Tempest

by Brokenstar

Summary:

They had said that they couldn’t help it. He was the youngest. The Links couldn’t help but protect the smallest in their group, to keep Wind safe even if it meant getting hurt. But what happens when they don’t get back up? What happens when they leave him alone? What happens to that promise?

Wind thinks bitterly, they hide from their mistakes. From the thing they left behind.

It was always a tragedy when Eight became One.

Notes:

This is really heavy, mind the tags and keep yourself safe.

(TW:Death, funerals, gore, blood, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, lose of limb, alcohol)

 

No.

No no no-

This wasn’t meant to happen-

 

“Captain?” Wind begged. Hands trembling as he clung to a blue scarf stained red. 

 

Warriors didn’t move, “Captain? Plea- Please, talk to me. I-I don’t have a fairy-please talk to me- Captain?! ”

 

Wind blubbered, shifting his weight on the ground as he shook Warriors. Warmth soaked into his pants as he screamed. Trying to get Warriors to get his eyes open again-

 

He looked back around the field. It was empty-

 

That was a lie.

It wasn't. But it was a different type of emptiness.

 

The clearing of the forest, a valley really, was cast into a darkness. Storm clouds rumbled from where Wind called upon the winds and they obeyed his command. Starting tornados to take care of the enemies he couldn’t. Trees burnt from the fires were hard charcoal and ice pillars melting into the mud. Destructions of bombs were layed about as it reeked of the saying, ‘make your last stand your strongest’. Hundreds upon hundred of enemies had come, like an army waiting for them in the tall grasses that now lay trampled. All different types of arrows lay embedded into the ground, magic was a heavy fog in the air. Ready to ignite itself again at any given command. But no one was there to give it. 

All the enemies were dead. Monsters from all over the area were laying as the ground tried to take them back. A black being, the reason Wind had left Warriors side when he had been injured, lay on the ground without a head attached to its shoulders. Wind’s own rage took over him and he made sure it wouldn’t move again. Even if it could change faces, to kill a sea serpent, you chop off the head.

But there was a cost for winning, if it could be called that.

Wind shakily looked back, in his shadow where beings laid. Broken armor, red blood mixed with blackened, eyes seeing into nothing as they laid too still. Seven bodies that looked like they still dreamed in an endless sleep. Never to get up again.

 

“ Wake up!” Wind screamed, hitting the Warriors chest with what little strength he had. He didn’t move.

 

WInd choked, head low as he sobbed. Breaking down, never feeling more alone. They promised they would protect him. But at what cost?

 

“I-I-I told y-you I c-could t-tak-e care of m-myself!” Wind whispered, looking up with red rimmed eyes to the empty clearing. In a world that wasn’t his own. A mournful rage took over him as he yelled, “Why did you leave me!?”

 

Only the howling wind like the screams of Wind’s own torment answered him back. He whimpered, hunching low as he hugged in himself. Breaking from Warrior's growing cold touch.

Wind stumbled up, feet tripping over themself as he looked on the bodies and the air that was too clean and without shape.

 

Wind couldn’t see any of them. Couldn’t see anyone-But he could feel them. He could feel the cold touch of someone trying to hug him, of someone patting his back, but he couldn’t see them. Couldn’t get farther.

Wind fell to his knees as they gave in.

 

“I-I can’t see y-you right now,” He muttered, almost hoping that the other ghost that followed them would tell them one day Wind could speak to them. But not today, today wasn’t one of those days. He didn’t know if he wanted to see them.

 

Wind desperately whipped tears from clouding his vision but he couldn’t stop it. Couldn’t stop the emotion of losing his only complaints that he grew to love only for in the moment of an hour to be ripped from him.

It wasn’t fair. Wind should’ve been with them. He wasn’t meant to be left. If they hadn’t all protected him. If they had only- If they hadn’t done it out of instinct- If he was a bit older- If the shadow hadn’t ambushed them- If he-

Wind wailed.

 

-

 

It took Wind another two hours before he could stand. By then his eyes were rubbed raw, and he couldn’t utter another word. It-It wasn’t nice. He almost would have laughed if someone said something about his appearance. His head still hurt and he betted that he still had red in his blond hair. His blue tunic was stained with the black ink like blood, and his hands were rubbed crimson with stains of his companions.

Wind couldn’t drag his friends away yet. He didn’t have the energy or will yet to bury them. He could do it tomorrow. It was already dusk. But there was one thing left to do.

He had a tradition on his island. With those who died, you always took a memento of them. An item of theirs to remember them. If it was a family member it was common to take an item of clothing or everyday wear. A reminder.

Wind knelt down at Warriors' side. Unwrapping the scarf from his neck. Not looking at the stab wound that he had gained protecting Wind’s back when he missed a dodge of a Darknut. Being too aware of Wind’s surroundings to warn him of any attack, but unknowing of his own.

It only stung worse knowing he was the cause.

Wind slipped the scarf around his shoulders, but he still felt cold. 

He went to Sky next. The master sword was still in his hands, but his fingers were loose. His head bled still, but at least his eyes were shut and it mock him sleeping. Wind gave a wet laugh, “You always slept so much, Chosen… please keep your dreamless sleep.”

 

Wind almost took his sailcloth, of which Sky used to wrap him around, but his eyes teared and he couldn’t bear to leave Sky sleeping cold. Not when it was the only thing Sly had to remind him of his love he wouldn't ever see again. It wasn’t logical, but he couldn’t take it. He took it and layed it over Sky’s body instead, taking the master sword, his sword , precious Fi into his hands and sheathing it. 

 

“I’ll take care of her, I promise.” Wind started, hands shaking.

 

Sky remained mute. He hoped he could hear him.

 

He was glade the white sail cloth covered his legs from were Sky had been to disoriented from the blow to his head that he couldn’t move his feet from a bomb that had flown to close. Nor could he see the impale of his chest from where a moulin took advantage of his mobility.

No, Wind could only see it when he blinked and his conscience wanted to haunt him.

 

He took a breath, looking over to Twilight, who was slung over Wild. Wanting to protect his cub one last time. When he had been in Wolf form he had already been injured but came back swinging his sword. Coal like liquid stained his mouth when it had once been fangs but now stood out in pale skin. 

The sword felt Heavy in Wind’s hands. He strapped it to his back as he knelt down. No looking at the gash in Twilights chest where if Wind pretended he could still see it moving. It wasn’t, but he liked to lie.

He couldn’t look at Twilight's tattooed face, with his eyes still open and glossy. Mouth opened to yell but no sound fell out. Wind grabbed his pelt, the only thing clean and one thing that could warm him. He tucked it into his bag as he tried his best to not let it get dirtied.

He pulled the heavy man off of Wild’s form. Lying him gently down the ground. Hand gracing the Ranchers as he gave it a small squeeze. The cold touched his hand but there wasn’t anything left. He blinked away tears, eyes already too raw.

He looked back to Wild. Hair laid out like a halo around his head, eyes downwards as if to look at the arrows impaired to his neck. Someone had gotten a lucky shot, Mipha had already healed him before in the battle from a rib that impaled his lungs, or so Wind guessed.

He unclasped Wild’s cloak, wrapping it around him. He looked at the sheikah slate, letting his fingers trail down the image of the eye before letting go. He didn’t deserve to take it, no one did. He would bury it with- he would with- with-

Wind closed his eyes tightly. Taking a deep breath as he lightly brushed his fingers over Wild’s long hair. He had always liked when Wind would practice braiding for his sister. Now the memories felt bitter and left Wind with slumped shoulders.

He stood up shaky, gazing on Wild’s form as his sightless eyes didn’t see anything anymore. Trail of red leaking from the corners of his mouth. Wind lightly wiped thin off with his already stained hands. It only rubbed into his already peeled skin. Wind stepped away.

He looked over to Legend, walking a bit a way. He was against a tree, expression torn into a scowl with gritted teeth, but concerned eyes were stuck on where Hyrule lay and continued to. Matted hair was stuck on his forehead as his body was trapped under the spear under his ribs and the bolder over one of his legs from a rock monster of Wild’s era. 

Wind lightly pulled Legend’s pink tipped hair back behind his ear and pulled his hat back onto him. It was wrong for him not to wear it. Even if it was stained. With a sigh, trying to gain courage, he pulled Legend hand into his own as he graced his rings, biting his lip as he tried to finger out which to pick.

Then, a feeling of a fingers, cold as ice and sent a shiver up Wind’s spine as he tensed, knowing. They pulled away, but Wind recognized the feeling and the presence that it must have been.

 

Quietly, barely a whisper, “Show me,” Wind asked, “Show me the right ones to take.”

 

There was a moment where nothing happened, but then the touch returned. Cool and forgein from what he was used to, but welcome. Gentle touches like snow flecks, Wind’s hand was led to Legend’s unmoving palm and he started to slip rings off. 

Two small rings were taken from Legend’s right hand and one from his left, or what was left of it. Wind’s hands were smaller than Legends, but they worked. The cold touch was removed once Wind slipped on the rings, and Wind could feel a hum from the power they held. Perhaps tomorrow Wind could ask what they did.

Crawling over to Hyrule, he tried to ignore the smell of burned flesh that had crawled over Hyrules hands and towards his middle. The only thing that had stopped him from casting out spells and fighting. It wasn’t fair, none of it was.

Hyrules eyes were thankfully closed, if Wind could ignore the scent and anything below Hyrule’s shoulders, he looked peaceful. Wind rubbed some dirt off of his face, from when he and Wild had been exploring before and been late to the ambush. 

Looking down to his wrist, Wind slipped off the power brackets that Hyrule wore. His own had broken during his fight in revenge when he had pulled them to their max. He slipped them on and felt the warmth on them as well as the feeling of wet blood still on the metal.

Swallowing, Wind turned to Four. Wincing at the form of the younger. His hair was clotted with crimson as his hand was out to grab a sword that was no longer there. He had split before, trying to help out with more people, and it did help. For a time. Before Blue was too daring  and was immobile with two arrows in his knee. Then Red fell to a cut to his middle, and then Green tried to protect Violet with an attack from behind-Violet took them and reformed into Four again and hoped to save the others. It hadn’t-the time it had taken was too much on an opening. Too much of a distraction that Four couldn’t stop, even if they thought they could save themselves.

Wind didn’t look at Four much. Their torn body and colorful tunic that was now stained more red than anything else. The small form was twisted from the broken bones and a tear from the shoulder to the chest from vicious claws of a beast Wind hadn't been able to see.

 

“I hope you find better peace, all of you,” Wind murmured, brushing a lock from Fours face. 

 

Wind bent low, unhooking Four’s earring as he pulled the small feathers tail that reminded him of the minish and pulled the wooden back from fours ear. Gentle he pulled it off as he held the tiny earring in his palm. 

He had always been scared to get piercings, the thought of having something pierce your skin willingly leaving him squeamish. But he remembers seeing Four wearing his earring. Seeing the color of the red swing in the wind and when Four would fidget, pulling up a hand as he rubbed it against his fingers. Remembered seeing Four’s face light up in a joy when Wind had asked about it and talking about the minish and their culture.

They were good memories now tempered with the future. Wind held the earring in his palm and it felt so small. There were three droplets of scarlet that lay on the white and didn’t fade into the red at the bottom. From Four it seemed. 

Wind felt the back of the earring, it was sharp, and the wooden backing did good to hold it on. Wind felt the back of his ear, picking a target of wear he wanted. He felt a touch on his hand, but he ignored it. Instead focused on steading his hands as he prepared to feel the pain.

Four was his friend, his young brother who he could play pranks with and laugh about things that the others wouldn’t understand in their grown up manner. The only one who understood what it was like to be underestimated by the others as thy tried to shelter them(Not like it ended up well, did it). Four was his brother, but what Wind was about to do wasn’t anything like the pain that burned in his chest like a scowling scorch brand.

Taking a deep breath, Wind shoved the point into his ear as he bit back a yell and put the wooden backing on the back of his ear. The ear was hot and red and the weight felt odd, but it was icing to feel his presence on him. Like the memory that would always stay.

Taking a deep sigh, dusting himself off as he stood. He looked to the one person he wanted nothing more to run from. The shame burned low as he knew that the tragedy that occurred was all his fault. With their leader they would’ve survived, but Wind had been foolish and idiotic. And like fools, his brothers protect him from the monsters, when they should’ve been protected from him .

Wind took a shuddering breath before he looked at the body of his once admired leader and hero that was a legend in his time. The hero of Time, lay still. The first one to fall in the act of the ambush and the downfall of the first, the one who was the glue and strong foundation of the band of brothers, had fallen. Eye lowered, and mouth twisted as it held in the grunt of pain. His side was stabbed, sword still impaled from where he had stepped in to save Wind. 

(Wind, who was still standing amidst the chaos, unharmed.)

His fist curled, but he didn’t utter a word.

Bending down to their leader, Wind let his fingers trace the tattoos on his face. Over the colorful markings and then down to the arm that he would always keep polished. There wasn’t anything that was his size. Not like he knew if he could grow into anything.

Wind always admired Time, knowing that he was his legend. But… but he couldn’t help but feel guilty for knowing that it was him. It's his fault that he was here now. Time had a life, had a wife and his own farm-He shouldn’t have been there to protect Wind when he couldn’t protect himself. Should’ve let Wind, the stupid childish kid, get hurt instead. It wasn’t fair.

It wasn’t fair.

 Wind sighed, rubbing his eyes as he looked at Times waist. Grabbing his bag as he sought for something. He always wanted to play music. He pulled gently out the ocarina. Beautiful blue and smooth, he rubbed it with blood flocking fingers and hooked it to his belt. Feeling heavy.

The sky was becoming dusk. He wasn’t hungry and he couldn’t dig in the dark. It wasn’t right. They were heroes, they desired better than what Wind could give them.

Setting down his bag, Wind rolled out his mat, pulling Twilight’s pelt and Warriors scarf over him as he slept with his brothers one last time. Feeling alone.

 

-

 

When Wind woke, he woke to the low murmurs of his brothers and the whirling wind in his ears. It curled around him as he shifted, sighing. He didn’t really want to get up, but he knew that either Twilight or Legend would come wake him and then-

And then-

And then-

.

.

.

He remembered screams, of fear and anguish, of red and ink blood mixing. 

He remembered bodies that lay on the floor and wouldn’t get up no matter how rough he pushed or how much he screamed at them to open their eyes.

He remembered how alone he was again.

 

Wind shot up. Knees curling up into his chest, eyes feeling misty as he folded an arm around him as a makeshift hug and another in his hair. Trying to pull at his shiny locks and not to notice the new found silence around him. Trying not to feel new presences next to him that weren’t there before.

He breathed heavily. Trying to suck in a breath without hyperventilating. He curled, hand pulling taut as he prayed this was another dream. A terrible dream that wouldn’t ever come true. That he was at the Ocean King’s mercy again. He could live with that, not with the knowledge that he was his brother's downfall.

 

Wind flinched when there was a hand on his arm. He froze, feeling completely pulled into the silence as he trembled and paused and his feet steadily themselves on the ground. Readily.

 

“Little champion?” A high voice called.

 

It was Mipha, she was always the one who talked to him the most. Perhaps she liked hearing him rant about the ocean waves and the salt in the air. Or if she saw her own brother in his actions or charmatics. He didn’t know, he didn’t ask.

 

“Can he hear us?” Someone asked, it sounded like Sky.

 

Oh Din, he could hear them—

 

“Little champion,” Mipha called gently, rubbing her cold touch on his arm. His hairs raised at the feeling, “Can you talk to us? Please calm down, it will be alright. Your brothers are worried—“

 

Wind nodded, pulling away the grip on his hair as Mipha led his hand. He couldn't look up yet. Felt as if his ankle couldn’t reach the floor and his touch felt fizzled. 

 

“There you go, now, you probably need to eat-“

 

‘Not hungry.’ Wind replied dully with his fingers flying to make the symbols comprehensible.

 

The tension came back and Wind’s stomach twisted, dread settled in.

 

There was an awestruck voice, it sounded like Legend, strange coming from him. “He can-Your were right. He can hear us…”

 

Wind had a shiver as he curled his arms around him again.

 

“Sailor…” Someone whispered, it was Warriors deeper tone.

 

A moment passed before it. Sounded like some came near Wind. Mipha had long stayed silent, perhaps realizing Wind needed some space.

 

“Kid, you need something.” Wild stated as he leaned close. “Get something from my slate, I think I should have something small.”

 

‘…I don’t want to.’ Wind signed.

 

“Kid-“

 

Wind whipped his face up to face Wild as he growled low, making harsh actions with his hands, ‘I said no. ’

 

Wild was taken back a moment at the fierceness of Wind’s glare before Wind stuttered. Falling as he realized he could see through Wild. He could see Wild, just like he was. Scars stretching over the side of his face and haired long and falling around his shoulders. His tunic was a bright blue and unstained. He had no weapons and looked relaxed. Peaceful finally.

It wasn’t right- It wasn’t meant to be him-

Wind couldn’t help but feel weak at the sight. He could see through his brother. Just like all the other ghosts that had been following them. Wind got choked up as Wild’s face contorted in concern as he tried to touch Wind’s shoulder-but it went through him and Wind shuttered.

He was silent again as Wind rested his face on his knees and looked crossed from him. Seeing a solidified Wild that lay in the dirt with locked limbs and crimson pools that surrounded him.

 

Warriors sighed, “Sailor, you need energy, any monsters could come and you need to have strength. You can’t give up now.”

 

Wind shook his head.

 

Wild tried again, “Please, for us can you eat something?”

 

Wind’s lower lip trembled without his consent. ‘I can’t. ’ He signed.

 

It was true, his mouth tasted like ash and his stomach twisted dangerously as the thought of consuming something sounded disgusting.

He couldn’t eat anything with the knowledge his brothers wouldn’t ever taste anything again. Wouldn’t ever sit down to have Wild’s cooking or joke on what treats to get on their next village they came across to. That was taken from them, forever.

 

Someone else signed, “That’s okay then, let’s get you washed up.”

 

It was the deep rumble of their leader and Wind closed his eyes tightly as he tried to bury his head into his arms.

 

“Sailor,” Someone said disapprovingly, it was Twilight.

 

They were all too silent and Wind hated it. Couldn't bear to look at the rest of them besides Wild. Could only think about how much better they could’ve been without him. 

 

“Come on, you’ll feel better once you wash up.” Warriors insisted, closer now.

 

Wind ear aches. His hands were shaky and his throat was sore. He didn’t want to move. He wanted to sleep forever like his brothers. Perhaps he could call on the Ocean King and grant that favor. 

 

Wind glanced up, eyes looking up at similar blue pupils and light blonde hair. He smiled widely as he kneeled before Wind. He looked happy, it looked like a front.

 

“Come on, there's a creek near here. Let’s wash up a bit and then perhaps you’ll feel b-hungry again.” He corrected himself.

 

Wind looked at him, throat closed as he looked to Mipha in the corner of his vision. She perked up, seeing his glance. He didn’t know how to look at Warriors how he was, seeing the outline of his form. He wanted him solidified again, not like this… never like this.

 

“Do you want me to come?” Mipha asked gently.

 

It would be nice to have a normal presence compared to the others. Wind nodded. Mipha smiled and nodded, her silver caught the lighting as she stood up. Warriors looked to Wind expectantly, standing up as well.

Wind sighed, trying to build up courage again. Warriors lifted a hand out to him and Wind only could look at him sadly. Warriors seemed to realize and dropped his hand. Wind stood up. Swaying a bit as he rubbed his eyes. He gathered Warrior’s scarf and Twilight’s pelt. Keeping his eyes to the ground so he couldn’t look the others in their eyes. They stayed silent, as if sensing the tension they couldn’t feel in the air anymore.

Wind followed Warriors and Mipha to a small creek that wasn’t far, which was good because Wind’s feet ached and his bones felt too heavy and light all at once. He leaned down to the creek. The water ran over itself as it contained life. Without knowing the blood shed the day before. Or the life beyond the frog’s hop or the cricket’s song.

Wind dipped his hands in, Watching as the cold water weaved between his fingers as it cleansed him from his sins. Of his guilt. Scarlet flocking off to reveal the island tan of his skin and the small freckles that lined his knuckles.

The chill of the creek couldn’t account for the icy touch of his friends, no longer were they going to be warm hands or playful ruffles in his hair. Wind scrubbed his arms roughly, pulling his skin as he scraped the blood off. The blood of his brothers.

He didn’t hear the voice next to him as he was focused on his task as his nails racked his arms. Trying to get it off of him, trying to get off the crimson that sunk into his bones of his mistakes and failures- why couldn’t he do anything right?

 

Wind gasped as there was a cold touch on his face and looked to see golden eyes bearing into him and the sigh of water dripping behind them. Trying to focus on the sharpness of the dangling rubies as he felt the prickly freezing fingers grace his cheek. Blinking back tears as he breathed a moment.

 

Mipha smiled, “Good, just breathe a moment… The water will wash off the blood, you don’t need to scrub so hard, little one.”

 

Wind muffed a whine as he nodded. Leaving numb fingers in the creek as Mipha sat near him. Giving some small talk about the type of fish that lived in this area and about some history about some herbs that Wind couldn’t bear to remember. 

Once Wind took out his hands, he dipped them in and splashed some of his face as he tried to wash his dirted face. Mipha didn’t comment if he looked better or not and Wind couldn’t open his mouth from where it felt latched shut.

He pulled Warrior's scarf onto his lap as he heard the man shift behind him. Wind grabbed the end that was soaked through with red and dipped it in the creek. Red streaks ran through it as the water greedily took the fabric.

 

Warriors cleared his throat. Wind flinched, ducking his head low as it gave Warriors only a brief pause. “It-It’ll need to soak in water if you're trying to get it out. Otherwise it’ll stain.”

 

Wind frowned, pulling it back, running a hand over the gold embroidery. He looked to the creek and realized he couldn’t keep it soaked otherwise his hands would get too cold and he couldn’t have numb thumbs picking up a shovel.

 

“It’s-It’ll be okay. Red’s a good color.” Warriors muttered, something his words sounded disappointed.

 

Wind’s face twisted, he pushed the scarf back into the water, keeping it trapped with his fingers. Warriors always kept his scarf in the best condition, Wind at least wanted to do the same.

 

“Kid, please, your hands will need to warm up-“ A hand landed on his shoulders and Wind tried to shake it, but it sank under his skin and engraved into his bones.

 

Wind pulled the scarf back, leaning his head down to look at the blue stained fabric that was clouded with scarlet. He sighed, fingers trembling either by the cold or still by a shock.

 

“Sorry,” He whispered, voice harsh and as loud as he could make it out. Feeling as if the iron doors holding it shut were heavy and Wind’s strength could only last so long before it vanished.

 

Warriors sat down next to him on his other side while Mipha watched carefully. “There's nothing to be sorry about, these things happen. I’m just impressed it hasn’t ripped yet!”

 

Wind wanted to chuckle, to give a huff of a laugh like he would and state, ‘Only your pride rips away from you!’ Or something of the state. But he grew silent again and rubbed his fingers over it again.

 

“Clothes are hard to upkeep in battle,” Mipha agreed. “You’ve done well to keep what you have.”

 

Not enough , Wind thought bitterly as he stood up abruptly. Leaving his companions to give one another curious glances as Wind squeezed the water out of the scarf and tried to dry it as much as possible. Once satisfied, he wrapped it up and followed Mipha back to camp. Not paying much mind to how Warriors tried to make him feel better about his scarf.

He heard voices back into the clearing. It wasn’t like how it once was. Were the low mutters and the high pitch laughers and good company lay. No, now they were serious and speaking like there was a strategy that they must do.

Wind made the mistake to look at them when he came back. Freezing at the sight as he felt rooted to the grown. Like tree roots crawled over his feet and bark grew on his chest as the breath was stolen. Like the forest was trying to take him like mother nature would take his brothers.

They were grouped together. All of them, some champions, Wild held up his little sister and they turned to him. Through them Wind could still see laying bodies. Wind fought to look away but it was hard. Hard to peel away his gaze from the concerned looks of his brothers and their honesty displayed so harshly. Sky broke from them as he tried to approach. 

Wind blinked furiously as he finally broke from the spell. Breathing roughly as he dropped Warriors scarf on his bed-matt to dry. He rubs his face with newly dried hands, unbloody and fresh. Praying that he could stay on his feet with determination reformed into energy he would need.

 

“Is he alright?” Sky asked.

 

“As well as he can be.” Warriors replied.

 

Wild came close, his sister seemed to sense she wasn’t needed and pulled away for a moment. “Has he talked any more?”

 

Warrior sighed, “No…”

 

The tense atmosphere was present again and Wind wanted to go back to sleep again. Forget everything. He sighed, strapping up the master sword on his back again from where he left it on the ground. Wild came close and Wind made the wise decision not to look him in his face.

 

“Hey, can you eat anything?” He asked, always the good cook.

 

Wind wasn’t hungry still, but he struggled.

 

“Why don’t you go get my slate?” He offered gently, as if speaking to a scared animal. 

 

Wind tightened his fist, eyes narrowed. It wasn’t his, it was Wild’s and he didn’t want to-

 

“It’s okay, I don’t need it anymore.” Wild supplies, smiling, “Besides I think it would be safer in your hands than anyone else.”

 

But getting it means that he would have to face the truth. That he would have to go to where Wild lay. And that was hard and he didn’t think-

 

“For us, Sailor.” Warrior asked.

 

Wind sighed, nodding. He would do anything for his brothers.

 

He walked over to Wild. Leaning down as the others seemed to crowd around him. He picked up the slate without looking too much at the body. It lit up in his grasp, pulling its storage out as he looked through.

He remembers once convincing Wild to let him play with it(and then Wild had vowed never again) but he held it still. Breathing deeply, he looked through. Whatever food he had didn’t nothing but further the sourness in his throat that seeped down into his lungs. He looked through Wild’s supplies until he stumbled onto a shovel. The other muttered something while Wind summoned the shovel in his hands and looked around.

 

“Kid?” They asked at the sight. 

 

Wind looked around until he found a good spot in the clearing. He wished he could’ve done it in a prettier place. Perhaps even at the sea done a ceremony like he knew how to. But this would have to do. He walked over to a place and dug the tip of the shovel into the earth.

 

Sky was the first to come up to him, “Sailor, please just rest a moment. This can wait-“

 

Wind shook his head as he looked determined to complete his task. Hyrule’s brackets helped, he dug deeper into the earth as he made his first hole. The dirt cracked open and the earth was broken into. Shards of clumped mud pulled up as the ground shuttered at what was being put into its body. What would lay in it for eternity.

 

“Kid, eat, please. You need to rest after-“

 

“Sailor, just wait a minute-“

 

“You can’t do this now-“

 

“Why-“

 

“Link!”

 

Wind turned sharpening as he glared at Legend who had finally gotten his attention being annoying like he was good at.

 

Hissing out Wind response switches a raspy voice and a thick tone throat. “Don’t try to stop me. It’s too late for that.”

 

Legend backed up as his face looked guilty and pitiful intertwined. Wind’s throat clogged up again at the use of so many words, but he dealt with it. He alway dealt with it. Wind turned back to his task as they gave him space. He briefly heard Mipha telling them, ‘give him space, he’s processing’.

It took three hours even with the help of the power bracelets. It was good to use his hands, getting dirty and forgetting everything as all he knew was the progress of the digging. Once he had seven holes he turned to his sleeping brothers.

 

He first went to Four. Arms tenderly curled under their form as he carried the stiff body to his hole. He lay his brother on the soft dirt as he took his shield and sword and laid them on the surface. 

The group was silent as they watched him do the task. Watched him pick up Hyrule without a struggle and then Legend. Watched him pull Wild into a hole and pull his hair back like he used to. Watched as he struggled to get Warriors and Twilight into their holes. Their weight was too much as he had to resort to pulling them against the ground. 

He broke at Time’s feet. Legs trembling as the sun burned down on him. As his hands couldn’t pull the man too heavy for him with his armor weighing him down. Wind gulped at the air as if he was drowning, vision clouded as he choked on sobs as he tried again and again to pull Time but found that he couldn't.

 

“I c-can’t-I c-c-can-t-I-I-I-I c-c-can-t-t-t-“ He blubbered out, Time’s body cold and unmoving towards his pleads.

 

He heard a voice stirred around him, saying things he couldn’t understand as he leaned over the metal chest. Hands shaking too hard to get a good grip on the body.

 

“I-cn’t, i-c’t- i c’t…”

 

“Kid,” A voice rumbled before him. Wind looked up, eyes red rimmed and falling about at the seams. “Take a breath.”

 

Wind tried but it was caught on his tongue as he tried to say how hard he was sorry. Tried to say his apologies.

 

“Breath, just breathe for me.” They asked.

 

Wind nodded as he tried. Closing his eyes to the tears as one trailed down his cheek. He swallowed his empty sorry’s and tried to breathe. He rocked himself on his heels as he brought arms around his chest. (He tried to pretend it was Grandma or Sky hugging him. Like their arms wrapped around him and everything was going to be okay. That he wasn’t alone. He was and it hurt more.)

Wind was breathing a bit easier. Or maybe the smoke that clogged his lungs had left. He didn’t know. He opened his eyes to see Time before him. Kneeling with his eye gazing into Wind’s blue eyes. His eyebrows were knitted into concern as his symbols looked vivid against his see through skin.

 

“Hey kid, you okay?” He asked softly.

 

Wind nodded, eyes looking down and away from the eye contact that pieced into him. He looked down at the metal chest plate, wondering why he couldn’t be strong enough. Why couldn't he be better?

 

“It’s okay, Sailor.” Time whispered. “You don’t have to do this now.”

 

Wind shook his head fiercely, shoulders pulled up.

 

Time back traveled, “Okay, then let’s think about it for a moment. You're doing really well, I’m proud of you.”

 

One time, Wind would’ve beamed under the words, now they just felt hollow. Like something used to keep the peace than anything with real meaning. He tried to nod, tried to give a response but he couldn’t. Only squeezing his eyes shut as he had to keep control of himself. He could do it in battle, so why not now?

 

“Kid?” He asked, pressing a cold sensation to Wind's arm.

 

Wind took a deep breath as he looked at the body. He twisted his fingers into the armor, letting the edge of the plates cut into his fingers as he pulled the body. It didn’t move much, Wind huffed, pulling harder, but instead his fingers slipped and cut one of his fingers down to his palm. 

He hissed, dropping the body as he stared at the crimson dripping down his hand. He wiped it on his already dirty clothes and went to try again.

 

“Wait!” Wild shouted, dropping down by Wind. Wind tilted his head at him, not looking at his face. “I have a magnetic ability on the slate. I think it’ll pick up on the armor.”

 

Wind frown, pulling out the slate as there was a bit of red that rubbed on the screen. Wind huffed and dried it off before Wild leaned down.

 

“Swipe left-there! The red shape.”

 

Wind pressed it and it lit up, Wild added on, “Now you have to aim it with the eye… there! It lights up when it can access it.”

 

Twin yellow beams flowed from the slate as it connected to Time’s sleeping body. Wild tried to help Wind lead to body with cold touches, but it only helped a bit as he couldn’t feel anything but ice pressed against his palms.

The armor scraped against the grass, but moved farther than it had with Wind’s help. Once he could lay it safely in the hole, Wind turned off the slate and sighed. Dropping his head as his shoulder shook. He sat on the ground a bit.

 

“You should eat something,” Wild pressed.

 

He still felt like he couldn’t. His stomach felt like a turbulent sea that was too restless to consume anything other than guilt and self loathing. But he let Wild show him to an apple and only could manage three bites before his insides threatened to throw it back up.

 

“Good! That's good enough! Thank you.” Wild’s praise seemed empty but he took it.

 

After some rest like Wild and Time insisted, Wind stood up again. Crawling to the seven holes again, he started the final process again. Shoving the dirt to hide his mistakes and sin, he covered his family. Leaving them to sleep in the ground as nature took back what was once its own. 

After that, came the last ceremony. Taking every sword, he stabbed the sheath into the ground as he marked his brother's place. Then he took their shields and placed them on their swords. Sky didn’t have a sword and it felt wrong to leave Fi without her master, but he promised he would take care of her and he would. 

The sun was low, and it was dusk. He was slower than he needed to be, but it was all he could do. Perhaps it was ironic that it was this time that the reality started to sink in. That without their sleeping forms on the ground, he was utterly and completely alone .

Wind took a deep breath that choked him up, and tears started to form in his eyes as he looked upon all his work as memories flowed through his mind. He loved them all. Cared about each and everyone.

…and now it was just him.

It wasn’t even his world-his Hyrule or sea—

Strangely that was one of the things that hurt the most.

He was in Wild’s world, before he even woke up-and no way to even see anyone he knew again. Alive at least.

And it hurts. It hurt like a wound that couldn’t be healed. No magic from Hyrule’s hands or hugs from Sky, or comforting words. It hurt.

Like a burning pain that searded itself into his skin and bones and crawled under his chest. Breaking into his lungs and into his heart as it stabbed him. Using dark magic as it lit a fire inside of him of rage and grief that couldn’t be healed-he had already taken his revenge, but what else was left after that? Who else could he curse or take these emotions that drove him?

How could he deal with the aftermath when the field of battle was empty and the trails of blood were the only thing that showed his white stained sin? How does he deal with the loneliness of his own doing?

It was his own grief and guilt that drove him down. The silences edging into him, like a cutting knife into his soul, sliced deep. With no guard or wall, it cut him open. Pulling out the worst and ugliness of himself. It came and he couldn’t stop it. 

But it was steaming now and all he could feel was a numbness of sorrow as he looked upon seven dirt covered holes of them names he couldn’t utter without memories of them popping up and burning himself deeper.

Taking a deep breath, Wind bowed low. Eyes closed as he played his last respects. Pulling his voice out with blooded grips and clawed hands, and putting it out into the open even though it stung with every clipped syllable.

 

“My Hylia lead you well to peace,” He announced, voice low but rumbled out of him and crossed the quiet clearing. Into the bright colors of the sky as the clouds curled in the wind as it paused in its turmoil and listened to its conductor. “Your path has ended, quest finished at last. Find rest now, for those left with your memories and legends to give. Journey once more to your land beyond us…”

 

Wind blinked with some tears as his wet voice broke a moment, trembling before his sleeping brothers, “I’m sorry I couldn’t be better for you.”

 

And with that he announced he was done. Whipping his eyes, he turned away. His goodbyes. He looked back to those who stood behind him. Staring with wide eyes and concerned looks. It was one last look at his family, he tried his best to smile. Tried to show them strength. 

He had let them free, that they didn’t need to hold on to him anymore and could find some peace. They didn't need to watch over him anymore. He couldn’t ever bound his brothers with moral chains, and he planned to never do it.

 

“I’ve let you go,” Wind announced, wishing his voice was stronger than he presented it. “You can go now.”

 

“What?” Legend asked. 

 

Warrior shook his head, “We aren’t leaving you, Sailor.”

 

Red looked saddened, “You're sending us away?”

 

Blue growled next to Red, “We aren’t leaving yet!”

 

Wild looked stricken, “But we could help you-“

 

Wind turned away and set up his bed, ignoring their comments and pleads. He set his mat up as he whispered once more to them, “I’m not keeping you where you can’t be. Don’t feel indebted to me.”

 

And with that he laid down. Closing his eyes even though he couldn’t fall asleep. Hearing his brother's talk, he tried so desperately to pretend that it was all normal and that he was back to the night before and not in this hell.

He didn’t sleep.

 

-

 

When Wind heard nothing he sat up. Head sprinting as he believed that finally that had gone. That he was alone. No Ghost to haunt him and his faults, no memories to show him what it could’ve been if he had been faster or stronger-

He was alone.

The clearing was empty. In the moonlight, he could see the glint in the light of the sword and the shields. His feelings sank. His brothers were gone.

He curled up, they were gone. His earring tickled his ear and burned. His arms ached and his legs felt like jell. He felt wrong. Like he wasn’t meant to be here. 

He sighed, pulling Warriors dried and stained scarf and Twilight’s pelt off of him. Sitting up during twilight as the stars looked over him. They weren’t even the same constellations of his home world. They didn’t even look alike. He could always tell where he was at night, reading the stars was almost natural to him-but even here he seemed lost. 

Like a shattered leaf in the wind, he fluttered and frowned in a world he didn’t understand, basted against the storms and hurricanes. He wasn’t meant to be here. He was meant to be with his brothers. To follow after his brothers.

He gripped the phantom sword, looking at it with a longing. He was meant to follow after his brothers. He couldn’t survive here alone. He didn’t even know what a horse was until he was told. How could he-

Wind unhealthy his sword.

This was fate. He took revenge for his brothers. Now he was taking revenge for what he had done.

 

His arms were bare and it wasn’t hard for his sharp blade to make slices. Four on each arm for his brothers. Each pain, every gasp and hiss was punishment for his crimes. His arms were bloody, it didn't matter, not with how this was going to end. They wouldn’t have time to scar.

Wind took a deep breath, body racked in pain but he didn't care. Not anymore. Not when nobody could care for him.

 

" LINK!"

 

Suddenly there was a hand pulling his arm away as Wind sobbed, trying to speak through his anguish.

 

"Stop!"

 

Wind shook his head, trying to say that he needed to join his brothers-(Hylia would be ashamed that her hero was going down in such a way. Perhaps that's why she never chose him in the first place.)

 

"Dammit, kid! I didn't save you so you could go die again!"

 

Wind gasped, looking up from the hands that looked upon the red running down his forearms to the ghost that knelt before him. Not ever registered the chill in their touch.

 

"Time?" Wind asked so carelessly, so childish, so shameful.

 

Time winced at the hint of his hero title, but was ignored as he gripped Wind's forearms. (Tight they were tight. Wind could feel them now instead of the ghostly fading. He would be lying if he wasn't thankful that it was one of the worst days when the ghosts were more physical than dreamy. But this felt different, he almost thought he could feel the warmth.)

 

"What are you doing?" Time demanded, face looking horrified and disappointed.

 

"I-I- failed. I shouldn't be here-your-your- I can't leave with it! I should be with you! Why couldn't I-let me do it- i can't- I can't- I can't-"

 

Time gripped him harder, pulling his focus. "Yes you can. We saved you. You can throw away that gift."

 

Wind blubbering. Falling down as his sight was torn into tears and sobs. " You shouldn't have."

 

Time gave a smile, raising a hand to his chin as he graced it ever so light. Wind calmed to hear his words. "Wind, you were worth it. Don't ever think to yourself you weren't. Promise me that you won't throw away what I gave you. Don't waste my gift, you are more than that. Promise me."

 

Wind nodded, whispering out, "I pr-promise."

 

Time smiled. "Good."

 

Then his touch started to fade. Started leaning into his skin too much. Like it wasn't Wind who had made him more corporal, but Time's determination. 

 

Time chuckled, looking saddened. "I guess it's time for me to go."

 

"You’re leaving?" Wind whispered, feeling as if he was getting whiplash. Stomach sinking into the ground faster than it could’ve risen.

 

Time sighed, his blonde hair shining the moon light as his vibrant tattoos looked like painters mark on a white canvas. His lips pulled downwards in discontentment, and his one eye looked glossy as he gazed at Wind one last time.

 

"I don't want to, but I'm being pulled. Besides, I think Malon might need some looking after, she has quite the temper when she wants to."

 

"Oh," Wind replied, shivering slightly. He tried to hide his disappointment. Loneliness sinking back into his bones, but he promised he wouldn't let it get to him. He promised.

 

Wind forced a smile on his lips as he prayed one day it could be real again. "I'll keep my promise, for you. I won't let your gift go in vain and I won't let your legend die. I'll make you proud."

 

Time chuckled, swiping his hand over Wind’s cheek once more like a father would, "You already have."

 

Then with a whisper of the wind saying it's goodbyes. Light blue trickled down his arms and to his body as it faded into the night.

(Time liked to watch over the group. He wasn't just chosen to be the leader, he marched up to task himself. Protect his boys like they were his own, perhaps they were in his own eyes. Wind wondered how much it hurt for him to have to leave first, and not be the last to see everyone go.)

Wind sighed, arms trembling and face tear stained. He grabbed bandages, wrapping his arms skillfully as he washed his wounds and went to bed. Letting the cool air of the wind play with his hair and drag him to sleep.

 

-

 

When Wind woke, he heard harsh whispers and a low mumbling. It was strange to hear in the morning with the early birds chirping, but Wind didn't care as he shot up in his bed.

Eyes opened as he looked out to see his brothers there. Huddling together as he could see each one. Looking almost normal, relaxed in their positions like Wind could barely look through them. 

At Wind's sudden motion they quitted and looked at him. Wind was shocked. Thinking that Time was the last he was going to see.

 

"You're here…" He muttered in disbelief.

 

It was just the six of his brothers now, well ten since Green, Vio, Red, and Blue weren't forced together as Four. They were all here.

 

Warriors cracked a grin, "Of course! We won't leave you!"

 

Wind flushed at the wording as he stood up, gently making sure the scarf and pelt didn't get dirty. He looked at them.

 

"I let you go, to find peace-I don't want to keep you here-"

 

"We want to stay, to help you." Wild replied.

 

"What, can't take some good advice from your brothers anymore? Hate to tell you but you're still the youngest." Legend snapped with a fond look.

 

Wind gave a grin in return. Warmth bursting from his chest as he nodded. Not looking where seven shields were put up or where stains of red had yet to be washed away by rain.

He didn't look, he only could look at his brothers with a smile. 

 

"Alright then, first orders of business then-" Green announced, always the leader.

 

"Healer check!" Hyrule cut in as he came close, sitting down.

 

Wind tensed all of the sudden as he realized and paled. Dread dripped on his shoulders as he hunched. Ashamed.

 

No one said anything as he sat down and unrolled his bandages. Hyrule gently touches his arm, a small gasp exited his lips when his touch didn't fade through. It was still cold to Wind.

 

He looked them over. Then after a moment he looked to Wind’s pierced ear, humming in relief and satisfaction at what he found. Drawing his gaze back to Wind’s arms, he declared, “They don’t look bad enough for stitches, since there aren’t any potions left-but keep them bandaged for now and rest!”

 

Wind playful rolled his eyes, “You always say rest.”

 

Hryule sighed, freckles looking stark in the early light. “And no one listens anyways.”

 

The rest of the group laughs, and Wind wines back new bandages around his arm. 

 

Wild perked up, looking towards the Sheikah Slate as he asked with raised eyebrows, “Can you eat something today?”

 

Wind hummed, nodding as his stomach felt more bearable and he believed he could hold down something. Wild smiled as he looked over Wind’s shoulders as he dictated what would be good.

Finally after going back and forth between Wild and Wild, Wind stubbornly took out a cooked apple compared to the meat and veggie stick Wild wanted him to eat. Wind let the crisp taste of the apple and sweetness fill his mouth as he took a hard swallow. Making sure he didn’t choke on bile that wanted to come up instead. Wild huffed, annoyed as he muttered something about ignoring the cook’s cooking.

 

Twilight placed a hand on his shoulder with a fond look as he stated, “Settle down pup, it’s just food.”

 

Wild guestered widely, “Yeah! My food that I cooked! I should at least be able to dictate where it goes!”

 

Wind froze a moment, eyes stuck on the ground as his expression lost its mirth. No one else seemed to try and bring it back as it settled over the area. Setting the half eaten apple and whipping his mouth on his sleeve, Wind turned back to the others.

 

“Okay,” Wind stated, trying to put on a brave face as he looked up to the blue and green eyes that looked at him with curiosity and guilt. His hands tightened in his lap but he pushed through. “You-You probably have a lot of questions… go away. I’ll listen.”

 

They looked at eachother, silently asking if it was okay before Warriors sighed. Drawing the attention as he asked with a worn voice, “Why did you take our stuff with you?”

 

Wind tensed, suddenly feeling guilty for what he did even though in his own time that was correct. His ear burned, his hands ached, his wrist felt heavy, and his neck warm. He curled his arms around himself, hunching slightly.

 

Warriors stumbled over himself, “Not that it’s bad-or anything-just-well, I mean-”

 

“We’re curious about a lot of things.” Twilight answered.

 

Wind nodded, but it took him another moment to work up courage to answer. He knew he was the odd one. The one who didn’t understand what ‘normal’ was. It was always that way. But now it felt like a beacon and he didn’t want it. Not like this. 

Wind’s culture was odd. He liked to eat with chopsticks but no one had ever heard of them according to their group. He didn’t know many animals that roamed on the land. He didn’t know what non-talking fish were or that you could eat them. He didn’t know that it was abnormal not to walk for miles at a time even if your feet were blisstering but you feared being wrong and couldn’t speak up. He didn’t know that taking things from those you loved when they passed was wrong to them too, it seemed.

 

“I-it’s a tradition.” Wind mumbled.

 

“Of your village?” Vio asked, sounding almost critical, but Wind knew he was just curious.

 

“Yeah-it’s, well…” Wind sighed, running a hand through his hair. “When someone you loved-your f-family , you keep something of theirs… to remind you. To wear or use to keep their memory with you…” Wind thought back to the site they went to once. To the stones that raised from the ground and the new piled dirt. He never had that. Never had a place where he could go and visit those gone. Their island was small, they couldn’t afford to lose the farmland they could cultivate. “We burn the bodies as we bury them in the sea. It’s the only way to remember them.”

 

“...Then I think you picked well,” Twilight murmured, resting a hand on Wind’s shoulder.

 

The chill seeped into his tunic but Wind was finding himself that he didn’t mind. Even if he wished it were warm. Wind looked up, eyes alight as he gave a small smile. Twilight returned the sentiment.

 

“How-How do you see us?” Legend asked then.

 

Wind looked over as he gave a low scoff, “It’s a ‘gift’ the Ocean King gave me.” He rubbed his knuckles, “I helped him, and in return he let me see things that others can’t. Of seeing beyond what I could.”

 

Legend paled, “The Ocean King? Like-?”

 

“So-will you always see us?” Wild asked. “I had dealt with spirits but they-they had strong will’s to let others see them. But only for a few moments.”

 

Wind shrugged, “I don’t know. I can see any ghost, but.. I have days. Days where I can’t. The others, where I can. I…” Wind shrugged, “Sorry, I haven’t been able to track much of it.”

 

“That’s okay,” Sky comforted. “We're just glad we can help now.”

 

Wind nodded, but frowned. “You don’t-I’ve let you go. The freedom to rest now… why are you guys still here?”

 

Legend laughed, deep chuckle bursting out into the open air as he rolled his eyes. Marking over, he ruffled Wind’s hair as much as he could in his form as he declared, “What? And leave you to your poor senses? Nah, we gotta look out for our youngest brother!”

 

(Legend wasn’t ever so open or friendly, Wind wondered if he thought he didn’t have to act anymore. Or maybe he was trying harder for Wind.)

 

Wind looked pained, “But don’t you guys have someone you can finally join now?”

 

Some looked away. Wild looked to the ground with fisted hands, Vio and Green looked at each other while Twilight looked distant.

 

Wild let out a breathless laugh, “They’ve waited this long, what’s a bit longer?”

 

The others hummed in agreement, but Wind thought back to Time. About the unsaid presence now gone. But no one mentioned it or him. So he let it rest, for now.

 

Hyrule looked like he was debating something in himself before his soft voice asked, “Sailor… how are you doing?”

 

Wind flinched, head bowed as his shoulders were heavy and breath stuck in his throat. With a wet voice, he replied a moment later, “As well as I can. But it’s better than my darkest moments for now.”

 

“Then let us help bring you further into the sunlight.” Sky replied.

 

-

 

The first task was healing. But that was slow and Wind was tired of waiting in the bushes while the others strayed too far for his comfort and tried to make sure no monsters sunk up on him. Because it was Wild’s era, Wind had the simple map on his slate, yet because it was before Wild woke up, none of the towers were up and all of the shires couldn’t be used because of Wild’s future.

 

“I’m sure it will be fine, just near a village. Activate the shire and then incase if-”

 

“Incase what?” Wind snapped back, “We can’t risk anything. Your timeline could diverge if I’m not careful-It’s not worth it.”

 

“But-” Wild tried to argue back.

 

“He’s right,” Legend interrupted. He sighed, stopping his leaning on a nearby tree. “We can’t risk ruining your line, anything that could happen otherwise isn't worth it, we don’t know the consequences.”

 

Wild huffed, hand drawing through his knotted hair.

 

“Relax, pup.” Twilight called, “We’ll set up boundaries of which the Sailor can’t go beyond. It’ll be good.”

 

“Yeah!” Wind piped up, “I’m small now, but I’m speedy.”

 

Wild’s face was still soured but he sighed. Reluctantly giving in. Blue muttered on wishing the Old man was back here to help with another time schengen, but Wind winced and nothing more was said.

After some time, they decided that Wind should hide the slate from everyone he meets, since that was what Wild had before to say he was the hero, and he needed to hide the master sword as well. It wasn’t too hard, considering it was the sheath that gave it away to most as they never studied the blade like the heroes. Wind wrapped it up in cloth around the sheath, Sky seemed okay with the idea, but Wind still felt guilty.

The second rule was that no shrines, towers, or champions would be entered. Wind was fine with this set up, as the slate didn’t even point out the shrines and he had no purpose to do the puzzles or trails without reason.

After a few days when Wind’s arms were feeling better, he headed out. Strangely it was easier for him to communicate with his brothers. Before he wouldn’t reach so far to hear the ghost, but now he was forcing them towards him. To feel their presence and have a connection. It was easier when it was just his brothers, and no longer the mixed crew of the soldiers and the champions and family members. Now it was more bearable, even if he didn miss Mipha sweet words, Urabosa’s confidence and pushing him to be better, Durak’s rumbling laugh, and sassing back at Revali. He missed them, but it was a pain he could bear for now.

When, after two days traveling, Wind reached a town he couldn’t have been more grateful. Before he came into it, he hid the slate under his traveling bag and hosted his two swords on his back as he felt his bag of rubies.

  Sky whispered to him to be polite and Wind huffed back. 

 

Under his breath, Wind stated, “They can’t see you, so I can't talk to any of you until we're in a private place.”

 

“Understood,” Warriors answered, and calmed the others so they weren’t talking over the words of the women he just stumbled upon.

 

Wind forgot his own appearance as the woman pulled a hand to her mouth as she looked at him. “You poor boy!” She shouted.

 

Without warning, she cupped his face and brought it up to her own. Legend snickered and Wind wanted to glare at him. Warriors beat him to the punch and hit his elbow into Legend’s side.

 

Wind tried to pull away as she stated loudly, “Were you attacked on the road! Hylia knows the monster attacks are only getting worse! Oh you poor boy! Do you need help!”

 

Wind pulled away from her frantic grasp, guessing she was a mother. He nodded, “Can you show me to an inn or the direction of the marketplace?”

 

“An inn?” She asked, frowning. “We don’t have anything like that here, but Dila has room in her house. She’ll let you stay there. The old farmer opens his shop in the morning-oh are you by yourself?”

 

Wind sawolled the rock in his throat, forcing the truth out. “Yes ma'am. Can you show me to Dila’s house?”

 

“Please-” Sky whispered.

 

“Please?” Wind added.

 

The woman's face broke, “Of course. Oh I couldn’t think of what you’ve been through. The world’s just been getting worse! If only there was a way to prevent this.”

 

Wild flinched, Twilight set a hand on his shoulder.

 

The women led Wind to Dila who’s husband had seemed to have died in the last three months. She took Wind in and gave him a new tunic. Wind had a hard time letting go of his blue one. The only reminder of how besides the broken necklace in his bag. He took Dila’s offer for a dark green tunic inside and for once, slept nicely in a bed.

When Wind woke up in the morning, something felt off. The weight of the blankets were different from the last week, his swords were still next to him, but when he cracked open his eyes, the room was clear. Dawn’s first light was streaming through the window and the door was closed. His pack was on the floor where he could grab it easily and for the first time in two weeks he wasn’t wearing his boots on through the night.

It was an empty room.

Wind’s breath grew panicked as he grabbed his arms and with a tight grip could still feel the healing injuries.

 

“Guys?” Wind whispered in the dusty room.

 

“Morin’” A voice answered by his ear and Wind yelped, feet flying to lift him up on his toes as he gazed holes into the bare wall with a surprised look.

 

“Kid?” Another voice asked by the door as Wind put a hand to his heart. Adrenaline spiked but falling now. He pressed his face into the covers as he muttered incorenbly.

 

“What was that?” Warriors asked by his ear.

 

Wind groaned as he looked up into nothing. “It’s-I can’t see any of you. It’s one of those days…”

 

“But you can hear us,” Hryule pointed out. 

 

Wind nodded, “Yup, loud and clear with no warning with where you are.”

 

“So-” Red began.

 

Wind’s face darken. “No pranking.”

 

Twilight hummed in agreement as he spoke out, “Remember our circumstances, the Sailor needs supplies, not rumors about the town he needs to be in.”

 

“We still don’t know if there are black bloods in their era and we need as much as we can get.” Vio supplied.

 

Wind sighed, rubbing his eyes. “We never get a break.”

 

“I think you mean you don’t, I’m on my break. My sweet vacation,” Warriors supplied.

 

“Yeah, and what would make it better for you was ladies but we all don’t get what we want.” Legend bit back.

 

“If only I could still create fires.” Wild said wistfully.

 

“At least the forests are safer from you-”

 

“Come one-”

 

“Wait!” Green shouted a shss. “I heard footsteps.”

 

Comically, everyone quited like they weren’t meant to be heard, but it was nice to know your surroundings. A second later, Dila came in. It was a short conversion before Wind was off to the market for supplies. He was lucky to get arrows and some herbs. He also got a red potion-” Sorry, Wild” - a hearty potion to which he drank to heal his arms completely. It also helped with his earring, to which Red, Green, Vio and surprising Blue all agreed on liking and accepting.

Wind was back on the road. But with his brothers, it wasn’t too bad. Sky was teaching him moves of his own sword skills with the rest, Hyrule tried teaching him so magic and grow his abilities with his ‘gift’ of seeing them, Legend just acted with common sense(but his vast knowledge was helpful), Warriors taught him more self-care of his items and kept all of his brothers mementos in high condition, Twilight taught him how to become one with the wild and the forest creatures(Teaching him what dogs and bears were. How to care for a horse if he could ever catch one), Wild taught him cooking and survival in his harsh world still getting over the Calamity, and Four helped him create and learn all of Link's writings. 

It was good. Wind grew with his brother's help, and he survived.

 

-

 

“Your leaving?” Wind asked. Looking at Sky. 

 

Sky’s lip pulled downwards as he nodded. “I-I taught you all I can… I’ve waited a long time to find peace. To rest, to sleep like I want to and wake up with enough energy.”

 

Wind nodded, saddened, but not unaccepting. Blink back what threatened to clog his vision, Wind nodded. “Okay-Thank you, Chosen. For teaching me-For being there for me-For being my F-family.”

 

Sky nodded, lip wobbling as his corporal form pulled Wind into a hug. Like how TIme was before he went away, Wind could feel his breathing again and Wind sunk into it. 

 

“I wouldn’t have asked for a better brother,” Sky whispered. “You’ve grown so much, I couldn’t be prouder.”

 

Wind nodded, but some of the words didn’t feel real. Perhaps one day he could accept them.

 

For a moment they were just there. In each other's arms as they asked for the moment to last for eternity. But Hylia could be cruel. Could be like a poisoned fruit, sweet at the touch before it buried itself into yourself before you could defend yourself.

It was too soon when even with shut eyes, a blinind blue took the soft Sky away and Wind was left with the wind. Listening to it howl and twist in the air. It’s grief that brings rain.

 

“Is he gone?” Hryule asked quietly.

 

And Wind could only nod. Think how his brothers were once high in numbers and now dwell so low. He wondered when he would be alone again.

 

-

 

“Ack!” Wind shouted, beginning slammed into the ground with a harsh thud as the begging above him swirled in bright glowing colors. A spike craw buried itself into his chest as it pushed him into the ground as its head twisted towards him and took aim with a blind red.

 

“Get up!” Blue screamed.

 

The guardian was almost powered up. Wind felt his heart pounding in his chest. He promised-he promised-

 

With his shield, Wind struck with a force as it broke the leg part holding him down. He rolled to the left.

 

“Shield now !” Wild shouted.

 

Wind pulled his shield up, barely pointing it back at the Guardian’s eye as it reflexed and blasted it to parts.

 

Wind leapt out of the destruction as the crowd of bokoblins and moblins came near. 

 

“Arrows!” Green shouted, Wind looked to the left and raised his shield again. The arrows hit with a small explosion but he was off.

 

Grabbing his sword he sliced down the first foe without difficulty. Sky would be proud. The next was near him and he had to duck quickly. Stabbing it into his stomach.

 

“Flank!” Warrior’s warned. Wind dodged to the side as a swing hit mid air.

 

“Keep a good grip!” Legend reminded me. Wind held his sword tighter as the bokoblin’s sword hit his own with a surprising force. Wind kicked the beast and threw it back.

 

“Behind!” Wild shouted. “Spin!”

 

With the prometing, Wind spun with his sword out as he surprised the moblins with his quickness and sliced them. Then grabbing a bomb as he lit it with a flick of his wrist, he flung it back to archers as it exploded on impact.

 

Breathing heavily, Wind looked upon a vicious camp. “Well-that was easy.”

 

“You as bad as Wild,” Twilight murmured with a hand to his temple.

 

Wind waved his hand, “Nah, I take that as a compliment!”

 

“Yeah!” Wild responded. Raising a hand to high-five. Wind laughed and tried his best even though he shoved at the cool touch that met his palm. Wild didn’t seem to mind.

“You're getting better,” Vio commented. “For it only being nine months, you’ve come far.”

 

Wind cracked a grin, “What can I say! I’m a master!”

 

Legend rolled his eyes, “Keep acting snarky and you’ll end up like the captain here.”

 

“Hey!” Warriors shouted.

 

“He’s not that bad.” Hyrule muttered.

 

Legend knocked his shoulders against Hyrules. “Don’t worry, you're too native to understand.”

 

“Wh-what? I’m just not-”

 

“Little, small Traveler, let me explain-”

 

“I’m taller than you-?”

 

“So-?”

 

Twilight rolled his eyes, “Break it up you too.”

 

Wind rolled his eyes, collecting his supplies.

 

“What are you planning for dinner?” Wild asked. 

 

Wind shrugged, “Maybe that recipe that you told me about with the noodle? It would be a nice reminder of home.”

 

Wild smiled, “Yeah, think there’s a safe place to camp up on the cliff.”

 

Wind nodded.

 

Vio came near Wind as he interrupted the conversation and ignored Legend and Hyrule. “Still planning on working on Vet’s hylian or more practice on the cooks'?”

 

Wind shrugged, folding his arms behind him, “I don’t know, what do you feel tonight?”

 

Vio smiled, “Alright, let’s start a new change then.”

 

-

 

“Strong footing!” Warriors reminded as Wind stumbled back, pushing into the ground with his heels as lean forwards against the Yiga. He could’ve asked for a better 15th birthday.

 

“He's teleporting!” Red supported.

 

Just like he said, the red clade enemy disappears into a flutter of yellow. Wind gritted his teeth as he tilted on the earth. Ribs hurting from where they got a lucky shot.

 

“I can see that!” Wind snapped.

 

“Behind!” Blue shouted instead.

 

Wind turned as he blocked in time from Yiga's sword. He was getting desperate towards Wind, one arm at his side as he dodged Wind’s swip and was light on his feet. Wind would be over with this if he hadn’t been able to sleep before because of the new blood moon and that he was already in a dangerous canyon that intrapped him with too many enemies than he had time to count.

He teleported again, coming at Wind’s side as he kicked Wind’s leg out from him and left Wind to stumble to the side as he parried with his shield against the attack. 

 

“Told you-” Warriors started sounding too snarky.

 

“What-ev-r”Wind growled, hands steady.

 

Wind changed recklessly, waiting just to get some sleep then this-

Slick-

Wind yelped, hand coming to cradle his face as it bled. The blade had barely missed his eyes, but it didn’t mean that it still didn’t hurt.

 

“You have to get up!” Twilight shouted, his voice barely heard over the roar of the wind.

 

Wind knew that but his face hurt and he was so tired -

 

“Now!” Wild shouted.

 

Wind rolled on the ground when he heard the Yiga coming and came up with his sword up and cut the Yiga across the chest as he disappeared into dust and ran with his injuries.

Wind breathed heavily, Sword tip touching the ground. He sheathed his sword quickly as he pulled his slate out and looked through his supplies. Trying to not let the drops of crimson dry on the screen as his face ached with the pain. What was another scar at this point? Another reminder of his carelessness and how much he had left to learn. He let out a frustrated sound as he realized banagses couldn’t help him if it was on his face and the shock was warmth across his nose and he could-

 

“Tilt your head up,” Hyrule stated, sounding next to him.

 

Wind obeyed, still looking through the screen.

 

“Get a clean cloth and wet it, can’t have anything in it. Then get your potion-we can’t have you getting anything to obstruct your vision.”

 

Wind nodded and followed his doctor’s orders. After downing the potion that left a thick taste in his throat and running a hand through his lengthened hair, he muttered.

 

“What else do you think could happen today? Think if I curse out Hylia she’ll send a bolt of lighting to strike me down?” He asked, the pain of his face fading and the blow to his ribs as well. He was glad it didn’t hit his ear, it was hard enough to make sure his earring was going to get knocked off or that his scarf was going to get ripped.

 

“Wouldn’t push it too much,” Legend murmured.

 

Wind laughed, shrugging his shoulders, swinging open his arms as he taunted the gods. “Come on! Come down and face me yourselves! You’ve taken enough ! Come on!” With a sharp grin he looked to the sky, “I can’t even go to the sea, nor see my family, what else can you take?”

 

There was a rumble of the heavens, as Legend hissed close to him, “Don’t push them, Wind. Please, just get some rest.”

 

Wind scoffed, rubbing a hand over his newly healed wound on his nose. Another scar to cover his freckles. “Can’t even get a property Birthday gift.”

 

They remained silent as Wind sulked. Only wanting to see the blue ocean and feel the salt in his hair along with his sister. To see her one more time, to give a proper goodbye that he didn’t get to give before.

Life was always disappointing, Wind just didn’t want to feel like an adult when he was only twelve. Only turning fifteen felt like a small win in what his true age was.

 

-

 

“How long?” Wind asked. Wondering why even after all this time it still happened to him.

 

“I don’t know, perhaps a few minutes? Hours? I-I didn’t want to leave so soon.” Green admitted.

 

Red was crying, tears in his eyes as he embraced Wind. Clinging on to him as he begged, “We aren’t done yet-we shouldn’t have to go-it’s not fair-”

 

“It seems even now we still have a time limit.” Vio admitted with a sorrowful look.

 

Blue hadn’t uttered anything, but glared at the ground as his world came crashing down.

 

“Okay,” Wind murmured as he clung to Red. 

 

“We had a lot of time.”

 

“Not enough.”

 

Wind hummed, but for this he almost felt prepared. Like he knew Hylia couldn’t let him keep his brothers. Even if it was like this.

 

“We’ll find peace together now. We’ll be okay.”Green assured.

 

“I’ll miss you all,” Wind uttered back.

 

“We will too, but we’ll see each other again, won’t we?” Green replied.

 

Wind nodded.

 

Then, it happened. Like the cursed blue from the lights from afar, Green started to go. Then Vio and Red, and lastly Blue. Who, before he could go, whispered, “We won’t forget you, so don’t forget us.”

 

“I won’t,” Wind whispered back, but he was gone and Wind was left with only five brothers. His ear burned, the blue object at his waist was heavy, and the weight of the sword at his shoulders dug into his bones.

Wind wondered how young was too young to bear the loss of losing everything you could ever know.

 

-

 

It had been a long time. Wind stopped counting the days or months once Vio left. He and Green were the only ones who really wanted to keep track. After their disappearance, there was a mournful sound in the group. The slow realization that one day they would be forced to leave. Something pulling them away. Once they were satisfied or felt successful on how Wind appeared to be doing was purpose a cause. Perhaps it was just Hylia being cruel. Either way, it was an unknown date that seemed to affect everyone.

Wind had a harder time mapping out the land, but Wild and Hyrule loved to explore so he never took it away from them. He learned about the plants and the animals of the world. He learned and grew. Soon, it was rare to search for a village on his travels, but once in a while he would long to find some peace. 

He found a village by the sea coast that reminded him of his hometown. He stayed a week. He loved to stay by the shore and listen to the waves crash. He would let the salt air play in his hair as he tried hard to let the sound of the children playing were his own village children. It helped calm the homesickness.

Wind was looking for some more work to stay longer in the town. The others didn’t have much of an objection to this as they let him roam and enjoy it.

“I hear you're looking for a job?” 

 

“I-what?” Wind asked, he had been staring off into the distances as it was a silent day. One where he couldn’t hear his brothers nearby and would spend most times just reflecting.

 

“A job.” The man explained. Wind hadn’t seen him around the town a lot, but he didn’t look too intimidating. His friend was coming up behind him and looked at Wind weirdly.

 

“This the kid you were talking about?” He asked.

 

The man nodded, “Yes, this is him. What’s your name, kid?”

 

Wind felt himself hesitating a moment before stating, “Uh, Link.”

 

“Link, ah, well I have a farm that’s a bit up the mountain side and need some good farmhands to help. Would you be able to?”

 

Wind frowned, “A farm? On the mountain side?”

 

The man nodded, “Yeah, it’s an animal farm so we don't need as much space.”

 

It felt odd for them to have an animal farm considering they were near an ocean where they could actually fish for meat, but perhaps it was like oxes or something.

 

“O-okay?” Wind agreed, he didn need some rupees. He nodded, “Show me.”

 

The man smiled widely, “Great!”

 

He slung a hand over Wind’s shoulder, which was uncomfortable for Wind, but the man started to lead him away. His friend stood on his other side as he looked at Wind’s swords suspiciously.

 

“Are you a fighter?” The friend asked.

 

Wind bit the inside of his cheek a bit as he answered, “Uh, I travel a lot? I know how to defend myself well?”

 

The man nodded, “Good for you-but you won’t need those on the farm. Would you like me to hold them for you?”

 

Wind frowned, “Uh, I’ll hold onto them for now.”

 

“But you can’t work with them on. It’s safe here, I promise-my friend here can look after them for you.” The man pressed.

 

Wind tried to shrug off the hand on his shoulder as its weight started to become more iron grip and the farm started to look more interindation. “I-I rather not for now sir. I-I actually think I need to sp-speak to, uh, Tavin? He had my room and all-”

 

The man smiled, “It’s okay! I know Tavin well! He told me about you and so I can get your stuff once we go to my farm.”

 

Wind grabbed the hand holding his shoulder as he felt hot. “I-I can get my stuff thank you! I don’t-”

 

The man’s eyes darkened as he sighed, ignoring Wind’s attempt to claw off the hand on his shoulder, “I was hoping you’d come peacefully-”

 

“S-stop!”

 

The friend came from behind as he wrapped his arms around Wind and held him as he struggled. Wind panicked and tried to do the first thing to his mind. He knocked his head back into the man’s as he yelled in pain, letting his arms go and Wind stumbled to the ground. 

The man tried to grab Wind but he was already too fast on his feet and pulled out his sword. He wasn’t thinking, only feeling the adrenaline pumping in his veins and the call to fight and fight hard. He pulled out the master sword as he stabbed into his first enemy. Then as they screamed and fell he turned to the other one who seemed to be recovering, and sliced their throat from where he stood. 

He turned quickly, almost as if expecting to find another enemy ready to attack. Feet light but stable on the ground as he turned a little girl. Her eyes were wide as she stared at him. Horror edged on her features as she screamed.

Her voice echoed through the valley towards the sea and into the town. Fear drove her feet fast as she ran down the road towards her mother. And at the moment, the sound broke Wind of his spell as with trembling fingers he realized what he had done. He looked on the floor where two men lay. Looking as asleep as his brothers once were laying in the dirt.

Wind backed away, breath heavily as he gazed at them, breath cocking in his throat as he realized what he was. A killer.

His hands were stained with crimson and he couldn’t help but let a cry of hopelessness escape him. His eyes were glossy and his blood turned to ice. He couldn’t even hear how disgusted his brothers were. Couldn’t even bear to imagine the horror of what they just watched and how they would be gone by morning. Leaving him for good now that they saw how evil and corrupt he was. Once they knew they created a monster in the land of the living.

Wind collapsed on the ground, hyperventilating as he cradled his head in his hands. Then there was someone there. Someone whispered softly in their ears as they pulled Wind into his arms.

 

“It’s okay, breath, just breath.”

 

Wind shook his head. He should suffocate for what he did, Time should think so.

 

“Breath for me, pup. Come on, just breathe.”

 

Wind did, shuttering in Twilight’s grip as he closed his eyes to the monstrosity he had created. He pulled himself deep into the grasp, feeling the shifting in the fabric and the rumble in Twilight’s chest. 

Even when Wind had the days where he could touch and feel his brothers almost real like, it was never the same. There was something always off or ‘not quite’ about it. But not this, this could never be mistaken.

 

“You're going to leave,” Wind started with a waiver in his voice.

 

Twilight comed through Wind’s hair, “You need someone now, and I had to make a sacrifice.”

 

“I don't want you to go,” Wind muttered, pulling himself close to Twilight.

 

Twilight hummed, “I don’t want to either, but I’m here now and will make the most of what I have left for you.”

 

Wind nodded as Twilight leaned close, humming a tune he probably learned when helping take care of the kids in his village. Wind sank into the comfort and tried to believe everything was safe.

 

“Do you hate me?” He had asked.

 

“No, why would I?” Twilight answered.

 

“I-I kil-”

 

“Shsh-” Twilight whispered, “Sometimes your hands have to get dirty. You were protecting yourself.”

 

“I didn’t even know what they w-wanted!” Wind admitted.

 

Twilight’s eyes went steely as he clenched his jaw, showing he knew something Wind didn’t. But he didn’t utter another word.

 

Wind asked a question then, “Am I a monster?”

 

Twilight scoffed, “A monster? No, your best of us Wind. We have dark times, but a dark act doesn’t make you a monster. Nor am I a beast.”

 

Wind shook his head, letting his hair trap his eyes from Twilight's sight, “But that’s different-”

 

Twilight raised an eyebrow, brushing the hair from Wind eyes, “Is it?”

 

Wind fell silent as Twilight tightened his hold on Wind. It was coming. They both knew it.

 

“Did you say goodbye to the champion?” Wind asked, the two always had a special connection.

 

“We’ve all said our goodbyes, we only try to hold on for you.” Twilight stated.

 

Before WInd could respond, The blinding, cursed, blue came. Twisting around Twilight’s arm as his face gave Wind a smile. His tattoos looked dark in the light as he gave a message to Wind without his words being touched by the wind.

When he was gone, the place was silent again. Wind pulled his cloak over his head to hide from the sight he caused and ran from his sin. He didn’t get to go back to the village again. In the morning, no one mentioned the act. 

 

-

 

Wind barely missed the arrow that whizzed by his head with a sharp zing of electricity. He huffed, pulling back as he tried to figure out a way out. He hadn’t wanted to get into a fight with a Lynal, heck-even Wild didn’t know that it was here! Now Wind just cursed himself for not exploring the forest so thoroughly as he was pressed against the backside of a cliff.

Gritting his teeth, he saw Warriors to the side as he waved for him to follow. Bolting to the side Wind scurried to the covered area as Wild was knelt next to him with Hyrule by his side. 

 

“Any ideas?” Wind hissed.

 

Wild frowned, muttering, “If you had some bomb arrows they could be useful.”

 

Wind rolled his eyes, “Already out-I have ice and fire left. Last electric one was used to hit ‘em in the side.”

 

Hyrule looked over, standing as an arrow pierced his form but left no damage. He and Warriors observed the beast.

 

“If we had restocked last month better then we could be more prepared.” Hyrule muttered.

 

“I have one red potion left-and kinda want to keep it just in case.” Wind added.

 

Warriors turned, “I thought you had a fairy!”

 

Wind rolled his eyes, “I did, but when the Lynal threw me into the wall I think it broke my spine or something-went black until the magic brought me back.”

 

“Yeah,” Wild muttered, “at this point you might get more scars than me, kid.”

 

Wind rolled his eyes, rubbing his nose a bit. “They're gonna cover up my freckles at this point.”

 

“Sorry to distract you guys from your obviously very important talk while this beast is getting ready to charge-“ Legend interrupted as he slept down by Wind with a sarcastic look.

 

“What?!” Wind hissed, looking out just to see the beast wind up its legs before it was about to charge. Several curses slipped his lips as he rolled to the side and dodged the danger.

 

The Lynal then turned on Wind as he brought up his sword to defend himself. Then as the beast swing down, causing Wind to stumble at the force he couldn't it back with, he slammed into the ground and something snapped-

 

The beast swiped down again and Wind raised his shield as he couldn't feel his right hand. The sparks that flew from the metal grinding against metal was bright as Wind grabbed with his free hand on the Sheikah Slate and threw a glowing bomb at the Lynal’s face. Letting the bright explosion shock it as it fell back. 

Giving Wind enough time to fall back and run into the forest as he tried to asset himself for injuries.

 

“Ooooh,” Warriors uttered but his side when Wind was safe, looking at Wind’s hand, “Smithy would have a fit .” 

 

Wind frowned, looking at his sword as he regained feeling in his hand. His phantom sword was snapped at the handle on one side, making it unbalanced and looking more like a pirate sword which made Wind laugh internally.

 

“Now you're really following in my footsteps.” Wild jokes, looking at the blade while Wind felt the edges.

 

Wind felt stupidly dumb and silent. Looking at it without a word.

 

“Like we need two of you,” Legend bit back.

 

Wind felt something tear inside of him. Like another piece of him falling.

 

“Sailor?” Hyrule asked gently.

 

Wind sighed, pulling back his blade as from then on it seemed the master sword would have to be his main. “It’s fine-what else. Another broken thing in my collection.”

 

Everyone fell mournfully silent as Wind walked on. Fist cleated and refused to let tears fall.

 

-

 

“Look!” Hyrule pointed out once. “You're taller than me now!”

 

“What?” Wind asked, looking up from the fire he was roasting some fruits and rabbit meat.

 

Hyrule pulled him up with a light icy grip. Almost falling through Wind. He lifted his hand to the top of his head as he hit Wind’s forehead. Grinning, “You're growing taller finally!”

 

Legend grumbled something under his breath, he had been salty when Wind had surpassed him and everyone rubbed it in his face for a day.

 

Warriors ruffled his hair with a cool touch. “Finally! Now you need to get more meat on your bones!”

 

Wind chuckled, shoving Warriors off. “If I could find anything else. The rabbit’s the best I’ve gotten in two weeks!”

 

“Better than rats,” Hyrule stated.

 

Wild and Warriors stared at Hyrule for a moment, shocked.

 

Legend threw an arm around Hyrule as he spoke to his protégée. “And that, my friend, is another one of those things you don’t bring up. Including eating mold, dirt, and leaves.”

 

“But-“

 

“Nope!” Legend declared patting his shoulder while everyone gave a grin and laughed. “This is where we leave off. No one needs to make Wind sick.”

 

“Oh, does the Vet finally admit he cares?” Wind asked with a raised eyebrow.

 

“Nope,” Legend responded with a firm blank look. “Try to watch some throw up and not feel squeamish.”

 

Warriors laughed and Wind rolled his eyes. Wondering when he’ll grow a bit taller and get to look Wild in his eyes.

 

-

 

Wind could almost look Warriors in his eyes when he left. One afternoon, after a peaceful time, Warriors patted his shoulder and they both could feel the real effect of it like never before. Wind almost sobbed at the fact. It had been so long he had dared to hope that he had a longer time.

Warriors was deathly silent for a moment as he stared at Wind, shocked. Immediately everyone could feel the shift in the atmosphere. Wind gasped as he curled into himself.

 

“Oh,” Warriors stated almost dumbly. Looking at his hand as he cracked an odd grin. “I guess it’s time…”

 

The tension was unmeasurable. It sank into the air like a virus as it settled deeply. 

 

Warriors chuckled, “Guess you won’t have to worry about me anymore, Vet.”

 

Legend gasped, face contorting into concern as he looked sorrowful. “Captain-“

 

But Warriors ignored him as he came towards Wind, ruffling his hair as he rested his hands on his shoulders. Whispering so softly, “I’m sorry we didn’t have more time-but I’m thankful for I got with you, Wind.”

 

Wind nodded, choked up as he tried to speak. He hugged Warriors, grasping him tightly as he pressed his face towards his chest. Warriors chuckled, “You'll do great, kid. You can catch me up on your great adventures next time, ‘kay? Just don’t rush to meet me.”

 

Wind nodded, and too soon, it was always too soon, the feeling of Warrior hand started to display. Fade with a blinding light that Wind had learned to hate. Left him grasping at air as his form went away.

 

Wind trembled, looking back at his three brothers as they all mourned together. Knowing that their time together would be short. The day ended quickly, and the next morning they rose and continued on. Wind’s weight at his neck burned, but his feet never wavered again. No one made a comment.

 

-

 

A bomb shook the earth. Rattling Wind’s bones as he laughs at a high pitch. His scarf fluttered around him as the cold brass of the clasp on his shoulder held it still. A moblin tried to strangle him once on the bluish red fabric and he’d decided to make sure it couldn't happen again. But now it felt like a touch on his shoulder but he ignored the feeling.

Wind laughed as a bomb shook the ground again and he let loose an arrow as a tree next to him burst into flames. He would feel bad, Twilight would criticize him and Sky would panic, but it had been long and he was bored.

It was a childish excuse. It had been three days since he had been able to talk or see his brothers. He could feel a touch or two, but other than that he had been disgraced from anything else. Hryule might have theories that it has to do with a magic touch and in his last battle he finally mastered some of Hryule’s healing a bit, but it was unfair.

He was used to having a day traveling by himself, but it had been three and his nerves were too strong. He had fought enemies yet the feeling didn’t dampen and only seemed to grow. So Wind decided to have some fun.

Chucking a bomb a crossed a small canyon he whooped out as he winced from the explosion. 

 

Hearing a disgruntled voice in his ear about his destruction but Wind just laughed as he yelled, “Come on! Give me what you got!”

 

The wind buffeted in his face lightly as it played with hair. Wind smiled widely as he spun in the breeze as he lifted a bomb arrow and fired it up in the air. Then grabbing a normal arrow he hit his arrow from before and a cracking boom thundered over the forest as Wind crackled.

The wind twisted at his command as he made sure not to destroy the whole forest. Old town ruins were nearby, destroyed two years back with a moulin raid and Wind was left with the aftermath. It didn’t hurt anymore not seeing the people that he once knew. (Even if they were first who helped give him food, helped him get on his feet. Wild said he never knew the town. Wind should’ve expected it to get destroyed sometime. He just wished the blonde girl would’ve survived. Would’ve been better than dreaming she was Aryll for months after.)

Wind sighed, there was smoke in the air and a small ember that flowed towards his spot he stood at. Looking towards the river he was at, he loosened the windwaker from his wrist, sliding it down his sleeves and from the scars on his arms, and started to move to to conduct the wind. 

The wind hummed to him, bending at his wishes as they sang tunes in his ear as they tilted in the clearing. He only wanted his destruction towards the canyon side and not further into the forest yet. 

 

Being satisfied with his success and opened the slate and bit his lip as he looked through it. Scrolling through some items he debated how he could perhaps launch some fruit and explode it somehow in his chaotic mood.

There was a whisper in the wind, a warning of a somber tone that Wind perked up at. Wind lifted his head up a moment before a hand pushed it down and ruffled his hair.

 

“Ack!” Wind shouted.

 

Someone laughed, retorting, “Wanted to do that for the longest time! You’ll need to cut it again or some monster’s sword will! Can't have you look too much like me, can we?”

 

Wind lifted his gaze towards Wild, who looked up to him now but barely. His eyes looked sorrowful, but he smiled as he slung an arm around Wind, jostling him slightly as he pulled him to look at the forest. With a sharp grin he stated, “Now, pay attention. We’re gonna light this baby ablaze . The Veteran is already annoyed but we’re gonna have some fun before the Rancher can lecture me.”

 

Wind looked at Wild, felt the roughness of his callous palms and the texture of his burns. It hurt, it hurt a lot in that moment realizing what he was going to lose again. How much he already had lost.

His long hair tickled his back as he grinned back at Wild. They weren’t good with words, but Wild wanted to go with some funny then tearfilled eyes then so would he agree.

 

Wind nodded, “You're on!”

 

Wild put his fist to the air, “Then let's go! There’s nothing more rewarding than this!”

 

Wind laughed, pulling his hair out of his eyes and back. Wild looked at him a moment, fondness seeping into his face as he knew the look. Knew the face of when Wild was seeing similarities with Wind. But he pushed it away as he pulled out his bomb arrows and slate out for the ready.

 

Wild laughed. “This will be fun!”

 

And it was. The minutes were passed with reds and blues and the thundering of the ground shaking at their will. It was lighting and terrifying. Once Wild helped blast him into the air and Wind fumbled to get his deko leaf out in time to help him land safely. 

But it could only last so long.

It was never forever. Only a few minutes. A few months. A few years, all before it came crashing down around Wind like everything did.

 

Wind was breathless as he smiled, cheeks reddened and arms almost tired. He wasn’t ready for Wild to crash into him for a moment. Nor did he even have the time to speak before there was the painful, earth tilting, eye bleeding blue.

 

“Goodbye, kid.” Wild whispered before he was gone. Pulled from the wind like he wasn’t even there.

 

The clearing was of ruin but joyful memories. Ash fell on his nose and hair, and Wind looked up to darling clouds. Wondering if he was always destined to reek tragedy and destruction where he stepped foot.

That night he moved on, cooking his food without another’s option. Slept in the tree like he was taught, and curled tighter as his own two brothers' voices awoke him the next morning.

 

-

 

“I don’t think it sounds right still,” Wind complained.

 

“Shut up,” Legend grumbled, “I was still learning, not like I know much better.”

 

“But you learned the songs,” Wind insisted. “I just think they sound like there should be other instruments.”

 

Legend rolled his eyes, guesting towards the blue ocarina in Wind’s hands. “There were other instruments. But it was also in a dream so I don’t know if it made it better or not.”

 

Wind shrugged, “Well when it happened to me I kept my reflexs I had learned, perhaps you only get that?”

 

Legend shrugged, “I don’t know.”

 

“It’s a dream so I don’t think you ever will know?” Hryule asked.

 

“Don’t ruin our theories,” Wind critiqued Hyrule, putting the ocarina at his side again. Rubbing a bit of the pelt on his waist and twirled some of his rings on his hand.

 

Hyrule sighed, rubbing the back of his neck when Legend suddenly shouted out in fear, “Yiga! Left!-“

 

Wind suddenly was on guard, rolling on the ground as where he stood was swung at with a sharp blade. Flipping up Wind took out his sword in one grasp and pulled out the master sword. Charging forwards with a cry.

Wind spun, leaving the Yiga to hastily block his incoming attack and putting him suddenly on the defensive. Then stopping suddenly Wind leaned forwards as he stabbed forwards as the Yiga jumped back, getting a good jab at his knee.

Yiga hissed. Pulling out their knives as they disappeared. Wind listened heavily for any hints as his companions looked around.

 

“Backside!” Hyrule yelped.

 

Wind pulled to the side but his hand was out as he reached for his shield and something collided with him. Jumping back as he pulled out his bow and took aim at The yiga when something wet flowed onto the string and caused wind to misfire and hit the Yiga in the shoulder.

Hissing, Wind grabbed the master sword again and charged forwards. Side stepping the Yiga’s attacked as he thrusted his sword into the Yiga’s stomach. Watching as the Yiga gasped at his sudden strength and withered. Disappearing with drops of his blood.

 

“I wished they’d go away-how can they even tell I’m a hero?” Wind muttered sheathing the sword.

 

“They like to cause problems, regardless of who you are.” Legend stated with a glare.

 

Wind agreed as Hyrule looked closely at Wind’s hand. “Did you cut your hand? It's bleeding a lot.”

 

“Huh?” Wind asked, looking at his hand.

Wind uncurled his fist to see blood staining his fingers. But there was no slice on his palm. Wind frowned, that didn’t seem right. Then he looked closer as if sensing something wasn’t right. His fingers didn’t look right. Weren’t like they used to be. The pinkie was-the pinkie was-

Wind felt faint, swaying a bit in his step. His finger was pulsing blood and he couldn’t feel anything but a cold grip. It was half of his finger. There-but not all of it.

 

“Oh, in Hylia’s name-!” Legend hissed.

 

Wind couldn’t help but agree but he felt light and he thought briefly only about healing the wound. As if calling on it magic crawled down his arms like Hyrule had spent years trying to teach him. Trying to get him past his hylian heritage and do what Hyrule’s own blood could.

A light, pure blue followed his lead. Crawled into his skin as it tried to heal Wind’s body as only a fairy could asset the damage and Wind didn’t have any. Wind breathed hard, Hyrule took his hand to steady him as he focused solely on the task.

Suddenly it was done, and Wind breathed, finger hurting with a phantom pain as he let Hyrule cradle his hand. He smiled at Hyrule and Legend, “Guess I got off a little short.”

 

Legend snorted, rolling his eyes.

 

Hyrule smiled as he ran his hand over Wind’s pinkie. Looking at it and seeing if he declared it better. He could feel the grooves of Hyrule fingers on his palm and the slight warmth it carried as he ran his fingers over his knuckles.

Wind paled, freezing as Hyrule didn’t stop the motion.

 

“Kid?” Legend asked.

 

Hyrule smiled, “I’m glad I made it this far, with the both of you.”

 

“Wha-” Legend frowned as if not understanding before his face looked stucken. Like all hope had been swept off his feet as he realized what Hyrule meant. “No-No Hyrule you can’t leave-”

 

“I didn’t have a choice,” Hryule responded coldly. Hand still in Wind’s as he fought to speak himself.

 

“But you can’t-You can’t leave me- ” Legend begged, hand out to grasp Hyrule.

 

“You promised to stay,” Wind begged.

 

Hyrule met Wind’s and Legends’ blue eyes as he stated softly, “I tried my best to, but it was worth every moment with you. I’ll see you soon, yeah?”

 

“No- NO !” Legend yelled, trying to grab his friend as the nasty, slim trail of blue crawled up Hyrule’s figure and he disappeared into the air. Leaving Wind and Legend behind.

 

Legend choked on a sob as he collapsed on the ground. Hands on his face as he moaned, “I didn’t want to lose them anymore-I don’t want to lose anyone anymore.”

 

Wind couldn’t help but agree as he stood their stupidly. Feeling as something more than just his pinkie was taken from him. 

 

-

 

Legend and Wind trailed in silence for the next week. They grew used to each other and their banter. Wind was more barbarous everytime he fought, Legend tried to stop him every time, but he gained more scars anyways. It didn’t matter.

Soon, they grew used to it just being them. Like they had every time. Adept or fail. Those were the only options. So Wind survived, like he promised the Old man so long ago.

 

Wind scratched his neck.

 

“Stooop,” Legend moaned. Covering his ears.

 

Wind rolled his eyes, “I don’t have a blade to shave!”

 

“Like you’d use it!” Legend complained.

 

“Hair doesn’t grow on scars, it’s not like I need it much. It’s just a bit of scruff.”

 

“Please just stop, my ears-”

 

“Your sounding like the captain now-”

 

“Don’t compare me to him!”

 

“Then stop complaining! It’s not even that bad-”

 

“You're doing it constantly, my ears are running ragged.”

 

“Just shut it, we're near the stable.” Wind complained.

 

“Why can’t you use your small dagger?” Legend asked, standing besides him. “The one in your sleeve?”

 

Now it was Wind’s time to roll his eyes, “One, I don’t think it’ll work, two Smithy would kill me.”

 

Legend helded up his hands, “I think they’d already do that, Blue would have a fit at how you have your Phantom sword.”

 

Wind sighed wistfully, “It’s a good sword still. I just need to get it fixed from a good smith sometimes-if I can find one.”

 

Legend nodded.

 

Wind looked back to the stables that were just being built up. Some hylains were around the place as they helped set it up and there was a stray dog. Wind looked towards the dog with a strange gaze. Its tongue was out of its mouth as its brown eyes darted around. It had dark fur on its coat and a white belly as it trotted up to Wind unexpectedly.

Wind set a hand on its head as he rubbed it fondly, the dog barked. For a split second, all Wind could see was a large wolf in its place. White symbols on its head as intelligent blue eyes stared back at him. He withdrew his hand as the dog trouted off. Leaving Wind in memories of its path.

Wind sighed, “Let’s go. There's nothing I can do here.”

 

Legend hummed, asking if there was someone who sold shaving blades. Wind told him promptly to screw off.

 

-

 

Wind gripped his cup with thanks and downed it in one gulp. Legend eyed him warily as he watched the Sailor drink the rum without a flinch and asked for another.

 

“Are you sure about this?” Legend asked. “I mean I know you're technically an adult-but should you really drink this much?”

 

Wind shrugged. “I want to forget-I want to drink myself into hylia’s domain then so be it. I’m tired and I want to have a hangover that won’t let me move for two days.”

 

“Ookay.” Legend answered looking at the wall with a frown.

 

Wind glared at the empty air where only he could see Legend but he would let everyone else think he was drunk. He didn’t care, he still had a limit to past and it wasn’t here yet. He forgot what led him here. Maybe it was a memory, maybe it was a dream of two bodys laying still from his hands. Maybe it was about his failures. Or maybe it was the little girl that gave him a flower that had bright blonde hair. 

He downed another drink. 

 

“Don’t most people not want a hangover?” Legend asked.

 

“If I have one than it means another night in an inn and no running into moblins.” Wind replied.

 

Legend sighed, “Again, are you sure you want to do this now? If you need to talk about anything, I’m here.”

 

Wind swallowed roughly as he barked out a laugh, “Like your one to talk.”

 

Legend winced, hands curling together as he sensed Wind was trying to hide a hurt. “I know, I think we both are. But the statement still stands, I’m here for y-”

 

Wind harshly banged the cup down as he turned to Legend with a fierceful glare, spitting out words with a bit of a slur as his emotions started ramping up. “Yeah?! And for how long? As long as the Chosen stayed? As the Champion? Or-Or maybe even as long as the Traveler? Tell me- You're just gonna-gonna leave me like everyone else! Even Hylia doesn’t care en-ogh’ about her s’oposed hero.”

 

Wind’s eyes were watery as he took another glass.

 

“So that’s what’s been bothering you?” Legend asked, with a raised brow.

 

Wind’s shoulders trembled weakly as he shrugged.

 

Legend sighed, “Kid-”

 

“Sorry to inform you-” Wind drawled out with a lazy eye as he looked at Legend, “but I don't think I'ma much of a kid a-any- anymore .”

 

Legend’s shoulders rose up as if something inside of him finally broke. “No, you haven’t been from the start, have you?”

 

Wind was silent as Legend continued, regardless of how Wind’s nails dug into the wood and he glared into the wall.

 

“You aren’t a kid, but you're still one to me. Your still my little brother-”

 

“Don’t-” WInd warned, throwing a finger out to him, “Don’t you dare-”

 

“What?” Legend asked, looking scared of something. Letting something in him break. Perhaps it was watching Wind being destroyed by himself. “Say that I actually care? That I thought of you as family?”

 

Wind caught Legends wrist from where he tried to gesture. Wind peared into his eyes as he hissed, “Things and people either end up in a ditch or are taken from me. The more you get close to me the likelier it is for that to happen to you .”

 

Legend narrowed his eyes as he snapped back, “I could say the same, but it doesn’t mean anything if it’s already happened, does it?”

 

Wind fell silent. Legend smiled bitterly, like his mouth was sour, “Even if you don’t admit it-” Legend leaned closer to Wind, “I’m already on borrowed time, I’m just trying to use what I can.”

 

Wind wasn’t staring at Legend for a moment, only at the hand that held his wrist with a blizzard look. Terror.

Crawling into his skin as it tried to make its home. Like bugs ractiting and digging into his bones. It stayed, no matter how brave or fearless Wind tried to be, fear still brought her cold to him. Running her fingers down his spine as she loved the way he flinched at the thunderous thoughts.

He could feel the difference. Legend must have realized a second too late because he started cursing in every language and gave a yell to Hylia.

 

“I’ll go outside,” Wind started with a small whisper. Throwing a bunch of rupees on the bar as he took a cup with him to the cool mountain air.

 

The wind twisted with fear on their edges as Wind felt it whip through his hair. It’s gracefulness was stolen as it had a biting chill to it as Wind settled on the edge of a cliff. The wind howled as Wind shaked. Hands grasping the rock as he felt Legend sit next to him. A hand rested on his.

 

“It’s not your fault, it never was.” Legend stated.

 

“It was.” Wind whispered.

 

Legend shook his head, “It’s not fair-it was a difficult situation and you ended up with the cost. But- listen to me when I say this -I wouldn’t trade this adventure for the world. Never meeting you, our brothers, I wouldn’t ever .”

 

Wind looked at him with a knitted brow, “Even with this outcome?”

 

Legend smiled, giving a guentine one that made him look his age of fragile eighteen. He slung an arm around Wind as he stated without hesitation in his words. “Even with.”

 

“You promised not to leave me,” Wind whispered.

 

Legend hummed, “I don’t want to-but the Goddess never liked me much… you’ll take care of yourself?”

 

Wind nodded.

 

Legend smirked, ruffling Wind’s hair a bit. “Then I have nothing to worry about!”

 

Wind huffed, looking over the valley. Of the world he couldn’t ever call home.

 

“Will you tell the others I miss them?”

 

“I wouldn’t ever hold it against them,” Legend replied without hesitation.

 

“Good… then I guess this is goodbye?” Wind asked.

 

“Only for now,” Legend responded. Sounding far older than he looked. “I have to take care of my brother, and you seem to get into a lot of trouble.”

 

Wind rolled his eyes.

 

Legend tightened his hold Wind as he muttered, “I taught you everything I know, so try and live the best life you can for me? The one I couldn’t have?”

 

“I will,” Wind promised.

 

Legend grinned, flashing off his teeth for once as he tried to display hope to Wind. 

 

“Goodbye,” He uttered.

 

The pulsing blue. The blinding and the thing that took everyone he carded for-cursed and cruel it came. Winding over Legend’s form as it pulled Legend’s touch from him and pulled evrythng Wind had left. Like a burning scent of magic fire, it clawed its way into Wind as he watched his last family member be taken from him. Thrown to the wind as it howled in horror.

He was gone.

 

“Goodbye,” Wind whispered.

 

He picked up his glass, drinking to the moon. The loney thing that was cast into the dark night like Wind.  The wind stilled in the moment as Wind dropped his glass down into the valley. Feeling as if he was there in its fall.

And for a moment, in a different world, different land, different culture and life, he sat. Without family. Without friends. Without companions. Without a sunrise to greet him.

 

Link sat, utterly, painfully, alone .

Notes:

(Didn’t think I was getting back into the LU fandom but here I am lol.)

Side note, the words Death, die, or graves are nowhere in this fic. Creating a small illusion that Wind could never accept what really happened to his brothers, or say it out right. Just a small little thing.

This is a bit dark, but that’s nothing new to me honest. I like the angst, I like Wind going through Whump what can I say? It's fun making a childish character having o grow up or face reality with a bit of a harsher slap and seeing the after effects. I didn't mean for it to be so long, but welp. Here's a 20k one shot lol. Hope it's not too trash, heh.

I will have another story in this series as a little add on, because it seems fun. I hoped you like, even with the many warnings. Have a great day,

-Brooke.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Storm covered Waters