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Warriors had known many things in his life; war, combat and many other things that would keep a Captain on their toes. He also knew how to take care of kids, first his younger siblings, days where he would take them to a hidden pond to feed ducks, or run throughout the streets of Castle Town without a care in the world. Another child when he was older, during the war when a child no older than twelve came into his life. The child was a harsh fighter for someone of his age, baby fat lining his cheeks but the sword on his back doubled his size, something Warriors did not like to think about ever again.
When the kid had to leave though, he did feel an empty sadness settle into his chest, wanting to hear a joke or a bratty remark as they grew closer, practically adopting the kid as a little brother. He thought he would never see the kid again, until a portal pulled him in and dumped him with eight other reincarnations of himself.
It took a little while to figure out Time was Mask, the way the man sent glances, how they laughed the same, how he still admired the Captain with awe.
But it still wasn't the same. Time didn't need him to sing him to sleep, to comfort him from nightmares. He was not a kid anymore. They did have a familiar bond, still brothers, but his little brother was all grown up.
That's why, when he found out Wild regresses, he jumped at the opportunity to help take care of the runt with Twilight. Falling into the routine of taking care of a youngling again came with ease, making sure Wild got to bed on time, that he had comfort after a nightmare, even making sure the boy didn't stick any bugs in his mouth.
It helped ease that feeling in his chest, but did not seem to replace it.
The day had gone well as the nine heros fumbled along the cave, soaking wet after getting caught in a heavy rainfall. They seemed to be in Hyrule's Hyrule, the boy helping scout the best shelter at the front as Legend led the way with his fire rod.
Tension was high between them, since before the portal spat them out. Not only had Wild regressed due to the sudden portal, taking the boy off guard, he seemed to cling onto Time like a bear cub, the older man supporting him gently but you could see the uncomfortableness in his expression.
That's what was confusing to Warriors. Time was fine the first time the Champion regressed, offering to take over before Twilight reassured him there was no means. But now he became more distant, only taking care of Wild if he absolutely had too. It became worse when Sky brought the supplies and plush back, Time avoiding the boy as much as he could, eyes lingering on Wild as he babbled along with a game that Wind would make up.
It did hurt seeing Time that way, but Warriors had little control on how to solve it, every other member of the team being snapped at or ordered away if even bringing it up.
"I think it's because he misses his Wife." Wind brought up at the rear of the group, surrounded by Sky and Twilight.
Warriors knew it was meant to be a private conversation, but he couldn't help but listen in.
"I don't think so.." Twilight answered.
"Yeah, he seems more childlike. Like Wild."
Sky's caused Warriors to tumble, surprise clear on his face. Maybe they were getting onto something, but if Time really regressed too, then he would have had no problem in telling the others. Right?
"Let's stop here for the night." Hyrule interrupted his thoughts, turning back to the rest of the group. "It's dry enough for a fire to start and then Sky can work on the food for the night since our only good cook is too young to be left near a flame right now."
As the camp began to settle down, the blonde watched as Time called Twilight over, handing him the giddy boy that bounced on his hip. A ghost of a smile graced the man's features as Wild waved goodbye, but Warriors could tell it didn't reach his eyes.
"Warriors!" A voice called from behind him, distracting him from the scene that was pulling at him like a portal.
As he turned around, he became face to face with Legend, the snarky veteran looking at him with a quizzical look, hands on his hips.
"Yeah?"
"You've noticed it too, haven't you? Time's jealousy." Legend supplied, Warriors blinking at the accusation.
"Jealousy? What do you mean?"
"He's jealous of Wild. It's obvious in his movements, how he longs to have what the Champion has."
Legend had a point, Warriors losing count of how many times he caught the armoured man sending a glare towards Twilight and Wild, the young one immersed in playing with the other. But he had thought it was because Twilight was spending time with Wild, not the other way around.
"That's mine!!" A high pitched yell broke through the camp, the others turning towards the scene of the crime.
Warriors' mouth fell open at what he saw. Wild was cowering on the ground, hands in his feral hair as he gripped hard at the roots. His blue eyes shone with fear, tears falling down his cheeks.
The culprit to Wild's predicament was Time, the other standing over Wild, face set into a scornful expression. His hand clenched tightly onto a stuffed wolf, it's grey fur poking through white knuckles. The camp froze as they watched the pair, only moving into action as Wild threw his head back, a scratchy, a painful wail emitting from his throat. Time moved back quickly from the outburst, pulling the stuffed animal close to his chest. It finally seemed to hit him what he had actually done, his face falling as the others gathered around him.
“What did you do to Wild?” Wind was the loudest voice Warriors could hear from the back of the group, a quick sweep of the cave showing that Twilight was missing.
“I didn’t do anything! He tried to take her!” Time whined in response, stepping back as his eye scanned for possible exits. Warriors knew the man too well when he knew he was about to run.
“Take who? The Wolf? He’s in the mindset of a young child, of course he’s going to try and play with the toy!” Legend spoke up, moving to stand in front of the man with a finger to the other's face.
“But she’s mine! Sky said so!”
Multiple eyes turned to face Sky, the skyloftian putting his hands up quickly.
“Hey, he told me not to tell anyone!” He defended himself, eyes flicking to Four as the smithy paused in his comforting direction towards Wild.
“All I knew was that you bought Wild the Loftwing and the supplies, you didn’t tell me about the wolf. I’m not involved in this.” The shortest protested, turning back to run his hands through Wilds hair as the boy began to fuss again, the noise disturbing him.
Warriors had to intervene, and quickly!
“Hey Time!” He called out, watching as Time ignored him. This wasn’t like the old man at all, but what did Sky say earlier? Oh yeah!
Marching through the group, he shoved Legend out of the way, ignoring the way the veteran yelped at the sudden movement. His only focus was on Time, he needed to get him out of here and away from prying eyes.
“Mask!” He whispered, not liking how the feeling in his chest tightened as the man, well boy if his theory was correct, didn’t react to the nickname. “Dammit Link! We have to get you out of here, come on kid!”
At the sound of his name, Time snapped his eye towards Warriors, tears brimming the corner of his eyes.
“Captain..” The word was slightly slurred, but the main thing was Warriors knew the boy would follow him.
He guided him through the cave, ignoring shouts of protest from some of the others, Sky and Four pushing them back and quietly explaining for him. He was glad he had some backup there,or this thing would just become more overwhelming.
Time was being too quiet, quieter than the man usually was. He was too stiff, tripping every now and again whilst mumbling soft apologies. It was breaking Warriors heart, wishing that he made the kid stay with him, or at least did not let him leave alone. No kid deserved what Time went through, he was still just a broken little kid, with a responsibility too big for his shoulders.
They stopped at the entrance of the cave, the thrashing rain from earlier now a soft drizzle. Warriors sat on an elevated rock, patting the space next to him as he watched Time shuffle towards him, tears slipping down his cheeks. It hurt to see, to see the broken charade that he assumed the man had always put up.
“Why did you not tell me kiddo? You know I wouldn’t have minded helping you out.” Warriors kept his voice soft, hoping to not scare Time any further.
“Didn’t want to bother people..” The tallest slipped out, bringing the plush towards his chest. “Never get to be a kid, not allowed too!”
With a sympathetic look towards the younger, Warriors moved closer, wrapping an arm around Time whilst pulling him closer to his side.
“Well screw it. You wanna be a kid again, be a kid again. If it helps Wild then it’s going to help you. Just, try and get along with Wild okay? Big brother’s must set a good example.”
A quiet giggle escaped Time, Warriors counting it as a win. They sat there for a while, just watching the rain. It helped calm Time down, Warriors smiling at seeing him relaxed. They were soon interrupted by a soft boof, both turning around to see Wolfie come up behind them, a sleepy Wild clinging onto his back. Blue eyes looked out from the dark grey fur, shrinking back as he caught contact with Time.
Time flinched at the reaction, wearing his guilt on his sleeve. Warriors sighed, standing up and walking towards the youngest. He placed a gentle hand on the kids head, smiling softly as Wild’s eyes flicked up towards him.
“He’s not going to be mean again bud, just don’t touch his wolf without asking next time. Besides,” Warriors chuckled, moving his hand to ruffle Wolfie’s head, “You got a big one of your own.”
It seemed to do the trick, Wild instantly raising his arms as Warriors picked him up, sitting beside Time again whilst Wolfie laid at Time’s feet. The entire time, Wild did not take his eyes off of Time, both curiosity and a bit of hesitance on his face. Time seemed the same, only being prompted to speak by Warriors fake coughing.
“I’m sorry Wild, I wasn’t a good big brother, I didn’t share.” Time’s voice was quiet, but seeing the way Wild lit up at the apology, Time perked up, knowing he did the right thing.
“It okay! I won’t touch your wolf without ‘mission again.” Wild spoke up, leaning towards Time before wrapping his arms around the other.
It made Warriors feel great, seeing his little brothers get on. He knew that from now on, this adventure was going to be a lot more interesting.