if i look back, i am lost
Not today Justin
we're not kids anymore.
Game of Thrones Daily
$LAYYYTER
ellievsbear
cherry valley forever
Discoholic 🪩
todays bird
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Kiana Khansmith
Sade Olutola
Acquired Stardust
PR's Tumblrdome
Sweet Seals For You, Always
trying on a metaphor
Love Begins
"I'm Dorothy Gale from Kansas"
i don't do bad sauce passes
seen from United States
seen from Congo - Kinshasa
seen from China
seen from United States
seen from Singapore
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Singapore
seen from Italy
seen from Denmark
seen from Sweden
seen from United Kingdom
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@uni-writes-things
~Pinned Post Or Something~
This blog is a collection of all my writing. My main is @uniquevoidflowers!
My ao3 is slushiesandpizza
I write for the Legend of Zelda, Linked Universe, and I take requests! As long as there's nothing NSFW, and it's for LOZ or LU, feel free to put a request in my askbox.
Anything that is not a fic will be tagged: #not a fic
(picture is a picrew)
Just a little wip of botw oc stuff I've been working on...In short the oc is botw link's sister named Lydia :3
She’s heard the whispers.
The stone resembling a time long past is barely visible from the growth of the forest. Moss and other plants consume the ruins but can’t hide all of the crumbled remains. She sits down against it, staring up ahead at the webs of trees and muddy paths and breathes.
“This land may have hope yet,” A rough voice rasps out of chapped lips.
Her long ears twitch when the faint rustle of leaves and grass catches her attention.
“How can you say that?” A different, honey-like voice asks with something bitter in each syllable.
A hand reaches towards her bow, now scarred. It’s become an instinct. It’s been so long.
“The Hero of Hyrule is alive. I saw the device at his hip. His wild, glowing, blue eyes. He has come to save what’s left of his home.”
A figure emerges from a random direction, in an unassuming grey cloak and red gear. He doesn’t notice the girl waiting near the clump of ruins. Then he turns to look at something and she sees a very familiar face, its side covered in faded burn scars and glowing cerulean eyes. Blonde sideburns peeking out down his neck.
The girl doesn’t say a word. Just watches him collect a beetle off a tree and dart off. She has stopped weeping for the boy who left her carrying a sacred blade.
What WIP should I work on?
Era of the Wild
Royal Link AU
Never Dead for Long (series)
Murky Glass
Flicker of the Dead
Raised By a Blade (Rewrite)
Fan Joy July 2026 Artworks
OC Stuff
Chains Cafe fic
Uni!! You forgot ___!! (put down in tags)
Been feeling in the mood to write (or draw) but been indecisive so here's this poll :3
Forgotten (Part 2)
A lot of people have requested a second part to this chapter of my Whumptober Collection so here it is :) <3
“That was weird,” Wars kept walking, map in hand. “The Princess acted like she knew us but...we don’t know her?”
“Something’s off for sure,” The smithy spoke up.
“I think I see the house!” Wind called.
It was a small quaint house, with a couple signs in unreadable writing on it, one having a bunny symbol. They all looked at each other until Sky went and knocked, rolling his eyes at their hesitance. A comedic sounding crash rattled the wooden door, and then the door swung open, nearly taking out the poor Knight of Skyloft. Ravio! Wait, Ravio? The purple hooded merchant nodded as if expecting a large group at his door. “Ah yes, come in, come in.”
“Um, sir, we—“
“Drop the formality, will you? You’re customers, yes, but very welcome customers!” Ravio grinned underneath the shadow of his hood and ushered them inside.
“Apologies, but we aren’t here to buy anything,” Time said in his no-nonsense tone.
“Oh? Not even a magic rod? I promise everything in here is worth every rupee! You can even rent something if you’re unsure, or your wallet’s a little more empty than usual~! But you’re esteemed guests, of course so don’t tell Mr. Hero, but I think a discount might be in order.”
“Ravio,” Warriors cut in, and the others blinked at the name, confused. “Is ‘Mr. Hero’ here?”
“Of course not! That would be far too easy. Look if you’re enacting some mischief, I commend you. But I also cannot betray my most close and faithful customer without compensation! Sky, last time you were asking about your cape, I think I brewed up something nice! It won’t easily tear—mind you, it doesn’t guarantee a complete protection—but I really outdid myself this time.”
Sky mouthed a help to the captain, furrowing his eyebrows, but Wars, though knowing the merchant from the past didn’t know why Ravio knew the skyloftian’s name nor why he was talking about this false past interaction. “Oh, don’t look at me like that! I wouldn’t ruin your precious cape, no, no, that would be astoundingly new for me. Alright it should come to about 200 rupees? Mind you I was considering a thousand but I like you so...”
“I’ve never met you,” Sky replied bluntly. “Also, it’s a sailcloth.”
Ravio stilled, setting down the glass of solution on the table. “Ah, I see. So it is true. Does Ravio, ring a bell?”
Time raised his hand. The merchant nodded absently. “Mask, yes, hello. And I know of the Captain. But anyone else?”
The silence was deafening.
Ravio deflated. “Well, perhaps I might be persuaded to give you Link’s location. Or at least, where I think he might be. But that does demand compensation. I will need 300 rupees.”
“What.” Four blinked.
“Did you not hear, good sir? Actually, no, I’ll bring it down to 200 rupees, just for you.”
Wars fished out the rupees, surprised the merchant didn’t ask for more. “Here you go. Just, tell us please.”
“Cucco Ranch is where he frequents,” He said cheerfully. “Or Lake Hylia! Oooh, or he might be off travelling.”
“That’s...not very helpful,” Wind frowned.
“Well, it is what I know.”
“Thank you, Ravio,” Warriors shook his head but smiled at him, and ushered the others back out.
What was going on??
____________________________
A mer sat waiting in the waters, licking blood off his teeth from the prey he had caught earlier. There was a sort of haze in his head, something dampening his thoughts and pressing on his emotions. He wondered his name briefly and the thought almost tapered off but...he kept hearing Link in his ears so he accepted that as his name.
You serve Lord Ganon, and only him.
The voice almost sounded like his own. He looked around but no one else was there to speak. He swam up slowly, hearing footsteps.
Armoured figures walked nearby, confused voices almost mixing in with each other. Link observed them. They looked...vaguely...
They want to hurt you. But they don’t notice you yet. Kill them.
They...want to hurt him?
But why?
He wanted to observe for a little longer.
He allowed himself to breach the water’s surface for a little bit. They all looked confused and concerned, but not at him. “Why...here? There’s no shelter or anything,” A boy with fluffy brown hair looked around. “I don’t get it.”
“Unfortunately, no amount of mulling over it will give us the answers we need,” A tall one-eyed man replied back.
The group sat in uncomfortable silence for a little bit. “He was definitely scamming us,” The short one with the green headband grumbled.
You serve Lord Ganon, Link.
He clutched his head for a moment as the voices yelled into his ears, causing his head to ring with the statement. He bit back any noise though and followed the group. They were talking about something...could they be wanting to hurt him.
Do not disobey.
He didn’t like this voice. He was about to swim away, when the pain in head doubled tenfold. He cried out and flinched when the group whirled around to look at him. Kill them, his head whispered.
“It’s a mer!” A boy with sandy curls exclaimed.
“It looks like it’s hurt,” The short boy from before murmured.
“Wait, the Hero of Legend was said to have taken many different forms. Is it a stretch to say this could be one of them?”
“I’m willing to try anything at this point.”
“Link?” The one-eyed man crouched to meet his eyes.
How...how did they know his name? He bared his teeth but put a hand up to his head when it still throbbed.
“We mean no harm, we jist wanna talk,” A man with dusky grey markings on his face held up his hands.
The pain will go away if you kill them.
He shook his head at them, moving to swim away. “Wait! We won’t hurt you!”
“Well, it might not be Link, traveller.”
“What if it is?”
The voice resumed in his head, chanting until the pain and the volume coalesced and he felt a hand grab his wrist as he began to sink, the world fading around him.
______________________________
The mer opened his eyes once more. A fire was nearby, the group from before sitting around it. He was still in the lake, just...in a different location. They hadn’t noticed he was awake. Fear curled tightly around his gut.
“Letter sent?” A man with a blue scarf gripped the log beneath him tightly.
“Yup,” The dusky grey markings guy drawled. “You’s gotta stop worryin’, or yer gonna give yerself a headache. If he’s a hero, don’t ya think he can look after ‘imself jist as well?”
“Well, that’s not what I’m worrying about. I just...this princess and Ravio was so sure that we knew them well. And they knew our names. What if we...have...forgotten them somehow?”
“Camp does feel...quieter than usual,” The one they called traveller said, averting his eyes and finding Link staring at them. “Oh, Link, you’re awake!”
He hissed at the attention and then dove under the comforting waters.
He couldn’t let go of the pain, the insistence he served this Lord Ganon, and that he needed to kill these folk.
They didn’t chase after him though. They let him stay there and resumed their serious conversation, but nothing was said that interested him. The night dragged on. For some reason, his heart refused him leaving. He didn’t want the voice to return either.
He was forgetting something.
This group...they...
Will betray you.
He wasn’t certain they would...after all, they should’ve killed him or hurt him when he was asleep then, but he was unharmed.
Get out of my head.
Hah. No. You will learn to serve.
“I’m here,” A woman with bright blue eyes and a familiar determined expression arrived, accompanied by knights.
Oh. Did they call the guards to take care of him then?
“Thank you so much, Your Highness,” One of them bowed.
“Again, you’re welcome to call me Fable. In fact, please do,” Fable told them exasperatedly. “Now, you said you found...Link as a mer?”
“We think so,” The blue-scarf Hylian said stiffly.
“Well, yes, Link can take the form of a mer, he should’ve by now come out and greeted you properly,” Fable frowned and then found him there. “Link?”
He glared at her reflection in the waters. She rushed over, dropping to her knees on the grass and she looked...concerned. There was something warm in deep blue eyes. “Link, you’re alright. You can come out now.”
Come out? Was she crazy?
He just glared at her, hoping she would get the message.
“This isn’t funny, love,” She tried. “Even I know when a joke goes too far and too long.”
He tilted his head at her. So many things about that sentence confused him. And that confusion melded slowly into some sort of twisted anger, he thought was slightly unfounded—though this could be a commander hoping to slaughter him or sell him for rupees!—No, this rage wasn’t his. But he felt it sting his eyes, grip his heart. And without thinking he lunged at her, wrapping his clawed fingers around her neck. Cries of “Fable” rang throughout the area and the guards surged, tearing him off and pinning him to the ground before he could do anything else. Fable looked at him, eyes wide, as one of them raised a weapon. “No! Stop!”
“Your Highness, he’s a threat,” One of the guards said calmly and a spear poked at the mer’s neck.
He struggled, gasping for air though it wasn’t coming to him. “I order you to stop,” Fable demanded. “He’s not in his right mind. Your job is to protect me, not to kill him.”
Kill kill kill kill—
He bit into one of the soldier’s hands and felt satisfaction at the yelp it caused, crimson spraying the grass below them.
“Sometimes protecting means—“
“You have orders, soldiers,” A steely voice cut through the clearing—blue scarf’s.
They let him go, some fearful, some baffled and immediately stepped in front of Fable to guard her. He was fine with that. He crawled his way back towards the waters, wheezing.
“Link,” She said sadly. “I know you don’t recognize me now. But...I’m Zelda? Your princess?”
Once again he felt like there were gaps in his memory. The name sounds so close...
A beat.
“Z..elda?” A melody sung from his throat, shaping her name and it sounded like...like...
He was shoved deeper into the waters. He wrestled with the perpetrator, only to see blood seeping into the waters and a long spear hilt drove into his shoulder. Pain laced every breath, every movement.
The Hyrulian crest was engraved into the blade he realized with nausea was sticking out behind him.
He heard a muffled scream from above and he reached but the darkness soon smothered him.
___________________________________________________________
Something was covering his eyes.
He moved the fabric, surprisingly dry, tossing it aside.
Link—no he was the veteran now, right?--sat up slowly, wearily, feeling as if he had been ran over by a horse or something. A hand was gently carding through his hair and stopped when he was halfway up.
“Are you with me?”
Zelda was there, bags under her eyes, concern etched into her expression.
“Yeah,” He told her, and uncertainly continued, “I remember...Ghirahim...and I remember trying to hide from the others?”
“They truly have forgotten you, and I, and Ravio,” She murmured.
“Oh.”
There was some sort of mark on her neck, a bruise and he asked, “What...? Are you okay, Zel?”
“This?” She seemed to know what he was talking about. “Yeah. You had become a mer and attacked me. Why you were lost in that form, I don’t know.”
Shame flooded his veins. He attacked her. “I’m--”
“If you’re about to apologize I will smack you.”
He laughed and then wheezed. His shoulder burned.
“Try not to strain yourself,” Zelda told him. “One of my soldiers—whom has just been put in the dungeons and stripped of his career—stabbed you against my orders.”
“Idiots, the lot of them,” The vet said but averted his gaze.
“Incompetent some of them may be but we need them,” The princess sighed. “Though, if any one of them hurts you again, I will punish them more severely.”
“They still have Agahnim’s whispers in their minds, don’t they?” Legend murmured.
“I don’t know for certain,” Zelda closed her eyes and breathed.
Legend’s stomach churned. Was...was there a way for all of them to remember him again? What even happened in order for them to do so?
“Listen...Now, they know you mean them no harm. They know you’re like them. I know it must be hard but can you continue with them here, until we can figure something out?”
“I can stay with them but Zel, there’s a powerful enemy out there. He’s the one who made me forget everything. I don’t know if fighting like this is a good idea.”
“I trust you,” The princess nodded.
He left the infirmary as soon as he could to go confront his brothers who now called him a stranger.
______________________________________________________________
“So, you’re saying, we’ve met before. In fact, you were there this whole time but we’ve somehow forgotten you?” Time asked, tone and expression unreadable.
Legend curled his fists around his tunic. “Yes...we agreed upon calling me the veteran of sorts and Legend.”
Sky frowned. “I’m sorry...”
Wild had his hood up, and he was tapping his foot restlessly. The vet’s heart clenched. It was no secret the other had past experiences with amnesia. “Nah, don’t apologize,” The vet dismissed. “I’m just glad you haven’t tried to kick me out of the group again.”
Hyrule winced. The vet shrugged. “Champion, you have your slate, right?”
Wild flinched. “Oh, uh, yeah, why?”
“There should be pictures of me in there somewhere, regardless of memories.”
The champion perked up and unhooked the Sheikah Slate off his waist. He peered at an image and back at the vet and then frowned. “You couldn’t have magically put a picture in the slate but...I can’t...I still can’t seem to remember you...I’m so sorry.”
“Figures. Well, thanks for trying.”
Legend wanted to scream. Instead he swallowed thickly. “I need to—....I’ll be back soon.”
Sky’s confused expression twisted into concern. “Hey I couldn’t imagine what this would be like for you but we’ll try our best to figure this out, yeah?”
The vet turned around, trying to hide the frustrated tears at his eyes. “Yeah...”
He closed the door behind him a little too harshly and left.
Era of the Wild Chapter 11
Chapter Summary:
“Well then, let’s see how serious you are.”
“We’ve already failed,” Legend drawled.
“This helm is a cultural treasure. To earn it, you must gain the trust of our people. I want you to address their concerns and bring a resolute peace to our town. We already know that you are powerful. But you can’t solve all of my people’s problems with power alone.”
_________________
The Links explore Gerudo Town in the quest for the Thunder Helm.
For @luna-loveboop
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 1/? Fandom: Linked Universe - jojo56830 (Webcomic) Rating: Not Rated Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Legend & Warriors (Linked Universe) Characters: Legend (Linked Universe), Warriors (Linked Universe), Farore (Legend of Zelda), Original Characters, Time (Linked Universe), Sky (Linked Universe), Wild (Linked Universe), Mipha (Legend of Zelda), for a little bit anyway - Character Additional Tags: Linked Universe (Legend of Zelda), Warriors (Linked Universe)-centric, POV Warriors (Linked Universe), Good Older Sibling Warriors (Linked Universe), Legend (Linked Universe)-centric, Legend (Linked Universe) Needs a Hug, he gets one dw, Legend (Linked Universe) Has a Bad Time, Warriors (Linked Universe) Has a Bad Time, Warriors (Linked Universe) has Issues, Temporary Character Death, Blood and Injury, Canon-Typical Violence, ah what else, Legend & Warriors (Linked Universe) Bonding Series: Part 2 of Never Dead For Long Summary:
Their banter, as warm and comforting as it felt, served a purpose neither knew of at the time. Crimson eyes were hidden, raucous syllables drowned out by chatter.
It would turn out that there were much worse enemies than the biting cold.
________________________
Warriors & Legend are separated from their group and a mysterious enemy shows up to sow a single seed of doubt, and a million more of pain.
What You're Worth
For @rileymorph <3
Warnings: Major Character Death
Blue seems off today, Red notices. Wiping his eyes when he thinks no one's looking, not really into whatever bantering he's found himself in with Vio. He usually finds indirect ways to help at first; absently pushing a glass of water in his direction and walking away before there's time to protest. Taking a portion of his chores off his plate--ensuring he puts away and folds stuff neatly. He slips the other's journal into a pocket, because despite how seemingly easier to anger Blue is, he has ways to reign control of that temper. Writing about his feelings often helps him the most.
But today, he goes to put clean clothes into his brother's room and he finds that same journal tossed aside on the floor. A glass of water sits untouched in the kitchen. He walks over to Blue and he doesn't even have the chance to open his mouth before he snaps, "I don't need your help, Red."
He doesn't take the bait like he knows Vio does, and just sits down. "We lean on each other all the time, bluebird. But right now I just wanted to ask, how is your sparring going?"
A blink of surprise. "I haven't sparred yet today. Also, what did I tell you about the nicknames?"
Red takes note of that with concern, and the fact that his first statement wasn't acknowledged. "Green said he was out to spar."
Blue averts his eyes, crystal ice melting and swimming with feelings unreadable. "I turned him down."
The admission told Red more than enough. "Why?"
"Stop interrogating me!" A lashing out like a tendril of flame being snuffed out, cornered.
And instead of snuffing it out, Red simply says, "I'm going to go for a walk--the house feels a little too small today. Would you like to join me?"
Blue briefly looks out the window, conflicted, and then he gives an aggrieved sigh. "Yeah. Just so you don't do anything stupid and get hurt."
"Awww, I knew you cared about me!" Red grins and runs out the door before he has a chance to face the other's wrath.
He hears a strangled noise behind him as he turns to see Green practicing his archery instead of sparring. He calls, "We're going for a walk, emerald! Bye!"
"What--"
And Red is tackled to the dirt path. Red giggles and shoves Blue off. "Okay, okay!"
They tussle for a moment before Red wheezes and gets up, still grinning. Blue nurses his arm with a scowl. "Why do you always scratch?"
The red link shrugs as they push branches out of their way, onto a clear, beautiful forest path. "Hey, I want you to know something, Link."
Blue startles at being called who they are at their core. He opens his mouth than closes it, wariness written in his expression that looks like furrowed brows. Red forms the words in his head than tells him, "I want you to know what you mean to me--and all of us. You have always been an anchor--a constant in everything we do. You might not really notice, but instead of bringing Vio down--you lift him up."
A scoff. "Red, just because you're nice to all the others doesn't mean you have to suck up to me. I know I bring everyone down and I know my temper gets the best of me and I'm just a dark cloud that won't go away--" Blue gasps, and for a fraction of a second, pain makes his mask crack.
Red can feel the tears welling up in his eyes, warm and stinging. He swallows thickly. "Blue! Don't say that about yourself, please. Sure, your temper does get the best of you sometimes. But there's so much more to you! Sometimes all I feel like is the crybaby. A pathetic, emotional mess--who feels things all too much. But I've come to learn there's more to me than something so, so simple. Link is complex. And so are all the parts that makes him who he is."
There's a beat of silence.
Red hugs his brother and is surprised when the other just lets him. It gives him the strength to continue talking, "You're brash, and really stubborn sometimes. But you're also passionate, and tough, and I know when it comes down to it, I can trust you with anything. You have the strength to move when no one else does. You have the strength to be unwavering in your beliefs, and you are kind--just on the surface maybe it's harder to see."
"Does that all really matter? Does that outweigh the bad? Red, I've only made you cry more than you do already. I've caused you pain 'cause of the things I've said."
"It does outweigh the bad," Red affirmed and Blue hesitantly returned the hug. "As people, we are intricate and sometimes that's hard to remember. But there's something beautiful in the complexity--the different features of who we are. We've all hurt each other--unintentionally or not. But when I think of you, bluebird, I don't think of those times. I think of how strong you are to push through whatever comes your way. I think of how unique your love is and how it's filled with a fire that burns so bright it practically outshines the sun. Blue, please. I couldn't trade you for the world."
Blue’s breath hitches, stutters and the other holds tighter, beginning to shake. Red wonders with a sudden heartbreak just how long he’s held on to these lies he’s told himself. And of course as soon as Blue finally lets himself show a bit of vulnerability, there’s monsters in sight, getting closer. Red, eyes widening shoves the other off with an apology and pulls out his sword. “There hasn’t been monsters since…”
Blue wipes his face quickly, brows writ with anger. “All the more reason to get rid of them. You take the ones coming from that side, I’ll take the other. If you need help you better let me know.”
”Of course.”
So Red waits for a scaly one to bring down its two-handed weapon and easily dodges. He retaliates by slashing its neck. A stream of crimson bubbles up but the monster doesn’t immediately die, screeching wildly in pain. Blue finishes it off with a huff. “Bet you I can take more of ‘em down than you.”
“Underestimate me, and you practically give me the win,” Red laughs, as he ducks beneath an arrow coated with poison, and plunges his blade into the perpetrator. “But sure.”
So the battle becomes more of a game except still with the threat of death making it all the more thrilling. Adrenaline pours into his veins as another arrow just barely misses his ear. There’s more coming, marching on the horizon. Red gasps, and steps back but some have managed to surround him. Blue isn’t, yet, and fends off another one. The red link fights his best but they come closer and he’s feeling trapped. “Blue!” He screams.
The other comes closer, trying to reach for his hand, knowing taking them all on isn’t a good idea. Their hands almost touch but suddenly, there’s a sickening sound right in his ear. He looks down and there’s a sword buried in his chest, his tunic blossoming with darker red. He whimpers as the sword is retrieved and there’s no stopping him collapsing to the ground. Tears flow freely down his cheeks as the pain rips through his senses. He chokes on a sob and something else.
It’s fuzzy but eventually he sees Blue’s frantic and angry face above him, cheek dripping with monster blood. “What—“ Red looks tearfully around for the monsters.
Blue puts his weight on the wound with both his hands. “Save your strength, idiot! I’m going to bring you back.”
Red coughs harshly, vision marked with darker spots as Blue presses against his chest in an attempt to stem the bleeding. “Remember…” As his eyes start to close, him feeling oddly sapped of energy. “What I told you.”
“What?” Blue breathes.
“I wouldn’t trade you for the world. Even if…even if it means I don’t get to live. Whatever happens, it isn’t your fault.”
“You’re not going to die, damnit.”
Hah, Red thinks, as he slips into unconsciousness. Never change, Blue. Never…
__________________
Somewhere along the way home he sees Red’s eyes slip closed and he frantically feels for a pulse. It’s there, fading rapidly, but there. And so he runs. Whatever monsters are left can be dealt with a full team.
Vio is lost in his own world, as Blue would say. He turns a page in his book, feeling as if he were the characters inside. Then the illusion shatters. “HEY!!!! VIO!!!!!”
Vio would’ve gotten angry or just ignored him if it wasn’t for the frantic note in the shout. He looks up and pales. Blue is carrying Red, whose chest is covered in blood. There’s blood coating Blue’s hands and his tunic, and there’s blood starting to dry on Red’s face. He drops everything, and he runs faster than he’s ever gone before. “What happened?”
“We were ambushed by monsters,” Blue pants wearily, and there’s tears beading at his eyes. “Where the hell is Green.”
“Set him down inside, I’ll get Green for you,” Vio says and does exactly that.
Once Green hears, his bow is left forgotten on the grass. But once they come back in, Red lying in the couch Vio freezes.
Blue is sobbing.
“Blue?” Green asks, potions and bandages in his hands.
Blue looks up and then back at their brother. “I…”
Vio rushes and fights the urge to vomit at how limp Red’s hand is as he searches for a pulse. “No. No, no, no…”
Blue grabs a vase and throws it into the hallway. Green flinches when it shatters loudly. Then the blue link sinks to his knees. Vio knows he should do something but he just stands there, looking at their fallen Red with a creeping numbness that overwhelms the pain.
Blue says, “It’s all my fault. Red—Red said it wasn’t but if I hadn’t let him go on that walk…”
Then Vio goes up to the blue link and doesn’t say anything. He just hugs his brother as tightly as he can. And Blue clings onto him with a choked sob. There’s no telling how long they stayed there. But Vio knows they would never be the same again.
Cruelty At Its Finest
This is the product of this poll :3
TW: Major Character Death
Often, Wind has heard stories of love. He’s experienced it before too, but on this adventure he learns just how differently each person gives it. He learns more of what love looks like.
Love looks like Sky, when they had held tight to each other, exhausted but comforted in the warm glow of a fire, lighting up sleeping faces during a night where the clouds hid the stars from view. When the sailor braided the chosen hero’s hair and basked in the simplicity of what they were doing. Despite the vivid images in Wind’s mind they merely basked in the small, nice things of this heroic life for once. And when Wind slipped back into his bedroll, he was at peace.
Love looks like Four, when he shares something from his ever-racing mind. A book, a theory, advice, or stories of his own. When he shares extra portions of food, or items on the battlefield, or a pair of clothes when the sailor tears a hole or dirties his own. It looks like wordlessly sharing a smile, even when things feel impossible.
Love looks like Time, a hand ripping him away from danger, and guiding him towards safety the next. A calloused, scarred hand outstretched to his multiple times for multiple reasons with the weight of multiple instances. But a single word is why that hand keeps reaching. Love. And so Wind holds fast and for once doesn’t mind how much smaller his hand feels in the old man’s hands.
Love looks like Legend, a subtle motion in how the vet takes care of each of them without ever needing to say what he’s doing. Telling Wind a story to divert his attention from blood-stained bandages. Handing a glass of apple cider to him when he wakes up in a puddle of tears. Sitting with him in front of rippling ocean waves and listening to Wind speak. Mending a blue tunic and polishing a magical blade when he thinks no one’s looking. The sailor sees right through a facade and sees the purest love he’s ever seen.
Love looks like Hyrule, resilient and humble. The traveller ushering him into the forest without a map, treating him like nothing other than a brother and a hero. When the sailor thought for a moment there was no hope, the hero of Hyrule stood tall, gold flecks in his eyes as he shined that hope, and inspired Wind to draw his sword once again. A powerful symbol beneath white gloves, yet a wielder who relies on his own courage to get him by.
Love looks like Twilight, a wolf herding its pack with fierce protection. The rancher sees flaws and impurities and unconventional aspects of the sailor’s life and looks beyond that. He cradles the shadows that do no harm, and mourns any creature that falls to nature’s cycle. He bares fangs, ripping apart anyone or anything that hurts without purpose and his eyes continue to glow blue as he pulls Wind close, teeth dripping crimson. Messy but true in his intentions.
Love looks like Warriors, an anchor in a sea of horrors. Fighting when Wind can’t. Understanding when Wind can’t. Loving when Wind can’t. Bringing him up, a beacon of light in the impossible. It looks the captain wrapping a scarf around the sailor’s neck when it feels cold. A gentleness in tending to injuries and still there even when leading with commands that feel angry and icy.
Love looks like Wild, the smell of fresh food wafting through the campsite. It looks like the raw vulnerability he offers when his scars snaking across his body hurt him. An ancient look to his eyes, swimming in an ocean of azure eyes. And despite everything, the will to move. Taking risks. Doing a favour each and every day by causing smiles and laughter, and bringing out the beauty in a land ruined ages ago. Rebuilding roots that were cut no matter how hard it gets. Telling Wind he can find a new place to call home. A new Hyrule. Mourn the one sunk into the ocean but build up from there into something beautiful.
All that love is what he sees when iron and salt floods his mouth. There’s a searing pain, a burning sensation as he wills himself to stay awake. Time’s hand is holding his. Sky is hugging him, pressing against the wound desperately. Warriors gives his scarf away for the sailor to hold to, eyes clouded with grief. Legend is telling him something but the words blend together and Wind wishes he could make out the distraction the veteran is trying to provide. Wild is brewing an elixir, the smell of fruit in the air. Hyrule’s hands glow with a spell. Twilight braids the sailor’s hair. Four has an extra, folded pair of clothes at the ready.
“S’raining,” Wind notes and everything stops.
“Yeah, buddy,” Wars says after a moment. “You with us?”
The sailor nods and then shudders as his body is wracked with coughs, causing waves of agony to crash harshly. “Tell Aryll I’m sorry? Tetra to still find a new land...Grandma, I’ll see her soon?”
“Hey, no, you’re not dying on us,” The rancher soothes.
“You don’t...know that,” Wind manages. “Please.”
“We will,” Legend assures quietly.
The sailor relaxes a little. Four asks, “How is the elixir going?”
Wild makes a distraught noise. “I-I don’t have a bug. How don’t I have bugs?”
Twilight stops braiding and rummages quickly through his bag. Someone has their bug net out and despite everything Wind laughs, and continues laughing even though it hurts. The captain smiles fondly, even though it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “What’s so funny?”
The sailor replies tearfully, “I...”
The world tilts and the tears start to overflow. He can’t hold it in anymore. “I can’t remember.”
“Stay with me!” Wars barks out, eyes wide and frantic.
“M’here,” He says after a moment, trying to keep his eyes open for his family.
Hyrule looks deathly calm, still keeping his magic flowing but the sailor doesn’t feel its warmth. Doesn’t taste it’s otherworldly, fizzy taste. Wind can’t remember why it wouldn’t work. He doesn’t want to die. Not after everything he’d done, everything he’d hoped for the future.
“We’re losing him,” Four sounds oddly emotional. “No, we’re not,” Twilight snarls and dumps the contents of his bag out to search that way.
The stars look beautiful, Wind thinks. Another display of hope from the Goddesses. But the sailor wasn’t their chosen, just a boy who wanted to save his sister. He doesn’t think they’ll favour him, give him another chance like the stories say heroes get. He hasn’t told his brothers yet, has he? He thinks he knows what his love looks like. Stories shared amidst a campfire, a grin so bright as he braves anything in his way. He smiles for them. So that when the air feels unnaturally dim and tense, he can give them reprieve. He fights for them, to see them live. If him dying means something, he hopes it means they get to go home.
Home.
He wishes he could see home again.
“I gave all my bugs to Agatha,” Twilight cursed under his breath.
Memory after memory flashes in his eyes as the pain steadily grows in size, threatening to take him over soon but he holds on tightly to Time’s hand anyway. This is cruelty at its finest, how it takes everything inside him to stay alive, and yet he’s slipping anyway. He won’t ever get to see Aryll grow up alongside him. “I—I want you to know,” He murmurs and everybody is listening, even as they still try their best to make that elixir. “I’m...I’m not of the hero’s spirit, but I feel like I belong with you guys anyway. Thank you.”
He catches one last glimpse of their love. Twilight’s fierceness in his eyes as he starts braiding again. Sky’s warm presence as he hugs him tighter. Four’s unity as he gives Wind his telescope to hold on to. Time’s steadiness as he squeezes his hand in comfort. Legend’s compassion in the form of tears that he wipes furiously. Hyrule’s resilience as he stops pouring magic, whispering reassurances to him. Warriors’ devotion as he promises they’ll see each other again. Wild's spirit as a very familiar soup wafts through the air, replacing the metallic scent of blood.
When everything shifts into darkness, a thick blanket suffocating him, he reaches for them and finds nothing but the feeling of warmth when everything cuts out.
Did you lose what won't return?
Rating: Not Rated
Warnings: Major Character Death
Tags: Sickfic Delirium Grief/Mourning Angst Good Older Sibling Twilight (Linked Universe) Legend (Linked Universe)-centric POV Legend (Linked Universe) Sky (Linked Universe) Has a Bad Time Sky (Linked Universe) Whump Whumptober ailess whumptober
Summary:
Legend and Sky are separated abruptly from the others while Sky has a fever and is too out of it to move. They stay in a cave until monsters find them at the worst time.
Legend suffers the blood of his loved ones on his hands once more.
_______________________
Day 1: Collapsed Lung, Contusion
Era of the Wild Chapter 10
Summary:
Sand flew but Riju stood, hand on her hip, watching their temporary victory. Link came rushing over as she took the helm off, her eyes shining, her lips pulled into a hopeful smile. “Unfortunately, I cannot appease Naboris on my own. I have no choice but to entrust the rest to you.”
He took off, giving her a reassuring nod. Just as Link got on the platform the red light returned, and Naboris began to stand once more. Link fell, unable to take the shaking, but clung to the platform and hurried inside. “Don’t let us down, Link,” Riju murmured and watched the Divine Beast storm off.
For @luna-loveboop
Chapter 7
Word count: 5,023
“Where are we?” The boy asked, distrust clear in his eyes. Something red was smeared next to them.
Legend answered half-heartedly. “Castletown of Hyrule, on the private praying spring.” “Private? Are we going to get arrested if we get seen here?” The princess murmured, and gripped the hand she was holding tighter.
“Usually, yes, but I’ll help you out.”
“Wait, aren’t you curious who we are?” The girl asked, relieved but unsure.
No, the crown, the dress and the mark on her hand were simple, casual clothing. He opted not to say that though, and shrugged. “You can tell me if you want. Here, we’ll go through this passage.”
“Who are you?” The boy inquired as the prince watched for guards.
Legend considered giving his identity away right then and there...but he remembered the records he had read not too long ago. He told them, “I’ll need to know at least your names before I answer that...and I’ll know if you’re lying.”
He wouldn’t, but they didn’t need to know that. The princess gripped the boy’s hand tighter. “I’m Phantom.”
“I’m Spirit.”
Legend laughed incredulously. The goddesses had answered his prayers then, because there was definitely an ancient Hero of Spirits. “Well, Spirit, Princess Phantom, I’m the crown prince of Hyrule. My name is Legend.”
“Oh,” She looked down at the ground. “Any chance you’ll still let us leave?”
He bit his lip. He couldn’t let a hero just leave. “There’s something I need you to do first. I promise you won’t get arrested.”
Spirit shared a glance with the princess beside him and then shook his head. “We’ll run, or you help us.”
Legend stopped, his heart thundering. “Don’t you dare. Look, I understand it seems like I’m lying, but I’m not. Have you heard of the Servants of Demise?”
Phantom stiffened. “What do they have to do with this?”
“I’m one of the fated heroes to drive them down, and stop them from destroying Hyrule. Spirit might be one of them.”
“How do you know?”
“Have you heard of the Hero of Spirits?” Legend answered him.
“What—that doesn’t necessarily mean—“
“We’ll come with you,” Phantom decided. “Try anything and you’ll make an enemy of New Hyrule.”
“I know.”
He led them to the Room of Swords, and there was one blade left, hung up on the wall. Engraved on it was the name. “Lokomo Sword,” Spirit murmured as he grabbed the blade with ease. “I wonder what that means.”
“Our legends say that the Lokomo were protectors of New Hyrule, but it was always considered myth by those who knew,” Phantom recalled.
“You’re a hero,” Legend declared but instead of feeling relief, his gut simmered with a feeling.
This all felt too easy...like things were sliding into place too conveniently. Spirit blinked. “Why me?”
“No one but the chosen wielder of that sword, can wield it,” Fi answered, stepping into that room. “If anyone else tries the blade will light up in powerful flames and burn until it’s dropped. Now, you have all the pieces needed to fulfill destiny, Your Highness.”
“Wait, but I—I can’t leave Phantom,” Spirit interrupted. “And I’m just an engineer. I’m not—I don’t know how to wield a weapon.”
“It’s okay. I can look after myself.” The princess let go of his hand.
“I’ll arrange for you both to get rooms at the castle, but for now, we must reconvene with my father and figure out how to proceed.”
Legend missed his mother, and his hair remained braided, although it was incredibly knotted and messy. Fi escorted them away, to the King’s office and then with a nod, left. “Wait, Fi,” Dad called. “Your knowledge has aided us greatly. I would like for you to stay.”
The royal advisor bowed her head. “Thank you, Your Majesty...however I have a meeting I have to attend to as you have requested. My greatest apologies. I have told you most of what I know.”
“Meeting?”
Legend furrowed his eyebrows. “You never go to meetings on your own, Fi.”
“I was requested earlier by His Majesty that I attend a meeting on his behalf.”
Dad was frowning but he sighed. “I don’t remember doing that, but I trust your memory. Go ahead.”
Fi obeyed and left, and Legend caught her lips quirked upward as soon as she was at the door. Soon every hero was gathered here, except for Warrior. The sky was different hues from the sunset, and light rain drops settled on the window. “Our first objective is to find Queen Sun, and I would like to check where they had last kidnapped you, Legend,” Dad started.
He flinched. “Where?”
“Koholint.”
Hazel eyes meeting his, warm and horrified. Gloved fingers holding his trembling hand. A blush spreading on freckled cheeks.
Marin. The last time he’d seen her was at the ball. Hyrule blinked. “Uh, where exactly in Koholint?”
Blue nudged him with a scowl, most likely for being casual with royalty. Dad didn’t seem to care though. “Deep in the Mysterious Woods...it’s similar to the thick pathways of the Lost Woods.”
Vio’s eyes widened, and he likely knew from his reading what exactly the Mysterious Woods was. Dad hummed. “We’ll head out tomorrow afternoon then and—“
The ground shook, throwing everyone off balance. A booming sound reverberated, deafening, and Legend clutched his ringing ears. Dad’s breath caught, and he ran out of the door, stumbling with the unsteady floors.
The calm outside the window had shattered. Smoke filled a once beautiful sky.
Time said, “Let’s follow! Stay close together, and alert!”
They hurried and another boomechoed nearby. Legend ran past a large open window, and saw everything that was happening. He could hear distant screaming. Each house, each building was lit up in flame, and collapsed in rubble. “We’ve got to go!” Hyrule tugged on his sleeve, frantically. “Where is Warrior?”
“Warrior,” Legend gasped, and didn’t even think before he ran to the infirmary.
There was no way he was leaving him in the castle, when the world seemed so shaky and so unsafe. He reached the room but there was the sound of metal being drawn and suddenly, there was a blade at his throat and he was pinned against the wall. He froze, and then his blood turned to ice. “Fi?”
“Your Highness,” She monotoned.
“This doesn’t make sense,” He whispered and winced when the cold dagger touched his neck. “Why?”
Fi grinned with blue lips, completely unlike her. “Just as naïve as the rest of them. I’m surprised my good old friend didn’t realize sooner.”
His eyes widened, when he remembered his best friend. He glanced at Warrior and he didn’t seem to be further harmed. She noticed his worry and rolled her eyes. “I was just about to finish the job before you showed up. I’m not an idiot.”
He glanced at her hand, now that it was closer to his eyes. Fi had a tattoo on it, that she had gotten to swear loyalty to the goddesses.
There was no tattoo.
This wasn’t truly Fi. Legend narrowed his eyes. “You’re not her.”
“My, how observant. While you piece this together, your kingdom outside is burning,” The unfamiliar woman hummed. “What are you going to do, little prince? Cry, like you’ve done before?”
He glared at her and considered his options. He could try and fight it—but that was a sure way to get his throat slit. His hands were free. He could try and get the dagger away from his neck, but was that too risky? “Why haven’t you killed me yet?”
He knew the answer to that but he was stalling desperately. The woman laughed. “Oh, that one’s easy. The next blood moon is very soon, and on that night your blood will be spilt...but only on that night.”
“Why?”
“I’ll let you figure the rest out on your own. Now, say your goodbyes to that bodyguard of yours. He was annoying—fought quite well—but he wasn’t strong enough.”
“No,” He breathed.
A piercing, yell, “Let go of my son!”
Dad came, his blue eyes ablaze as he lunged at the woman. The prince moved away towards Warrior and shook his shoulders urgently. “War, please. Wake up.”
The other heroes soon rushed in and Time slung the guard over his shoulders. “We’ve got to go.”
Dad continued to fight, blades whirling and clashing. “She’s not Fi!” Legend yelled and waited at the doorstep. “C’mon, Dad!”
“Yeah c’mon, Sky! Flee like a coward, and see what happens!”
“Mom needs us!” Legend’s voice cracked.
Dad’s face crumpled and he stopped, taking off with them. The woman watched them go with a smile, but didn’t move for some reason. Legend saw what happened to the usual guards and knights patrolling the palace. They were are all collapsed...no blood, but still nonetheless. The prince couldn’t help but wonder why no one had noticed Fi’s suspicious behaviour...why he had let this happen. Legend thought that they were more prepared and safe than this. If they were destined heroes...why had Castletown crumbled in seconds?
Legend touched his neck, remembered the dagger there. He felt tears well up in his eyes, his heart racing a mile a minute.
He wasn’t enough.
I’m so sorry, Mom.
Hyrule was there, clutching his hand tightly. “We’re going to evacuate as many people as we can.”
“To where?”
His voice came out broken. His friend’s eyes reflected worry. “To Kakariko, is what your father said. Hey, it’ll be okay, Ledge.”
“I don’t know, ‘Rulie.”
Hyrule just squeezed his hand tighter and pulled him towards the suffocating smell of smoke and the ruin around them.
______________________________________________________
“Sky,” A woman with a black cloak, and blonde, braided hair greeted. There was a strange marking on her head, an eye with a teardrop. A large hat rattled on her head, its rim painted a bloody crimson.
“Impa—“
“Where is she?” The woman snapped, interrupting Dad.
“Sun’s...They took her...”
Impa clenched her fists, fury filling up her eyes. “You were too late again. You’ve failed her. Again.”
The King wiped his eyes and didn’t respond for a moment. “Let me introduce you to the other nine heroes. Everyone, this is Impa, the chief of Kakariko Village.”
Her furious eyes looked around until they stopped at Legend. The prince met her gaze, a little bit angry on his father’s behalf. For some reason, her eyes softened a bit and she sighed. “Well then, a meeting is in order. In five minutes every single hero sees me at my place.”
She stepped towards Dad. Metal shook. “Not a second late—do you understand me? Count by seconds if you must.”
“This isn’t his fault,” Legend spoke up, irked. “He did all he could.”
Impa looked at him, her expression stoic before she disappeared into the shadows. Twilight asked, “So, what do we do now?”
Wild’s gaze was glossy, somewhat distant. The prince wondered when he had been here—if that’s why he was in that state. Dad ran a hand through his hair, guilt prominent in his eyes. “We’re going to need to get to Koholint after we talk to the chief. We can go through Skyloft probably.”
“How far is that?” Wind piped up.
“A week on foot, not counting stops to sleep and eat.”
We can’t—not enough time!
Vio suggested, “What if we buy a few horses?”
Dad nodded. “Yes, that’s probably our best option at the moment.”
Legend’s eyes drifted to Warrior, still unconscious in Time’s arms. Time and Twilight both were silent, looking worried and then the prince remembered Malon. “Who is Impa?” Legend settled on.
His father looked like he didn’t want to answer but he did anyway. “Sun was captured during the war, but as soon as Impa found out she was able to help the escape...however, she couldn’t get to you in time. Sun eventually was recaptured and rescued by others.”
There was more to that story, there had to be, but Legend didn’t dare press. Suddenly Wild came out of his memory and Wind asked, “Are you okay?”
The scarred knight walked over to the King, tense. “I will be, thank you. What have I missed Your Majesty?”
“Our plan after speaking with the chief, Impa, is to get horses and ride to Skyloft,” Dad filled him in and then ushered them towards a path.
A staircase, guarded by two men led to a large abode, not unlike the other homes here. The two guards looked at them and connected their weapons, halting them. “State your names,” The one with the grey beard demanded.
Dad sighed and obliged before the two guards dropped to their knees and let them up. A young woman closely resembling the chief dipped her head. “My mother said you had injured.”
“He’s recovering from an injury,” Time corrected. “He hasn’t woken up yet.”
“Paya?” Wild breathed.
Paya, the young woman’s eyes widened. “Y-yes that’s me. We can certainly take him in, um, and uh, I shouldn’t keep you.”
Legend, pushing down his curiosity nodded. “Thank you.”
Time followed Paya and the rest of them faced the chief of Kakariko Village. “Yes, I do know of Castletown, and yes, the survivors may stay here to avoid harm,” Impa started, but instead of the harsh anger he had expected, there was just a tired resignation to her tone.
“Thank you, Impa. Once we have control, rest assured your hospitality won’t go unnoticed,” Dad replied. “Our goal from here is to ride horses to Skyloft. From there we can take a boat to Koholint and see if the Queen has been taken there once more.”
“This is all assuming they are dull-witted enough to stay in the same place. What are you going to do if she isn’t there?”
“I will search wherever I must, but first is ruling out that place,” Dad answered sharply. “If you have a better idea, tell me, but saving my kingdom requires Sun. If they have her, they have leverage.”
“They’re also after this young prince, aren’t they?” Impa gestured to Legend, eyes narrowed.
“I’m a hero. I’ve been trained by an immortal being, and I won’t stay on the sidelines,” He snapped.
The chief sighed and then nodded. “Very well. My suggestion is that you wait for your injured to be healed and then continue out with your plan. Half of you go to Koholint—the other half stay here. My reasoning is that some of these heroes can protect the people and there have to be more of them still in Castletown.”
Dad nodded, resigned. “Alright. Thank you once more, Impa.”
The cold, amber eyes of the chief disappeared beneath her hat as she inclined her head. “It is my duty to serve the royal family. The Goddess chose you all as Her choice of agents. Let her be right.”
They discussed who would go where as they left the warmth of the home. They saw kind villagers leading in scared people from Castletown and Time ran when a red-haired lady was visible in the distance. They embraced, hugging each other tightly but Legend didn’t catch their conversation. Dad turned away, as soon as he saw the sight, longing in his eyes and—oh. “Legend,” His father called, blinking rapidly, breathing deeply. “Where would you like to be?”
The question stunned him. He wasn’t expecting a choice, but he was a little grateful for it. He could go to Koholint and search or stay here and protect the people. Wavy, fiery hair and hazel shimmering brightly with ease flashed in his mind...and then loving ocean blue eyes and calloused hands running through his hair, snowy sleeves hiding a hand-crafted bracelet.
But his friends’ home was burning. His kingdom was falling apart at its seams, and the thought of someone like Malon buried in a puddle of blood—
“Ledge,” A soft voice brought him back to the present.
He hadn’t heard that nickname from his father in so long. He looked up and made his decision, “I’m going to Koholint.”
An inhale. Exhale. “I will stay here then. The others may choose as they please but I’d like Time to go with you.”
After some discussion, Legend was going with Time, Hyrule, Warrior, Wind, Green and Blue. Dad was staying here with the rest. Princess Phantom had insisted she was going to stick by Spirit’s side, no matter what, despite the kid’s distress at the thought.
He expected to go back to Warrior, and see eyes shut closed but as soon as he found his guard, the man was sitting upright, eyes wide open and alarmed as Paya quietly recounted events. Legend’s eyes filled up with tears and he hesitated. “War?”
Warrior immediately turned towards him and let out a breath. “I’m sorry—“
“Shut up,” The prince hissed, voice muffled by a bloodied tunic as he hugged his guard—no—his brother.
“How did—he wasn’t waking up for so long,” Legend asked Paya, not letting go yet of Warrior.
“A fairy.”
The answer was curt, and barely audible. He would’ve maybe questioned it more but his brother spoke up, “Thank you. For the healing.”
The Sheikah girl squeaked a little and ducked her head. “It’s nothing, sir.”
“No, it’s not nothing. War—I-I thought...I thought you wouldn’t wake up.”
Warrior pulled him closer. “I did. I’m here, and I’m alive. I’m okay.”
“You better be.”
After a bit more explaining, War was already asking when they were leaving. Paya narrowed her eyes. “You just recovered from a stab wound, sir. I would say at the earliest, tomorrow morning...but it isn’t me who’ll make that call.”
“Then who?”
“Her name is Navi.”
Legend reluctantly let go and went to go ask for him, despite his brother’s protests. He quickly found a woman with bright blue hair and matching eyes tending to a villager’s broken leg. “I’m busy,” She called, eyes flashing with irritation. “You can wait your turn.”
“I don’t need healing, but I don’t want to interrupt you.”
The woman glanced at him briefly and then did a double take but did not stop the magic flowing from her fingers. “What’s wrong, Your Highness?”
The irritation did not fade from her expression, but her tone was worried and polite. He shook his head. “As you said, I can wait my turn. I wasn’t aware you were busy, but I should have been.”
He turned to exit but she said, “Listen, I’m almost done. It’d be easier for you just to wait inside.”
He obliged, watching the magic put the injured at ease, and then she stopped. “Take it easy, alright?”
“Okay. Thank you.” Was the mumbled response from the villager.
Paya was right. Warrior was allowed to leave in the morning, though Navi made sure they had at least one more fairy and a couple potions with them. She cautioned him to only strain himself if absolutely necessary. As the guard said his thanks Legend asked, “Wait who stabbed you, War? How?”
“I was told you already knew she was a traitor, but the King’s advisor did. She caught me off guard,” He admitted, and he looked guilty. “I should be better than this though. She shouldn’t have been able to catch me off guard let alone get away with it.”
“I’m just happy you’re okay,” The prince whispered.
His brother’s gaze softened. “You’ll be a great ruler someday, Legend. Just as great as your father.”
Legend didn’t recognize the deflection and huffed, “Thanks.”
The next morning farewells were said, Legend hugging his father tightly, and promising to return safely, and with Mom beside him. Dad had pressed a gentle kiss to his head, and nodded but he wiped his eyes and averted his gaze.
Legend was getting sick of this. He was going to make sure that everything would be okay again. He felt his blade hum in agreement where it was laying firmly in its sheath. He ignored the burn of Impa’s eyes staring into the back of his head as he got onto a horse named Epona, helping Hyrule up as well. As soon as he had everyone, they set off as fast as they could, hooves pounding against the path.
______________________________________________________
Skyloft’s heart was like paradise, surrounded by glistening waters. This was where the King had grown up, and the stories he had been told did not serve the island justice. The horses slowed down as soon as they entered and Time dismounted the horse he was riding on. They all followed suit and Wind gasped, face in awe. “I’ve never been here before. Green! After this is over we have got to come here again!”
Green ruffled the boy’s hair. “We’ll see.”
Legend caught sight of the docks in the distance and started over. Hyrule was studying him, concerned and the prince tried his best not to show his exhaustion or worry. His best friend then sighed. “How are you doing, Ledge? Honestly.”
“...Well, Castletown might be in ruins, my mother’s still missing, and I’ve got people after my head. Absolutely fucking peachy,” He snapped and then immediately felt guilty. “Sorry. I—I’m just stressed, you know how it is ‘Rulie. I’ll be fine.”
A hand grabbed his and held it tightly. “It’s okay if you’re not, you know. Around us, or even just around one of us.”
“Thanks, but...I can’t afford to not be fine right now. There’s too much that needs to be fixed.”
Hyrule squeezed his hand as they drew near to the boats. “It’s impossible to ask you to be completely okay all the time right now, with everything going on. It’s impossible to expect that of yourself, Ledge. Promise me, you’ll take one moment, even if it’s only a couple minutes, to let it out.”
A beat of silence. Legend nodded. “I...I’ll try.”
“No,” His best friend’s eyes hardened. “Promise me.”
“Okay, I promise.”
“Thank you.”
The breeze was cool and nice as Time handed rupees to a man in a blue coat and a suspicious smirk. “Alright. All aboard the SS Linebeck.”
Legend breathed as he stepped on the peculiar looking boat, and examined the cannon attached to it. Wind eyed the man, not with suspicion but with confusion. “Do I know you?”
The man lost his smirk instantly. His sunken, silver eyes widened a fraction but he turned away sharply. “No. Get on kid, or I’m leaving you behind.”
A lie, Legend was sure, but Wind winced and obliged. Once everyone was on, they set off and Hyrule held tightly to his arm, almost painfully. Linebeck initiated conversation, drawling, “So, am I allowed to know why I have the prince and a whole bunch of other soldiers in my boat?”
Legend shook his head, not yet knowing if this information was to be trusted with strangers. There was so much he wanted to know, so many questions that he kept down, because he wasn’t sure if he’d get an answer. What did Warrior know of the war? Where had the original Fi gone, and when had she been replaced? Why was Spirit, seemingly not even a knight so close with a princess, and why had Princess Phantom gone into Hyrule without any guards?
Was Mom even alive?
He shook that last question off, burying it as far as he could in the depths of his mind. The ride to Koholint felt way too long, but it was nice all things considered. Linebeck didn’t try anything, just did his job, occasionally prattling about useless things when the silence stretched too long. Wind kept looking at the sailor with furrowed eyebrows, trying to piece something together. The ocean of course, was beautiful.
Then when Legend got off, he felt his stomach lurch. They were on a beach, the sun blazing and a cool breeze flowing through the air. Linebeck and Time were talking about something that Legend didn’t hear; he was enraptured by the paradise this island seemed to be. Wind blinked. “This kind of looks like Outset...but way bigger.”
The kid had been raised in a very small part of Lurelin, called Outset Island. It had been so small that he had known everyone there, but his guardian had passed and no one took him and his sister in so he was sent into Castletown with whatever his guardian had left him. Wind had shared those details but was tight-lipped about the rest of it. Legend started, “We’ve still got daylight, let’s try to find the woods—and preferably a map.”
Warrior was by his side as they followed the path and saw distant outlines of buildings, and more palm trees and vividly green grass. When they reached civilization, it was bustling, thriving with so many families. A castle was not far away so Legend assumed they’d reached Mabe Village, the capital of this bright kingdom. That didn’t take as long as he expected, but he certainly wasn’t complaining. A lady picked up a small boy and stared warily at them as they looked around. “Ma’am, we’re looking for a map, do you happen to know where we could find one?” Green asked another person with silver hair and a broom in her calloused hands.
“I’ll be right back, boy, stay right here!”
Green watched, a little bemused as she dropped her broom and rushed inside her house. There was some clatter, a yell and then she was back outside, a map in her hands. Blue ended up taking it, and the lady smiled. “Toodles, boys. Yahoo!!!”
Legend didn’t even have time to process that interaction before the map was shoved into his arms. He looked at it and Mabe Village was just below the centre of the country. The Mysterious Woods was left of here, and on the map it was just a bunch of dark trees and mist. “Is it just me or this place really weird,” Blue muttered.
Warrior shook his head but smiled a little bit. “It’s probably just us. Are we heading out now, Legend?”
“Yes,” He said immediately. “Let’s stick together all throughout, okay? No one wanders off.”
Time nodded in agreement. Unlike the sunny, bright side of the kingdom, the Mysterious Forest was dark and brimming with something sinister. Hyrule stopped abruptly. “We need light.”
“Does anyone have a torch?” Warrior asked.
“No. We need light,” His best friend repeated, face unreadable. “Light magic.”
Legend questioned him with a look, but Hyrule didn’t respond. Time asked, “Can you elaborate, please? Our blades should be enough to cut down anything in this forest.”
“I—I just know that this place is malicious. It would make me feel...better if we had a source of lighter magic.”
Legend frowned at the choice of words but he trusted ‘Rule so he sighed and said, “Does anybody have light magic?”
Warrior’s eyes flashed with recognition, and then swam with a million emotions. “We do have a source of light magic with us. We’ll be fine, so let’s just go in already.”
“What do you mean?” Time asked.
“As long as we stick together, we’ll be okay.”
The prince looked at Warrior and Hyrule both with growing confusion. They both were hiding something, for sure. Nonetheless he led the way through. Instead of the Lost Woods’ suffocating fog, the mist in this woods wasn’t thick enough to do damage, but it curled around him curiously. He shivered but kept moving until the mist seemed to press against his head and he clutched it with a wince. “Ledge?” Hyrule’s voice grew frantic. “What’s going on?”
There was fear in Warrior’s eyes, a trickle of doubt but it became hard to focus on even that. He grabbed onto the prince’s arms, pulling them away from his hair that he hadn’t even realized he’d been tugging on. “Focus on me, bud. You’re okay.”
“Hurts,” He mumbled as the pressure increased tenfold.
“I know, I know. You’ll be okay—“
There was more words that flew past his head and then his vision darkened. He panicked for a moment before he heard a voice. “Don’t worry, buddy, it’s just my scarf. Are you with me?”
He nodded, and the pain in his head dulled a little bit. “There you go,” Warrior breathed. “Should I lift my scarf?”
“Yeah,” He affirmed and he could see again.
To his surprise the pressure didn’t come back. The mist had settled to curl at his feet, thin and barely even there. The haze cleared and he asked, “What happened?”
“I can’t say anything in here. Too risky. Let’s find the Queen and get out of here quickly, Highness.”
“Legend,” He corrected but didn’t pry any further.
Hyrule didn’t seem to share that trust. “What do you mean it’s too risky? What happened to him?”
Green put a hand on the prince’s shoulder, concerned. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, much better now,” He assured his friend.
Warrior’s eyes darted all around them, not fearful but determined. “I’m sorry, but safety is more important than answers at the moment. I will explain when the forest isn’t listening.”
“The hell you mean listening? Are we in a forest that is alive?” Blue demanded.
“Enough!” Time rumbled and there was silence. “All we can do now is move forward. We have a mission, and as much as I’d love to know all these things, it can wait.”
The silence draped over them, thick with tension but the prince tried his best to ignore it. His mother could be in here for Hylia’s sake. They reached a crossroad and chose a path. Unfortunately, they came up at the same crossroad only a few minutes later.
Run away, princeling, run as far as you can.
That voice pulsed in his head, unlike the sword’s voice. He glared up at the trees. No. I will find her, no matter what.
Anyone who has entered this place is now a pile of bones and rotting flesh. Run before it takes you too.
“No!”
Eyes fell onto him. Legend felt heat rise up to his face. “Sorry, talking to myself. It’s nothing.”
Then this will be fun.
@liamket, @thekingbiscuit, @luna-loveboop
Sorry Isn't Enough (Look at What You've Done)
For @rileymorph based off this art of theirs:
TW: Major Character Death, Blood, Suicidal Thoughts
Green tries reason, and Vio lets Shadow weave a tale with a grin full of jagged teeth. A tale of his brothers holding him back. He doesn’t let Red’s teary eyes, Blue’s fuming expression or Green’s hurt affect him, because if it does, his act will be up. His plan will have failed. He had hoped to get away with no fighting but Green draws his Four Sword, hurt replaced by righteous steel as he stops Blue from rushing head on in anger.
“If you truly want to be evil, I have no choice but to take you down.”
Vio keeps his facade as Shadow’s eyes widen in surprise and delight. “Interesting! What will you do Vio, to these people who have only ever suffocated you?”
Not true, He thinks but stands up, unsheathing his own blade. “Well, Green, I suppose you’re about to learn just who the weaker Link is.”
Red pleads desperately in the background for no fighting but nobody listens. Vio exchanges a few more words, remembering the way Green spars against Blue in their downtime and readies himself. The first swing is easily dodged and a fight is born of lies and betrayal. He needs an opening, because this isn’t with the friendliness of a spar (though he wants to properly spar with everyone after).They’re fighting to the death—or at least Green thinks so. Vio doesn’t intend to die, and he doesn’t intend to kill either. Vio brings an onslaught of strikes as Green meets them steadily with his blade, frustration and worthy anger writ in his features. His brother makes a heavy swing that Vio ducks under and—there! An opportunity. He pushes with the hilt of his blade and a scream rings through the arena.
Wait, that’s wrong.
He watches in horror as Green’s legs buckle, his weapon clattering onto the ground and there’s a puddle of blood underneath the fallen hero where there shouldn’t be. Vio can’t breathe, can’t blink. His blade’s slick with red and he wants to throw up, he hadn’t used the hilt of the sword--
“Well done, Vio,” Shadow purrs, but he doesn’t even acknowledge his plan that seems so stupid now, so foolish.
Red and Blue hurry over, the blue link pressing against the wound, carving red into calloused palms. A fairy flutters and makes an alarmingly high-pitched chime as it tries to do what it can. “Stay awake, Green,” Red sobs.
“I’m sorry,” The green link whimpers, his voice wobbly without the strength of his body. “I—I—“
“Save your strength. It’s okay, you did your best.”
Vio wants to run over but he’s frozen, not even registering falling to his knees. Shadow is cackling loudly. “C’mon Vio, let’s ditch these idiots and go celebrate our victory.”
He watches numbly as Green chokes on his blood, emerald clouded with pain that Vio had put there—that Vio had caused.
“Do something!” Blue snaps at the fairy. “Do something!”
“What are you doing? Let’s go.”
A hand curls around his shoulder, tight and he whirls around to see an impatient Shadow. He abandons his plan the moment he remembers the blood and shoves it off. “Ugh. I thought you were over them. I’ll wait for you out there I guess.”
There’s a tinge of distrust in there, a bit of bitterness but Vio doesn’t care. Green looks over at Vio and coughs weakly, pale from the blood seeping through Blue’s fingers. “V-Vi?”
I didn’t mean to!
He can’t form words in his mouth, his throat is stubbornly remaining dry and uncooperative. He thinks his brother sees something though and he gasps out, “I hope—that...that you see...the light again.”
I never forgot it. I didn’t fucking mean to—
It’s too late. The damage is done. Green murmurs something and then breathes his last, pupils stilling and dulling into a different shade of green that isn’t vibrant, isn’t alive. Red lets out a guttural scream of Green’s name, Blue’s eyes brim with tears, shocked. Bile rises up his throat and he’s blinking back tears of his own.
The noise is overwhelming, in his head, in the arena. Thoughts race and stutter like his heart does, a torture in its own because this is the result of his failure. This is his fault, and that’s all he can think of. Blue rises, crimson dripping from his hands, tears gushing down his cheeks. A burning, anguished fire is in his eyes and it stares at Vio with a heat so hot he can feel it from all the way over where he’s standing. “Are you happy?” Blue yells, voice raucous. “Is this what you wanted?”
Vio raises his blade to block Blue with a will that is slowly dissipating. This time Red doesn’t protest, doesn’t cry out. He’s holding a limp body, his eyes squeezed close. Vio knows what he has done. He has killed Green, he has killed Link, he has betrayed Zelda and Father and the kingdom he had vowed to protect. It doesn’t matter that he it was unintentional, it doesn’t matter that he regrets his actions, because the reality of it is that he has stained his soul with Green’s blood and he has become one of the monsters that he has sworn to fight against.
A blade slices into his cheek in his moment of distraction and the sting burns. He lets his own sword clatter to the ground. Green, ever so kind, ever so courageous had turned towards him and only wished the best for him. Then he had stopped moving--
“Why?!” Blue howls. “Why did you kill him?”
The words said out loud is a like a blow in its own, and it steals all the air from his lungs.
“Stand up and fight dammit!”
Vio stands and picks up his sword but he never tries to attack Blue. The blue link grinds metal against metal and then lands a punch in his jaw. “How could you do this? How could you act all high and mighty, and above us, and then stab Green?”
His heart is thundering so loud he can barely hear Blue. There’s the cold sting of a blade on his head and his arm. There’s another a fist colliding with his nose but not once does Vio swing his blade. This is what he deserves. It’s the same ruthlessness a murderer, a traitor, a monster, deserves for taking an innocent life.
And he had just taken a hero’s.
“Answer me!” Blue roars and the fire in his eyes is scalding, much like the cut that has just sliced open Vio’s leg. “Why aren’t you answering me? Why didn’t you answer Green?”
Vio drops his blade for the last time. He’s ready to face the same fate he had given to his brother. He’s ready for this overwhelming pain and guilt to stop, for his beating heart to stop, for his tunic to blossom with crimson and get rid of the violet that once was.
Red is staring coldly in his direction with red-rimmed eyes. An apology seems so small now, so useless. But he desperately wants them to know that he is ashamed. He is so, so sorry...and that he knows what must be done now.
“Look at what you’ve done, Vio!” Blue’s voice cracks with the raw emotion he’s experiencing. “How could you live with yourself?”
Look at what you’ve done blares in his mind and he’s glancing at a limp body laying in a pool of liquid. His breathing impossibly quickens, more than it already has and he’s on his knees again. “I’ll kill you! My face will be the last thing you’ll ever see!” Blue raises his Four Sword and Vio holds his gaze. “You’re a traitor, Vio!”
He can’t stop his tears anymore. They cascade down his face like the blood from the cuts he had earned. This is what he deserves so what is that fear he is feeling right now? As he watches Blue swing, he musters out what he can, because he’s not letting his last words be false. “I’m sorry,” The words tear through his throat, aching and nearly inaudible.
And then Blue stops. His hand is shaking, as the blade stops, inches away from Vio’s chest. The blue link does not make good on his vow to kill him. He instead sheathes his sword and says brokenly, “I can’t do it.”
Maybe he should feel relief but he doesn’t. His blood runs cold.
Where he could not find words then, he finds them now. “I killed Green! I betrayed you, I betrayed Red, I betrayed Zelda—“ A gasp in between the words, breathing so difficult. “I don’t deserve to live!”
Blue’s eyes widen. There’s a horrible beat of silence, only the bubbling of lava and a sniffle. And then Blue asks, “Why did you do it?”
The admission bubbles up and he’s clutching his hair, closing his eyes as white hot pain ripples through him. “I didn’t mean to— I thought I was being smart trying to trick the enemy and I was going to come back to you guys with information and a plan. And then Green wanted to fight and I was so stupid—I was going to use the hilt! Why did I not use the hilt?”
There’s something gently pulling his hands down from where they’re clutching strands of golden hair. He doesn’t dare to open his eyes, until Blue’s voice is unnaturally soft, “You seriously didn’t want to kill him?”
“No,” Vio sobs and there’s a flinch from someone else. “But it doesn’t matter. I did it—why aren’t you finishing me off?”
There’s an arm wrapped around him and he cracks open his eyes to see Red holding him silently and Blue’s hands covering his face. “I don’t want to lose another,” The red link is telling him gently. “And you’re already suffering enough.”
Vio is trembling when Red grabs his hand where there is a scratch and bandages it up tearfully. Blue says, “Shit, Vio—why didn’t you say anything before?”
“I don’t know.”
Red murmurs, “I need something to stitch up his leg.”
The blue link averts his gaze and gets out a sewing kit. Vio doesn’t know why they haven’t driven a blade through his chest yet. He doesn’t know why he’s being so gently patched up and cared for. He thinks for a moment about grabbing his own blade and doing it for them, but maybe Blue notices his eyes on the blade and takes it. He can tell Blue doesn’t like having it. Green’s blood has started to dry by now. He hisses involuntarily as Red stitches up the wound and wonders briefly how on earth they’re going to continue their quest and defeat Shadow and Vaati.
Vio deserves to die. Anything else...is unthinkable. How could he carry through with his life when it had ended as soon as he had plunged his blade into Green’s chest?
“What does killing you accomplish?” Blue snaps as soon as Vio opens his mouth to share his thoughts.
Red finishes the stitching after a tense silence reigns for a bit. He bandages it, and moves to his arm with an apology. Vio knew the only fairy they had was the one floating around them, having been completely and utterly quiet for so long. They also didn’t restock on potions because they had been separated for so long.
Blue continues, “Vio, we still fucking care about you or you would have died already. And as far as I know, you aren’t planning to kill us. So let me repeat myself; what does killing you accomplish?!”
Vio whispers, “I don’t know.”
Red says, “Nothing. It accomplishes nothing.”
“Isn’t that what heroes do? Kill the monsters?”
“You’re not a monster,” Red tells him, sorrowful. “You’re a Hylian. The same as us.”
He can’t believe Red’s kind words, not when there’s a corpse behind him. He doesn’t say anything. He’s taken enough from his brothers. He’s done enough. So he lets Red hug him tightly and Blue mutter curses as he also hugs him.
The three cling to each other, because anything else seems impossible.
Smeared Rags
Rating: Teen and Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Tags:
Legend (Linked Universe)-centric Minor Malon (Legend of Zelda)/Time (Linked Universe) Malon-centric (Legend of Zelda) Temporary Character Death Major Illness Sick Character Blood POV Malon (Legend of Zelda) Legend (Linked Universe) Has a Bad Time Gerudo Malon (Legend of Zelda) Malon Has a Bad Time (Legend of Zelda) Parental Malon (Legend of Zelda) Parental Time (Linked Universe) Soft Time (Linked Universe)
Summary:
A whisper in the night, a revelation shared and a constellation glowing. A chipper morning, bright laughter, warm smiles. Then everything turns upside down. __________ Malon & Time bond with their new descendant, until an illness befalls him, and it's a race against the clock to save him from death.
Chapter 2
Chapter Summary:
They all split up and Malon noticed the vet rummaging through his bag and pull out an ocarina. She stiffened and approached him. She’d hate to think it held the same weight as the one in her husband’s bag. Legend’s ears twitched at her arrival and he shoved it quickly back into his bag. Malon asked gently, “What does it do...your ocarina?”
Smeared Rags
Rating: Teen and Up Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Tags:
Legend (Linked Universe)-centric Minor Malon (Legend of Zelda)/Time (Linked Universe) Malon-centric (Legend of Zelda) Temporary Character Death Major Illness Sick Character Blood POV Malon (Legend of Zelda) Legend (Linked Universe) Has a Bad Time Gerudo Malon (Legend of Zelda) Malon Has a Bad Time (Legend of Zelda) Parental Malon (Legend of Zelda) Parental Time (Linked Universe) Soft Time (Linked Universe)
Summary:
A whisper in the night, a revelation shared and a constellation glowing. A chipper morning, bright laughter, warm smiles. Then everything turns upside down. __________ Malon & Time bond with their new descendant, until an illness befalls him, and it's a race against the clock to save him from death.
This Broken Moment
For @rileymorph based off of this art piece of theirs:
TW: Major Character Death
Fingers marred by old memories pointed at a soaked map. “As Zelda said, all we’re here to do is look around. Don’t go after something by yourself.”
Blue adjusted his hat as the rain poured endlessly. It was cold and miserable with mud squelching at each footstep, but he’d rather not leave anything here to fester. That was if there was anything at all. If the reports were correct, they might just be exploring an empty village. “I have a bad feeling about this,” Red fidgeted with his crimson sleeve, voice quiet like when he was uncertain of himself. “A village just doesn’t…vanish in a day like this.”
“You’re probably just being affected by the weather. You’ve got your fire rod, right?” Vio asked, his voice a bit softer, but still disbelieving.
Red flinched and went silent, staring at the shadows, eyes swimming with thoughts Blue couldn’t hear. He scoffed. “’Sorry princess, the forest went down in flames so there’s no village anymore.’ Great plan, Vio.”
That didn’t get a reaction out of the red link, but it did out of Vio. “Shut up. There’s such a thing as a controlled fire.”
“Famous last words.”
“Dammit Blue, if anyone was going to start a forest fire it would be you.”
“I haven’t even touched the fire rod—“
Vio raised his eyebrow infuriatingly. “So, that one time we were fighting the—“
“You’re making that up!”
Their banter would’ve continued, as it often did, but Red thundered, “STOP!”
Red never raised his voice. Not even when they were loud and annoying each other. Not even when he was angry. A furious Red was silent, tearful and he would often avoid anyone. “Sorry,” Vio muttered, though he sounded quite confused.
Something was off, and Blue felt his gut twist unnervingly, a feeling pooling in his stomach that was hard to ignore. But he wasn’t just going to run away like a coward. Everything would be fine, despite Red’s odd mood. Green tried to lighten whatever tension had arisen and asked, “I thought maybe after we’re done with this report, we could go out of the country. All of us this time.”
Vio scowled. “I’m fine right here.”
“Yeah, just hole yourself up in your room again,” Blue rolled his eyes.
“C’mon, Vio, it’ll be fun. You can bring books with you,” Green shoved the map into his bag half-heartedly.
“Where would we even go?”
“I heard Holodrum’s known for its various troupes. Dancing, acting, music,” Green listed. “Or there’s Labrynna, which has a lot of history on display and there’s also tournaments and pretty scenery.”
“You’ve been thinking about this for a while, haven’t you? Fine,” Vio sighed. “I’ll consider it.”
“Consider it? Just answer the question, idiot.”
“A decision like this takes thought, Blue.”
“Not that much thought.”
“We’re here,” Red announced, unsheathing his blade, red ribbon brought up by the wind and flattened by the downpour.
There wasn’t anything they could see just by looking from a distance so they ventured in. They split up a little bit and Blue knocked on a door. When he received no answer he opened the door and blade at the ready, he went inside. Everything was dark and after thoroughly checking, there was no one there. There weren’t any signs of struggle, or mess or anything…just an empty, normal house. Somehow, that was worse.
He entered the rain again, huffing and raised a hand to shield his face as he headed for another home. He didn’t find any new results and when they reconvened, everyone had the same conclusion. “Why would everyone leave, without a trace? There’s not a single thing out of place except for that it’s…abandoned,” Green asked, frustrated.
“We could go search the forest around us. Maybe they fled from something and didn’t take anything with them?” Red suggested, though he seemed doubtful.
“Wait,” Vio gasped and hurried back into one of the houses, the others close behind.
“The hell are you on about there’s nothing here,” Blue huffed, though the reprieve from the cold was nice. He trusted Vio, and often when he noticed something, it was important, so his words were devoid of any venom.
“Look, there’s…a shadow that shouldn’t be there.”
There was a shadow of a person on the ground, in front of them. Green’s eyes widened. “Could they be in the Dark World?”
“That’s plausible, yes, but there has to be something behind it. In that case, where did the monster go?”
The ground shook, nearly throwing all of them off balance and a roar rumbled, violent and harsh. “You just had to say something,” Blue muttered and swung open the door.
Instead of one, large monster, there were many swarming the place. Blue blocked a blow with his sword and pulled out his hammer, grinning sharply. “Finally, a fight.”
“Don’t leave the village without alerting someone, and be on the lookout for a source,” Green shouted over the snarls and clashing of blades.
Blue danced, smashing heads with his hammer and cutting down monster after monster. His moves were quick, unpredictable sometimes, but devastating. His brothers had their own fighting styles, besides them being Link in their core. Red didn’t attack until his opponent did, in which he defended himself and then retaliated with a spin of his sword. Green fought trained, like all the knights did back at the castle. He worked with everyone, he had everyone’s back and his technique was formulaic, but still quite powerful. Then there was Vio, each move calculated, each move careful and precise. He was clever and cunning, finding some way to trick a foe and cut them down when they least expected it.
Blue ended a monster and breathed, getting tired of the constant arrival of new enemies. But there was no way he was letting them live. He looked around at his brothers once more after he was sure he cleared his area of monsters, and noticed a spear Moblin about to stab into Vio, who was busy with a ball and chain soldier. “Watch out!” Green cried.
Blue didn’t even think. Didn’t even breathe. He shoved his brother aside and watched as the spear drove into his chest, and he was knocked to the ground. He felt numb for a moment, maybe because of the adrenaline running through his veins, maybe because he was in shock. Eventually the pain came, searing and piercing. He tried to hide how much it hurt, he knew someone was going to be at his side, but scalding tears poured down his cheeks like a river. Every breath he took shot white hot pain through his chest; sitting up or standing seemed impossible.
“BLUE!”
Metal grinding against metal flooded his ears and he felt them droop, aching from the loudness of it all. Then he was shifted and he cried out. “You moron! Why would you do that!” Vio’s voice came, uncharacteristically scared.
He could feel himself slipping as he tried to say his brother’s name. “V…Vi…”
A desperate, shaky exhale. He couldn’t even finish Vio’s name, could he?
Vio’s tunic was slick with red, his eyes wide and his expression written with an anger that Blue had never seen. Not even when Shadow had felt the light and vanished. Not even when Blue touched a nerve when they were arguing. “BLUE! No, no, no—c’mon, stay with me,” Vio’s voice cracked harshly as he stared at Blue with tearful eyes.
As he wheezed and he tasted something metallic on his tongue, felt blood dribble down his chin, he felt regret course through him. He’d always take his death over any of the others but here, drenched in rain and blood, seeing the unbridled fear in Vio’s eyes…he found himself wanting to live against the odds, to stay as his brother was pleading. The pain seemed so close yet so far away, and his eyes slipped closed. He can’t string together his thoughts but there’s a burning sorrow in his fading heart. And then…
V…
Vi…
o…
____________________________________________________
Vio can feel the blood on hands, seeping into his palms. He can feel the rain, pounding around them, droplets on his face amidst tears he can’t help but let free. Blue is dying in his arms because of him. Blue is crying in pain because of him. Blue took a hit for him, and now lost his voice, trying to say his name, trying to say his last words and failing. He begged his brother to stay, because even as he ran to get help, he knew Blue was slipping in his grasp, that the blood loss would take its toll—that the fucking stab wound in his chest that should’ve been Vio’s would take its toll. He tightened his hold, and he felt like his world had been thrown off balance. Blue coughed up blood and Vio knew it was over but he still tried, he still ran as fast as he could. “You’re such an idiot!” His voice was wavering. “P-please!”
Blue didn’t even breathe.
“Dammit!” Vio squeezed his eyes shut, and fell to his knees. “Why can’t you just use your brain for once? Fuck—you go in without a thought for your life! This isn’t fair!”
He wasn’t really angry with Blue. He hugged Blue close, and felt his wrist, his pulse there for a moment and then gone. A sob wracked his body. “Dammit. I should’ve had a fairy on me—I know you’re reckless, I know you do stupid things like this. I should’ve healed you. I should’ve protected you.”
But he was weak. He didn’t see the Moblin behind him. He didn’t protect Blue.
He didn’t get help in time.
The rain was so loud in his ears, as a deep pain flooded his senses. “Blue,” He said thickly. “I’m sorry.”
In this broken moment, Vio wiped away still tears on his brother’s face, and didn’t even hear the others beside him. He didn’t hear Red scream, he didn’t see Green drop to the ground, pale and shocked.
All he saw was Blue.
Embrace
(screenshot from A Hero's Purpose by MajorLink)
For @margindoodles2407
There was silence for the first time in Link's life. A calm, gentle silence. When his legs gave out, and his back met a tall tree, it didn't feel rough or cold.
Does the forest finally recognize me, I wonder?
He was still the boy without a fairy. He was aged, and he was on the cusp of something the real children of the forest couldn't ever do. Link breathed as much precious air as he could but all it did was shoot pain through his chest.
"You'll never be one of us!"
A gentle, gloved hand cupping his face. "I'll always love you, Link."
He tasted something metallic in his mouth and his limbs felt like deadweight. He wished that the mauve fabric was real, and her arms would hold him close and make the pain fade away like a cloud on the fresh morning horizon. All he'd ever wished for after he'd wiped the moon of it's malicious face was to never be alone again.
Then he'd came back to Zelda, wondering if she'd send him back out with the ocarina, or be upset at him for leaving. As soon as he felt the blazing sun shine on Hyrule Field, she'd ran towards him and embraced him. There were no words between them, just a feeling of relief and yearning as they held each other tightly. His regret, his loneliness—his pain, melted away, a bad dream beneath red-rimmed eyes.
A cough seized him, bringing him out of his reverie. The metallic liquid was all he could taste and when he opened his mouth to draw in air it spilled. It was just as warm as the tears that threatened to spill too.
A memory spread over his blurry vision like paint and he could almost feel the tears he had cried as he looked upon a sunset of orange and pink hues. Zelda had been there too, sapphire eyes full of a love he had never felt before. She ran her hands through his hair, and they weren't covered by satin cloth this. They didn't need words, as always. He had already said enough, his messy life laid bare for her to see.
She was the same princess whose steps caused the ground of the sacred realm to ripple like water. She was the same princess who put the ocarina to her mouth, her guilt so palpable he could see it. She was the same princess who had waited seven years for him in a world bathed in blood and destruction.
Yet, she also wasn't. One thing would never change, though. She loved him, and he loved her.
Link's body flared with agony and he closed his eyes, sorely hoping he would succumb soon. His thoughts stung worse than any wound he could ever suffer. Then the serene silence stopped and he heard frantic footsteps. He heard a voice he had never thought he'd hear again.
"Link!"
He summoned the strength to open his eyes and saw Zelda in front of him. "Zel?"
"You're dying," She knelt down on the dirt, regal dress folding. "What happened?"
Link felt a tug, a ginger pull. He stared into her eyes. "I'm sorry."
He wasn't alone as she pulled him carefully into her embrace for the last time. Zelda breathed, "You have nothing to apologize for. Don't close your eyes yet, I'm here."
At the panicked shift in her tone, he opened his eyes. He hadn't realized they had fallen shut. "'kay."
She looked back at the pathway behind her. "Do you think you can make it to the castle?"
Link couldn't even move his limbs. His voice thick he repeated, "I'm sorry."
Zelda held him tighter, tears streaming down her face. "You can't die now. We haven't even gotten to grow old together, like you said we would. I'm going to be alone."
A sob wracked the hero's broken body. It hurt in more ways than one. They were leaving each other again. How many times would they have to part?
"I don't want to."
He didn't like seeing her so anguished and fearful. There wasn't anything he could do about it as long as blood continued to sluggishly pour out of his side and dribble out of his mouth. "Smile for me? One last time?"
He felt the selfishness of it but Zelda smiled tearfully. He wasn't expecting it to be genuine but it was. She pressed a tender kiss to his head and began to sing softly.
"Bear up my ancient lullaby,
May sweet dreams find your head tonight.
Close your eyes 'neath the velvet skies,
'Til we meet again."
He caught one last glimpse of her, spilt one last tear before the world went dark.
"In sorrow, hope takes flight.
Darkness brings candlelight,
Think of me when I'm out of sight."
Her voice was so beautiful.
"Ease your soul of your endless path,
Cradled safe and sound on the Earth."
He wasn't alone.
"One star gleams, whispers on the breeze,
'Dream your fears away.'
Sleep, twinkle of my eye.
Hold close this lullaby.
Know that I'm always by your side!"
He wasn't alone.
@pelicanpig Here you go!
Zelda put her signature on a scroll and placed it in a pile beside her. There was still more to do, and knowing that only made her eyes feel heavier. She glanced at the window in her room, the ornate frame paling in comparison to the vivid, blue sky. If her hero was here, he would've opened that window and extended his hand to hers.
She sighed, dipping her quill in ink. He wasn't here, and so she couldn't leave until all these papers were dealt with. Zelda noticed a letter from weeks ago, sitting on the shelf, and took it gently into her hands. She reread every word.
I don't know when I'll be back, the letter informed her and she could hear his voice from all the way here. There was ice in her stomach as she knew that there was a chance he might not be back anytime soon. She remembered finding his limp, ashen body, just barely clinging on to life. She remembered a broken raft and the feeling of seeing him so hurt after two months of not seeing him at all and waiting for his return.
She swallowed back her fear and rubbed her eyes. She needed him, and he needed her. Surely, he would walk right in here and help her carefully out the window, before guiding her through his orchard once again. She would listen to his grand tales and his simple updates again, or kiss him softly under the shade of his vibrant apple trees.
A knock sounded and she stilled. There were still tears on her lashes. She cleared her throat, "You may come in."
A servant let herself in, hazel eyes meeting hers with warmth and...something else. "His Majesty requests you to come down to the throne room at once."
"Oh, well, did he tell you the occasion?"
"I apologize if I am overstepping Your Highness, but I think you need to see this yourself. Let me escort you there."
Zelda felt suspicion brew in her gut but she nodded slowly. "You are alright. Let us go, then."
The servant led her silently down the steps blanketed in velvet carpet, though her smile had dimmed long ago. The anticipation was beginning to unsettle her but they reached the throne room. The servant dropped to her knees and the princess saw eight unusual warriors. "Father, you have called for me?" She inquired but her gaze was on the group, searching for a head of strawberry blonde hair.
"Yes. These are the Heroes of Hyrule from the past and future. They are briefly visiting before continuing another quest," The King answered, but his face was shadowed.
Zelda's heart began to race as she didn't see him among the group. "Where's Link? His letter said he'd be travelling with them."
Father's eyes softened, almost imperceptibly. "He has been sent to the infirmary. He arrived in an unstable state, but our healers are doing all they can right now."
Her breath caught, and for a moment there was silence. Father never said what exactly happened to Link. He had never said anything like this before. "Your duties have been dismissed today," The King assured. "Go and see him, Zelda."
Something was very wrong.
She thanked him and took off. Her breath came out shallow as all she could think about was him on that raft.
"Goddesses."
Nightmarish burns wrapped around pale skin. Violet eyes were closed, swelled and red from tear-streaks. His clothing was tattered, and he was thinner than before.
However, when she arrived at his bedside, there wasn't any surface wounds she could immediately see. He was unconscious, face a sheet of white. Purple hyacinths sat in a vase next to him. "I'm here Link, I'm here," She breathed.
Her words went unheard and she sat down, hugging her knees. Her heart didn't calm but her breathing did. She called for him through his mind but he didn't reply, for the second time in their lives. "I've missed you, but you know that. I was going to send you a letter because there's a ball very soon and I know how much you like dancing. The Lorulean royal family is attending, which means Queen Hilda will be there...and probably Ravio too."
The silence was deafening.
"Your Highness? A nurse came in. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I am. What--what has happened to him?"
The nurse took off the blankets with a roll of bandages clutched in her hand. "He's got a stab wound but that's unfortunately not the worst of it. He's developed an illness we call Dinnayru."
Fire and ice? Where had she heard that before? "What is that?"
"It's a deadly illness that causes delirium, vomiting blood, and in worst cases, seizures. I don't know if you recall, but the late Queen fell to it."
"Oh," She pressed her mouth into a thin line, blood turned to ice in her veins. "Will--will he be okay?"
"We'll do our best and see what we can do," The nurse tried to reassure.
Zelda blinked back tears and pulled up a chair, it's wooden exterior cold against her back. The light that was once spilling loftily into the room and illuminating the flowers was gone. The room became dim from dark clouds and the warm torchlight fell onto his still face.
"Your Highness?"
She startled and saw a man with dusky markings on his face. She recognized him as a hero from before. "Yes?"
"Our traveller's Life Spell hasn't done a thing for him, so we were thinking of taking him to a Great Fairy."
"That should heal his stab wound," She nodded.
"His illness too, right?" He pressed.
"They tried everything to save my mother but she's gone."
The man's face twisted in sympathy. "I'm sorry for your loss but don't you think it's worth a try?"
"It most certainly is, but we could lose him at any moment..."
"It won't come to that, princess. We'll find a way."
Something about the fire in the man's blue eyes made her rise. "You're right."
"We're at your side, Highness. The ve--er--Link is our brother."
She was ready to leave, until a sudden coughing filled the air. She looked over and Link whimpered, body trembling as he gagged. Zelda rushed over, eyes wide. "Link, say something!"
"Zel..da," He croaked and then blood spilled out of his mouth and nose in a vicious amount.
The red liquid pooled at her feet and she felt horror before her consciousness slipped away from her.
