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Time stared into fire, absentmindedly messing with the buckle on his leather glove. He had taken the second shift of the night, and it was almost over.
He shifted and sat back on his hands; looking up at the stars in the sky. The last few minutes of his watch went by agonizingly slow. He thought about the last few days being filled with nothing but rain, and how much it slowed the group down. They could’ve been at the village Wild knew of by now.
Time sighed. There was no use fretting over something he couldn’t control. If it didn’t rain tomorrow, they’d make it to the village late in the afternoon. They needed to restock on potions and supplies.
Time noticed the crescent moon hung high in the starry sky. That was a sign that his watch was over. He got up lazily, his muscles aching slightly. He quietly made his way over to Twilight to wake him up for the third watch.
Time placed his hand on the younger man’s shoulder and gently shook him awake. Twilight turned to lay on his back and squinted at Time. He sat up and tried to rub the sleepiness from his eyes.
“Your turn,” Time whispered as he stood up.
“How’d your watch go?” Twilight sleepily asked. He rose to his feet and ran his fingers through his dirty-blonde hair.
“Uneventful.” Time felt a sharp pain in his throat when he talked. He paid no mind to it, thinking it was from the campfire’s smoke. He cleared his throat and started to take off his leather gloves.
Twilight hummed in response and patted Time’s shoulder before making his way to sit by the dying fire. Time set his gilded blade next to his biggeron sword and laid down in his bedroll. He felt more exhausted than usual, but figured he would feel better with some rest.
Time let out a deep sigh as the sounds of the forest lulled him to sleep.
Time was awoken by the smell of breakfast. The sun was peeking over the horizon. Most of the chain were starting to wake up and packing their things. They needed to get to the village today.
Time tried to get up, but the light from the sunrise was making his head throb and his throat stung. He felt worse than before he went to sleep. He put his arm over his eyes trying to block the sunlight.
“You okay?” Sky’s voice sounded hesitant. Time lifted his arm and saw Sky tilting his head and looking at him with eyes full of concern.
“Yeah,” he rasped, “just didn’t sleep well. But I'm okay” Time fought a cough from escaping his chest when he sat up.
Sky looked at the elder hero and didn’t believe him. Time’s eyelids were droopy, he looked pale, and his frown was more downturned than usual.
Before Sky could open his mouth, Warriors was urging everyone to grab their breakfast and eat it quickly. “The quicker we start moving, the quicker we make it to town,” Warriors repeated.
Soon everyone was finished packing and eating a bowl of berry oatmeal. Sky sat next to Warriors. “I don’t think the old man feels well,” Sky whispered, looking in Time’s direction. Warriors drew his attention to the older man. He noted Time wasn’t eating and looked incredibly ill.
“Knowing him, he would deny he was even getting sick,” Warriors sighed. “Yeah…that’s what he told me,” Sky said in between mouthfuls of oatmeal. He swallowed. “Should we talk to him?”
“I doubt that would do anything,” Warriors stirred the oatmeal in his bowl, “but we can let him know if he needs a break during the march, all he has to do is say so.”
“We all know he won’t.” Sky exaggeratedly sighed, making the captain chuckle.
The group had finished eating and were putting on their armor and strapping their swords to their backs. Warriors went up to Time who was putting his pauldrons over his shoulders.
“Hey old man, just wanted to check if you’re doing alright,” Warriors began as he patted Time’s back. He raised an eyebrow at Warriors and bent down to reach his red straps for his armor. He cleared his throat before speaking. “I’m fine,” Time’s voice was raspy and low.
Warriors crossed his arms. “Sure…” He moved in front of Time. “Listen, if you need a break while we’re-“
“I won’t need one,” Time interrupted harshly, glaring at Warriors. He sighed and grabbed his belt. “Sorry…I’m fine, alright? You don’t have to worry about me. Besides, we have to make it to the village today.”
Warriors saw through Time’s lie, but he had little hope that continuing the conversation would do anything. He sighed and adjusted his scarf. “Right…let’s get moving then. I’ll take the lead,” Warriors left no room for Time to disagree and left to gather the rest of the boys.
Time pulled his armor on with a glower. It felt like Warriors replaced him so easily. He ignored that feeling and went to join the others.
The chain had started walking through the forest. Time tried to keep his head high to convince himself he felt fine because he obviously did. He tried to ignore how heavy his armor felt or the intense pain in his head or how loudly the others were talking. He just had to keep walking.
By midday, the summer sun beat down on the chain as they kept walking. Everyone was eating their small lunch of fruit. The boys were in good spirits, talking amongst themselves.
However, no one dared to comment how Time was simultaneously shivering and sweating. His bones ached, and his headache was making his vision blurry. But he had to keep going, they had to make it to the village today, they were so close.
Time grew anxious thinking about how much time the group had lost because of past weather, and they weren’t even close to finding the dark lizalfos or another portal. The monster attacks have only gotten more frequent and this whole journey seemed like it was going nowhere. It seemed like every direction he led his boys in was the wrong one. Thank the goddesses Warriors decided they needed to find a village. But why couldn’t Time have thought of that? It was something so simple and he just didn’t-
He sighed with a scowl and pushed those thoughts away. He knew Warriors was doing what was best for the boys. He just had to keep walking.
Time huffed as he trailed behind the others. His congestion made his breaths ragged, but he was fine. He would make it to the village and then he could rest. He would show Warriors that he didn’t need a damn break.
The others started to notice how difficult it was for Time to keep up. Wind and Twilight slowed down to walk beside the older man. The two exchanged worried looks with each other. It seemed like Time didn’t notice their presence. He was too focused on walking and breathing.
The worn trail started to go over a hill. Time’s body kept rocking back and forth, wanting to fall as he trudged uphill. He started using the trees as support to walk. He could feel his body grow weaker with each step he took. The chain made it to the top when his foot slipped over a tree root. He fell to one knee, hand over his chest as he coughed and tried to get up. Wind and Twilight were quick to help him.
“Alright, we’ll take a breather here.” Warriors announced as Time got to his feet. Time shook his head and slightly leaned onto Twilight, “I don’t need a break Captain I’m-“
“You are not fine!” Warriors cut in, crossing his arms over his chest. “You’re unwell and need a break, especially since we have no potions for you. I will not let you continue in this state. We’ll make camp here if we have to,” Warriors sharply regarded, trying to get through Time’s stubborn behavior.
“I said I’m fine, so I’m fine. I can make it to the village, there’s no need for a respite,” Time’s voice was firm as he waved his hand dismissively to Warriors. The pain in his throat made it unbearable to speak, but there wasn’t any need for a break. He knew his boys weren’t tired, and they needed supplies before they got attacked again. He would not be the one to slow them down.
“I think you should listen to the cap’in,” Twilight whispered to Time as he helped his ancestor stay upright.
Time pulled away from Twilight’s grasp and wiped the sweat off his forehead. “We’re moving,” He commanded and quickly stormed ahead of the others with his hands clenched into fists. The chain exchanged glances with each other. Warriors strode after him, planning to stop him and force him to sit down.
Time ignored Warriors’ yells for him to stop. Why couldn’t they understand he could handle this? Why were they listening to Warriors and staying put?
A strong chill ran up Time’s spine, making him stop. His hand went to his chest plate as he became overly aware how hot the sun was against him and how weak his body felt. His vision began to tunnel and his legs felt numb.
Warriors noticed Time began to sway after he abruptly stopped. He desperately ran up to the older hero, hoping to break his fall.
Time collapsed to his side and hit his head on the ground before Warriors could catch him. Warriors quickly kneeled down, unstrapped Time’s swords, and turned him to lay on his back. He placed his hand on Time’s forehead. He was burning up. Warriors instantly started to unbuckle the many layers of armor Time wore.
The rest of the group caught up with the two men. Wild hastily pulled some ice jellies from his slate and placed them on the older man’s forehead. Warriors managed to undress Time down to his beige tunic and black undergarments.
“Is he going to be okay?” Wind fiddled with his hands as he chewed his lip. Everyone waited what seemed like hours for Warriors’ answer. Time was shivering and that hit on his head definitely caused a concussion.
“He’ll be okay,” Warriors finally answered, hiding any uncertainty in his voice, “but we should give him some space. We’re stopping here, so everyone can rest for now.”
The chain slowly scattered and Warriors stayed by Time’s side. Twilight lingered, sitting near Time’s legs. He didn’t want to leave his predecessor.
Warriors glanced up at the other hero. Twilight kept readjusting his bright orange sash around his waist.
“Twi,” the rancher tensed hearing Wars’ voice, “he’ll be okay.”
“I know it’s just,” Twilight paused and let out a deep sigh, “I wanna say I hate when he hides stuff like this but…that’d just make me a hypocrite.” Twilight smiled ruefully.
Warriors let out a small chuckle. “I've hidden being sick before…but I know my limits,” he whispered as he gently ran his fingers through Time’s hair. He recalled the many times during the war when he didn’t have a choice but to keep fighting when he felt sick. Because of that, Warriors would hide the fact that he even felt unwell. He always hoped those around him wouldn’t adopt that habit from him, especially his brothers.
“Sure you do,” Twilight playfully rolled his eyes and he relaxed somewhat. He glanced down at Time with a slight frown. The seconds that passed by felt like eternity.
Time groaned and slowly shifted, seeming to come back from his unconsciousness. His eye was half lidded as he looked at Warriors; Twilight straightened and moved closer to the older hero. “Malon…” Time croaked as he curled his fingers on Warriors’ dangling scarf.
“Malon’s not here…” Warriors’ voice trailed off. Was Time hallucinating Malon’s presence? “How do you feel?” He whispered hesitantly. Warriors felt uneasy as he studied the older man’s face. He was reminded of the little boy Time used to be during the war. The captain moved his gaze up to Twilight, whose eyes were scanning Time with worry.
“So bad…” Time muttered as his grip tightened. His mouth felt dry and the ground seemed like it was spinning from under him. He squeezed his eye shut. “I can’t let the boys see me like this,” Time struggled to speak, “I want to go home. Malon, I can’t do this.”
“Can’t do what?” Twilight was quick to ask. Time slowly shook his head, tears were pooling under his eyelids. The pain in his body was unbearable.
“I’m unfit to lead my boys. Every decision I make, it’s the wrong one,” Time began in a whisper.
Warriors managed to gently release Time’s grip on his scarf. He sandwiched the trembling hand in between his own.
“I feel like I’m leading them to an early death…having to-“ Time winced as a shiver ran through him. “Having to act like I know what I’m doing. I’m terrified of making a mistake, but that’s all I do,” he paused and took a deep breath. “Maybe if the captain was in charge, the boys would be better off,” Time confessed before coughs ripped through him, making his head throb.
Warriors was speechless at what he heard and Twilight furrowed his brows. Time’s breathing evened out as he fell asleep. He was exhausted by the constant strain his body has been in.
Warriors placed Time’s hand on the ground and sighed. He never knew Time felt that way. Never knew how much self doubt the eldest hero had in his abilities.
Warriors just couldn’t wrap his head around it. Time is a great leader to them. There have been countless moments where his quick decision making saved their lives during battle. He’s also a great brother and friend. Warriors knew all the other heroes looked up to Time.
Warriors glanced at Twilight and then to the sky. Dark clouds could be seen in the distance headed their way. It would be dangerous if they were caught in the storm.
“We have to go,” Warriors stated as he stood up. He looked down at the two heroes. “I know we shouldn’t move him, but we don’t have better options. Can you carry him?” Warriors glanced at Twilight and then back up to the clouds. He briefly wondered if this captaincy is what made Time insecure of his own.
“I can,” Twilight replied, still looking at Time’s sleeping form. He was sweating again and shaking slightly; his face was in a scowl and his body was tense.
Twilight’s voice brought the captain back from his thoughts. “I’ll gather the others,” Warriors cleared his throat. “We cannot get stuck in the storm,” he cautioned. Twilight nodded and Warriors quickly left.
Twilight slowly shook Time‘s shoulder. “Old man…can you stand for me?” He whispered. Time‘s good eye fluttered open, he looked dazed and confused. Twilight carefully hooked his arms under his ancestor and lifted him to his feet. Time leaned on a nearby tree to stay upright, a small whimper escaped his lips.
Twilight bent down and carefully slid Time onto his back. Time loosely circled his arms around the rancher’s neck. Twilight wrapped his arms around the older man’s legs, making sure he had a secure grip on them. Time groaned and rested his head on Twilight’s shoulder. There was a sharp pain on the side of his head.
Twilight was relieved he could carry Time so easily. Carrying a grown man was no different than carrying the livestock back home. Yet the rancher wished he was carrying a goat instead of his ancestor.
Twilight began walking to the others, carrying Time securely on his back. Each of the boys grabbed Time’s equipment and began traveling behind Warriors, hoping they’d get to the village before the storm.
The group was silent. A gust of air made leaves rustle around them. Thunder could be heard in the distance and the smell of rain only grew stronger.
Time woke up with a start and immediately regretted lifting his head too fast. He pursed his lips and slowly laid back down on the soft bed. The gentle sounds of rain hitting a window filled the room. He looked around. It seemed he was resting at an inn. He couldn’t remember how he got there.
He groaned as a shiver ran through him. He pulled the blankets over him but stopped. The boys. Where were they? If he was resting here that had to mean they were safe, right? He had to check up on them. Just to make sure they were all right.
Time tried to push himself up, but his body ached and he felt lightheaded. He reluctantly slumped down on the bed. He ran his fingers through his hair, irritated that he couldn’t get up. Time flinched when his fingers passed through the side of his head. How did he get hurt there?
There was a soft knock on the door before it slowly opened. Warriors walked in with a cup of water and a red potion. He wasn’t wearing his scarf or his chainmail. He quietly set down the things on the nightstand and turned to Time.
“You’re awake,” Warriors was a bit surprised. He placed his hand on Time’s forehead. He was still warm. “Do you feel any better?” Warriors whispered.
Time opened his mouth to say something, but his sore throat prevented him. He simply shook his head and let out a deep sigh.
“Do you remember how you got here?” Warriors asked as he pulled up a chair next to the bed. Once again Time shook his head.
“You fainted and got a mild concussion. Thankfully nothing too serious, but the rancher had to carry you here,” Warriors explained. “You still have a fever though. I was waiting for you to wake up to drink a potion. Here let’s get you propped up,” he continued.
Warriors helped Time sit up halfway and brought the potion to his lips. Time lifted his chin and drank the warm liquid. He took a few sips before turning his head. His throat didn’t sting as much and his dizziness dulled, but his body still ached.
“Thank you,” Time mumbled. Warriors helped him back down onto the bed and placed the potion on the night table.
“It’s a shame a red potion doesn’t do much for sicknesses,” Warriors commented with a small smile, leaning back onto the chair. Time just hummed in response. He didn’t want to look at Warriors. He felt embarrassed that he was proved wrong about not needing a break. It was like he showed everyone he couldn’t take care of himself let alone a group of eight people.
Warriors sighed. He knew why Time wasn’t looking at him. He had so much to say to his little brother, but he didn’t know where to start. He’s never been good at talking about one’s feelings. This was more Twilight’s department, but Warriors wanted Time to see how much he cared about him.
“Sprite…” Warriors gingerly rubbed Time’s arm. “You gave us quite a scare, you know,” Warriors chuckled lightly and shook his head. He gave Time’s shoulder a little squeeze. “It felt…off that you weren’t really there with us. Everyone was so worried.” Warriors paused, trying to find the right words.
“No one needs to worry about me,” Time began, now being able to talk. “I could’ve handled it. I'm used to doing things myself.”
“You don’t have to do it all by yourself anymore,” Warriors said. “You have us. You can count on us.”
“I can't,” Time whispered.
“Why not?” Warriors let go of Time’s shoulder.
“Because everyone counts on me,” Time looked frustrated. He sighed and rubbed his face. “What good is a team if their leader can’t handle anything? You of all people should know that.”
“I might be a captain but that doesn’t mean I know everything.”
“No, but it means you know how to lead,” Time bit back a cough, “I’ve never traveled with more than two people and now I have to lead eight young men? I have no idea what I’m doing.”
Warriors paused and shifted in his seat. “I think you’ve done a great job leading us,” He began softly, “Hylia knows it’s not easy to lead a group…but you don’t have to do it alone.”
“You’re going to help me?” Time questioned.
Warriors nodded. “You’re my brother, we’re supposed to help each other,” Warriors placed his hand on top of Time’s. “And I couldn’t imagine this group of heroes without you.” Warriors tilted his head as he smiled.
Time looked up at his big brother. His eyes were watery and he gave a small smile. “I’m sorry for all this. I know you only meant well by leading the others.” Time looked sheepish.
“You don’t have to apologize. We can lead them together now,” Warriors retreated his hand and stood up, “But right now you’re still sick, so continue resting and I’ll check up on you later.”
Time chuckled and nodded. Warriors made his way to the door. “I’ll tell the others you're doing better.” He said before he left and closed the door softly.
Time let out a relieved sigh. He was grateful to have someone like Warriors. He was grateful for all his boys.
The soft taps of rain against the window made Time relax. He pulled the blanket over himself. They were all safe, and he wasn’t alone anymore.