Red slowly opened his eyes and blinked. A blurry purple figure hovered above him.
"So, you're finally awake. It's about time."
"V-Vio?" said Red hoarsely trying to set up.
"Take it easy," said Vio helping him, "You're still not well."
"I hurt all over."
"Well, you did get knocked around a lot in that chest. But it could just be the flu. You still need lots of rest." said Vio with a sniffle.
Red watched Vio wipe his nose on the back of his shirt sleeve. He also noticed that Vio was dressed in a warm set of purple PJs rather than his regular tunic.
"Are you sick with the flu again?" said Red.
"No," sniffle, "just a cold. It's not that bad. Blue has one too. His is worse though. He's had a little bit of fever." Vio pointed to Blue who lay curled up in a bed close to Red's. Blue had several blankets on him and snored softly in his pillow.
"Where are we?" asked Red glancing around the room.
"We're in the castle. The princess insisted that we all stay here until we get well."
Red nodded. "Where's Green? Is he sick too?"
Vio pointed to Green sprawled out on a cushy chair sleeping with his hand in a bandage. "He's not sick, but his wrist is fractured. It will be quite a while before he can hold a sword again. The doctors said it should be about a month. I'm glad he's finally sleeping. He's been watching us like a hawk for two days now."
"Two days!"
"Yeah, that's how long you've been unconscious. You had us worried sick, Red. We thought…we thought you were going to die. You really scared us. I even heard Blue crying in his sleep. But don't you dare tell him I told you."
"I-I won't," said Red eyeing a stuffed version of an octorok in his covers. "What's this?"
"Oh, that? Blue won it for you at the festival," Vio said as he walked over to Green and shook his shoulder, "Hey, guess who's awake." Green smiled a walked over to Red's bed while Vio tried to wake Blue.
"Red, what's wrong?" said Green putting a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry!" cried Red. "This wouldn't have happened if I hadn't snuck out. Blue and Vio wouldn't be sick again. And you wouldn't have a broken wrist. This is all because I wouldn't listen and stay home."
"Well, that's true. But the princess would probably still be missing or even dead. You saved her. And any of this could have happened anyway if it were the princess in that chest instead of you. You were really brave to take her place. I'm proud of you. You showed real courage."
Red gave a little smile while wiping away some tears.
"I am still disappointed that you snuck out like that."
"I know."
"I'm going to need some extra help with guard duty since I can't hold a sword for a while. Think you can help me out? I mean…when your better of course."
Red wiped his eyes and beamed, "You can count on me!"
"So, now that he's awake," said Blue stretching, "can we show him?"
"Show me what?"
"Well," said Vio rubbing his chin, "he may be doing better, but…"
"Oh, come on, Vio," said Blue whining, "Can't he just have a peek?"
"A peek at what?" said Red looking back and forth.
"It's up to Green," said Vio with his arms crossed.
"A peek won't hurt. But then it's back to bed!" said Green sternly, "You all need your rest."
"Alright!" said Blue.
Vio put Red's arm around his neck and led him to the door and through the hallway. On the way, they met Princess Zelda.
"Oh, Red," she shouted hugging his neck, "I'm so glad you're all right! I was afraid we'd lost you. Well, has anyone told you about the surprise?"
"We were just about to show him," said Green.
"Oh, good. I shall join you then. Oh, by the way your father is away tracking down the fiends that Lowell was working with. That traitor was bribed to kidnap me. I promised to send your father news about the four of you each day until his return. He will be thrilled to know you are all improving. Oh, and you may like to know that Lowell has the Hylian Flu thanks to you, Red."
"I wouldn't wish that on anybody," said Red cringing.
"Well, I think it serves him right for trying to kidnap me. Oh, here we are."
They all stopped in front of two massive doors.
"My dear Heroes, I cannot thank you enough for your courage and bravery in saving my life. Dear, Red, I know how much the winter festival means to you. I'm sorry you had to miss it. So, I brought the festival to you."
Green and Blue pushed open the doors to reveal a large room with games, tables with mountains of food, both large and small animals, and even magical fairy rides.
"Whoa!" exclaimed Red. Vio stomped Red's foot. "Ow! I mean, thank you Princess!"
"Now," said Zelda smiling, "go have some fun, all of you!"
"Yes!" said Blue, "I'll race you to the ponies!"
Red looked at everyone and frowned.
"What's wrong?" said Green.
Red closed his eyes and pinched himself so hard it left a mark on his pale skin. He breathed in a sigh of relief as he opened his eyes. "Oh, good. I thought it was just a fever dream. Wait for me, Blue!"
