Tiko of the Sky

     The blond couldn’t help but laugh softly at the fairy’s statement, the action jostling his hands ever so slightly and sending more tiny fairies FLUTTERING off in cascading waves, only for them to return to their spot with eager giggles as they all tried to fit together. “You’re right. It is toasty in there… though the view from the center crater is something grand, no matter what time of day.” The Goron tunic did WONDERS for the heat, but it didn’t stop the hero from growing hot altogether. Still, it was an experience to be had. Tiko was missing out.

     “I can’t imagine living for so long that you’ve seen just about everything, though… I’m… I’m sure lots of things have changed over the years, and I guess that keeps things a little more interesting… but even with change, things are still the same, aren’t they?” He murmured, his focus shifting from that of the fairies at hand in favor of watching SHIMMERING waters ripple and move their course. “Even now, sometimes I feel like I’ve done all this before… Like some bad case of deja vu…”

     It had always been just a fleeting thought, a VAGUE feeling that wasn’t quite real, but within reach all the same. Then again, he had literally repeated the same days and years in his life, repeatedly– over and over– once upon a time, and so perhaps the feeling was merely some form of leftover MAGIC.

     “Ah, but that’s silly, isn’t it?” The hero gave a shake of his head, more breathy laughter leaving his lips in the process. “There’ll always be something new to see out there. Maybe even places you’ve never been to.” A PAUSE, just in time for a smile to curl his mouth upright at the corners. “Like Death Mountain’s Crater.”

Tiko raised a brow, side-eyeing the Hero with a look that could almost be described as impressed. Not that he would ever admit that. Still, for a hylian to have seen the inside of Death Mountain... that was something few could admit. He wasn’t the first Hero to have done so, no, but he seemed... so young, to have survived. Not all of them did. 

However, as Link continued to spin his tale, the fairy stiffened. He kept his gaze locked on the rippling water of the fountain, his nails biting half-moons into the palms of his hands. This was a new Hero, he knew this. A new hylian, with no memories of before. No recollection of any of his past lives. He did not recognize his face, or his name. He doubted even their meeting would have spurred that deja vu he spoke of. No, no, no. It wasn’t fair. He shouldn’t care. But with the Hero’s name and the Hero’s soul and the Hero’s face... it was cruel, wasn’t it? Some cruel trick that fate and the goddesses liked to pull over him. Punishment, he assumed, for getting too close to his Hero in the first place. 

“It’s not as silly as you might think.” He murmured, forcing his jaw to unclench and his fists to loosen their grips. His wings fluttered a few times as he regained his composure, a light breeze sending more ripples through the shallow waters. 

“You would be surprised just how many of these fairies have outlived you and your ancestors.” As if on cue, a few more of the fluttering pink fairies came out to land upon Tiko’s head, braiding thin locks of his hair. He didn’t seem to notice. “Though, I admit, I’m likely the oldest of this group. Old enough to know how often history tends to repeat itself.”

He shook his head, dispelling his thoughts as well as a few of the fairies that had taken up residence. It was easier to change the subject. 

     There was no reason for Link to suspect Tiko for being anything but SINCERE, immediately giving words of forgiveness in return. It was understandable, really. Sometimes he, too, caught himself moving just a bit faster in his ventures when eagerness settled itself within him. He had little time to truly reflect on the notion, however, for the sudden gleeful greeting cut his thoughts short from going deeper into them and finding something of CONVERSATION to bring up.

     “H-hey there!” He greeted happily, a warmth of familiarity settling itself within his chest from being surrounded by the fays. A finger rose to gently nestle against itself against one upon his shoulder, lips parting with a breathy chuckle as he DELIGHTED in their presence. “Heavens, am I glad to see all of you.” Especially with how inviting they were, a stark contrast to the feeling of DESOLATION he felt prior to Tiko finding him. “No offense, but your brother over here isn’t exactly a charmer–”

     It was a JOKE, really, and one that earned him a series of giggles from the fairies. Nailed it!

     “I’m kidding, he was very nice.” Was the added statement, although murmured quietly for the fay around him to hear, as though sharing a CONSPIRACY with them through a beaming smile. Turning his attention back towards the larger fairy, the expression turned more GENUINE– grateful– as he gave a light nod of his head, mindful of the fay perched there. “Thanks for bringing me here, Tiko. Honest. You were a huge help.”

     Though, he was in no RUSH to leave, either. With that same bright and eager grin, he moved further into the room to seat himself at the edge of the marble fountain, plopping down with a satisfied sigh. It would do him some good to rest his feet before he made off once more.

     “So you said there wasn’t anywhere you couldn’t take me to– do you tend to travel a lot yourself, Tiko?” Link had to inquire then, hands raised palms up as dozens of rosy fairies PILED onto them, some occasionally falling off only to flutter back up and try again.

          Tiko felt the tension in his shoulders melt away by the magic thrum of the fountain and the humming of his many sisters. He didn’t even know how stressed he was until he found himself almost swaddled in the warmth and comfort that came with being where he belonged. Even the Hero’s jab towards his attitude seemed to roll off of him like water off a fairy’s wing. 

          His own wings fluttered in pride at Link’s thanks, and he took the time to shoo off the sisters clinging to him (though he missed one hiding in the pink locks of his hair). “I was headed this direction anyway.” Tiko insisted, moving towards the fountain to sit alongside the Hero. He pulled off his shoes and rolled up his pant legs, sticking his feet into the sparkling water. 

     Navi definitely wasn’t pouting over his win. No–that sort of behavior was beneath her. She was more mature than that.        No, she had a grumpy expression on her face for other reasons. 

      “Yeah, you won, fair and square.” She huffed, twitching her wings. “I think it was luck, though.” 

      Her pout didn’t last long, however; and anyways, it was mostly in jest. She was happy to give Tiko a dance–she’d just have to wrangle a meal out of him some other way, before the night was over. Maybe if she complimented it more, he’d offer…? 

      A smile returned to the fairy’s face, and she grabbed Tiko’s hand. “Well? Are we dancing, or aren’t we? This night’s not going to last forever–and besides, I love this song!” 

          Tiko puffed and preened at the victory, clearly a little too pleased with himself. Or perhaps he was flaunting, who’s to say? 

          All pride left him as Navi took his hand. She was warm. Was it weird for him to notice that? Why did he care so much about the feeling of her hand in his? He felt young again. Tiko grinned and tightened his grip, allowing himself to be pulled along and back to the town square. 

          His laugh rang out and he reached for Navi’s other hand, gentle and insistent. “Come closer, Bluebelle--I’ll teach you how to two-step. It’s easy, just follow my lead!” 

          He pulled her close and started the process of teaching her the steps. They spun round and round and at some point he wasn’t teaching two step, maybe it was swing, or some waltz he’d learned a hundred years ago. It was fumbly and graceless, but he wasn’t really focused on getting it exactly right, anyway. He just wanted to make her smile. 

     The blond’s nose wrinkled at the thought, lips pressed together tightly as he practically POUTED– No that was a frown! (That was absolutely a pout, my dear)– feet picking up their speed as he noted the other beginning to quicken his pace. “Armor? Too clunky… I would be every monster’s punching bag!” Was the reasoning, already PICTURING himself wearing the heavy gear that would undoubtedly slow him down.

     Link wasn’t the fastest by any means, but he PRIDED himself in his ability to be mobile and nimble in a fight. Larger foes wearing layers of protective gear often fell quickly to his blade, unable to MATCH his stride. Still… Tiko had a point, even if Link didn’t like it. 

     He was still young. He had TIME to decide otherwise.

     “And you take me for the cards type?” He almost SNORTED, brow rising in amusement as he hopped over a large fallen branch in the midst of their path. “Have you ever actually played a game of cards with Hylians? They’re almost as bad as the Bokoblins– minus the eating you part. Well. I mean. It depends on what part of the country you’re in.” Oh, but that was a story for another time. “Ah, w-wow, you’re really zipping along, aren’t you?”

     It was starting to get a little harder, keeping up with the other. Walking and talking was easy, but when you add a bit of EXTRA pep in your step, it tends to wear down on one over time. His animated chatter fell silent as he focused on his pace, doing his best to keep up with the other along the wild forest floor, paths untraveled and unbeaten by the weight of VENTURING boots, stomping hooves, or rolling wheels. 

          “There is more than one type of armor, little Hero.” Tiko hummed. “Plate armor may be too heavy for you, but a thicker chainmail or leather might do you some good. But by all means, don’t let me stop you from hurting yourself.” 

          The comment about cannibalistic Hylians did earn Link a snort, although the fairy wasn’t exactly pleased at the implied wish to slow down. He’d wanted to get there as fast as possible--he’d forgotten how much faster flying was than walking. Reluctantly, he slowed a bit, although only enough for the Hero to catch up. “My apologies. We are growing closer--and I got a bit excited, I suppose.” A lie, but a WHITE one at least. 

          A few more minutes of walking and they came upon the fountain Tiko had remembered--tucked away discreetly into the crack of a cliff. He landed with a small thud and strolled inside without so much as looking back. He assumed Link was SMART enough to enter a fountain on his own.

          The crack in the wall led to a short hallway that opened up to a massive room. The fountain spring bubbled up from the floor in the center, and the whole place seemed to glow with a dim light. The air was significantly warmer, and on every available crevice or lilypad at least one small pink fairy was resting. 

          At the appearance of the two men, the rosy fairies at rest jumped into flight, fluttering towards the pair with obvious delight. Tiko smiled, tension in his shoulders relaxing as he held his hands out for his sisters to alight upon. An equal amount of excited fairies jumped over to Link, resting on his shoulders and on top of his hat. 

“Afraid? Of losing to you?” Navi’s smile broadened, and she took Tiko’s hand. In one fluid motion she stood up and marched past him, making her way to the ring toss booth. Fairy poachers all but forgotten, she turned to him with a wink and said, “You may have age on me, old man, but I’ve got pure skill on my side. Have fun baking for me.” 

Navi paid for two rounds and set off, taking her time to carefully aim each ring. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to dance with Tiko–in fact, even if she did win, she likely still would. But it was the principle of the thing. Besides, she did love his cooking. Maybe this time, she’d ask him for a nice dinner of steak and mashed potatoes. He had to have his own spin on that, right?

Besides, if he had to cook for her, that mean he’d have to come see her again. Perhaps that would help him break his usual habit of disappearing on her for months at a time. Tiko was many things, Navi was learning; a liar wasn’t one of them. If he said he’d do something, he’d always follow through. 

Even with his frequent (and long) disappearances, it was still fun, this thing they had. Tiko was becoming a good friend; Navi doubted very much that it would go beyond that. From what she could tell, Tiko was endlessly charming, but a hopeless flirt; it was likely that Navi was just a dalliance. Wherever else he went for months on end, it was likely he had a girl on his arm there, too. Navi didn’t mind; she just had to be realistic about the whole thing. 

The final ring spun around its peg, and Navi turned back to Tiko proudly. “Well? Think you can do better than that?” 

“Old man!” Tiko clutched a hand to his chest, stumbling backwards a step or two. “Oh your words cut so deeply. I much preferred pretty boy.” He followed behind, grin blindingly bright and eyes fixed on her retreating form. 

She was good, that was for certain, but he knew that he could do better. While some of her rings had made it around the necks of the bottles, there were still a few scattered on the ground. Tiko liked his odds. 

It wasn’t that he was afraid of losing. He had no doubt that he would have fun baking for her--he’d offered to teach her whenever she wanted, of course, but he wasn’t sure that if he lost she would ever dance with him. Navi was nice, beautiful, confident, charming. The list went on. But for all their banter and flirting and teasing...he wasn’t convinced he’d won her over yet. If he wanted to dance with her, he’d have to do it tonight. He couldn’t let a chance like this slide.

A quick grin in Navi’s direction and the tossing began. His confidence wasn’t as justified as he’d claimed; while he’d made as many bottlenecks as Navi, many of his hit the floor as well. By the time he had two shots left, Navi was winning by only one. He tossed his second to last--and scored. All tied up. Tiko grinned, rubbing the ring between his hands in a show to warm it up. He brought it to his lips in a quick, over-exaggerated gesture of prayer, and tossed it. It went up, up, over, and landed with a clink around the neck of the furthest bottle. Tiko looked back at Navi with a cheeky grin. 

https://picrew.me/image_maker/190588

Make your muse !!

Tagged by: no one I just found it :)

     Gossip? The news caused the blond’s brows to FURROW, having never heard of such a thing amongst the fairies. Then again, Link hardly knew the secret lives the magical beings lived, and to hear such a thing gradually began to fascinate him, thoughts venturing through the unknown and it’s vast possibilities whilst he trailed after the rose fairy. “Do they?” He murmured offhandedly, wondering just what exactly they gossiped about.

     Cheeks FLUSHED further upon the other’s comment, a frown followed by a pointed gaze aiming itself towards the other. “I-I !! I use my shield perfectly fine!” Quickly did a hand rise to rub at his cheek, as though the action itself would help wipe away the COLOR to have settled there. “Monsters are just… cheaters, s-sometimes… That’s all.” Springing out from behind him while he was busy with other matters entirely. Honestly, no one fought a fair fight nowadays.

     Or perhaps he allowed his attention to wander all too easily, eyes always flitting about in AWE at every little thing to surround him. It wasn’t his fault that he was capable of properly admiring the scenery.

     “Besides, it’s a little… erm… difficult to shield both my front and back, you know… It’s kinda just me, all the time.” Though it wasn’t ALWAYS that way, having once had a companion to alert him over any surprise attacks– the thought caused his visage to fall.

    The Hero’s sputtered defense drew Tiko’s attention, the fairy drinking in his embarrassment with no small measure of amusement. He wondered if this was what having a younger sibling was like--being a fairy, he didn’t have much in the way of a family. The other fairies were the closest familial relation he could claim, and even then, the fountain of his birth had been destroyed long ago. 

    The knowledge that the Hero was alone, however, did cause Tiko to pause. His smile drew itself in, shrinking ever so slightly. He’d seen many incarnations of the Hero’s soul, and none of them had ever truly been alone.  It did cause him to wonder what could possibly have made this Link any different. 

    No! He didn’t care. Alone or not, Tiko wasn’t about to go sticking around and getting attached or any foolish nonsense he used to. His job was to escort and promptly take his leave, nothing more. If Link wanted a companion so bad, he could have one of his smaller sisters. They would probably enjoy the company.

    He saw the Hero’s expression dim, some of the humor they’d managed to collect dissolving into some sort of malaise. Oh, damn him. Tiko crinkled his nose, fluttering forward a little faster. He didn’t have the stomach for this.

     Upon the other’s agreement, lips stretched wide into a grateful smile, a soft breath of relief escaping him as he realized such a request wasn’t beyond asking. He had always felt a twinge of GUILT, asking others for aid, especially after they had gone out of their way to already help him once. Luckily, this would be a journey to benefit both parties involved, and thankfully, with good company.

     “Thank you, Tiko. Really.” The blond nodded, giving the other a good-natured laugh in response to his amusement, glad that at the very least, he was getting a kick out of his MISFORTUNE. “I’ll be glad to see them too.” It was then that his expression turned bashful, knuckles pressing against his lips in an effort to somewhat hide the fact. “Ah… I-I hope that’s not too much trouble…? I wouldn’t want to… intrude or anything.” It was then that realization struck him like lightening, COLOR painting his visage with embarrassment as it spread straight towards the very tips of his ears.

     How many times was this now? And within the span of just a few days too.

     “This would be… umm… wow… th-the sixth time I’d gone to a Fairy Fountain this week… Farore above, how embarrassing…” Almost did he let loose a groan, hands rubbing against his face momentarily before he shifted his attention to the other, a look of HOPE nestled within a sapphire gaze. “That’s not… like, a record or anything, is it?” Not that he would wish harm upon anyone (heavens, no! Never !!), but knowing of others who frequented the fountains just as much, if not MORE than himself, would be even just the slightest bit of reassuring, if only for his pride.

     Brilliant wings fluttered at the Hero’s thanks. He puffed himself up a little taller, a little straighter. Tiko clearly was not immune to pride. Though he chided himself; he shouldn’t let himself be pleased, especially not so much from the Hero’s spirit. This was not his Hero, and this would not last. Just another hylian to save. Business as usual. 

      The fairy shook himself from his stupor under the guise of shaking his head no. Despite the weariness that threatened to shake him, his grin never faltered, never wavered in his confidence. If anything, this hylian was keeping him amused. Perhaps he enjoyed seeing the Hero uncomfortable a little too much. He was always weak to a little banter. It clouded his judgement in favor of a witty retort.

     “A record? Perhaps. But who’s to say? I’m certain they were different fountains, different fairies. My sisters do love to gossip, but only to each other, and you never can be sure how much is exaggeration.” A quick hop into the air and his wings were sent fluttering again, keeping him hovered mere inches above the ground. He began to guide the Hero southward--towards the fountain he knew was tucked into a nearby cliff face.

     Navi couldn’t help but let out a small gasp at the the sight of the picnic. It looked delightful–and he’d put so much effort into it! Navi landed and sat on the blanket, then expectantly waited for Tiko to do the same.       “Tiko, this is amazing! Did you make all of this yourself?” She took one of the flasks and took a drink. Her eyes widened; Although she’d spent a fair amount of time in Gerudo Desert, she’d never tried hydromelon. It was sweet and refreshing, and she very much enjoyed it. 

      Once Tiko had joined her on the blanket, Navi eagerly–but not too eagerly– began to tuck in to the meal. Even though it wasn’t warm, all of it was delectable; once again, Tiko’s cooking prowess shone through. 

       “You know, you’re really going to have to teach me your way with herbs,” Navi said with a smile. “Every time I’ve eaten your cooking, it’s been incredible. The stuff I make will feed me; but the stuff you make is fun to eat.” 

     Tiko swelled with pride at Navi’s praise. He nodded at her questions, waiting to eat until she was well into the meal. He didn’t eat often-- it lost its luster the longer he’d been around. But he still took immense pride in his cooking, and loved to see someone else enjoy it.