"What do you mean 'who are we'?" said Blue a little testy.
"You're joking, right?" said Red. "Vio, this isn't funny! We've been worried about you."
"Vio," said Green calmly, "It's us—your brothers. Don't you remember?"
"I-I don't know you," said Vio trembling as he stared at Red.
Link watched the boy closely. Something's off about this kid. If he doesn't remember them, why is he scared out of his wits? "Nice to see you again, Pondo. Sure is cold out here! Think maybe we can rest inside your cabin?"
"Oh," said Pondo, "Where are my manners? Of course. Come on inside and warm yourself by the fire."
Everyone filed inside the warm cabin. Pondo offered Link the chair, but he politely refused. Blue and Red sat by the fire. As Pondo took the chair, Vio sat on the floor beside him. Green walked over to Vio and pulled back the locks of blond hair revealing a bandage tied around his forehead.
"That's quite a goose egg, you have there!" said Green. "So, you really don't remember us?"
Link crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. He watched as Vio quickly glanced at Red then stared at the floor. What's he not telling us? thought Link. He's frightened. He's…hiding something.
Vio glanced back at Green. "No, I'm sorry. I don't know you."
"Vio," said Red with tears in his eyes, "you have to remember us! We're you're brothers!"
"Maybe this will help," said Blue as he pulled Vio's purple hat from his pocket and passed it to him. "It's yours. Does it look familiar?"
"No."
"Hey, Link," said Green walking over to him, "Could you pass me Vio's sword?" Link pulled it out and handed it to the Green clad boy. "Here," he said passing it to Vio. "This is your sword. We all have one. Yours has an amethyst on the hilt. Does it seem familiar at all?"
Vio studied the sword and gripped it firmly in his hands. "It's a nice sword," he said swinging it through the air. Suddenly, he winced and grabbed his head letting the weapon fall to the floor. He dropped to his knees and stared at the sword. Sweat poured down his face as he saw his reflection in the blade.
"Vio," said Red faintly, "are you okay?"
"I…I need some air," said the boy in purple as he headed for the door.
"Hey, wait!" shouted Green who took off after him.
Link stepped in front of him. "Let him go."
"But it's freezing out there! Something could happen to him. We're not losing him again!"
"He just needs a moment. Give him some space."
Green scowled but chose not to argue as he walked over to join Red and Blue.
"This is all my fault!" said Red crying. "I shouldn't have wandered off. I should have…"
"Hush," said Green patting him on the back. "No one blames you."
"Except Vio," said Blue. "That is, he will if he remembers."
Red cried even harder.
"Nice going, Blue!" said Green trying to calm Red down.
"What?! It's the truth. He might as well prepare himself for it now."
Link rubbed his temples. "Pondo, how did you come to find the boy?"
"Well," said Pondo, "I was setting up my giant bowling pins. You know, the ones I carved into moose heads? Well, anyway, I heard this moaning sound. It was drifting on the wind. So, I followed it. And there he was under some small bush. He looked like he was dead, but he still had a heart beat! I scooped him up and hurried back to the cabin. Poor boy was nearly frozen solid. Right before I made it to my cabin door, I heard an explosion in the distance. I could only hope those monsters that live around these parts died with it."
Link looked at Green who was hugging Red. Green gave him a pleading look and Link sighed, "I'll go find him." He stepped out into the cold wind and winced. Geez, Kid, where are you. It's freezing out here! He walked around until he found him hiding behind a giant snow ball. "Hey, you okay?"
Vio sat there with his knees tucked under his chin.
"Do you want to come back inside?"
Vio shook his head no.
Great! Just great! What's wrong with this kid? Okay, Link. Take it easy. Keep your cool. He feels threated already. Although, I don't know why! Link sat down with his back against the snow ball. "So, you're the one they call Vio."
Vio snapped, "Maybe I am. Maybe I'm not."
"Okay, sorry. Just making small talk. No need to get upset." Link held his hand out for Vio to shake. "I'm Link.
Vio stared at his hand, and then looked Link in the eyes. "What do you want from me? I came out here to be alone."
Link withdrew his hand awkwardly. "I'm not sure why I'm out here either."
Vio cocked his eyebrow at him.
Link continued, "All I can tell you is that those three boys back there have been searching all over for you. And they're pretty upset. I told them I'd find you. And here you are. So now what?"
"I…I don't know. I don't remember anything. I just woke up and Pondo was carrying me. He brought me to his cabin, fed me, and kept me warm. He saved my life."
Link shivered and wrapped his arms around himself. "You're very lucky to have been found." Link gave him a side glance as he said, "You know someone found Red too. So, I guess you're both lucky!"
A flash of fear crossed Vio's eyes. There it is again! thought Link. Something about Red has this kid spooked, but what is it? Red wouldn't harm a mouse.
"Yeah, I guess we are."
"Hey, Kid, is there something you want to tell me?"
Vio looked down and shook his head no.
Link shivered again. "How are you staying warm? You act like it's not even cold."
"Pondo gave me something to eat, and I've been warm ever since."
"Oh, I see," said Link standing up, "He must have given you some powerful food for the affects to last that long! Good Old Pondo. Well, I think my elixir has worn off already. I had better go back inside." Link headed for the cabin. "You know," he said rubbing his head, "They were really worried sick about you. They may seem obnoxious, but they really do care. You should at least give them a chance."
Vio watched Link walk back to the cabin. "Hey, Mister!" shouted Vio. Link turned back to look at the purple clad child. "I just need to think. I won't be long."
"They told me you were the smart one!" shouted Link as he walked up to the door.
Once inside, all eyes were turned on him. "He just needs to think. He'll be back be back soon."
"Now what do we do?" asked Red aloud.
Link ruffled his hair, "It'll be dark soon, so we rest. Tomorrow, we head to Kakariko village."
"Why are we going there?" said Red.
"I'm taking you to someone who can help you find your way back home."
"Why do I get the feeling that your dumping us?" said Blue folding his arms.
"Look," said Link avoiding Blue's stare, "I'm taking you to an old friend. She may even be able to help Vio get his memory back!"
"If it helps Vio, we're all for it," said Green speaking for everyone. "We should turn in early then."
The door opened and Vio ambled in. All eyes fell on the small lad. He gulped and said, "I'm sorry about running out like that."
"It's okay," said Green softly. "I would have too. Would you like to sit with us?"
Vio gave a half smile and sat on the floor by the fire with them. Each boy talked about their adventures and about how they were once one person. Vio listened intently as the boys' conversation continued deep into the night.
"It's good to be back together again," said Green putting a blanket over Red who had fallen asleep sitting up.
Blue stretched and laid down pulling a blanket up to his chin. "I think I better turn in too." And soon he was snoozing.
Green smiled softly at the two. "Vio, you really don't remember us, do you?"
Vio shook his head no.
Green hung his head in thought, "Hmm. If you have any questions, you can always ask. We'll help you get your memory back."
Vio nodded firmly, "I will."
"Well, good night," said Green covering up with a blanket and laying between Red and Blue.
"Good night," said Vio walking over to Pondo who had fallen asleep sitting in the chair. The boy placed a blanket over him and frowned.
"What's wrong, Kiddum?" asked Pondo stirring from his sleep. "You found out who you are. And you have a name now. So, why the long face?"
"I want to stay here with you," whispered Vio.
"I wish you could. But think about those boys over there. They need you. They won't be a whole without you."
"But I feel safe here. Can't I stay with you?"
"Vio," said Pondo softly, "Nowhere is ever really safe. The world is only safe because people like you make it that way."
"That's not the answer I was hoping for."
"Sleep on it, Kiddum. You may feel different about it in the morning."
Vio sighed, "If you say so." He climbed into the large bed and noticed that Link was up against the wall with his hood pulled down over his face. I wonder if he's sleeping. What a strange guy. I feel like he's always watching me. And why does he care so much anyway?
After several hours, Red sat bolt up screaming, "Vio!"
Green sat up and tried to soothe him. Blue rolled over and went back to sleep. Link stayed against the wall while Pondo slept like a log. Vio, however, jumped from the covers and pulled his sword from his sheath.
"Shhh, Red," whispered Green. "It's okay. It's okay. Vio's safe."
"Vio," mumbled Red with his eyes half open.
Green shushed him again. "Go back to sleep. I promise Vio is okay."
"Is he okay?" asked Vio franticly.
"Yeah," yawned Green. "It's just a nightmare. He's fine. Nothing to worry about." The green clad child laid back down and was soon snoring along with Red and Blue.
Vio sheathed his sword and took a deep breath. Taking one long look to make sure everyone was still asleep, he tiptoed to the door and eased it open.
And just where are you off to? thought Link as the door clicked shut.
Thanks for being patient with chapter six. I had an awesome time at the zoo with my family although I tripped twice on the steps (maybe three). But I really missed the writing! I'm glad to be back into my creative schedule. So, hang tight. There's a lot more excitement coming for our five heroes. Thanks for reading. I look forward to reading all of your reviews. Hope everyone enjoyed their Spring break!
