Chapter Text
In hindsight, Legato might have underestimated the consequences of being perceived as the youngest hero in their group.
The last time around he’d been about average in terms of age. Not the oldest, not the youngest. A middle child who was more than happy to fade into the background most days and let others do the talking. An average nobody, if you will.
“These bokoblins are from the Great Sea—they're pushovers!”
Legato suppressed a groan as, for the third time that day, someone stepped between him and his opponent and took over the fight. He knew they weren't trying to be malicious. It just so happened that, being heroes, they were naturally the most protective older brothers in the entire country. They couldn't help the urge to shield him from harm.
That didn't mean he wasn't about ready to give up and start hitting them with the broad side of his blade if that's what it took to get them out of his way.
Just about the only good thing to come of this was that Wind wasn't the sole focus of their misguided attempts to help. They had exchanged exasperated looks more than once during their last few monster encounters. And while a small part of Legato was embarrassed to admit that he was feeling the same way as a fourteen year old, he knew better. This wasn't just being childish—it was starting to get insulting.
Legato bit back a curse as Warriors shoved past to protect him from a fucking keese.
Forget insulting, this was becoming a problem.
He turned as he heard Sky shout, just in time to see Wild and Wind go down. Legato poured power into his Pegasus Anklet and charged over to them. Bokoblins screeched as he tore through them, black blood spilling out onto the grass.
“You good?” He asked as he knocked aside a particularly obnoxious green bokoblin. It dropped its claymore as it crumpled to the ground.
Wind bent down to pick it up. Wait, where was his normal sword? “Yeah, but Wild’s not waking up.”
Legato glanced over his shoulder when he heard a faint tremor in the sailor’s voice. Ah, he recognized that wound. “He’ll be fine. I’ll guard him ‘till he gets up, you handle the crowd.”
Wind gave him a resolute nod and turned away.
Honestly, Legato was barely needed. Black blooded or not, the bokoblins of Wind’s era were indeed pushovers. Any that somehow made it past the quite frankly overwhelming number of heroes quickly fell with one swing of Caladbolg. Not that he was complaining—fewer monsters meant less threats to his brother's health.
Warriors strode over as soon as the last monster fell, sheathing his sword and crouching down to get a better look at the fallen hero. Legato gave him space. After a brief moment of panic (thanks, Legend), they went about setting up camp nearby. He gave Wolfie a pat before letting the rancher dive into the woods. No doubt Twilight was eager to return and properly check on his protégé.
Legato wandered around the clearing as the others settled down. The forest was quiet, most of the local wildlife having fled at the first sounds of battle. Shame that they weren't back in Time’s Lost Woods. A fairy would heal Wild’s injuries in an instant.
Hm. That reminded him…he’d have to see if he could get Hyrule to open up about his spells soon. All of them needed to share more of their capabilities. Hidden aces were worse than useless if everyone tried using theirs simultaneously. Then again, everything worked out fine last time. His intervention would be unnecessary in the long run.
On the flip side, if it didn't matter then it wouldn't hurt to at least start sharing things with one another. He did owe Time a talk about equipment…
He put his thoughts on hold as Twilight burst into the clearing. Now that he was paying attention, it was kind of funny to see him try to emulate Time as he scolded Wild for not using a shield.
“Aw, don't be too harsh on him, Twi,” Legato chimed in, barely keeping himself from snickering as he continued, “I think everyone here needs to work on their situational awareness.”
He heard more than one offended noise from the gathered heroes. Good, he had their attention.
“I'm not saying I disagree, but what makes you say that?” Time asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Oh, you guys kept knocking into me. You should all really pay more attention, I almost hit some of you when you got between my sword and whatever I was fighting. I know a lot of you aren't used to working in groups like I am, but it can be dangerous if you're not watching where you're going when other people are fighting.”
Legato got the pleasure of watching everyone fall into stunned silence. Wind in particular looked overjoyed as he caught on, quickly plastering an innocent look over his face as he joined in.
“Yeah, guys! You're the last people that I would’ve thought would have trouble with this. How are we supposed to fight if we have to keep worrying about you getting in the way? I swear, I have more bruises from getting run into than I do from any monster we've faced so far.”
Wild and Warriors winced, the rest of them looking similarly chastised. They weren't actually addressing the issue at hand, but it was funny to watch them try to explain themselves without admitting what they were actually doing. No, they were stuck with either being seen as clumsy, or having to outright say that they didn't have faith in their fellow heroes.
It soothed Legato’s fury a bit to see a bunch of grown adults that should know better get scolded by Wind. Especially since he wasn't among those being yelled at.
Legato let them stew for a moment before visibly perking up and clapping his hands together. “It's okay! We can practice pairing off into groups and fighting together. Maybe not tonight, but tomorrow morning?”
Warriors opened his mouth, but was quickly cut off by Sky. “Sounds like a plan! Say…this is a sorta off topic, but what's the plan for food with Wild out of commission? I'm starting to get a bit hungry.”
Huh. Why did those words cause a shiver to run down his spine?
Legato turned to see Hyrule, who was about to be banned from cooking, stirring a borrowed pot over a fire. Four was gesturing frantically from behind him, but his warning was too late.
“Well, you all are in luck!”
Uh-oh.
…Maybe he could convince Wild to pass around some apples for dessert?
He hesitantly accepted a bowl from the traveler. The…‘soup’ swirled maliciously within. It was closer to tea than anything else, chunks of old jerky floating in boiled water. He was fairly certain that it would've been better dry if not for the growing suspicion that it had become rock-like with age and could only be chewed if soaked first. Legato glanced around and saw the others giving their own bowls dubious looks. Except for Wild and Hyrule, who were happily eating.
Well, he wasn't a hero of courage for nothing. Legato raised the bowl to his lips and took a sip.
Hm.
The texture was unpleasant, but in the end it was mostly water. Bland with the slightest hint of salt. Not the worst food he’s had in the last few years.
He snuck a glance over to Legend, who was having a little more difficulty swallowing it down but otherwise getting through his serving. A few of the others had given up entirely, dumping theirs either in the weeds (unwise, that would attract animals. Assuming it was recognized as food, anyway) or—in Warriors’ case—into an unamused Twilight's bowl.
Beside him, Wind stifled a gag. Legato turned to see the sailor clearly trying his best to finish it. Unsurprising—people couldn't typically afford to be picky while out at sea. Legato himself certainly hadn't been. Still, it was starting to look like the meat-water was doing more harm than good.
“Psst. Wind.”
Slightly teary eyes turned towards him, flickering down towards the empty bowl in his outstretched hand.
“Trade? ”
To his credit, Wind hesitated a moment before passing it over. Legato wasted no time in finishing his second serving. His stomach felt sloshy and full, but nothing immediately concerning otherwise.
Good. The only thing worse than eating something bad was having to throw it up later.
“How the fuck did you swallow that in one go?! ”
He looked back over to Wind, who was staring at him in open shock.
“It's like…liquid meat skewers. ”
Surprise twisted into disgust. Legato couldn't stop himself from snorting, scooting away when Wind stretched out a leg to kick him.
“Gross! Why would you even say that?? ”
Legato stuck his tongue out. Which was a bad move, since he almost bit it off when Wind proceeded to tackle him.
They wrestled each other in the dirt. He was distantly aware of the others calling out various encouragements as they rolled around. Wind was bigger, stronger, and probably also heavier than him. Legato had more stamina, flexibility, and was willing to drag out a losing battle. It wasn't the most honorable way to go, but he'd lost all sense of dignity the second he'd started a fight with a thirteen year old.
A panicked shout caught his attention. He jerked his head to the side to see that they were rolling towards the fire pit. Legato wrapped an arm around Wind and flipped them over it, thrusting his other hand down into the hot coals to brace himself.
Hands pulled them apart the instant they landed. He was vaguely aware of Twilight yelling at him, gripping his shoulders as another pair of hands examined him for injuries. Time’s voice washed over them, everyone quieting down to listen.
“...equipment that makes him fireproof.”
Relieved sighs filled the air.
“Sorry, kid,” Twilight sighed as he released him. “Ya just scared the life out of me.”
“...it's fine. You were just worried, and didn't know that I had it under control.”
He huffed, “Anyone ever tell you that you're mature for your age? I swear, even Colin would be acting all annoyed.”
Legato paused. How to explain to Twilight that he wasn't a patient person, he just knew them all too well to let himself get upset at things like this? That he'd spent months learning their habits and fears and favorites until the knowledge was engraved into his very soul? How to say that, as much as it irritated him to be underestimated, traveling with them all like this was the happiest he'd been in years?
“Eh, not that often.” Most people he regularly talks to know how old he is. “Anyway! That reminds me, I was talking with Time about explaining my equipment and I wanted to see if you all wanted to join? Just to avoid future confusion.”
Twilight considered it, then nodded. “I’m up for that. Although I don’t think we’ll be able to go through everything.”
“Some is better than nothing! Here, I’ll start…”
His hand hesitated over one of his pouches. Specifically, the one containing his Hytopian clothing. It had been a pain to pack up everything, and he hadn't gotten the chance to properly sort through it yet.
“...well, this here holds all my clothes, but honestly if I started with that I’d be at it all night. They take a while to put on, anyway, so you don't have to worry about me taking out a new outfit mid-battle or anything. Moving on, I almost have enough instruments to lend to each of you…”
He started pulling out the various magic instruments he’d gathered on his last adventure. From the more recognizable drums and lute all the way to the mysterious synth.
It was fun, digging through his items to show off. He hadn’t gotten the chance to talk to the others from his first time around about his newest stuff, so their reactions were all-new. A brief debate started concerning the legitimacy of his Rito feather, and Wind demanded that they compare the power of their Deku Leaves later when there weren’t so many loose items out on the ground.
Legato did have to start faking surprise when it came time for the others to share. It was interesting to see what they kept secret, though. Twilight obviously kept his crystal to himself, but also the Dominion Rod and the ball and chain. Sky shared all his tools, but seemed to forget to mention any he was currently wearing. Wind told stories to go with all his things, leaving out anything ‘boring’ like his iron boots.
Hyrule’s magical key didn’t make an appearance, either. Which was fair—the traveler had once admitted to him that he kept it as a secret means to escape should anyone succeed in capturing and locking him away. Legato didn’t even know if he’d told anyone besides himself of its existence.
The captain hung back, only presenting his silver gauntlets as an afterthought. After some prodding, Warriors admitted that he didn’t have much in the way of equipment. Wild was in a similar position, having plenty of weapons but little else besides his paraglider.
Legend more than made up for it, and Legato had to restrain himself from automatically storing the vet’s equipment in his own pouch. He distracted himself with Four’s inventory of glittering force gems and kinstones until Legend had regathered all his belongings.
“Woah, Old Man! That’s one colorful sword you’ve got there.”
Legato looked over to see Time holding his Great Fairy’s Sword. Warriors and Hyrule seemed particularly enamored with it. It was a beautiful blade, sculpted into a plantlike shape with an almost crystalline form. The green metal inlay with engraved roses should’ve looked awkward. Instead, the whole thing seemed to radiate grace.
“I suppose, though not quite as much as the one Legato wields.”
He startled at being mentioned, but was quick to laugh along, “Yeah, Caladbolg stands out a bit. I’d heard stories about it leaving a rainbow-like arc when swung, but I didn’t think it would be so literal ‘till I got it.”
Four leaned closer as Legato withdrew the greatsword in question from his pouch. “It’s certainly big enough for that. I have no idea how you’re able to use that thing in battle.”
“Oh wow, now that I’m looking at it…” Sky glanced between Caladbolg and the other swords strewn about. “That’s big, even by my standards.”
Legato laughed again, more awkward this time. “Well, I can manage. Honestly the difficult part is having to carry it around between fights—I can’t really sheath it, so it’s in my pouch whenever I’m not actively holding it.”
Time nodded, “I had similar troubles with my own weapons when I was younger. This Great Fairy’s Sword actually forced me into the same position.”
“Exactly! At least it’s not nearly the size of that giant sword of yours. I’d probably fall over if I tried swinging that.”
The old man cast him a sly glance. “You’re more than welcome to try.”
“No way, I’m happy with my current giant fuck-off sword.”
“Language!”
Legato blinked, stiffly turning towards Warriors. “Huh?”
The captain seemed self aware enough to blush, but didn't back down. “Don't use that kind of language.”
For a brief moment, he was stunned. He was pretty sure he heard the others cursing far worse under their breaths. He’d definitely done so back when he was Legend.
Hold up. Didn't Wind have a feud with some of the others for the first few months until they finally gave up outright banning him from swearing and settled for cursing in moderation? Was this really happening? Just because he was shorter now?
Damn, he owed older Wind an apology. The sailor was a saint for not strangling them in their sleep.
“You do know that I’m a traveling performer, right? Like, I do music and dance, but I'm also very much a gladiator. I’ve heard and said much worse.”
The air might as well have frozen with the sudden silence that blanketed the clearing.
In Hytopia, being a gladiator was an admirable position almost on par with heroics. People traveled from far and wide to enter the Royal Coliseum. It was state of the art, hosting a variety of arenas enchanted with shifting environmental conditions, and was supported by the local fairy population that were hired to heal fallen competitors. The matches themselves were broadcast with crystals to a remote audience that gathered within the castle to watch. It was a prime place to demonstrate skill, but also to showcase tailored armor. Legato himself was paid for his work in addition to the materials he gathered. He was pretty sure there were still recordings of his run through the Den of Trials stored in the castle archives—and that wasn't even counting the sheer number of photographs in the local gallery.
(It took a few days to go through and either erase or update many of them before he returned to Hyrule.)
Outside of Hytopia was a different story.
Without the magical backbone, it was just bloodsport. Criminals, slaves, and vagabonds alike would be condemned to death matches for the entertainment of the general public. Outside of a few annual festivals, participating in a gladiatorial event was essentially a form of social suicide. For all that people adored knights, many were uncomfortable living alongside people they'd watched murder dozens on a blood soaked stage. It was only marginally better in regions where it was mostly monsters being used as opponents.
Back when Legato was the age he looked, Impa ripped him a new one for entering a tournament in Labrynna. He hadn't understood why until much later. Hadn't realized that his matches were expected to end in death, that an exception was made for him because he was a kid and it was funny to watch big opponents willingly surrender to him.
Was it unwise to refer to himself as a gladiator outside Hytopia? Absolutely. But he didn't see the point in lying. If the wanted posters still hanging in certain parts of Hyrule hadn't already ruined his reputation beyond repair, nothing would. That, and it was hilarious to watch people try to figure out if he was joking or not.
Judging from the horrified looks sent his way, they believed him.
Not that everyone knew what he was talking about—Sky was looking around in confusion at the sudden mood shift. Wind and Wild should have a better frame of reference but were likely missing some context. The others, though?
Well, he could have dumped a bucket of guay dung on Warriors’ head and gotten a less devastated expression in response.
“...gladiator?”
Ah. Shit. So much for keeping a relatively low profile.
Legato attempted to channel some Wind-level optimism to break the tension. “Yep! It pays well, and it's fun to face all sorts of opponents and keep my sword fighting skills sharp. I stay away from matches where surrender is banned, though.”
Somehow, the atmosphere got colder. He thinks that Sky might have just put together what a gladiator was.
“You said you dance?” Legend threw him a metaphorical lifeline.
“Oh yeah! I’ve learned lots of dances while traveling, and joined a few troupes here and there. I’m trying to pick up fire dancing now that I don’t have to worry about lighting myself up. What about you?”
“Ah, not much. I used to when I was younger, but…” But my joints are getting worse, and I’m already using a magic ring to heal me as I walk, went unsaid.
“That’s a shame. Let me know if you ever feel up to trading moves!”
“Will do.” Legend said with a smile. It was an empty promise, of course, but it wasn’t like Legato needed pointers from his past self.
Still, he continued rambling about increasingly boring details (while you could technically teach a dance with just spoken directions, it really was better to learn by doing) until small talk started up around them. He gave it a few more minutes before releasing Legend from stage direction hell and joining Four and Wild’s debate on the advantages of weapon types.
Even while chatting about the merits of glass in combat, a weight that couldn't entirely be attributed to Hyrule’s cooking sat in his stomach.
Hopefully tomorrow’s dinner time would run smoother.