Dear Readers,

Okay, it does seem that Vio is making some dumb decisions such as wanting Red to take his pills again. But, he's not dumb. He's in denial. He's also trying to find the logical solution to everything, and for him—magic isn't real. Plus, he may seem a little out of character because he's been taking on the role of leader (Green's place) to take care of Red.

Hope you enjoy!

Sincerely,

DragonWing85

Green noticed Vio staring at the sword. "Don't worry. I'll only use it if I have to."

Vio blinked and shook his head. "That's not it. You…You have the same sword that I have. I forgot I even had a sword." Vio walked over to Green. "May I?"

Green nodded and passed him the blade. Vio balanced it horizontally on two fingers and mumbled something. He slashed the air with it and paused. He rubbed his chin. "It's exactly the same! Well, not exactly, mine has an amethyst on the hilt. And maybe less nicks in the blade. Your sword looks like it's seen quite a lot of action." He passed it back to Green.

"So, you have one too?" said Green, blinking in suprise. "Can I see it?"

Vio frowned and looked at the slumbering dark Link. "Shadow keeps it locked up. He says it's too dangerous."

He walked over to Shadow and bit his lip as if he were trying to decide if his actions would be deemed betrayal or not. He breathed deeply, having made his choice and pulled the chain off of Shadow's neck. A small key dangled at the end of it. Vio dashed down the hall as if he were afraid, he'd change his mind should he think about it any longer. He opened the door to Shadow's room and pulled an abnormally large chest from closet. Green stood behind him watching the dust bunnies hop through the air. Blue stood in the door watching, not daring to enter the dark Link's room. Vio pushed the key in the lock and turned it. It clicked loudly, and everyone looked behind them just to make sure that Shadow wasn't secretly watching them, plotting their punishment for entering his domain.

As Vio lifted the lid, Green gasped, "Those clothes. I have the same ones—just green!"

"Let me see!" grumbled Blue still in the doorway.

Vio pulled out two hats, two tunics—red and purple, two pairs of tights—both white, and two swords. The sword with the ruby jewel in the hilt had fewer nicks. Apparently, it hadn't seen much battle. However, the blade was covered in a smoky tarnish as though it had experienced a different kind of action. Vio's sword had fewer nicks than Green's, but defiantly more than Red's. On the hilt was not only an amethyst as he had said, but what looked like dried blood.

"I can't believe I'd forgotten these," said Vio. He held the sword in his hands as if it were a priceless artifact. He handed the swords to Green who studied them.

Green nodded his approval. "They're just like mine and Blue's. So are the clothes."

"So, does this mean it's all real—what Shadow and Red are saying?" said Blue.

"It has to," answered Green. "What else could it mean?" He turned to Vio. "You and Red 'really' are our brothers. I always felt like there was supposed to be more of us than just me and Blue, but…I didn't believe it could be true."

Green reached out and hugged Vio who stiffened a little. Green pulled back and wiped away a tear. "Sorry, I didn't mean to—."

"I…I don't hug," said Vio. "That's Red's thing."

"Finally," said Blue grinning, "someone who understands me! And if since your family, you won't mind if I help myself to a snack. We should celebrate—with popcorn!" He headed to the kitchen.

Vio stared at the swords.

"What's wrong?" asked Green, "I thought you'd like the thought of having new family members."

Vio smirked, "Anyone who wants to help take care of Red is welcome. I just…don't quite get it."

"Get what?"

"This!" Vio waved his hands at the contents of the trunk. "It's not logically possible! Portals! Magic! Evil wizards! I don't see how any of this can be real."

Green put a hand on his shoulder. "I believe it is. I think everything that Red and Shadow are saying is true."

Vio closed his eyes. "Of course, you believe that. Your life's hasn't exactly been a dream vacation. Any fairytale would be worth believing in."

Green frowned, but quickly replaced it with a smile. "It's scary to believe in something you can't see like a family who might actually keep you this time. But that doesn't stop me from hoping. And I bet that you'll believe when we go see that princess you've been guarding." Green paused and glanced at Vio with a twinkle in his eye. "So…is she pretty?"

"Yeah, I guess, so. I haven't really noticed."

Green looked at him blankly. "Haven't noticed? You don't get out much, do you?"

"I'd rather read."

Green nodded thoughtfully. "A brother who reads. Cool. I bet you're smarter than all of us."

"Well, I am almost finished with my college degree."

Green headed for the door. "I'm going to get some popcorn before Blue eats it all. You coming?"

Vio nodded and put the trunk back in the closet, but not before leaving the swords out. He hid them in his own room before placing the key back around Shadow's neck.

"He keeps moaning," said Green, worried as he checked on Red.

Vio checked his breathing. "He does that sometimes in his sleep. It's like he's having a nightmare he can't wake up from. He's done this ever since we met."

"I know that feeling all too well." Green paused. "Met? You mean you found each other?"

"Well, yeah. Didn't you find Blue?"

"No…well sort of. It's a long story."

Vio glanced at Shadow and Red. "I think we have plenty of time for a story." He grabbed a small portion of popcorn from Blue's bowl. "These two won't be awake for quite a while."

"Alright," said Green grabbing some popcorn with both hands. "But then you have to tell us yours."

"Fair enough," said Vio.

Green shoved some popcorn in his mouth, "Five years ago…"