Vio trudged down the shaded road. Dirt and pebbles crunched beneath the hero’s leather boots as a waxing gibbous moon shined just enough light to frame the endless walkway. Covered in a translucent veil of darkness, the forest around the violet-garbed boy whispered of death and fear at any who approached, especially during night. Vio breathed in the sweet, sharp smell of pine trees and exhaled a puff of condensated, temporary fog. Vio walked with his hands in the hidden pockets of his custom-made mixture of trousers and tights and impossibly felt the hilt of the Four Sword. Vio smiled and rubbed the sharp edge of one of the many rupees in the pouch in his pocket as he remembered Zelda’s bright face when she debuted her newest learned spell “Endless Space”. The first thing she used her newfound spell on was a present to Link, so he could carry his knight training equipment around with him at all times.
Reminiscing guided the purple-clad hero to his destination, and when Vio’s senses transitioned back to the present, he found himself jarringly close to the white, chipping paint of the gazebo in the middle of the triple spiral labyrinth in the castle garden. The boy couldn’t have told you how he had arrived or how long it had taken him to get here. Zelda sat, sleeping on a bench against the railing of the building. Vio smiled.
“If you needed sleep, you shouldn’t have called me here.”
Zelda jumped at the sudden break in the quiet night, then relaxed.
“You Din near gave me a heart attack, Vio,” She scolded as her companion sat opposite her, “and you know that this is more important than a couple hours lying under a fluffy comforter in a warm room.”
“Shut up or you’re going to make me fall asleep.” Vio cut in, rubbing his right eye.
“Have you been taking your pills?” Zelda suddenly cut into the conversation, an expression of worry transforming her usually smiling face. The boy in purple clothing sighed.
“Yes, Zelda, all six of them, every day.”
“Any side effects?”
“Zelda, I-“
“I asked you a question.” Her blue eyes burned like embers floating from a fireplace. Vio sighed again.
“No. No side effects.” Zelda sat back, satisfied with his answer. Vio turned his head to the hedge maze so he wouldn’t have to see the judgment in her eyes.
“You know I only ask because-“
“Because you’re my friend, right. Except “my friend” would realize that I’m smart enough to tell someone if I had symptoms. I know what the pills do to people who don’t report symptoms. I don’t, and I never had, a death wish.” Zelda searched his face with sadness in her eyes. Vio’s face remained blank and unattached on the surface, but through his large irises, she could see that he was hurt by her constant questions. Pointing it out will make him worse. She thought to herself. Just let it go. Zelda gave a defeated sigh.
“That’s not the only reason I asked you here today.” Vio's face softened.
“I’m sorry. I should’ve guessed. It’s hard not to feel like everyone’s talking about me with,” Vio coughed, “that rumor.” Zelda nodded with a sad smile on her face. “What’s up?” He asked turning towards her.
“I’m worried about Blue.”
“We’re all worried about Blue. Any specifics you want to clarify?” The blond-headed boy asked jokingly. Zelda brightened slightly.
