#this chapter man

“I’d assume they are about the same since the last time you asked. That is unless they decided to do something stupid which knowing this group is entirely possible.” Hyrule quipped with a smirk as he tugged Wild’s tunic back down again. 

“Quit worrying, they’re alright, everyone got a little banged up but nothing too major.” Hyrule said reassuringly as he sat back and stretched his legs out with a weary sigh. Wild let out his own tired sigh and tried not to think about it, it was a failing endeavor though. Hyrule was right of course although that fact did nothing to allay his guilt in the slightest. 

“what about you? How are you feeling ‘Rule?” Wild asked and Hyrule gave a small shrug. 

“About what you would expect, a bit achy and tired but nothing too major.”

Hyrule much to Wild’s protests had insisted on healing the smaller wounds left behind by the shrapnel. It had taken a lot of convincing on Hyrule’s part, and  even then the shallow cuts were very slow to heal and Wild could tell the effort had left Hyrule drained. Thankfully Hyrule had decided to splint Wild’s broken arm instead of trying to heal it. After he had set and splinted his arm, Wild was able to convince Hyrule to leave the older wounds he had received from the tower incident alone for the most part. Though Hyrule had cleaned and rewrapped them for him which Wild was grateful for considering he still didn’t have the energy to move just yet. 

“What about Legend? He looked pretty rough when he left to collect you.” Wild asked and noticed how Hyrule glanced back towards the small fire the others were gathered around. 

“I didn’t get a chance to really check him out yet. He was adamant that I take care of you first.” Hyrule said almost guiltily. Wild huffed letting his head fall to the side so he could look over towards the small camp. He could see the flickering light of the fire in a distance and he watched as figures moved around completing their various tasks. Not for the first time he wished he could have been able to help out more. 

“Of course he did. Well just so you know he’s got some puncture wounds on his back from where he got bit by one of those plant things.” Wild said with a snort. Hyrule didn’t respond and Wild looked back towards him in concern. Hyrule was chewing on his lower lip seemingly lost in thought. 

“Are you sure you’re alright ‘Rule?” Wild asked bringing Hyrule out of his reverie. 

“Yeah, sorry, I guess I’m just a little lost in thought.” He began and paused before shaking his head and continued. “I’m worried about Legend.” He admitted with a defeated sigh. Wild raised a concerned eyebrow and nodded quietly.  

“Do you want to talk about it?” He asked as he watched Hyrule pull his knees up to his chest. It was clear that Hyrule wanted to talk about something and was weighing out the choices before him. Wild waited patiently while the other pondered not wanting to inadvertently sway the other’s decision. Hyrule gave another sigh and rubbed the back of his neck. 

“Legend is really torn up about about the whole tower thing. I’ve never seen him so...” Hyrule paused, his hands waving small circles in the air until he found the right words. “I wouldn’t say manic, but he was practically beside himself with how upset he was. I mean we all were pretty upset and worried, but this... It was like... Guilt but ten fold.” Hyrule explained and at his words Wild suddenly had the urge to sit up so he could get a better look at Hyrule’s face. Mutely Wild held out his hand and gestured for Hyrule to help sit him up. He obliged and with a grunt of effort helped Wild sit up. 

Wild barely suppressed a groan at the movement and once he was sitting upright he hissed and clutched at his side and waited for the pain to subside. Hyrule eyed him carefully ready to catch him if he toppled over. After a moment of labored breathing Wild felt the pain ebb slightly and he was able to focus on Hyrule once again. 

“Did Legend explain why he was so upset?” Wild asked and Hyrule shook his head. 

“He didn’t specify, only that he felt guilty and that he didn’t know how he was going to make it up to you. I tried to explain to him that you weren’t upset with him but he wasn’t convinced.” Hyrule explained and Wild felt himself nodding again. So Legend hadn’t told Hyrule that he had basically lied to him and tricked him into drinking that damn tea he laced. 

It made sense in a way. Legend was already a private person as it was, and somehow Wild could see why he wouldn’t have told Hyrule or anybody for that matter about his treachery. He wasn’t sure how Twilight had seemed to know about it but Wild severely doubted that he was in on that particular plan of Legend’s. Wild made a decision then, he would keep this secret for Legend. If Legend wanted to keep that particular aspect of his guilt a secret then it wasn’t up to him to tell Hyrule about it. 

“Anyways, I told him that he should talk with you, you know? Clear the air. I heard him talking with you before we got ambushed, were you guys able to hash it out?” Hyrule asked hopefully and Wild found that even though Legend didn’t apologize per se, He did seem at the very least appropriately sorry for what he had done. Still a small part of him was angry but he was willing to force that part of himself down if that meant bringing some semblance of peace to the others, it was the least he could do.  

“We were able to talk it out a little. I’ll make sure he knows I’m not upset with him. No worries okay?” Wild said and he was surprised to find that he meant it. Hyrule seemed to deflate a little with a relief. 

“That’s good, he will be happy to hear it.” Hyrule said before he yawned and scratched at the back of his head. Wild watched as Hyrule’s eyelids seemed to droop slightly, and that his eyes seemed just a bit dull. Another twist of guilt in his stomach made him wince.   

“What do you say we hobble over to the others? I’m sure they’re wondering what the hold up is.” Hyrule said sleepily and Wild sighed and rubbed at his scars. 

“We can try, I’m afraid I might be a little unsteady on my feet though.” Wild said apologetically. He still hated how dependent he was on the others for the most simple things. Hyrule eyed him for a moment tilting his head slightly before leaning forward and placing a firm hand on Wild’s shoulder again.  

“Wild, it’s okay to ask for help. Would You like me to go get Twi?” Hyrule asked.  

Wild bit his lower lip and was about to answer when he felt a sudden chill run up his spine. It felt like someone had just run their fingers across the back of his neck. He whipped around eyes wide and suddenly he felt a tug of fear pull at his stomach and he didn’t want to be alone. His heart was a painful staccato that beat against his ribs and the thrum of it made his head feel light.     

“Wild? Wild what’s wrong?” Hyrule asked suddenly alert, eyes darting around the darkened woods around them. Wild felt his mouth going numb, his finger tips growing cold as adrenaline started to flood his veins. He could see the wind rustle the tall grass around them and the sound of hidden bugs still sung in the darkness. Wild swallowed painfully and savagely forced himself to calm down. Dark would be foolish to come this close to the camp, especially after the day they just had. Everyone would be on high alert and Dark would be destroyed quickly. HIs pitiful attempts at self reassurance did little to actually calm him. A small voice in his head that whispered that it wouldn’t matter, they would all lose in the end. Wild’s breath hitched slightly and he squeezed his eyes shut and blocked out the malicious whisper. Wild popped his eyes open when he heard a shifting from his right side, it made all the alarm bells sound in his brain.   

“It’s nothing, I just thought...” Wild gasped quickly and coughed as he worked to pull his mind back from the panic.  

“Well actually never mind that, I think I can manage. Lets just get out of here.” Wild said quickly, shaking his head in an attempt to dislodge the growing unease that threatened to crush his good sense. He worked his legs under himself and didn’t care that he wobbled with the effort. Hyrule nodded quickly apparently sensing something was amiss as well and helped get Wild up and on his feet. Hyrule slung Wild’s arm around his shoulders and Wild gratefully leaned on him as they made their way over to the others as quickly as they could. They didn’t speak as they walked, and Wild kept his head moving, scanning the area while they made slow way to camp. Their shuffling steps and Wild’s labored breaths were the only thing to make a sound in the darkened field at their backs. Wild didn’t trust it for one second.   

************************

Wild sat on his bed roll with Twilight who was dozing lightly at his side, while he watched the goings on around him with a critical eye. There was an odd buzz around camp. Everyone seemed twitchy and on edge though they were doing everything in their power to act like everything was normal. Wild was no exception, on more than one occasion he found himself flinching at the odd noise that would arise from just beyond the light of fire. Wild had no clue how Twilight had been able to relax enough to doze. Though he wondered just how relaxed Twi actually was. One glance to his mentor’s hand showed that they were balled into tight fists and he would twitch whenever the fire crackled. 

Wind and and Sky had set themselves up by the cooking pot and there was something bubbling away. Even as they had their attention fixed on the cooking pot Wild could see how their eyes flicked to the outskirts of camp where Time and Warriors had gone. Wild brought his attention back to the pot, whatever was cooking away didn’t smell too awful. The smell of fish, pumpkin and some other unfamiliar spices wafted out periodically. Wild felt his stomach flip, he couldn’t see exactly what was cooking away and for that he was grateful. 

Moving his eyes to focus just past the two at the cooking pot Wild could spy Four sitting close by. He was industriously sorting through his pack, though it almost seemed mechanical like he wasn’t actually focusing on the task at hand. Four would often pause, his ear twitching as he listened to the woods around them before startling back to the present. Wild watched him for a few minutes as he picked up his shield for the fourth time and set it back down in the same spot.  

Wild couldn’t spot Time or Warriors, but the faint sounds of talking and rusting leaves told him they were out patrolling close by. With a yawn Wild lazily slid his gaze over to Legend who was sitting across from him with Hyrule kneeling at his back. There was a faint glow emanating from where Hyrule’s hands hovered over the vet’s back. Hyrule had a look of concentration mixed with frustration plastered on his face and Legend didn’t look too happy either. To Legend’s credit he said nothing opting instead to stare blankly at the fire in front of him with a slight scowl gracing his lips.

Wild felt Twilight shift next to him and he smiled. When he and Hyrule had finally made it over to camp Twilight had hovered around them like a worried parent. Wild bore the attention for a few minutes before he had grabbed Twilight by the sleeve and forced him to sit next to him. Looking down at Twilight again he could see that his hands had relaxed and that his breaths were slow and even. Wild didn’t know exactly when he had fallen asleep, but he was grateful for the modicum of peace. Wild’s eyelids felt heavy and he debated closing his eyes for a moment when he caught Legend’s eye from across the flames. they stared at each other for a moment before Legend blinked slowly and his eyes slid away from him.  Almost without thinking Wild found himself picking himself up off the ground, making sure not to disturb Twilight, and wobbled his way over to Legend.

Wild glanced at the cooking pot as he passed and shuddered at the grayish looking stew that bubbled thickly. He stomach flipped dangerously and he adverted his eyes. When he reached Legend’s side he let himself flop down with a grunt. Wild could see Hyrule raise a tired eyebrow and Legend eyed him with a hint of curiosity.

“How are things looking?” Wild asked sleepily leaning back to take a look at Hyrule’s work.

“The punctures were pretty deep, I’m glad you let me know. This idiot was trying to convince me that it wasn’t too bad.” Hyrule said with a trace of disapproval in his voice. Legend scoffed and shot Wild a glare.

“I can’t believe you tattled on me to Hyrule. That was a low blow.” He complained and Wild blinked at him.

“Consider us even then.” Wild quipped back giving Legend a smile that was just a little bit vindictive. Legend pursed his lips and gave him a curt nod.

“Almost done here,” Hyrule said tiredly, breaking into the conversation.

“Finally.” Legend grumbled and hissed in pain as Hyrule punched him in the arm. 

“What was that for ‘Rule?” He gasped rubbing at the sore spot on his arm.

“That’s for being an ass and for trying to hide injures from me. Honestly you should know better.” Hyrule seethed and he finished the last bit of healing with a flourish of yellow sparks. Legend grumbled something unintelligible and Wild hid his snickering behind his hand. Hyrule glared at him in turn.

“Don’t laugh Wild you’re worse than him.” Hyrule said sternly and it was Legend’s turn to disguise a poorly contained laugh. Hyrule rolled his eyes and stood. 

“I’m going to go lie down, let me know when dinner is ready.” Hyrule said as he glanced towards the pot and wrinkled his nose. 

“Or maybe not... I don’t know what that is and that makes me worried.” 

“It’s seafood stew! My gran gave me the recipe!” Wind chirped back happily as he gave the thick liquid another stir.

“Where did you get the fish from?” Legend asked slowly as he straightened up so he could get a proper look into the pot. 

“I had some dried fish in my pack. It’s not as good as the fresh stuff but it should do.” Wind answered happily as he brought the spoon to his mouth for a quick taste. A smile lit up his face and he shoved the spoon out for Sky to taste. Sky let out a small chuckle and brought the spoon to his lips. He pursed his lips and tilted his head in thought. 

“I think it could use some more salt” 

Wind nodded sagely and grabbed a small jar from where it sat next to the fire and proceeded to dump the remaining contents into the stew. 

“Great, can’t wait. I’m going to lie down now.” Hyrule answered in kind as he gave a stretch and shuffled off to set up his bed roll. It didn’t take long to hear his soft snores and Wild heard Legend sigh. 

“I worry about him sometimes.” Legend said quietly and Wild gave him a questioning look.

“How do you mean? Hyrule isn’t hurt is he?” Wild asked as he cast a worried glance towards the sleeping brunette. 

“No he’s not hurt. But he has a tendency to over extend himself when he’s healing. It’s not healthy to use magic so frequently and to the point of exhaustion.” Legend explained, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees. Wild glanced away from Legend then, not wanting the other see how much that thought bothered him. He looked back though when Legend addressed him again.

“But I have the distinct feeling that’s not why you stumbled over here, now is it?” Legend ventured as he raised an eyebrow and fixed Wild with his best bored expression. 

“You’re right, I came over here to see how you were doing and to apologize.” Wild said quietly and watched as Legend’s eye brow shot up towards his hair line. 

“Apologize? What for?” 

“For being cruel.” Wild began unsteadily. His fingers found their way back to the splint and began tugging at it. 

“I can see why you did what you did. I doubt the decision was made lightly and I...”

“Stop.” Legend said suddenly sitting upright and making a sharp motion with his hand in a gesture that matched his words. 

“You have nothing to apologize for. The choice I made was mine and mine alone. I did what I foolishly thought was right, I broke your trust and for that alone I don’t deserve your apology.” Legend said harshly before continuing.

“I won’t apologize, words won’t correct the action. But what I wish to ask is for you to give me the chance to make it up to you.” Legend started and paused a moment before continuing. 

“I don’t know how and I don’t know when, but I promise I will gain your trust again.” Legend said finally as he cast his gaze back to Wild and waited for his response. Wild blinked owlishly at Legend. That had been unexpected to say the least and he found himself struggling to find an answer. He pondered over Legend’s words for a moment before he nodded mutely unable to find the words. 

“Then it’s settled and I don’t want to hear another word of it.” Legend said and once again Wild found himself nodded his agreement. 

“Alright! Soups on!” Wind cried out excitedly and Wild watched as Twilight jerked awake violently and slapped at the ground where Wild had once been sitting. 

“Some guard dog you are Twi,” Legend snorted as he accepted his bowl of gray stew. Wild shot him a guilty wave from across the fire and accepted his own bowl. Wild eyed it for a moment before carefully bringing a spoonful to his lips. It was surprisingly edible if a bit over salted for his taste and he said as much to Wind who scoffed. 

“Of course it’s edible, I made it, and you can blame Sky for the salt.” Wind said as he puffed out his chest in pride. Sky snorted from his place next to the fire and helped himself to another spoonful of the stew. Legend eyed the stew and took a spoonful from his own bowl and shrugged.

“I suppose this could be worse. You did a pretty okay job squirt.” 

“Such high praise, be careful I don’t know if Wind’s ego can handle it.” Twilight snarked from the other side of camp. Both Legend and Twilight smiled into their bowls as Wind rolled his eyes took his seat next to Sky. Wild had to suppress his own smirk at that and he slowly took another bite of stew. 

**********

Wild watched as the others finished off their stew. While the conversation wasn’t very lively it still had a calming affect on him. He had set down his half eaten bowl of stew about an hour ago and had taken his place next to Twilight once more. Twilight had scooted over for him, and offered him a warm smile as Wild sat and Wild felt warmth unspool in his heart. After the long day they had it was nice to have the company of family around. The sound of the crackling fire mixed well with the murmur of their voices and he felt his eye lids droop and his head dip.

“It is a beautiful night. Perfect for relaxing with friends” a hateful voice sneered out from just in front of him.  

Wild’s eyes shot open and he lurched to his feet. His eyes darted around the still camp for a moment before they fell onto the back of Dark Link who was sitting in front of the fire.

“You, how...” Wild snarled as his eyes looked frantically around towards the others. The whole scene was bizarre everything seemed in motion but stagnant all at the same time, it was jarring to say the least. 

“Don’t bother looking for help from them. You aren’t actually awake right now.” Dark said lazily and he jabbed a stick into the fire and watched the sparks fly into the air. Wild felt his eyes glaze over with confusion and he took a closer look around at the others. 

They were all sitting around the fire all seemingly frozen in place as they held their various conversations. Wild took a closer look at Twilight who had his hands outstretched in some dramatic gesture as he apparently told some story of his to the others. Wild bent forward and waved a hand in front of his eyes. Nothing happened. Looking around they all seemed to be the same way. Sky was in the middle of showing Four how to carve what looked like a flower of some sort. Wind, Warriors and Legend stood over the cooking pot looking down at the remnants of the stew. Time was leaning up on the stump next to Hyrule who looked about five minutes away from drifting off again. It was eerie and very off putting to see them all so close to Dark and them not even realizing it. He was about to turn around to look at Dark again and stopped, he saw himself laying down just behind him, his scared and bruised face slack with sleep. Wild couldn’t wrap his mind around it, it was just too weird. 

“You’re awfully quiet back there, what’s the matter?” Dark drawled calmly as he rose and turned to face Wild. Dark still wore Wild’s appearance, though it was a much cleaner, less beat up version of himself. Wild felt anger bloom in his chest at the sight. Dark just stretched and crossed his arms over his chest. 

“Wow, in the light you look way worse than I thought. Maybe the problem is that you’re too broken to speak? Which I have to admit could be a problem.” Dark chuckled and Wild felt himself bristle despite himself.  

“Must you wear my semblance like a cloak?” Wild sneered as he eyed Dark Link up and down. The other just snorted and shook his head.

“It’s not like I have my own appearance, and anyway it makes you upset.” Dark taunted.

“Or maybe you’re just a coward.” Wild snipped back and smiled when Dark glared at him.

“Careful with that talk, I have very little patience for back chat.” Dark said with a warning air. Wild lifted his chin in a show of defiance but kept his mouth shut for now. He wanted to know what Dark wanted though he had an idea. 

“I was curious, have you thought about our little deal?” Dark asked and Wild couldn’t help rolling his eyes. Dark gave him a flat look eyes burning like the hot coals in the fire. 

“I’m not used to you being this direct. Where’s the mystery? The subterfuge? Honestly I expect more from you.” Wild leered and he could tell that he was frustrating Dark. His heart fluttered at the thought and he wondered just how far he could push him. 

“If you like I could make this more interesting. Maybe I could slit someone’s throat? Bathe this pathetic camp in their blood maybe? Really paint the town.” Dark bit out dangerously as he took a step towards Wind. Wild felt his breath hitch at the thought. 

“If you do that I will make it my life’s mission to keep you alive long enough to feel your skin being removed.” Wild said so quietly that he wasn’t sure if he had actually spoken. Dark raised an eyebrow but stopped moving. 

“Oh ho, that’s awfully monstrous of you. I thought heroes were meant to be above such heinous acts?” Dark asked with a toothy grin, his eyes flared with some unreadable emotion. 

“I may be a hero, but for you I would make the acceptation.” 

“So you consider yourself a hero now? what a novel idea.” Dark drawled as he stepped forward and lifted his own chin in a mimicry of Wild.  

“And here I thought you wanted to talk deals, not a poor attempt at head games,” Wild sneered and straightened focusing a hard gaze on the interloper. Wild wasn’t altogether sure where this new found confidence in his hero status came from but he revealed in it nonetheless. To protect the others he would become anything to ensure their safety and if that meant he was a hero, than so it be it. 

“Tell me champion have you made a decision or not?” Dark challenged eyes narrowing as he took a menacing step forward. Wild felt his heart begin to  hammer away in his chest and forced himself to stand firm. This was his chance to buy time and he was going to make damn sure he didn’t waste it. 

“I have considered the deal, and might I say I would be lying if I said I wasn’t interested.” Wild began, he didn’t miss how Dark’s eyes seemed to flash with delight at his words. Wild swallowed back the bitter taste in his mouth and continued his thought. 

“However, how can I make a choice when you’ve given me nothing to prove that you will follow through on your promise.” Wild asked and he watched as Dark’s expression hardened. Wild shook off his nerves the best he could before he soldiered on. 

“So far all you’ve done is have me beaten within and inch of my life, threatened and kept me weak and sleep deprived with your little games.” Wild said as he ticked off each point on his fingers. “honestly it doesn’t give me much confidence in your word.” Wild finished with a sardonic raise of his eyebrow. Dark stopped short, head tilting as he pondered. 

“A show of good will? It’s not really my style kid.” Dark said with a sneer. Wild shrugged letting a small smile grace his scarred face before he answered. 

“What can I say, I have trust issues.” 

Dark shot him a sour look and licked his lips. Wild only stared making sure to keep his expression mild and bland. 

“Tell you what, I like your spirit kid. How about you tell me just what you want to show that I will follow through on my word.” Dark asked slowly and Wild felt his smile grow slightly as he thought. It was time to make a play and he hoped it would work. 

“Heal me.” Wild said after a minute of exaggerated pondering on his part.

“Not going to happen.” 

‘Perfect.’

“Then there is no deal.” Wild sneered his face screwing up into a mask of scorn as he made to turn his back on Dark. It was a bit of a risky move for his taste but he was banking on the hope that Dark wanted him on his side for whatever reason. There was a dark chuckle and he heard the crunching foot steps as Dark Link moved closer. Wild shot him a glare from over his shoulder and Dark gave him look he was sure was meant to be friendly and open but came off as frustrated and slightly constipated. 

“Look, kid, if I healed you what’s to say you wouldn’t just run off and make plans to destroy me with those fools? That is an awful lot of trust I’d have to put into you taking this deal. You see where I am coming from?” Dark wedeled before continuing “Unless you take the deal now.” It was a struggle but Wild kept a strong hold on his facial expression and shot Dark a flat look.

“That’s not going to happen.” Wild deadpanned and felt his heart give another flutter of anxiety as he waited for Dark’s answer. His lips turned down slightly into a sneer and Wild swore he saw his eye twitch. It was clear he was frustrated but not wanted to show it. 

“Then we’ve reached an impasse for now.” Dark said calmly after he seemed to get his emotions back under control. Dark leaned back on his heels and casually put his hands on his hips. After another moment he shook his head and gave a little chuckle. 

“Honestly I didn’t think you would such a hard negotiator, color me impressed cub.” A cord snapped in Wild’s mind at the use of his the word ‘cub’ and his calm demeanor was washed away with the unexpected tide of his rage. 

“Don’t you dare call me that.” Wild hissed whirling around and taking an angry step forward. Dark’s calm smile turned into a snarl and his eyes flared a bright red. 

“I can do whatever I like,” Dark sneered back at him and raised a hand. 

“and I grow tried of your insolence” He said and his raised hand turned into a tight fist. 

Wild gasped and doubled over, his whole body suddenly alight as every pain senor in his body screamed that he was being ripped apart. The pain rocketed to a fevered pitch  as Dark jerked his hand backward like he was opening a particularly stubborn door. Wild stumbled as he desperately tried to fight back the sudden vertigo and stay on his feet. A strangled gasp of pain erupted from his throat involuntarily and he began to cough uncontrollably. 

“Look, I already told you that I like your spirit kid, but I can only handle so much disrespect and my patience wears thin.” Dark whispered into Wild’s ear and he shuddered as a fresh wave of agony brought him to his knees. He was unable to speak, unable to move and it was a struggle to just draw breath between his choked coughing. It felt like his ribs were being twisted and broken into splinters as his head was being split open all at the same time.

“Time grows short and I fear I have to leave you for now. I suggest you make your choice soon, I grow weary of waiting.” 

Wild was just able to lift his head to look at Dark and he felt tears welling in the corners of his eyes. Dark glared down at him and waved his hand in a clear dismissal. Shadows seeped into his vison and felt himself sinking to the ground as his muscles turned to chu jelly. Wild gave a choked gasp as another tidal wave of pain ripped through him and stole his breath. His vison finally began to tunnel and went black and he welcomed the release. But just as his vision failed him, he could have sworn he saw Sky’s eyes flicker towards him, though that could have just been a trick of the dying light. 

**************** 

Wild jerked awake to the feeling of someone shaking him. He let out a small choked cry of pain and curled in on himself. His ribs were on fire and it compounded with the stabbing pain of bruised and torn skin. It took a moment for him to notice that whoever had shaken him awake was also talking to him. His mind scrambled over broken thoughts and fractured emotions and he felt out of control, unable to tell up from down let alone comprehend what was being said. Wild held up a hand signaling them to stop and wait while he tried to reorder his chaotic mind. 

They complied though he could feel their nervous energy buzzing next to him. Wild focused on gathering his scattered thoughts the best he could. It was difficult and the pain seemed never ending. Another flair of pain bloomed brightly behind his eyelids and he shuddered and gasped. Distantly he felt a hand come to rest on his shoulder and he realized he was letting out small whimpers as he fought through haze of pain.

“Do you need Hyrule? I can get him.”

Wild’s foggy brain tried to puzzle out who the voice belonged to, Legend maybe? It sounded like him, or maybe it was Time? Wild cracked open an eye and peered at the speaker and found to his surprise that It was Four who was sitting beside him. Wow he was really off. Wild shook his head and mouthed a quiet no when the pain dipped slightly. He felt Four shift and come to rest right next to Wild’s head.

“What do you need? Water? I can get Twilight he’s not too far.” Four babbled on and it took all of his energy to gasp out a desperate no. Wild knew Four was only trying to help but he just needed Four to shut up so he could focus on making the world feel less out of control.

“Stop... talking...” Wild gasped and Four stiffened and sat back and waited in anxious silence, his eyes never leaving Wild’s face. Wild squeezed his eyes shut again to block out the other’s gaze. Painfully he forced down large lung fulls of air and basked in the bright hot pain that lit up his world as well as acted as an anchor. When he finally choked down enough air he uncurled slightly and lifted his head. Four looked concerned and his eyes flickered with the fire light. Wild bit back another groan of pain and gestured for Four to come closer. Four complied and mutely Wild pointed to his slate that was sitting a few feet away. Four retrieved it quickly and handed it to him. Wild nodded his thanks and quickly opened the slate and pawed through the contents. 

“What are you looking for?” Four asked as he leaned over to look with him. 

“Herb,” was Wild’s only response as his finger finally alighted on what he was so desperately searching for. In a flash of blue Wild held a small bundle of Hyrule herb. He tore at the leaves and ripped off a few and popped them in his mouth. Four looked from the sad looking plant in Wild’s hand’s and back to Wild who was methodically chewing. 

“What’s that supposed to do?” He asked and Wild gave a few more chews before he swallowed with a grimace at the bitter aftertaste.

“You can add it to food and it increases it’s healing potential. But I’ve found that if you eat it raw it has a bit of a numbing effect.” Wild explained hoarsely and he ripped off some more leaves.

“Does it only numb your mouth?” Four asked his eyes shimmering purple in the light before shifting to a crimson. 

“What if you bite your tongue off?” He asked wide eyed almost as an after thought. Wild blinked at him, confused by the sudden shift in the conversation. 

“Think of it as a very mild pain reliever, it’s enough to take the edge off.” Wild said taking the last of the leaves off the stem and tossed the remnants away.

“I don’t think I’ll bite my tongue off, at least it hasn’t happened yet.” He said as he finished off the last of leaves with a shiver, as the last of the bitter plant made it’s way down his sore throat. Four nodded pensively and toyed with the tassel attached to the pummel of his sword.

“Are you alright?” He asked quietly and Wild gave a noncommittal shrug.

“Well, what we’re you dreaming about? It must have been bad, you started writhing around and I was worried you were having a seizure or something so I went to wake you. It’s okay if you don’t want to tell me I just want to make sure you’re okay.” Four said in a rush and Wild chewed at his lip.

He didn’t know what would be safe to tell the other. He really didn’t want to mention that Dark was in camp if he didn’t have to. He couldn’t even be sure he was actually there or of it just another one of those illusions Dark was so fond of and he didn’t want to cause undue stress. Not to mention he didn’t want to talk the particulars of the dream yet, considering he would then have to explain the terms of the deal to Four. No, this was not the time for that. He had the feeling he would never actually disclose that if he could help it. 

“I don’t know what the dream was about, but I have the feeling it wasn’t very pleasant.” Wild said cryptically. Four squinted at him and Wild was sure he wasn’t convinced so he opted to change the subject rather than trying to think of way to talk around the subject. 

“What time is it?” 

“best guess, I’d say just past 3am” Four said as he cast his eyes to the sky to gauge the position of the moon. Wild nodded tiredly and leaned his head against the log behind him. He was so tired it was painful. 

“Do you want to try to sleep again?” Four asked and Wild slid half lidded eyes his way. 

“I’m not sure it’s entirely worth it. I haven’t had a peaceful night’s rest in days.” Wild said sadly and Four bobbed his head. 

“Nightmares?” He asked and Wild swallowed hard. 

“In a sense.” He replied and Four gave him an understanding sigh. 

“That’s rough... Do you want me to tell you a story? When I had trouble with nightmares my uncle would tell me stories.” Four said sheepishly and Wild raised an eyebrow, intrigued. 

“What kind of stories?”

“Mostly nonsense, but it was more than enough for my mind to drift off.” Four said with a shrug. 

Wild contemplated this for a moment. He never had anyone tell him a bed time story before, it sounded nice even if he was convinced it wouldn’t work.

“Why not? Give me your best stories,” Wild said with a tired smile. 

“Alright, get comfortable.” Four said suddenly perking up and ushered for Wild to lay back down. 

Wild did as he was instructed. It wasn’t exactly the easiest thing to do. Even with the Hyrule herb he downed he was still was in a considerable amount of pain. Wild tried his best to force it down though. Once he was settled Four scooted to his side and grabbed his hand and started to trace small circles into his palm. Wild raised an eyebrow but said nothing, in fact the light touch on his palm was rather comforting. Wild let his eyes slide shut as Four began to ramble out a story, the thread of which Wild lost almost instantly. He felt his mind drift pleasantly, though he wouldn’t exactly call it sleep, it was more like an odd kind of doze.