The sun set over the serene forest in deep reds and oranges. The adventurers made camp at the top of a cliff surrounded by forest. The sound of rushing water could be heard in the distance and an abundance of frogs and restless crickets made their presence known to the travelers in the early evening.

Wild made Meat stuffed Pumpkin for dinner and the heroes were full to bursting with the delicious savory meat. The spiced and seared Hylian mushrooms were soaked in the rich meaty juices, along with the sweet roasted pumpkin that held it all together.

To say the group was content was an understatement. Sky was carving an intricate knife handle by the light of the fire, his sailcloth wrapped around his shoulders to spare him from the evening chills. Four was examining Time's Biggoron Sword, struggling to keep the height of it from toppling him to the ground. Time was chuckling as Four was finally dwarfed by the huge sword. He watched Four let out a sigh of resignation as he was hoisted back to his feet by a snickering Warriors.

Wind, Wild, and Hyrule were chatting animatedly about their explorations and adventures, most of them including explosions. At one point they burst out in uncontrollable giggles for no apparent reason. Everyone was confused for a few moments but decided not to ruin their young friend's fun.

Twilight and Legend sat in companionable silence, watching the boy's antics with amused looks. Twilight eyed Wild with a fond smile.

He was opening up. He was making jokes, telling stories, he had even taken off the cloak hiding the scars on his face.

Twilight was happy the skittish hero was becoming comfortable with them. However, he was still worried about what haunted the scarred one. The things Wild would never tell them. He had caught him having nightmares before, but he would always wake up and act like nothing had happened.

Everyone was smiling and laughing when Time finally asked "Alright, who's taking what shift on watch tonight?" Like he did every night. Wild was the only one to volunteer for the middle watch. Like he did every night. Time sighed.

"No. Wild, you have taken middle watch every night this week. We'll have Twilight take it." He said, ignoring Twilight's groan.

"Aww Time! I like middle watch!" Wild pleaded.

"Cub, no one likes middle watch." Time said exasperated. "And you're suspended from it because you never wake up anyone else for their shift."

"But--"

"Wild. I mean it. You need sleep."

"Fine." Wild pouted as everyone settled into their bedrolls. Four took first watch, careful not to look straight into the fire before it ruined his night vision. He settled down on the log, alone with his thoughts as rest of the heroes slept.

Wild pulled his cloak over his head as drowsiness took over and he settled into sleep.

…...

A cold dark chuckle enters the sleeping boy's subconscious. He knew it was a dream. It had to be. But the voice was so sharp. So dark. So real. it was as if the words were his own thoughts, except infused with malice and contempt

You fool.

You think they care about you.

You think they won't betray you.

You think they're different.

The darkness laughed.

You are wrong.

"No"

You are weak.

"No…"

You failed. How could they care about you after what you did? After the pain you caused. After the people who are dead because of you. Your friends. Your family. You killed them.

They are real heroes. Not you. They don't need you. You're a burden.

"I..I"

You know I'm right.

"Who even are you!?" Wild shakily asked the voice.

darkness seemed to close in, suffocating him, growing thicker as if the voice willed it.

You will know who I am, I may not be as... familiar with you as I am with your predecessors, but we can remedy that. I am particularly interested in you.

Alas, We will have to continue this lovely conversation another time.

Goodbye Link.

The last thing he was aware of was glowing red eyes and echoing laughter as the darkness faded and he opened his eyes.

Shadow smirked to himself as he called back his projection from Wild's mind. The hero should wake soon anyway, and he had things to do. But oh it was so refreshing to finally take action himself instead of sending that useless lizard. Fighting could only get you so far after all. Now is the time for strategy, he notices the hero's recent attachment to their newest member. Most likely from pity, but it's a weakness none the less. A weakness he very much intends to exploit.

Hello! I am back! Short chapter, I know. I really needed to get the story moving again. The next update won't take long. Thank you for your patience, and to reward you I present you with plot AND angst. See you next time!