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The rest of the day crept on without incident, barring Wild’s crazy idea to jump off Skyloft and land on a tiny, isolated island that floated on its rim. To Wild’s credit, he did land the jump, but a rescue knight immediately chewed him out and carried him back to the main island. Wild didn’t even look mad as he bragged to everyone that he “technically” rode a Loftwing, and Hyrule—once his own heart had recovered—enjoyed the horrified expressions he got when he added that Wild had jumped off of Skyloft right before his “flight”.

They both agreed to never tell Sky about the stunt for their own safety.

As their explorations crept on, though, Hyrule began to notice the one true downside of touring Skyloft, besides the possibility of falling off the edge. At least if he fell—as proven by Wild—he could count on the rescue knights to catch him, or he could make use of his fairy spell as a last resort. No, this was something he never could have accounted for.

Hyrule felt extremely dizzy. And quite a bit winded, too.

He'd first noticed it while sprawled in the cool grass with several of the cute, cat-like creatures Sky had called 'remlits'. The disorienting, pulsing sense of vertigo had hit him like a moblin as soon as he'd lain down, and even the purring remlits and flower-scented breeze couldn't distract him from his malaise.

For a while, he'd debated if he was simply allergic to these ancient felines. Maybe that was common for people outside of Skyloft? Wild, who'd been playing with the remlits beside him, seemed less affected, but still rubbed his forehead from time to time.

Hurule had almost convinced himself it was the remlits until he and Wild regrouped with the others and promptly discovered that Four had passed out from running around the island like an excited puppy. 

Ah, thin air, Hyrule realized as he watched Warriors help the dazed smithy back to his feet. That makes much more sense.

He rubbed his achy head, feeling rather sympathetic towards Sky and his own respiratory issues on the ground. Did Sky feel like this, or at least the inverse of it, all the time, or had he just gotten used to it? How quickly the symptoms had crept up on Hyrule after the adrenaline had worn off also threw him for a loop. Sudden breathing problems meant slowing down to assess the damage, and slowing down meant danger and—

The traveler blinked. Hyrule took as deep of a breath as he could and reminded himself that he was past those hard days. He was safe. His kingdom was better than ever. Old habits died hard, he supposed.

I guess I’m more like Sky than I thought, he realized with a sheepish flush. Hyrule resolved to be a little more understanding the next time Sky got into one of his "too slow" moods. 

At this point even Wind was, well, winded, and it was decided quite immediately that they would return to the Surface for supper. 

As they waited for Beedle, Hyrule flexed his fingers, wishing his magic could do something for air problems. Sky managed to catch his eye.

"Here," the Skyloftian smiled, handing Hyrule a shimmering, brilliant blue potion. "These used to just be for swimming, but we found that they help if you've been down on the Surface too long and get winded when returning to Skyloft. Can you help me pass some around before someone else passes out?" 

Hyrule took the potion and uncorked it, fascinated by the fizz of bubbles that flew to the surface with a hiss. He smiled back at Sky and clinked his bottle against the one in the Skyloftian's hand. "I'm at your service!"

"Good," said Sky, "because I think Warriors is about to eat dirt."

Hyrule laughed as Sky caught the swaying captain's shoulder and forced him to take some of the potion. Seeing that his fellow medic was being attended to, Hyrule glanced at the bottle in his own hands and, curious, took a sip.

The potion felt like breathing in a fresh gulp of air, and tasted of cool, clear, raspberry-tinted spring water with an added fizz. Almost instantly, most of the slog pulsing through his body went away, replaced by oxygen and sharper senses. 

Pleasantly surprised, he turned to the now upright captain and held up the bottle. "This stuff's amazing!"

"Yes, quite a medical marvel!" Warriors agreed. "Hard to come by in a war, but perfect for times like these. Oh, Traveler, give some of it to Time, won't you? He's over there acting stoic but I'd recognize that eye twitch anywhere. His stubborn head gets achy from time to time."

Hyrule skipped over to their leader, grinning unapologetically at the way Time frowned at Warriors. "Drink up, Old Man, Captain's orders."

Time's scowl turned playful as he took the bottle. "All this fuss over me. You'll turn me grey for real at this rate." He took a sip, his eyebrows quickly shooting up. "...This is quite pleasant."

"You're welcome," Warriors sing-songed.

After Sky and Hyrule finished passing around the air potions, it wasn't long before Beedle’s air shop arrived over the town. Refreshed and reenergized, it took little effort to climb the rope up to the shop again, and on the way down to the Surface, Hyrule found himself feeling much braver. He even watched the clouds pass by at the railing this time, brightly chatting with Four, Wind, and Wild about all the hidden caves and secrets they had discovered on the fantastical floating island.

As the sun began to turn the creamy clouds rosy, the air shop dipped down once again through the Cloud Barrier, falling gently towards the afternoon-kissed Surface.

>>><<< 

It took a little hustling, a little bustling, and getting lost once or twice in the richly forested Faron Woods, but by and by a campfire was lit outside Sky's house, and bedrolls and blankets were distributed throughout. 

Sky and Groose laughed as they raced each other to the fire, balancing an obscene number of small pumpkins on their heads. Hyrule felt a sense of pride when Sky won, especially since he'd been balancing the most pumpkins. 

Zelda had enlisted Twilight's help in carrying over a large pot to the fire, where he then set it up over the flames so she could begin on some rice. As Zelda stirred and Twilight stoked the fire, Warriors and Four made quick work of chopping the vegetables and herbs that would soon join the rice.

Hyrule grinned when Sky asked for his and Legend's help carving out the pumpkins scattered in the grass. With a practiced hand, the traveler cut open his allotted gourds with ease, and Legend didn't even have to step in once! Hyrule caught the veteran hero eyeing him anyway, but the high-five they shared when their task was complete sent Hyrule's spirit over the moon. 

Time and Wind sat alongside them, scooping out the pumpkin guts to save for soup stock for another day. They were getting messier and messier the more seeds they flicked at each other, beaming their matching, childlike smiles all the while.

Wild had a steady rhythm going in the meantime, taking up the gutted pumpkins and escorting them to the stove inside Sky's house. Zelda had given him a crash course in how to bake them, and each time a batch of finished pumpkins was returned to the campfire, the delicious, sweet, smokey smell in the air just got stronger.

Hyrule's mouth could have watered all of Lake Hylia by the time the food was done. Golden, steaming pumpkins filled with rice and vegetables sat tantalizingly before them all, but Hyrule restrained himself from snatching one just yet.

The Skyloftians were a reverent people, and very welcoming, at that. Sky, Zelda, and Groose motioned for the others to all join hands, and after a moment of silence, Zelda led them in a grace. Something about it, maybe Zelda's gleaming magical connection, maybe the promise in the words she spoke, warmed Hyrule's heart. It made him feel so thankful and blessed that he almost forgot about the meal.

Almost.

It didn't stop him from physically leaping to call dibs on the best-looking pumpkin the second the grace was completed, and oh was it worth it.

"This is heavenly," he sighed, mouth full of savory-sweet rice.

Sky grinned. "We did a good job making it together, didn't we? How do you rate it, cook?"

Wild had already finished half his bowl. "Golden. Perfect. I'm stealing this recipe, Sky." The champion danced a bit as he took another bite.

"Won't that create a paradox?" Time teased.

"Not if Sky promises to pass this dish down!" Four suggested. "I certainly will! We'll make stuffed pumpkins historic."

The rancher bit off a chunk of baked pumpkin and hummed in delight. "I'm all for more pumpkin recipes. 'Specially if they taste like this."

"We had a good harvest today," Zelda grinned. "And some cute cooks." 

She kissed Sky on the cheek, and Hyrule almost choked on his rice when she stole a spoonful of Sky's food right under his blushing nose. She's just as crafty as he is!

As Legend and Groose made faces at the flirting pair, Wind elbowed Hyrule, mouthing something akin to, "Made for each other". Hyrule had to agree.

Perhaps the lovebirds were getting too much for even Groose, for he soon glanced up at the dimming sunset, shoveled up the rest of his rice, and hopped to his feet. "All right kids, it's been fun, but the Groose has gotta fly!"

"Aww, Groose, you're leaving?" Zelda pouted.

Her disappointment almost swayed the burly knight, causing him to shift from foot to foot, but he steeled himself and nodded his head. "Yep! Sorry, got plans. Gotta see a girl about an item!"

Sky and Zelda instantly brightened. Together, they smirked, and let out a loud, intentionally irritating, "OOOoooOOH!"

"Yeah, yeah," Groose waved them off, ruffling Wind's hair as he walked away. "Keep that good head on your shoulders, kid! Don't let those goofballs drag ya down!"

"Aye aye," Wind saluted. 

"I hope you have an engaging experience!" Sky called out to him, eyes as mischievous as a cat’s.

"OH? What's that I hear? You volunteer to be my next test subject for the Groosenator? Why thank you, Link ol' buddy!"

"You know she's gonna say yes!!!" Zelda chimed in.

Groose stumbled, looking back at her in shock. "Wh—Link told you?!?"

Sky held up his hands. "Hey, she figured out what you’re up to on her own, I didn't squawk!"

"Sure!" Groose huffed, the sound not quite matching the giddy grin and blush covering his face. 

Sky and Zelda shouted more well-wishes until Groose disappeared around a cluster of trees on his way to the settlement.

Zelda leaned over to Sky. "Is he really asking her tonight?"

Sky grinned. "I actually have no idea, I just like teasing him about it."

Zelda shoved him and giggled into her pumpkin bowl.

"Sky, you're a menace!" Legend laughed, the sound all light and bubbly.

"And that surprises you?" Warriors smirked. Suddenly, the captain's eyes lit up, his face nearly as mischievous as Sky's. "Miss Zelda, that reminds me. Has anyone in our group told you about Sky's elevating experience riding an animal known as a horse?" 

"No???" Zelda blinked, leaning forward excitedly. "Do tell."

"Ah—hah—wait wait wait—" Sky floundered, unable to keep the story from spilling across the campfire in a wave of laughter.

Orange and pink became indigo blue as the stars took hold of the sky. Crickets chirped their melodies on the cool evening breeze, harmonizing with the chorus of rustling leaves and the crackling fire. Empty bowls and full bellies all sat peacefully together, finally resting from the excitement of the day. Compared to all the evenings Hyrule had experienced after terrible battles and taxing adventures, this was probably one of the most relaxing campfires he'd sat beside...

Especially when Zelda pulled out the harp from Sky's bag and began to play.

At first there was no tune. Random notes plucked into the air—likely Zelda getting a feeling for the instrument again after not playing it for a while. Sky set his arm around her shoulder as her notes steadily became more confident and unified. Then, she began practicing chords. The harmony of notes started to flow like a waterfall, down and up and down in a way that soothed all the heroes’ hearts.

Hyrule wasn't close to her musical level by any means, yet his fingers still itched for his recorder. He and a few other heroes might have grabbed their instruments, too, if Zelda didn't briefly put down her harp and begin to speak.

"So," she fiddled with her hair, "while you were away, Link, I... well I've sort of been working on something. To pass the time and... remind me of you." 

She bit her lip, focusing her gaze on the strings instead of on Sky, who looked upon her as if she were his entire world.

Zelda cleared her throat and sat up straighter. "So! I... I'd like to play it. Or at least try to. Maybe you all can give me your opinion." 

When her sheepish smile met the other heroes, Hyrule was struck by just how much she reminded him of the first princess he'd rescued, the girl who had later rescued him from a life of lonely wandering. Hyrule met her eye and gave her an encouraging nod. Zelda smiled back at him.

"Play for us, love," Sky murmured, and Zelda set her fingers on the strings.

Music filled the forest.

Hyrule's heart skipped a beat.

That—it couldn't be...

He glanced around at the other heroes to prove he wasn't crazy. Wonderstruck eyes met his, all eight of them realizing what song Zelda had just created.

It was slow, hesitant, and flux, with some foreign melodies mixed into the ancient rhythm just now brought into the world. Like a newborn, it floundered and soared with both uncoordinated steps and boundless potential, a potential wrapped up in the three notes that history would never dare to change:

E, G, D.

Mi, So, Re.

Zelda's Lullaby.

When Zelda's clear, angelic voice soothed his ears, dancing along with her harp, Hyrule couldn't help himself. He reached for his recorder and joined in with the parts he knew.

Sky and Zelda, the later of which faltered but kept up her music, glanced up in shock as one by one, the Links joined in. 

Time's clear, confident ocarina sang, Four and Warriors playing in soft harmony with him. Twilight and Wild joined their deep and light voices in kind. Wind kept time with his Wind Waker, the sound of distant chimes ringing on beat. Even Legend pulled out his very own harp, glancing at Zelda's fingers to lead him in the tune.

Sky and Zelda looked ready to cry. Holding her tightly, Sky buried his face in her hair, his own deeper register humming along to the melody he'd picked up. Together, they played as one mind, partaking in a tune nearly as old as time itself. It went unsaid how they all knew it, but it didn't take a genius to figure it out, and by the end of the song, Sky and Zelda were wrapped in a tight embrace. 

With the camp now quiet, and a few of them silently moving to clean up after dinner, Hyrule watched the people all around him with an awed feeling in his chest.

They were all different, it was true. No one looked at the moon like Time did, or the dusk like Twilight. No one else had Legend’s aches or Warriors's memories of war. Only Wild knew what it was like to be dead for a century. Only Four knew the feeling of splitting apart. Wind alone had experienced life at the mercy of a world of surf and tide.

But despite Sky's struggles with immigrating from Skyloft to the Surface, despite the slow growth from ruin to prosperity back in Hyrule's own time, despite all the differences between all their eras...

Songs like this persisted.

Courage and love persisted.

Time set a blanket around the exhausted lovebirds—the beginning of the royal family—and Hyrule laughed in amazement and how this evening could be so mundane and so important at the same time.

He watched his brothers joke and sneak around the dozing pair like the young adults they were, smiling as all beings did no matter their era or race.

For everything that seems strange and unnatural, different and wonderful...

Hyrule glanced up at the Triforce, finally feeling a sense of peace at its golden light,

...So many things remain the same.

>>><<< 

Sky awoke to the chirrup of crickets and a soft breath on his cheek. 

Dazed, unsure of just what had woken him, he blinked at the doused fire at his feet. A few dark blobs marked the bodies of the heroes who had chosen to remain outside for the night, each, like Sky, wearing a blanket to ward off the mild chill.

Blearily, Sky frowned down at where he sat propped against a tree. When had this blanket gotten around him? Where was...

Zelda's breath brushed his face again as she curled closer into his side. Sky's heart fluttered. 

Oh. Right. My era.

Sky sunk back into her presence, letting his heavy eyes close over the sight of a distant shooting star.

"...You said they were all named Zelda?" 

"Hzzzmm?" Sky slurred, trying to comprehend Zelda's sudden question. "Oh. Mm-hmm. Most. 'Cept Tetra."

"Like a tradition..." Zelda breathed out. Her words carried some sort of weight that Sky was too tired to understand. She was silent for a while after that, long enough that Sky almost fell back asleep, until she took another breath to speak.

"So our daughter could be a Zelda too?"

That got Sky up. "H-Huh???"

"Shh, it was only a question," Zelda brought his head back down onto hers. "I mean, after the wedding. When we have babies? If one's a girl... Zelda. It seems strange, but fits, too. Maybe... maybe Zel, or Zellie? That one's cute..."

Sky wished he was more lucid so he could better appreciate this line of thought. Lightly, he kissed her head and drew her closer. "'S perfect."

"Zellie... we'll need a crib and things for her..."

"I'll build us some."

"And clothes... I bet my father's still got all of mine from when I was little."

"Don't doubt it, he's a sentimental guy."

"Mmmhmm... that leaves something from me then."

Sky bumped her forehead with his nose. "Like being a good, strong mother? M'think you'll have that covered."

"That's sweet," she blushed. "But it should be something... more." She reached her arm around him, fingers brushing the rim of the harp that had fallen beside them. "Link... I think…” She pulled the harp into her lap, cradling it close with a yearning so strong that Sky could physically feel it. She smiled breathlessly.

"…I think want to give her our song."

Sky felt his chest burst open like an egg, too full of love to stop the emotion from flooding through his body. Feeling it accumulate in his eyes, he blinked rapidly and hid his face in Zelda's shoulder. 

"Oh Zelda," he whispered to her tenderly. "Somehow it feels like it was hers all along."

"And it's a lullaby..."

"For our little princess."

"Zellie, or Zelda."

Sky met her lips and kissed her slowly, sleepily drinking in the moment. It felt like a cornerstone of his world had just shifted into place. He pulled back after a while and smiled at her. "S'perfect. You're perfect."

"W-well I definitely don't know about that," she flushed. "But this moment right here?" She sighed against his chest, hugging him tightly. "It feels pretty perfect to me."

Sky melted into her embrace, already feeling himself drifting into sweet dreams. Strange new worlds, unknown futures... they didn't worry him as much as they once did. In his half-lucid state, he could have sworn he saw them: the princesses that his brothers held dear, all their triumphs over evil and their smiles in the end. Knowing, trusting the heroes of all those eras like he did now, Sky had no doubt that his descendants—his and Zelda's, he thought giddily—would be well looked after.

The future would come as it would, and together, they would meet it. Never mind curses or mistakes. The Surface was a place of boundless opportunity and new life, all of it sitting before them to pursue at their own pace. And now Sky had witnessed the promise that one day, far, far in the future, despite hardships and war, the land would still be standing in the light.

The nighttime sounds whispered a soft, natural lullaby to Sky and his beloved, soothing the Skyloftians into a deep, peaceful sleep.

Tomorrow, he knew, would be another grand adventure.

>>><<<

End of Fic!

Masterlist | First | Chapter 12

Author's Note: Here we are at last! Thank you all again, this journey through the cultures of the Surface and the Sky has been SO much fun, and it's been made even more exciting by all of you tagging along for the ride! It's on to other Zelda art and stories from here, and you can expect my love of Linked Universe and Skyward Sword to permeate it, ha! Cheers, y'all!

As a bonus, here's what the others were up to in Skyloft:

Warriors: Made a beeline for the Sparing Hall ever since hearing about it from Sky's peers, and made fast friends with Eagus. He even grabbed some great tips for teaching others sword techniques. Then he went to sit in the shade and pet a remlit after feeling the thin air start to hit him hard (he used up his air on sword drills, poor guy).

Wind: Followed Wars to the Knight Academy but broke off to find Owlan, as per Sky's suggestion. Wind asked him all about Loftwings and gained a LOT of info from the instructor, and the more he learned the more his fear left and his admiration grew. Afterwards he explored a bit and ended up playing random games with the Skyloftian kids in the Plaza (and kept an eye on Warriors).

Four: Ran around like a crazy person, exploring everywhere and investigating everything. He would have joined Hyrule and Wild but they didn't share his desire to talk to every single townsperson about all they knew/had lived. He dragged Legend around for a bit before wandering by himself, maybe finding some Sky Minish, and breaking into the Knight Academy library. After running around some old ruins he passed out right in front of Warriors from the thin air.

Legend: Started tailing Four but couldn't/didn't want to keep up, and trusted the smith could handle himself. Legend also talked with several Skyloftians but in a more pleasant, casual way, and poked around in the market for a bit (he enjoyed haggling with Rupin and getting on his nerves maybe a little too much). He ended up joining Wind and playing a few games with the Skyloftian kids.

Twilight: Made it his one and only mission to pet every remlit on Skyloft. He amassed a remlit army, and for a while became their favorite Hylian, much to his delight. After having his heart stopped for the 50th time when Sky demonstrated that remlits could fly (why would you explain that only after you've thrown the cat off Skyloft, Sky?!?), he did enjoy tossing them directly up in the air and catching them as they floated down to him. Later he joined up with Time and tried some of Piper's soup in the Bazaar, and they both marveled at how rich it tasted even without dairy.

Time: Went for a peaceful walk as Twilight cooed over the remlits, taking in the quiet wind and gentle atmosphere. He enjoyed people watching for a while, and was the only one of their group to catch a glimpse of where Sky and Zelda had snuck off too after they'd given everyone a tour, much to his amusement. He got roped into helping carry some barrels and doing other odd jobs along with Twilight before they both ended up getting a snack at the Bazaar.

Sky and Zelda: After showing everyone around, laying some ground rules, and letting them split off to explore, the couple quickly found a secluded spot near the eastern windmill to smooch each other silly Ahem, I mean, appreciate being back in their childhood home again. >u< They then went to check up on Gaepora and had a lovely reunion with him as Link caught him up to speed on his adventures =)

Thanks again for reading!!! <3

Extra Note: I am a children’s book/family friendly author, so please keep all comments Safe For Work (no swearing please!) I want to do my best to make this a place for everyone. Cheers!

At about noon, according to what the Chain had discussed before splitting up, the trio gathered at the edge of town to wait for the others to return from their misadventures. 

Hyrule and Wild came scrambling towards them first, covered in dirt and swearing up and down that they'd seen moving, living bushes in the woods. Legend, following close behind with a much cleaner tunic and a smirk, refused to elaborate.

Time of all people ended up proving them right when he appeared with one of the skittish, very real creatures clinging to his head like a lopsided, leafy hat.

Is that a mammal or bird underneath that plant tail? Four marveled, failing to make sense of the odd specimen.

Wild snapped a photo for "scientific evidence only." Fortunately for the champion, Time was too busy trying to dissuade Twilight from taking the plant creature home to tell Wild to delete the picture.

Four chuckled to himself as his team descended into chaos, deciding to turn his attention back to the young settlement around him. It felt surreal, experiencing history in this way. Everything was so familiar and foreign all at once here. It was like something straight out of a fairy tale, but so much more... alive. Through the hustle and bustle of the young folk and their work, there was a buzzing excitement, a windswept thrill at being a part of a project so new. Four understood the feeling.

This was the birth of his homeland. Many, MANY generations before him, or course, but it was a privilege to witness all the same.

Last to rejoin the motley crew of heroes were Sky and Zelda, strolling towards them with their hands entwined. To Four's relief, they looked incredibly at ease, the light in their eyes shining much brighter than it had when the dangers of the Triforce were being discussed.

Four felt a pang of guilt at that. Like Wild, he'd never really encountered the real Triforce, just seen it in storybooks or on his shield. Though he knew it was powerful, and dangerous to leave unguarded, the cloudy, suffocating heaviness that had dragged down the Skyloftians as they'd spoken about the relic had been heartbreaking.

That weight was eased now, and as Sky and Zelda greeted the group, their combined life force seemed to shine in tune with the magic of the land itself. I suppose being with the one you love most will do that, Four smiled wistfully.

"I had a feeling you'd all be here," Zelda smiled warmly. She nudged Sky. "We have a surprise for you."

"Not another earth-shattering revelation, I hope?" said Hyrule, flashing a slightly nervous grin.

"No," Sky said gently. "At least I hope not. We want to take you to Skyloft."

Four thought his brain must have stalled for a moment. "Skyloft?" he squeaked, embarrassed by the childlike emotion in his voice. "The Skyloft?"

"Well, you didn't think we'd visit my era and be stuck on the Surface the whole time, did you?" Sky teased, tilting his head with a knowing smile.

Four's face flushed as his words jammed in his throat, several different replies coming to mind all at once and gumming up his brain.

Thankfully, the captain came to his rescue. "And just how do you propose we all get there?" Warriors asked.

"The Groosenator?!? Wind guessed with far too much excitement.

Zelda laughed as Sky made a mildly terrified noise, and she quickly shook her head. "No no no, we have a much... gentler approach in mind. It's how we've been transporting large groups of goods and people between the Surface and the sky all these years."

As if on cue, the clanking of wooden gears broke through the clouds above them. With inexplicable grace, a great wooden platform descended towards the ground, supported by two enormous, sturdy propellers. A large bell swayed gently from below the structure, prompting the gathered Hylians to scramble back to witness the descent of the beautifully odd contraption.

"What is that?" Twilight asked.

Sky smirked. "I believe a few of you have mentioned a merchant by the reputable family name of 'Beedle'?"

Wind's eyes went wide. "No way."

"Yours can fly?!?" Wild shouted.

"Yours can't?" Sky grinned. 

The structure lowered enough for the Links to see a warmly colored hut built onto the top of the platform. A large deck and wooden railing extended from it at all sides, offering plenty of space for passengers to stand. With far more grace than Four had expected, it finally settled onto a boarding platform in the grassy clearing, its spinning propellers coming to a gentle halt.

Four stared in disbelief. Disbelief at the familiar merchant's name, disbelief at this... contraption that had descended from the heavens, but most of all, disbelief that he wasn't dreaming when Sky motioned for them to hop aboard and visit his birthplace in the sky. 

Not the Cloud Tops, nor the Tower or even Palace of Winds. 

Skyloft.

Hylia's risen land itself. 

Four barely dared to breathe as he scrambled to catch up with the other heroes boarding the floating shop.

"Heeeyyy, Beedle!" Sky called through the open doorway of the hut. "Got a few passengers for you!"

"OH!" came a shockingly familiar call. "Welcome back, Link! And did you say you brought customers? Come in! Come in!" 

Four poked his head into the shop and felt his jaw fall open. The lean man behind the counter bore an uncanny resemblance to the merchant of the same name from Four's era. There were a few small differences here and there, but the similarity was baffling, even for a family ancestor.

Beedle genes must run strong, Four thought with wonder.

This era's Beedle had just been perched on some sort of foot-peddled device. Gingerly, the man had dismounted, squatting and stretching his legs with a huff. He pulled out a green potion that Four recognized as a stamina potion, and on further inspection, Four noticed that the man was covered in sweat.

"Have you been... powering this entire building yourself?" the smithy asked in disbelief.

A few other Links who had also crowded the doorway made several awed and confused noises behind him.

Beedle finished the potion and gave them an eager salute. "Of COURSE! There's no other shop that takes its wears to you, is there? And no better way to do so than some good ol' fashioned elbow grease. Isn't that right, ol' bug?"

It took a moment to realize he was speaking to Sky. Skyloftian phrasing, maybe? Four noted in his head. Or is it just Beedle? How odd... The smith blinked. Wow. I really am a nerd. Four thanked every goddess above that Sky couldn't read his mind.

"Beedle here works as hard as anyone. He's even made a lot of modifications to his shop lately, to help the settlement efforts," Sky gestured around the item-filled room. "It used to be a lot smaller."

"But now, we sport a new and improved, gen-u-ine layout, complete with a beautiful wrap-around deck, plenty of storage, and even more items from the wonders of the Surface itself!" Beedle spread his hands and hopped back onto the machine behind the counter. "Free trips to Skyloft for non-flyers, but take a look at the wares, mates. Every rupee counts."

Wind, Wild, and Hyrule took that as a personal invitation to browse, but Four was still stuck on the peddle machine. He pointed it out. "And you control the whole shop with that wee thing there?"

"Ah-ha! Yes indeed, it's all in the mechanics, fledgling! New breakthroughs seem to be brought about every day by discoveries down here! I now peddle her with twice the ease, and twice the power!!!" Beedle grinned and triumphantly shook his fist.

Sky leaned over to Four on his way back out the door. "Beedle, Groose, and Gondo have a sort of 'innovators guild' going on," he explained. "They come up with some cool stuff, you'd like it."

Four grinned at the prospect. "That sounds grand."

Beedle rolled his shoulders, doing one final stretch before clapping his hands. "Ready for lift off, then?"

Four looked back to see Sky gently removing the trembling bush creature from Time's head, speaking softly to it, and setting it in the grass to scamper off into the trees. Twilight pouted as it went.

Now free of his burden, Time did a headcount, and nodded to Sky and the merchant. "All accounted for. We're ready."

"EXCELLENT!" Beedle cheered. "And AWAY WE GO!"

Eight Links scrambled for a handhold as the air shop whirred into motion. The floorboards rumbled as the overhead propellers began to spin, faster and faster, until the platform they stood upon began to rise back into the air.

Sky and Zelda, having grabbed onto the railing and each other before the launch, smiled at their guests with knowing expressions. 

Four scrunched his nose at the knight teasingly. Show off.

The higher they went, the more their view was obstructed by the mist of clouds. The ground was getting harder to make out, their destination even more so. 

They'd reached the Cloud Barrier.

Likely noticing just how high up they were, Hyrule pressed his back to the wall of the central hut, sliding down to sit on the floor with a gulp. Time sat beside him casually.

"Not a fan of heights?" their leader asked softly.

"Can't say I'm the biggest fan, no," said Hyrule, his smile thin.

"If it helps," Four said from his place against the rail, "from the stories I heard, Skyloft is just as sturdy as the land we were born on."

"That... may be true," Hyrule shrugged, but didn't quite look convinced. "It's still a long way up... and I miss the ground..."

Time patted the traveler's shoulder. "Courage comes in many forms. You're doing fine."

Hyrule seemed more at ease after hearing that, even as he continued to watch the mist around him with distrust.

"So, what do you think Skyloft really looks like, then? Since someone somewhere refuses to tell us the details." Legend scowled playfully at Sky, who simply tapped his own nose and kept his mouth shut. Zelda laughed silently beside him.

Four shrugged. "Ah... a floating piece of land with a settlement, I suppose?"

"Well yeah, Sky's said at least that much," Legend shook his head. "What I want to know is how it floats."

"Octo balloons? Or maybe a really strong hurricane?" Wind suggested, leaning halfway over the railing. Warriors made a quiet yelp and pulled the sailor back.

"The one time I visited a sky settlement, the creatures that lived there had giant propellers on the bottoms of their floating buildings," Twilight hummed, tapping his fingers on the rail. "Could that be it?"

"Your guess is as good as mine, Rancher," said Four. "The sky places I've been to were either magic clouds and platforms atop the Cloud Barrier itself, or a tower that just sort of... hung there, all on its own. But Skyloft is supposed to be higher up than even those."

"Great," huffed Hyrule.

Wild also looked very put-out, but for a different reason entirely. 

"Ugh," groaned the champion. "I wish my era had sky islands. This is just unfair!" 

Twilight shuddered. "Why do I get the feeling you'd go skydiving off the highest one the first chance you got?"

"Because I would and it would be awesome!"

In the corner of his eye, Four saw Sky and Zelda lock eyes. Warm amusement colored their faces in mirth, and Four smiled, looking away to give them privacy. 

His own daydreams conjured up a small memory of strawberry blonde hair tied back in a pretty bow.

Almost immediately, Four was jerked from his romantic distractions as the air shop shuddered beneath him. Something in the mechanism clicked, and a smaller propeller on the side of the air shop began to spin, moving the platform laterally instead of simply up into the air.

All at once, the sky lightened into gold.

With a feeling like breaking the surface of the sea, the air shop cut through the final layer of the Cloud Barrier into the upper sky. The atmosphere was bathed in warmth from a sun just past noon, coloring the billowing clouds in all shades of pink, yellow, and blue. And the sky itself—Four had never seen it so blue. Even his own trips above Hyrule had lacked the undercurrent of rich color and light that permeated every inch of this sky. 

Four laughed, the icy taste of thin air making him extra giddy. Even now he could see small dots of floating islands in the distance. There was no doubt in his mind: this was too real to be a dream. He was going to see Skyloft.

Wind cheered and whooped beside him, the sun turning his wavy hair blindingly yellow. His face was fixed in a huge grin as he ran across the shop's deck, taking in the sky as quickly and energetically as possible. 

"It's like the GREAT SEA!!!" laughed the sailor.

Wild ran alongside him, just as awed by the view. Four wondered for a moment if they'd both snuck some of Beedle’s stamina potion, but he quickly banished the thought at the sight of the rest of his team.

Warriors had a rare, childlike smile on his face as he stuck his hand out to graze a nearby golden cloud. Legend spun in circles with a lopsided grin, head faced skyward. Twilight caught the vet by the shoulders when Legend made himself dizzy, laughing with the younger hero as Legend untangled himself from the rancher. Even Hyrule stood as if in a daze, breathing in the soaring feeling of magic and natural wonder with Time just behind him, doing the same.

"I have to admit," Warriors breathed out an awed laugh, "this has far exceeded my expectations, Sky."

"You haven't seen anything yet," said the Chosen Hero. He looked positively full of life, watching his brothers with the sparkling eyes of a man proud of his homeland. 

Zelda looked just as radiant beside him. "Yeah! Wait until you see—"

She paused mid-sentence. Sky and Zelda froze at the same time, ears pricked as if listening for something far away. An odd expression crossed their faces, not unlike the one that Zelda wore when she spoke the words of Hylia. But when the two of them locked eyes again, their chests lifting with anticipation and excitement, Four knew this was about something else entirely. 

Sky became teary-eyed by whatever realization had just crossed between him and his fiancée. They leaned together in a quick, hushed conversation, took one last glance at the clouds, then hurried to the part of the air shop's deck that was missing a railing.

In tandem, they turned back to the other heroes, twining their hands together.

"Sky? What's going on?" Time asked.

The Chosen Hero's eyes twinkled. He wore that poorly disguised grin that always came before one of his cheeky comments, and tilted his head. "Keep an eye on everyone, Old Man," he winked.

"We'll meet you on Skyloft."

Then Sky and Zelda jumped.

For a second that felt like an hour, the heroes were stunned into silence. The space where the couple had just been standing was now empty air, choked confusion and hollow wind the only sounds to be heard in the vastness of the upper sky. Four's heart began to pound as he grasped, scrambled for any logical explanation for what he had just witnessed, because surely, surely he had not just seen the start of the entire royal family line just jump off the side of a—

SSSSHHREEEEEEE!

Crimson and indigo blurs shot into the sky on a gust of wind. Feathers bloomed in the light as two giant birds unfurled their great wings, stretching their curved beaks in ear-splitting cries of joy. 

Atop their backs, looking more alive than they'd ever been, Sky and Zelda whooped and hollered with just as much gusto as their birds.

These, then, were Loftwings.

Four's breath left him as the birds spun tight corkscrews in the air, sweeping their riders even higher into the clouds. With the grace of songbirds and power of eagles, the great beasts looped and swirled, painting the clouds with the vibrant colors of their plumage. 

Soaring to a point high above the little air shop, the birds stalled, flipped, and tumbled into a playful dive. Several heroes cried out as the Skyloftians gleefully dove off their birds, free falling through the air like they were born with wings of their own. Sky and Zelda even grasped hands, pulling each other in and out, and spinning as if they were dancing. Their wide smiles must have been filled with laughter, but their voices were lost to the rush of the fall.

Air buffered Four's face and blew back his hair as the birds and Skyloftians sped past the platform once more. The smithy raced to the rail to catch a glimpse of where they'd gone, and didn't have to wait long before someone behind him gasped.

Turning around, he was shocked to see Zelda standing on her Loftwing, her hair flowing like feathers as she balanced with years of practiced ease. She caught them staring and waved, doing a quick spin and giving them all heart attacks. No sooner had she settled back onto her bird in what Four presumed was the normal position did another rush of wind hit him from behind.

The powerful wings of Sky's magnificent bird flapped and soared to the rhythm of the air shop's propellers. When Four finally tore his eyes away from the beast, he was taken aback by the freedom written all over Sky's face.

The Chosen Hero sat with his arms flung wide, eyes shut tightly and mouth open in a huge, permanent smile. His chest rose like he couldn't contain the emotions inside it, so instead, he released them to the air, belting out an enormous cry of elation. His long, whooping yell was echoed by his Crimson, who danced his talons through the air like a prancing horse.

Sky's hands tightened to fists. He looked so... free, Four realized. The young smith was no longer looking upon the great hero of his myths and fairy tales. Here was a young man, barely out of his boyhood, who's greatest joys were his loved ones and the feeling of the wind blowing through his feathery hair. Here, in the upper sky, he was Link, of Skyloft. A man brought to pinprick tears by flying on his Loftwing again.

He was just Link. And he was home.

And Four knew exactly what a wondrous feeling that was.

A shadow passed overhead. Four and the others glanced up to see Zelda guide her bird over the air shop and above Sky. She hovered there for only a moment before slipping off her bird and right into Sky's arms. He grunted, and Crimson squawked a complaint at the sudden weight, but Sky fell into lovesick laughter just as quickly, and drew his beloved tightly to his chest. Zelda's Loftwing made a noise that almost sounded like laughter, too.

Like leaves on a gentle breeze, the Loftwings and Skyloftians began to drift away from the platform, losing themselves in their reunion. Four smirked as Sky and Zelda began to share an especially tender kiss.

"When I catch that boy..." Twilight said shakily.

Warriors's laugh was slightly hysterical as he pulled his fingers through his hair. "Of course. Now it makes sense why he tried to jump the horse."

Four snorted out a laugh he couldn't keep contained. It did make sense. To Sky, horses must have seemed like four-legged Loftwings, at least until he'd eaten dirt by falling off Epona.

"Jealous... so jealous..." Wild mumbled quietly.

Wind watched the birds in stunned silence from behind the champion's back.

"You know what, Wild?" said Legend, leaning on the railing. "I’ll admit it. I’m jealous too, actually."

"It's why they're not afraid to fall," Hyrule realized. He held on to Time a bit more loosely than before. "They know their birds will catch them if they do. That's... wow."

"Inspiring is the word you're looking for, I believe," Time said, watching the Skyloftians soar. His eye, which had been so grey and troubled before, now held a soft and subtle fondness.

Four wondered if he was thinking of Malon.

Link and Zelda, childhood friends... the smithy quickly turned his face away to hide his small blush from the others.

He really, really missed his own princess.

Trying to distract himself by finding any clouds that didn't remind him of bows, crowns, or hearts, Four caught a glimpse of something else in the sky. 

"Hey, look!" he shouted, pointing into the clouds ahead.

The heroes rushed to the railing beside him. As if by magic, a large cloud that had been hanging in the air shop's path began to disperse. Like a curtain being drawn away to reveal a stage, the cloud parted, and the heroes gasped.

A flock of Loftwings lifted into the air, dressed in all the colors under the sun. Just beyond the parade of feathers, an impossible island hung in mid-air, and atop its colorful stone and foliage sprawled the beautiful town known as Skyloft.

Four exhaled in delight to find it a quaint, familiar place, all the earthy buildings looking closer to the ones he'd known back home, rather than some collection of strange and ancient ruins. It was awash in light and surprisingly lively, with several Skyloftians still bustling about their day on the isle of their homeland. The smithy nodded to himself. Really, it was foolish to have expected anything else. This place felt exactly like Sky.

The nearby caw of a Loftwing drew his gaze upward. Three new birds had appeared in the air above him, all dressed in goggles that matched the Skyloftian knights atop their backs. The riders waved, one even shouting a greeting to Sky and Zelda, before falling into formation to the left, right, and just behind the air shop. 

Wind had gone a little pale, but Four appreciated the riders’ gesture. It was like Hyrule had surmised. The birds would catch anyone should he be foolish enough to jump.

Good news for Wild, Four thought, grinning at the way Twilight watched the champion like a hawk.

It wasn't very long before the air shop descended again, making its way to a large, cobblestone clearing nearby a large tower and what seemed to be a Skyloftian bazaar. The shop paused about ten feet above the ground.

Wooden gears clunked again as a rope was lowered the rest of the way down. 

"Hurry along down the rope, bugs!" called Beedle from within the hut. "I've got some other errands to run and you're all beginning to get QUITE heavy!"

"O-of course," Time called back, ushering the rest of them off the platform. "Thank you for the lift."

"And the spare adventure pouch!" added Hyrule.

"And the bug net!" Wild chorused.

"And the extra wallet!" Wind laughed.

"How much did you all buy?" Warriors murmured as he shook his head. His question went completely ignored.

"THANK YOU!" Beedle cheered as they slipped down the rope. "Pleasure doing business with you. Come again, bugs!"

When the last of their crew had his feet firmly set on Skyloft, Beedle’s peculiar shop rattled and lifted away like a dandelion seed in the wind. 

"We're actually on a floating island," the sailor said after a moment, voice quivering in awe. "A real, floating island!"

Wild jumped up and down. "Solid ground, too. No bounce or tilt—that's amazing!"

"And reassuring," Hyrule grinned shakily.

Legend patted his shoulder. "Aww, chin up, Traveler. You'll find something fun to do here." 

"And we won't have to worry about you wandering off the island," Time smirked.

Twilight shook his head good-naturedly, gazing out at the island around them. "Somehow he and Wild would find a way."

"Air's a bit thin, though, isn't it?" said Warriors, adjusting his scarf around his neck. "That could be a problem for us in the long run."

"Doesn't make this place any less beautiful," Four whispered, too enraptured by the site of the town to mind his shallower breaths.

Paper pinwheels shaped like pastel flowers spun playfully above the heroes, each decoration done up on long strings that trailed over to a magnificent bazaar. The building was quite the sight, made up of colorful striped stones and topped with flapping pink drapery. The sky trees, the impossible waterfall that slipped off the island but never went dry, and the impressive, elegant stone tower that stood beside them to welcome new arrivals… taking it all in at once felt like visiting a dream. Even the colorful homes built directly into the ground, complete with grassy, curved roofs, were hard to tear one’s eye from.

That is, until Four heard a shout.

Four glanced up just in time to watch Sky leap off his bird right above them. However, instead of diving with him, Crimson flew off into another circle. At that speed, that angle—the bird would never catch him in time!

Four's cry was drowned out by the cacophony of other shouts from his team, Sky hurtling closer and closer to the hard, cold cobblestones every second. Twenty, fifteen, ten feet, and then—!

Woosh!

Four grasped his heart in relief. He'd completely forgotten about the sailcloth.

Grinning like he hadn't just administered eight separate heart attacks, Sky drifted gently downward, holding tightly to the cream and blue sail that had caught the air to slow his fall. He landed in the center of the cobblestone clearing and was immediately tackled by Wild.

"That was AWESOME, Sky!!!!" cheered the champion, grabbing his shoulders.

Sky laughed as he was shaken back and forth. "Thanks, thanks! Just a typical Loftwing stunt."

"When do I get to try?" Wild grinned.

Sky balked. "H-huh?"

"C'mon, I can handle it! I paraglide! I've ridden beasts no one's dared to tame back in my Hyrule! Let me ride a Loftwing!"

 Sky laughed and held up his hands. "Hang on, hang on Wild, that's not—You can't just ride a Loftwing with no experience!"

"But you rode a horse!"

"Yeah! But horses and Loftwings aren't..." For the briefest moment, something somber passed Sky's face before the Skyloftian covered it with a smile. "Horses can sense your touch and some of your emotions. Loftwings sense you. All of you, wherever you are, and vice versa, but only if you're the chosen rider. Without that connection, it's much harder to communicate with one, and if you fell? If your borrowed Loftwing couldn't sense you because you’re not its true rider?" Sky shivered. 

"So...?" Wild bit his lip, still hopeful.

"So, uh, no riding lessons today I'm afraid," said Sky.

"Rrrrr," Wild turned in a circle. "Unfair! Unfair, I'm still jealous and this is unfair!"

Warriors blew out a sharp breath. "You're going to give Twilight and me grey hairs, Chosen Hero! And you too, Wild."

"Sorry?" Sky shrugged, not sorry in the slightest.

"What about Time's hair?" Four asked, glancing at the way the older night scanned Sky for injury.

"His hair's already grey."

Time cuffed Warriors in the head. The captain laughed.

The flapping of great wings signaled the arrival of Zelda and her Loftwing above them. The pair landed much more gracefully than Sky, the indigo bird touching her talons down lightly atop the cobblestone. Zelda slipped off her mount with ease. 

"Nice dive, sweetie!" she said, skipping up to her fiancé.

Four almost snorted as he watched Sky puff out his chest like a proud cucco rooster. "Glad to hear it meets your standards, love," the knight grinned, drawing her in and planting a lingering kiss on her cheek.

"Ugh," Legend groaned with his head in his hands. "If they keep flirting I think I'll die."

Hyrule elbowed him and murmured something Four didn't catch about the royal family and "your princess". Legend went pink and shoved him.

An enormous, shrill cry suddenly shook the sky as a rush of crimson swooped at the huddle of heroes. Sky's bird shrieked, sharp talons and beak spread wide as he careened towards the ground, not bothering to slow himself down as the monster-sized bird roughly hit the stone and started to run. The heroes stepped out of his way in a hurry.

Wind in particular grasped onto Four's arm like he'd die if he let go. Four's heart bled when he saw the deep terror—deep memories—in the sailor's eyes. He covered Wind's hand in his own.

Sky, meanwhile, was completely bowled over in a burst of excited feathers.

"AGH, CRIMSON, HEY, HEH-HEH-HEY, WATCH IT, BUDDY!"

Sky lost himself to a fit of childish laughter as his bird nuzzled him, nearly being thrown into the air with the force of the giant, shoe-shaped beak. Sky ran, delighted as his bird gave chase, and practically skipped like a deer as he dodged and slipped away from the aggressive affection of his feathery half. Crimson, however, was not to be outdone. The bird leapt into the air and grabbed Sky's arms, lifting him like a child playing with a toy. Sky wheeled his legs uselessly in the air.

"Crimsoooooooon!" Sky yelled in delight. "Let me down boy, you caught me, you win! Hahahahaha!"

Pleased to have won their odd little game, the bird set Sky down incredibly gently. Crimson alighted on the stones, and just as Sky had skipped before, the bird pranced, hopping like a newborn foal towards his beloved rider. Reverently, the bird and Sky dipped their heads together.

Crimson let out a tiny, crooning noise, something between a hawk's cry and a whisper, and pressed his face lovingly against Sky's chest. Sky's laughter turned a bit teary at the gesture, and he hugged Crimson's head tightly, burying his face in the crown of plumage atop the bird's head.

"I missed you, buddy," came Sky's muffled, watery voice. "I-I missed you so much."

Zelda watched them with a bittersweet smile, nuzzling against her own Loftwing when the indigo bird draped her beak over Zelda's shoulder.

Twilight let out a long, deep sigh. "All right, Sky. You win." His eyes twinkled. "I think I understand the crazy behavior now."

Sky laughed wetly, still clinging to Crimson. "Sorry if I scared you, Rancher."

"Nah," Twilight waved his hand. "If anything, I think you proved you can handle yourself."

"That's a magnificent bird, that is," murmured Four, feeling his feet drift closer all on their own as he studied the creature.

To his dismay, Wind released him as soon as he moved, silently stepping back and wedging himself between Time and Twilight. The older heroes shared a look of worry, but huddled closer to the sailor all the same.

"He is pretty great," Sky agreed, still wrapped around his bird. "Just don't tell him that, he'll get a big head—OOF!"

Sky giggled as Crimson shoved him. The bird then cawed in protest, and began rapidly nibbling on Sky's hair.

"Ah. And here we go, with the preening." Sky looked at Time, arching a brow. "Told you they do this."

Time surprised everyone with a deep, bouncing laugh. "I can see that now, yes. You have a way with large beasts, Sky." 

Sky smiled softly at their leader, an olive branch seeming to pass between them. Sky buried his face in Crimson's feathers again.

Warriors smirked. "I can't help but wonder how he and Epona would get along."

"Maybe we can summon her and find out!" said Hyrule, already reaching for his recorder.

Twilight shot out his hand to stop him. "Ah, no, thanks. I'd like to keep my horse cozy in a stable and not stuck on a sky island, magic or no magic."

Four held back a laugh at Hyrule's small "Aww", but his joy fell away when he noticed the sailor. 

Something in Time's laugh must have shaken Wind to his senses, because when Four glanced at him, the sailor's face was set in a firm, determined scowl.

Wind stepped forward, inch by inch, his fists shaking at his sides. This time, Sky noticed his distress.

"Sailor?" Sky asked.

The boy gulped like he was trying to swallow all his fear at once, and he plastered a brave smile on his face. "N-no... I-I-I can do it... it's... just like the horse. Just like Epona. I can do it. I-"

The Loftwing shifted, and Wind froze, his pinched brow faltering as another wave of fear took hold. His hand twitched, as if itching for his Phantom Blade.

Warriors stepped closer to him. "What's wrong, Wind?"

Wind's breath shuddered as he tried to regain his composure.

"It looks like a kargarok."

A wave of understanding and empathy rippled through the heroes, and Sky whispered an explanation to a worried Zelda.

Of course, Four thought, kicking himself for not remembering sooner. A kargarok once took away his little sister.

Wind scowled at what he must have seen as pity. "It's stupid! I know it's stupid. Aryll's fine now, I know Sky's bird isn't evil, it's just—!"

Wind flinched as Crimson moved again, but this time, the bird closed his eyes and bowed his head, stretching out his long neck towards the ground.

Sky and Zelda gasped. Sky looked between his Loftwing and Wind, the later looking slightly confused. 

"Wind," Sky nearly whispered, "he's asking for your trust."

"H-huh?"

"That's a very vulnerable position," Zelda explained. "He's completely at your mercy. That's... that's unheard of for anyone who isn't the Loftwing's own rider."

All the worry lines in Sky's face softened. "He can sense our connection," said the Skyloftian. "He knows you're all my brothers. And he knows you need to have a reason to trust him, Wind."

The sailor's shoulders dropped. He studied the Loftwing again with confused eyes, scanning the crimson feathers for any sign of a trick. Finding none, and suddenly looking very dazed, Wind looked back at Sky. 

"So... w-what does it want me to do?" the sailor asked quietly.

Sky walked around Crimson so he could stand next to Wind. Gently, he lowered himself into a bow. "Offer him the same trust he's showing you," said the knight.

Wind hesitated. He looked back at Crimson, still stretched out above the stones, then back at Sky. Slowly, unsure of his own body, Wind dipped his torso to copy Sky, and put his full attention on the Loftwing.

"Promise... not to hurt me or my friends, ok? I... promise I won't harm you, either."

Crimson opened his bright yellow eyes, studying the sailor through half-lids. Another crooning whisper came from his throat as he slowly raised his head, stopping his beak an inch from Wind's chest.

Sky took the sailor’s hand and placed it atop Crimson's beak. The bird sighed softly.

Wind's breath came out in a shudder. "W-whoa..."

"There you go! There's that brave sailor I know!" Warriors cheered, along with several of the others.

Sky patted him on the back. "Good job, Wind!" 

To their delight, Wind began to smile as Crimson nuzzled happily against his palm. "I guess... maybe he's not so bad."

Crimson crooned in agreement.

Four came up beside the sailor, feeling fit to burst with excitement. After Sky waved the smithy forward with a knowing look, Four placed his hand beside Wind's. He marveled at the warmth of the huge animal beneath his fingers.

His eyes met the sailor's, and they shared a disbelieving laugh. 

History turned reality.

Sky may have claimed that his home wasn't perfect, but to Four, both this era and the hero from it were simply, unequivocally, cool.

Zelda scoffed as Crimson ruffled his feathers beneath all the attention. He was surrounded by curious and affectionate heroes now, and absolutely basking in the love. He'd nuzzled everyone at least once, and was currently working very hard to preen Twilight's hair and fur cape to perfection.

"Just look at that bird, Indigo," Zelda shook her head at her own Loftwing. "What a display! How do you put up with him?"

Indigo fluffed her own feathers and preened her wing. She put up a very good show of appearing disinterested… and a bit left-out.

Sky laughed and joined Zelda's side, stroking down Indigo's ruffles. "Don't be jealous, girl. You'll have him all to yourself again soon. Let him say hello!"

Indigo spat a few loose feathers into Sky's hair. 

Zelda burst into laughter.

"Oh you think that's funny, huh?" Sky challenged his fiancée, a devious look in his eye. "Well here, have some!"

Zelda squeaked as she ran from Sky, who chased her around Indigo while trying to throw some of the stray feathers onto Zelda's head. As for Indigo, if birds could roll their eyes, Four was sure she'd be doing so.

Warriors reached down and hooked his arm around Sky's shoulders, holding him in place in a very Groose-like fashion. 

"Weeeeeell loverboy, we all know you're dying to keep flirting with Zelda, but don't you think it's about time you actually show us around, as promised?"

Sky blushed heavily under Warriors's gaze. "I-I…Well, I was just—"

"We're ready to show you around if Crimson's done hoarding everyone's attention," Zelda translated, her own face dusted red.

"Off the Loftwing, boys, you heard her," Time instructed. A chorus of "Awwwww!" 's filled the air as the young men dispersed, Wild slipping down from where he'd halfway crawled up onto the bird.

Crimson crooned at Wind before he could follow the others, nuzzling the boy's shoulder a final time. Wind patted his giant beak with a smile and whispered something that sounded suspiciously like, "good bird".

Sky and Zelda then turned to their respective Loftwings, giving them long hugs before the birds skipped off and alighted into the clouds once more. Sky lingered as he watched them go. 

"We'll see them again, love," Zelda said softly, taking his hand. 

The touch seemed to snap Sky back to the present. Finally tearing his gaze from the clouds, he gave her a small smile. "Thank you. You're right, as always."

Zelda flipped her hair over her shoulder. "I try."

Sky's face broke into a grin. Joyfully, he faced his traveling companions, his brothers, and spread his arms like wings. 

"Welcome, my friends, to Skyloft!"

>>><<<

Masterlist | First | Chapter 11 | Chapter 13 (The final chapter!)

Author's Note: Mandatory disclaimer that the next chapter has only a small amount of Skyloft exploration, sorry y’all 😭 I love Skyloft but if these boys split and explore any more we’ll officially lose the plot 😅 However I am SO excited to share the final chapter of this Skyloft 3-parter, and the Grounded fic as a whole, with all of you next week! For now I hope you enjoyed seeing Crimson. ^u^ If you look closely you'll see several themes from earlier Grounded chapters make a return, both in this chapter and the next! ^u^

(Oh and I should note that Warriors has never been to Skyloft as per LU canon! There may have been monsters from the era of the sky called to his time, but no time travel necessarily. This is new to him!)

Extra Note: I am a children’s book/family friendly author, so please keep all comments Safe For Work (no swearing please!) I want to do my best to make this a place for everyone. Cheers!