A little while, after everyone had been healed as best they could be, fed and their gear was cleaned and stowed they set about making their plans for the following day.
"Once its daylight and the ground is dry we should have a much easier time finding our way around." Time spoke to his crew, they all sat around the fire and listened. "I have no doubt that the others are probably doing much the same and have found shelter for the night.. They have all endured countless trials on their own in the past and come out on top. Besides the Veteran with them. As much as he might be a snark but he knows how to handle himself and will keep a level head." The others gave a general not of agreement.
"If they are even together..." Hyrule said quietly, and then looked startled and then immediately guiltily when he realized that he'd voiced the thought aloud. He pulled his knees to his chest and tucked his face into them hiding his face.
Twilight who sat behind him, rubbed a circle against his back for comfort. "Hey. We'll find them.." He said softly to his friend who had already lost and endures so much. He couldn't blame him for his pessimism. Twilight returned his attention to Time. "We will. All of them."
Time nodded, and continued after a moment laying out the plans for the following day. Once the little meeting was finished everyone was ready to call it a night. Hyrule was the first into his bedroll with Four and Sky right behind him. Wars stoked the fire up for the night and offered to take first watch. His eyes were red and carried heavy purple bags.
As much as Time desired to rest his head… just for a little while, he needed his boys to be in the best possible shape for whatever was to come. "That's alright, Captain. Turn to.. I've got it."
Wars pursed his lips and blew up pushing his bangs from his face for a moment before he gave a sad, guilty smile. "I don't have the energy to fight you, Old Man… Just wake me when you need a break, yeah?"
"Right.." said Time, both of them knowing he probably wouldn't if he could help it.
"Wrong." Said twilight, emerging from the tree line, a faint animal eye-shine glowed in his eyes reflecting the fire light. "I've got this.. You're practically dead on your feet. Get some rest and we'll go hard tomorrow. Ok?"
Time gave a look of mild disapproval at being put in his place before a smirk quivered into place. He gave a one note chuckle and nodded without further comment. Turning to unroll his own bedding.
Wars and Twilight watched him go. The captain folded his arms and sighed then looked to his friend with a grateful smile... "Keep one eye open okay, wolf-man?" He turned to head back to the fire without waiting for a reply.
Twilight took the moment to transform, once the momentary ache and vertigo left him he trotted up to the top of the rocky outlook over the camp. He looked down, watching over his sleeping companions, all of whom were already conked out cold succumbing to the fatigue, the good food and the relative warmth and safety of the camp. He smiled inwardly to himself.
'I always do… Sleep soundly, my brothers.' He rested his head on his paws and closed his eyes. The wolf perked up his sharp ears, twitching and swiveling to the ambient noise around them. He let the sounds and smells of the forest night wash over him as he too 'rested' in his way. If so much as mouse moved nearby…he was aware.
A few hours later A loud explosion from the not too far distance erupted into the sky above. The wolf bolted to his feet, eyes wide, senses running haywire. He stares in an awed morbid fascination as a fire ball ascended into the sky high above the forest.. It went up and up until it seemed like it might disappear only for it to burst into a massive ring of light that arched outward and slowly began to fall upon the forest… a glowing orange rain of sparks. At first he was worried that the forest might burst into flames but between the rain and the sheer height from which the sparks fell they caused no damage. just a spectacular light show. The wolf shook himself and raced back down the hill to his companions who, despite their comparatively short rest were now very much Wide Awake. Twilight turned back as they each clambered out of they bedding and made it top their feet, weapons ready.
"Did you see it?" Time demanded. "What was it?" He looked to the rancher with wide nearly feral eyes.
"It…It looked like a fireball.. a big one. Like nothing I've ever seen before." He answered with as much clarity as he could offer.
"Legend.." murmured Hyrule. And all eyes turned towards the man. "He has a fire rod… You think maybe?" He looked hopeful.
"They may be in trouble.. It might've been a signal of some kind." Time thought aloud. "Lets pack up. We leave Yesterday."