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Chapter Text

Zelda looked around feeling trepidation as once again the misty form of gloom swirled about her and the others. Link was at the lead Master Sword drawn the blade glowing bright blue in warning the spirit overtly readied for battle. To either side of her Sidon and Yunobo walked both the Zora and Goron watching all around them ready for attack from any angle. Behind her Riju had her bow nocked and readied the faint buzz of lightning heard on the arrows tip.

From above Tulin swooped down over the group landing not far ahead stating, "There's a chasm that has opened up near the former bend of the road, seems the Gloom is eminating from there."

Link nodded and looked back at Zelda who also nodded saying, "Purah estimated that the shakes felt all the way at Lookout Landing and Castle Town most likely came from here in the Breach of Demise."

"Could it be the Demon King again Princess?" Yunobo asked nervously

"The Gloom around us leads me to believe possibly, this is not that different than what was coming up from under Hyrule Castle before the Upheaval." she responded, "But, I have no idea how that could be even though I don't fully remember the battle I do recall seeing him defeated."

"Tulin," Link asked quietly, "The walls of that chasm were they coated in gloom like the others used to be?"

Tulin shook his head, "No it was bare stone just like the rest of the breach. The Gloom mist was coming up from there but there was no Gloom coating the walls."

"So different from before when he caused the Upheaval," Riju noted, "Perhaps its simply a fragment of his dragon form?"

"Possibly, but I doubt it giving the Swords reaction," Link said stated brandishing the glowing blade.

The others nodded and resumed their trek towards the chasm Tulin leading the way on wing. Zelda kept her eyes on the Sword seeing if the glow changed in the slightest the closer they got. Surely if the Demon King had somehow returned the blade would warn them.

As they approached the edge of the chasm Zelda felt her breath catch at the stifling evil presence within the gaping dark maw ahead of them. It was strange, the moon glowed bright overhead and yet the light seemed to stop at the edge of the hole and a deep unsettling darkness resided within it.

Suddenly the ground began to violently shake and there was a massive beastial roar that echoed from the depths of the chasm and reverberated in Zelda's bones. Then to her horror she saw the moon shift from its pearly glow to blood red and all around them the Gloom thickened and suddenly they were completely surrounded by hoards of monsters, Bokoblins, Moblins, Lizolfals and other all materilized from the misty Gloom.

As soon as they solidified they attacked and the group found themselves beset on all sides by enemies that had been five years gone. It was also apparent as soon as the fighting began that these beasts were some of the strongest they'd ever fought and each of them soon found themselves extremely hard pressed by them.

Link waded in to the fray hacking and slashing any that dared get close to him with his usual skill. Riju and Zelda found a space to fall back to where they could be back to back both brandishing bows and each using their powers to augement their shots. Though it was soon apparent that the Lightning that Riju called was not as effective against these monsters as it used to be. Yunobo and Sidon fought side by side making sure the girls weren't overwhelmed as Tulin rained arrows and air gusts from above supporting Link.

Though they had been caught by surprise it wasn't long before they had managed to clear the area immediately surrounding them and pushed the beasts back to form a wary circle around the group as again the strange roar rang from the depths.

The ground began to shake again and the creatures all moved to face the chasm in a way that Zelda swore was in reverence as the Master Sword grew even more bright and flashed the Spirit's voice ringing out Danger!

No sooner said then a massive creature breached the surface its body coverd in black scales that both seemed to glow with a dim light and were completely enshrouded in darkness. A huge toothy maw dominated its face as it reared out roaring once more a scent of death and decay filling the air. The beast seemed fixed on Link who stood his ground before it Master Sword gleaming brightly.

Zelda was staring in utter shock, she had seen this creature before in the faded pages of an ancient book in the Castle Library back when she had been a very small child. The book was a children's book depicting the Legend of the Hero of the Sky. Which meant the creature before them was Demise.

But he was vanquished by the Hero of the Sky she told herself staring in utter horror at the beast, What remained was sealed within the Master Sword and then destroyed over time or so the Legends say….his curse should have been all that remained…

Suddenly she heard a familiar voice ring in her mind, You see before you Demise Blessed Maiden, use your Holy Powers to enact a seal quickly!

Recognizing the Spirit within the blade Zelda all but unthinking raised her right hand and the Holy Seal flared to life upon the back of it. She thought back to the end of the Calamity when she sealed Calamity Ganon away and began enacting the power. Immediately Demise looked away from Link and focused on her lunging forward its maw agape.

"NO!" Link shouted and ran between them thrusting the Master Sword up into the beasts maw causing it to roar in pain then snap him up between those massive jaws and biting down before shaking him like a rag doll and throwing him aside.

Demise then resumed aiming for Zelda as her Stone flared to life and a golden glow enveloped her hand as her Holy Power's flared. Instantly several of the surrounding monsters recoiled and fled not wanting to face the gilded glow and Demise himself roared again and retreated down into the Chasm in an attempt to escape himself. Only to be surrounded by the glow and seemingly suspended mid move. There he remained seemingly frozen in time and Zelda feeling that he was for the time being sealed away tore her gaze from him and looked where Link had been thrown.

What she saw was a relief it seemed Tulin had swooped in and caught Link before he plummeted to the ground fully and slowed his fall long enough for Sidon to catch him. Rushing over she saw the Zora gently holding the Hylian a terrified look in his gaze.

Link was taking labored breaths his entire torso a mass of bloody holes from the teeth of Demise. And even worse all of the wounds appeared to be surrounded by Gloom. Link had a firm grasp still upon the hilt of the Master Sword and his eyes flickered open seeing Zelda there unharmed and he gave a small smile of relief. He then reached for her hand with his free one it shaking in the effort to move.

"I'll go get a healer from the stable" Tulin cried launching himself skyward with a massive gust that reminded Zelda of Revali's Gale.

"Even at his fastest, it might not be fast enough," Riju stated quietly worry filling her gaze, "Sidon could you…"

Grimly the Zora shook his head, "I can cleanse waters with my power but sadly I do not have my sister's gift of healing."

Zelda took Links hand as terror filled her hearing his breath rasp more. Instantly her mind flashed back to another time where she heard him struggling to breath but this time there was no Shrine of Resurrection to save him. That machine had gone inert along with all of the Sheikah tech after Calamity Ganon had fallen.

Then the Master Sword flashed and chimed getting her to turn from Links face to it as the Spirit stated, Hope is not lost Blessed Maiden, while the Sheikah Shrine is no more there is another way to save him.

"How?" Zelda asked the blade relieved to hear those words.

You must send him to someone who can help with your power over time. I will guide it where it needs to go for I saw it happen in that long ago era. Give him your stone and send him along, it will be the only way.

Zelda took a shaky breath, terrified of the thought of sending him this severely wounded anywhere but she had trusted the blade's advice before and it had saved his life.

"What of the Seal? Will it endure without the boost from my stone?" she asked

It should hold for now, it will not hold forever but it should hold long enough for him to return to you.

Zelda gave a nod and pulled her stone from her necklace and placed it in his hand which he firmly wrapped around it his glazed eyes fluttering open to see hers before closing again. She then stretched out her right hand again and called forth her time power bringing to mind what happened when she had been sent by the stone to the founding of Hyrule. The all too familiar golden glow surrounded him.

Blessed Maiden you will need strength in the days ahead as will he, seek out the ancient realm of Skyloft, there you will find what you need. The spirit stated as they both vanished to some unknown time causing Sidon to yelp in shock.

"Princess what!?"

"Fi the spirit within the blade said it was the only way to save him. I sent him along on a path she is guiding to someone who can aid him." She responded her mind reeling at the blades last comment. Skyloft, the home of the ancient Hero of the Sky a place until now she had thought was only legend.

"Are you sure….?"

Zelda took a calming breath ignoring her own doubt and confusion in the matter stating, "Fi was the one to suggest I send him to the Shrine of Resurrection back during the Calamity and it saved his life. She is ever loyal to the Spirit of the Hero and has always protected her master. If she says it is the way then I trust that,"

A blast of wind announced Tulin's return and the Rito landed hard the ground gasping, "There was no one there that could..wait where's Link?"

"Sent to someone who can save him," Zelda replied and the winded Rito nodded and then did his best to catch his breath.

"What do we do now Princess?" Younbo asked

Standing she looked first up at the Blood Moon overhead then at her fellow Sages before stating, "We prepare for another Calamity. All of you should use your travel medallions to return to your peoples. Monsters have returned and we all saw that they were by far more dangerous than we have previously faced. I will return to Lookout Landing and get Castle Town prepared as well. "

The other Sages then nodded and Sidon asked quietly, "Will Link be back soon?"

Zelda closed her eyes a moment before responding, "I…don't know, all Fi stated was he would be back before the seal I placed upon Demise fails."

The Zora's eyes widened in shock, "That beast…is Demise? I thought he was vanquished ages ago by the Hero of the Sky,"

"As did I but it seems some part of him endured beyond his curse…Fi confirmed to me that was the ancient evil and warned we will need strength in the coming days."

"Then we will Princess, if that's what it takes," Tulin stated as he stood and pulled his travel medallion from a pouch on his hip, "Know the Rito will stand with you as always,"

"As will the Zora," Sidon stated pulling his own medallion

"The Gorons are always ready for a fight," Yunobo stated his medallion in his palm looking so small in the massive Goron's hand

"The Gerudo will always stand with you Princess," Riju said her medallion also being held then all of them began to glow and each of the Sages vanished in the blue glow of the Sheikah teleport.

As they left Zelda once more looked upon the sealed Demise relieved that the Seal seemed to still hold fast and the evil presence she had felt was now severely muted beneath the gilded glow before she pulled the Purah pad from her hip and toggled map selecting the Lookout Landing tower before she herself vanished in the blue glow of teleport.

Chapter Text

Link closed his eyes reveling in the rush of the wind as his Loftwing soared through the sky. The crimson feathered bird also calling in joy for it had been sometime since the pair had just flown around for fun. It had been alot of work post Demises defeat getting a kingdom on the surface established, keeping the people who wished to remain above connected with their kin below. Establishing permanent relations with the peoples of the surface for Zelda like himself wanted all to be together especially with the threat of Demise's curse. Though it seemed said curse had not come to fruition. Nor did it seem in the onset for now for the land that they had yet to decided to name.

Suffice to say he had been very busy helping with all of these things and scarcely had time to sleep much less fly with Crimson. Zelda had this morning all but bodily shoved him out the door and told him to spend time with the poor bird. She would manage any issues that came up he was to simply relax. As much as he wanted to resist he knew that tone she took brokered no argument. So he instead obediently whistled for Crimson and took to the skies.

His revere was suddenly shattered by the distressed call of another Loftwing and immediately Crimson dove toward the sound. Link at the same time began scanning around looking for the source of the sound only to discover it came from the grounds surrounding the Temple of Hylia. There he spotted a bright blue Loftwing that he had never seen before dancing next to the fallen form of a young man. He didn't really have to urge Crimson to land the bird was already in the process of making for a landing not far from the distressed bird.

Link immediately dismounted and rushed forward only to face the unknown bird who was mantling and calling in warning. "Easy there I'm here to help." Link stated gently slightly slowing his approach so as to not startle it.

The bird called again watching him for a moment before moving aside and allowing Link to approach the prone man. Once at his side Link gasped in shock at the terrible puncture wounds that covered the young mans entire torso. The wounds were seeping blood and some other dark substance that Link felt a disturbingly familiar presence from.

What shocked him the most was in the man's right hand was the Master Sword and Link almost bolted past the man but was stopped by Fi's voice, Master there is no cause for alarm. What you see before you is a future version of me. The one you knew still rests within the Temple of Hylia. The man before you is another master of mine also named Link.

"From the future….then Demise's curse…."

Yes Master, Demise's curse echoes through time and this hero is one of many who came before him and after yourself.

Link closed his eyes the weight of his former wounds being felt as he stared at this young man who appeared to be barely past twenty summers. Shaking himself he quickly reached into his belt pouch and pulled out one of his spare heart potions then knelt next to the injured man Link he reminded himself wondering if all the heros that came before this man and after him were forced to bear that name as part of the curse.

Swiftly he tilted the man who groaned and weakly attempted to fight back before Link stated, "I'm here to help this should at least keep you from dying outright…"

The other man opened his eyes and blinked at Link with a look of confusion before coughing, "Where's Zelda…and the other Sages?"

Link started to open his mouth but saw the sword glow and the man weakly turned toward it overtly listening to what Fi was saying. He then relaxed slightly and gave Link a nod as the Skyloftian held the potion to his lips and supporting him as the other Link drank it.

"So…"the man wheezed overtly not fully healed but at least no longer on deaths door, "This is the age of the Sky…Link by the way."

"As am I," the Skyloftian replied ruefully causing the injured Link to laugh before coughing. Taking a few moments to catch his breath he stated, "Suppose that'll be confusing for folks here…along with the fact that I am from the far future…"

Link nodded knowing that his…descendant…fellow cursed…? was most likely right. He then sat thinking a moment before stating, "Word should probably not spread that you are from the future but…it will be difficult to explain your presence because everyone will know you are not Skyloftian…."

"And no Hylian's on the surface in this era hmmm?"

Link nodded saying, "At least that were not Skyloftian born to begin with…."

The other man took several shallow breaths before wheezing, "The truth might be better than trying to lie…but you know your people better than…I…shit I think…." with that he lost consciousness and Link swore.

Looking over at the blue Loftwing he asked, "Will you bear him to Skyloft? He won't be able to properly ride but that is the best place for him to get help."

The bird cawed and hopped over carefully wrapping one claw around the injured man before launching up with the other and then wrapping the other foot over him. Link then readied to catch the Master Sword expecting the other Link to drop it only to see he had a firm grip still on it and something else clenched in his other hand.

Well at least that's not a worry. he thought as he swung aloft Crimson and urged the bird toward the break in the cloud barrier knowing full well the best place to get him aid would be the academy it was going to be an interesting conversation with Gaepora but the old headmaster was probably the best one to advise on how to proceed giving this other Link's strange arrival.

Chapter Text

Zelda leaned down and adjusted the knob on the Zonai flame thrower to cause the balloon to rise higher in the sky as she did so Purah asked, "Zel, are you sure about this? The castle hasn't been seen to like the rest of Hyrule for the restoration efforts and well it suffered quite a bit between the Calamity and the Upheaval."

Zelda nodded, "I know Purah, be that as it may if the royal archives or what's left of the library have any information about Skyloft I have to try and find it. Fi was clear that I had to find that ancient realm to gain strength for when Demise escapes."

Purah gave a sigh and nodded and Zelda was relieved that the woman knew her well enough not to argue further. They sat in silence for a bit as the balloon drifted toward the still floating castle fortunately free of the gloom that once coated most of the grounds. Zelda was extremely grateful for that from what Link had told her some areas had been all but inaccessible without the aid of Mineru's construct or some clever paraglider work to get across it.

"Zel…do you really think that Skyloft is somewhere up there? Surely Linky or even the Zonai before would have found such a massive isle…"

Zelda nodded, "I don't think that Fi would have sent us to a place that doesn't exist. As to where it might be…I think it might be higher than even the Zonai once traversed."

Purah blinked for a moment then said, "Higher than that isle there?" She pointed far upward above Lookout Landing to a small star shaped Sky Island that had one of the monoliths in it.

Zelda nodded her face clouding for a moment as she said hesitantly, "I…think I have a memory that remains from when I was the Light Dragon….When I first transformed I felt the urge to fly high upward….I at one point felt a sort of resistance in the clouds that…I….broke somehow. I honestly don't know the exacts….but once I did I found myself flying around a massive sky island bigger than even Great Sky Island," she paused a moment trying to recall more of the memory and then continued, "Once there I…often found myself surrounded by large birds who flew around me and the calls they made sounded both joyful and sorrowful at the same time…."

"And you think that could have been Skyloft…"

Zelda nodded, "One of the things I do recall from the book I read as a child about the Hero of the Sky was he had a faithful bird that he rode down to the surface. And recall that the Hyrule Royal crest has always been shaped like a silhouette of a bird in flight. It had been that way before Rauru and Sonia founded Hyrule."

"Wait so the crest existed before the founding of Hyrule? How?"

"When I asked Sonia what prompted them to choose that symbol for Hyrule she told me that that symbol had been her family's symbol for so long even they had forgotten its origins. Which got me thinking what if the era that we know to be the founding was in actuality a second founding of the kingdom?"

Purah looked at her completely shocked and asked, "Why…would you think that?"

"You recall when Link was appointed my knight I decided to perform a ceremony to officially recognize him as the hero." Zelda started and with Purah's nod she continued, "Well part of the words that were recorded for such were 'Whether skyward bound, adrift in time or steeped in the glowing embers of twilight the sacred blade is forever bound to the soul of the hero.' Well when speaking with Sonia she told me that such tales were told to her as a child of a land that once existed within what they decided to claim as Hyrule when she and Rauru married."

"So the legends of the Heroes of Sky, Time and Twilight existed before the first King and Queen of Hyrule….I see why you said that Hyrule might have existed before especially combined with the information about the crest…snap that is definitely something…."

Zelda nodded, "Precisely I didn't think to delve what records they might have had back then for I was by far more concerned with Ganondorf and how to return to our time…but I know the castle library had at least children's books of the legends and the archives could hold more information about the origins of the legends."

"That could be lost due to the lack of upkeep on the castle Zel, recall that a good portion of its structure has been open to the elements." Purah stated

"I know but if there is some shred of the potential location I have to try and find it. That memory I spoke of I know I began flying upward directly from where the temple of time stood in that era. I…am unsure if the one that was built in later years is in the exact same location giving how much of the area surrounding it as well as the temple itself was raised into the sky."

"But it was over the temple back then"

"I…think…." Zelda started trying to remember and then growled as her head began to pound, "Its no use I can't recall for certain.."

"Zel are you alright?" Purah asked concern filling her gaze overtly seeing through Zelda's attempts to hide the headache.

"Lets just say I am beginning to understand exactly how Link feels when one of his lost memories returns…."

"Hmm so maybe it wasn't the Shrine itself that led to the loss maybe it was the sheer trauma to the body since it seems…."

"It's not exactly the same Purah. I have forgotten my time as the dragon not things that occurred before it….it isn't the exact same."

Purah nodded her gaze softening and she said gently, "I understand sorry you know its my habit to think aloud…"

Zelda nodded and then once again fell silent as Purah busied herself with maneuvering the balloon for a landing on the front path leading into the castle itself. Zelda meanwhile turned her gaze upon what should have by rights felt like home but still even now, some one hundred and ten years after the Calamity, felt more like a prison. It wasn't exclusively because of the hundred years holding Calamity Ganon within her seal even before that she felt caged by the castle and her father's all but blind adherence to tradition.

It stopped being home when mother died….she thought to herself as she stared at the ruined structure. Purah hadn't been wrong much of the castle was decrepit and most likely going to be somewhat dangerous to traverse but she she knew she had to try. It seemed where the library once stood was relatively intact but some parts overtly exposed to the elements.

Within moments the balloon touched down and the two women made their way into the broken ruins Zelda relying more on memory of the palace than the actual structure to find her way into the library and as they began searching the wreckage Zelda found that Purah was quite right many of the books were beyond saving much less able to discern what had once been written thanks to the passage of time and exposure to the elements.

Still she didn't give up and eventually they found what seemed some fragmented information about Skyloft. Most of it was concerning the legend that Zelda already knew so well. The Hero of the Sky had descended to the surface to find the lost Blessed Maiden and after many trials located her only to nearly lose her to Demise. Which lead to their battle so long ago and Demise's defeat and curse.

Unfortunately none of it seemed to mention the potential whereabouts of the ancient isle in comparison to the surface. A subsequent search of the old royal archives was not possible for the basement of the library where they had been stored had been destroyed in either the Calamity or the Upheaval or the combination of the two.

After hours of searching Purah gave a sigh and looked at Zelda, "What now Zel?"

Zelda sighed and put down the moldering book she had been attempting to decipher, "I should have known it wouldn't be so easy to find. Not only all of the calamities that have occurred but also it was so far back that even our founding saw it as ancient history….I guess now the only thing I can do is search the skies."

"Zel even with the knowledge you've shared with us about the Zonai tech I doubt any of their machines could reach those heights….Linky was barely able to get one to that island for the monolith." Purah stated

Zelda nodded, "I know…hmm maybe the ships surrounding the Stormwind ark could aid in reaching higher…."

"Zel you would have to know how to use a paraglider for those and unless Linky was teaching you on the side…."

"No he wasn't but…I could learn from those he did in the beginning when he used one the first time."

"Wouldn't they uh be…."

Zelda chuckled, "The specific individuals yes, but Link learned how to control a paraglider by listening and learning from the Rito who were teaching their chicks to fly."

"He…you know I really shouldn't be that surprised. He picked up a lot of things by simply staying quiet and watching." Purah mused

Zelda nodded, "Yes, I guess I should make my way to Rito village then and see what they can teach me and if there is a way to move those ships surrounding the ark to use them to search higher."

"You could also ask the Rito to search you know." Purah stated dryly, "Your quite capable of a lot Zel but what your talking about is the kinda stuff Link used to do…."

Zelda gave a sigh and nodded, "I know but…I…don't want to rely solely on him. We have asked so much of him and I know its his duty and he wants to protect Hyrule but..I…don't want him to do it alone. And if that means I must take risks to aid well…."

Purah gave a sigh and threw up her hands, "Far be it from me to try and talk sense into you. Honestly I should have known better. Fine, but let me take care of something before you go rushing off to Rito Village ok?"

Zelda nodded and the two of them then made their way out of the castle and back to the balloon. Together they flew back down to Look Out Landing and Zelda said, "I'm going to pack what I will need for a long journey. Something…." she paused frowning for a moment, "Something tells me that visiting the Rito will just be the beginning Purah. I have a feeling there is a lot I will need to do to prepare for Demise's eventual escape."

Purah just nodded, "Always is something isn't it. Snap, go I'll take care of what I need to in the mean time just come back here before you go off to the Rito ok?"

Zelda nodded then initiated the Purah pad's teleport to Zanmik Shrine right in Hateno Village before making her way through the village to her and Link's home.

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Once Zelda disappeared in the familiar glow of the teleport Purah pulled out a travel medallion and activated it traveling to Kakariko Village just in front of Impa's home. Swiftly she ascended the steps and saw her old friend sitting there resting on her usual pile of cushions.

"This is a surprise Purah," Impa stated looking at the Sheikah who was the same age as her but looked by far younger.

Purah nodded, "Aye sorry to show up unannounced but check it, the Princess is planning on trying to fill Linky's shoes while he's away and I worry for her safety."

"I can see who in the village might be able to accompany her in his absence but why not just speak with Paya about that?"

"Because we both know none of the folks here will hack it Impa." Purah replied grimly, "I have an idea,"

"And that idea I assume is not one I might generally like…" Impa responded

"I think I can get the anti aging rune working again…." Purah began

"And you want to use it on me so she has a guardian we both trust hmm?" Impa finished for her

"It would be entirely your choice but I can't think of a better option Impa and I think…I think Linky would be relieved to hear your at her side…."

The elder Shiekah simply raised her hand silencing Purah, "Your not wrong, lets be about it then, before our headstrong Princess rushes off without someone to protect her."

Purah nodded, "Right then come over here and I'll teleport us to the old lab that's where I left the rune. Less likely somebody would stumble upon it and well there be a repeat of what happened just after the Calamity."

"When you transformed yourself into a child and got stuck for a number of years." Impa replied dryly

"Yes that, " Purah snapped as she readied her travel medallion again ignoring the cackle of her old friend as they both disappeared into the blue of the teleport.

Chapter Text

Crimson glided down low enough for Link to jump off before flying off again giving a call of farewell as he landed on the platform and made his way toward the academy. He saw that strange Loftwing he'd encountered stooped and slowly walking alongside the other Link that, after a discussion with Gaepora and the injured man, they had decided to call Wild to avoid confusion. No explanation had yet been given for his sudden appearance to Skyloft or the people below but rumors ran like wildfire.

Link approached and saw that the other man really should not be up and about his wounds had healed but, it was overt his strength was gone. Wild look up and gave Link a wane smile before wheezing, "I know I should be in bed but I thought that maybe being in the light outside would possibly help my condition."

The Skyloftian blinked at him a moment then asked, "Why would that make a difference?"

The other man found a spot and sat down his Loftwing nestling down and giving him something to lean on as he replied, "I know what ails me. In my time we call it Gloom Sickness which normally only has a few cures. Most of which don't exist in you time."

"Sunlight is one such cure?" Link asked

Wild nodded coughed a bit then wheezed again, "Though typically only mild cases, it seems that I will need a Sundelion for this."

"Sundelion?"

Wild nodded, "Its a rare flower that grows only on the Sky islands."

"Hmm then maybe we do have them we just know them as a different name." Sky mused, "A lot of medicinal plants grow on the isles surrounding Skyloft its those that we gather and put into the potions."

Wild gave a tired nod in understanding.

Link looked at the poor man concern evident on his face as he added, " We could check with Luv at the bazzar if your up to it otherwise I could ask her while you get more rest."

The other man pushed himself to his feet causing the Loftwing at his side to make several distressed noises and clack its beak in worry. Wild smiled and gently patted the bird saying, "Its all right thanks for the help."

It still made the worried clacking sounds and Wild turned toward Link asking, "Are these birds always this friendly? Ive seen them mostly flying around with a single rider."

Link's eyes widened and he blurted, "Its not your Loftwing?"

Wild shook his head, "First time I saw it was when I first woke here at the academy it was poking its head through the window of the room I'd been given. Scared me at first till I realized it was simply looking to see if I was well. So they're called Loftwings I'll have to remeber that to tell my Zelda she'd love to know."

Link looked at the man before asking softly the distress evident in his voice as he asked, "Are…are there no Loftwings in you time?"

Wild shook his head sympathy in his eyes at the overt upset this caused the Skyloftian before thinking a moment and saying, "Well none on the surface, there may be some higher than our sky islands for Zel told me once she had encountered large birds surrounding a massive sky island bigger than the biggest one we currently have in our sky. But I don't know if those are Loftwings or not."

Link felt a profound sense of sadness at the thought of those below never knowing the kinship of a Loftwing, "They are some of the best companions you could ask for. Each one bonds with its rider and protects them. They are a gift from the Goddess. Forgive my tone but it was just a shock to hear that they no longer…."

"Its more than understandable if they're that important here." his words were again cut off by a coughing fit and the blue Loftwing crowded behind him giving him support once he caught his breath he looked and the bird and added, "So I guess this one has decided I'm his rider."

Link nodded, "So it would seem honestly given how it had been interacting with you I'd thought it was already the case. If you don't have Loftwings how do you get to your sky islands?"

Link gave a laugh which devolved into another cough before wheezing, "A couple of ways, one with something called Zonai devices each has its specific function and can be put together in a variety of ways. The main way I do is by using the Skyview Towers that launch me into the sky and then I use my paraglider to angle toward them."

"Paraglider?"

Wild nodded then glanced around finding a stick and a small patch of dirt he sketched out a rough image of his paraglider. Link looked at it a moment then blurted, "I never thought of attaching my sailcloth to a frame…that could make manuvering easier."

Wild nodded for he had seen several of the riders leap off their birds and glide down by use of a cloth held over their heads. He then swayed on his feet and his Loftwing once again shifted to give him support. Link also offered him a steadying hand stating, "Are you sure you don't want to lie back down? I could speak with Luv myself and see if there's any plant like this Sundelion you spoke of I just need to know what it looks like."

"Lying in bed will get me nowhere," Wild wheezed steel in his voice, "A great evil is once again threating my people and the sooner I regain my strength the sooner I can attempt to return to my time. Fi has assured me that the evil that had awakened is sealed but its only temporary and they will need me in the coming days."

Link nodded he knew that tone, he himself had it many a time during his own journey when people asked him if he wanted to stop. Instead of pressing further he offered his shoulder to the injured man and helped him along to the bazaar the blue Loftwing not far behind them both.

As they entered the dim interior of the bazaar Link had to suppress a chuckle at the birds annoyed low tone at being too big to fit in the door. He then began to lead Wild toward Luv's stall when Sparrot called, "Young knight bring your companion to me for I feel there is much to see for them."

At first Link considered keeping on toward the potion seller but he then remember how often the fortune teller's words had aided him on his quest so instead he led him to the bright eyed man. Sparrot looked at the wheezing man leaning on Link and said, "Normally I would charge for my sight but you need to hear this distant traveler."

The other man looked at him his sky blue eyes serious and he simply nodded as Sparrot begain, "I see before you a great Darkness, one that threatens to consume all you hold dear. You must temper your spirit and re temper the blade you bear if you and your Light are to survive,"

Wild asked softly in a strained voice, "Is my Light facing this Darkness alone?"

Sparrot peered deep into his ball before replying, "No your Light has those you trust with her and the Darkness has not come yet. You will need strength in days ahead a strength our knight bearing you has once had to gather," The fortune teller then looked at Link his blue eyes bright, "You must take him on your former path young knight only then will he be ready for the Darkness."

Both men nodded and Wild breathed a sigh before coughing slightly then wheezing, "Thank you for your words. I will heed them for I refuse to fail my Light."

The fortune teller nodded then closed his eyes drifting into a sleep that was common for him when he saw so much. Link then led Wild to Luv who was looking worriedly at the injured man stating, "You should not be on your feet young man. Link I would have thought you of all people wouldn't let someone strain themselves so."

"Rest will do little then delay me Ma'am," Wild wheezed, "For what ails me cannot be cured by simply resting. Link," and he paused a moment as the name felt strange on his lips talking about someone else, "Says that you often make potions out of items gathered from the sky islands and there's a particular flower I seek that might be able to help me."

The woman looked between Link and Wild then rolled her eyes, "I swear if I didn't know any better I'd swear you were brothers, you are a bad influence on this young man Link."

Both men gave her a smile and she just threw up her hands saying, "Bertie see if you might have this flower the half dead one is seeking."

The pair went over to the man stirring the pot at the end of the counter and he paused making sure his concoction wouldn't boil over before asking, "What are you looking for young man?"

"My people call it a Sundelion but I suspect if you have it you might call it something different." Wild wheezed then added, "If you have a parchment I can sketch its appearance,"

Bertie swiftly began opening several of the drawers behind him before pulling out a small scrap of parchment and some ink and with a shaky hand Link sketched out an image of a Sundelion not as perfect as his Zelda would have made but close enough to be recognizable.

Link looked down at the image and nodded looking at Bertie stating, "This is that flower that's often around a lot of the isles isn't it."

Bertie nodded stating, "Aye such a pretty thing that blooms only during the day but has a glow even at night. I've seen it plenty but never thought it was medicinal what is it used for young man?"

The relief on Wild's face was evident as he heard that such a plant was recognized as he whispered, "Its primarly used to cure Gloom Sickness which is what is ailing me currently. I'm not surprised you all didn't know since this illness seems to be foreign to you all."

"Hmm Gloom Sickness," Bertie repeated scratching a not beneath the image that Wild had drawn, "And how do you use it? Powered, boiled, raw?"

"Cooked in food," Wild replied in a quiet voice and it was beginning to be evident to Link the man had strained himself as far as his condition would allow.

"I see." Bertie added another note and opened his mouth to ask further questions when Link interrupted, "We will fill you in after I get some for Wild here and he is in better shape Bertie to continue," The Skyloftian then looked at as Luv had so aptly put it he realized his brother and said, "You need rest, I know you want to press on but…"

"My body won't let me," Wild finished bitterly, "Help me back to the academy and please…"

"Now that I know what I'm looking for I'll have some for you and I know just the thing to blend them into if food is how to administer them." Link replied as he all but carried the exhausted man out of the bazaar. When they exited the blue Loftwing gave an annoyed caw and began pacing along side them as they made their way back to the academy. The entire trip the bird was chattering angrily at Link and the Skyloftian smirked at it saying, "Look it wasn't just me, he wanted to keep going and I wasn't about to deny him."

The other man chuckled tiredly and wheezed, "Hush you I made the choice its not his fault." He the shifted looking at Link, "Thank you I figured you of all people would understand why I have to keep pushing,"

Link nodded as he helped Wild to his old room and as he dropped him onto the bed he stated, "I do, and you will need your strength if you are to attempt the trials I did." he then looked at the blade on his back and stated, "Though I was surprised to hear she needs to be re tempered…"

Master I have endured much between the time you knew me and the time that Master Wild here is from. While I am still strong. I do not have the strength I did in our journey together. the blade replied as he helped Wild remove her so the man could lie down.

Wild added to her words, "She was nearly destroyed by the Gloom when an ancient foe of my kingdom was released from the seal our first king placed on him. It was only because of my Zelda, my Light as the fortune teller so aptly put it, that she recovered."

Link simply nodded inwardly shaking at the thought of something other than Demise being strong enough to nearly destroy her. Both of their words made sense, the blade had endured who knew how many assaults of Demise's curse from this era until Wild's it stood to reason that she would be weakened.

Exactly Master, long have I fought and defended our people along with every incarnation of the Spirit even you bear. I have weakened over the ages but I can regain my strength.

"Don't worry Sky, I will see that she regains her strength same as I will, just…get those Sundelions for me please.." his voice trailed off as exhaustion finally took him.

Link pulled the covers of the bed over his exhausted brother stating, "I will, I swear."

He then exited the room and made his way outside down to the platform near the academy and leapt off beginning a skydive before whistling for Crimson and steering the bird toward the nearest isle to gather the flowers needed. Once he had gathered probably more than he needed he steered the bird to Pumpkin Landing knowing full well that the soup the place was so famous for would probably be the perfect vessel for these healing plants.

Chapter Text

Link woke to the brillant glow of the morning sun feeling by far better than he had in the weeks he had found himself here in Skyloft. Sky had been right, that pumpkin soup had been a perfect vessel for the Sundelions. He stood and streatched and then heard a happy sounding caw from the window and saw the light blue Loftwing that apparently had chosen him.

Smiling he said, "Seems the soup did the trick. I really should think of what to call you since you decided I'm your rider…though thats going to be interesting to learn cause I doubt its the same as riding a horse."

The bird gave a chatter and Link just chuckled, "Hmm guess we shall see as we get to actually know each other huh. Any idea where Sky might be?" At the head tilt he simply shook his head still chuckling, of course the bird wouldn't know who he was talking about. He then turned toward the Master Sword asking, "You wouldn't happen to know where he is would you Fi?"

Master Link is currently in the sparring hall training Master she responded

"Thank you," he responded and then picked her up in her sheath and belted it on. He then picked up Zelda's sacred stone and placed it in his pocket trying to ignore the worry gnawing in his gut at the thought that she was without it.

Will the seal ednure without it or will its fall hasten with it in my possession? he wondered as looked around to make sure there wasn't anything else to take before he set out to find Sky.

The seal will endure long enough for us to return Master. I don't know how to articulate why I am so certain but I assure you the Blessed Maiden will not face Demise without you

He took a breath and nodded relieved to hear those words. He trusted that Fi knew this, in the years he had been her wielder he had learned to trust her so he had no reason to doubt her words. He then opened the door and headed down the hall. Once he stepped outside the Loftwing joined him looking him up and down and Link just simply stood still letting it look an amused smirk as it reminded him of Zelda when she was inspecting him for injury.

The bird gave a sastified kuur then began following as he headed toward what he assumed was the sparring hall. As he walked along he passed several of the young knights in training who looked at him and the Loftwing with overt interest but gave space he suspected mostly at the headmaster's direction. A few made small comments about how he seemed much better than before and he simply nodded in response.

As he approached the hall he could hear the sound of a blade swinging through the air and a sharp crack of wood. As he stepped in he saw Sky swinging a blade gracefully through the air against several logs in moves that were so very familiar to Link. Seems the method of swordsmanship made it all the way to his era as he watched his long ago predecessor swing the blade against targets in the exact way his fragmented memories remembered training over a lifetime ago in the royal guard sparring hall.

Suddenly he had an itch he hadn't had in a while and he asked softly, "Care for a living sparring partner Sky?"

The Skyloftian cut through the log he had been facing with a graceful swing and then beamed as he saw Link exclaiming, "You look a lot better now, glad the soup did the trick and gladly honestly the logs get boring after a time. That is if your up to it…." as the eagerness faded into a furrow of concern.

Link nodded finding it funny how much more expressive the Skyloftian was in comparison to himself. Then again he may not have had the same overwhelming sense of responsibility. Link had even told Zelda that this had been the reason he had been so quiet. He had felt that all expected the hero to be a strong and stoic knight and he feared that if he spoke incorrectly they would lose hope.

He then shook his head as he drew Fi and squared off against his opponent focusing on the battle in front of him not the stresses of the past. Before him the Skyloftian also squared off his eyes taking in every detail of Link's stance and movent even as he himself was doing the same with him.

Then in a flash both rushed forward and met blades clanging and small sparks flying off of the edges as they began sparring. Back and forth both danced moving effortlessly though overt years of experience for both. It was like a dance, a dance they both knew the steps for quite well. This went on for some time until both thought they spotted a weakness in the others defenses and ended up having the edge of their blades literally at each other's throat.

As if mirroring one another the blades lowered in the same moment and they smiled at each other as suddenly the room erupted in cheers and applause and the pair looked in shock at all of the young knights that had gathered along with Eagus. It was overt that Sky felt as embarrassed as he as the Skyloftian gave a weak chuckle rubbing the back of his head.

"Well done, honestly you to fight as if you've trained together your whole lives," Eagus stated looking at the both of them.

"Similar methods of training I'd say," Sky stated softly as Link simply nodded doing his best to hide the flush he felt creeping to his ears.

"Truly?" Eagus commented, "And yet I know he is a new face here in Skyloft so couldn't possibly have trained here at the academy.."

"Wild hails from a distant land that also trained knights Eagus," a voice rang from the doorway and all eyes turned to see the headmaster, "It is hardly surprising that such methods would mirror ours."

"Err right headmaster I had forgotten you had already mentioned such," Eagus stated then turned to his young charges calling, "Pair up see if you can remotly come close to what this pair just accomplished."

As the young knights obeyed and begain preparing for their training Link and Sky made their way over to the headmaster.

"Thanks Gaepora," Sky stated looking sheepish, "I honestly didn't know how exactly to respond to that."

Gaepora nodded in understanding motioning for the pair to follow before stating quietly, "Such explanations will hold off for now but honestly the more curious people become the harder his presence will be to explain without telling the truth."

Both of the younger men nodded knowing full well that it would be only a matter of time before people would discover Wild was from a future era of this newly building kingdom.

Though maybe not considering I know for a fact the Hyrule I know came from Rararu and Sonja but I can't tell them that all they're working for is doomed to fall to the curse. Wild thought to himself before turning to Sky stating, "I may be a bit winded from our spar but I do feel as if my strength has returned and I have to get started on whatever path I need to follow to gain the strength for the days ahead.

Sky studied him for a moment before nodding stating, "I'm not exactly sure how but from what Sparrot stated you have to do the same trials I did prior to facing Demise."

Wild nodded in understanding and then said, "I take it some of those were very specific or not able to be found again?"

Sky nodded, "My journey began heading to the surface to search for Zelda. She had been taken by Demise and his servant Giriham. Said servant was part of many of my struggles but he is no more along with Demise himself….at least in this era."

Link nodded wondering how in the name of Hylia he was supposed to accomplish something that was overtly no longer possible.

"Perhaps the Time Stones could help? Gaepora suggested

"In Lanayru yes but short of dragging one all the way to the other locations I don't know if it would help. Plus I'd rather not bring that bastard back in anyway even temporary much less risk having Demise somehow return…."

Link jerked and reached into his pocket pulling out the sacred stone, "Would…this be similar to one of those stones?"

Sky and Gaepora looked at it both curious and Sky shook his head, "No if anything that looks more akin to an Amber Relic, though that overtly has some sort of power briming within it that they don't normally….."

Link nodded stating, "This is a Zonai Secret Stone, specifically the one that my Zelda carried. My understanding is they amplify the abilities of their wielders. I asked because this one, at least in her hand had power over time. Its how I got here."

"Zonai," Gaepora stated, "Hmm I believe there is a group of people that call themselves such on some of the nearby isles, though I have never seen such an item in their possession."

"If they have them in this era they may be hidden, they can be very powerful items." Link responded relieved to hear that the Zonai were at least known. At least he could potentially get their guidance possibly on how to use the stone to return to his time.

If like Zelda I can use it to alter time he thought grimly for he knew full well in her hands it could do that but there was no guarantee it would in his. After all this paticular stone had origionally been Rarau's which had amplified his Light powers.

I am ninety eight percent sure that it will function the same for you Master as it does for the Blessed Maiden, your spirit is not unfamiliar with traversing time. Fi stated in his mind

Link blinked a moment and then considered that as he did the memory of the ceremony flashed though his mind specifically Zelda's voice stating, "Weither adrift in time, skyward bound or bathed in the glowing embers of twilight…"

"The Hero of Time," he murmured to himself,

"What?" Sky asked and Link shook himself looking at the Skyloftian and headmaster who overtly were not expecting to hear him speak.

"Fi…mentioned something that had me thinking. As I said my Zelda used this stone to traverse time and in our legends one of the heroes who came after you was known as the Hero of Time. I think, that I could use this stone in the same manner that my Zelda can.

"Can I ask how that would be?" Gaepora queried the curiosity overt in his voice.

"Because…one thing I think all of those who have been Fi's Masters have shared the same thing, the Spirit of the Hero."

Sky jerked in shock and nodded, "Aye…even when I began my journey she mentioned that I had such a spirit…I really should have thought about that more." he then looked at the blade directly asking, "Fi what exactly is the hero's spirit?"

The Spirit of the Hero, the same spirit as Master Link here suggested is shared by all of those who have stood against the curse. Said hero was the hero that fought alongside the Goddess in the war that resulted in the raising of Skyloft.

Both men looked at each other as they heard her words realizing that they shared the same soul. Though overtly since both were there together they were still individuals just bound to the same fate. Sky's face then clouded as he asked, "So…has Demise's curse led to our soul needing to be reborn again and again."

Yes and no, the Goddess willed that her hero's spirit live on. The curse does drag yours and the Blessed Maiden's souls together but it is not the reason it always returns.

"It returns because Hylia wills it," Link stated quietly, "Because she needs her hero to keep the people safe."

Exactly Master.

"But the Curse ensures that the need for that protection brings us back again and again," Sky responded pain in his voice.

"Perhaps but sounds like no matter what the Spirit would be around in some way," Link retorted, "And if it means people are protected I can't say that I'm opposed to the idea. Even after all I've endured, I know one thing, I still would have chosen my path."

Sky took a breath and nodded fully able to understand the sentiment even if he did feel guilt from being too slow to prevent the curse from being uttered. Once again he felt the weight of his wounds earned during that fight.

Gaepora then cleared his throat and both young men looked at him as he stated, "Such philosophy aside, you believe that the stone could in theroy alter time?"

Wild nodded and said, "During our upheaval, my Zelda was transported back in time by the stone but she had left an echo of herself that I encountered that granted me one of its abilities, Recall"

He then looked around and picked up a stone tossing it high in the air before grabbing the stone in one hand and focusing on the memory of it going up. As he suspected the all to familar golden glow surrounded him and he moved the stone back on its origional path to the ground. Looking at the pair he stated, "That's Recall."

"Definitely similar but different than the Time Stones," Sky mused, "They reversed time in a specific area allowing me to literally go back to when the area was lush and green instead of the desolate desert it had become."

"As far as I know Recall is a very short duration…..wait, there was another thing it allowed, to see the memories of my Zelda from the past." Wild added, "I wonder if the same can be done…"

"I don't know if simply viewing the memories of my journey would be enough plus I have no idea what sort of catalyst would bring it about…." Sky said grimacing.

"I said view but more accurately it was as if I was there, I could even sense her emotions throughout it. I experienced it as if I were at her side each time but also had insight into her more than simply knowing her well."

"That…." Sky paused, "That might actually work though what would trigger the memory?"

Wild's face briefly filled with an old anguish as he replied softly, "A tear left on the ground. Her tear….remember how I said Fi was nearly destroyed by our foe and my Zelda fixed her…she did so by nearly sacrificing herself. " he then paused looking at the pair a long moment before stating, "There is a forbidden art, at least it was such by a certain point that the Zonai used called draconification, swallowing a stone would result in a, normally, permanent transformation,"

Sky's eyes were wide with shock and Gaepora closed his in an overt pain at the thought of someone choosing such a path.

Wild took a shakey breath before continuing, "She…she knew the blade needed to be healed and to do so it had to be bathed in Sacred Light. As the descendant of the Goddess Blooded line she knew the power was within her." He gritted is teeth and his fists balled as he growled, "A power she had come to resent, but knew it was the only way to save Hyrule, so she made the choice swallowed the stone and transformed. As she did she shed tears that contained her memories that scattered across, hy…our land it was at those I witnessed the memories.

"You said normally permenent," Gaepora queried

Wild nodded, "Thanks to the spirits of our first known King and Queen they, together using their own powers amplified by the stones, reversed the transformation and returned her to her Hylian form.

Sky simply nodded as the two men met eyes and full understanding was between them. That same feeling they both knew all to well and then he cleared his throat saying, "Well nothing like that is left at the areas I traversed for my journey…"

"Hmm," Gaepora said turning to Wild and saying, "Follow me young one, you as well Link,"

He then led them out of the academy, past the bazaar and toward the large lake in Skyloft, he then led them across to an almost forgotten path as they went Wild noted that Sky was getting more and more tense. When they reached a strange small cave on the far side of the lake behind a waterfall suddenly the stone in Wild's hand began to glow with the all to familar gold color that used to be a warning on the back of his hand of a memory.

Stepping forward he focused on the cave and suddenly he found himself seeing Sky slashing at wood planks that had been boarding the front of the cave a distressed crimson feathered Loftwing crying loudly. Wild felt his heart pounding feeling the relief at finding the bird the righteous indignation at it being so fettered and the guilt that he had allowed such to happen. As he watched Sky slash down the last board and the bird rush forward nuzzling him and giving soothing caws before it took to wing. Still feeling the mix of emotions brimming in the breast he watched as Sky turned away from the bird and toward Zelda and the Headmaster as they approached before the memory faded.

Wild then took a shaky breath before looking at a puzzled Sky and he said softly, "I think I now understand a bit better why you were so distressed at the thought of no Loftwings in my era." His gaze hardened and he growled, "Tell me who ever did that to your bird answered for it."

Sky looked even more confused before Gaepora let out a chuckle, "The man in question learned the error of his ways young one. I had thought perhaps that a strong emotional tie to a place could potentially allow that power to manifest."

Wild then nodded, "That…actually makes sense, it might not have necessarily been the tears themselves but the emotions she had left within them that triggered the resonance as this just did…"

Then Sky finally realized what had happened and he gave a rueful smile, "Groose had been an ass at that point but as Gaepora said he learned better. He is a good man now."

Wild took a calming breath and then nodded before stating, "Well at least now we know that I can witness past events…I also assume that some of your journey, if not most of it was on your surface."

Sky nodded and then gave him a confused look once again to which Wild gave a rueful smile and said, "I will then have to learn how to ride that Loftwing that has chosen me…cause I doubt its like riding the animal I am more accustom to."

Sky looked at him with complete shock and then flushed in embarrassment that he hadn't even thought of the fact if Wild was not accustom to Loftwings then he would have no idea how to ride one. Gaepora spared him further embarrassment by giving a hearty laugh, "Well my boy you've come to the right place to learn."

Wild returned the laugh with a smile and then said, "Well lets be about it then, I need to get started on my journey so I can return to my Light,"

Chapter Text

Zelda stood at the edge of the cliff her heart pounding as she stared down into the canyon. Behind her she heard Tulin softly state, "You don't have to do this Princess…"

"Tulin is right Princess there is no reason the Rito can search the skies in your stead," Impa stated matter of factly next to her.

Zelda took a steadying breath before retorting, "Fi told me I need to gather strength and to do so I need to reach Skyloft. Even if the Rito were to find the ancient isle I would still need to get up there and the only way aside from Zonai technology is by using a paraglider."

Tulin nodded and said softly, "You know when I was first learning to fly Link mentioned to me that he had been terrified the first time he leapt with a glider. At the time I was shocked, how could the man who faced Vah Medoh have been afraid of anything."

"Because having courage does not mean you are without fear. Its still doing what needs be done even with such fear present." Zelda murmured

Tulin nodded, "That is exactly what he said. No matter what the paraglider will catch the wind of the canyon Princess and I can use my abilities to guide you safely either to the ground or back on the cliff edge."

She nodded and then after taking another breath leapt off letting the wind blowing through the canyon catch the cloth of the paraglider. As the sail went taught she was jerked a bit but held on. This was not technically her first time gliding with a paraglider. The difference was Link usually steered while she hung on to him with a rope tied between them.

As the wind caught she began to float upward on the draft and beside her out of the corner of her eye she saw Tulin flying and he called, "To steer you will want to lean toward the direction you want to turn slightly leaning to far will lead to it dipping to low…."

Obediently she listened closely to his instructions fear still gripping her as she soared high above the canyon floor along the various updrafts that blew through it.  Along the cliff edge she could see out of the corner of her eye Impa riding her horse trying to keep pace with Zelda and Tulin.

After a small amount of time she found she had to land because of how tired her arms were getting. She was beginning to appreciate far more how much Link was capable of. She knew full well he could effortlessly glide for a much longer time than she had just managed.

Once they landed Tulin gave her a big beaked smile stating, "That was well done Princess especially for your first time paragliding. I'm sure Link would be proud."

"Even if he can manage much longer than I can to stay airborne." she huffed trying to catch her breath

Tulin laughed, "Princess you stayed aloft far longer than I did my first time flying. I literally had to land within a few moments of taking wing. And patience and practice will lead to you gaining the strength to remain in the air longer."

She nodded understanding the truth in his words but inwardly felt incredibly frustrated. She had no idea how long her seal would last and the longer she took preparing the more likely they wouldn't be ready when Demise escaped.

I cannot, I will not fail my people again she thought grimly to herself. Tulin bringing up the mention of the Divine Beast was a potent reminder of the last time she had been unable to properly prepare until it was to late and the lives that had cost.

Tulin continued to give her some pointers on what she could try next when she was rested and ready to glide again. And she payed close attention to his words nodding as she walked toward Impa who was patiently waiting with both of their horses.

As she swung into the saddle she grimaced as her arms throbbed reminding her of the strain she had just put on them. As they finished mounting Tulin soared by calling, "I'll meet you back at the village I'll see that the Swallow's Roost has a warm bath ready for you."

Zelda waved in acknowledgement and urged Zephyr into a slow trot knowing full well the horse had been moving much faster all afternoon along with Impa's. As she rode along lost in thought and inner worry the Sheikah rode next to her stating softly, "Even Link had to build his strength to be able to remain in the air as long as he does now."

"I know Impa, its just…I fear we don't truly have the time for me to learn. I refuse to fail everyone again…." she retorted then looked down flushing realizing she had said it aloud.

Impa simply nodded in understanding, sympathy emanating from those crimson eyes before stating, "You did not fail us Princess, I know you don't believe this but listen to me. No one, not even the Oracle who had predicted the Calamity's return, had any idea that the swine would be able to take control of the technology. You also had no guidance on how to awaken the power and I will admit that was technically the Sheikah's fault"

"Mothers death was not your fault. It was the Yiga who murdered her Impa!" she blurted

Impa nodded a pained look in her eye, "Yes and recall they once were Sheikah before they broke. Your father never told you exactly what happened did he?"

Zelda shook her head stating bitterly, "He probably thought he was protecting me."

Impa nodded in understanding and looked down briefly reflecting her actual age despite her now youthful appearance thanks to the rune, "Your mother had been traveling with her appointed knight Arn, Link's father as I suspect you are aware…"

Zelda's eyes widened and then she looked down, "No I hadn't. I should have but I never really put together he was his father…"

Impa nodded overtly surprised that detail had been unknown but continued, "As well as a pair of Sheikah who were trusted. Only they weren't Sheikah they were Yiga posing as loyal Sheikah. Its how they managed, neither Arn nor you mother expected the attack."

Zelda nodded not really that surprised she had known Arn was a skilled fighter and not much could easily best him. In fact, she was annoyed at herself for not seeing not only the family resemblance between them, but the skill similarities between Link and him. Shaking herself she said softly, "Even still it wasn't…"

"I do not shy away from the Truth Zelda. Traitors or not they once were Sheikah and used the bond we have with the royal family to murder her. Blame lies with the tribe and we would be fools to ignore it." Impa growled, "With her guidance you would have had your power much sooner than you did."

Zelda just fell silent and nodded seeing that arguing with the old Sheikah wouldn't change her mind. It made sense that Impa would take the blame. They had been her kinsman once but Zelda knew full well it was the fault of the pair that turned traitor not the entire tribe. Instead she said softly, "No matter what I will not let it be to late again."

Impa nodded in understanding and retorted, "You will not be any closer by rushing things. Remember Princess Wisdom takes time,"

At those words Zelda jerked her mind drifting back to when another said such and she gave a rueful sad smile before murmuring, "You absolutely right Impa"

The Sheikah stared at her in surprise for a moment but seeing that she was not going to say anything further just nodded and both rode back to Rito Village in silence.

***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Weeks past as Zelda was able to build more strength and stamina to remain gliding for longer. While she wanted accept that Impa had been right as Sonja had been so long ago it was hard. Every day she feared her seal would weaken and the more time she spent training the less time they had before Demise would escape.

As they ate morning fast with Tulin's family Teba his father studied Zelda for a long moment before saying softly, "I think we should try a bit more strenuous training today Princess, I think you have built up enough strength to handle the winds at higher altitudes."

Tulin's feathers puffed for a moment before he said, "Dad, she's gained quite a bit of skill but…."

"I think it is time that I start getting closer to finding Skyloft Tulin, I know your worried but please, I could fly the Tanagar Canyon in my sleep now." Zelda retorted, "Plus I don't plan on just attempting it alone I would very much appreciate your expertise. Please Tulin,"

"She definitely sounds ready to me," his father murmured, "Certainly more ready than a certain other fledgling not so long ago."

Tulin gave his father an annoyed look but refrained from arguing and simply pinched his beak in the same manner his father had so often that Zelda had to hide a smirk at seeing it before the Rito sighed then said, "We will need some sort of fail safe signal incase we get separated and you get into trouble. The winds higher up can be…"

"Unpredictable," Zelda finished, "I know there was a reason Link had me tethered to him when we explored the sky islands….also with how the winds are up there its difficult to hear….I have it." with that she let out a shrill whistle.

Both Rito jumped and Impa gave her a glare at the unexpected loud noise so early in the morning, "Sorry, but correct me if I'm wrong, such a sound would carry over the winds near the isles."

Tulin nodded, "Aye that should work, should we get separated and you find yourself in trouble unable to glide safely to land let out that whistle and I will be there."

Zelda nodded her heart racing finally it seemed they were getting closer to her finding the ancient realm, closer to gaining the strength needed to defeat Demise. For the first time in weeks she was feeling less like she would fail her people again.

As the finished breakfast Tulin stated, "I will meet you at Mayaumekis Shrine in the Rising Island Chain, we will launch of from there and see about maneuvering in the stronger winds. If you get into trouble there should be plenty of places to land and if we get separated use that whistle."

Zelda nodded and stepped over to Impa knowing full well the Shiekah would be cross with her if she didn't teleport her as well.

"A moment," Teba stated, heading over to a chest and opening it to reveal two sets of Snowquill armor, "You and Impa will need these up there."

Zelda gave a sheepish grin and nodded knowing full well that the Rito was right, she had been in such a rush to train that she had forgotten that in the higher altitudes she would need the extra warm armor. As such her normal suit was left at her house in Hateno.

The Rito Elder simply gave her a kind smile and she smiled back grateful as always for his fatherly nature. It had been a refreshing change from her own father's actions during the Calamity. From the first time she had entered Teba's home he and his wife had treated her and Link as if they were they're own chicks. Even while respecting that they both were fully grown peoples.

She headed toward her room in the inn and swiftly changed meeting Impa after the Sheikah had as well before teleporting them both to the Shrine Tulin had suggested. In mere moments they materialized into the biting cold air of the Rising Islands and Zelda couldn't help but once again feel grateful to Teba for his protectiveness.

Tulin looked at her as the winds flowed around them much stronger than what flowed through the canyon and he asked, "Your sure you want to attempt this. It is far different then in the canyon."

Zelda nodded her heart racing in fear but knowing full well what was at stake if she simply gave into that fear. Instead she summoned the paraglider from the pad holding tightly to it as the winds attempted to rip it from her grasp and nodded to the Rito.

"I'd like one of the balloons please Princess in case Tulin can't reach you in time," Impa stated looking a Zelda.

The Princess nodded and toggled out one of the balloons that had been stored away within the Purah pad and the Sheikah climbed into it sitting next to the flame thrower ready to launch if need.

Eyeing the balloon Tulin cautioned, "Ware cross breezes between the isle if they're too strong they could sheer the balloon from the base."

The Sheikah nodded and sat at the ready as Zelda looked at Tulin to be sure he was ready before taking a running leap off the island catching the nearest updraft with the paraglider. Immediately she was yanked harshly up and pushed along at a much faster rate than she had been and it took a few moments for her to adjust to the new speeds.

Tulin flew along side her shouting instructions and she did her best to follow them. He was not wrong, the stronger winds were quite a bit more than she was expecting and honestly made her admire Link's strength all the more that the man had many time maneuvered with her as well through these and even worse winds.

They landed and rested for a little bit before launching again and Tulin began suggesting a few maneuvers around the isles to get used to adjusting in the unpredictable breezes. About the fourth turn and adjust around the isles there was suddenly a shrill shrieking and Tulin shouted, "Ware Princess Aerocuda!"

Immediately she did her best to adjust and nearly lost grip as one of them blasted past her but managed to hang on. She noticed grimly that Tulin was surrounded and struggling to get around them to get to her.  The same with Impa the balloon was being swarmed by the pests that were unfortunately a lot tougher then they had been during the Upheaval.

She was doing her best to steer away from the battles not wanting her friends to worry about her safety on top of their own when she heard a shriek from above and looked up in horror in time to see one of the Aerocuda dive down in a spin toward her. She attempted to move but a sudden gust threw her sideways into the path and caused the beast to shred part of the paraglider.

Terror gripped her as she let go of the useless paraglider and began to skydive as she had seen Link do many a time. Her heart pounded for she knew without the paraglider she had no way to safely land. Looking around as she plummeted she realized that she and Tulin had become separated due to the battle and she let out the whistle to alert him.

"Princess!" she heard Tulin shout quite a distance away and prayed he would get to her in time. Suddenly out of the corner of her eye she saw a flash of gold dive past her into the clouds below. Oh no not another one she thought scanning the cloud intently.

Suddenly a shape burst through the clouds but it was not an Aerocuda. Instead it was a very large bird with a broad beak and golden feathers. Swiftly it came up under her and caught her on its back. Without thinking she grabbed two fists full of feathers and the bird let out a caw before ascending into the sky.

Zelda desperately hung onto her unlikely savior as the bird deftly flew away from the battle that Zelda could hear still raged. She wanted to alert Tulin and Impa that she was no longer falling but she didn't dare let go of the bird to use the Purah pad. Instead she clung to it hoping it was really aiding as it seemed to be.

Within moments the bird had ascended far past the rising island chain, higher than even the Stormwind Ark and its fleet of ships. Once it was high above the ancient temple it then turned south and east toward the direction of the Tanagar Canyon though at a much higher altitude and seemed to still be climbing.

It was strange, though there was naught but swirls of clouds surrounding them Zelda could swear this felt familiar. And then she realized why this was the direction she had flown as the Light Dragon when she had first transformed. Well a much different angle but this area was a place she had traversed and suddenly as they reached what should have been high over the Forgotten Temple she saw above her a strange circular opening in the clouds that the bird aimed straight for.

Once they flew through it she saw it again, the massive island she had seen as the Light Dragon all sorts of birds similar to the one bearing her flying around it. As they approached the other birds called to the one carrying her and it returned their cries before maneuvering toward the island to a buried set of buildings on a northern spur.

Once there the bird landed and then crouched down for Zelda to dismount. She did her legs shaking as they touched the solid ground of the island. The bird gave a comforting sound and gently nudged her toward one of the buildings ahead. On unsteady feet she walked toward it her head reeling from the thin air of such an altitude. As she approached a spirit manifested in front of the building. He was a large Hylian man with a balding head and sweeping brows as well as a mustache and small beard.

Upon her approach the spirit gave a warm smile and stated, "Welcome to the Knights Academy of Skyloft, Zelda. I am headmaster Gaepora."

Chapter Text

Link sat on the edge of one of the platforms that were scattered all around the edge of Skyloft looking out at the clear skies. Absentmindedly he was toying with the Secret Stone he had strung onto some leather that Sky gave to him. He was feeling slightly frustrated at what felt like such a slow pace for training. He knew that riding the bird was going to be much more difficult than a horse but he felt as if he was going about it agonizingly slow.

Every moment I spend here is more time burned away at the seal and leading to a stronger chance of her having to once again face a dangerous foe alone. I won't allow it he silently snarled.

From behind he felt a nudge and turned to see the Loftwing that had befriended him that he still had yet to figure a name for looking at him and giving a concerned chatter. He gave it a smile and gently petted the head saying, "Sorry, I was worrying again about my Light, I…can't….won't let her face an enemy alone again."

He then felt a pang of sorrow as he realized how much he actually missed Zelda, not since the Upheaval had they'd been separated for this long. Wanting to do something he pulled his ocarina from one of his belt pouches and began playing the lullaby that Urbosa had taught him to help Zelda calm down during the Calamity. It was at the moment the only real connection he had with her aside from the stone about his neck.

As he played the soft notes his Loftwing began to call along and as he finished the song he looked at it and it in turn chattered looking at him then the ocarina and back. Realizing it wanted him to continue playing he began brought it to his lips and began the Song of Storms. After a few more songs he lowered the ocarina and said, "How does Kass sound for a name hmm?"

The Loftwing looked at him for a moment then gave a happy kuur before launching skyward and flying off to wherever the birds did when the felt like leaving. Link chuckled feeling that giving him that name was quite fitting with that response.

"So you finally found something to call him hmm?" a quiet voice asked next to him.

Link turned and saw a woman who bore a striking resemblance to Zelda. He knew it wasn't her for there were enough differences but he could swear they were related. The woman somehow also felt familiar though he couldn't for the life of him recall ever meeting her before here in Skyloft.

Nodding he stated, "Aye the way he wanted to sing along reminded me of a friend of mine, a Rito named Kass. Sadly he ended up meeting his end attempting to investigate a legend of his people. I honestly think he would have been honored by me deciding to call the Loftwing such"

"Rito?" she asked a moment then her eyes seemed to become distant for a moment before shaking her head and saying, "Right the people of Hebra in your era."

Link jerked in shock and blurted, "How do you know…."

She gave him a soft smile and said, "I know you well Link, though this is the first time we've met face to face."

Master you are speaking with the mortal incarnation of the Goddess, she goes by the name of Zelda. But this is Hylia before you. Fi stated

Link's eyes widened at those words and now it was clear why he felt he knew her. He had prayed countless times during both the Calamity and Upheaval at the statues.

Zelda nodded clearly hearing what Fi had said and added, "I do prefer being called Zelda, for while I am as she says, it is not always there."

Link nodded slightly stunned at the realization that he was for the first time actually meeting the being he had prayed to for the strength and stamina to complete both his quests to aid his beloved. Then he recalled something he had always told himself he would ask but feared doing so during those journeys worrying that he would lose her favor if he did.

"Well, Zelda," he said softly his voice a bit strained as he decided to brave it this time, "Can I ask you something as the Goddess, why did you never answer her prayers? She gave everything…." and his voice became slightly harsher as he continued, "She nearly, multiple times, all but killed herself in those freezing waters at the springs and never once did you answer her pleas. I know you could hear because you never denied me but why…do you realize how many died and what that has done to her!?"

Zelda's blue eyes widened and it was clear that she had not expected such an intense question from him. She took a step back a moment before taking a breath allowing him to see her sympathy and sorrow as she said softly, "I wasn't able to at first hear her…I believe it was his power, Demise's, that was muffling her words…I assure you I was listening, I was aware of her prayers but I couldn't hear her and I am sure that she couldn't hear my responses either…and I am…very aware of how many fell because of that…I…."

Link was watching her intently and nodded his anger fading as he saw the truth in her words, "Forgive me then, I just…..it was so hard to see her struggling and be completely unable to do anything to help her….."

Zelda nodded in understanding sorrow clear in her eyes, "I tried to answer her, tried to hear her…."

Link nodded, "Before we went to the Spring of Wisdom she had a dream that a woman glowing with a gilded light attempted to speak with her but she couldn't hear the words."

Zelda nodded again tears falling as she whispered, "The last thing I wanted was my people to die, I am so sorry that I couldn't grant her anything until it was nearly too late…"

Gently Link reached for her hand and then gave a knightly bow saying, "I never blamed you, nor did Zelda we…just didn't know why and please forgive me for upsetting you so."

He then stood as she nodded and added softly, "I'll go find Sky, again I am sorry to have upset you."

"You had every right to ask. I'm glad you finally could hear the answer." she said softly tears still falling.

He gave her and a gentle squeeze and immediately began searching for Sky silently asking Fi, Do you know where he is I can't leave her like this

He is speaking with the headmaster within the academy Master she responded.

Link immediately made his way there and to the headmasters room knocking swiftly. A moment later the door opened and Sky looked at him in surprise, "Wild, I was just about to go looking for you…."

"It should wait Sky, you need to go to your Zelda, I upset her with some questions I needed to ask. I am sorry, but there were answers I needed…. she is at the platform not far from here" he responded.

Sky blinked at him a moment then nodded stepping past him and giving his arm a brief squeeze of understanding. From behind he heard Gaepora clear his throat and as he looked at him Link recognized that face. He had seen it once before a long time ago when he had inadvertently upset a young Sheikah and her father had been quite annoyed by it.

Without a word he finished stepping inside and looked at the elder Hylian stating, "I have mentioned that there were two ways the curse had affected my era. One being what we called the Calamity."

Gaepora simply gave a curt nod his eyes intensely on Link the demand of why he had upset his daughter clear in them.

"Just prior to the actual Calamity my Light, my Zelda prayed to Hylia to awaken her power. Multiple times she prayed with everything she had, risking her life several times in the chill waters of the springs in an attempt to get and answer which was met with silence." he explained

"She would never ignore heartfelt pleas." Gaepora rumbled

Link raised a hand in placation, "I know, she explained that she suspects Demise's power was preventing both to hear the other. I had to ask her, I needed to know why she had been silent. I didn't intend to upset her but…in a way I'm glad I did for it proves she really did care and was speaking truth."

The elder Hylian continued to glare at him and Link looked him squarely in the eye unflinchingly, "The inability to awaken the power led to countless lives lost in my era. Something that my Light still blames herself for. I needed to know. And because of how much it upset her I sought out Sky to comfort her."

Gaepora finally relented nodding then in understanding and giving a sigh, "I am sorry…"

Link raised his hand cutting the older man off, "You are her father, its more than understandable. I upset your daughter I would have been annoyed honestly if you weren't a bit cross. I had enough of another who should have treated his daughter better."

Gaepora looked at him in surprise, "Your Light's father I take it."

Link nodded still after all these years feeling the burning anger in his gut as he gritted, "Aye he was more king than father to her and as a result she had quite a bit of self doubt. Especially combined with her inability to awaken the power. I will give the man credit he was aware of his flaws but he never got the opportunity to make amends."

Gaepora nodded then stood saying softly, "While I am sure Sky is more than capable of helping her I will seek her out as well."

Link simply nodded and stepped outside the office as the older man followed and then continued on. Link himself made his way to the sparring hall deciding to train and give the trio some space. He entered nodding to Eagus before setting up some of the dummies and without another word began training, throwing in some moves with recall to continue getting used to using the Stone.

He trained for sometime before suddenly the Sparring halls doors burst open and a rather large Hylian came in with flaming red hair and amber eyes shouting, "Are you the one who made Zelda cry?"

Link nodded without a word as he sheathed the Master Sword and looking up at the larger Hylian who stomped over growling, "I don't know who you think you are or what your playing at but your gonna answer for upsetting her!"

"I wouldn't Groose, he is Links equal in swordsmanship, you'd stand no chance." Eagus stated looking up from the training dummy he was repairing.

Groose looked at the other Hylian and said, "That may be but something I also know. He can't be from the surface. Remember Eagus I have been there. There is no other land that has our people there its all other races. And it is about time you give us all some answers."

Link gave him a steady even gaze and said softly, "It is not technically my place, Headmaster Gaepora has already explained I am from a distant land and I will not elaborate further."

"You will once I make you," Groose growled stepping forward menacingly toward Link who simply stood his ground and looked calmly at him.

"Thats enough Groose," Zelda's voice rang out authoratively from the door of the Sparring Hall.

Whirling Groose stammered, "But Zelda…"

She shook her head and looked him square in the eye, "He needed some answers for something that was technically my fault. It did upset me but he also apologized for it. Let it go."

"What about his mysterious land? We both know that there are only certain peoples on the surface not any others like us! What is he hiding?"

"Nothing that brings Skyloft or our newly founded Hyrule any harm." Zelda responded, "His arrival here and need to be here is complicated and the details are best left unsaid."

"But,…."

"As Zelda has said it is enough Groose, your beginning to act like a child again." Gaepora stated

The red haired Hylian turned the same shade as his hair and lowered his head relenting but glaring with anger at Link who simply returned the gaze with his standard knightly mask. Seeing he wasn't going to get anywhere he just growled and stomped away.

Sky watched him stalk past and gave Link a rueful smile, "Sorry about that Wild, he still to this day is very protective of Zelda."

Link nodded and shrugged stating softly, "I gathered he was and there was no worry I had no intention of giving him the fight he wanted. He is not the first individual that has attempted to goad me like that."

Sky nodded and Zelda gave him a kind of rueful smile as Gaepora cleared his throat and said, "Wild, I know you are eager to begin your journey with Link."

Wild looked at the old man and nodded tilting his head slightly in query and Gaepora continued, "Well Instructor Hornwell has informed me that you are ready to attempt the Wing Ceremony. Which traditionally is the graduation from the academy."

Sky nodded and said, "You have learned well how to fly with your Loftwing and as such the Ceremony marks that achievement and in the past lead to moving on to be able to start as a young knight in the academy."

Link nodded looking at the trio his mask slipping slightly showing them his annoyance at the round about way this seemed to be going. Gaepora seeing his impatience cleared his throat, "Which of course you need not continue since you have been a knight for a very long time."

"Longer than you even know," Link murumered quietly

Gaepora simply nodded in answer to that before continuing, "Once you pass the Ceremony showing your skill with your Loftwing, you should be ready to begin your journey with Sky following his path."

Link nodded relief flooding him, finally it seemed he would begin his proper journey to gain the strength needed to defeat Demise. Looking Gaepora in the eye he asked, "So when does this Ceremony begin?"

"Tomorrow, you and the other young knights that Howell feels are ready will participate in the ceremony." Gaepora responded.

Link nodded again and said softly, "Thank you, and again apologies for earlier but I had to know."

Zelda stepped forward and gently reached out for his hands and he touched hers as she said, "It was more than understandable. I know how much you care for her and your Hyrule. There is naught to forgive. You asked and I answered."

He nodded and gently squeezed her hands, "Still I did not wish to upset you as I did and as I already said I am sorry."

She simply nodded and then let him go and stepped away. Link could still feel the warmth on his hands, a warmth he usually felt when Hylia blessed him at the statues. He gave her a bow an stepped away saying softly, "I think I should take my rest then to be ready for tomorrow."

With that he stepped past the trio and headed back to the academy his heart lighter as he realized he was soon going to be able to return to his time. Soon he would be there at Zelda's side and see to it that she would not face an enemy alone again.

Chapter Text

As Wild left Zelda watched after him her eyes filled with guilt and sorrow. Link gave her a hug and she just gave him a wan smile saying, "They both endured so much because of that lack of communication and so many…."

"It wasn't your fault Zel, you said it yourself you suspected it was Demise's power that interfered."

She nodded and then her eyes got that distant look he knew to be the Goddess coming forth more than his beloved as she said softly, "It was still a failure that cost so much and something I must bear."

She then shook her head a moment and looked back at him her eyes their normal clarity and said, "Do you want to talk to Groose or should I?"

"I've got it," he murmured once again hugging her close and placing a kiss upon her forehead before heading down the path in the direction Groose had stormed off. He found him not far the red headed Skyloftian still the same color as his hair in his annoyance. As soon as he saw Link he snapped, "What the hell was that Link, I'm not stupid! I know full well something is up with that bastard. Don't think I haven't seen he carries your sword. The sword that is supposed to be in the temple resting to destroy the remainder of Demise! Now's the time for answers!"

Link gave a sigh then nodded stating, "I know Groose and you do deserve answers, fly with me there…there is a lot to explain."

The oddity of his tone made the other man blink in surprise and then visibly calm nodding and then moving over to one of the platforms and jump off calling his bird. Link soon followed calling Crimson and together the pair flew down to the surface to the Temple of Hylia. Upon landing Link led Groose into the temple to the plinth that Fi rested on and the other man's mouth dropped open, "Buuut…the blade that guy has is…"

Link nodded, "Fi, or the Master Sword as she has become to be called. That man, Wild…Link is from the far future. He is one of many who followed after me to fight against Demise's Curse."

Goose sat down on the stairs of the pedestal all anger leaving him completely as he said quietly, "Oh"

Link nodded, "I found him near here, over there," he paused pointing in the direction where he had found Wild prone and near death with his Loftwing fretting over him, "He was severely wounded as Im sure you heard. From talking with him I learned it was from…" his eyes darkened and he clenched his fists, "The sealed form of Demise. The beast reared its head from a chasam in the earth in Wild's era in a region they aptly named the Breach of Demise."

Groose jerked, "So that place on the surface where Demise and his army first came…."

Link nodded, "Its still the bleak barren stone all the way into Wild's era. And somehow the bastard," Link snarled, "Survived the isle dropping on him and bided his time before remerging to threaten once again. I still don't understand how for Fi said that he had been destroyed by the Triforce wish…."

Groose reached over and placed a hand on his shoulder and Link looked up at him as he said, "You did everything you could Link. Seems the bastard was more stubborn that we first thought. Though you had to have done quite a bit of hurt on him with that wish since you said Wild…Link is from the far future."

Link gave him a wan smile once again appreciating what Groose was trying to do and he then said, "And as for upsetting Zelda….he…he needed her to answer something not as Zelda but as the Goddess."

"Needing an answer or no doesn't mean he had the right to upset her…" Groose growled.

"He wasn't trying to upset her but…he and his Light, his Zelda and their people suffered greatly and had no answer for why hence why he asked her."

"Its not like Zelda woulda done it on purpose, even as the Goddess!" Groose snapped

"She didn't." Link retorted then sighed saying, "Let me explain what he asked and why Groose."

He then took a deep breath and stated, "In Wild's era the curse manifested twice. The first time," he paused sighing, "The first time they had been given a prophecy that pointed to its rise and they began preparing unearthing and rebuilding some of the Sheikah's technology that their ancestors ten thousand years prior had used against the curse in that era. Part of the preparations was to awaken the power that dwelled within his Light, his Zelda's bloodline. Which from everything he described to me sounds like somehow within Zel's descendants the Tri Force has been bound into their blood."

"How…why would,"

"To keep it safe is the only think I can think of. But regardless she needed to awaken this power and part of that was praying at three springs on the surface two of which sound like the ones Zelda visited when she was trying to awaken as the Goddess. At these springs she would pray to Hylia and was unheard at each of them.."

"Zel wouldn't!!" Groose snarled

Link raised a hand waiting for him to be silent before continuing, "She didn't hear her nor could she speak to that Zelda and Zel says she suspects Demise was interfering with the communication. Which resulted in the curse manifesting and then seizing control of the technology they had intended to use against him."

"That….that had to have been…"

Link nodded, "Devastating, the machines were relentless and judging by the still lingering fear in Wild's eyes terrifying in their capacity. Their protection now turned, his Light unable to use her power they attempted to fall back to safety only for them to be beset upon by the machines and he fought with all his might nearly falling to their onslaught and it was in the moment he was sure the both of them were to die his Light finally awakened her power. But he unable to keep fighting collapsed. He survived thanks to some of the technology that hadn't been taken and she to defend her people sealed herself away with the curse in the castle until he recovered and then together they defeated it."

"So he asked her why she didn't answer his…Light as you call her." Groose said

Link nodded, "From what he has said, her failure to awaken her power before it was almost too late weighs heavily on her and he needed to know why the power had been denied until it was almost too late for all of their people."

Groose let out a sigh and nodded then scrubbed his face and said, "Well I…feel like an ass confronting him like that."

Link just smirked saying, "He took no offense I think. Honestly I'd say he understood and doesn't hold it against you."

Groose just nodded but said, "I should still probably apologize to him."

Link nodded and said, "I won't say you have to but it would be nice to the man."

Groose nodded and asked softly, "Are you ok considering?"

Link gave a sigh scrubbing his face and leaning back against Fi once again feeling the ache of his wounds from fighting Demise saying, "Not really, honestly what bothers me the most is how young he is…was when he first had to fight the curse."

"Younger than you were I take it?"

Link nodded, "He had just turned sixteen summers, his Light seventeen when the curse manifested and they were forced to fight for their lives."

"Its not your fault Link its that bastard Demise's!"

Link gave a sigh and said, "I know that and still I wonder if I had been quicker to land that killing blow, land it before he could have uttered that damn curse then he and his Light would have never had to have endured that, no other bearer of the Hero's Spirit would have had to fight the incarnation of the bastards hatred…."

His voice trailed off snarling that last bit and Groose started to speak only to close his mouth realizing he wouldn't sway him. Deciding to slightly change the subject he asked, "So how strange is it to share the same name as him?"

Link gave a laugh and said, "A little odd, you know its funny Luv said something that seemed so fitting when she met him."

"Oh?"

"She swore he was my brother with how alike we were. The man could barely stand but was insistent on trying to keep going so he could help himself recover."

Groose snorted saying, "I don't see it he seemed completely impassive when I tried to corner him. Emotionless where as you are an open book."

Link chuckled, "To be fair you were trying to threaten him, so I imagine he wasn't too happy about it."

"Ya but he wasn't looking angry just impassive, you at least show it when you get upset or angry he seemed…I don't know how to put it."

Link shrugged, "I feel she was kind of right about it and Fi sort of confirmed it with something she said,"

At Groose's questioning look he said softly, "She said that he, as well as all others who came before him and after me and myself all shared the same thing, the Hero's Spirit. The first hero the one who fought against Demise when Hylia raised Skyloft."

Goose blinked, "Huh I guess then it would seem like your brothers…and Eagus said he was your equal with a sword."

Link nodded, "He is when we sparred not long after he began recovering from his wounds I felt like I was fighting a mirror."

Groose gave a sheepish grin, "So had he actually chosen to fight I would have been screwed huh…"

Link nodded, "Probably, but I don't think he was refusing out of pity or knowledge that you were no match. I suspect he understood why you were angry and respected it."

The both then sat in silence for a bit before Link stood and looked at him saying, "So satisfied with the answers? Because I honestly don't know what else to say."

Groose nodded, "Ya sorry for being such an ass toward him it was just…I knew he couldn't have been from the surface and I was annoyed that you and Zel and the old man seemed to be hiding things from me or acting like I was too stupid to understand."

Link shook his head, "It wasn't like that Groose, its just….we worried what would happen if word got out that he came from a future where the curse ravaged his homeland. Considering it probably will be a future of the kingdom were trying to establish."

Groose paused a moment then nodded as he finally understood what had been going on and once again gave Link a refuel smile, "Sorry for being an ass."

Link gave another laugh clapping him on the back and leaping astride Crimson stating, "I expect nothing less from you, its an endearing trait of yours."

He then urged the bird skyward as he hear the other man shout, "Hey!!" before mounting his own bird and chasing after the laughing knight.

Chapter Text

Zelda gaped at the spirit scarcely sure she had heard him correctly when suddenly from her hip she heard an urgent voice, "Princess are you there?"

Jerking she pulled the Purah Pad from the hip and toggled it on to see a worried Impa staring back at her. Upon seeing her face the Shiekah's eyes lit with relief and she asked, "Princess where are you we found the Paraglider but you…."

"I'm…I'm on Skyloft Impa….While I was falling one of the large birds I mentioned to Purah appeared, caught me and then bore me to….Skyloft…" Zelda replied the shock still evident in her voice. Inwardly shaking herself she took a breath and added, "I am safe, currently on the isle and have met a spirit from its past. I…will find if there is a way you can get here because I believe Purah was correct, this island is far to high for any Zonai device to reach."

Impa stared at her for a long moment on the screen then nodded curtly, "I see, find a way soon or I will for you should not be own. In fact I will have Purah locate exactly where you are from the Purah Pad and when she does Tulin will go there with supplies until I can get there."

Zelda nodded irritated, but understanding the Shiekah must have feared the worst when they located the damaged paraglider and was overtly frustrated that her only reliable means to fly would be unable to reach this altitude. "I will see him soon and I promise no uneccessary risks until he arrives."

The screen winked out and she looked at the spirit before her giving a bow before saying, "Thank you for the welcome, forgive me but given the circumstances on how I arrived here, I had people concerned for my well being."

Gaepora simply nodded in understanding and rumbled, "Aye I understand and take no offense. Would that I could let Link know that there were those keeping an eye for your safety."

"So he was well once he arrived in you era?" Zelda asked eagrly for she had been worried sick ever since sending him on his way. Unlike when she had been sent to Hyrules founding and had the Master Sword arrive she had no assurances save for Fi's parting words that he had survived.

Gaepora's eyes were filled with compassion, "He wasn't when he first arrived but thanks to us having Sundelions, even if we hadn't known of their medicinal properties. He swiftly recovered from his wounds and then went about gathering his strength."

Zelda nodded breathing a sigh of relief before stating, "As must I according to Fi,"

Gaepora inclined his head and stated, "Aye for the foe you face is one of the most dangerous even within his sealed form. It was in such form that he attempted to steal my daughter from me and haunted our Link's dreams, the man you would know as the Hero of the Sky."

Zelda blinked, "So the Hero of the Sky was also named Link, I wonder if all of the hero's bore that name? It would be different than those of the royal line bearing the name Zelda for that was a decree put down ages past that all daughters born with the power bear the name. As far as I know none of the heroes were related so they wouldn't…." She then trailed off her ears flushing in embarrassment as she realized she was babbling.

Gaepora chuckled giving a broad smile, "Link had said you were a curious sort, and unfortunately I have no way of answering that question for it was one that he, myself and the Hero of the Sky also pondered."

Her flush creeped further and she simply nodded and then took a breath, "Well then Master Gaepora, what do I need to do to begin gaining the strength necessary for facing Demise. For I have no way of knowing how long my seal will hold and I will not fail my people by letting it escape."

He nodded in understanding and said softly, "I will be here to guide you on how to fly upon your Loftwing," he paused motioning to the gilded bird behind her, "As far as what you must do…."

"You must start with following the path I did learning who exactly I was." A soft, all to familiar voice came from behind him.

Zelda stiffened and from behind him stepped a woman who resembled her in appearance but was surrounded by a soft golden glow. In her breast Zelda felt a swirl of emotions anger, grief, frustration, gratitude and sorrow. She stared at the woman her whole body shaking as she knew exactly whom this was, Hylia herself. The Goddess who had, until it was almost too late for all of Hyrule, either denied or ignored her prayers for her power to awaken during the Calamity.

Hylia stepped forward looking at Gaepora who simply nodded and appeared to step within the doors of the building behind him. Presumedly the Knights Academy he had spoken of. She then looked directly at Zelda her eyes filled with compassion and sorrow.

Shaking Zelda looked down for a moment tears falling from her eyes as she shouted, "You….why….why didn't you answer me back then? Why the hell did you wait until the kingdom was brought to its knees. Its people, YOUR people either fleeing for their lives or dying to those monstrous machines. What was wrong with me…?" that last bit trailed off in a ragged sob and she collapsed where she stood her chest heaving with her cries.

She knelt there until she felt the gentle hands of Hylia touch her shoulder and she looked up at her tears falling from her viridian eyes. She was shocked to see Hylia was also crying and then the Goddess spoke once more, "Link asked me the same thing when we came face to face….and while it is no excuse…I…couldn't hear you at the time."

"I gave everything to those prayers," Zelda snarled back, "I nearly killed myself kneeling in those damn springs praying with all my might…why wasn't I good enough? Why did it take so many dying, Link nearly dying for you to finally…."

Hylia flinched and replied, "I have no doubt what you gave Zelda. It was not your fault I couldn't hear….as I told Link when he asked, I am fairly certain that Demise's power was interfering, muffling both of our voices to each other."

Zelda jerked in surprise and then vividly remembered the dream she had before ascending Mount Lanayru. The woman surrounded with a gilded glow her words to muffled to hear. Her anger drained filled with both dread and utter horror as she realized that she had just shouted at Hylia herself. Looking down shame burning in her chest she choked, "I…forgive me…I…"

Hylia gently tilted her head up and Zelda met the sky blue, tear filled gaze of the Goddess as she said, "There is naught to forgive, you have every right to be angry and hurt so many…." tears streamed down her face and she said, "I know how much your people, our people meant to you Zelda. Know there is nothing wrong with you. I never denied you the power I just couldn't reach you as you couldn't me."

Zelda nodded the words giving cold comfort given the reality of what was lost but at least for now that overwhelming sense that she was naught but the failure everyone had expected her to be was gone. Taking a ragged breath and wiping her eyes she said, "So I must follow the path you did when Demise stole you to the surface."

Hylia nodded wiping her own eyes stating, "Aye when Demise attempted to steal me, well…her eyes then seemed to shift and her voice changed from the strong soft to just a gentle almost bubbly one, "Me…its well, sometimes I am the Goddess, sometimes I am simply me… Zelda. ..But I felt approaching you as the Goddess first was more fitting seeing as I suspected you needed to hear my answer as much as Link had."

Zelda nodded in understanding noticing the glow had significantly diminished around the woman and then gave a rueful smile, "How….intense was that?" Zelda knew her beloved well and knew that he had felt more helpless than she had when she couldn't awaken her power. A feeling she knew full well never sat well with him.

The other woman gave a smile and said, "Very, honestly I think deep down he was terrified for he feared he would lose the goddess's favor but he had to know. He loves you deeply and I am fairly certain your struggle hurt him as much if not more than it did you."

Zelda's smile broadened that was no surprise to her. She knew how deeply Link cared not only for her but everyone. Then remembering that, as far as she knew, they had very little time she turned toward the bird who had rescued her saying, "I assume to follow your old path I will have to learn to ride a…" she paused a moment trying to recall the word that Gaepora had used for the birds, "Loftwing, for I can presume that I must return to the surface since that was where it started for you."

The other woman nodded, "Aye my father Gaepora will easily be able to guide you on how to care and fly with your Loftwing. Since I know from what Link told us they no longer grace the Hylian's presence."

Zelda noted a distinct sorrow in the other woman's face at the mention of that and wondered if it were possible that she could potentially change that with now knowing the way to Skyloft. Surely they could find a means for Hylians and Loftwings to connect again.

Zelda nodded, "Aye even their name has been lost to history and the only thing that remains is this." She motioned to the Hylian Crest on her clothing, "And some faded depictions in the temple far below us. Known now simply as the Forgotten Temple, though I know it bore a name previous. I am just unsure if it was yours or Sonja's given it was said to be the named after the first Queen of Hyrule."

"Aye it was known in our era as the Temple of Hylia, and before that the location was known as the Sealed Grounds. It was where the imprisoned form of Demise resided until the Hero of the Sky wished for his destruction with the Tri Force."

Zelda blinked, "I have heard of the Tri Force though there is no record of where it resides any longer. I know some of the other heroes interacted with it but….its whereabouts have long since faded, like the knowledge of the Loftwings."

Hylia's eyes widened in surprise and she blurted, "You mean you are not aware of what your sealing power is?"

Zelda flinched fearing she had caused offense and looked down murmuring, "Not fully, it has only ever been referred to as the sealing power or the goddess blooded power."

Hylia took a breath then said softly, "I see….that power is the Tri Force. At some point, most likely to keep it safe it was bound into your bloodline….."

"I…see," Zelda replied feeling like an utter fool for not realizing this was the case.

Hylia just sighed, "You are hardly to blame if the knowledge was lost by your era. Sorry I was more surprised."

Zelda just nodded feeling incredibly drained from all that had happened. From the training with the paraglider, the flee from the fight and then the subsequent emotional outburst with meeting Hylia…Zelda what was she supposed to call her?

From behind the gilded feathered Loftwing gave a concerned chatter and crowded up behind her overtly offering comfort. Zelda gave a smile and gently petted the bird and Hylia looked closely for a moment then murmured, "Eager though you are to begin, perhaps you should rest first."

Zelda simply nodded feeling to tired to speak and the Loftwing who had saved her immediately settled down overtly offering her a place to lean. Deciding it was better than the ground of the isle she eagerly did so reminding herself that once she woke she should probably gather wood for a fire and cook whatever she had in the slate to eat until Tulin reached her.

Hylia's form faded as she overtly decided to give Zelda a chance to rest and the exhausted Hylian soon had sleep claim her.

Chapter Text

Sky stared up a small smile on his face as the gilded feathered form of Master Owlan's Loftwing blasted past low overhead followed closely by the bright blue feathered form of Wild's with him on its back. Sky couldn't help but think back to his own Wing Ceremony as he watched his brother charge after the clever gilded feathered menace. At least Wild didn't have the added complication of his fellow knights trying to stop him. Sky's eyes fell on Groose who was looking anywhere but at him during this and his smile broadened then there was a gasp and he turned back to see Wild had leapt from the back of his Loftwing diving down as if into water through the sky to snatch the statue from the birds talons before sky diving and with overtly no fear as his Loftwing dove and came up underneath and caught him before climbing back up and landing not far away from the plaza.

Wild sliding from his back approached Zelda who was standing there then knelt in a nightly bow and held the statue toward her. She accepted it then gave the traditional words of the ceremony her hands giving off a soft gilded glow indicating that she had done so as the goddess not as her mortal self. Wild remained bowed for a moment then rose and thanked her softly before attempting to make his way over to Sky only to be surrounded by his fellow knights who had by now landed and were peppering him with questions of where he had learned that last technique and how had he done it without soiling himself by diving like that.

Sky decided to wade over and stated loudly attempting to save his brother from the bombardment for he could clearly see Wild's impatience but wanting to not take it out on the excited young knights, "Its from his homeland boys, let him breathe, besides I believe Master Owlan would like a word with you all."

The other knights jerked and gave sheepish nods forgetting what they were supposed to do after the ceremony ended and left Wild heading over to Owlan who began speaking with them.

"Thanks Sky," Wild murmured softly, "You weren't wrong it is from my era, it was something the Zonai did in what they called their Dive Ceremonies. It speeds you up as you dive but you have to be careful to gauge how far from the ground you are or its…well I think you can infer…"

Sky nodded remembering the first time he had seen a knight too late use their sailcloth. It had been, messy and that was at normal speed with skydiving. Accelerated by having less drag... inwardly Sky shuddered not wanting to see that result. Then shaking himself he said, "Should we begin then? I know your eager to get started so you can return home."

Wild gave a curt nod and Sky clapped him on the shoulder and said, "Then fly with me around the isle for that was how my journey began and if the cave was any indication your stone should react to a very particular stretch of sky."

With that both men sprinted toward the nearby platform and leapt going into a sky dive before whistling for their birds. In a flash of red and blue both showed up and caught their riders and together the four of them soared around a very familiar path for Sky. As the flew he felt his gut knot remembering all to vividly what happened that day after the ceremony had completed and as he suspected when the reached the spot Wilds stone began to glow.

He urged Crimson into a hover as he saw the glow surround Wild as it had at the cave and waiting for the man to experience one of the worst days of Sky's life. The Skyloftain watched his emotions replaying in his gut for himself that terrible day. As the glow faded he saw that Wild was unconscious fall from his distressed Lofwing. Without hesitation Sky had Crimson dive and together they caught the short Hylian. They then flew back to Skyloft Wild's bird close on Crimson's tail. As Crimson landed and Sky dismounted he saw Wild begin to come round and waved off some of the Skyloftians who were rushing up to see if something was wrong.

Once Wild got his footing and wits he suddenly turned and yanked Sky into a tight hug. At first Sky was confused and then it hit him, Wild understood. He knew exactly what Sky had felt that awful day, he knew exactly what it was like to lose like that, knew the sense of failure of loss. He then returned the hug tears threatening to fall.

Wild then said softly, "I'm so sorry Sky I…I know exactly what that was like, I…nearly lost my Light in a similar way. I…hope your reunion with her was much faster than mine had to endure…."

Sky gave him another hug as he remembered what Wild had said about his Zelda sacrificing herself to ensure that Fi was repaired from the damage wrote during their Upheaval. He then stepped back and cleared his throat, "The next part of my journey was waking in the academy late into the night with Master Gaepora at my side who urged me to wait till morning to search for Zelda only for Fi to guide me to her resting place shortly after he left me to rest.

"Huh, I guess it is as the Deku Tree said you guide all of your Masters to your resting place." Wild stated turning slightly looking at the hilt of the blade on his back.

Not all Master but those who needed it yes. she responded for both to hear.

At Sky's curious look Wild added, "I had been…eleven summers I think and one evening on my way home from training with other knights I spotted a young girl around my age deep in a nearby forest wearing a cape of blue and purple.

Sky's eyes widened for that description definitely fit Fi as he remembered her, he was relieved to hear she eventually could leave the blade once more but was also distressed at the thought of Wild being eleven when his journey began.

Wild then continued, "After my horse dumped me from the saddle I ran after her but never seemed to catch up until she led me to an area known in our land as the Lost Woods. Terrified for the stories of the place spoke of the Forest Children fiercely defending their home." He gave a rueful grin, "I know now that they do that by simply returning travelers to the entrance of the wood unless you found the right path but my eleven summer old self didn't know that. But driven by a sense of duty I pressed on until I came to her resting place. A stone plinth in the center of a ruined courtyard and that was when I realized who I had been following."

Sky nodded in understanding remembering his own frustration and confusion and no small amount of terror given the monsters that had often spawned on Skyloft at night prior to his journey.

Then Wild added, "That was when the Great Deku Tree scared the hell out of me by speaking and explaining why I had been brought to the grove. To be honest I had thought Fi had made a mistake, that I couldn't be the chosen hero…"

Sky once again nodded completely understanding that sentiment it had been the same for him when Gaepora and Fi had explained what his role in destiny would be. He could scarecly believe that he was right for it and even now more than ever he felt a kinship with the man before him.

For once he had someone who fully and competely understood him. One who knew the burden and weight of what it meant to bear the Hero's Spirit and was determined now more than ever to help this man, his brother succeed in defeating their shared foe.

He also felt no small amount of anguish at hearing how young Wild had been and before he really thought about it he asked, "How old were you when your Calamity…."

Seeing his distress Wild's eyes were filled with understanding and compassion as he said softly, "Sixteen summers when the Calamity rose and I…technically fell, my Light was seventeen."

Sky's eyes closed and he gave a hard swallow, he had at least been closer to twenty before his journey began. So young, to have to bear the burden it….hurt and once again he felt the guilt of not being swift enough to stop the curse. Impa's admonishment about him being to slow and questioning the Goddess's choice ringing once again in his ears.

He then felt the firm grasp of Wilds hand on his shoulder and he turned to look his brother in the eye as the other man said, "Your not to blame Sky, you fought a great evil and it managed to gain a small victory for itself but, for every time it tries it fails again and again because one of us stands against it. I do not regret for one moment my fate because for all the pain and all the uncertainty I know one thing. Our people no matter what endure we fight, we stand against the curse with everything we have. And that in the end is all that truly matters."

And in that moment Sky felt an odd sense of reassurance in those words. Wild was right, Demise thought he'd won with his curse but in the end so long as one of the heros spirit stands firm he never would. It was why Sky endured what he did to temper the spirit to endure.

Just so Master Fi's voice rang in his mind

With a new felt determination he nodded then turned to his brother stating, "Lets get going for this was but the begining of my journey, we should next head towards the Faron Woods, there will most likely be the next memory that your stone will show."

Wild nodded and together the two once again turned to their waiting birds and took to the sky both aiming for the unmistakable hole in the clouds that led down to the surface below. As they broke through the barrier they were greeted with the vibrant lush green of the woods below them.

Together they landed and made their way into the forest Sky noticing Wild looking about for a moment then he stated, "The Spring of Courage should be that way isn't it?"

Sky blinked looking in the direction he pointed saying, "That is the direction of the Skyview Spring. We are actually heading that way the old Skyview Dungeon that it had been at the end of has been repurposed by some Zonai actually."

Wild stopped and said, "So some have come to the surface? Gaepora had said they were on nearby isles near Skyloft."

Sky nodded, "With us returning to the surface some felt the need to come as well. A small settlement has been established with the aid of the Kikwi near the old dungeon leading to the spring. If I recall the head of the settlement is a worshiper of Farore named Farrosh."

Wild got a strange look before saying, "I see, uh what are the Kikwi?"

Sky blinked a moment then thought about how shy they little birdfolk were and suspected that perhaps they were simply hidden in Wilds era or the very real possibility of them being extinct due to their inability to reliably defend themselves. "They're a quirky bird folk we will probably come across some on the way to the Dungeon and Spring.

The pair made their way through the forest and after a bit came to a bustling settlement in and around the old dungeon. It surprised Sky a bit to see how much progress they had gotten from the last time he had visited them. Wild was looking about at the various Zonai bustling about and overtly paying attention to their interactions. Sky looked at him curious and stated, "The Zonai tend to be peacable there's no cause to be wary."

Wild jumped a bit and shook his head, "I'm not worried, sorry I simply am trying to learn as much as possible about their day to day my Light will love to know it. She is an avid reseacher and when she went back in time there were only two Zonai left on the surface so much of their culture was lost by that point."

"Oh." Sky replied feeling a sense of unease at that as he looked at the bustling village that was scattered near the old dungeon. Only two back at his lands founding? Did that mean the curse will manifest while they are still building this budgeoning land. Cold filled him then he remembered his brothers words about the people enduring and a Hero's Spirit always being ready to defy the curse and he inwardly shook himself trying to ignore the worry.

"Link, I wasn't expecting to see you for another few months from our last conversation welcome back as always." a warm feminine voice called

Both men turned to see a tall willowy Zonai with her long ears sweeping upward dressed in the traditional garb of her people. Link gave her a smile, "Some interesting circumstances have led myself and my companion here today."

The Zonai turned to look at him a moment before her eyes rested on the stone about his neck and as it did Sky only now noticed a matching stone set into an earing on Farrosh's right ear. The Zonai closed her bright green eyes a moment before stating, "Circumstances involving a trip through time I take it."

Blinking in surprise Sky blurted, "How did you...."

"You sensed it from the stone," Wild said quietly his stance stiff which confused Sky, Farrosh was a very warm and welcoming individual why would he be uneasy in her presence.

The Zonai nodded, "Aye I sense time powers being amplified from that stone, I am surprised to see a Hylian in possession of one."

"It belonged to my Light who was gifted it by an ancestor of hers when she too ended up being swept to the past. A time after this I suspect, considering the differences she observed from that time and what I have seen so far."

The Zonai studied him for a long moment then nodded saying, "If you wish guidance in how to amplify your power I will do what I can though mine is different."

"I may take you up on that for while I have some grasp of how to use the stone, I do not know how to use it to return to my time." Wild responded, "And might I infer yours amplifies lightning doesn't it?"

Farrosh nodded then turned back to Sky, "Forgive me I wasn't trying to ignore you Link, I was just surprised by the stone. You know you are welcome here for as long as you need."

Sky confused by the exchange and Wild's seeming nervousness simply nodded and said, "We are bound for the dungeon and then the spring beyond. We will probably need a rest after."

"Then you may have the same space you had before, now its fully built so you can expect the full comforts of indoors," Farrosh responded

Sky smiled, "That would be welcome for I suspect that dungeon is as damp as I remember."

Farrosh laughed and then gave a farewell as one of her people trotted up and began speaking quietly with her.

Sky then turned toward Wild, "Is everything alright? You seemed tense with Farrosh, I assure you a more welcoming and kind individual you'll never meet."

Wild nodded, "Yes sorry, I uh…." he paused a moment before lowering his voice, "I have met her in the future though not as she is now."

Sky looked confused at him for a moment then he remembered Wild saying that his Light had returned to the future in his era by using a forbidden Zonai art. He then locked eyes with Wild a questioning look in his eye looking at the stone and Wild catching what he was asking nodded.

"I do not know why but, you said she is a servant of Farore yes?" Wild ask still keeping the soft tone.

Sky nodded and Wild continued, "Perhaps it is then to ensure the Spring always has protection because that what she is known as in my era the one who protects the Spring of Courage."

Sky nodded that would make sense he knew Farrosh took her duties to her people seriously and he hoped that her choice to become a dragon to protect the spring would be a long time into the future far from the start of this burgeoning realm. Shaking himself he motioned for Wild to follow him and together the two entered the Skyview Temple Sky certain that there would be one particular memory of the place that Wilds power would resonate with and hoped that what he learned from it would not have to be implemented when Wild returned to his own era.

I hope that bastard stays dead. Sky snarled in his mind the old anger at Ghirahim still boiling in his blood long after the demon lords death.

Chapter Text

Tulin paced back and forth his claws clicking on the hardwood floor of Purah's lab as the Sheikah adjusted a nob on one of her machines and said softly, "Don't get your tailfeathers in a knot the machine just needs a small bit of calibration since this is the first time its been used."

Stopping his pacing he took a breath and replied, "Sorry, I….it was my responsibility to keep her safe and those overgrown beasts got in the way…"

"And she still made it to safety, relax I doubt Linky will pluck you for trying your best." Purah retorted

"It is no laughing matter Purah," Impa said sternly, "The princess is at the moment high above us alone with no protection, we have no idea what creatures are on that isle or if there are monsters."

"Or if it is completely abandoned like the Zonai isles and you said she was speaking with someone there."

"A spirit from its past, she had said," Tulin responded, "I just need a direction to fly and then I will be there as fast as my wings will carry me."

"And I'm working on it, do you both forget Linky has taught her how to defend herself and she did fight against the Demon King during the Imprisoning War."

"With her Sacred Stone which she is currently without Purah, you were the one that suggested I use the rune to be at her side to protect her. Are you now regretting the decision or thinking it was unneeded?"

"No, I do think she needs someone to rely on but I am confident she can at least hold her own for a little bit…ah there we are."

Suddenly the screen of her machine lit with a map of Hyrule and a dot began blinking near the Forgotten Temple. Tulin studied it a moment then asked, "Is that…"

"Yep that's the Purah Pad, holy Hylia that is extremely high, snap….Impa I'm sorry to say not even a rocket assisted machine would make it to that altitude."

"Then we will simply have to find another method or rely on Zelda to discover one on that ancient isle. In the meantime I trust you with your power can get up there Tulin?"

He studied the screen for a moment before spotting where the numbers were indicating the altitude and nodded, "Its higher than any Rito has flown before but that wont stop me, I'll get the supplies and head there straight away."

With that he left the lab and gathered up everything he could think that she might need, from food, to clothing, a tent, and tools that could be useful for research. He grunted as he hefted the pack and was about to take off when Purah came out stating, "You ran off before I could give you this, it should make things easier. Its another Purah pad, it doesn't have all of the functions of the original but it should at least make that stuff easier to carry."

Tulin blinked taking the pad from her and studying it a moment before pointing it toward the pack and following her instruction and in a moment the pack he had thought he would have to carry all the way there vanished in a flash of light into the pad just as he had seen it happen countless times during the Upheaval when Link had used the main one.

"Thanks," he then paused a moment saying, "Actually give this to Impa and give me a spare travel medallion. Couldn't that work to get her up to the isle?"

"Hmm, maybe I'm not sure of the range will reach but it can't hurt to try it this model does have the travel functionality…"

"If it doesn't then I will fly back down to get it for the supplies and hopefully a means to get Impa up there. I know she is worried as I know you technically are as well."

The Sheikah sighed, "I admit I have concerns but, the gist I got from what you both said, she was safe and unharmed. We can call that a win. So get to it snap, get up there and lets see if the range is good enough for the travel function, if not find another means because I…don't think we have anything down here that can work."

Tulin nodded and waited as the Sheikah returned to the lab for a short time before coming back out and handing him one of the medallions, "You remember how to place one yes?"

Tulin again nodded placing it into a pouch on his belt then summoned up a gust of wind using it to boost his take of as he then climbed up above the tower there in Lookout landing angling himself toward the caynon deciding that since it was high above the temple that was where he would start his ascent.

Several hours and miles later he found himself climbing high into the sky using his power every chance he got to spare his burning wings. He climbed higher and higher above the old temple until he saw a peculiar hole within the clouds deciding that was as good a place as any to start he summoned one more burst of wind and pushed himself up through the eye to see ahead of him a massive sky island bigger than even Great Sky.

As he flew toward it he saw circling all around it were birds larger than himself their feathers for the most part a dominant color save for the wing tips having white and other colors in a unique pattern. Once he got closer they began circling him curiously cawing in greeting and questions. It took him a moment to recognize the words for it was different dialect than the birds on the surface. Once confident he had the hang of it he called back asking if they had seen a featherless being carried by one of their own.

They responded with one of their flock had indeed carried one of the people who used to fly with them to the isle and one offered to lead him to where they were. Tulin nodded and followed the bird seeing in a few moments a golden feathered one perched on the ground curled around the unmistakable form of Zelda. Relief and worry filled him and he hastened his flight toward them ignoring the screaming in his wings as he landed rushing forward before stopping short as the bird began clacking in warning at him.

At the sound to Tulin's relief Zelda's eyes snapped open and seemed confused for a brief moment before she said, "Tulin.." then turning to the gilded bird said, "Easy there he's a friend he is just worried."

At her words the bird settled but clearly was watching him warily as he finished approaching asking, "Are you alright princess, forgive me for…"

Zelda gave a snort, "Stop sounding like Link, I'm fine Tulin, as I said over the pad, this bird, this Loftwing saved me when I whistled to alert you that we had been separated. I saw you and Impa both were surrounded you can hardly be blamed."

Tulin flushed a little realizing he probably was sounding like Link, which to him wasn't a bad thing since he looked up to the man but he could see how it might irritate her. She had after all admonished him too in a similar manner when he would apologize for things that were out of his control.

"That is hardly surprising she came to a whistle that is the traditional way we call the birds, " a male voice stated causing Tulin to squawk in surprise and turn to see a spectral elderly Hylian looking at them.

"Forgive me I hadn't meant to startle you young one, I am Gaepora the headmaster here at the academy and will be guiding Zelda in learning how to fly with her Loftwing."

"Its…alright I wasn't expecting another person though I should have." Tulin responded willing his heart to stop pounding along with the ache in his wings. He then turned to the spirit feeling it only fitting since this had once been his home, "Do you mind if I place something here that might allow another of our companions to join us?"

The spirit nodded, "I have no objection as I am sure you can see this land has long since been abandoned."

Tulin nodded looking around the isle and realizing the man was right, all that really remained here were ruined buildings and what appeared to be packs of small mammalian creatures that overtly fed on the insects that were abound. Reaching into his belt pouch he pulled out the travel medallion and looked for a suitable place to put it.

Seeing the medallion Zelda said, "I hadn't thought of that, hmm the range might be a bit much but we will never know unless we try."

"Purah was of the same mind," Tulin responded setting it up near a platform that overtly ended into open air, "Do you think it will work?"

"In theory, they can reach across Hyrule from one end to the other, this shouldn't be that much farther distance wise just upwards instead of across the land." Zelda responded, "But how will Impa use it another medallion?"

Tulin nodded satisfied that he had placed it well and then activated it hoping that the Purah pad would register it and said, "Purah had made a second pad she said it doesn't have all of the functions that that one does but it has at least storage and travel functionality."

"I'm not surprised," Zelda murmured as the light of the Sheikah teleport lit within the travel point left by the medallion and in a moment Impa appeared rushing over to her as soon as she saw Zelda.

Once again the bird chattered a warning and the Sheikah simply gave it a challenging look as Zelda petting the bird gently saying, "She's another friend its alright."

"Are you hurt Princess," Impa asked still eyeing the golden bird who returned her gaze with equal suspicion causing Tulin to have to choke back a laugh.

"I'm fine Impa, mostly tired from today's excursions as I'm sure Tulin is as well given how far he flew." She replied

Tulin still stifling a laugh stated, "I could still fly if needed,"

"There isn't a need at the moment Tulin, I have no intention of starting just yet despite the need," Zelda responded and he could see clearly she was exhausted

Seeing this and realizing she wouldn't want him to hide it he simply nodded saying, "I could use a rest as well to be honest that was a long flight."

"Then you two rest while I set a camp, unless there is somewhere within that ruin they could rest?" Impa stated looking unerringly at the spirit.

"Sadly no, this once proud establishment has fallen to ruin due to neglect." he replied a hint of sorrow in his voice.

"We could restore it, once all this is over," Zelda stated quietly causing the spirit to look at her in surprise.

"Why would you…"

"Because I think it a shame that the overt connection with our past has been lost." Zelda responded, then looking down she said quietly, "I also saw her sadness at the fact that the Loftwings are no longer with us and I feel there is no reason we shouldn't reconnect…."

Gaepora simply nodded saying equally soft, "They had always been her gifts to us, I imagine it does sadden her for them to be separated."

Tulin sat down looking between them feeling there was a lot of meaning behind that exchange but unsure exactly what and said, "I wouldn't mind flying along side them, and it would definitely make exploring the sky islands easier for those who aren't Rito considering while yes we have Zonai devices but they are still few and far between."

Zelda nodded saying, "Exactly not to mention its…" she paused a moment looking at the bird who gave her a gentle nudge on the hand, "I feel like there is some sort of connection, as if it was something I was missing…"

Gaepora nodded, "That is to be expected a Loftwing is one half of the pair of Hylian and bird."

Tulin watched as Zelda absorbed the words nodding and then she looked over at Tulin asking, "Are you alright you didn't strain yourself to get here did you?"

Tulin shifted his shoulders and grimaced as his wings twinged in pain and said, "A little maybe, but nothing I wont recover from."

"Hmmm, I wonder if the mushrooms we once used to heal the Loftwings would aid you." Gaepora said softly.

Pushing herself up Zelda looked at him, "We could certainly try as far as we know Rito are most closely related to actual birds. Would it need to be ingested? Or was it a topical treatment?"

"Primarily topical and the cave near the lake should still have them growing in abundance." Gaepora replied, "But, there might still be some within the academy in old vials, for they will need to be dried to be truly effective."

"How dangerous is that structure?" Impa asked looking at the ancient building concerned seeing Zelda was about to rush in.

Looking at the building the spirit replied, "Physically the structure has endured, there should be no fear of collapse but caution should be observed."

Zelda nodded and looked at Impa frowning, "Do you forget I used to explore the old Sheikah ruins and many of the Zonai ones as well I am well versed with entering structures that are less than sound."

"A rest will do me well Princess there's no need to take risks on the off chance that there is…"

"Nonsense Tulin you strained yourself to get to me the least I can do is see if I can find something to ease it. I'll be careful." she responded and before he or Impa could say another word she pushed past into the ruined building.

"Stubborn girl," Impa snarled and chased after her causing Tulin to smirk in amusement. He always wondered what Link had meant when he said Zelda would use her princess voice when annoyed now he had at least an idea.

Gaepora gave a hearty laugh stating, "I can tell she is descendant of my Zelda she has some of the same fire."

Tulin chuckled, "Aye it was one of the things I know Link admires in her along with a few other things that are understandable and he'd be plucking me for if I went any further. If she didn't first."

Gaepora nodded continuing to chuckle and looked at him saying, "I'm pretty sure there is a vial of the mushroom powder within the kitchens on the first floor, so no need to be too concerned. Again despite the passage of time the structure has endured. Most likely due to her grace in preparation for Zelda's arrival."

"Because of Link ending up in the past?" Tulin asked

Gaepora nodded, "Aye he arrived not long after our Link, your Hero of the Sky had defeated Demise and we began establishing a settlement on the surface."

Tulin blinked, "I'm surprised then that Zelda didn't meet him when she was sent back to the founding of Hyrule…"

Gaepora looked at him a moment before stating, "Because what we founded was lost and what came later was re-founded by the Zonai and the survivors."

"Oh…forgive me I didn't…."

"There is naught to forgive we had no knowledge of what was to come even with Link arriving in our era. I suspect he didn't want to distress us by telling us of the new lands inevitable fall…"

Tulin nodded suspecting the spirit was right, the last think Link would have wanted to do was inform people who were working so hard to build something that it was destine to fall. He struggled to find something else to say when Zelda excited the building followed by a flustered and annoyed Impa carrying a small bottle with some manner of powder in it asking, "Is this it Master Gaepora?"

Looking at the bottle the elder Hylian nodded, "Aye that's it sprinkle it on his wings and it should ease the strain if it works the same as it does for Loftwings, you will feel relief in a few moments."

Tulin stretched his sore wings out allowing Zelda to sprinkle the powder on them suspecting at worst the treatment wouldn't work. In moments he felt a slight warmth on his wing muscles and then the pain that had been there and the stiffness eased. Looking at Zelda he smiled saying, "Seems it works for Rito too, we need to figure out what mushroom that is it will aid the village greatly."

"After the both of you rest you can go running off to the cave that was mentioned," Impa stated, "But you both do need to rest and don't you argue with me princess I saw you stumble multiple times in that building."

Zelda looked like she was going to snap but instead took a breath and nodded then simply sat down next to the bird who scooted closer and looked at Impa then at the blanket on the bedroll near by and back at Impa.

Tulin choked back another laugh as he obediently went to the bedroll the Shekiah had set up for him hearing her grumble about the bird definitely being like the princess as she got the blanket for her and handed it to a laughing Zelda.

Chapter Text

The fire crackled merrily between them even if both men had more of a somber mood. Sky and Wild sat within the Temple of Hylia far in the back of it. Wild's stone had just shown him the memory of one of Sky's darkest moments during his quest. When he had to continue on as Zelda sealed herself away to strengthen the seal on Demise.

Sky could tell without a word spoken that Wild understood how much it had hurt to have her so close only to lose her again. To know that she was struggling to keep a great evil at bay while he floundered trying desperately to complete his quest in time.

As they sat there both staring into the fire Wild began quietly, "My Light did something similar…you…you've had to have seen the scar that covers most of my torso."

Sky nodded and stayed silent letting the other man take his time for he could tell this was paining him. Wild took a steadying breath and continued, "I got them defending not only Zelda but a narrow path that led to where so many of our people fled during the Calamity." His voice got quiet as he added, "Though no where near as many as we'd hoped would…"

Sky nodded he remembered Wild telling him about the Calamity, his eras first brush with the curse and how devastating that had been. He realized this man was sharing also one of his darkest hours during his own journey.

"I was fighting against ancient Sheikah machines called Guardians, they…." he closed his eyes and Sky's heart went out to him as he heard the fear in his voice, "Relentless and worst still tireless relics of death. They were supposed to be our salvation along with the Divine Beasts, but….instead they became our doom as the Calamity took control of them and turned them on us."

"I fought with everything I had. Cut down scores of the hellish machines but for every one that fell five more replaced them. And as Im sure you can infer I didn't drop them unscathed. My wounds began to take their toll but I knew if I didn't keep going…"

"That your Light and your people would fall," Sky finished knowing exactly what he meant.

Wild nodded, "Then when I was literally barely standing Fi charred and cracked showing her own struggle against it all another of the damn things crawled over its broken brethren….I stood my ground as it took aim for I know if I didn't it would kill my Light and march through to finish off the survivors."

He then took a ragged breath and said, "My Light…she shoved past me and stood in front. In terror I watched as the target line centered on her and then in that moment…." he gave a fond smile, "Her power awoke and destroyed not only that one but all that were charging the fort."

Wild's smile then shifted to a rueful one, "Then my body betrayed me and I collapsed, barely able to breath from the burns caused by the Guardian's lasers….Fi thankfully reminded my Light of the Shrine of Resurrection and she order me taken there."

The smile faded and he closed his eyes pain visible on his face as he continued, "For one hundred years I slumbered in the Shrine leaving my Light to face the Calamity alone…She…in order to buy time until I recovered sealed herself and the beast in the castle."

Sky nodded reaching out and grabbing his brother's arm in comfort. The other man gave a grateful smile and placed his own hand over Sky's in thanks. The two sat in silence and then Sky said, "I've never before had anyone who understood…"

"The burden," Wild said softly nodded, "Nor have I, I'm glad to have met you Sky, though I wish the circumstances of such a meeting had been different,"

Sky actually gave a laugh and nodded he definitely felt the same. Sobering he looked down and said softly, "I…never did apologize to you…"

Wild blinked and then looked at him curiously and Sky took a shakey breath and looked up at him continuing, "I…was too slow, just as Impa said, too slow to save Zel…to….to slow to stop the bastard from cursing all of you…"

Wild just snorted and gave a laugh before saying, "You don't need to apologize for that Link, hell…I guess were a pair in that, great Chosen Heroes…but in the end we couldn't really get the job done could we…"

Sky blinked at him in shock and the other man gave him a smile, "I understand exactly how you feel…Hell I just told you about my spectacular failure that led to the destruction of my Kingdom…."

Sky shook his head, "You said yourself you fought with everything you had…."

"As did you didn't you?" the other man retorted

Sky opened his mouth to protest but then realized that he had….he had thrown everything he had against the Demon King but as Wild said it hadn't been enough. The other man just gave a nod then sighed pulling Fi from her sheath, "At least she is ready now…even if there is more for me to do."

Sky nodded relieved to see the blade shine with the same vibrancy it once did. He had been over joyed when she left the blade to greet him proper and had even hugged the spirit causing her to give a small smile.

Sky nodded and said, "The Silent Realm….I will warn you…the Guardians in there, while not of Sheikah make are nothing to underestimate."

Wild nodded in understanding overtly listening as he always did to Sky's guidance, the man after all was literally following in the Skyloftian's footsteps. By heeding him he had learned both the skyward strike and how to have Fi locate someone, "Also you will be alone in there neither Fi nor I can accompany you and you will have no weapons to defend yourself."

Wild gave a nod and said, "You'd be surprised at how used to that I am. I had shrines that tested me by literally taking all of my possessions and pitted me against foes. Not to mention both times my journey began was similar. I had Fi at the beginning of the Upheaval but she was all but destroyed."

Sky nodded but felt there was by far a deeper meaning to those words.

Fi said softly, Master I was not able to accompany Master Link here in the same manner I did you during the Calamity and as he just pointed out i was in no condition to aid him in the Upheaval that followed….

Shock filled Sky and he asked softly, "Wild…did you do your journeys alone…"

Distressed for he had not only Fi but Crimson at his side during his they had been a balm for him in the darkest parts of his trials.

Wild looked at him and nodded sighing, "Sort of….in the Calamity Zel guided me here and there but she had to use most of her focus to keep the Calamity sealed. The Champions had more given me their abilities more than accompanied me for they had to get the Divine Beasts prepped for the final battle. "

"And the Upheaval?"

Wild gave another sigh, "The Sages, like the Champions lent me their powers but they had to stay and bolster their people's defenses and Zel…."

Sky nodded remembering what Wild had told him about his beloved's sacrifice to ensure Fi would be repaired.

Lowering his head Wild whispered, "Don't get me wrong they were there when I needed them….Once I learned of Zels fate, Gannondorf…"

Sky nodded knew that tone he himself had it when he spoke of Giriham.

Rage filled Wilds features as he continued, "Used a puppet of his to look like Zel and deceive our people and try to cause discord. After I had finally stopped most of the issues he had caused he dared to parade her about in the castle."

Sky nodded in understanding it sounded similar to when Giriham kept attacking his Zelda.

Wild closed his eyes and said in a pained tone, "I lost my head, Purah was going to send the search party but I ordered them to remain at Lookout Landing, I knew what the thing was. Then with no regard to my safety and ignoring Fi's warnings against it, I charged into the Castle pursuing the thing….it summoned wave after wave of foes trying to kill me."

"You wanted it to hurt," Sky said softly remembering he had done similar when Giriham had stolen Zelda and took her through the Time Gate.

Wild nodded, "It was reckless and stupid but I wanted the thing to bleed." He then took a calming breath, "I finally cornered it in the trap it set and would have died had the others not come. I suspect Purah got them all there because she was observing the entire thing from Lookout Landing."

Sky nodded for him Fi had reminded him to stay focused which was why he didn't fall against either Giriham or Demise in that final battle.

His heart was heavy as he looked at his brother realizing this man had been alone through both journeys. Quietly he asked, "Was there anyone you could have…."

Wild shook his head, "I was the hero, the one they needed to stand. Fi was there at least in the Calamity but and toward the end of the Upheaval. But…due to her condition she only really spoke a handful of times."

Sky then yanked the man into a hug causing with to make a small surprised noises he said, "Not this time then, I know you'll have your Light, your Sages, Kass and her but…you'll also have me."

"What about your people….the kingdom your building…"

Sky pulled back looking him in the eye, "They can manage without me for a time. I refuse to let you, my brother…. not have….."

Gratitude filled Wilds features and he nodded, "As soon as I finish the Silent Realm trials we'll find a way back to my era together,"

He then returned Sky's hug before pulling back and reaching into his belt pouch pulling out his ocarina and questioning look in his eye.

The other hero laughed and nodding pulling the Goddess Harp from beneath his sailcloth.

The moment the two instruments appeared Kass began to chatter excitedly and nudge Crimson awake looking at the other bird and the pair.

Crimson made a show of grudgingly being encourage to move closer. But Sky knew it was an act, he loved to chirp along with Sky's playing as much as Kass did Wild's. Fi even left the blade to join them and the group spent the remainder of the evening relaxing in a calm before the known coming storm of finishing Wilds quest to gain strength and return home.

Chapter Text

Giriham

The raspy growled call instantly woke the Demon Lord from his slumber. The blade peered about determing where he was. He seemed to be in his home the depths, but the cursed Light seemed to be attempting to illuminate the Gloom.

A few moments past before the voice came again Here me my Blade, eliminate the Blessed Maiden and free me. Do not fail me again….

"As you command," the Demon Lord murmured knowing full well what would happen if he did.

Giriham then snapped his fingers and dozens of his masters minions appeared turning to them he snarled, "Spread out find the Blessed Maiden, kill any mortals that get in your way."

As the horde scattered he was delighted to see they were enshrouded by his masters fell energies which meant the mewling mortals would fall all the quicker.

He tried to reach out to his master to ask if the sniveling hero was still a threat but the Demon Lord recoiled as he felt his Master surrounded by her cursed Light.

Snarling the Demon Lord started walking his old domain seeking a means to reach the surface not content with simply sending the horde.

As he walked his anger boiled everywhere he looked the Goddess's servants had sullied the Demons domain.

Though not for some time for the structures seemed to have fallen to ruin. The glowing trees infuriated him and all attempts he made to snuff their accursed Light failed putting the Demon Lord in a foul mood.

He almost wanted the brat to show up just so he could vent his frustrations. Then he came across a group of mortals daring to sully the depths with their presence. In lack of the boy they'd have to do.

In moments he was on them and his hatred grew as he saw the symbol of the Goddess's retched servants on their attire. With no mercy he slaughtered the lot of them coating the ground with their blood and viscera

He then called out to the horde ordering them to eradicate these pests from the depths as he continued to look for a path to the surface.

I will not fail again he snarled silently The boy and his bitch Goddess will bleed for the humiliation they've caused me

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Purah stared coldly at the traitors standing outside Lookout Landing as the gathered guard held them at weapon point.

"You expect me to believe some mysterious Demon has chosen to start slaughtering you all causing you to flee the depths causing you to ask for help?"

"Look this is the last thing I wanted to do Sheikah," Koga sneered, "But my men are getting massacred and at this point I have no options, whatever that thing is he does not serve the Magnificent One."

She stared at the group and he just returned her gaze beneath his mask, "Were not asking for shelter simply supplies for the wounded and a guarantee we won't be attacked by you lap…servants of the royal family. We wouldn't dream of expecting sympathy. "

"Well as much as I'd like to tell you to shove off it is not my decision." she responded coldly then turning to the guard that stood between them and the Landing she barked, "Keep an eye on them any hint of aggression do what is necessary."

With that she turned and returned to her lab Robbie and Josha both standing there and Robbie asked, "What do you think Purah?"

She sighed tapping her pipe in her hand, "I think they're telling the truth, Koga is scared you can hear it in his voice and those wounds they all bear aren't false, they are hurt."

"Heh sounds to me like they've reaped what they've sown," Robbie growled

"While I agree with you, its not our decision to make," she retorted

"Do you think the survey teams are all right?" Josha asked concerned

"To be blunt, no. If whatever this is has put that much of a scare into the Yiga….then others would be in danger, start recalling them. I'll inform the Princess of the situation and find out what she wants us to do." Purah stated

She then took a breath and went over to the communication device she had made and sent the signal to the Purah Pad. After a few moments of no answer, she switched to the one she gave Impa.

In a moment the pad lit and Impa stared back at her asking, "What's wrong?"

"Check it we've got a situation down here that I need to speak to the Princess about…"

Impa nodded turning toward Tulin not far away, "Go inform the Princess please, this sounds serious,"

The Rito nodded and took off seemingly toward where the Princess was.

"She is currently flying with her Loftwing, its a bit difficult to use the Pad and hold on from my understanding," Impa informed her old friend

Purah nodded that made sense from what she had gathered so far. Seems the way you ride the birds was to hang onto a single strap across the birds chest. So it would be awkward to have to adjust to toggle the pad.

A few moments later she saw behind Impa Zelda land after gliding down with the cloth that had been on the paraglider. Behind her the gilded feathered Loftwing that had rescued her touched down a moment later and Impa handed the Princess the pad.

"What is the situation Purah, Tulin mentioned there was something happening, is Demise escaping?" she asked her tone tense.

Purah shook her head, "No the seal is still holding according to the knights keeping watch on the thing. This is…probably related. Check it, a small group of Yiga have shown up outside of Lookout Landing. Koga is leading them and they are all wounded. They claim some sort of demon is hunting them in the depths along with Gloom infused monsters."

The Sheikah saw a range of emotions cross her face and the bird stepped up giving an overtly soothing call and leaned into her. Taking a calming breath she absently reached back touching the bird in gratitude before asking, "Is this a trick or…."

Purah nodded, "It seems legit. They are wounded and I'd say Koga is almost as scared of whatever this thing is as he is Linky,"

Zelda nodded then asked, "What exactly are they asking for…"

"Supplies and assurances we won't just attack them."

Zelda nodded taking a shaky breath and stated, "Give them enough supplies for their wounded and send them on their way. Inform them if they bring no harm to Hyrule we will not attack them. But," and her voice hardened, "Any aggression toward a single person, then their lives are forfeit."

Purah nodded, "Your more merciful than I would be Princess considering all they've done."

Zelda took another steadying breath, "Traitors or no they are still people Purah and if they're turning to us for aid, then the situation is dire….Recall all survey teams if you haven't already and have knights stationed at every chasm. If this thing and its army leaves the depths I want to know about it immediately."

Purah nodded, "Already starting that, I will also send Sheikah to aid in the sentry duty on the chasms."

Zelda nodded, "Do what you feel is necessary Purah."

The Sheikah nodded and then shut off the pad taking a steadying breath herself before exiting her lab and heading back toward where the Yiga waited. She paused long enough to get supplies to be gathered. As she stepped out she said, "You are lucky our Princess is as merciful as she is your supplies will be here shortly and she says, so long as you bring no harm to Hyrule you will be left alone."

Koga nodded and said, "Better abide by that Sheikah for we will defend ourselves should we be attacked."

"We obey our Princess, traitor," she snarled back, "If it were up to me I'd leave you to the mercy of this demon."

He just glared at her under his mask and after a few tense moments the supplies were brought and the group went on their way. Turning to the Captain she said, "Get as many knights as possible deployed to the chasms. We wont let this thing or its minions get the drop on us."

He nodded and began to speak to his people getting as many as possible gathered, the knights were no where near as numerous as they been had pre Calamity but they were growing. After ensuring Josha had begun recalling the depths survey teams she used her travel medallion to go to Kakariko meeting with Paya and seeing how many Sheikah could be spared to aid the knights.

Chapter Text

The entrances to the Silent Realm can now be found at each of the ancient Springs Master, Fi stated

Wild nodded in understanding that made sense, the Springs he knew as the springs of Courage, Strength and Wisdom. He noticed Sky was slightly confused and at first Wild was not sure why then he remembered, Sky's journey had taken him toward what in Wilds day was the Geruedo Desert, the Lanayru one for Sky.

"The third is found at the top of the mountain that will become known as Mount Lanayru, let me see the map." Wild added

Sky nodded and unfurled the map he had been using and drawing since his initial journey to the surface. Wild studied it a moment then tapped a mountain on the eastern coast. Sky then nodded again remembering there was an ancient ruin leading up to what appeared to be a path up the mountain.

"I hadn't realized there was a Spring there," he murmured, "I wonder why neither Zel nor I needed to go there…."

"In my era it is known as the Spring of Wisdom, there is an ancient promenade that leads to the path up the mountain. My Light, couldn't even journey to the Spring until she turned seventeen….It…was after our descent from that spring that the Calamity began…"

Sky nodded sympathy and guilt still mingling in his eyes at the mention of this. Wild just added, "As to why you went to Ger…Lanayru Desert instead I can only speculate is due to the need of building the Time Gate…"

"That actually makes sense," Sky agreed then he took a breath adding, "Well then it seems we need to return to Faron and go to the Skyview Spring again."

As it was before master the songs that correlate with Farore, Dinn and Neyru will need to be played by the harp to open the door, you will also have to play them on your ocarina Master Link since they are your trials to undergo.

Both men nodded then turned to their Loftwings and took to the skies flying toward the Faron Woods. Once they landed they made their way straight to the Spring informing Farrosh of their intent on the way.

Wild took a calming breath as they approached the spring itself. The springs still for him brought mixed emotions. Even with the newfound understanding that most likely Demise was interfering with the communication he still felt the heart wrenching helplessness he had felt back during the Calamity every time he came to the springs. The memories of Zelda's desperation and frustration ever foremost in his mind.

Taking one more breath and shaking himself inwardly to dispel the old memories he turned to Sky who nodded and pulled out the Goddess Harp. Link then pulled his Ocarina and together they began to play Farores Courage. Behind the Goddess Statue the stone wall lit with glowing symbols that seemed to blossom out in a vague floral shape. One the "flower" fully bloomed the stone wall slid aside and Wild had to remind himself that he wouldn't seet he Sheikah shrine he was expecting. Instead carved into the floor was Farore's Symbol.

After the door opened Sky looked at Wild and murmured, "You will need to go to the center of the symbol place Fi in it and then kneal to pray."

Wild nodded lowering his Ocarina and putting it away this was not an unfamiliar practice for him. He wondered as he strode in and drew the blade if this was where the Sheikah got the idea for the Trails of the Sword. There in the center he saw a familar space just large enough to fit Fi's blade. Without a second thought he planted her tip into the space and then knelt before her head bowed.

His head swam and when he opened his eyes he was no longer within the cave but in an open field that took him a moment to recognize. Blatchery Plain, with rain falling steadily and strong. The air though was strange glowing washing out all colors around. Wild felt his heart begin to pound as he saw the all to familar shapes of Guardians clearly moving and glowing the lurid purple indicating their corruption

He then heard in his head This is the Silent Realm Master, this trial will test your Courage. You will need to reach Farore's Tear it will appear similar to your Sacred Stone.

Wild nodded shaking in fear as he saw the Stalkers scurrying about overtly searching for someone to kill. He took several breaths trying to force himself to calm down deep down he knew why this was the trial.

Even after all this time the memories of dying to these monstrosities terrified him and panic and remembered pain always made him want to freeze when he saw even a glimpse of them. It hadn't stopped him in the Calamity after he woke he still fought them, still destroyed them to protect the people even if because of their corruption they would return each Blood Moon.

So it stood to reason that traversing the very plain he technically died on crawling with Guardian Stalkers all ready and willing to kill him made perfect sense to test his courage. Taking several more breaths he looked about for some kind of weapon remembering what Sky had said about being without any weapons. Soon he was able to spot a blade lying next to the charred remains of a knight looking all the more ghastly in this strange washed out light.

Taking the blade he took a breath and then charged forward toward the nearest Stalker as he expected it began to target him. Pushing past the terror at seeing the line target him he fell into old habits and began finding cover, timing his charge forward between the shots striking the legs out then plunging the sword directly into the eye dropping the machine as more turned toward him and began attacking. Though terrified he still fought aiming for where he suspected the tear would be, Fort Hateno the very same location he had nearly died defending.

And the first actual hit from one of the Stalkers lasers nearly caused him to black out but he still fought on. Sky had said his Guardians within the Silent Realm had been nothing to underestimate and Wild suspected that because this was his personal trial it was similar just a different shape. He was absolutely terrifed as he fought but he still pressed on for long ago he had learned that courage wasn't being fearless. Courage was fighting with every thing you had even while scared because there wasn't much of another option. While there wasn't anyone needing him to protect them in this realm didn't mean this fight wasn't as important. He needed to clear this challenge to temper his courage so he could better face Demise with his Light.

So he fought on fear coursing through him but not letting it hinder him for he knew full well what was at stake. This was the nightmare that was that battle nearly one hundred years ago, the terrifying events that had nearly killed him. But he needed to face that nightmare and push past it to prove he was courageous. So he kept fighting running straight toward the old fort seeing within its walls the bright green glimmer of something that he suspected was the tear.

Green was always associated with Farore, in older traditions the hero was expected to wear green as a means of honoring the Goddess. Many depictions of the Heroes of eld showed them in a green tunic and hat. Even Sky wore such colors, Wild knew that by his era the tradition was long since cast aside hence why the Champions tunics instead reflected their loyalty to the crown.

Wild pressed on focusing on the goal mostly dodging the Stalkers rather than actually fighting them and allowing them to hinder him. This caused him to take several hits that hurt far worse than he remembered but he forced himself to continue. Finally he reached the fort and ahead he saw it. A green glowing stone floating in the heart of the fort looking like a much larger of the stone he had around his neck.

He was nearly there when suddenly two Guardian Turrets rose out of the ground next to it. Growling in annoyance Wild ducked to the side before both could get a good lock on his position. Growling he retreated and looked around for a bow and some arrows knowing full well that was the best way to defeat these pests. Some searching and killing of stalkers later he finally found a worn bow and half a quiver of arrows.

Swiftly he bolted forward both Guardians taking aim as he ran doing his best to make sure they couldn't get a proper lock before firing into each eye of the cursed things dropping them in a shower of sparks and released malice.

Then just as he moved forward toward the tear. His worst nightmare made manifest appeared, the same Guardian that had caused the wounds that had nearly killed him one so coated in Malice that touching it had hurt. In hindsight he should have realized how close Malice and Gloom had been and now he was facing the very thing that nearly killed him during the Calamity all those years ago. The thing that had given him the scar that coated most of his torso as he had fought it to protect Zelda.

He knew why this was his final test this thing had haunted many a nightmare he'd had since the end of the Calamity. So taking a breath and steeling his terrified heart he rushed it and fought with everything he had focusing on defeating it to reach the tear. As one of its blasts seared him in the exact way it had all those years ago it took every bit of determination not to black out from the pain. But he forced himself to endure to keep going and finally he managed to defeat the hellish thing. Once it had fallen the malice coating it floating up its mostly destroyed form collapsing he took a steading breath then walked to the tear floating ahead of him and reached out for it.

As he did it as he had witnessed so many times with the Sacred Stones shrank and floated toward him. A voice filled his mind as a warmth filled his breast and a feminine voice he did not recognize but had a firm idea of whom it was stated, Well done young hero, you have proven your courage accept my blessing and go forth.

A green light enveloped him and his vision whited out before he found himself again knelt before the blade it glowing brightly. Taking a breath feeling the pain and exhaustion from the fight that he knew well wasn't psychical he pushed himself up and pulled the blade and stumbled toward Sky who rushed forward and gave him a steadying hand.

"Went…as expected I take it…." he said ruefully and Wild could tell he probably was remembering his own trails. Tiredly Wild nodded and Sky gave him support as the two of them headed away from the Spring and back toward the settlement. Wild knew if this trial had been this tiring he would have to rest before he continued on.

Chapter Text

Zelda stood waiting on one of the old platforms watching for the white feathered Loftwing to take flight that she would have to chase after with Sonja in order to complete the Wing Ceremony and begin to gather her strength to face Demise and better understand the Triforce she bore.

After Purah had contacted her about the situation with the Yiga, Gaepora upon hearing the report, insisted she learn to better defend herself for he suspected the demon was none other than Giriham the Demon King's blade.

So in addition to learning to care for and ride Sonja she honed the skills Link had taught her with another spirit the armsmaster, Eagus. The name she had given the bird felt so fitting since many a time it tended to act very motherly toward her very much reminding Zelda of the woman who had definitely filled that role in her time in Hyrule's ancient past.

Now she was finally ready per both Eagus and Gaeporas estimate. She was still no match for the monster Giriham in battle but she stood a better chance with others aid then she had before. Suddenly the white feathered bird took flight a Loftwing statue grasped in its left talon.

Without a second thought Zelda ran forward skydiving off of the platform and gave the whistle to call Sonja to her. In moments the gilded feathered bird rose up beneath her and the pair were off after their white feathered trial.

It soon became clear that the white Loftwing was far faster than Sonja and rather than letting her Loftwing wear herself out following Zelda encouraged her to climb high and glide along Zelda watching intently to see if there was a pattern to the birds movements. After a few moments confident she had discern the moments she told Sonja to dive attempting to snatch the stature only for the clever white feathered bird to easily dodge away.

Growling in annoyance she had Sonja climb back up and watched again and realized that the bird was also watching them anticipating what they would do and using its superior agility and speed to dodge. With this knowledge in mind Zelda knew that she would need some sort of stragety to get the statue. Then she noticed the bird was mostly focused on Sonja not her when it made adjusts.

Dare I? she thought to herself, I've seen Link do the dive a dozen times and Rararu explained the details of each ceremony….

She was slightly annoyed that she hadn't had the forethought to store Link's Glide Armor Set within the Purah Pad before she left. It would give her an advantage here even if she wasn't completely versed with the finer details of its use. Well there was no use lamenting it and given the chill of the higher altitude the Snowquill one that Teba had given her.

Instead she leaned closer to Sonja that turned back toward her and gave a caw of understanding. Truly showing how much their bond had grown since she had first rescued Zelda. The bird knew exactly what she was intending and Zelda could definitely see exactly what Gaepora had meant by two halves of a whole when it came to Loftwing and Hylian.

Sonja dipped into a dive feigning a direction that caused the white feathered Loftwing to turn exactly as Zelda had hoped it would. She then let go and dove straight at the bird tucking her arms tight as she had seen Link do for the dive ceremonies her heart pounding at the speed as the air rushed past her but she focused on the statue.

Once she was close enough she snatched the statue from the bird and leveled her dive out to a standard sky dive whistling for Sonja. The gilded feathered bird instantly shifted from her distraction and dove down coming up beneath her and catching her. Together the pair climbed back up and turned back toward Skyloft.

As she landed she could see Impa looking very perturbed at her and knew she was not only annoyed that Zelda had sent Tulin not long ago back to the Rito to aid in some of the incursions that were starting from the Demon Army, but also that Zelda had dove like that off of her bird.

She knew it was her old friends protectiveness and concerns for her but she had already known especially when she began this that she would be taking risks and filling in Link's role until he returned. Plus she had absolute faith in Sonja and knew that Impa still struggled to trust the bird.

Striding forward toward where the spirits of Gaepora and Sun as she had come to call her ancestress since the other woman mentioned that's what her Link often called her. Which Zelda found funny because Link often called her his Light when he would refer to her to others. She then knelt in a proper bow and presented the statue to Sun.

The other woman's eyes gained a gilded glow and the same glow Zelda had first seen around the spirit strengthened as she intoned in that soft warm voice, "Valiant youth who grasped victory at the celebration of the Bird Folk. In accordance with the old ways I now bestow this blessing upon you."

Warmth filled the hand that the Goddess grasped as a golden glow drifted between the pair. Sun then let go of Zelda's hand and indicated the other woman should stand. Zelda did and saw the glow fade and Sun give her a wide smile which she returned.

Gaepora gave a hearty laugh and said, "Somehow I am not surprised that you won the ceremony the same way Link had."

"Oh?" she asked not really surprised that her beloved would do something like that. During his journey in the Upheaval the man had explored the sky isles constantly and often sky dove off the isles.

Gaepora nodded, "Aye he leapt from Kass's back and dove in the exact same manor at the Loftwing of that ceremony. He had mentioned it was something he had learned from the Zonai."

Zelda nodded giving a soft smile at hearing what Link had named his Loftwing. It was fitting he had been fond of the Rito Bard one of the few during the Calamity that she felt he had been willing to call friend giving the aid the Rito gave him "From what I was told when I went back to the founding of the kingdom…well…"

Gaepora just simply nodded in encouragement as she faltered and murmured, "We know what happened Zelda, we do not hold it against you."

She nodded taking a breath and continuing, "Rararu and his sister Miniru mentioned that there was a coming of age ceremony among their people involving diving through rings of energy in a specific time limit and the reward was a suit of armor that aided in sky diving mobility and could even protect against fall damage."

"Which I can infer like the Snowquill armor you did not put within the Pad before we left Princess. Since I know Link has a set." Impa said tersly

She looked at Impa and nodded, "I was realizing it could have been useful in this instant but truly the Snowquill armor is by far more beneficial giving the temperatures of these altitudes Impa."

The Sheikah just glared at her and Zelda knew she'd hear about it later for the dive she took of Sonja.

Gaeopra simply cleared his throat overtly uncomfortable with the tension between them, "It could be said that the Wing Ceremony served a similar purpose for the youths of Skyloft so it seems fitting."

Taking a breath she turned to Sun and said, "I take it now having passed the ceremony we can get started on the path I need to?"

Sun nodded, "Aye given you skill have with riding Sonja and Eagus is confident you have learned all he can teach you,"

Zelda nodded sensing out toward her seal relived to feel it was still intact even with the Demon King's attempts to strain against it. "What do I need then for I can feel him straining withing the seal and I will not be too late again."

Sun nodded understanding and sympathy in her blue eyes and she said, "We will begin at Skyview Spring, what you know as the Spring of Courage. There you will," and she held out her hand and an gilded harp appeared, "Will play a song known as Farore's Courage to call forth the Springs Guardian and obtain her blessing that should give you a better understanding of the aspect of courage,"

Reaching out Zelda took the harp and murmured, "Sounds like I need some electro elixirs…"

Sun looked confused for a moment then gave a sad smile, "Right…I had forgotten that Faron no longer watches over the spring that has been passed on to Farrosh."

Zelda nodded in understanding and then added, "I will also need to learn this song for I can say with certainty it has been lost in the dearth of time. For I don't recall ever hearing of a song called such, surprising giving that pre Calamity worship of the three was equal in strength to worship of well….you."

Sun nodded, "Giving the passage of time since our era to yours I am not the least bit surprised. I can teach you all three of the Songs needed to call the guardians."

Zelda pulled out the Purah Pad and stated, "Then I will go and gather the materials I need for the Elixirs and then return here and take Sonja to the Spring of Courage, I take it we will meet you there?"

She tried to keep the almost desperate tone out of her voice knowing full well given the conversation they had shared that Hylia had not intended to deny her power but it still creeped in. Zelda felt her ears heat in shame and she lowered her head clutching the harp tightly to her chest.

Sun stepped forward and the gilded glow fully returned and she gently raised Zelda's chin so they could look one another in the eye, "I swear to you Zelda I will aid you in this. He will not interfere this time or there will be hell for him to pay worse than when he faced my Beloved Knight."

Zelda actually found herself holding her breath as for the first time she was definitely noticing the divinity fully of the being before her.  It was a bit shocking but at the same time extremely comforting for she could sense the care and love behind that intensity.

Without a word she simply nodded then took a breath and looked at Impa questioningly raising up the Purah Pad.

The elder Sheikah nodded and Zelda first looked over at Sonja who had just landed the gilded feathered Loftwing chattering in concern at her and said softly, "I will be back shortly, it will be quicker to use the teleport than fly with you my dear but I promise I will be back." The bird simply squawked in acknowledgment and took off to glide with her fellows.

Zelda gave another smile then moved over to Impa to ensure that the teleport caught both of them and activated the Zanmik Shrine. As soon as they reappeared in Hateno Impa growled softly, "We do need to speak about acceptable risks Princess."

Knowing this was coming Zelda simply nodded and headed down the path toward hers and Links house listening as the Sheikah quietly scolded her for her antics during the Wing Ceremony. Despite the harangue Zelda was feeling less anxious than she had in months finally she was aiming to gain the strength and understanding of her power needed to face the sealed Demon within the breach