I was tagged by @actualanxiousswampwitch @sleepswithvillains and @starknstarwars over the last week (Thank you all, it’s been a rough few days so I didn’t get a lot done, but here’s a little extra from the next chapter of Blood in the Breeze that I’m editing.)
I’ll send out some tags (for art too!) to @tishinada @chaosandwonder @dingoat @nusaran and a tag back to @actualanxiousswampwitch because you tagged me like, a million weeks ago. XD.
Kaeto dipped her head. “Kneel before the dragon of Zakuul.”
Agent Holran snorted. “Well, it’s got all the flair of an Immortal Emperor.” Elara noted the way the Chiss leaned between Theron and Vector, the three of them standing closer together than to anyone else in the room. Balic had told her about their relationship, and while she was nervous about the two Imperial spies, Elara didn’t remember Agent Shan ever being so relaxed.
“Why you?” Jorgan asked, snapping Elara from her thoughts. He stood against the bulkhead, the lights on his eyepatch blinking as it scanned the room. Fynta glanced over her shoulder with a quizzical look. Jorgan gestured at his wife. “I mean. If the bastard is in her head, how is he communicating with you two?”
“We have a theory on that,” Vector stated. He was one of the few who’d opted to sit. With a tap on his datapad, the holoterminal in the middle lit to provide a web of color. The lights dimmed automatically. “Allow us to show you the way we see the universe.”
Elara watched as two strands lit, each leading to a central point, though they diverged in several places along the way. “Those touched by the Force leave an echo in their wake. When two of these beings meet, there is a spark, if you will.” More lines converged, brightening the room and giving the presentation bulk.
“Kaeto spent a great deal of time in the Emperor’s presence many years ago,” Vector continued. “He touched her mind, leaving a scar that will never heal. As with Darth Kozen, who served Vitiate and his underlings for a time. Both have reached into Fynta’s mind in an attempt to restore her memories, creating a link between them. We believe that the energy radiating from the Gravestone allowed Valkorion to convey his message along these avenues.”
Another strand highlighted, this one dim by comparison but undeniably tangled with Fynta. It wove through them all, blazing brighter the closer it came to her. “Though, we can only theorize that this one was triggered by Major Jorgan’s presence when Revan released the emperor into the galaxy.”
The Cathar stirred, his spine stiffening in a way that Elara recognized. “I’m not Force sensitive.” He glared at the projection, blatantly ignoring how all eyes lingered on him.
“You’re Cathar,” Lana answered as if it was the simplest explanation. “Most of your species is touched in some way, even if it is unmeasurable. Nothing you’d be conscious of. Your dreams perhaps, or a more precise intuition. It might even be present in your marksmanship.”
The range of emotions that crossed Jorgan’s face was fascinating. Elara watched the dots above his eyes pull together, then dart apart as if something had occurred to him. She wondered if it would be impolite to ask what that epiphany was when they had time alone. Then scolded herself for allowing her curiosity to override her concern for a friend.
“Regardless,” Theron interjected. “We’ve got a new tactic to consider. And, a possible way to exploit it.”
The holo flickered as Theron took control of the terminal to display a message from a man whose hair reminded Elara of an extravagant bird. “There’s a party on Zakuul. Vaylin’s way of celebrating her return to the throne with the Eternal Fleet. Bet my non-existent pension this is a smoke screen for something else.”
Fynta strode forward to press her palms against the terminal. “Is this our invite?”
“Yep.” Theron popped his lips on the final letter, earning him a concerned glance from more than one person in the room. Now that Elara looked closer, the agent’s skin had taken on an unhealthy pallor and he was sweating enough to be seen in the dim room. Clear side effects of substance withdrawal. Theron continued without acknowledging the stares the same way that Jorgan had. “Looks like Zakuul has a fledgling rebellion, and we’re the guests of honor.”
This chapter was thanks to @tokiriforest‘s wonderful post. It was one of the major things to inspire the story of Wildflower. Thank you so much for your wonderful art and the inspiration you gave me <3</p>
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Wild woke up with a start. He went into a panic until he realized that he was in a room. Wild was tense as he took in his surroundings, making sure it wasn’t just a dream induced by Mipha’s grace. He felt a sigh of relief as he felt her power thrumming within his very core, a nice reminder despite her spirit no longer with him. Putting a hand to his chest, he held it there for a while, lost to the beating of his own heart. He was lost in thought that he didn’t hear footsteps approaching the door and opening it.
“Oh! You’re awake!” came a sweet voice.
Wild was startled from his thoughts as he looked up and saw a woman with red hair. He couldn’t help but stare at her. Must not have realized that he stared for a long time because he noticed the woman become a bit awkward.
“Do… Do you remember me?” she tentatively asked.
Wild just nodded his head. He noticed the woman become ecstatic with relief. “Where…” he was taken aback with his young voice. It had slipped his mind that he was currently young. Oh Hylia, he was young still… How was he going to explain this to her? Where were the others? Were they hurt? And that thing… Where was that thing? All thoughts were soon halted when the woman spoke once more.
“Wild, honey? You are okay,” Malon softly spoke. “You are in my home. My husband and the other boys are out and about in the ranch. Link actually came in last night and had you held in his arms. I was given a run down of what has happened. A lot to take in at first really. Before I asked him to tell me once more, I had him take you to our room so I could help patch you up.”
Wild looked at himself. He barely noticed the bandages he had on his arms and legs and the one on his face. As he took in the bandages, another thought came up. The room… he was in Time’s and Malon’s room. Time’s and Malon’s room! His small hands covered his face as the realization set in. Did he kick out Time and Malon out of their room? Questions and scenarios were whirring in his mind and Malon realized he was deep in his thoughts.
“Hey now. You have nothing to worry about. My husband and I actually slept well in our bed. Not that there was an issue!” Malon softly shut the door and walked on over to her bed as she sat on the edge, next to the mass hidden under the blankets. “Aw, sweetie. No need to be embarrassed. You actually aren’t the first to have shared a space in our bed. You fit just right between the both of us.” Malon knew she wasn’t really helping out the poor boy, but she couldn’t help it. Having someone between them felt… nice. And she wasn’t lying about Wild not being the first to have a spot on the bed. A niece of Ingo’s actually was the first one a couple years ago.
“That’s still so embarrassing. I am a grown man. To be sleeping between a couple…”
Malon just stared at the small mass under the blanket. She couldn’t help but laugh, “Aren’t you getting hot under there? And hey,” she tugged on the blanket and waited for a bit until baby blue eyes finally peeked from out the blanket. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s like when you share a bed with your companions. Besides, With your current situation, it didn’t even cross our minds. Helped me not to hog the bed, as my husband puts it.” A small laugh was shared between the both of them. That did seem to lift the embarrassment on Wild’s features.
“Wait… I remembered that you had like another room or two. Why bring me to this one?” Wild questioned.
“Well, it was my first thought to have you brought here. I have my medical supplies here. And actually, you didn’t let go of my husband’s tunic well until he sat on the bed laid on it with you next to him. Once you were all bandaged up, Twilight tried to take you to a guest room with him but you ended up whining in your sleep that you didn’t quiet down until you were back in my husband’s arms.” A giggle left her lips as she watched Wild duck back into the covers.
“Kill me, please,” came the muffled reply. “Did the others hear me?”
“I don’t know, sweetheart. But you didn’t hear this from me, with you holding on to Link, my husband, he was just so happy, especially when you didn’t want to let go. Kicked out our, uh… ranch hand when he was adamant on taking you to the room with him.”
Wild giggled at that thought of Twilight getting kicked out. Thinking about Time, the giggling soon died down into silence. Memories of yesterday came to his mind. The monster of yesterday took on Time’s appearance. There was nothing amiss, even the scar and markings were accurate, all with the exception of the voice. He shivered as the voice replayed in his mind. He could not decipher what the thing had spoken. But by Hylia, he felt pure, unadulterated fear. Before he could even pursue the anxious thought further, a gentle pat brought him back to the present.
“Hey, you’re okay,” Malon reassured softly. “Once you were settled in, Link filled in me once more. Darling, I cannot imagine what you experienced through. Would… would you like to talk about it?”
Wild just shook his head. He wanted to laugh. A hero, afraid of a monstrosity such as that being from yesterday. He had seen creatures more fearsome, and yet here he was, afraid to even share the sight he saw. Maybe it was because the thing took the formation of someone familiar? Maybe. But today would not be the day he would share.
As if any more embarrassment could be added to this lovely morning, his stomach decided to growl. Wild could only clutch down on his stomach as embarrassment burned at the tips of his ears and Malon just laughed. She gently guided him off the bed and helped him put on his tunic. He was red faced by the time he came out of the room. How could he have forgotten where his arms and head came out of. He was already hating this and he was just wishing any of the goddesses just whisk him away.
Climbing down the stairs, Wild tried to compose himself as he heard soft chattering filter through. The smell of breakfast wafted through his nose and he couldn’t help but speed up his descent down the stairs.
Just as Wild reached the last step, he had a small pause as he took in the people in the room. Chatter stopped as all eyes looked to the two who entered. Wild began to fidget as he realized Time was staring at him. He took a step back only to bump into Malon. A reassuring hand was placed on his shoulders and he looked back at Malon who gave him a comforting smile.
“Good morning, Wild.” Time gently greeted.
This was the voice he knew. The familiarity and the warmth he heard was the Time he knew. It wasn’t that cold, malicious voice. It was him. Truly it was him. Before he even registered what he was doing. Wild’s legs just ran and his arms became outstretched as he slammed himself into the older man. It did take Time by surprise as he just received the young boy with a resounding oof.
Wild told himself he wasn’t going to cry. And he didn’t. He just had a sniffle here and there. He also took note of the silence and he just decided to ignore it. He sought comfort and he received it. His pride can take a few hits anyway.
Everyone looked at the pair with delighted sadness. They were all glad to see their now youngest member doing just fine. But the way they saw Wild clutched to Time as if for dear life confirmed that something indeed had happened to their dearest friend.
Malon was deeply touched at the display. Just the way her husband did not hesitate to comfort the child, just made her heart flutter. He truly was a gentle and kind soul. And a great father, whether he realizes it or not, she thought to herself. “Oh dear, such a warm atmosphere here today in this kitchen. But I sure am starving. Would one of you boys care to come help me?”
Hyrule volunteered and Wild was about to follow along, until Warriors called out, “Hey, short stuff, where’s my hug? Shouldn’t a dashing hero, such as I, get one before you go?”
Everyone knew it was in all good fun. Wild just sent a small glare his way and did a gagging noise as he disappeared into the kitchen.
Legend snickered, “Who would want to hug you and your stinkin’ leg anyway?”
Warriors just sent a kick under the table as it nailed Legend’s shin. A utteral cry of pain came from the target and a small kicking war was about to ensue until Time sent a disapproving stare at the same time the kitchen door swung open. Both Hyrule and Malon each bore two plates while Wild bore one. He insisted he carry two, but with a gentle reminder from Malon of his current situation, he relented to just one. But it was perfect either way. Wild wanted to serve the plate to Twilight first anyway. That’s why he agreed to just one.
Taking the plate from the boy, Twilight noticed the silent apology that shined within the child’s eyes. Having a soft smile adorning his face, Twilight just patted his head and thanked him as Wild bounded away to the kitchen to retrieve one more plate. As everyone finally settled down, Wild squeezed his way between Four and Twilight and began digging into his plate with such fervor. Twilight had to tell the child to slow down, lest he choke on his food. Of course, Wild just rolled his eyes and exaggerated his slow movements only to pick up the speed once more.
After breakfast, everyone did their part in cleaning up. While Wild was not within earshot, Time addressed the others that a meeting was to be called and that it was best Wild not be present. Malon understood that she would be filled in if necessary and thus took it upon herself to have the child preoccupied.
“Oh Wild, sweetie, why won’t you come and help me feed the animals? I need a big, strong boy to help a poor, old woman like me.”
Giggling, Wild took the bait, “You’re not old! And I will definitely help out, because that’s what heroes do.”
And off both of them went to do what was needed.
Time couldn’t help but look after them with a tender smile.
“So the old man does have tender feelings, rather than just stoic ones,” Warriors teased.
Time wanted to throw a glare at him. But his mouth betrayed him as a small smile took over. Time received a pat on the back as all the others shared smiles all around.
And it stayed like that for a couple seconds until Warriors became stoic and everyone else followed suit.
“So that… murky thing. Twi, I know you said some things about it last night.”
Twilight looked at Warriors as he nodded after his statement. “As far as we can tell, that inky shadow is not just a shadow. The consistency was goop-like. The creature had the tints of red and it was capable of speech, albeit it was broken and slow.”
Everyone else was in deep thought. Minds were processing as they all tried to picture the hideous being.
“Wait,” Four spoke, “Didn’t you say that it burned you?”
Thinking, Twilight nodded. “Yes. whatever it was, it burned. Anything plant life it came into contact withered and died. When I slashed at it with my sword, some of its… substance landed on me and caused small burns to occur. Luckily, it wasn’t too bad. I do not want to imagine how it would feel if it prolonged its touch.” Another thought came to Twilight in that instant. “That thing was coming after him. Do you think it was just after him? Or is there another reason?”
Time was pensive. “I know he doesn’t want to speak about it. But we all know he saw something. When I stepped into the clearing, he was filled with such terror, it was awful to see. Putting at least some clues together, that thing must have done something that caused him to fear me.”
“And he won’t have witnessed that if only I had made sure he was with us.”
“Twilight, no.” Sky interjected. “We were all caught off guard. By the goddesses, it was you who was able to find him first before that thing managed to get him.”
Warriors directed his statement towards Twilight. “I told you that you have no need to be so hard on yourself. You did what you could to get to him back and you did. The only thing he got was some trauma and simple cuts and bruises. We know he seems to be doing okay for the meantime. But you did it Twi. You helped find him first and helped bring him and Time to safety.”
“I should have been faster to finish the bastard off,” Twilight grumbled.
He received a pat on his shoulder from the old man in affirmation to what Warriors had said. “We all need to be vigilant on this child, Twilight-”
“Problem child is more like it,” Legend mumbled.
Another small smile took place on Time’s face as he heard Legend’s remark. “Yes, this problem child. We all know that we will do everything to take care of Wild. No one or nothing will cause him harm. There is no need for you to carry the burden all by yourself.”
“Besides,” continued Warriors, “I’m sure he wouldn’t want you to be fawning over him like some child.”
“He is a child, you idiot,” Legend said as he rolled his eyes.
“Which does bring me to my next concern,” Wind said. “I know it seems uncanny for me to say this, but I do not want Wild to partake in any battles. I am sure he can hold his own, in terms of defense, but I do not see it right for him to fight in battles against monsters and the like.” Wind felt it foreign to say that. It’s not that he doesn’t believe in Wild’s capabilities, but he thinks in terms of his sister. Sure defensive maneuvers are always in handy, but he would not want her to fight in battles. He can do it for her, for his family. So why would Wild be any different? He knew Wild was the one to do the blow to the creature. But he also knew Wild had difficulties in handling the sword he had. He would help protect the child like a big brother would.
“I do see your point, Wind.” Four answered. “While a small knife or dagger can be used for defensive purposes, I do not deem it to be appropriate for him to wield a weapon in his current age.”
Hyrule was thinking. Wild was pretty capable of handling himself. He doesn’t know if the rune watered down his abilities, but he understood what Wind was saying. He was not in the condition to carry out battles. This was a child, for Hylia’s sake. And it was a good thing that Wild was not here. He definitely was not going to be happy to hear that this choice was not made with him present. Maybe he can discuss with Four about making a small dagger for the boy as an apology. Of course, it will just be between him and Four.
As the small impromptu meeting came to an end, Wild burst in laughing with Malon in tow.
“I thought that cucco was never going to leave me alone!” came the small reply from the boy.
“He did seem to take a liking to your bed head after all,” Malon replied. “And that untamable hair does seem so cozy I could probably use it as a napping place.” Malon was about to reach down and ruffle Wild’s hair as he shrieked in merriment and managed to dodge it without fail.
Warrior took notice on how Wild expertly dodged the hand that threatened to come down upon him. This kid still has it in him, he thought.
Having his head protected, Wild looked to the others as they stared at him. He cleared his throat and smoothed down his hair, only to discover a lone cucco feather lodged within his locks of hair.
“Uh… what’s going on here? Did I miss something?” the child questioned.
As everyone was thinking of something to dissuade the wild child from presisting and discovering of their little meeting, Malon stepped in. “I told my husband to discuss with the boys on what chores would be assigned to who and sleeping arrangements.”
“Uh, yup!” Wind confirmed.
“And it has been decided that you will be on feeding duty with me or Malon” Twilight added.
Everyone in the room thanked the goddesses that Wild took the excuse wholeheartedly and with such contentment. Of course he would be helping. He would not be idle and let everyone do something when he knew he could do stuff. And with that, he was satisfied. He missed the appreciative look Time threw to his beloved wife. Goddess was she a blessing to his life.
“Ah,” Malon spoke once more, “I told our guest here that I have the perfect set of clothing for him. And if you would be such a dear, my love, please get them for me down from the attic.”
Time’s eye widen. No. She could not have been thinking about that clothing. She wouldn’t. Seeing the smirk she held, she most definitely would. Why in the good grace of Din would she want those clothes? He cursed himself for not getting rid of them like he told himself he would.
Upon coming to the dusty chest, Time couldn’t help but cringe at the poor fate that would befall the poor boy. He could tell his wife that the clothing could no longer be wearable. But would she believe him? Goddess, why would she? Her reasoning was that one day someone else could wear them. He couldn’t hold back a slight blush when she suggested that.
Opening the chest, Time was hit with nostalgia. This was the outfit that defined him as the little boy in green. The outfit accompanied him for most of his journey; in both the good and the bad. Lifting the green shirt, he saw some wear and tear. Nothing that could be fixed and not deemed unwearable. His fingers treaded lightly on the fabric and he felt raises on where the fabric was patched. Maybe a visit to the forest will help restore the fabric. He was told as a boy that the waters of the forest helped revitalize the clothing, even going as far to adjust the size if they began to fit a bit too tight. Maybe he could dunk Wild in it. That thought made Time laugh to himself. He took out the rest of the outfit and frowned. Was he always this small? It was a bit of a shock to see how small the outfit was.
Soft footsteps brought Time out of reminiscing when he saw his wife poke her head into the attic.
“I was beginning to think you were destroying them,” she lightly laughed.
A small huff left him, “I should have done that before you came in.”
“Darling, I know that these bring up some nostalgia, both good and bad, but remember these were the clothes I saw you in when we first met.”
“Ah yes,” Time closed his eye in remembrance, “I stuck out like a sore thumb. It was why you singled me out.”
“Well, you did aid me, fairy boy” Malon taunted. “Besides, you looked adorable in green. Helped me to single you out when you were in the town square. When I saw you years later, the green just jumped out to me. Sure I couldn’t remember your face, but-”
“My dashing looks stood out to you,” Time finished.
A laugh was shared between the both of them. Malon took Time’s hands in her own, holding onto the clothing as well.
“He will be okay, Link. He is in safe hands. Whatever that thing was, it will not prevail in bringing harm. Now, let’s get him these clothes. He will be as dashing as you were when we first met,” she giggled. “Although, I think we will need to alter it to fit,” she said as she examined the cloth.
“No need. I think a trip to the forest is in order. I was told of tales that the waters in the forest revitalized the clothes of a kokiri. I suppose they were true. I never had issues with my clothing.” Time rubbed his hands against the fabric once more.
“Well, we should get these clothes to the little rascal. I am sure everyone is waiting. I guess I am going to have to tell them I had to stop you from destroying them.” Malon immediately snatched the clothing from her husband and booked it out of the attic before he could even put a word in.
When they both finally reached the living area, the clothes were present to Wild. Twilight had to clear his throat in order to prevent Wild from turning his nose from it. Wild, of course, would not be ungrateful, but it was a lot of green. His eyes strayed to the cap that was neatly folded on top of the tunic. Wild made a face at it. His older mind was asking why would he make a face at the cap when he himself didn’t mind them. But the child within rejected the hat. He did not like hats and it wasn’t part of a uniform anyways. So, in essence, they couldn’t force him to wear it.
Wild thanked them and meekly asked Twilight to come with him, just in case he needed the help. Not that he didn’t, but it was just in case.
Stepping from out of the room and following Twilight to where the others were at, Wild shyly stepped out. The fabric felt cool and there was a faint scent of forest rather than musk, which greatly pleased him. Everything was a bit big on him. Oh great goddess, why he had to be such a small child. The waist belt did help him hold the clothing together. When Malon presented him with a mirror, he could not help but stare at himself in amazement. Small hands touched his unmarred skin. He could not believe his scars were no longer there. And he felt saddened. His scars were a part of his identity. With them gone, he felt foreign with his own reflection.
A reassuring hand appeared in his reflection. It was Twilight’s own as he looked down at him with a sincere smile. Looking back at his own reflection, the cap that sat on his head drew him out from lamenting his loss.
“I look so stupid with this cap,” Wild said as he pulled it off from his head. His hair became more untamed with the action. He sighed in exasperation as small hands combed through his hair.
Four smugly replied, “If only you kept that cap on. It would have kept that crazy hair hidden.”
Wild couldn’t help but stick his own tongue out in response as he peeked from the side of the mirror. Baby blue eyes soon landed on Warriors. He realized how intent Warriors was looking at him. Did Warriors not realize it?
Wild began to fiddle the hem of the green tunic. Sensing his uncomfort, Warrior snapped out of his stupor.
“Uh sorry… You look great, Wild!” Warriors assured him. “You just remind me of an excellent fighter I once knew. His son was a spitting image of him,” he lied.
“Good to know. I was beginning to think you didn’t like it or something.”
“Nah, you’re looking pretty good Wild. Of course, not as good looking as me,” Warriors added.
That earned him a scoff. Warriors was glad when the attention of everyone else was taken by Time who started to divulge his plans to visit a forest for tomorrow and what not. Warriors honestly wasn’t paying much attention. His focus was still on Wild. He obviously made sure not to make the boy be aware he was watching him, he would let his eyes wander elsewhere and hum his approval as everyone else pitched in their ideas to vist the market square tomorrow.
As the small meeting concluded, Legend pulled Wild aside and tied small bands around the shorts to hold them in place. Despite the top fitting loose, it still stayed on and in no need of immediate adjustment. Turning him loose, ran to Twilight as both boys went out to feed the livestock once more before the day was done.
With the absence of Twilight and Wild, everyone else went to do what they were required to do around the ranch. As Warriors was left to his thoughts, he went back to Wild. He cursed himself for making his gawking obvious. He was just too into his appearance. He thanked whoever helped him come up with the excuse. Wild did bear similarities to him, but it was just coincidence, right? Unless… he would have to shove that out of his mind for now. He cannot afford the others to question him at the moment.
—
As the day came to a close, a bath was drawn as everyone took their turns. Wild made it clear to everyone that he was in control of bathing himself and needed no help in handing him anything. Afterwards, everyone settled down for dinner and a homey atmosphere reigned within the house as lively chatter and the clattering of utensils sounded throughout.
When it was finally time for bed, Malon teased Wild and offered their bed once more as Wild just flat out rejected the offer with embarrassment etched on his features. He decided to just share a pelt with Twilight instead as said hero sent a triumphant smug to the old man.
As both boys began to situate themselves on the pelt, Twilight was about to bring Wild close until the young boy kicked his leg out.
“This is a space barrier. You cannot cross it,” said the young boy.
Laughing to himself, Twilight responded, “There is no shame in a simple cuddle, Wild. It’s like when you hug Wolfie.”
Wild just rolled his eyes, “Well that’s diffint. Stop making fun of me. I’m going to sleep in the corner and make it seem like you hogged the whole space.”
Oh this was priceless. The grumpy face Wild had just did not help his situation. Twilight could only lift his hands in surrender and scoot back a bit. Wild just grunted and turned his back to the older boy.
“Aw, Wild. No good night for me?” Twilight amusedly questioned.
“I hate you right now. Good night.”
“Okay, okay. That was good enough for me. But just know that if you end up on top of me again, it wasn’t my fault.”
No response was given, just soft snores. ‘By the goddess did he fall asleep quick,’ thought Twilight. Checking over Wild, Twilight brought up the blanket and made sure the child was covered. As he laid in the dark, Twilight just stared at the sleeping child. His mind was constantly telling him to sleep, that Wild was okay and present. It was a constant hammering thought. Reaching out and gently placing his hand on the blond locks, Twilight let out a breath he didn’t even know he held. His hand was touching a warm body. A small, warm body. And he was relieved. Wild was here and breathing. And Twilight be damned if it wasn’t so.
