked to be from a battle but merely a day of travel. Their eyes (not glazed, not stuck looking at the sky or closed for endless sleep) clean and untainted, just having confusion leaking into them. Their body(not broken, not still, not staind crimson) but perfectly healthy.
They looked as if nothing happened. But Wind knew that was a lie. Could still hear screams in his ears, feel cold skin beneath his hands, feel the blood under his nails and dried to his face and the horror of the truth… no, Wind looked at their leader. At the one they let led them. The one he aspired so long ago to be only to learn so harshly he could never amount to.
Wind looked to the hero of Time and suddenly realized too well what his title meant. And the terror that came with it.
Swallowing, pushing back the bloody scream and hopeless sob of the night of which he saw a ghost of one he looked up to-and pushed it behind him. (He was a hero. Young but a hero, he could do this. It didn’t happen yet-he could still save them. He could-he knew he could. Time had told him didn’t he? What he would need to do. They couldn’t know-no they couldn’t. But he could do it. He could he could he could -He would make it better. That was a promise.)
So he gave his classic smile. Rubbing the back of his head as he slipped with his other hand behind him and into his bag as he stated childishly at the others (He wanted to touch their hands. Feel if their skin was still warm. Feel their hugs again. Hear their laughs. Try to forget the screams and the chioking of blood in their throat, of pained gasped and still bodies.)
“Sorry!” Wind stated as he jogged up to them, “Kinda dazed off!”
Warriors rolled his eyes as he ruffled Wind’s hair. Wind savored the moment. Finger his fingers (they were warmwarmwarmwarm)in his hair as no blood clots go in the way. “Just keep up, can’t have you go missing now, can we?”
“You sure you're okay?” Legend asked, looking back at Wind with a skeptical eye. “You looked panicked for a moment.”
Wind melted into an act of ignorance as he stated, “Did I? I think I forgot where I was honestly.”
Legend hummed, taking the explanation or Wind assured him as he walked a bit aheads as they started traveling again. Wind could still feel Time’s gaze on him and some form of judgment. Wind tried to bury the idea as he forced himself to breathe and talk to Warriors. Trying to forget a dark face and a body that didn’t get buried.
He took a shuddering breath, sliding up to Warriors who gave him a small look. He faked a grin, and felt like his face was breaking apart. He wanted to hug him-but not yet. Not with dirty hands.
There was still a weight in his hands as he slipped it into the pouch behind him soundlessly. It weighed and burned his back, but it was close. He didn’t know if he would get a third chance, so he wasn't going to waste this one.
Warriors made a comment about the wildlife and Wind tried to pretend he understood and joked with it. His smile didn’t reach his eyes. He glanced at the others as he tried to piece together information. He didn’t even know what day it was.
Warriors muttered another comment and Wind tried to entertain him longer, keeping himself from looking suspicious then before. He looked to Wild up ahead. The pull in his chest anchored as he started to think of ideas. He had been thrown into the unknown but it wasn’t first and he wouldn’t let it be anyone’s last.
Muttering a small, “I have a question for the Champion,” To Warriors when the others had grown silent with his comments he trotted off. Sky coming up next to Warriors to keep him company as Wind moved within the walking group.
(“ It brought me to a day of yesterday” Time had said roughly under the morning light and the cool azul in his palms.)
So where did that leave Wind?
(It wasn’t the same morning, he would know the dreaded clearing. The way his brothers had smiled- last time it had been their smiles for the last time- and Wild had put his hand on his hip as he made the most amazing omelets. And Twilight has teased Wild for falling asleep in the trees with Hyrule the night before, and Legend was still trying to pick the leaves and sticks from the wild mane of his processor. Four laughed and said “You're a bunch of wild men!” to them as he ate his own meal. Time had shook his head at them as Sky ruffled and said that if one of them had fallen then they would have all been in trouble if their healer had been hurt. Warriors had joked that the Champion could walk away from anything and it had only been Hyrule they had truly cared about. Wild had only shaken his head and Hyrule had sputtered out that he could take care of himself before Legend had yanked a tangled stick from his mangled hair and Hyrule had yelped helplessly. Wind had then joked that he didn’t worry too much because he already had pictures for the tale. They all had laughed and Legend had moved quickly to his side for a glimpse of the trouble.
It had been a good morning.
It had been the last time he had heard them laugh and smile.)
But that wasn't true anymore as Sky laughed over something Warriors had pointed out and Legend shook his head at Hyrule’s side as the younger one had most likely again been trying to influence them to eating more ‘non-edible-things-by-hylian-standard-and-not-Hyrule's-own’.
But it still left the question, what day was it?
“Oh-Hey Champion!” Wind called.
Wild twisted from where he was next to Twilight as Wind approached. He tried to stretch his grin out at seeing them together (alive). He rubbed the back of his head as Wild titled his head in an unsaid frown.
“What day is it here? In this Hyrule? I honestly think I lost count!” Wind said.
Wild looked to the side as he counted as Twilight seemed to eye him weirdly. Why were all of his brothers suspicious of him all of the sudden? Surely they could see he was- wasn’tdyingwasn’tbleedingallbecuaseofthemandthere’sacrifice’- Fine.
“The, uh-twenty-seventh day, I believe. The smithy is a better count than me-but that should be right.” Wild eventallu said with a small wave of his hands.
Wind nodded, mind reeling and taking in the information.
He had gone back three days. He had three days-and he had already wasted a morning. Something twisted sharply in his gut at the thought. He didn’t have a plan yet. He didn’t think it would be so soon-
(But he was here. He was here and he needed to fix his mistakes. He wouldn’t be another liability.)
He would figure it out. He would-he swore it.
“Kid, you okay?” The Rancher asked, tilting his head to the side.
“Hmm?” Wind asked, looking up at him. Both him and Wild were giving him concerned looks.
“You're pale,” Twilight stated easily.
Wind opened his mouth to say something back but Wild beat him to it as he could feel Wind’s nervousness at the comment roll of him.
“What?” Wild joked, “You saw a ghost or something?”
And the smile Wind had worn vanished in an instant and the calm causal walk stopped with his feet. The jolt of fear that ran through his bones struck him with an ice rod and he shivered with the contact.
But instead of getting more fearful-more scared, something else grew in the absence of the reminder. Something chilly. Something numb.
They hadn’t realized the irony. The beautiful, life sucking Irony .
(He had-he had seen their leader as a ghost and if he had stayed he would’ve seen the rest of them. Would’ve seen it all. Wouldn't have been able to-)
But he was here to fixitfixitfixitfixitfixitfixit-
A hand rested on his shoulder and Wind jerked away from the contact. Too afraid to recognize the touch. To feel what it might be. To feel if it might be cold or hot.
Wind looked up and froze. Twilight’s eyes were open, but it was a pale gaze of blue that looked into him. Glossy and overlooked-mouth stained in black from when wolf fangs were there instead of Hylian teeth. The ink trailed from his lips to his chin as they fell off and the wound across his chest pulsed with crimson as it fell to the road.
But then Wind blinked again, and it was gone.
Twilight was standing before him (skin not pale, eyes clear, and mouth clean) with a concerned look. It pulled on the tattoos on his forehead as it knelt. Wild looked cautious too. The others had seemed to also sense something wrong as they had paused and all were looking at Wind cornered.
(If only they knew he was there for them. To fix what had happened. If they knew what they were looking at their faces would wrinkle in disgust before concern and they would rightfully turn away. But they didn’t know and Wind still had an opportunity to fix that.
Wind looked at Time. saw his eye meet his and grew his resolve. Let his mouth shape lies and push any emotions he had down (as if he could feel them). He had been sent here for a purpose, trusted one last time with it. He had believed in him-and he was Hylia damned if he failed it again.)
The instrument pressed to his back burned at the lone eye that met his own.
So he gave a wave and shook his head, saying, “Sorry-I don’t think I had a lot of water recently. I think it’s finally getting to me.” He gave a half smile as he tried to look childish.
Times face twisted but he shook his head. The others mumbled about how it was careless. Wind went to his side to get some water, gladly happy that his lie was being taken seriously when there was pressure at his side. He looked up to see Legend pushing his own watersack into his shoulder with barely a glance.
“Take some of mine-you said you needed the extra water,” He stated simply. His own way of caring.
Wind gave a small huff as Legend pressure harder, “I won’t say it again!” He threatened playfully with a small grin.
Wind rolled his eyes as he started walking as he took some gulps of the waterskin. As he did so, Legend looked at him calculating. Wind wanted to wither under it but he just felt tired.
“Are you alright?” He asked when Wind dropped the waterskin from his mouth.
Wind wiped his mouth with the edge of his sleeve as he handed it back. Avoiding Legend's critical eye. “Yeah!” He tried to sound cheery, he didn’t know if it worked. He felt dull in his chest. A sea without wind. Empty. “Just thirsty-I might have a headache coming though?”
Headaches were a great excuse for when you weren’t acting like yourself. Wind wouldn’t be as loud with a headache. Legend’s face twitched as if thinking it over.
“You're not acting like yourself,” Legend stated simply.
Wind gave a shrug, “Not acting like myself how? ”
Pressing Legend for an answer. Legend frowned, eyes narrowing sharply at Wind.
It wasn’t like Legend could say he wasn't himself because of a headache-that was a part of them. He couldn’t say that he didn’t have a headache (even if he didn’t for the lie) because he just said he was dehydrated. He wouldn't call him out on the lie yet, Wind knew.
(It was too easy to lie to his brothers when they all knew each other-and Wind knew what they would believe for now.)
Legend opened his mouth before shutting it. Rethinking. He shook his head instead and just muttered, “Just take care of yourself, Sailor.”
You first , Wind thought bitterly.
Wind gave a mock salute on his brow as he said, “Aye, aye, Cap’n!”
Legend shook his head, “Alright come on-before they leave us behind. Someone needs to keep a watch on the two explorers.”
Wind tried to give a chuckle but he felt the words die on his tongue. He didn’t feel much. Legend didn’t say anything about it.
-
They had made camp for the night and were gearing for the upcoming night. WInd still didn’t have a plan in place. HIs mind was racing.
The instrument, the ocarina, was in his bag. He wanted it under his pillow, in his hands just in case-incase he needed it again. But he couldn’t, the others were perceptive when they needed to be and something so open would be seen. He could keep it, but he knew too well that Time, if seen, would recognize it and there was no telling what they would do if they thought he stole one of their items (He was in mourning, it's what they did. He wondered if the others would forgive him for doing traditions they didn’t understand when it was the only thing that brought him comfort.) But he kept his mouth silent and pressed firmly shut. Letting the strings of his bag be his comfort instead as he twisted them around and let Warriors pull him close with his scarf around his shoulders. Trying to forget the one he curled up in during the quietest night he ever had and the drying blood he felt still stuck to his unwashed hands.
Warriors hummed under his breath asn Wind leaned into the embrace. Into hearing his brothers roam about. If he closed his eyes he wondered if he could forget it all. He knew that was a simple wish, but he wanted to do it. Warriors hummed more, and Wind rested his head on him. Feeling warm.
He wished he felt more than just content. Happy or joy-but he didn’t know if he could when he knew what would happen if he failed. When he knew the truth. If anything it brought him close to numbness. Knowing he couldn’t let his emotions flow freely when his lies could be taken apart but couldn’t be happy because he didn't know if he could make it last.
Why did he have to be such a screw up of a hero?
Warriors hummed lowly, Wind breathed softly. His brothers laughed and joked. The fire brought heat and his hands slowly fell from his bag. He was tired.
-
He hadn’t meant to fall asleep.
That had been the first thought when he opened his eyes and his head wasn’t resting on Warriors shoulder but the ground instead. He hadn’t meant to doze off-
He sat up quickly and his head rocked at the motion but he tried to shake it away. He had to be awake. Had to stay up and make a plan. He needed a plan. An idea. Anything .
His hands were shaking again. Why were they shaking? In tired grogginess he looked down at his fingers when he realized they were covered in crimson. Dripping off his fingertips and pooling at his palms. Dripping, dripping, dripping-
He gasped, trying to distance himself from his own crime, but you could never run from what you were. What you had done. It was always a part of you. He tried to rub off the blood. Of his mistakes. But it wouldn't come off-he tore his nails into his skin but the blood pooled and slicked off his skin and threatened to stain anything else with his sinfulness.
He couldn't breath-he couldn’t see anything else-his hands were bloody they were lood and it wouldn’t come off-
“Kid?” A voice near him asked.
Wind jerked his head up, blinking rapidly as his own voice was stuttering. He reeled back at the image of Legend-or rather something else in his place.
His eyes weren’t seeing, under his ribs a crude spear stuck out. His own blood-the blood on his hands-dripped out. His hand was close to Wind, reaching for him. But it wasn’t all there. His left hand was missing fingers and rotting and decaying in front of his eyes.
Wind struggled to breath and looked away in a panik as his limbs locked up and he couldn’t move for a moment. Paralized in fear. A hand rubbed his shoulder as Wind fought to get his breath back. He didn’t want to look up again, he couldn’t tell if the pal was warm or cold.
“It’s okay, it was just a dream,” Legend said as he rubbed his back, Wind shook his head and buried it into his knees. Hands becoming dry all of the sudden.
Legend didn’t know. It wasn’t a dream. None of it was a dream no matter how hard he wanted it to be.
Wind peaked from his bangs to see Legend looking the same as before. Healthy and alive. Hands full. He shuttered at whatever he just saw and leaned into his touch. Legend let him rest his head on his shoulder as he rubbed his back hesitatingly. He was never one for comfort, but Wind only wanted the silence he proved.
Whatever had been eating at him, exhaustion, panik, mental breakdowns-had gotten to him again and he found himself drifting without his will too.
Legend sighed above him when Wind couldn’t resist the sleep from taking hold again. “Finally,” He uttered as he sat Wind back onto his cot as the other went to sleep.
He hoped he wouldn't have anymore dreams.
-
Wind gasped awake, heart beating in his chest rapidly as he pressed a hand to it. As if to calm the tempest swirling in him from panic. Getting some breath back into his lungs as he tried to banish thoughts and feelings away. His second most conceived thought was to check round. He almost did before something slivered into his mind.
Was it real? Was he really back? Did he get a second chance thanks to time-(He had hoped ever so silently in his mind when he had been awake with time looking so desperate that it was something he could fix. He was still childish in that. Not being able to face his faults and running to the adult to see if he could fix it. Seeing if he could run away from the dark. He wondered if the Darkness was trapped within him .)
Taking a deep breath and forcing all his courage into looking up, he gave a grateful sigh as he saw his brothers around. Sleeping as silently as they couldas apparently Wind’s great gasp went unheard in the land of dreams. He was thankful.
He looked to his bag, fingers undoing some of the string that held it closed when he found the shimmering blue ocarina nestled inside. Safe. Wind breathed easier, knowing that he still had it.
He realized a second later that no one was stroking the fire or keeping watch in the center, but rather landed eyes on the blue eyes that stared him down from acrossed camp. With one of Wild’s arms draped over his neck, Wolfie sat observing it all. On seeing Wind, he wagged his tag and slowly unhooked Wild's arm from around him as he trotted over to Wind. Seeing still some destrase on him and coming to be needed.
Not to long ago, Wind would have assumed that the Rancher would have been scouring around. That he would’ve been keeping watch somewhere else, but now he knew. He saw the transformation in the heat of the battle when they had no time to speak and only had to fight for their lives. His eyes glance to Four’s figure and he wonders if he asked if he would be able to see his other brothers, but thought better of it. He wouldn’t be able to explain that one. Now looking back on it, Twilight and Wolfie shared the same tattoos and their disappearances was awfully lied about. Wind was a bit disappointed he hadn’t put it together earlier.
Wolfie finally made it to Wind and his thousands of thoughts as he pushed his head under his arm as if inviting him to pet him. Wid gave a small smile as he gave a small scratch to Wolfie’s ear. The wolf’s tail patted the ground and Wind gave a small chuckle. Letting his hand sink into the fur as he gave the beast a small hug. Trying to rid the image of his body being thrown to the ground and crimson blood being splattered against the grass like morning dew.
The wolf was still as he tried to take comfort in it, but the little speck of voices in his mind just merely said, ‘it’s not the same, is it?’. And it wasn’t. Not now. Not when Wind knew his words wouldn't be just for an animal to never comprehend but rather just a vent. But now he knew, he knew too well who would know his secrets.
Sighing, he broke from the hug he created as he looked at Wolfie, as he tilted his head and blues eyes-the Ranchers eyes-stared back at him. Wind tried to smile but it wouldn’t pull on his face right so he just dropped it as he stated simply, “I’ll make it right… I promised I would.”
He hoped it would be a promise. Something he would fulfill, but Wolfie merely twisted his head as his eyes blinked in confusion. He patted his paw as if to ask more. Wind shook himself up more. Rubbing the tiredness from him as he wondered if he could go to bed.
Wind looked to the sky but couldn’t tell what time of night it was, he looked to Wolfie as he stated blankly, “Is it still your watch or are you going to wake the Cook soon?”
The wolf stilled as it looked at Wind. As if trying to say it had no idea what Wind was going on about, but the Rancher was always a bad lair, Wind should know, he was a good one.
Wind rolled his eyes as he tapped Wolfies nose as he stated in a sleep deprived state regardless of the sleep he had, “I know it’s you, Rancher.”
The Wolf’s eyes widened in shock, freezing near his feet before just gave a sigh. He was tried and his thoughts were many. He wished he would have pretended that it was the same once. That he could say anything and only the stars and a lone wolf would know. But it wasn’t like that. It wouldn’t ever be like.
“I’m going to try and sleep more,” Wind stated after a long moment. He turned from Wolfie as he layed back down. Hoping he could, but he didn’t want Wolfie to keep watching him like that.
He didn’t fall asleep. He herded Wolfie pacing until dawn and when the Rancher transformed he whispered something to Wild. The whole morning when the others awoke didn’t calm any of Wind’s spirit. They all ate together, joked, but Rancher's stare never wavered from WInd and Wind couldn’t help but not stare anywhere as all he could feel was the weight of everything coming down and any plans suddenly vanished to the wind. Heh, ironic wasn’t it?
He was known for always moving, thinkings-proactively always alight. Like the wind, he was a constant. Always there with ideas and plans, whether bad or reckless, he was never still. He was indelibly to be still. But now… Now he barely felt like a breeze. Unable to conjure a real smile but rather soemthing aht felt flimsiy and fack. Slapped on like cruel artwork.
He guessed if the world was the hurricane of trouble and sorrow around him, then he would be the eye of the storm. Calm and silent when everything around him waged war and fury, and he didn't even think he had any tears left to shed…merely dull. Tired.
He wondered if he could be the same again. But he saw the bodies in his mind and he realized he never would be. Not with that day forever in his mind and memories.
It shouldn’t matter. He was a day down and he didn’t have a plan. He needed a plan-he needed a distraction, something that wasn’t too drastic but would slow them down-curse it why was he the only one who didn’t understand the layout of Wild’s world and the places. Maybe if he knew then he could plan a-a-a injury? Attack?
Wind thought about it as he packed his bags. He could be slow. Weigh down the others. Maybe it would slow them down enough-could he break a leg? No… Hyrule would just heal him again. Hylia’s-
“Sailor.”
Wind yelped as he turned on his heels to look Time in the face. Face blanching for a moment as he didn’t hear the footsteps and was too lost in his own mind. The bag on his hip burned.
He straightened up from Time’s stare and played with his necklace. He forgot he still had it now. He wondered what happened to it in the battle before. “H-Hey!”
“We need to talk,” Time stated simply. And Oh boy did that make the dread in Wind’s stomach slip and fall to the center of the freaking earth.
Time turned, guestering to Wind to follow. Wind didn’t want to, wanted to curl under his blanket and sleep away. Wake up in outset with his brothers instead and know they were safe and on his island that was safe-but that wasn’t going to happen.
He knew he knew he knew he knew he knew he knew didn’t he?
TIme would know and now he was going to know of Wind’s mistakes, all what he did and his mistakes, oh Hylia, they were all going to know . They were going to find out and rip it out of him like a rotten limb from their tree. Definally exposed. What would Warriors say-or Four or the others? Would they look at him in disgust? Would Sky ever hug him again or would Wild ever try and keep his favorite sweet candy’s on hand or would Legend scoff at him and turn away like he trash. He didn’t want that. He never wanted that please he couldn’t don’t let him go through that oh-
The bag burned with the instrument inside, waiting to be released as the secret within it was barely held together by sloppy crafted words from Wind without a plan or idea. But suddenly his concern slipped a moment.
Time stopped and Wind realized they had made a small circle. Twilight and Wild sat together as Four and Legend stood near with crossed arms. Four looked at him with green eyes. Wind wanted to ask how the colors were doing, now that he knew. He wanted to talk to them, in a different situation that wasn't life or death. But he held his tongue for a moment, Twilight hadn’t had the best reaction, he doubted Four would too. He looked back to the others in the circle.
Wind frowned a moment as the terror in his chest spiked again. Biding the numbness to his fingers as all he could feel was the edge of his sanity slowly slipping as he wondered how easily their faces would twist at his words. He swallowed as he looked down.
“How do you want to begin this, Cub?” Time asked gently.
Wind paused, feelings dwelling, why was Twilight-
“I can, uh, start…” Twilight met Wind’s eyes as the stare from earlier was received. He sighed as he stated eventually, “You know that I can change forms.”
That… was not what he thought was going to be said. Wind might had lost some tension in his shoulders as the others watched as he quickly tried to gear a response that wouldn’t make him look suspicious. (he couldn’t say anything about his relief. Legend was too percitive on his own good and Four felt like he was always five steps ahead of anyone).
He gave a nervous laugh and let it buble from his lips, He let some of his anxiety show as the numbness crawled to his arms. “Y-yeah? It’s not like it was too hard… Kinda obvious once you see the signs.”
Four sprung into the conversation then, “That’s what I said!”
Legend snorted, “Well someone doesn’t automatically assume that everyone can turn into an animal.”
Four tilted their head at him, “You make it sound like multiple people can transform into animals.”
Legend paused for a moment as his face heated up by his wording and Four raised a brow.
“This isn’t really the main topic I was trying to say to ya’ll,” Twilight muttered.
“Right,” TIme stated as he looked to Wind, “This is everyone who knows now, but you know it’s not your secret to tell.”
Wind frowned, of course he knew that. He had his own-hell everyone had their own private life they wanted to keep some part to themselves! They didn’t know Time was even married until two months in! Hell, Wild was the most honest out of all of them when it came to some things but he had a few secrets! Why would he think-
Wind took a defensive step back, pointing an accusing finger, “You thought I was going to tell!”
Twilight sighed as he looked at Wind as the others grew quiet, “To be fair, kid, you aren’t the most quiet person.”
“Until recently,” Legend muttered under his breath as Four glanced over to him.
Wind tensed, he crossed his arms as he stated simply, “I know when to keep something close to my chest thank you very much!”
“We were just concerned that-” Time started.
“That I’d what ?” Wind hissed, anger sizzling to his words as he looked at them all and suddenly felt whatever had boiled to his surface fade in an instant. It wasn’t about how mature they thought he was to keep a secret-Ayrll knew how to hide enough when she was three for her pranks he knew anyone at any age could lie. It was about him.
They didn’t trust him enough. Not to fight foes too strong for all of them. Not enough to keep nightwatch at the worse time. Not enough to be a secret keeper. They didn't trust him .
Another thing they knew he would fail later like he would everything else.
“Forget it,” He uttered gently, looking to Twilight as he said, “I’ll keep it, don't worry about my lips.”
And the shocked audience that saw his build saw the smoke rise from his hollow chest of numbness that felt the rush of emotions and the sudden cool of it and vanished like it wasn’t ever there.
After all, if he was childish for his emotions. If that’s what he would be judged for, how he kept them on his sleeve, then it would be easy to make them go numb. To disappear.
How hard would it be to kill a part of himself?
Wind shook his head as he slung his backpack over his head. He needed to focus. Emotions be damned. He needed a plan.
Time let them set out again, giving an odd look to Wind and the others within the small circle had as well. Wind ignored them. His mind was other places that were far too important to push aside.
-
He was dragging his feet. He knew he was. But it was the only damn idea he had.
(The only thing that could really ever slow them down and their determination would be a battle and injuries but Wind would never risk his brothers like that again.) And he was paired up with the goddess freaking heroes who knew no bounds of control for their own selfishness sometimes! He really was screwed.
Legend and Four looked back at him a few times at his slowness and even Hyrule at one point tried to walk with him and get him going but WInd kept inching back. They all saw but as long as he slowed them down perhaps just enough , then it would be good enough.
(It was a fool's hope, but he had always been a bit foolish.)
He almost got away with it until the afternoon. He could see the others slowing down to keep in pace with him. Wild and Hyrule were getting anxious. He would have to make sure they didn’t run off on their own. But it was the only way to slow them down successfully. Or in a manner ath no one would question too much. He was still just a kid, sometimes they lost energy and got tired. They shouldn’t question it-but Wind’s luck was already bad and running out.
“Are you okay, Kid?” Twilight asked as he fell behind with Wind.
Breaking him out of his thoughts, Wind looked at him, “Uh, yeah? Why wouldn’t I be?”
Twilight frowned, looking back to the others who either glanced back a bit or were slowing down due to Wind. He was hoping they wouldn’t notice him trying to slow them down. But they all were perceptive when they wanted to be. “Your slower today, do you have new blisters? Are you just tired-if you want I can carry you again-it wouldn’t be any problem.”
Wind shocked his head, trying to come with something to keep them back. He was fine, truly he was-but if they were slow-or if he held them back in some sense perhaps they could avoid the outcome. Maybe Wind could… could he fake being sick? No, Hyrule would know and so would wild… He could get hurt, maybe sprain an ankle so they wouldn’t use a potion-but then Twilight would just carry him… Dammit why was this so hard?!
“I’m fine-just uh…” Wind shrugged, hoping Twilight would fill in the lines that he didn’t have. He wouldn't have a reason why he wouldn’t be.
“Didn’t sleep well?” Twilight asked, “Legend told me.”
Oh-Wind… Wind had almost forgotten about that. About the nightmares and the creeping thoughts that made him stay up with Legend for a few moments. He hoped no one else had known but he guessed when the others were worried they shared more (he could see it in their glances. They knew something was wrong, of course they did. Wind just hoped that he could use it to help his bidding then bring him down.)
“Yeah,” Wind said, going with the excuse. “Haven’t had too good of a morning… just a lot of thoughts, sorry.”
Twilight hummed apologetically. He had been a part of that panic that had grown in him, Wind wondered if he was trying to figure out what he had done to make Wind be so cold in his answer from before. He didn’t really want to know. “Need some distractions? Or is more of the ‘down days’?”
Wind shrugged. He couldn't help but look at Twilight and still see the image of blood dripping down his face. Seeing stained black teeth as it ran down his chin like the tattoos that run across his brow. His skin looked healthy but Wind could see the rot taking root and the emptiness in his eyes.
Twilight looked at him and Wind looked away. Trying to shove the imagery down. Trying to forget the graphics of what he saw-but he could never unsee it. Never see them clearly or know that he was good enough for them. MistakeMistakeMistakeMistakeMistakeMistake the word curled around his throat and choked him like he had choked the being of black. He took a deep breath as he pushed the feelings down. Not that he felt them more of their disturbance as he just wanted to apparent the sight of his brothers unbloodied and not harmed. But his eyes seemed to like to shift back into the past without his consent and he couldn’t help but tremble at every sight again. Knowing no matter how much he begged a corpse it wouldn’t get up.
Twilight tilted his head again in a question. Wind tried to not think about anything else but being slower. It was easier when his thoughts were full.
Wind rubbed a finger on his forehead as he teased, “Just lots of thoughts up in here! Nothing to worry about, Rancher.”
Twilight hummed, “If you say so.”
And Wind had said so, but as normal, his brothers didn’t listen. Were too protective. He wondered if getting rid of himself would be easier so they wouldn’t be concerned about it anymore but he hit that thought away. He needed to protect them and not run away again. Not now.
Twilight didn’t move from Wind’s side. But he slowed down to his pace. Wind grumbled to himself about it. About the watcher. His bag burned. He tried to feel annoyed about it but came up empty. Like the feeling was merely a hallucination and a merge on the waters that weren't there.
He was numb. Why was he numb?
It never happened before. He was usually such a blaze-so full of life. He always felt his feelings so intensely-even the bad ones-and now he felt absolutely nothing .
He was empty. He smiled. He joked-but he felt nothing in the words. He felt tired and worn. He wanted to sleep. He wanted to close his eyes and not see anything and just forget. Forget everything he knew and just never open his eyes again. But he couldn't. He knew he couldn’t. He had to protect them. He needed to save them.
So he pushed on, he tried to act normal and he tried to plan. Plan and plan and plan-He was never one to look ahead. Almost at the moment. Always there to wing it and go along because he was always mixed up in things he shouldn’t be. Always pulled along and forced to play into it-and he could’ve walked out. He could’ve said no and left it for someone else to do (if there wasn’t anyone.) because that would be selfish and Grandma had always taught him to be selfless.
So he couldn’t run away now. He couldn’t sleep, he couldn’t stop smiling and he couldn’t let go of the act now. Because Time had trusted him. He brothers had put there faith and life into him. Put everything they had left and Wind wasn’t going to fail them now .
Not because he felt like there was a hole in his chest where his feelings are meant to be. Just because he felt no wind in his sails, felt like the breeze had forsaken the unnaturalness of him ( heshouldn’tbehere-he shouldn’t even be alive ) he would try. He would plan. HE would lie and smile and joke-He would make it work . He would make it not happen. He will, he will he will he will he will-
He would do it.
Even if it was his last breath.
He looked to Twilight, to the others in front of him.
The were great warriors. Heroes. They deserved to live on. For them to have families and lives of their own. They didn’t deserve such a simple ill fated fate the befelled on them. They didn’t deserve it. Wind deserved to die, not them. Never them.
So he slowed as much as he could. He stayed behind as possible and dragged his feet in the dirt and hummed to himself the tune that time had taught him and wondered when he would mess up again. His back burned, he swore he’d never take off the bag.
-
The didn’t slow. Wind had tired-He had tried so damn hard . He was plan-less and hopeless-and it didn’t even matter! Even with his lowliness they still ended up making campe just a mile out from last time which was barely anything when it meant an ambush was up ahead and waiting for them all day.
He had wasted thirty-two hours in one gone and he didn’t know what he was going to do. He didn’t know and he tried to eat what Wild gave him but he could only stomach to bites as his failure and thoughts buried them low behind his rib cage. As he tried not to think about things that were coming. That would happen.
He tried to ignore the looks given across the campfire. The ones of concern or how Warriors leaned down to him and asked if he wanted something more sugary then what Wild had given hoping for a glimmer in his eyes but all Wind could taste was the tarnish iron in his mouth like blood and shook his head.
He layed in his cot and pretended to fall asleep. After an hour and when Warriors came out his back he allowed himself to stare at the stars instead. He looked at their constellations and wondered if Wild could tell him again which one meant what and how it guided him once. How they looked similar to his own stars once but different still. Tilted more.
He closed his eyes when he felt Time’s stare. He held his bag closer to his chest and prayed for wisdom by the goddess who had forsaken his own time. Hoping they would have more care for their heros than him.
By dawn he dozed off for a few minutes.
Wind woke up and he stood up suddenly, not seeing the hushed surprise at the action as he realized with such dread that today was the day. Today he had to stop with whatever he had to make sure no one would die and he had gotten nowhere.
Oh goddess… they were all going to die weren’t they?
At the mere thought, Wind bolted to the trees and bent over. Choking on asob with teary eyes he refused to shead now as what little he had gotten down from Wild’s cooking was immity emptied.
He spat it out as he clenched his eyes and sank to the floor as he gagged again.
He failed. He had failed.
For all his blubbering talk and useless courage that died when no one was breathing except him on the battlefield- it amounted to nothing .
He felt tears in his eyes and almost wanted to laugh at them. To feel them gathering and wanted to chuckle. After all this time of feeling nothing the first emotion he can actually display is frustration. Anger, such a deep rooted anger at himself, for failing. For not getting farther. For promising Time, the one he tried to grow up to be( hot sticky clothes, suffocating him. Confining him. Making him wilt under the pressure. Trying to grow into the sleeves that rolled around his wrist or the hat that slipped over his eyes. Trying to grow into a role that never was suited for him) but regardless of how hard he tried… he still failed. They weren't going anywhere. They were still going in the same direction with the same ending and Wind hadn’t done. A. Damn. Thing.
He might have as well died with the rest of them-
Could he do anything right ?
As he spit into the grass below him again, wanting to laugh. To cry. To punch something. To get rid of the pen up rage in him for his own actions. He wanted to bury his nails into his arms and scratch his skin out just so he felt lie he deserved it, For messing up again. For not being smart enough to stop it. To lie and get his brothers to safety.
(He could tell them. He could tell them their fate and they might listen. But what would that do? What would happen? Would that cause more trouble? Would they look at him in pity again? Would they ask what happened, would they want to know how each one of them died and how Wind couldn't stop seeing the images in his own eyes-)
He didn’t have any ideas left. He had no idea he was exhausted and pulled to his own limit- could he even help in the battle? He couldn’t even keep a full meal down. He hadn’t slept in two days and he was already slowing everyone down- What if he couldn’t even help ?
Wind gritted his teeth and his nails on his arm dug deep into his skin as they twisted and pulled. Coming to the point of drawing blood. He couldn't be even useful enough from what was coming. How pathetic was that?
Burning in his chest came back again, his arms began to ache under the stress and Wind leaned forwards again as he spat out something clear and heaved. Chest felt tight like woven fingers had drawn the strings through his ribs and were closing them up. HIs throat felt raw and liquid dribbled from his mouth that he couldn’t care to wip from his arm strung at his nails harshness but the pain kept him forced. He needs to focus.
He had to save them. He had to. He didn’t have a choice.
(Were they destined to die? Would Wind forever lead his brothers to death and watch as he was the lone survivor every time?)
Wind tried to get his breathing back. Tried to forget the images-so much bloodbloodblood-tried to think-but he couldn’t. He wasn’t the thinker. He wasn’t good at planning when it wasn't just him. He was a kid. He was stupid idoitic kid who did n’t know what he was dealing with and all his family was going to die bcuase he was a stupid kid who played hero.
Wind took in a starling gasp and choked on another sob as he curled into himself. He wasn’t anybody. Not chosen. Not a hero. Heck-he lacted so much from the others they risked themselesv for a stupid kid then letting themself live instead. He was the cause of his own brother's death and he couldn’t even stop it a second time!
Wind wanted to scream. He wanted to scream himself raw again and beg Hylia to choose someone else-some who was capable. To save them because he wasn’t . He acted like he did but he couldn’t do it again. He couldn’t go through that day again. He couldn’t do this-don’t make him do this-he could-
There was a hand on his shoulder.
It felt like an anchor on the storm. Holding him still. Reminding him they were in the calm. That there was time. The acnor that held him.
Wind turned back, letting hand hold him still from the tempest of thoughts that tundered and swept everything up too fast- he took a shuddering breath. Gasping for air while he drowned.
"Are you okay?" A voice whispered above him. It was Wild, his hand was warm.
Wind gave a jerk if his head. He needed to be okay. He had to do it today. It was today. He had to save them. He had to stop it- nothing but a mistake it shouldn't have been him why was he here anyone would have been better he had so much bloodbloodbloodblood on his hands- he had to move and get up and do it-
Wind turned his head to speak but instead of Wild's usual face, he was met with something different.
His mouth was open, forming a shape of a scream as bright crimson leaked from the corn as he croaked. Eyes sunk in and glazed over as they saw no more. Skin pale and turning faded. And his neck- his neck- swollen and puffed. And an arrow shafted was sticking out of it as blood(so much, drenching everything beneath it in thick coated crimson that flowed like he was sti breathing with an unmovable chest)
He was dead he was dead he was dead he was dead winds fault he wasn't there in time he was dead he failedfailedfailedfailedfailed he always fails -
(He shouldn't be rotting yet there hadn't been enough time-was he too late again he was always too late or not enough he was cursed and wring wasn't meant to be here)
Wind took a gasping air as he broke from the arm that rested on his shoulder and choked on the ground as bile slid out his throat and on the ground. Tears pulled in his eyes again and he spat out more acid from his swatch as it rolled and tried to bring up anything it could find.
His lips were wet and so was his cheeks. He was tired so tired- but the thing in his chest pulled and pulled and he gasped and tried to hold it down. Nails tearing skin in his arms as he gasped on the ground like a drawing child (he was always a child. Stupid child who couldn't do anything not even save his brothers, oh what had he done-).
Someone touched his shoulder again and all Wind could think was- coldcoldcold and let out a painked swing as he hit away the touch and crawled backwards blindingly. Eyes too blurry and not brave enough to look up and see the corpses walking around from his own mistakes.
They made a noise and all Wind could do was curl up and hug himself and hope he could join his brothers. He was a mistake and maybe if Hylia took pity a moblin could come and then he wouldn't be as lowly to do it himself. Or perhaps he could. He was already a mistake it wouldn't be that hug of a deal-
Something touched his arm and Wind gasped as he shot up and looked into a panicked look of Twilight. His skin was healthy and eyes clear. No black was on his teeth. He looked concerned and Wind almost wondered why he wasn't acting off like before.
Wild was behind him. Fiddling with his slate as he looked ready to run off. Face pale as he glanced silently this way. He looked normal. Wind almost collapsed at the relief. It was just his kind playing another trick. He took a deep sigh.
"Are you okay?" Twilight pressed.
Wind muster up a nod. He had to be okay. He hadn't messed up yet. He had to get up and get ready-
Twilight was still speaking when Wind attempted to get up. Suddenly once he was up. His head started to spin. Black dots invaded his vision and swam his mind. He bent over again as hands fluttered near him again as he stumbled.
"-woah! Hold on kid, take a minute!"
Wind blinked out the black from his vision as he could see Wild looking ready to charge in to help but suddenly stopped and looked hesitant to help. Twilight's arm wrapped around his chest, stopping him completely as Wind leaned on him unsteady.
There were other voices. Loud and crowing around now as Twilight tried to push him down. But Wind didn’t want to. They didn't know how much time they had and he had to stop it. He had to.
“I’m good, I’m good-” Wind tried to stay with a scratchy voice and the ash taste in his mouth. The hands curled deep in a firmer grip but not enough to hurt.
“I don’t think that’s true,” Twilight said simply.
Wind curled from the truth, shaking his head as he tried to push himself off of Twilight to show that he was. To prove them wrong-to prove them all wrong. He could do it, they didn’t need to worry about him. He was strong. He wouldn't let themselves be-
“You were just puking, Sailor, do you really think you're even healthy right now?” Wild stated as he grew close. Still far enough to be out of reach, but close enough to hear the conversation.
Wind opened his mouth to say a quick response before his vision started to tilt a moment as he thought, no, he wasn’t okay but his brothers might be worse and-
He broke from a startled Twilight as he kneeled over again and spat out some of the remains in his mouth with his hands on his knees. Trembling uncontrollably.
“Healer! We need you!” Twilight’s deep voice rumbled. Wind flinched at the words.
He looked up, still bent as he hissed, “I’ll be fine-”
“Goddess, Kid !” Wild shouted, looking pale and shaken. It shut Wind up for a moment and he wondered what Wild had seen when Wind had pushed him away. He was afraid of that weakness. “Just look at yourself right now! You haven’t been okay for days! Stop being stubborn-Hylia help us all if you're like the Collector when he's sick- just listen to us for once! ”
And Wind snapped his mouth closed as his eyes widened in a shock as Wild grumbled and massaged his brow. Twilight chuckled darkly as he commented, “Not too fun being on the other side, is it Pup?”
“Shut up,” Wild grumbled.
Wind stayed silent as he pondered what to do. Twilight put a hand on his back as he led him to his cot again. His bag was sitting there, unopened as if waiting for him. He felt sicker.
“Try and get some rest we-” Twilight tried to say as Wild was getting something from his slate.
“I don’t want to,” Wind said quietly. He couldn't fall asleep. Not when they lurked so close to their doom. To what lay ahead. He couldn’t shut his eyes and knew that was waiting for them. Was waiting to take his brothers again.
Twilight pursed his lips as the others were silent watching, “Then just sit here. The Champion is getting something warm for you.”
Wind sat down with his fingers numb as he curled up. He watched with half lidded eyes. His arms suited around him as he felt the wind pull around him with concern.
Wild gave him something in a bowl. It looked like pure broth and the smell wafted up to him and Wind wanted to chuck it back. Wanted to scream at them that he was fine and didn't need anything.
“Something to give your body energy. You can’t run on nothing, kid.” Wild said as he made sure it was kept in his hands.
Twilight was explaining the situation to the others as Wind could feel their look at him. (Time’s eyes burned like the bag at his feet.)
Wind licked his lips, not thinking he could even put a soup full in his mouth until he knew. “What-what about traveling today? Will I slow you guys down?”
Wild looked shocked at the question before he shook his head, “We won’t travel if your under the weather-in fact if you're really bad off I might make us cut off to a different town instead of pushing to Karaiko.”
“Oh,” Wind said simply as Wild nodded and left the bowl in his hands.
Wind pondered if that was it then. His insides were a reach, his nerves shot and spread with every power of his being until he was nothing but a numb shadow. Was this the end? It wasn’t famed in glory or relief but rather a shocked answer and silences. His hands were warm, he tried eating his soup.
His thoughts felt slow and he didn't know what to do. He swallowed as he watched the others talk and Time nodded as they relaxed in the clearing. He didn't know what to think. He set his bowl beside him when Sky inched over.
Wind looked up as Sky sunk to the ground and pulled him into a surprising hug. Wind blinked in surprise as he sunk into the warmth provided, (It wasn’t cold. His head wasn’t wet with blood and he kneeled on his legs.)
"Chosen! You shouldn't-"
Sky held on harder and Wind breathed into his shoulder as he trembled. He stated with a cold determination. "It's fine."
"If his sick you know it affects you harder-"
"It's fine, he needs it and I'm not gonna let him go through it alone," Sky said with a gentle finger brushed through his hair (warmwarmwarm).
Wind almost cried at the relief of it and didn't want to let go. They had to eventually, but Sky stayed with him and brushed his hair as Warriors and Four both came over with grins as they talked about a new prank they had in store for Legend (they were alive, Wind had done it. Why did he still feel empty then?)
And He let them talk. Let them think he felt better by the comfort and wasn’t thinking about the bag at his feet or the blood on his hands or wonder if he could keep this future or if he would eventually mess it up again (He knew the song, he had the item. He had the time. He wouldn’t let anything happen again. No matter the cost he knew.)
And soon he fell asleep. Only waking hours later in the dead of night as he sat up, feeling jittery but battered when he realized his brothers surrounded him and he wasn’t in a field with the weight of mourners' wear.
He felt Time’s gaze on him as he gestured for him to join him by the fire. Wind swallowed his dry throat as he took his bag (justincase) and walked forwards.
“Are you feeling better?” He asked honestly.
Wind nodded.
“Good,” He replied with a smile. It seemed off. He waved to Wind as he held his arms out, plated armor gone as his form offered a hug. “Come on kid, I think you need it.”
Wind gave a gratefully smile as he leaned into the embrace.
Time engulfed him in a hug and Wind barrier his head into it. Trying to sink in it as he breathed in his scent. Took the feeling of him breathing.
After getting his breath back from the nightmare, Wind breathed softly.
"Good now?" Time asked
Wind nodded, but he didn't release him from the hug. Instead holding firm as Wind choked on the feeling.
Whispering in his ears with a hot breath and a knowing tone he stated coldly, "I know what you did."
Wind felt frozen fingers pulling down his spine as all the breath lifted him. Dread clenching its fist in his stomach as he stilled. His stomach flipped and his whole body panicked. He couldn’t breathe. The instrument on his back burns with the knowledge. He wanted to scream but not even a wimp could pass his lips.
"What happened?" Time asked, a small plea to his voice that was overruled but the sternness in his tone.
Wind couldn't look up at him, terror clinging to his bones. Time unwrapped one of his arms as he tilted Wind's chin up at him.
Wetted with tear filled eyes that remembered rotting corpses, Wind answered, "I-I couldn't live with the cost… I couldn't live without you guys."
Because he knew secretly what Time had been doing that night. He knew Time could see what his next move was if he stayed alone. He knew-and now Time looked down on him with a knowing gaze and Wind could only admit the truth. Could only admit he trusted Time that one night to fix it so he wouldn’t be alone but forgot what that cost could be.
Time rumbled out with a tired look of regret and pity, "Now you live with the consequences.”
And Wind knew he did. He knew why his timeline was as it was. He knew what he had done.
Because out there now, was a timeline where Wind didn't know the song. There was a timeline where he was going to die by his brothers because he couldn't live to be alone like that.
Wind knew he left a place where one boy would take on that sorrow and live with the consequences of it born down on him whole. Ready to consume him whole.
The weight in his hands was heavy as Time took it from him and Wind couldn't help but wonder why the crimson on his hands didn't go away.
Wind wondered why the death of his brothers haunted him even when they were still alive.
In a dark place with eight graves, a single blinded boy wept alone .