#soft legend

[theecholegend]

Eepy bunny

[bokettochild]

Through The Keyhole, See Another Life

Inspired by the giant flannel I've been wearing for the last week and how happy it makes me. This popped into my head at work because of it so.... here you go!

Fandom: Linked Universe

Characters: Time, Legend Four

Words: 1,954

Rating: Gen

Summary: The Chain are visiting the ranch, and while most of the other boys are finishing their chores, Time stumbles across Four introducing Legend to one of his guilty pleasures.

"Four, no." 

Time glances up at the very firm voice echoing down the stairs. He’s not sure if the boys even know he’s come back to the main house yet, not with the guest room being on the backside of the house and unable to see the door and all. Usually, someone would have noticed the sound of the door opening, but all the other boys are outside with Malon, helping with the chores while their smithy and veteran rested inside. 

The battle in his world had been a hard one, and as much as fairies and potions can do, they seemingly can’t prevent Legend’s chronic pain or Four’s migraines, both of which had been worsening for days even before arriving at the ranch. Malon, naturally, had insisted that both boys be allowed to sleep in today, and given they’d still been curled up tight in bed, tense and stressed even while asleep, he’d been inclined to agree.  

It appears they’re awake now though, no doubt having found the breakfast laid just inside the door of their room for them, since no one had known if either would be willing to risk the stairs to find something while the rest of them were outside working. Still, he’d probably better check. He's been a bit worried about the two, and now that Malon has ordered him inside (he honestly wasn’t kicked that hard! The cows are just big!) he has plenty of time on his hands while the rest of his boys finish their assigned chores under his wife’s guidance. 

“Why on earth not?” The smithy’s voice is a bit higher as it trails down the stairs to where he’s shucking off his boots and stretching out his back, feeling every one of his years, even the ones that technically didn’t happen. 

Legend’s sigh is audible even through the floorboards, a soft groan probably accompanying a motion. “Because I don’t want to get in trouble?” 

There’s a part of time that wants to snort at the words; the two heroes sound like children arguing about pulling a prank on their parents, but then the fact that he and Malon would be said parents in that situation hits him and it’s not as funny. Additionally, these are teen heroes, the idea that Legend is wary about it means whatever Four wants to do is either very dumb, very silly, or very dangerous, and he’s not sure which is the worse scenario. 

He moves for the stairs, ears tuned closely to the door above, but feet quiet so they won’t hear him coming. 

“I do this all the time, it’s nice! Come on, you’d love it if you let yourself.” 

Okay then, less a worry, he pauses, listening. They’d probably resent that, but he’s curious now, and still a bit wary. He has to remind himself that Legend and Four are, in fact, two of the more level headed heroes- most of the time. At any rate, they’re usually pretty responsible, so even if he’s more used to Wild and Wind and (Hylia help him) Warriors, he really shouldn’t doubt them so much. 

“Yes,” the bed upstairs creaks, “but you’re you. I’m me. There’s a big difference in how they’d react to you doing this- heck, Twilight would probably think it’s cute from you, and Sky definitely would-” definitely not dangerous then, or risky, or likely to cause damage of any sort “-but it’d be a whole different story with me.” 

“You’re just scared to try.” Four taunts, headache clearly gone. 

The bed creaks, like someone’s flopped on it. “Four, I am in too much pain to sit through Twilight chewing me out for being an ‘asshole’ again.” There’s a tick in the vet’s voice, a small hitch on the offending title. Come to think of it, his pup does tend to call the vet that pretty frequently. 

Four doesn’t pause though, continuing his insistence on...whatever he’s insisting. “Then don’t touch Twilight’s things, he can’t be mad on someone else’s behalf.” 

“He is.” Legend clips back. “frequently.” 

Does his pup really chew the vet out that much? 

“Blame me,” the smithy suggests, off-handed.” 

The bed creaks again, a longer one, most likely as it’s resident shifts to face the smithy. He can imagine the deadpan tired stare and heavy sigh that likely touches their young vet’s face. “That’s the definition of an asshole move.” 

“Then let me say it was my fault.” 

“Again, you’re different. They‘d excuse it from you, but as a person with my own free will, they will blame me for-” 

“Oh stop being a stick-in-the-mud!” Four huffs, petulant almost. He must be in one of his more childish moods, no doubt Red’s fault. It happens from time to time when they’re in a safe place and the smithy isn’t constantly around the other heroes. He didn’t think Legend would be allowed to see it, but maybe he’s wrong about that, because the smithy’s voice definitely has picked up the mannerisms of his more emotional aspect. “Just take this and put it on!” 

Are they....is Four trying to get Legend to play dress up of some kind? 

“Is that Time’s?” It’s hesitant, guarded, wary.  

“He won’t mind, or notice either, I expect. He never does.” 

Is Four getting into his things without his knowing? Since when? Time’s feet start back up the stairs again, only to pause once more at the vet’s hesitant voice. 

“You sure he won’t crucify me or something?” 

Malon’s going to kill him. That’s the impression he’s giving these younger heroes? 

“Just do it,” Four huffs, “stop being a baby.” 

And of course, insulting Legend is no way to get him to make the smart decision, whatever it is they're on about. He sets up the stairs again, creeping to the door of the guest room once he's reached the second floor and peeking around the door frame. The door’s still shut, but it’s little trouble to turn the handle ever so slowly and push it open enough to see what’s going on inside. 

He’s not expecting what he sees. 

Four is standing in the middle of the room, Sky’s embroidered undershirt hanging off of him like a rather short dress as he stares at the vet who’s still sitting on the bed where Time had left both of them early this morning. The vet, in turn, has similarly shed his own sweaty clothes, which he can see tossed over a nearby chair, and the pink-haired teen is currently drowning in what he recognizes to be one of his own tunics. The collar isn’t laced yet, but the vet is currently yanking at it to stop it trying to slip off a shoulder, struggling though because the sleeves of the outfit seem to have utterly swallowed his hands. 

Four giggles. Red is definitely fronting, although the smile he sees on the smith’s face is more like Green’s. “Let me help.” 

  “It’s just the sleeves,” the other boy huffs, “I got it.” He doesn’t. 

Time finds himself stifling a chuckle as he watches the vet fumble and fuss, switching between trying to free his hands and trying to tighten the collar. Any worries that the two were up to anything nefarious have long since vanished, although his will to see what they’re doing hasn’t. 

They look like actual kids like this, Four decked out in stollen finery and Legend drowning in Time’s own clothes, much too big for him, to the point that with the next attempt to free his hands, long sleeves flap freely and loose in an effort of some sort (he can only presume) to make them fall down naturally. That effort though is quickly forgotten, the vet’s face loosening, softening somewhat, eyes wide as he pauses and then tentatively flaps the sleeves again. Four giggles, and Legend’s chuffing laughter follows it as he grins as his trapped hands and the excess fabric that shakes and snaps with his quick movements. 

“Welcome,” the smithy sounds, “to the wonders of over-sized clothes. You’re welcome.” 

“I hate you,” Legend sighs, but there's not a bit of actual malice in the words as he flops back against the pillows on the bed, seemingly having given up on trying to fit into Time’s clothes and instead accepting his fate. The boy’s face screws up a moment later in confusion though, and he lifts a hand to his face again with a frown, sniffing slightly at the shirt sleeve. 

Time desperately, desperately hopes that Four didn’t steal that from his travel bag or dirty laundry. Except, he must not have, because Legend’s face softens again, this time into a smile, and he curls up a bit, burying his face in the fabric with a little hum that is strangely out of place for the harsh veteran they all have come to know. More so though, is the way Legend rubs his face across the fabric, ears flapping. It’s strangely adorable. 

“Nice?” Four is definitely gloating. 

Legend’s face rises for a moment out of the sleeves, a whole different person than Time knows, bitter-sweet smile and flushed cheeks. “’t smells like home.” 

Something in his chest clenches violently. 

There’s no such reaction from the smith though, who just looks pleasantly surprised, but nods it off with a smile, moving a bit closer and settling on the bedside, careful not to stir it and earning a brief look of thanks from the vet who is, now that he looks, still a bit pale and carrying tension around his shoulders and eyes. “Really?” 

“Yeah” violet eyes fall down to stare at long sleeves, hand flapping slightly inside again, but not enough to do more than make the fabric shift and shuffle a bit. “Time must use the same aftershave as-” a pause, a twitch of the face into a frown. “It’s a familiar scent.” 

It’s also a new one. Malon had got it for him for their wedding anniversary last year. He forgets what she called it, but she loves it, so he does too. On the road, it hardly matters what he smells like, but it makes him think of her and, like the captain says, it’s good to do small things for yourself even when traveling and fighting and struggling. Life’s not much worth living if it’s all harsh and you deny yourself even the small joys accessible to you. For him, that joy is remembering how his wife beams and showers him with kisses once he’s fresh faced again, but in the room before him, it can also mean stealing your team-mates' too big clothes and curling up in them when you aren’t feeling your best. 

The smile that pulls across his face as Legend rolls over to face Four better, curled up tightly in himself as the smithy laughs about something, both looking peaceful, is also one of those things. 

For a moment, a precious, fleeting moment, he can almost forget the two boys in the bedroom across from his own are heroes who have to save the world. Instead, he can almost imagine them waking up there and joining farm chores every day. No pain brought on by whatever these two have faced would exist in such a world and instead they’d be free to run wild around the barnyard, racing to finish chores or pulling pranks and making mischief like boys their age should be doing. 

It’s a nice picture, and not even properly bitter-sweet, even though he knows it can’t be, because they're still there in front of him, peaceful and content and chattering quietly, one of his boys curled up in his shirt and the other in Sky’s, both discussing scents and colognes and what smells signal home. 

[winedimples]

Chapters: 2/? Fandom: The Legend of Zelda & Related Fandoms Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Link & Zelda (Legend of Zelda), Fable & Legend (Linked Universe), Knights of Hyrule & Link (Legend of Zelda) Characters: Link (Legend of Zelda), Legend (Linked Universe), Zelda (Legend of Zelda), Fable (Linked Universe), Knights Of Hyrule (Legend Of Zelda) Additional Tags: Linked Universe (Legend of Zelda), Legend (Linked Universe)-centric, (can I use this tag if the other boys are not there? hmmmm), Character Study, Sibling Love, Siblings Fable & Legend (Linked Universe), Prince Legend (Linked Universe), In which I give Link a puzzle to distract him, while Zelda stresses out in the background, They love each other so much, Bickering, Minor Character Death, Soft Legend (Linked Universe), Ice Queen Fable (Linked Universe), written with linked universe in mind but can be read on its own Series: Part 2 of Divine Birthright (Ice Queen Fable) Summary:

You'd think that getting into violent conflicts with the knights of Hyrule on a semi-regular basis will give a guy better insight on how the curse affecting these knights actually works. Except there is no time to analyse when a sword is pointed at you with lethal intent, no empathy to have when survival on the line.

When you're running to avoid more blood staining your hands, how much attention can you pay to the suffering of your opponent?

Despite Zelda's best efforts, the knights of Hyrule will always be a threat to Link. But when the result of an altercation with a pair of knights contradicts his expectations, Link realises that there is more to the curse than he previously thought.

What is Link supposed to do? Not follow the mystery?

Or:

The consequences of love.

--

New chapter summary:

Link tells Zelda a story

[soup-guts]

I love soft legend content!

A scene from Dreamwalker by Quickbrook

[chaoticgoosely]

I should be studying for exams, but I drew Leg instead. :)

I love drawing different times of day, I especially love the sunset where I live. Which this is actually how it looks! Also, I was listening to the little prince audiobook while drawing.

Love,

Goosely <3

[minty-mumbles]

For the ask game, sneeze?

"Achoo!"

Legend didn't say anything, letting Hyrule keep his pride, but internally, he melted at the adorable sound. Who knew the traveller would have such a cute sounding sneeze?

(Give me a one word prompt, and I'll write a three sentence fic)

[queenof-literature]

Legend

Um so Hi! I'm back! I'll go into more detail in another post, but I come bearing a gift?

This is part of my Hero of Wild Series. Here is the archive link if you want to catch up :)

“L-l-i-ink. Li- k-lee-lehn” Wild’s voice sputtered out in his throat, a flare of pain erupting and cutting him off. A water pouch was shoved in his face.

“Drink this.” Twilight stated for the tenth time in an hour; not that he minded. He supposed that reminding Wild to drink water was the least he could do for the boy working so hard in front of him.

“Liehn-” Wild’s face pinched in concentration. 

“Wild.” Twilight interrupted, sloshing the water closer to the teen’s face. That seemed to snap the boy from his trance-like state. Wild gently took the water, and Twilight guessed he was overcompensating, not wanting to take his anger out at Twilight or Sky. Although Twilight appreciated it, he would have understood.

‘Thanks’. Wild signed the word quickly and nonchalantly, obviously trying to wave off his supposed failures. 

“No problem.” Twilight said instead of all the things he wanted to say. Sure Wild was a great kid, but Twilight barely knew how to interact with him. The kid was an enigma, what could he say?

You uh- You’re making good progress, you know that right?” Twilight resisted smacking himself in the forehead when he 

“He’s right.” Sky added, speaking up for the first time in a while. “No matter how much you don’t believe it, it’s true.”

“Yeah!” Sky raised a brow at how loudly and desperately Twilight tacked onto his comment. “You said your name, that’s a lot of progress. And I’ve only been with you guys for a week.” 

‘A week to say my own name. Not even fully.” Wild signed mournfully. He didn’t want to complain, he didn’t. He was grateful for Sky and Twilight for helping him, but he was just… starting to lose hope.

“You act like it will be this hard forever.” Twilight spoke up, not allowing himself to overthink his words. “The basics are always hard. This is just like learning how to use a weapon. You’re amazing with your bow, but you had to learn the basics, right?” Wild thought that over, not registering the compliment and not mentioning the fact that he didn’t even remember learning how to use his bow. He woke up and knew how to wield his weapons. Still, he nodded.

“Not to change the subject.” Sky drew their attention his way. “Time has been understanding about us leaving everyday, but it’s been a few weeks, Wild. I’m not sure how long we can keep making excuses. The other Links won’t pry if we ask them not too… but… have you maybe considered now that you have more practice in, it might be best to tell them?” Sky had never sounded so hesitant before, but that wasn’t what Wild was focused on. He felt his entire body heat up, his heart beating in his ears as they rang.

Time? Hylia no. If Time was there when Wild was attempting to speak he was sure he would never get a word out. 

Warriors? The proud captain. No, after all the steady orders and comments from the man, Wild didn’t even know how he would react. Warriors was the embodiment of confidence. 

Hyrule? Wind? Four? Maybe it would be alright if they knew, but Wild certainly preferred if they didn’t. 

Legend? Wild shuddered at the thought. Something about the way Legend’s calculating, icy gaze bored into him felt like the older man could look into his soul. He probably could. Legend practically oozed magic, even Wild could tell; and it wasn’t in the same way that Hyrule did. Wild couldn’t really explain the difference. It just threw him off a little.

Wild shook his head, feeling a spike of guilt at the sad looks Sky and Twilight sent each other. ‘I’m sorry I just…’ 

“It’s okay, Wild. We understand, promise. Just- just think about it, please. You were scared for Twilight to know, and it turned out fine. Right?” Wild bit his lip. That was a good point. Twilight hadn’t treated him differently, besides wanting to help. But having all the Links know would just be suffocating.

‘I’ll think about it.’ Wild signed, not expecting Sky's gentle smile. 

“Thank you, Wild. That’s all we ask.” That was the thing about Sky. He was always kind, always patient, always gentle. Just like… well. Just like some of the people Wild had met on his journey. Wild guessed that Sky still held a storm inside, always ready to be unleashed. Wild tried to return the smile, but it turned out to be more of a grimace. The nerves in his face seemed to not be cooperating with him, the two across from him didn’t seem to mind. 

“Would you like to take a longer break, or start again?” Sky asked, already knowing the answer. 

‘Start please.’ Wild signed without hesitation. Sky and Twilight exchanged a fond look, before their practice began again. 

“Okay, remember the way the tongue should be with the ‘L’ sound. Sky realized later that perhaps a word with an ‘L’ wouldn’t be the best place to start, but too late to start now. Wild nodded.

‘Tip against the teeth.’ Wild signed out of habit. He had that movement drilled into his head. It was doing it that was the problem.

“L-” Wild began.

“Good! That was a lot clearer than before.” Sky meant it. Wild didn’t believe it, but breaks did help. Wild was just stubborn. Just like all the Links, Sky mused. “Now the ‘i’”. Wild nodded, this was how all their teachings went, but Sky told him that habits were sometimes the best way to learn. The ‘i’ sound was the hardest part for him. Pushing the air out and forming his mouth right was hard for him.

“eh- ehe- ee”.

“Good! Now weld them together.” 

“Li-Li-” Wild pushed out.

“Don’t rush yourself.” Sky chided. 

“Li-Leh-Lin-Li-nk. Link.” Wild hadn’t even noticed it at first, but Sky and Twilight sure did.

“Wild!” Twilight called excitedly. Wild froze. He said it. He said it! 

‘I said it!’ Wild signed, so excited that his words slurred together.

“We know!” Sky laughed merrily. Twilight reached out to ruffle the younger's hair, but froze. This wasn’t an Ordonian kid. This was Wild. Wild didn;t like touch.

“Amazing job, Wild! I told you that you could!” Sky waved his hands over his head. 

“Li-nk. Lin-k. Link.” The more Wild said it, the easier the word formed in his mouth. He didn’t want to stop, he didn’t want this to end-

A twig snapped.

The three jumped up from the grass, Sky and Twilight grabbing their discarded swords, and Wild grabbing his bow.

“Stop! Stop, it’s me.” Wild’s blood went cold. He knew that voice,

“Legend! What in Hylia are you doing?” Twilight practically snarled, noticing Wild’s horrified face.

“Cool it, goat boy!”

“Everyone calm down.” Sky commanded, his firm voice sweeping over the small opening in the trees. Legend emerged from the small patch of shrubbery he was standing behind. He didn’t look like he was intentionally eavesdropping, but that didn’t matter to Wild. He heard, he heard, he heard. Was all that was running through his head.  

“Look. I didn’t mean to overhear. Hyrule managed to wrangle his way out of camp and I was looking for him.”  Legend’s arms crossed over his chest and Wild noticed that Legend’s eyes were gazing everywhere but at Wild’s own. “I heard you and I just… froze I guess. I wasn’t expecting it.”

‘Please don’t tell.’

“Why not?” Legend raised an eyebrow.

‘Embarrassing.’ Wild felt his cheeks heating up at even the thought of the others knowing. Three out of eight is bad enough.

“Embarrassing? How is that-” Legend cut himself off and took a breath. “Can I talk to Wild? Alone?” 

“What? Why?” Twilight questioned. Wild waved in Twilight’s peripheral. 

‘It’s ok.’

“I- If you’re positive, Wild.” Twilight glanced over at Sky.

“We’ll give you two a few minutes. We need to refill some of the water pouches anyway.” Sky and Twilight walked away, one far more hesitantly than the other, and part of Wild wished he hadn’t agreed. Okay, most of Wild didn’t want them to go. He felt Legend’s icy eyes staring into him. Wild took a deep breath, willing the blood in his ears to stop rushing long enough to hear the other hero out.

‘Please don’t tell. Please.’ Wild begged pathetically, hands shaking.

“I get it, I do. I would think the same if I were you, probably. You shouldn’t be though. Embarrassed, I mean.”  Wild scrunched his nose and Legend almost laughed. Wind, Hyrule and Warriors all did that when they were contemplating something; just like Legend. His uncle used to poke the lines between his face when Legend was thinking too hard. 

Legend took another breath, willing the thoughts away. Judging by Wild’s subtle eye twitch, Legend’s sigh came out far more frustrated than he meant it to.

Legend awkwardly sat down, silently inviting WIld to join him. He could see the kid glance longingly at the path that Sky and Twilight took and winced. He really did suck at first impressions, didn’t he?

“Look I’m sorry for how I acted when I first met you, but I didn’t know you and we thought we had everyone in our merry little band. I’m not gonna bite, though.” Legend sighed at himself in his head. He never could get the words out right, could he? To his surprise, the kid’s lips twitched upwards and he sat across from him. Good, so he wasn’t sensitive.

“I get it.” Legend began quietly. Wild’s brows shot up. He wasn’t good at this mushy shit, but he could at least extend an olive branch. “Not exactly what you’re going through, but when I talk, I try to say something but mean something else. I’m not the best with words that don’t make me sound like an asshole, if you haven’t noticed. Rav- my best friend, though, he always seems to know. No matter how annoying he is. I’m lucky to have him.” Ugh, ‘lucky to have him’? Whatever, he was just getting sentimental in being away from home. 

Legend took another breath. In through the nose, out through the mouth.

“Look. All I’m saying is that we all have issues. There’s no reason to hide it.” Hylia, talk about hypocrisy. Judging by Wild’s eyebrow twitch, the other boy was thinking the same thing. “I know, I know, that’s rich coming from me.” Legend huffed, his own nose scrunching in thought. He looked up at an unfamiliar word signed by Wild.

“Don’t know that one.” Legend stated bluntly. If Wild wanted to elaborate he would.

“B-u-n-n-y.” Legend’s blood went cold. No… how did he know? Was Wild more magic than he thought? 

At Legend’s look a flash of panic coursed through Wild. Hylia he really has been in the wilderness for too long, his non-existent social skills just went through the window. The only explanation he could offer was to point at Legend’s nose.

Wild was pointing… at him? His eyes? No his nose. Wait… was he saying…

“Are you… saying my nose reminds you of a bunny?” Wild’s face turned red. When Legend said it like that it sounded stupid and weird. “You little shit! You do the same!” Legend laughed, actually laughed, before tearing some grass and throwing it at Wild’s face. Wild’s look of shock was absolutely worth it. Apparently deciding that Legend was teasing and not serious, a mischievous smirk. “Don’t you dare.” Legend had the audacity to say, as if he didn’t start it. Wild quickly grabbed a handful of grass and threw it in Legend’s face.

“It’s on.”

Legend and Wild spent the next five minutes running and dashing, doing their best to get as much grass on the other as possible. Legend didn’t know why he started it, he didn’t even know the kid. Maybe he knew the kid probably needed some fun after the obvious frustration of learning to talk. Perhaps a small part of Legend knew that he could use this small respite as well. Whatever it was, this kid was going down.

If it were anyone else, Legend would have played dirty and shoved the itchy grass down Wild’s tunic. He remembered just in time that the kid hated touch. The little shit took the opportunity though, and stole Legend’s hat.

“Hey!” Legend saw a variety of emotions cross Wild’s face. The first being regret that he had made a grave mistake, that the hat had held a greater significance than he thought it did. And sure, Legend would set someone on fire if they hurt the hat, but he knew Wild wouldn;t do anything of the sort. The kid seemed to realize that, and the devilish smirk seemed to return; right before he took off to the surrounding woods.

“You little shit! Get back here!” Legend took off after him. He noticed Wild shoving something in Legend’s hat as he went. “Don’t you dare!” Legend called, only seeing a flash of a smirk before Wild disappeared behind the trees. Legend ran to catch up, only to find the kid gone.

“Where are ya?” Legend called out. Where could he be… it was too late that Legend realized that Wild seemed above average in climbing. Before he could look up, he felt a presence nimbly jump down behind him.

“Hey-” Before Legend could turn around, something was shoved onto his head. His hat. His hat filled with grass, leaves, and was that a pinecone!?

“Wild! Pleh!” Legend sputtered, desperately trying to get the grass out of his mouth that fell from his hat, freezing when he heard something he had never heard before. Wild was… laughing? He did that!? Since when? Maybe in another life Legend would be mad that the first time the kid laughed (to his knowledge) was at his expense. But damn if it wasn’t good to hear. Especially after he thought he had royally screwed everything up by overhearing the kid’s speaking practice.

“Guess I kind of deserved that, huh?” Legend let out a small chuckle as he tried to get the grass out of his hat, Wild’s laughter had settled down, but the kid still had a crooked smile on his face.

‘No.’ Wild shook his head. ‘I was…’ Wild frowned in thought. ‘S-u-s-p-i-c-i-o-u-s of you too. Not your fault.” Legend could genuinely say he was surprised for the tenth time that day. And here he thought Wild hated him. Then again, Wild seemed to be scared of everyone. Maybe scared wasn’t the right word. Skittish, maybe? Wild certainly fit for his name, Legend could only say that about his behavior.

“Hm.” Legend finished the conversation. Wild didn’t seem to mind. The two walked back in silence on the way back to the clearing. Though this time, it wasn’t awkward. 

~

“What happened?” Sky asked incredulously, staring at Wild’s nest of grass filled hair and Legend’s grass covered tunic.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Legend claimed in a deadpan voice, almost breaking his blank face when Wild shrugged next to him. “We should probably get back to camp, before the Old Man flips his lid.” Without specifying any further, Legend began the trek back to camp. He let a smirk fall onto his face when he heard Twilight grilling Wild on what the hell happened in the small amount of time they were gone.

Legend didn’t mention the fact that Wild didn’t flinch or wince that entire time.

[enjolras-out]

Run Through Fire (Linked Universe Febuwhump Day 17 - Legend, Hyrule)

Prompt: self-inflicted wound

TW – fire, burns, self-sacrificing behaviour (prompt is interpreted very loosely but still... stay safe)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/36809317/chapters/92775454

“That’s the last of them,” Hyrule panted, wiping blood off his face with the back of his hand, though he was still wheeling, peering into the corners in search of any remaining stalfos.

“For now,” Legend replied darkly. They could both hear the sounds of echoing footsteps in the passage leading into the next dungeon. “You okay? You used a lot of magic.”

Hyrule shot him a crooked smile. “I’m fine. Let’s just get out of here.” A slender arc of flame flickered around the heavy doorway standing open across the dungeon. Beyond it the moon glowed in a clear night sky. Side by side they ran for the doorway, dodging and jumping over the littered monster bodies they’d cut down to get this far. Then Hyrule slowed, only feet from the door, and Legend saw his eyes flick to the heavy chest, half buried by monster bones, across the dungeon.

“Roolie,” he began warningly. Hyrule hesitated, biting his lip.

“I just want to see what’s inside.”

“Roolie-”

But Hyrule had already raced across the dungeon, dropped to one knee beside the chest and lifted the lid. The second he did so there was a roaring sound and a splitting of rock and the dungeon floor surged and bucked like a panicking horse, throwing them violently apart.

For a moment Legend was in the air – then he crashed to the ground hard and rolled over twice before coming to a stop. Suddenly the cool wind chafed at his bruised skin. He groaned, sitting up and blinking away the residual dizziness and when he could see clearly again he realised he’d been thrown right out of the dungeon, and that the heavy doors had swung closed behind him.

Shit, he thought. Shit, shit, shit, we triggered another trap…

This dungeon didn’t give up its secrets willingly. And…

Hyrule was nowhere to be seen.

Oh goddess he’s still inside…

There was a big golden key sitting sat innocently on a stone pedestal right in front of him. From what Legend could tell, it was exactly the shape, size and material to fit into the keyhole in the dungeon doors. Surely it’s not that easy, Legend thought suspiciously. He staggered to his feet, ears still ringing, and strode forwards but as soon as he came within five feet of the key there was a rushing sound and a ring of flame leapt up, surrounding the key with a wall of fire.

Legend stumbled back from the sudden intense heat, then whirled and flung himself back towards the dungeon door, hammering frantically at the heavy stone, which refused to budge no matter how hard he shoved at it.

This dungeon really didn’t give up its secrets willingly…

“Hyrule!” he yelled. “Hyrule, can you hear me?”

Through the narrow grille in the door, presumably designed for a long-ago guard to demand “who goes there?”, Legend could just glimpse Hyrule’s dark eyes and untidy curls. “Legend!” he called. “Are you okay? I’m so, so sorry, that was really stupid of me! Can you open the door?”

Legend gritted his teeth. “I’m trying.”

“Because, um…” Hyrule’s voice trailed off uncertainly for a moment. “I, uh, don’t want to freak you out and it’s definitely going to be okay, but there are a lot more stalfos coming...”

Legend’s heart skipped a beat. Hyrule was trapped in the dungeon with a horde of monsters. Oh sweet Hylia… It suddenly struck Legend with terrifying certainty that unless he could get the door open Hyrule was going to die. Through the narrow grille he saw Hyrule glance behind him and draw his sword once more, saw it begin to glow with magical light. No. No. No. He had to get him out of there. He couldn’t let this happen.

He turned resolutely back to the ring of fire surrounding the plinth and drew his ice rod out of his bag. He was pretty sure it wouldn’t be this easy, because it never was, but it was worth a shot. He shot a stream of ice into the flames, but the magical fire simply absorbed it, closing around it with a gentle steaming hiss. He didn’t have any heat-resistant items with him – hadn’t thought he’d need them.

Okay, Legend thought. So this is the only way. Typical. Just typical. Thank you, goddesses above. Thank you so much. As always, let me convey my sincere and heartfelt appreciation for everything you do for us. Of course he had no choice. Of course not. Not when it was Hyrule.

“What’s all that fire?” Hyrule’s voice echoed from behind him. “What’s going on?”

“Hang in there, Roolie,” Legend called back, proud of how steady his voice sounded. “I’m gonna get you out.” He pulled out his water bottle, still nearly full, thank the goddess, yanked his tunic off and emptied the water onto the fabric before wrapping the wettest part of the tunic around his head.

“Legend?” Hyrule’s voice sounded high and panicked. “Legend, what are you doing? Legend, whatever you’re about to do, don’t, okay? Hey. HEY!”

Legend braced himself, fixed his eyes on the tiny golden key sitting so innocently on top of the plinth, brought up both arms to shield his face as best he could, and ran straight into the fire.

The wall of flame roared around him. He barely had time to register the blinding heat, the searing pain erupting all over his body before he was through to the other side. He staggered, every nerve alight, and black spots danced in his vision. “No,” he growled. “Not yet.” His hand closed on the key and he turned to face the fire again.

The second time was worse. The agony was so intense he lost track of where his skin ended and the fire began – then he was on his knees on the other side, retching with pain. “Legend!” Hyrule’s voice was yelling. Roolie. The door. Stalfos. Legend forced himself to his feet and half-ran, half-fell into the door, jamming the key into the lock. As the stone doors finally slid open Hyrule stumbled through, followed by a couple of pre-emptive arrows before he slammed the doors shut behind him.

Legend groaned and collapsed back to his knees. Everything hurt. Everything hurt. His skin felt raw and every movement, every breath sent ripples of agony tight and hot through his whole body. He could still hear the crackling of fire. The stench of burnt flesh was almost overpowering – breathing seared his throat and darkness gnawed at the corners of his eyes.

He was dimly aware that Hyrule was shouting something, and then he found himself shoved face-first into the dirt and Hyrule seemed to be hitting him all over, then rolling him onto his back and hitting him again. He was confused. Was Hyrule really that mad? He supposed it kind of made sense but the reaction still seemed misplaced.

It was only when Hyrule sat back on his heels, panting, and the crackling sounds had fully faded, that Legend realised his clothes had been on fire the whole time, until Hyrule had put them out.

“Legend. Legend, are you still with me? Just hold on, I’m going to heal you. You idiot, you absolute idiot, I can’t believe you…”

Legend just stared dazedly up at Hyrule, who was nearly crying with anger and panic, as he placed his hands over Legend’s heart on the charred remains of his shirt, and summoned his magic.

Legend hadn’t thought it was possible to be in this much pain and yet also be so absolutely fine with it. He stared up at the night sky above Hyrule’s head, and as the pale gold glow of the Life spell began to shine around them, Legend smiled.