Heroes New and Old (Linked Universe AU)

by Nihilishtic Wobbuffet

Legend, Wild, and Wind get separated from their companions after traveling through a portal and wind up getting lost in a cave. They meet some strange travelers along the way that could change everything. Currently rated T for some mild language and suggestive moments. Feedback is appreciated. :) *on a brief hiatus until Links and the City is finished. Not dead, just sleeping!*

8. Chapter 8

The men had been searching for hours now and it was getting dark. A hideous storm had left them all completely drenched and ruined any chance of finding footprints or for Twilight to pick up a scent trail. They'd even briefly had to stop during the worst of it and seek shelter under a rocky overhang. Now that the sky had cleared somewhat, they were on the move again. Time rubbed his one good eye and tried to stifle a yawn. He was exhausted, soggy and freezing. He looked over his shoulder to the others and saw that they were in much the same state. Four seemed to be suffering the worst of the bunch. The thick mud they had been squelching through reached up above the top of his boots, nearly to his knees and he was having legitimate issues walking in it. Twilight, who had assumed his wolf form to better their chances of finding their friends fared little better the mud reaching up to his belly as he slogged along. He notices Time staring and lolled his tongue out and gave an encouraging "Boof."

Just then Hyrule slipped in the mud behind them and gave a small cry as he hit his knees hard. His arms plunged into the cold guck to his elbows, and he made a face as he tried to struggle to his feet.

"I'm alright…I'm-ah!" He was suddenly lifted up and back onto his feet by the back of his tunic. Wars stood behind him looking a little pale and worn, but as resolute as ever.

"Time.. we need to stop." The captain said. We can't just keep trudging though the mud all night. We don't know where we are. Its getting darker by the minute and everyone is completely exhausted."

Time stopped, looking back at them all. He bit the inside of his cheek, he knew that the captain was right. Searching like this was pointless. If anything, they might risk getting farther away from their companions.. getting more lost. If they stopped they could rest, have a fire. Eat. With any luck the fire might be a beacon to their missing comrades…if they were still alive.

He pushed the thought away. He nodded.

"First dry spot we find." He said finally to the visible relief of all.