#Marin x Legend

[writerwithbrainrot]

Playground Sweethearts

Linked Universe modern au! Inspired by @treasure-goblin 's LU elementary school au!

Legend x Marin

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The playground was loud, full of kids running around and yelling. It was a public park, so many kids of all ages came around with parents to play.

But one child didn't like playing with the other kids. He didn't like being pushed and shoved and cramped between people. It made him feel icky.

Legend sat near the edge of the playground, grumpy, and poking at the ground with a long stick. He didn't like people, he had always been the angi-social child in daycare. Yet he yearned to make friends, but he found it hard when they only ever fought and 'rough housed' as his mother put it.

He heard footsteps stop next to him and he looked up. A girl his age in a cute blue sun dress with orange hair stood, smiling at him. "Hello! Why are you on the ground?" she asked

He looked down, poking at an ant hill. "I want to be."

She frowned and tilted her head, confused. "Huh? Why? The playground is more fun than the dirt!"

Legend made a face, and the girl only watched before sitting next to him. "That's okay! My papa always tells me that people can like what they want as long as it doesn't break the rules!"

She smiled at Legend. "I'm Marin! I like seeing things, and seaguls!" Legend didn't speak, yet Marin sat, waiting for him to answer patiently.

"I'm Legend. . . " he said, voice quiet. "I like. . . shiny things and collecting toys." he said, looking at his feet, his shoes covered in dirt.

"Well, I dont have a toy-" Marin started, putting her hand in her dress pocket and pulling out a green rupee, "But I found this! It's shiny!" she held it out to him, and he looked at it with a blank expression. Marin's face fell, "Oh. . . do you not like it?"

Legend slowly took it, looking at it in the sun. Marin stood, positively beaming. "Yay! This makes us friends now!"

"What?" Legend asked, nervous. "Friends?"

Marin hummed and nodded, "Come on! Let go play on the swingset!" she said, running off. Legend stayed sat, looking out nervously. Marin soon returned, looking sad. "Hey. . . why didn't you come with me?"

"I. . . don't like them." he said, pointing at the other kids "They're loud and. . . gross."

Marin paused and then sat next to Legend. Silence continued, the sounds of children yelling behind them blocking out the sounds of the forest infront of them. Legend felt nervous. he really didn't want to be here anymore.

"I spy, with my little eye. . ." Marin started. "Something. . .Green!"

"Green?" Legend asked, looking at where Marin was looking. He saw leaves, grass, vines. . . "Um. . . that?" he asked, pointing to one of the tree tops. Marin giggled.

"Nope!" she said, popping the 'p'. "It was the berry bush! Your turn!" she said.

Legend thought. It wouldn't hurt to play. . . he didn't have to go to the monkey bars, or get pushed and shoved. . . and Marin was nice and giving him space.

"I spy. . . with my little eye. . ." he started, eyes gazing everywhere. "Something. . . red."

"Oh! oh!" She exclaimed, pointing at a wild poppy growing in the tree line. "That flower!" she said with pride. Legend nodded, ans she kicked her feet in joy, dirt getting on her dress.

The two played for what felt like minutes, when Legend's Mother came over. "Legend, are you ready to go?" She asked, her bag by her side on her shoulder. Legend looked up with a frown.

"Can I stay a little longer?" he asked quietly. "I wanna play with my new friend more."

His mother looked shocked, looking over and seeing Marin who waved, before smiling and nodding. "Okay. Five more minutes but then we need to go. I need to make dinner."

Legend smiled and grinned at Marin, who grinned back.

When her dad come over to get her, she pleaded with him to stay. "Oh papa! Please, just a little longer!"

"I'm sorry, sweetie." he said, "But we gotta get you home. You're covered in dirt."

"I made a new friend!" she said, pointing to Legend. "Can he come?!"

"Uuh. . ." her father shook his head. "We can't. We would need to ask his parents."

Marin looked at the point if tears when Legend stood. "We can play again tomorrow." he said "I can bring my ring collection to show you."

Marin lit up, just as Legend's mom walked over "Legend, we have to go now." she said. Legend turned to her.

"Can we come back tomorrow?" he asked her, "I wanna play with Marin and show her all my shiny rings!"

Legend's mom and Marin's dad looked at eachother, and both smiled at the two's enthusiasm. "Well, I suppose."

Legend smiled at Marin, picking a clever flower off the ground and giving it to Marin, "Here. I'll get you a new one tomorrow." he said as Marin took it.

And with that, a beautiful friendship had blossomed. . .

»»————-　★　————-««

Weeks passed, and the two payed whenever they could, even having playdates at one another's homes. They would always meet at the playground, and Marin even got him to get on the slide a few times, when there wasn't that many other kids, that was.

And everytime they would part, Legend would give Marin a new flower, and Marin would give Legend a new drawing of them on their imaginary adventures, from climbing magic mountains to exploring an island witha. giant Whale, there was always a new adventure to be had. Legend's crayon drawer had never been so stuffed with papers.

But Legend had been feeling funny around Marin, feeling fuzzy and extra happy around her. He went to his mom to ask about it.

"Aww." he said, looking at Legend. "You like her. How sweet."

"I know I like her." he said "She is my best friend."

"You like like her." she said and Legend let out an audible gasp.

"I'll get cooties! I don't wanna kiss her!" he exclaimed, and his mother laughed.

"Oh I promise you won't kiss." she said, easing Legends nerves.

"But how do I tell her I like like her?" he asked. His mother hummed, thinking.

"What does she like?" his mother asked and he stuck out his tounge, thinking.

"Flowers." he said "She likes flowers! She really really likes the flowers from ha. . Ha. . . Hawaii." he said. His mother grabbed her purse, and stood.

"Then let's go buy her some." she said, and Legend smiled, nodding, rushing to get his shoes.

»»————-　★　————-««

Legend held the box of hibiscus flowers in his lap as he sat in the back of the car, kicking his feet, unable to wait to give Marin his gift.

His mother chuckled as they pulled in, watching Legend look and see Marin sitting on the steps, waiting. They parked and his mother got out and helped Legend out. He looked at Marin and gulped, walking to her. Marin jumped up and rushed over. She stopped as Legend held the box out.

"Marin! I really really really really really REALLY REALLY-" he took in a deep breath "Like you! Like. .. like like you. . ."

she looked in the box and gasped, seeing the flowers and called for her dad. "Papa! Legend got me hibisususes!"

He chuckled, watching out the window as she lifted them for him to see. "How nice of him."

Legend stood, nervous and shy. Marin took the box and put it down. Without warning, she kissed his cheek. "I really really REALLY like like you too!"

Legend froze. He started to sniffle, tears in hsi eyes as he started to cry. "COOTIES!"

His mother and Marins father began to laugh as he ran from Marin, who began to chase him around the yard.

A friendship that blossomed indeed.

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Was in a fluff writing mood. tell me what you think! have a good day/night!

#linked universe #Modern linked universe #Marin x Legend

[ilaiawanderlust]

Content warning!! swearing, drowning, and vomiting

with that taken care of! here ya go!! :3

psssst! @socialc1imb @toonfan2106 @spacebagel54 @triforce-of-mischief

Legend ran through Sky’s Faron woods with the rest of his brothers, trying to get some distance between them and that damned shadow. For once, fate gave him a break. Legend saw an inky black portal just beyond a stretch of forest, the others saw it too. The old man stated the obvious.

“I see another portal, quickly!” no shit.

The shadow was gaining, Legend turned and hastily threw a bomb at the beast, lighting the thing at the base of the fuse so the shadow couldn’t react. 

The blast shook the ground and made Legend’s ears ring, the portal was right there! Almost everyone had already made their way through, of course the old man stayed behind til they were all through, the bastard. 

Whether the old man wanted to be a self-sacrificing bastard or not, Legend ran to the portal and grabbed Time’s wrist. “Come on, you piece of shit!” He jumped through, pulling Time with him. 

The sea. Of course the damn portal had to drop them right in the fucking middle of the sea. Legend was treading water, holding Hyrule above the waves as best as he could while trying to look for any sign of land through the fog hanging over the water. Not too far away, he could see the shape of an island. 

“There!” Legend shouted, “An island. Come on!” He saw Twilight, and Wild stripping their regular armor in favor of their Zora items. Wild offered to help Hyrule as they started towards the island, Legend conceded, it was a lot easier to stay above the waves without another person. 

Suddenly, Legend heard a shout of alarm from behind him as Four was attacked by a lizalfos. Fucking Hylia damn it! The damn things must have followed them through the portal. Twilight turned quickly and fought off the lizalfos, swiftly dealing with at least two more before grabbing Four and swimming as fast as possible, which, damn. He was pretty fast. 

Twilight and Four caught up to the front of the group in no time, the rancher made sure that Four was alright before turning to help the others.

They were so close, so damn close to shore! Not close enough, apparently. 

A clawed hand closed around Legend’s ankle, he was barely able to take a breath before getting dragged under the waves. His lungs burned, the saltwater stung his eyes, he couldn’t fight, he couldn’t even see. Legend forced his eyes open, ignoring the painful sting, he looked down at whatever had grabbed him. Of fucking course it was the shadow. 

The edges of Legend’s vision filled with black dots. He was dying, he couldn’t hold on to the meager breath anymore. 

His lungs filled with water, stinging and burning and wrong, his ears pounded, he could hear his own heartbeat slowing and dying by the second. 

Legend felt someone rush past him, a moment later, the claws released Legend’s ankle as he fell unconscious.

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‘Shit shit shit shit shit!’ Twilight felt like an idiot. How had he not noticed the vet go under? Regardless, he dove beneath the waves, shit, the water was almost too murky to see through. There! Legend’s pink hair was just visible. 

Twilight swam as fast as he could, but it felt like far too long. He scowled when he saw the shadow grinning, clawed hand digging into Legend’s ankle. 

The vet turned in the water, struggling, trying to find any way to get away, then, he suddenly stopped. Twilight’s heart skipped a beat, panic nearly overtaking his senses as a cloud of air escaped Legend’s mouth and nose.

Twilight shot past the vet into the shadow, drawing his sword and slashing at the goddess damned beast. The shadow let go of Legend’s ankle, Twilight dealt a blow to the thing’s shoulder and threw a water bomb at it before grabbing Legend and making for the surface.

Thank Ordona Twilight only had to swim a few more meters once he broke through the waves in order to get to shore. The moment he and the vet were on dry land he started CPR. Soon, the others reached the shore.

“Pup,” Time said, standing next to Twilight. “What do you need?” 

Still pumping into Legend’s chest, hoping, needing for him to breathe, Twilight glanced at Wild. “Champion, do you have a dry change of clothes in your slate?” 

Wild hurriedly looked through the slate while Twilight kept pumping.

Eventually, Legend’s chest spasmed and he started coughing. Stringy, bloody water poured from his mouth and nose. He coughed, and vomited, and dry-heaved for what felt like hours before he was able to breathe somewhat normally. At which point the veteran passed out on the beach.

Once it was safe for Legend to be moved, Twilight hoisted him onto his back. Four and Wind had just come back from scouting up the beach. 

“So, good news!” Wind said. “There’s a house not too far from here.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “And the bad news?” 

“It seems to be empty. No one answered when we knocked.” Four stated. 

Twilight felt shivers wrack Legend’s body. “It’s better than nothing. Let’s go.” They made their way up the beach, sopping wet, cold, and tired. They reached the house and knocked, still no answer. 

“So, what do we do?” Sky asked. “Do we wait for whoever lives here to come back?” 

Warriors wrung seawater from his scarf. “No, that would take too long. We need to know where and when we are, first. Anyone recognize this place?” He asked. No one spoke up. 

Time sighed. “So we’re either between eras, or the only one who knows this place is nearly dead over the rancher’s shoulder.” 

“Hello?” an unfamiliar, musical voice sounded from behind the group. They all turned around, hands on their weapons. “Oh! I didn’t mean to startle you!” A young woman with vibrant orange hair stood with her hands raised to show she wasn’t a threat, a basket hung at her elbow.

Time stepped forward. “No, we’re sorry. Is this your house?” He asked. 

The woman nodded slowly, her eyebrows raised in confusion as she took in the sight of eight sopping wet soldiers standing at her door. “Is something wrong?” 

Twilight spoke up from the back of the group. “Our- our brother, he’s hurt. Is there a doctor nearby we can take him to?” The woman’s face became serious. 

“Let me see him.” She said, moving toward Twilight. He turned so she could better see Legend. The woman’s breath caught in her throat. “Bring him inside.” 

The chain looked at her, surprised. She rushed forward and opened the door. “Quickly, come on!” She urged. 

Twilight surged into action, stepping through the door after the young woman. She hurriedly cleared off the large table. “He needs to get dried off, right?” She asked, Twilight nodded, setting the veteran down gently. “I’ll take care of him, you should all get dried off, too. There’s space behind the house you can use if you’d like.” 

Twilight looked between the woman and Legend hesitantly, he opened his mouth to say something, but felt a hand on his shoulder. “Thank you…” Time started.

“Marin.” She supplied. 

“Thank you, Marin. It’s very generous of you to help us. Come on, pup.” Time led Twilight out of the house. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A little while later, Marin stepped out of the house. Two of the boys immediately stood, “Is he alright?” The shorter of the two asked. Marin smiled. 

“He’s going to be fine. A potion or two wouldn’t hurt, but he’ll be okay.” She said, relief spread through the group.

“That’s good, Miss Marin? Do you think we can go see him?” Marin looked at the group of supposed soldiers, their faces held more than just concern for a teammate.

“You’re all very good friends with Link, aren’t you?” She asked. A few of them looked at her in surprise. One of the younger boys, however, jumped up from where he was sitting. 

“Hah! I knew it! We’re in the vet’s hyrule!!” he shouted, grinning ear to ear as another boy who looked around the same age as the first sighed and tossed him a small bag of rupees. Marin couldn’t help but laugh. 

“You can go see him, but why don’t you introduce yourselves to me? I’d much rather call my guests by their names.” Marin said. 

Once they were all introduced, Marin brought them inside. Legend was laying in the bed, covered in blankets, his skin was unnaturally pale, and his breathing still sounded labored. Hyrule walked right to the edge of the bed, determination across his features. 

Hyrule took a deep breath, placing his hands just above the veteran’s chest. He closed his eyes as a warm pink glow enveloped his hands. After Hyrule was finished, Legend’s breathing sounded a bit better, and some color had returned to his cheeks. 

Hyrule frowned. “That’s all I can do for now. Miss Marin is right, potions would be the best for him.” 

“You did good, Traveler.” Time said. “Marin mentioned we can stock up on potions nearby, we’ll go get some first thing tomorrow.” 

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Legend felt warm, too warm. He tried to move, but heavy blankets kept him right where he was. A cool hand brushed his forehead, Legend heard someone speaking but couldn’t make out what they were saying as the person placed something cold on Legend’s brow.

Opening his eyes shouldn’t have been as hard as it was, the outside world was far too bright. Someone spoke to him again, this time, Legend could almost tell what they were saying. 

“Link…” It whispered, the voice was feminine, musical, and much too familiar. “Link, are you awake?” 

Legend pushed his eyes open and saw, to his dismay, that he was dreaming again. The bed, the sounds, the smell of salt in the air and flowers along the beach, and the girl in front of him. The same dream he’d had so many times. She smiled, red curly hair falling down the sides of her face, Legend’s heart squeezed when he saw how worried she looked. 

“You’re awake!” She said. “How are you feeling, Link?”

Legend groaned, he was sore, breathing sent sharp stabs of pain down his sides, and he still felt far too warm, but none of that mattered. He mustered up a shallow laugh. “Hylia will have to try harder than this to get rid of me.” 

Tears welled in her eyes. “I’m glad you’re okay…” She mumbled something. 

Legend raised an eyebrow, “what was that?” he asked. She mumbled again, a little louder, but still impossible to understand. Legend smirked as her cheeks turned the most lovely shade of red. “Sorry, I can’t quite hear you.”

“I said don’t scare me like that, dumbass!!!” She yelled. Legend broke out laughing, ignoring the pain. 

“There she is!” He said, freeing a hand from the blankets and placing it on hers. “There’s my Marin.” 

Marin blushed through the tips of her ears, “Cut it out, stupid! You need to rest, you’ve still got a fever.” Marin grabbed a bottle of something from the table, pulling the cork as she handed it to Legend.

He took the potion hesitantly. “I don’t want to leave. I want to stay with you.” 

Marin leaned over and planted a kiss on the hero’s cheek. “I’ll be right here. I promise.” 

“But-” 

“For me, Link. Drink it for me?” Her eyes were still sad, even though he knew that she’d be gone, he couldn’t let her down. He slowly brought the bottle to his mouth and downed the potion. She smiled, then took the bottle from his grasp in favor of her own hand. 

Legend could already feel the potion taking effect, his eyelids grew heavy, he didn’t want to leave! Link kept his eyes open for as long as he could before the dream faded and he drifted back into deep sleep. 

Legend slowly became aware of his surroundings, he could hear his brothers talking nearby, the spicy aroma of the champion’s cooking filled the air. Legend’s head pounded, but at least he wasn’t so warm anymore. 

Legend groaned and moved to cover his face with one arm, but the heavy blankets made it difficult.

“Sorry vet, did we wake you up?” someone said, it sounded like the rancher. Legend groaned again and tried unsuccessfully to sit up until the rancher placed a hand on his back and moved the veritable mountain of blankets. 

“Thanks,” Legend grumbled, rubbing his eyes. “What the hell happened, anyway? I remember the damn portal spat us into the fucking sea…” He looked around the room, it was small, just big enough to fit all of them, and too similar to the room from his dream. 

“Well, you got that part right.” The rancher said. “But the shadow followed us through the portal with some other monsters, we fought them off, but not before it grabbed you. I was able to get you to shore.” 

“So, where are we then?” Legend asked, he turned to Wind. “Sailor, this one yours?” 

Wind looked up from the game of cards he was playing with Four, Hyrule, and Time. “Not mine, pretty sure this one’s yours.” 

Legend furrowed his brow. “Mine? But-”

“I’m back!” The door to the house swung open. “I didn’t mean to be gone for so long, is he alright?” A beautiful, dream-like, musical voice filled the room. Legend knew who it was, but… it was impossible. Right? 

The smile that lit up her perfect face was proof otherwise. In seconds, she had taken off her shoes, set down her basket, and was practically on top of Legend.

“You’re up! How are you feeling? Is your fever broken? Are you hurting anywhere? What do you need?” The questions came at him like a hurricane, he slowly reached out and took one of her hands. She paused, looking at him. 

Legend stared at her with tears in his eyes. “Marin?” She nodded. “It- it’s really you, right? You’re Marin?” He looked around the room at his brothers. “This isn’t a dream, is it? This is all real?”

Marin pulled Legend into an embrace. “It’s real, Link. It’s real.” 

He pulled away from the embrace to look at Marin, her curly, fiery hair framed her face like a sunset. Legend placed a hand on her cheek, and rested his forehead against hers. “I’m not missing this chance again.” He whispered. 

“Link? What do you m-!” Marin was interrupted by Legend’s lips meeting hers. Blush spread from her cheeks all the way to the tips of her ears as she melted into the kiss. Legend pulled away to catch his breath.

Marin had a dreamy smile across her face, it took a moment for her eyes to focus back on Legend. “You- you dumbass, you’re supposed to do it like this!” She hooked her arms around his neck and pulled him in for another (much more passionate) kiss. Leaving the hero of legend speechless, for once.

#this was so much fun! #i hope yall like it #wander writes #my writing #linked universe #linked universe legend #lu legend #marin #marin x legend #fluff #attempted whump #i tried #lol #if any of its inconsistent #no its not #have fun :3

[uncleskyrule]

oo im curious about the modern au! any lore u wanna share? :3

(whoopsie, i forgot this was the account for this stuff)

Hi AK!! Fun fact, before you asked this, there was no lore at all for the "different era, same spirit" AU. Evie (@inumbrapugnabimus-maybe/@whyoneartheven) and I are pretty relaxed about this AU, so we haven't done any real world-building. As ideas come up, we just write/draw them! And I just came up with this :D So here's the general idea for Legend and Marin's story:

They met while playing an online game called Awakening (maybe something like Sky: Children of the Light?). His avatar was a pink bunny, hers was a seagull. She had been playing for a while before he joined and met her on one of the in-game realms, Koholint Island.

They bonded quickly and went on adventures together, exploring the realms and doing the game's quests. Ever since the beginning, Marin was very vocal in the voice chat, and she often sang little songs as they played. Later Legend grew more confident and started talking too, and even humming along.

Just as Sky: CotL's developers are always looking for feedback, Awakening's devs did too. I haven't decided the details yet, but let's say an issue came up in the gameplay--maybe the monsters were too overpowered??--and Legend sent in some feedback. The devs listened and changed it, but something happened in the system so that the next time Legend went to the beach where he and Marin always met, she wasn't there. When he checked his friends list, her name was gone. It was as if she had never existed.

He looked everywhere for her, traveling throughout the realms and scouring every nook and cranny for any trace of her--even daring to ask in voice chats if anyone had seen the seagull with the hibiscus accessory who had the most beautiful voice in the world. No one had any answers. He even messaged the devs on Discord and begged them for help, but they couldn't do anything, and threatened to ban him if he bothered them further.

Ever since then he has had so much guilt and misses her terribly. He regrets never having mustered up the courage to ask her number. One time, Wars tried to make him feel better about the whole thing by saying that Marin was probably just an old man using a voice changer and Legend socked his lights out. No one brings it up now.

#wow that got long #lu legend #lu marin #lu fic #linked universe fic #marin x legend #legend x marin #different era same spirit au #my fic #reyna's ramblings #reyna writes #DESS au lore #akchimp47 #asks #prompts

[lilyblossom-art]

I did a stupid thing and now you're gonna have to look at it :>

It's gonna be a lot of drawings fgizhgkk

yeah so anyway

Long story short, i wanted to draw some ship art but didn't like how it turned out, so in response i spent almost 10 hours drawing all of these :>

It's a bunch of my favorite ships but smol✨

#the legend of zelda #tloz #zelda #the adventure of link #link's awakening #ocarina of time #twilight princess #skyward sword #a link between worlds #age of calamity #tears of the kingdom #link #marin #sheik #malon #midna #ravio #impa #oh goodness now to tag all of the ships #link x zelda #link x marin #link x sheik #link x malon #zelda x midna x link #zelda x midna #link x midna #link x ravio #zelda x impa

[justpoliteconversations]

Breakdown [Isekai!Reader + Legend/Marin] (Part 1)

In which Isekai!Reader has a breakdown and then proceeds to break reality.

This fic is purely for my own satisfaction as I've yet to find this particular topic explored and I have a mighty need. I've taken liberties. This is self-indulgent trash.

PART: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Masterlist

TW: Choosing not to display warnings. Read at your own discretion.

Disclaimer: Don't own The Legend of Zelda franchise. Linked Universe is the fan creation of jojo56830.

---

You'd tried not to get close. From the moment you were tossed through the portal (conveniently right at the Chain's feet), you did everything possible to prevent either side from growing unnecessarily attached.

Didn't stop them from strong arming you into joining them though. As an abnormality from the portal, it was in their best interest to keep you close and monitored. Which was fair, so despite your misgivings you went along peacefully.

Though you made sure to let them know where you stood in all this.

You weren't cruel, per say, but you made sure to keep your distance and openly expressed your disinterest in opening up to them. You just wanted to find a way home, and for the most part they did their best to respect that.

Most of them anyway. Wind was an absolute menace. The boy was relentless in trying to wiggle his way into your good graces, always trying to include you in all his little side-quests and jokes.

It would be cute, honestly, if you didn't know he was trying to pump you for information. Clever, using the kid, if you didn't already know who these men were.

(If you're going to try to act friendly with the target Wind, remember to disarm yourself of obvious weaponry before approaching. Silly boy.)

You'd put money on Warriors having orchestrated most of the interactions between you and the youngest. You may not have as advanced senses as them, but you're not blind. It's obvious Wind is reporting to Warriors and Time the nights Wind takes extra pains to interact with you.

(Not that there was much to report. You stuck to your story. Came from a more futuristic world, don't know why you're here, the Heroes of Hyrule are just stories- myths- where your from. You don't know much about them. Yes, you have some secrets. No, they're not harmful to their merry little band. Pot, meet kettle. You'll show them yours if they show you theirs. No? Okay then. Last you checked, they forced you into their group. "Have a good night Time, I appreciate everything you guys do for me. Goodnight Warriors, Legend, Four. Sleep well.")

For being such powerful, experienced heroes, they're not always the brightest. Must be the influence of their Tri-force alinment. It takes a special type of person to do what they do afterall. YOU certainly wouldn't.

But you degress.

Yes, you did everything within your power to keep yourself separate from them without making them your enemies. Slept away from the group, tried (and sometimes failed) to percure your own food. Refused any gifts, money or luxuries offered to you that did not directly involve your continued well-being.

Hell, you even took to cutting grass in your spare time, just so you had something to offer up with you inevitably needed thier assistance. And wasn't that a shock, to find rupees just laying around in the grass. Money literally grow in plants here.

Mind blown.

("No Wind. You found that one, so it's yours. Thank you for the thought though.")

Overall, you thought you'd done an excellent job of it. They- usually- kept to their part of the camp, you stuck to yours (lonely though it was). You rarely talked to them unless strictly necessary or Wind managed to back you into a metaphoric corner. During travel you watched the world go by, acting as another silent pair of eyes.

You thought you'd managed to keep yourself in check.

What a fool you were. To ever think you could keep yourself from loving these kind, selfless, traumatized, courageous goofballs. How shortsighted, to think you would ever be able to stay impartial to their plight, to their pain.

When the divines cast a hook, you took it with both hands and didn't let go.

You're such a damned idiot.

It'd been one hell of a ride to get to the point of no return. Somehow, you'd stumbled though a second portal just as you and the chain had finished exiting the first. Literally, just walked out the first, moved 5 feet away from Legend (your portal crossing partner that time) and promptly stepped into another portal that'd opened right in front of you.

You'd heard Sky's alarmed shout, the beginnings of Wild's bellow, saw Legend try to make a grab at you from the fading entryway. You witnessed Legend flinch back in shock as a wisp of light pulled from his hand and disappeared into the portal. Saw him fall to his knees, seemingly crumbled in pain.

And then you were gone.

You fell onto warm sand, blinded by bright, warm sunlight directly in your eyes. The smell and taste of salt was so strong you can almost feel it coating your insides.

The sea, you quickly realize. Your back hurts from being tossed from the portal, but you're so, so thankful you landed on dry land and not somewhere in the middle of the ocean. A little pain is worth not succumbing to exhaustion and drowning after a desperate, futile struggle.

You laid there for a moment, shocked and grateful and shivering from adrenaline.

You noticed the portal didn't disappear, and none of the chain came charging through to save you either. You watched it for a while, taking deep breaths to calm your heart and waiting for something to happen.

Should you try to go back through? Why is the sound it makes so damn irritating?

"Are you alright?" A lilting voice asks unexpectantly, startling you from where you're sprawled on the sand. "Oh! Sorry! Didn't mean to scare you!"

It didn't click at first who this woman was. Long, beautiful red-blond hair, freckled, sun-kissed skin and a little red flower swaying in the sea breeze above her head. A sweet but sad smile, with just a hint of grief in her soulful dark eyes.

You were surprised she didn't notice the portal. You wondered why.

"My name's Marin. What's yours."

It should have clicked.

"It's..."

It didn't.

You broke your own rule, unwittingly though it may have been. Don't interact unnecessarily. Don't get involved. Don't put yourself in a position to get attached. Don't think about it too hard.

Don't. Get. Emotionally. Invested.

"Oh! What a lovely name! I wish we'd have met before-" Her eyes flickered sidewards, and it was then you noticed the biggest egg you'd ever seen on top of a volcanic mountain peak. Just there. A nightmare wrapped up in a pretty bow, waiting for someone to open it.

And he did.

It started to break right before your eyes. Light seeping out through the cracks and pouring down the volcano and into the surrounding land. It was not how you remember this going down, but you knew (without a doubt) what this was and what was happening.

The shock must have been evident on your face because she started talking again, soothingly, though her voice cracked with emotion.

You barely heard her, eyes fixated on the sight of a mountain slowly starting to disintegrate. On the sounds of screams in the distance. Of little shapes moving away from the light, like roaches across the mountainside.

Your eyes flickered to the portal, still there, waiting, emitting the most horrendous noise. A long dark corridor stretching out into a vast nothingness.

The sceams continued. Some cut off suddenly. It was a small island, and the mountain tall. It let their voices carry into the lands below.

Your body was cold. Your skin numb and prickling.

You noticed Marin still talking. Her eyes frightened, though she was trying not to show it.

She was trying to distract herself, you realized. "We should go to the village. Say goodbye. I'll-I'll introduce you to my father. You can be part of our family. No one deserves to- to without having a f-family."

You looked at her. Eyes wide open. Throat tight. Heart beating. Mind numb.

That was where she should have been right now, wasn't it. But she wasn't because she was talking to you. She was too far away to reach it.

(She was never meant to reach it.)

She knew that. You could see it in her eyes.

This world could not be this cruel. It couldn't. It just couldn't.

She looked to you with such sad eyes. Wet with unshed tears. So very aware.

No.

She reached out for your hand.

No.

Her fingers cradled yours, warm and soft.

No.

She tugged you slightly, inching closer. Other arm stretching, stretching. Embracing.

No.

Her skin was warm, like sunshine. She smelt of sweet fruit and clean sweat. Her heart was thundering.

No.

It was warmer still where she hid her face in your shoulder. Wet. Damning.

And then a whisper. The flutter of lips.

A secret, breathed like a confession.

"I'm sorry Link. I wish I could have lived for you."

You bent.

You twisted.

You ached.

"Marin. If you had the chance to survive this, no matter how slim, would you take it. Even if it meant giving up everything? Even if it meant having to live with the pain."

She stared at you, bewildered. And then-

Clarity.

"You're like Link. Aren't you?"

"Yes."

Her expression shifted. Beneath the sheen of tears, a fire ignited in her dark eyes. Hope, so strong it scorched the world.

It burned you too. That unyeilding will to survive.

"Take me to him." Her eyes softened, but were no less determined for it. Instead, her resolve set like obsidian. "So we may grief the loss of our family together."

Hook, set. Bait, taken.

Now.

Pull.

---

It was agony. From the moment you grabbed Marin's hand and attempted to enter the portal, it felt as though your entire bloodstream was on fire. Like being unmade and reforged all at once, originating from where your hand connected with hers.

You wanted to pull away, but you didn't. She wouldn't have let you either way. Her grip was an iron vice. Deceptively strong.

She didn't even flinch despite the sweat you could see gathering on her brow, the way her jaw clenched. Her entire body was covered in goosebumps, the hairs on her arms standing on end.

You couldn't imagine what she must be experiencing, if the feeling of her hand alone was enough to arrest your breathing.

You took another step forward. She matched it. It was like walking through wet sand, sticky and unyielding, but not impossible.

You moved one step at a time, slow and steady. Open mouthed panting, sweat running down your faces and soaking your hair, plastering it to your scalps. Your skin was flushed from exertion and you guys hadn't moved more than a few paces.

You weren't even out of sight of the entryway when the light was suddenly ripped away from behind. Leaving nothing but a yawning void.

Marin stumbled, as though her strings had been cut, and you followed. Your entire body was molten lava, bones scorched to nothing.

Someone was screaming. Or maybe you both were. You couldn't tell. Marin was gripping your hand with all her might and you gripped right back. The point of contact felt melted into her skin, like you were a part of her.

Or she was part of you.

Eventually, you felt her start to rise, pulling you with her. You couldn't see, but you knew she still had that fire searing in her eyes. No amount of tear stains could hide her will to live.

She took a step forward, and you followed her into the dark. One, two, three, four....

Time lost it's meaning. You'd long since lost count of the steps you two stumbled through together.

It was getting harder. Each step forward seemed to add another weight to your shoulders. It hurt to breath, it hurt to blink. You stopped opening your eyes a while ago. Your skin felt blistered and cracked.

You and Marin had tried talking, but it wore on her too heavily. She was gasping for air even more desperately than you were, breaths raw and ragged.

More time passed. Each step got harder. You were stumbling more than you were walking.

You were sure your nose was bleeding. You could taste the iron in your mouth, where liquid dripped over your upper lip. You couldn't feel your face.

Then Marin threw up. Fell to her knees and just kept puking and puking, struggling for precious air, whole body convulsing. You reach down blindly with your other hand to try to get her hair out of the way.

You overshot and your hand ended up in the spray (it was perfectly smooth like water, not at all natural). It felt like liquid metal across your skin, ripping a scream from your throat.

The smell of burning flesh hit your senses as you curled around your arm, the limb pulsing under you.

You could feel tension building in your body, heavy and foreboding.

Marin was crying. She was shaking. She retched again.

She clutched your hand like a lifeline, desperation corded into every muscle in her fingers. You squeezed back with everything you had, reassurance you were still there in the total darkness.

The tension snapped.

Then her hand went limp, only your grip keeping her from fully slumping to the ground. Dead weight.

"Marin?" You rasped, voice shaking with pain and shock. "Marin?"

She didn't respond. She didn't move. Her limp body slumped against your side, like a branding rod searing through your clothes.

Your heart raced in panic and it gave you the strength needed to pull your still burning arm from beneath you and feel for her pulse.

You found it. Faint. So faint it was a mere whisper, but there.

Ahead of you, an endless void. Behind you, the gapping maw of nonexistence. Nothing in all directions but the limp body leaned against your leg. The sound of the portal just kept growing louder, like metal scraping in your ear.

Your body was so heavy. Your skin seemingly peeled back and exposed, burning against the agony of existence.

You broke.

You shattered.

You felt.

"It doesn't get to be this way." You panted, eyes open, seeing nothing and stinging like hornets. "No. You don't get to do that."

Emotion rose like a tidalwave within you, boiling under the surface of your skin. You turned your eyes up, casting your gaze into the void there.

"You don't get to do that to them. You don't get to keep hurting them like this. They're not toys. They're real."

You swallowed thickly.

"They're real."

The emotion boiled over. The dam broke. Everything else was lost to the Rage.

"YOU!" You screamed, voice shrill, hot liquid falling from your lips as something stretched and burst. "Don't! Get! To! Keep! Hurting! Them! You don't get to do that! They're people! They're real people with real feelings and pain, Goddamnit!"

You were lost to that rage. The feeling that had haunted your every waking moment since the moment you fell through that first portal. Since first you realized where you were.

From the moment you realized who they were and what that meant.

"You don't get to take anything else from them! You hear me! Not a single. Damned. Thing. More!" You spat. "I will not allow it! I! Reject! It!"

You hauled Marin forward inch by agonizing inch with strength you should not have, using spite that ran so deep it tore at peices of your soul.

You weren't even looking forward anymore (what need have you to know when the torment ends, when you're never going to stop. not until death takes you). Instead, you'd braced your feet firmly and started hauling yourself backwards, back arched so far you were nearly sitting.

"I will not let you keep hurting them for your entertainment!" You screeched, not caring how it hurt. Not caring how spit and snot and blood ran down your chin. How sweat soaked straight through your clothes, stinging against the aching rawness of your skin.

You pulled, both hands latched onto Marin's one. The universe pulled back, trying to take this precious being from your grasp. Your progress was halted.

You snapped.

"FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU NITENDO. FUCK YOU GAME PEOPLE. FUCK YOU PLAYERS! AND FUCK ME TOO! FUCK ME FOR EVERYTHING I EVER DID TO HURT YOU! FUCK EVERYONE WHO EVER HURT YOU FOR FUN!"

You screamed then, rasping, tearing and wordless. Just kept screaming and pulling against the universe. Against the pain. Against the unfairness of it all.

The universe pulled again and you snarled like a beast, grip so tight on Marin's wrist you felt something cracking. She felt like Hellfire under your hands.

It only enraged you more.

"You don't get to have her! You don't get to hurt him anymore! You don't get to hurt any of them! They're mine now! You! Don't! Have! The! Right! THEY'RE MINE!"

A choked rasp, iron flooding your throat as the nosebleed gets worse.

"Marin is mine! Legend is mine! Hyrule is mine! Wind is mine! Warriors, Sky, Four are mine! Time and Twilight are mine! Wild is mine!"

Another step back, an inch gained.

Again, and again, and again.

"I'm going to take back everything you stole from them!" You howl into the void, uncaring of how absolutely broken your voice had become. "The moment you let your guard down, I'm taking everything! You. HEAR! ME!"

"I'M TAKING EVERY-"

The universe let go and you fell.

...and Marin fell with you.

Suddenly, there was gentle light filtered through leaves, cool spring air and the faint call of birdsong. No endless darkness or scorching magma in your veins or the infernal screech of portal magic in your ear. Just bliss.

And then your body reminded you that it was not fine.

Your muscles seized, tightening in painful reminder of the strain you had put them through. Your skin stung like sandpaper burn from head to toe, your lungs ached so fiercely it drew tears to your eyes.

Eyes tightly closed and teeth gritted, you curled around the limp body sprawled at your side, limbs intermingled as your body spasmed through the pain.

Then, there were hands on you and you cried out in agony.

Someone shushed you, soundly oddly choked and quiet as another pair of hands gently tried to move you. Then several.

You refused. Arms tightening around the precious being trapped in your embrace. You fought with what little strength you had left, sobbing as the hands managed to pry you loose.

You wailed in dispair.

Someone sobbed with you.

You finally succumbed to your body's desperate demands to escape the pain. You drifted away to the feeling of gentle arms cradling you close, of soft whispers in your hair.

Finally, peace found you. If only for a time.

---

Perhaps there will be a part two. Maybe even venture into yandere territory. Who knows.

I must return to the shadows once more to recharge.

#Linked Universe #Legend x Marin #Legend needs a hug #Let Legend be Happy #Linked Universe x Reader

[fftffffghmjj]

REALATION SHIPS IN THE LEGEND OF ZELDA! :]!!!!

MALINK!!!

ILIA AND LINK!!!

SKYWARD SWORD ZELINK!!!

SPIRIT TRACKS ZELINK!!!!!!!!

MARIN AND LINK!!!

WIND WAKER ZELINK!!!

BREATH OF THE WILD ZELINK!!!

AGE OF CALAMITY ZELINK!!!

TEARS OF THE KINGDOM ZELINK!!!!

Bonus-

Midna and Link! I would put a picture of them, but I don't have one. But still, MidLink! It's bonus because it wouldn't work. They would be an amazing realation ship, but Midna broke the Twilight mirror so they can't be together. I WISH IT COULD WORK THOUGH!!!!! :{!

MIDLINK IS STILL AN AMAZING REALATION SHIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Credits to Uzucake on the first image! Just wanted to let you know who the artist was.

#the legend of zelda #spirit tracks #tears of the kingdom #breath of the wild #skyward sword #wind waker #age of calamity #ocarina of time #twilight princess #link's awakening #Link #Zelda #link x zelda #Zelink #Malink #Midlink #Ilia #Marin #Midna #Realation ships #Loz #Gifs

[korokdoodles]

“Was it real, what we saw?

I believe…”

[id: a traditional drawing of Marin from link's awakening. She is looking over her shoulder with her hair covering the lower half of her face. There are clouds behind her and her blue dress turns into waves at her hip. end id]

#traditional art #artists on tumblr #marin links awakening #loz #zelda fanart #links awakening #legend of zelda #zelda #edited digitally #tloz #my-art #marink #link x marin

[poposusz]

Legend got a little Fullmetal Alchemist love. I adore the hibiscus flowers that took too long. Poor guy, he looks tired, maybe if he could sleep he could dream….

#handdrawn #linked universe #lu legend #legend of zelda #tloz #FMAB reference #hibiscus #links awakening #link x marin

[rainy-day-revelry]

I love how well Legend works as a plot device for fics because of his veteran status. Got an item you need to work in? Legend probably has something that’s close enough, or you could just say he bought it for his stockpile. Need someone to be able to relate to a specific experience? Legend has 6 games worth of content for you to pull or extrapolate from. Need some background characters to help inform the heroes? Legend has 5 kingdoms worth of citizens he’s saved to choose from. Need romantic drama? He’s got that in spades no matter which partner you give him. So much content packed into one angry little man and I love that for him! :)

#lu legend #this might also just be my bias #half the fics I read are legend centric nowadays #he’s my favorite hero blorbo what can i say #ravioli ship #link x marin #what is their ship name? #ravioli is my preference but marin offers such good angst potential #he does have two hands though #best way to end a love triangle #linked universe

[pawzmo]

im cringe but im free

#oc x canon #volo pokemon #marin pla oc #pokemon #pokemon legends arceus #this man ruined my life

[isasan347]

Doodle dump for @skyward-floored ‘s Incredibles au

#don’t mind me #just doodling legend #and sneaking ravio because OF COURSE im sneaking in ravio #R: YOU WANT ME TO INTERVENE? ALRIGHT IM ✨INTERVENING✨ #linked universe #lu legend #lu marin #lu four #lu wind #lu time #link x marin #marink #incredibles au

[zarvasace]

Happy Valentine's Day! Don't do this! It's lucky they're on soft sand!

#my art #valentines day #loz #loz fanart #hmmm #yeah #linked universe #lu legend #link x marin #links awakening #aw is that ship a tag??? #it should be #if it isnt #art

[almost-an-artist]

LUtober 2023 Day 3

Ring

I felt bad for yesterday, so, I drew Legend and his spouses ♥️♥️♥️

Ignore the shit ass hand 🫶🏼

#lutober 2023 #lutober #legend of zelda #legend linked universe #loz marin #loz ravio #legend x ravio #legend x marin #ravio x marin #ravio x marin x legend #they're in love your honor #polyamourous #your welcome #link x ravio #link x marin #♥️ #oh Hyrules here too #hyrule linked universe #ravio x link #ravioli

[uncleskyrule]

When u get this u have to put 5 songs u actually listen to, publish. then, send this ask to 10 of your favourite followers

oo thanks for the ask! i didn't know what songs to show you, so here is the beginning of my LU Legend playlist

while we're at it, here's the playlist itself!

#i'll be honest executive dysfunction is hitting me pretty hard rn so i won't be sending this to anyone sorry #but thanks again for the ask! #asks #blossomingwaters #linked universe legend #linkeduniverse legend #lu legend #marin x link #marin x legend #reyna's ramblings

[squidos-goodies]

it’s been long enough that i think it’s safe to say that i’m never going to finish any of these so i’m just gonna drop them here

#squido draws #linkeduniverse #linked universe #lu legend #lu sky #lu wind #digital doodles #blatant sky wind and legend favoritism #sky x sun #legend x marin #that last sky piece i did right after watching promare #couldn’t get the art style right :/

[justpoliteconversations]

Breakdown [Isekai!Reader + Legend/Marin] (Part 2)

In which you learn that predators come in all sizes.

The indulgence continues.

PART: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Masterlist

TW: Choosing not to display warnings. Read at your own discretion.

Disclaimer: Don't own The Legend of Zelda franchise. Linked Universe is the fan creation of jojo56830.

---

You weren't aware of the world for a time. Occasionally, there was pain (agony. like coals under your skin, explosions bursting forth from your damned cells). Sometimes there was relief, the gentle warmth of something sweet and light swirling through your veins like honey. But mostly, it was just numb.

The first time your eyes cracked open you did not register anything beyond the unpleasant sting of light. Tears had rolled down your cheeks, burning all the way to the hairline at your ears. A gentle (so gentle, so careful) hand dabbed the salt lines away with a wet cloth, pressing delicately against your cracked lips afterwards to moisten them.

You didn't respond. The sensations meant very little to you. Your eyes closed after a time, but the light of consciousness had left them long before that.

You came too briefly but did not open your eyes. Pressure from too small (calloused) hands were wrapped around your motionless fingers, like delicate bird's bones against your skin. Almost fragile, but for the power that resided in the flesh.

You squeezed them as well as you could, giving little more than a twitch for your efforts. The hand understood though because it squeezed back fiercely.

Someone was talking, but the words and their meanings slipped by like water through grass.

Nothingness took you just as a tiny, bird's bones hand touched your cheek.

Your eyes opened again and it was dark. You stared unseeing into the shadows of the rafters for some time, quiet and listless.

You did not know where you were. You didn't care. You were just so very tired.

You close your eyes. You open them and there is pain. Light. Movement. Colors. Burning. Pain. Pain. Pain.

Bliss. Gone.

Numb.

You opened your eyes once more and light was just creeping in through half drawn curtains. Your eyes flickered to them as a light breeze pulled the fabric into a gentle flutter.

A warm hand touched your hair unexpectedly, tenderly easing it back from your forehead while another wiped sweat from your brow. It was enough to draw your attention and your hazy eyes instinctively met those hoovering above you.

"Good morning." Sky whispered quietly, voice warm and sweet beneath the tired tones blurred around the edges. His hand was still resting lightly in your hair, thumb caressing the curve of your forehead.

You stared uncomprehendingly at the man above you. You blinked as his thumb moved to tenderly caress under your eye. You hadn't noticed the quiet trail of tears running sluggishly down your cheeks.

You closed your eyes, comforted by his gentle touch. It'd been so, so long since anyone had touched you kindly.

You drifted off to a wet, cool cloth wiping off your face.

You jolted awake, scream silently caught behind your teeth. You clawed, clutched, tore at the blankets around you, writhing as hellfire consumed you.

A warm, calloused hand holds yours, the pressure of another larger body pressing themselves close draws your attention. Your eyes flicker desperately to the person cradling your head and shoulders.

It's Twilight, dressed in a plain off-white shirt and calling out for Hyrule with forced calm. He smells strongly of musk and dog, the firm bulk of his muscles tense under you as his chest expands with each breaths.

Traveler is upon you within moments, pressing glowing hands to your body without hesitation. His tired, tired eyes overflowing with compassion and tender, vulnerable love as he gazes upon your contorted face.

Bliss, so great you sobbed in relief as the light enters your skin. You hid your face into Twilight's collarbones, so very thankful when he didn't push you away. Instead he pulled you closer and whispered softly in your hair, his hand cupping the back of your head.

You cried yourself to sleep in his arms.

But not before catching sight of Legend, hands clenched white on either side of the doorframe, frustrated, heartbroken tears beading like pearls in his eyes.

---

When you finally came to true consciousness it was to Four, well, all around you. Red was laying beside you, tucked sleepily against your arm, Green was on your other side, face relaxed in sleep. Vio was in the chair at the head of the bed, reading. Blue was missing, but you figured he'd lost patience with the quiet at some point and left.

You were confused at first, unsure of what gave the colors the impression that you approved of this kind of closeness. You had never given any sort of indication that you wanted anything to do with them. You'd made sure of that.

Then it hit you. Marin. She must have made it though. She's alive. She made it. She's here, in the world. With Legend.

The thought almost pulled tears to your eyes, but you pushed them down. Now was not the time for that. It was time to run damage control and salvage the situation. You still couldn't afford to get attached, or let them get attached to you.

One day you were going to go home- you were- and they did not deserve the heartbreak of another broken bond. And honestly, neither did you. It just wasn't worth it. It wouldn't be fair.

You needed to think.

Of course they would feel indebted to you after that little stunt you pulled. Legend had probably lost his shit and attached himself to Marin the moment he got over his inevitable break from reality (poor, traumatized bastard). The chain would have put two and two together and realized you'd done them a favor.

The tricky part would be convincing them it hadn't been intentional. You and Marin hadn't talked much, so it shouldn't be impossible.

But thinking was just so hard. You were so tired (soul crushingly exhausted), and the lies and half-truths you strung together unraveled like frayed rope in your mind. You could barely remember what you'd said to Marin.

You hoped the boys hadn't heard you in the portal. More than the loss of any viable reason to keep them at a distance, the embarrassment at your loss of control was too much to bear. You wouldn't be able to look any of them in the eyes.

'They're mine? Really?' You'd probably sounded like a lunatic, completely unhinged. The though was enough to pull heat to your face.

"What are you thinking so hard about?" A quiet voice asked from beside the bed, and your mind stuttered to a stop.

Vio had put the book down in his lap at some point and was staring at you with cool disinterest. At least, it seemed that way, but you doubted that was the case. He had a sharp glint in his blue-lavender eyes that spoke of questions beyond the spoken.

You realized, quite suddenly, that you were in no condition to go head to head with Four's most intelligent component. He'd rip you open and suck the information right out of your head if you tried engaging him in any way.

Silence it was then. It was the only defense you had, and if you were lucky it would seem like your normal behavior, just exasperated by your condition.

You turned your head towards the window, staring out at the sliver of green peeking through the curtains. You heard a sigh, then shifting.

A small (bird-boned) hand was on your face then, gently but firmly turning your head away from the window to meet blue-lavender eyes. You expected exasperation, frustration, anger even. You got none of those.

He was amused, and deeply empathetic, as he said. "I'll give you some advice, because you've done one of my brothers a great service." He smiled, a small private thing flickering like a secret between you two. "And I know I can trust you."

Your stomach dropped. They heard. They knew.

"Let it happen. You're fate is already sealed." He hummed then, impish glee starting to surface in his eyes, his tone. "Did you think Legend would just let you slip away after what you did? The man's a hoarder by trade, and that includes people."

You were just staring at him with wide eyes, stunned by this turn of events.

A smirk teased at his lips, eyes sly and glinting as he took his hand from your face and leaned his cheek onto a fist instead. Smug. "Don't look so shocked. You played a good game, I'll admit, but you never stood a chance. The others just needed a reason to drag you into the fold, and you handed it to them quite spectacularly."

'Why? How? You were so careful.'

"Wind." You breathed, befuddled thoughts spinning with the realization.

Vio was grinning now, bright and amused and so unspeakably proud of his youngest brother. "He's a smart boy. Maybe as smart as me, in his own way. He's always been better with people."

You couldn't help the spark of admiration that rose within you at the younger boy's cleverness. Even if it was at your own expense.

"It's not nice to tease people when they're feeling sick, Vio!" A sweet voice piped up, and when your head snapped over to face it you found Red's pouting glare boring into Vio from over your chest. "Don't be mean!"

"Red's right, Vio." Green spoke up, eyes still closed and you got the impression he'd been awake the whole time, listening. "It's not nice to tease others while they can't defend themselves."

You could feel the strength of Vio's eye roll above your head, but was thoroughly distracted by Red snuggling closer to your side. You glanced down at his crown of fine blonde hair spilling across your shoulder, his cheek pressing into your arm. He was so warm and sweet, delicate like a baby bird fluffed trustingly at your side.

You didn't have the heart to move away. Then Vio's words rung through your head once more and you realized it wouldn't have mattered.

They knew. They'd heard. And you were too tired and scatterbrained to wiggle your way out of the trap you'd run headfirst into.

"Hey?" Green said, peeking an eye open to meet your gaze as you turned back to him. "You claimed Four, but you never claimed us." He hummed, much like Vio and just as amused. A smug grin had crept onto his lips. "Blue's gonna be upset when he finds out, you know."

Your breath caught audibly against your will, your heart thudded painfully against your ribcage. A cold sweat broke out across your back.

Fast as a snake, Red reached over you and punched Green in the arm with a loud, painful sounding thrack. "Stop that! No games! They're still recovering!"

The colors continued to bicker around you, Red curled into your side, head on your shoulder, Green's arm flush against yours. Vio had his book in his hands again but was only half paying attention to it as he slid in a sly comment or two, never really taking either side.

You stopped paying attention after a while, just too tired to care. Care that you'd been caught wrong-footed. Care that you'd been backed into a corner. Care that there was well and truly no turning back now, no backing out.

So you did the only thing you could.

You closed your eyes, and drifted into warm, thoughtless slumber and let everything just slip away.

One last moment of peace before the storm to come.

---

I must return to the shadows to rest.

#linked universe #linked universe x reader #legend x marin #legend needs a hug #let legend be happy #A wild Four appears