#it feels nice to finish this

[skyloftian-nutcase]

Elastic Heart Ch 8 (Linked Universe story)

Summary: When Sky goes missing, the Chain scrambles to figure out where he is and what happened before it's too late.

(mood music that helped inspire the writing)

(AO3 link)

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Chapter 8 - The Curse

It was uncharacteristically cold, bringing a sprinkling of the upcoming winter season as frost slowly encased the wildlife in the gardens of Hyrule Castle. Twilight sat on a bench, his legs slowly freezing at the contact on stone, his heart numb as he stared at nothing. Gentle footfalls caught his attention, though he recognized their steady gait, the sound of a dress trailing behind them, the silence of the person in question.

Of all the stories he’d heard of everyone’s Zeldas, he’d concluded that his was the quietest.

He didn’t move as she carefully, gracefully sat beside him on the bench. Her hands were clasped on her lap. He could see a dark cloak in his periphery, trailing down her dress and covering her. It looked like the cloak she’d worn when she was imprisoned in the Twilight Realm.

“How is he?” his queen asked softly.

“Awake,” Twilight replied. “Or, well, he was. Briefly.”

Sky’s and Time’s words echoed in his mind in a nearly maddening fashion. The young knight’s outburst of emotion at the fact that the Shadow was still alive… Time’s observation that Sky was trying to handle this entire ordeal alone…

He just… didn’t understand. What had led to this? They could all—well, he himself knew he was guilty of taking on too much, but—

Twilight would never—he’d never just—

He’d gone after the Shadow, it was true. But he—well…

Twilight was a hunter. He knew that about himself. There was a reason the shadow magic had chosen a wolf as his beastly form. But he also recognized the benefits of working as a team, and it just—it didn’t make sense why Sky would suddenly think he could handle this alone. Had he been thinking about this for months, and he’d just waited for the right opportunity?

Had this idea ingrained itself into his mind because of Twilight’s injury? Was Sky worried about the others getting hurt? The boy was one of the softest souls in the group, the logic at least made sense in that regard, but…

Twilight supposed he should have figured that Sky was just as reckless as the rest. Though, aside from Wild (and possibly Hyrule), even the rest realized that working together was the smarter and saner option.

“And how are you?” Zelda continued, watching him carefully.

Twilight sighed tiredly. “I’ll… be fine. I just want him to get better.”

The queen remained silent, turning her chin ever so slightly so she was looking ahead, just as he was. Twilight suddenly felt guilty, remembering who he was talking to, remembering everything she had done for them the last few days. He finally looked at her. “Thank you. Thanks for… helping us.”

Zelda glanced back at him, her cheeks growing rosy in the chilly air. She smiled gently, tipping her head in acknowledgement. The pair was silent for a while longer before Twilight barked out a laugh.

“Midna would be yelling at us by now,” he chuckled, his chest tightening, eyes stinging. Ah, maybe that was the wrong person to think about on top of all the emotions he was already feeling.

“I imagine so,” Zelda agreed with a huff of her own. “She didn’t seem to like silence as much.”

Twilight hummed, trying to wipe the memories away, only to be replaced by Sky dying, by Sky crying, by—

He sighed. As if Arbiter’s Grounds didn’t have enough awful memories for him.

“I’m glad he’s doing better,” Zelda finally said. “I’m glad I could repay him. And you, Link.”

“Repay…?” Twilight snapped his gaze at her, mildly confused. Was this about the beasts he’d defeated?

“He assisted us against Ganondorf,” Zelda said with a smile, tipping her head to the side as if to remind him of already knowing this fact.

“Wha—no he didn’t,” Twilight argued and then bit his lips, remembering he was talking to a queen.

Zelda’s eyes were knowing, but sad all of a sudden. “We should go inside.”

The look was hauntingly familiar, and it made Twilight’s breath freeze in his lungs. The words of the Shadow came to mind, of meeting the original Link, and the Ordonian suddenly found himself realizing that he really needed to figure out where on the timeline Sky was.

The Skyloftian was tied with Wind for knowing so little of Hyrule, making the pair uniquely different than the rest. Neither were natives to Hyrule, and though the traveler hinted at a potentially similar foreign origin, he still knew Hyrule and was a part of it. But since Wind had fallen easily into the timeline (or, well… timelines), Twilight had simply assumed Sky was some outlier as well, falling between eras that they knew, living in a place so remote (and in the clouds) that he barely understood what the kingdom was doing.

Knowing of the sky islands in his own time, of how ancient they were, relegated to legend… Twilight had wondered. It wasn’t… it wasn’t as if there weren’t hints that Sky might be fairly early on the timeline.

So why did Zelda’s hints at his aid leave Twilight so… uneasy?

Twilight found that he didn’t have the courage to ask her as they both went indoors. He scratched at the Triforce symbol on the back of his hand, stomach churning, and bade her a good night.

XXX

It was late into the evening when Time entered the designated sickroom silently to find Warriors sitting beside Sky’s bed, the young knight’s hand held gently in the captain’s own. Warriors didn’t move, despite no doubt hearing his approach. Time paused just behind him, eye looking Sky over. He’d taken to doing this, whether he’d been in the room for hours or minutes, he’d always come back to make sure the Skyloftian was still here, still breathing.

After the initial shock, he found that he couldn’t stay away for too long a period of time. He’d given it a few hours after sending Sky to bed before checking in on him, only to find Wind and Warriors talking to each other softly. After that the sailor had been dismissed, finding Hyrule and latching on to him. He hadn’t spoken much the rest of the day, despite some prompting.

Time found himself trying to bounce between so many troubled boys that he was thoroughly overwhelmed. So instead, he just checked in on Sky.

Warriors’ thumb traced over Sky’s hand. “You know, I did the same thing… during the war.”

Time didn’t speak, sensing that there was more at the tip of the captain’s tongue. Warriors often didn’t speak to express his feelings – his words were a shield and sword, never an admission of hurt or worry. Time wouldn’t interrupt if he needed to get something off his chest. Goddesses knew he deserved it.

“I took the responsibility of the war on my own shoulders,” Warriors continued, eyes never leaving Sky’s face. “Blamed myself for the war, even though it clearly wasn’t all just because of a woman’s twisted obsession. But I blamed myself anyway. Went to face her alone. Nearly died at the hands of my own Shadow.”

Time’s gaze drifted to the captain, eye widening a little. He didn’t even know what to say at this point, but the way Warriors’ grip tightened around Sky indicated that he needed some kind of response.

Before the eldest Link could articulate anything, the captain went on, “Impa was furious. I’d never seen her that mad. The princess wasn’t all that happy with me either. I…” he cleared his throat, “I was just a kid who wanted it to end. A kid who thought I could accomplish anything. A kid who’d been winning battle after battle and thought I could win one more.”

“Captain,” Time tried to say, but found he had nothing to follow up with.

“He’s not like me, Link,” Warriors said, his voice beginning to wobble. “Sky isn’t—he doesn’t walk on to a battlefield like he owns it. He doesn’t wield the Master Sword like it can do anything. He’s a better swordfighter than me, but he’s a silly, sleepy child, lazy and laid back and—”

The captain stopped abruptly, swallowing, his entire body tensing. Time settled his hand on his shoulder, heart heavy.

“What did we do?” Warriors asked all of a sudden, turning vulnerable and pleading eyes towards his leader. “What did we do that made him think he had to do this?”

“I don’t know,” Time answered honestly, voice oh so quiet. He still was trying to figure out if what the Shadow had said held any bearing, if Sky somehow had convinced himself that this was his fault, but it didn’t add up. There was no way the Shadow could have run into just Sky without anyone knowing until this entire fiasco. And even if that were the case, if the Shadow were speaking truth, if somehow it was from Sky’s era… what would compel Sky to think he needed to handle this alone? Why didn’t he just tell them that he knew the enemy?

There were too many unknown factors. Time needed answers. None of this was adding up.

“You know, the sailor said that Sky didn’t even get it,” Warriors continued, shaking his head as his eyes started to glisten with tears. “That he didn’t understand why we’d save him.”

Time felt the bottom drop out of his stomach.

“How could we have failed so badly at communicating that he was part of the team?” Warriors questioned, releasing Sky’s hand and leaning forward to bury his face in his own. “Damn it all, we almost lost him to that.”

Time was still trying to catch his breath from the realization that was eating Warriors alive. Of all the difficulties and journeys he’d been through, and the people he’d seen, the only person who had ever felt so out of place that they would rather die than carry on the farce was—

Himself.

Time sat slowly on Sky’s bed, processing everything, but his hand remained steady on Warriors’ back. He finally found the right words to say. “Captain… this isn’t… you can’t blame yourself for this. We haven’t done anything that would make Sky feel unwanted or unloved. Something else is going on.”

Because something else had to be going on. Malon and her father had welcomed Time with open arms, but that hadn’t fixed the wounds in his heart and soul that had nearly led to permanent disaster. No one person had been responsible for it.

This had to do with Sky’s own adventure. He knew it.

Time hastily shoved the emotions aside in lieu of this new information. He was terrible at addressing emotions, particularly his own, but he could puzzle things out. And this gave him something to focus on instead of drowning.

Warriors took slow, measured breaths, face still hidden in his hands, but Time could feel his posture changing, his muscles relaxing and then stiffening in waves. He was slowly trying to recollect himself. Time didn’t try to speed the process, and instead swept his hand gently up and down the captain’s back. To his relief, Warriors relaxed under his touch.

“How can you be sure?” Warriors asked tiredly.

“Because I, too, have been through something similar,” Time acknowledged. “Not in the same fashion as you or Sky, but… I understand. This isn’t about us, Link.”

Warriors huffed, hands tracing down his face, pulling at the skin before they fell to his lap. “So we’re just collateral damage.”

“No,” Time reasoned out. “He’s trying to protect us.”

Like I did. A Hero forgotten to time that shouldn’t have existed, protecting those who would never understand.

Sky had spoken of the Ocarina of Time as a “timeshift instrument.” That implied the boy had probably done some time traveling of his own.

The eldest Link had to admit, he had never given much consideration to Sky’s own history and story, having little interest in hearing about the Master Sword, but now he realized he really should have paid more attention. He shook his head and bit his tongue, saving the internal beratement for later. Warriors needed him now, and considering everything the captain had done for him a month ago when Twilight had been dying, he owed it to the younger man.

And he needed to do better as their leader, anyway.

“Idiot,” Warriors finally grumbled, pulling a chuckle out of his elder.

“Yes,” Time agreed. “Now let’s focus on helping him remember he’s surrounded by fellow heroes. Such as a brave captain whose worth far surpasses his appearance or abilities in battle, whose heroics stem from his heart.”

Warriors’ face, tired and fragile as it was, contorted for a moment, lip wobbling, and he cleared his throat loudly, squeezing his eyes shut and looking away.

“Didn’t think you had it in you, old man,” the captain tried to say casually, though his voice shook and his laugh was wet. He sniffled, hands grasping his tunic with such intensity his knuckles turned white. Time’s own hand was steady, continuing to soothe along his back. Warriors finally seemed to grow uncomfortable with this degree of vulnerability and rose, still facing away, Time’s gentle touch now out of reach.

“Captain,” Time started, trying to say that it was okay to be hurting, but Warriors cut him off.

“You’re right,” the captain said, his voice growing stronger. When he finally did turn, his face was flushed, eyes glassy, but there were no tears on his cheeks, no wobbling of his lips. His face was turning to stone as he tried to steel himself. “We need to get to the bottom of this. This—this can’t—”

Warriors swallowed, brow furrowing in frustration and determination, but the words were trapped in his throat.

“This can’t happen again,” Time agreed quietly.

The door opened behind them, and both men turned to see Twilight standing in the entranceway. Warriors sighed heavily, heading towards the exit.

“I’ll check on the others,” he muttered, not bothering to look behind him.

Time watched the captain go and the rancher approach. Twilight’s eyes were fixed on Sky.

“How’s he doing?” his descendant asked softly.

“No change since before,” Time answered, his heart aching at how much all of this was hurting everyone. A restless energy pulled at him, growing impatient for Sky to awaken so they could get this figured out. He didn’t dare wake the boy, though, terrified that he wouldn’t heal properly. But another fear pulled at him, demanding that he wake him just to make sure he could wake up.

It had been almost three days, but the image of Sky dying in his arms hadn’t left his mind.

Twilight knelt at Sky’s bedside, running his hand through the teenager’s hair. Neither hero spoke for a good while before the younger one said, “Do you ever wonder… where in the timeline Sky is?”

“Far more now than I did,” Time admitted. “How are the others?”

“Little sailor’s still is upset,” Twilight answered. “He won’t say why, though. But you can see it. Champion and the Veteran are trying to cheer him up. Traveler’s taking a nap; the little guy’s with him.”

Any other discourse on the subject was interrupted with a whimper. Sky’s brow furrowed, face pinched in pain or concern or distress as he squirmed in the bed. Twilight and Time both leaned forward in concern, Twilight’s hand resting on Sky’s chest as Time’s reached to him as well.

Sky awoke with a start, eyes blown wide, breaths coming in quick, short rasps. He tried to shoot into an upright position, but Twilight caught him just as he made it halfway and nearly collapsed.

“It’s okay,” Twilight immediately soothed gently, pulling Sky to his chest.

“You’re safe,” Time added, hand resting on Sky’s shoulder and catching the boy’s attention.

Sky swiftly gained control of his breathing, eyes flickering between Time and Twilight with some degree of anxiety. His gaze lingered on Twilight, looking up at him from where he was snuggled in his hold, and he seemed to wilt, looking down at his lap.

"Nightmare?" Twilight asked. The teenager didn't respond, but they both knew it had to have been.

“We need to talk,” Time said firmly, cutting to the chase, though the gravity of his voice was lessened by the way his thumb traced gently on the teenager in an attempt to calm him.

“Let’s get some food, okay?” Twilight suggested, softening the words further as Sky nearly shriveled into him. “Come on.”

Twilight went to pick Sky up, but the young knight wiggled out of his grip, scooting to the edge of the bed. Time stood, and he and the Ordonian flanked the young knight to help him stand. He walked shakily, and by the time he reached the door he was panting for air.

“I can carry you, Sky, it’s okay,” Twilight insisted, scooping the boy up as the knight let out a small groan in protest.

“Best let him,” Time added with a gentle smile. “Our rancher is not going to let you out of his sight for a long time, so you might as well get used to it.”

Sky eyed him uncertainly, slumping in Twilight’s hold as the pair exited the room. Time would let his descendant fuss over the boy for a little bit, would let Sky get a potion and some food in his belly, before he continued his earlier attempt. He wasn’t sitting on this problem for too long – the boy had died because of it.

He’d died. Legend was right, and though Time refused to linger on the grief as much as the veteran had, it…

Time sighed, following Twilight into the larger room where everyone else was gathered. The group grew silent as they saw Sky, and then they huddled around the ranch hand.

“How are you feeling?” Legend asked first.

Sky didn’t speak. Twilight gently placed him on a sofa, and Wild and Legend immediately flanked him.

“Here,” Wild said, shoving a bowl of stew into the knight’s face. “Eat. You need it.”

“And then drink this,” Legend ordered, holding a potion.

Sky did as he was told without complaint. Everyone seemed to be holding their breath, waiting to see what they should do next. The tension was ever growing, worry and frustration bubbling just below the surface. Warriors hovered close by, anxious energy driving him to rock between foot to foot.

The champion watched him carefully as he ate the stew. “You know it’s not your fault, right?”

Sky paused after a sip, body going rigid.

“Whatever the Shadow was talking about,” Wild tried to continue. “This—none of this is your fault, your failure.”

“You don’t know what he was talking about,” Sky suddenly snapped, eyes narrowing, catching Time off guard with his vehemence.

“Well I can’t know if you don’t talk to me!” Wild replied sharply, rising to his feet. “I want to help you, Sky. I don’t remember much of my past, but I do remember feeling so utterly silenced and alone and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. Talk to us! Tell us what’s wrong! Why did—why did you leave us?”

“Look, whatever bullshit the Shadow said isn’t true,” Legend said with a wave of his arm. “You know that. How could any of this be your fault? You were just as confused as we were when we all ran into each other!”

“I fought my Shadow before,” Hyrule added. “The one we’re pursuing could be anyone’s, really. Or something far worse; I’ve never seen such magic, after all. But it doesn’t matter. I didn’t invent my Shadow just as you didn’t invent this one, you know.”

“None of this is your fault,” Twilight assured gently from across the couch.

Sky dipped his head down, fingers trembling as he held the bowl.

Four broke the silence. “…He… he was right, wasn’t he?”

The Skyloftian practically wilted, shrinking into himself, shaking like a leaf. Twilight hastily took the bowl out of his hands before it could fall and shatter on the ground.

Time knelt in front of him, eye piercing into him as Sky hesitantly glanced up under his hair. He averted his gaze the instant he locked eyes with their leader.

“Tell us the truth, Link.”

The room held its breath, waiting for an answer.

“He was right,” Sky whispered, propping his feet in front of him on the sofa, hiding his face in his knees. “It’s my fault.”

In his periphery, Time saw Legend about to say something when Warriors put a hand on the veteran’s shoulder to silence him. Twilight was about to hasten forward to soothe the young knight’s tears, but Time put an arm in his way.

The eldest Link studied Sky carefully. Whatever caused him to blame himself for was clearly tearing him apart.

This was the reason he had left the group in the first place.

“What is?” Time prompted quietly.

“E-everything,” Sky continued, fighting desperately to speak through hiccupped sobs. “I—it’s—Ganon is m-my fault, I f-fought his predecessor, t-the one who started it all, who h-hurt all of you!”

The room was still as everyone watched Sky gasp for air in order to explain.

“I—I f-fought Demise,” Sky explained, a hair’s breadth from unraveling. “H-he was—he was Ganon’s predecessor, o-or maybe Ganon before he was called that—he—he said—he c-cursed me, all of us, and s-said—he’d follow Zelda’s d-descendants a-and—and the Spirit of the H-Hero and—and I didn’t stop it—”

Everyone let him cry a moment, trying to process what he’d said. Time tried to process what he’d said.

A curse. They were cursed? Because of this Demise person that Sky had fought? Did he mean in that they had to fight Ganon? The curse was that evil would return? Was Demise Ganon?

I fought his predecessor.

Farore above. Time and Twilight exchanged looks, comprehension dawning on his descendant’s face as well.

Sky predated all of them. All those weeks ago, when he hadn’t known who Ganon was, it was simply because Ganon hadn’t been known by that title yet.

Sky was the first Hero.

And the boy had known it. He’d been festering in these thoughts, he’d been drowning in them.

He’d left to fight the Shadow to fix it.

How could he possibly fix it? What delusion would lead him to believe that defeating the Shadow would stop the curse? What made him think he could salvage what he believed to have destroyed?

Had he assumed they’d just let him? Had he assumed they wouldn’t care about him anymore if they found out?

Time had heard enough.

Moving closer, he slowly pulled Sky to him. He held the boy tightly, so tightly it almost hurt, and Sky melted into him, knees sliding down so the pair could be heart to heart. The young knight became incoherent with his sobs, though Time could hear I’m sorry stammered over and over and over.

Just like when he’d died.

And oh how the pieces fell into place. Oh how Time’s heart hurt. Oh how he knew of such guilt, how he remembered it finally sinking in after Kakariko was set ablaze all those years ago, how a nine-year-old child in a sixteen-year-old’s body finally registered that the world had been irreparably damaged because he’d opened the way to the Sacred Realm. The years after taught him that it was not his fault alone, that it was an accident, but he knew.

He figured, unfortunately, that they all knew to a degree. They were all human, after all. They all made mistakes.

Sky had nearly—actually—gotten himself killed out of guilt. He had been avoiding them out of guilt.

“T-the—the Shadow—” Sky tried to continue. “Ganon, G-Ganondorf, they’re all my fault!”

“So, like, this Demise guy became Ganon?” Wind surmised quietly.

“I think that’s the idea,” Four murmured.

“Wait,” Wild chimed in. “So Sky fought Demise, and Demise won and cursed him? Cursed all of us?”

Legend shrugged. “You think we’re going to get the full story out of him now?”

Sky was practically hyperventilating at this point. Time squeezed harder, and he could feel the boy struggle to breathe against him. Dipping his face into Sky’s hair, he gave him a soft reassuring kiss on his head.

“Shh,” he whispered so only Sky could hear. “Breathe, Sky. It’s okay.”

To his credit, Sky did try. He took one shuddering breath after another, holding it and releasing it. The occasional hiccup interrupted the pattern, and he’d start to spiral again until Time shushed him gently once more. As Sky’s breathing settled into exhausted panting rather than choking gasps, Time released his hold a little, letting Sky lean back a little. The teenager’s head rested on Time’s chest, his eyes closed as he sniffled.

“What happened with Demise?” Time tried again. He needed to finish getting the full picture. Sky’s guilt over a curse and a perceived failure had caused this, but Sky’s perception was clearly off. Time needed facts.

“Did he defeat you?” Wild asked quietly.

Sky’s eyes snapped open, and his entire body stiffened. The tears practically evaporated in the searing heat of his sudden anger. He wasn’t glaring at anyone in particular, but the look was enough to make Time take a step back.

“No,” Sky spat. “I killed him. But before he died, he—he said—he cursed all of you. He said—he said he’d come back. Again and again and again. And I just stood there and let him do it.”

Sky turned to look at Wild now, fists so tight the skin was paling, but it was obvious the vitriol was aimed only at himself. “You speak of failure, as if the Calamity that destroyed your world was your fault. I destroyed all of Hyrule for all time, before it was ever even made. I destroyed Skyloft’s future. My people, my home, my family, and all of you. The future! I destroyed all of it!”

His anger evaporated in an instant as the words finally spilled out, and the tears returned. Sky crumpled to the ground, Time and Twilight barely able to catch him before he hit the floor.

“And h-he—and he—the Shadow—” Sky sobbed. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry—”

The group watched helplessly for a moment as Time held the boy, not knowing what to say but desperately wanting to soothe him.

“You didn’t destroy Hyrule.”

The first to speak was their youngest. Wind stood, tall and defiant, glaring at the Skyloftian.

“Hyrule won’t be destroyed by anyone,” Wind continued. “Even without a Hero, it persevered. And it needs its heroes. We’re not cursed.”

“That’s right,” The traveler agreed, also rising and nodding. “We chose to fight and we’re proud of it. We defeat that curse time and again. And Hyrule always survives.”

“You didn’t all choose it,” Sky disagreed shakily, clearly distressed still. “I—I know you didn’t. And you—some of you were children. It isn’t fair—”

“Ganon is hardly fair, and he’s far beyond anything we can comprehend,” Warriors cut in. “When I fought him, my predecessor had split his soul into pieces to prevent him from ever returning and even that didn’t work. You can’t… you can’t blame yourself for a demonic power that’s far beyond any of us.”

“Speak for yourself,” Legend suddenly snapped. “Far beyond any of us. Ha! We all defeated him.”

Sky watched Legend with fear evident in his eyes. Time threw a stern glare towards the veteran, warning him to watch his words. The teenager ignored him.

“Sky,” Legend said slowly. “Ganon’s killed people like us. I came from the legacy of a Hero who fell when he fought him. The fact that you bested him is a testament to your strength, it is a testament to the fact that you did everything you could. I defeated him and he still came back. Our traveler is proof of that. You’re not responsible for his curse, he is.”

“B-but it was my job to prevent that,” Sky argued. “Hylia chose me to stop him, to kill him. It was—it was supposed to be over.”

“Who’s Hylia?” Wind whispered to Four, who shrugged.

“I was supposed to end the threat as well,” Time said. “Yet my descendant fought the very same monster I had. And not only that, but he somehow managed to attack the Sailor in a completely different timeline.”

“B-but—”

“Link. Stop trying to rationalize this.” Time interrupted, reaching forward to rest his hands on Sky’s arms. “You can’t rationalize that kind of hatred. Ganon isn’t a man, he’s a monster. And you’re not to blame for his actions.”

“He cursed me and I didn’t kill him!” Sky yelled. “He was saying the words, I could have ended it then!”

“So why didn’t you?” Four questioned quietly.

“B-because—because—” Sky stammered, hyperventilating, terrified now that he was under scrutiny. Time was going to just end the conversation there, but the knight continued, “I thought—I didn’t know, I didn’t know! Ghirahim spoke words just like that and they were empty—he didn’t set his mind to murdering me until the end, he was just insane and—and Demise was already dying, and I—”

“Listen well, Link,” Legend said firmly, walking closer to him and holding his attention. “Whatever his words may have been, that doesn’t even guarantee you could have stopped him. And of my many adventures, I didn’t even fight him in all of them. Enemies will always rise to destroy this land, and the Heroes of Hyrule will always rise to fight them. That’s not a curse. It’s an honor.”

Sky watched him a long time, seeming to let the words sink in, but something darkened his features, and he glanced at Time. “Such an honor that you hate those who helped you through it? That you hate anything having to do with it?”

Time stared, dumbfounded, and then understood. Sky was no longer talking about Ganon.

This was about that damn sword.

Sighing, Time looked away a moment, trying to find the right words. Malon would immediately know what to say to soothe him. Time wasn’t going to lie – his childhood certainly hadn’t been pleasant. But he wouldn’t for one second blame Sky for that. Not when he himself had heard Ganondorf utter a curse against him to follow him, and now learned that two other heroes had to deal with the man.

Perhaps that was a good place to start. “Sky, you’re not the only one who’s let him return to attack again. We’re all testaments of that. Do you think we all blame each other for it?”

“You can’t blame yourself,” Warriors said firmly. “It’s pointless to take accountability for the actions of someone else, no matter what. You can’t control Demise, or Ganondorf, or anyone else. You defeated him, as was your duty. That’s all anyone can ask for.”

“But now this!” Sky suddenly shouted, tears returning. “Now this, with this Shadow, who says he came from me, that Demise poisoned my soul—”

“Shadows are creatures of dark magic,” Time explained, tone demanding Sky to listen. The knight hiccupped a little pathetically, but he didn’t continue to argue, letting his elder say further, “They feed off darkness, off negative emotions and traits, but they’re not part of us. They’re dark personifications of us. Traveler has fought his Shadow. I have fought mine. The captain has fought his.”

“Three of them, actually,” Warriors admitted dully.

Everyone stared at the captain a moment.

“Goddesses above, how much ego did you have back then to power three Shadows?” Twilight blurted out.

Warriors huffed. “It wasn’t that bad! I had plenty of other negative traits to utilize as well!”

And the dam broke.

First it was Wild who barked out a laugh. Then Four. Then Legend snorted so loudly it made Wind cackle as well. Before long, everyone was laughing.

Well, almost everyone.

As the air filled with giggles and cheerful uproar, Time leaned in so only Sky could hear him. “You’re not alone, Sky. You can’t blame yourself for this. No matter what the Shadow said. We’re all here to help each other. None of us blames you for any of it.”

“Hylia trusted me,” Sky sniffled. “Zelda trusted me.”

“Trusted you to do what?”

“To end it. To make sure war didn’t start again.”

“Again. So he’d done this before?”

Sky buried his face in his hands, and Time let it go briefly, pulling him back to his chest.

“Listen to me,” he whispered. “None of this is your fault. Everything that happened to us after you… that was Demise’s doing. You can’t possibly account for everything that beast can do. I certainly couldn’t, nor could any of the others. But we all defeated him and brought peace to our land and time. You’re not a god, Sky – you can’t protect all the timeline. Even I can’t do that.”

“I’m sorry,” the young one whimpered.

Time’s heart broke again, holding him in his arms as he apologized. The stale air of Arbiter’s Grounds suddenly filled his chest, the dry heat prickled at his skin.

“Don’t apologize,” Time practically growled as he held the boy tightly. “Don’t you dare ever apologize for any of this.”

The laughter around them had faded, lost in Sky’s cries and Time’s order. Everyone huddled around them.

“We love you, Sky,” Wind assured him, his voice shaking a little. Warriors put a hand on the sailor’s shoulder and leaned in as everyone else did.

“You pull this shit again and I’ll kill you myself,” Legend added thickly, burying his face in Sky’s shoulder.

Sky coughed a laugh into Time’s chest. “Sor—”

“No,” Time hissed. “Don’t apologize.”

And so the knight held his tongue, letting himself be held by the other heroes. After a few minutes, the hug slowly eased off, though everyone hovered close. Twilight tossed pillows on the ground so everyone could sit in a circle around Time and Sky. As the Skyloftian calmed, letting himself stay in Time’s protective embrace, a more placid conversation started, turning the original interrogation into a story to be told instead.

Sky was sometimes vague on details, but Warriors pressed for every piece of information. Hylia’s identity and role in the matter, the legends of the war led by a demon king, a god of chaos and destruction and hatred who tried to destroy not only what would be Hyrule, but the entire world. And, most importantly, Sky’s role in this legend.

The boy had fought a god.

“So, to be clear, you, a tiny little student who lived in the sky, fought the god of destruction who nearly annihilated the world, including a goddess, and you’re upset you couldn't entirely kill him despite defeating him.” Legend summarized flatly.

Warriors huffed. “That’s certainly an impressive feat. But by the goddesses, I thought I had an ego – what would make you think you could summarily destroy a god, Sky?”

“I did,” Sky noted bitterly. “With the Triforce. But then Ghirahim interfered and traveled to the past.”

“Of course he did,” Time grumbled under his breath. That had to be what Sky was talking about with timeshift items.

“To be so close…” Four muttered thoughtfully. “It’s no wonder it’s so frustrating. But still… why didn’t you tell any of us? Why did you just set out?”

Sky squirmed a little in Time’s embrace. “I… everyone talked about how the Shadow could be Ganon. I had to… I wanted to finish what I’d started. Rancher had almost died, and… and I didn’t want anyone else to get hurt.”

Guilt, as Time had figured. But apparently also just plain adolescent stupidity.

The same pride and bravery that led to a child princess creating an intricate plan that would fail. Time bit back a sad laugh. If he had any doubt about Sky’s place in the royal family lineage, it was fading fast.

Goddesses, the boy would start the royal family, wouldn’t he?

“Wow. And I thought Rancher was bad,” Wild noted.

Twilight threw him a dull glare. “You’re not any better, Champion.”

“You saw time and again how much effort it took to eliminate just the monsters he was sending everywhere,” Legend pointed out, growing frustrated. “Yet you thought you could take him on alone? You saw what he did to—”

“That’s why I had to do it,” Sky argued, pulling out of Time’s arms as he filled with fiery energy. “Everyone here has done their part, and I—”

The knight’s mouth clamped shut as everyone dared him to finish his sentence. Instead, he sighed in defeat, leaning back against his elder’s chest.

It was going to take time for Sky to believe what they had told him. It would take a while for him to accept that he wasn’t at fault. But Time was certain they would all be keeping an eye on him and ensuring he did finally accept the truth.

“Where’s the potion?” Time asked softly, rubbing Sky’s arm reassuringly and ending the stressful conversation.

Hyrule wordlessly grabbed it and held it out. When Sky started to falter in holding it, Warriors leaned over to assist.

“I believe that’s enough excitement for tonight,” Time remarked, standing and pulling Sky up with him, easily situating him in a carry like he’d done multiple times while the boy had slept.

“You need rest as well, old man,” Warriors noted, holding out his arms. “Your advanced years require it.”

The younger Links snorted back laughs, and Time let the jab slide. He could see the pleading in the captain’s eyes, the need to just hold the boy. He handed him over.

As Sky let himself be carried, he felt his heart racing despite the exhaustion pulling him under. He heard murmuring and wishes of good night, and a last promise of their care from many of his brothers-in-arms. He felt like he could break apart once more.

It felt… he didn’t know. Freeing and heartbreaking. An acceptance he couldn’t possibly deserve, but desperately wanted. A promise that it wasn’t his fault that couldn’t possibly be true.

But… the others had spoken of things that he had not considered.

Ganondorf had uttered a curse to Time. They all had successors despite their victories. But…

It still didn’t change the fact that it had started with Sky.

And it didn’t answer the questions that the Shadow’s words had brought forth.

Sky felt his world shift as Warriors settled on the bed alongside him, letting him rest on the captain like a pillow. The elder Link wouldn’t let go.

Sky felt the guilt crush him anew, though with a different flavor.

“I’m sorry I caused all this,” he mumbled, too exhausted to elaborate, wishing more than anything he didn’t have to apologize anymore despite knowing he should.

Warriors sighed through his nose. “You’re more stubborn than I gave you credit for. How many times do we have to tell you—”

“No,” Sky interrupted. “I mean… I mean for what’s happened lately. I’m… I guess I didn’t…”

“Didn’t expect us to care that much?”

Sky shriveled a little. No. He… he hadn’t.

Why would he? He was among the quietest and least noticed in the group. He was teased for his sleepiness, admired for his fighting prowess but never really…

Legend had cried. He’d made Legend cry. He’d hurt all of them. The fact that the captain was refusing to let go... he'd figured that, next to Time, Warriors certainly viewed him with the least concern. Time for obvious reasons, but the captain... Sky just couldn't compare to him. Besides...

Sky was always the invisible one, it felt like. But he supposed maybe how he felt was wrong.

“I’m sorry,” was all he could say.

“I’m sorry too,” Warriors acknowledged. “I’m sorry you ever thought that… goddesses, Link, we…”

“I know,” Sky said for him, knowing he was struggling to express himself. They all struggled with that sometimes, but someone as stoic as the captain was especially prone to it. Sky knew that about him. He knew a lot about all of them. He’d observed a lot. It allowed him to ease seamlessly between his brothers, to help them and soothe their worries, to figure out the best way to keep the peace between all of them.

He'd always just felt like the helper, but never really belonging. He supposed…

Well, he certainly felt far more seen than ever. He wasn’t sure he enjoyed all the attention, but goddess if it wasn’t validating and reassuring.

“We love you, Sky,” Warriors whispered so softly Sky almost missed it.

The young knight could hear the captain’s heart racing, could feel how his arms shook. He basked in the surprise and assurance of it before his heart could no longer take the pain radiating from his fellow knight. He wiggled a little bit to return the hug he was receiving, willing all his warmth and care into it, suddenly filled with concern. “I love you too.”

Warriors took a shaky breath, and one of his hands slid up to hold the back of Sky’s head as he buried his face in the younger knight’s hair. The bed gently sank as someone else joined, and Sky could feel the wolf pelt against his skin. As the warmth of the embrace and the promise of love and safety enveloped him, he vaguely heard more footsteps shuffle in, though by the time he had fallen asleep he’d lost count of how many of his brothers had managed to sneak into the room.

Time was last, smiling down at all his boys as they huddled around the Skyloftian in the center. They were all back together, and he was safe, and their leader would ensure it stayed that way.

The promise of safety felt a little more tenuous the next morning when the queen brought information of a portal being spotted by Lake Hylia. But the assurance of Sky remaining with the group was all the promise they needed. Everyone kept a close eye on the young knight as they traveled together.

The gate stood before them, dark and ominous. But they stood together, united and strong. They would keep each other safe.

Hylia’s Chosen Hero looked to the others. He saw Wild, scarred but continuing despite it all. He saw Wind, optimistic, a promise of a future yet to come. He saw Legend, beaten down by life but not defeated by it. He saw Four, eager and ready to face the unknown. He saw Hyrule, relentless and resolute. He saw Twilight, heart ever glowing and bleeding for those around him. He saw Time, wise and strong. He saw Warriors, the knight that he sought to be.

Shifting his blade on his back, feeling her hum against him, Sky stared determinedly through the portal, and marched ahead with his brothers.

[floccinaucinihilipilificationa]

[rageveinn]

I just. love this game so much

[endermagpieart]

What do you mean I’m a bit late for Janus’ big day? Of course not, how could you say such a thing! I definitely didn’t forget all about it in my absence and only get reminded in the incorrect quotes video live chat; that’s not like me at all ;]

Anyways I decided to dress our sassy snake in some different outfits I think he’d like. He seems like the type to get all dolled up on his birthday and it goes with Thomas posting pics in outfits inspired by the sides on their appreciation days!

@thatsthat24

[araneapeixes]

and i could belong to the night

[bizarrelittlemew]

calling it right now that season 3 starts like this

[cawhawhaw]

uh oh looks like my hunting trophy is misbehaving

[nattikay]

babysitter Bob! (don't worry his teeth are folded in, Kiri is not getting poked lol)

[omaano]

"Kriffing hell, he’d fallen asleep. On Boba.  They’d stayed back to back, but Din’s head had leaned over onto Boba’s shoulder. The poor guy had been holding Din’s weight for—a quick check of his chrono eased some of his guilt; it’d only been ten minutes." Mand'alor Cabur chapter 14 by @nautilicious

This is one of my all-time favourite BobaDin fics, please give it a read and heap some love on the author, they really deserve it! (Their Boba is amazing. He isn't actively present all that much, but even then he has a presence, you know? and it's so good, I love him so much there!!!)

[quee-r-code]

some hnk art ideas i never manage to finish

[andersonlore]

thinking of boxer!abby splitting your cunt open with her strap after a match in the showers, your arms wrapped around her neck as she has your legs wrapped around her waist, back pressed against the cool tile as she’s bouncing you on her cock. granted she’s doing most of the work, but it’s all worth it watching you come undone. moaning her name over and over, before you’re tugging on her braid and the moan she lets out is enough to push you over the edge, falling into your lovers’ arms, a soft whisper of i love you. a promise only to be found by her, a girl perfectly made for you.

[anewp0tat0]

I tried but not very hard to see what the anniversary date was, and i decided to just prepare myself for the 16th or the 18th... it was the former. so, as always, but this time truly by accident... happy belated 17th birthday Black Butler!! I truly hope this year is amazing for us.

this year, I decided to use an idea I had wanted to try for a while but I never thought I would be able to pull off. and I still probably couldn't in the best way.... but regardless, here is a made up last chapter scenario.

you can also see this comic on webtoon here. whatever your fancy, if you please :>

[foolsocracy]

I can't help but notice you haven't posted any angst in a while and I'm suspicious

whipped this one up just for u anon

[bigfootsmom]

[insert something poetic and profound here]

[coolnonsenseworld]

At the end of 2022/In the beginning of 2023 I've sent postcards to Patrons and also added sketches for each of them. There were two copies - one to which I added a few details with a liner only for Patrons to keep, and the other printed on white to use as a coloring page or simply keep separately.

Here are all the sketches and I hope everyone who received the Postcard enjoyed getting it!!

You can still get the print of the Postcard (the winter one) separately in the shops - https://linktr.ee/mezzy

And here are credits which Patrons left - HEX was drawn for @caeseria-k , Cheek kiss for @not-so-sunnie, Kosmo Cuddle for sampai_writes (IG) , Cuddlers + Klance for luon-von (Twt), wintery one for @thestargazerfiles and a lap cuddle for @luchsmaedchen !

Big thanks to all the other Patrons!!! I wouldn't be here if not for them and sharing all this within a welcoming, understanding part of the fandom means SO MUCH, and it warms my heart to have the support not only for my fandom creations, but also for me as a person and artist. I mean. I don't assume. Maybe some are there just for klance, that's fine too. But I feel like I've met friends there based on a world of creation, anything I know about my Patrons, is they are so successful, creative and kind ToT. And listen... it's been seven years of Klance, and I still see people having new things to say about them.

Have an amazing week everyone <3

[insertsomthinawesome]

Okay I started this waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back right after Episode 10 launched. Yeah. Ages ago. I actually finished it around probably 1-2 months ago??? I've just been slow to uploading it ^^;; Back then I was... not necessarily theorizing??? But had fun indulging in an idea like this xD

-NO ROMANCE INCLUDED-