You Can Call Me Birdie!

[knight-in-training-sky]

Its been a moment since ive seen you and while on my way to visit i come across your Crimson. He appears in distress...*

*I approach carefully.*

Hey bud. Its okay... its me...

@the-real-lu-sky

*Crimson trills, bumping his head against Sky gently.

Dream, he manages to say in your mind. Dream bad. Scary!

*He doesn’t seem worried for himself — which means Birdie probably had a nightmare.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Woah hey bud...

*I listen carefully.*

A nightmare? Okay. Just relax for me okay? We can see whats going on.

Do you know where he is?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Hot place, voice place. Took girl.

*Birdie is in Eldin, with Bloom.

*Crimson is trying to stay calm, he trusts Sky as much as Birdie does. But he's worried -- he's not used to being away from his other half for a nightmare.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Hot place... voice...

*The girl... which girl theres plenty of girls....*

Eldin!

*He nods and gently runs a hand along his back.*

Its okay bud. We can find him. Can I ask you to take me to him?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He trills sadly.

Can't go under clouds. Don't know where.

*And he can't help, he knows he can't.

Went after get song?

*He's hoping that information will help Sky find the boy.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Right... you guys cant can you. Okay. Okay.

You know how you can help me? Can you direct me and Crim there and then stay with crim while I find birdie and then we can bring him up to you.

The song was near the top someplace so I can start there.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Crim nods, taking to the air, leaading you to where he'd left Birdie and Bloom -- the entrance to Eldin. He circles around it, like he always does when waiting for Birdie to jump.

[the-real-lu-sky]

*I follow on quicklycalling crim and taking to the skies after him.*

Its okay bud! I'll find him okay?

*We make it to the portal and I pat a hand on my crim twice.*

Keep this one safe okay. I'll be back with his rider soon.*

*I make the dive quickly and efficiently. Arriving at the entrance of the temple.*

Okay. Time to find him...

*I make my way inside.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

*You find no sign of Birdie, no matter how deep you go. When you come back out, Birdie-less, you see a mogma with blue hair -- Cobal. He notices you.

"Oh, hey man!"

*His greeting is friendly.

"Hey, you ever find Bloom? Said 'he was lookin' for ya! Was down by the bridge that your other buddy opened."

[the-real-lu-sky]

Cobal... hi!

*The greeting is automatic.*

*Oh right. He wouldnt know...*

Wait have you seen another me around here? Ive... not been looking for Bloom myself.

*I give a nod.*

The bridge... its a place to start.

*I move to the edge of the cliff and look down towards the assent. Spotting the bridge in question.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

"Wait, other you?"

*He's confused by that -- he'd thought you were Birdie.

*You can see two people, down by the mark of the trial of the region. Birdie and Bloom, most likely.

“Whaddya mean, ‘other you’??”

[the-real-lu-sky]

Yes. Other me. Your version of me.

*I sigh. Hows the best to explain this...*

Its a long story. But basically. I'm Link from another timeline. Theres been a lot of magic around thats causing things to mess up but link is my younger brother.

My name is Sky. And I'm looking for him.

*I spot the two people down by the trial marker and give a nod.before pointing to show Cobal

Down there. Can you see? Its me with someone...

[knight-in-training-sky]

“…Man, both you and Bloom come in talkin’ bout some kid named Link — he told me us name was Birdie, so that’s what I’m gonna call ‘im.”

“My eyes ain’t nearly that good man, I’d have to go down there and look up close.”

*They both seem to be asleep — at least until Birdie jolts up, looking around frantically.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Its hard to know what hes been introducing himself as. I'm sorry.

Birdie is the name i use as well. Link is just the one most people know in my experience.

Fair enough. I supp-

*I see him shoot up ans immediately grab at my sword. Concern litters my features as I look around for a quick way down.*

Birdie!

*I spot a ledge and turn to you.*

Can you do me a favor? Can you check on him. As well while I make my way down?

[knight-in-training-sky]

“Mm. Seems to me he goes around callin’ himself Birdie instead of Link.”

“…Sure, but if there’s monsters I’m dipping!”

*He digs back under the ground, disappearing from view.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He stood in the training room in Tear's house, swinging his sword against a dummy. Recently, it's all been too much. Finding Twig, befriending her, losing his sword and her...

*Finding out she doesn't remember him. Helping her start to. Getting his sword back, realizing the man that took it was who she called her father.

*Fighting Demise -- or at least, being in the same area as Sky did. He wonders if he'll ever get to that point.

*....He really, really hopes he doesn't.

[I know you don't want to, kid, I don't think any hero has wanted to deal with this guy or his reincarnation. And that's valid, you can just stay here and while you do, your Goddess waits and waits and waits until Demise wins in your time. And there goes your whole timeline.]

*He tenses at the voice in his head, but frowns at its words.

That- that’s not what I meant. I meant, Sky’s had to deal with him so much, and I- I don’t wanna have to do that.

*He continues to swing, attacking the dummy, practicing.

I didn’t mean I should just stay here forever.

*He’d never be able to forgive himself if he did.

[Yet you keep stopping your journey. How long has it been since you've journeyed with the little Goddess? I mean, for her it's been two years. And then before running into her, you were - once again - here. And before that, you were here for, what, a festival you couldn't even properly enjoy?]

*For her it’s….

Wait, what? What do you mean, it’s been two years for her?? It hasn’t even been one!..

*Has it? No, it.. It can’t have been.

I-I… I keep getting hurt, and- I can’t save her if I’m dead..

*His voice wavers, sword pointing down more and more.

A-and, rest is important..! Right?..

[Ah, forgive me, I was going off her age. But it has been nearly a year and a half for her.]

[And why do you keep getting hurt? Because you're weak. It's why you needed her to begin with, isn't it? It's why you lost your sword.]

[Do you think Mama rested so much during her journey? During either of her journeys? I know the answer~]

I-I’m not weak..! I fought that Koloktoss guy and lived, didn’t I?..

*Only barely. Only because Revali was there to pull him out of the water.

I, um…Probably.

*His sword chimes, pulling his eyes to it. He sits down against a wall, sheathing it and holding it close.

*He has her again. He has her still. It’ll be okay.

[Didn't you almost die? You fainted into the water, you were lucky Revali was coming to see you, you wouldn't be here otherwise.]

[No, no she didn't. She rarely ever took the time to even heal herself.]

*…..Oh. He’d forgotten, that he did that.

*..At least one of them is strong. It certainly isn’t Birdie.

*His sword chimes again, in his grasp, pulling his eyes back to it.

@floralzeldahyrule

[floralzeldahyrule]

(shortened)

It seems that...these rifts in time have done more harm than good for some...

*Saying that, she thinks back to Link, and his situation. Her hands relax in worry, as she brings them together. She had long stopped believing prayers worked, at least for her, so she says nothing in her hope for Link's own safety.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

....I believe only his voice was done by someone outside of our time. As well as more recent events, and a time we both got poisoned. Outside of that, his injuries were done by someone named Ghirahim.

These rifts have, quite bluntly, been the best thing for him. I wouldn't be as close to him as I am, he wouldn't have a network of people he loves...I don't think he would even have survived this long if it wasn't for all of this.

And there's you -- just because things are different for you now, doesn't mean they're going to stay like this. You came with us because you wanted to learn, right? And you will get to.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She chews on the inside of her cheek, looking at Star.*

Yes but...what if it's not enough? One problem has turned into many because of these rifts. If I can't find a solution to the most important issue at current, then the others won't be solved as well.

*She looks away, clenching her hands.*

Link will be stuck...and he will blame himself... He already does now when we have not failed in our duties... When he hasn't failed in his duties...

[knight-in-training-sky]

He won't be. Not if he has people trying to help him, regardless of if he wants it or not. He will not end up stuck. What is the most important issue for you? Let's try and find a way to help with that, if we can. One thing at a time.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She looks at Star, a bit of a helpless look on her face.*

Getting Link back. Get him away from Recall, permanently. Not even because he's the hero, but because he's my friend and I... I miss him, Star...

*She looks away.*

He was right there...and then he wasn't...and I was back at Tear's home... We were making progress...and now... Will it have been for naught?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Star hums in thought, one hand rubbing against the marks on her wrists.

Well, we know that separating him from her won’t work, she can simply teleport him away. You’ve tried talking to him, yes? What’ve you tried?

[floralzeldahyrule]

We've tried discussing ways to awaken my powers without risking his life. According to Tear, I am to awaken my powers to protect Link from a Guardian's laser. But even still, he is to succumb to his injuries and exhaustion if we end up down such a path, just as Tear did.

Originally, I was going to stay with him, keep him company...but it seems as if Recall decided I'm more of a distraction, and separated us. I don't wish to just...sit and wait to reunite with him, so I figured that...

That perhaps accompanying Birdie would be beneficial, as it allows me some real world experience...and perhaps I'll learn something that'll aid me in awakening my powers.

[knight-in-training-sky]

Well, we know this can change — Twig, a younger version of Tear also before the Calamity — was able to defeat it entirely by herself. I’m not sure how to awaken your powers at the moment, but it is possible to change how they do.

Recall keeping you away from him is actually not a horrible sign — it means she thinks you may be able to bring him back to your side instead of hers.

Yes, getting real experience is much different than training — even with what he’d done at the Knight Academy in Skyloft, Birdie was still rather unprepared for proper combat with more than an angry Remlit or a chuchu.

[floralzeldahyrule]

So Tear has told me, but from my understanding, both Tear and Twig are both also descendants of Hylia, and have had access to their powers since early childhood. I do not believe Twig is a good example as I'm sure she still required the sealing power.

*She looks away.*

He... He didn't seem against my presence... Perhaps you're right, but it's still not an ideal situation.

How long as he been on this journey? Surely he's gained some sort of experience throughout this?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Yes, but the sealing power was not my point. What happened to Tear was meant to happen to Twig as well — but it didn’t. Maybe Link won’t get hurt by the Guardians for you, and you’ll awaken your powers some other way. Maybe nobody will get hurt.

It is not, that’s true, but the knowledge is helpful, isn’t it?

Oh…A good while now, I forgot exactly when we started, but it’s been months. And yes, he has, but- well, try not to be too upset with him if he keeps trying to protect you. He’s been badly hurt on this adventure, and he doesn’t want anyone else to be hurt like that. I can’t blame him for it myself, but I know it may upset you to be treated like you can’t fight.

[floralzeldahyrule]

Did...Tear not tell you the full story? Of her death? She wore herself thin trying to protect what survivors her and Sil were able to get from Hyrule Field, trying to get them to Fort Hateno and away from the Guardians. I just... I just don't think avoiding that is possible for my time unless I awaken my powers.

Yes, yes it is.

I can deal with that. I'm still not quite used to fighting myself. So long as he doesn't try to completely stopping from aiding in a fight.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Before Starshine can comment, Birdie opens his eyes. When he removes his hands from the sword, he’s holding red earrings, and immediately he’s started removing his blue ones to replace them.

Oh- you completed it? What did you get?

Fireshield earrings. They keep the fire from affecting me, which means we need to pass through that area where I immediately caught on fire. Do you have anything that can help you with that, Bloom? I already know which path we need to take, and it shouldn’t be more than a few seconds if we run.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She sighs when Birdie come to, a bit disappointed that her conversation with Star was been cut short.*

My fireproof elixirs should work just fine. They're designed for areas such as this.

*Upon saying this, she pulls a bottle out of her bag and opens it. She quickly downs if, holding back her disgust as she puts the bottle back in her bag.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

Cool! The quickest way up is this way, it’s a giant gust of air that just shoots you straight up to the top by where we need to go. It does spin you around, so you might get dizzy.

*Birdie looks over at the wall of rocks, and pauses.

Oh, hang on. Forgot I haven’t blown this up yet.

*He reaches into his pouch.

It’ll get really loud for a second.

*He pulls out a blue bomb flower, tossing it near the rocks and covering his ears.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She looks in surprise when you pull a bomb out of your bag.*

Isn't that dangerous? I mean, my Slate is capable of making bombs as well, since Tear managed to unlock those runes for me. But I have to detonate them myself.

*She covers her ears, watching and waiting for the bomb to go off.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

Oh, Ledd gave me his bomb bag a while ago! There’s actually some flowers over there.

*He nods to the bomb flowers, wincing when the one he’d tossed goes off. But he grins.

Success~

[floralzeldahyrule]

I see... Not sure how that changes my statement.

*Zelda laughs, not really reacting to the sound of the bomb going off.*

Well, if you run out of bomb, I have an infinite supply at least.

*She taps the Sheikah Slate on her hip.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

His point is that having a bomb bag, which is designed in such a way that it won't set off the bomb flowers, makes it safer to carry them around.

Oh? How does the Slate work, if I may? Tear has used it before, but I'm still curious.

*Birdie leads the way, humming Din's Power again. It's still stuck in his head, but now it seems to hold litle to no magic sway.

[floralzeldahyrule]

That is not at all what he said.

*She giggles.*

Oh, uh, sure.

*She unclips the Slate and holds it out to Star.*

I'm still figuring it out myself, since not much is known about it and Tear unlocked some of the stuff for me.

[knight-in-training-sky]

It is not, you'd be correct.

*Starshine smiles as well, though she's surprised when Bloom simply hands over the Slate.

Oh, thank you!

*Birdie stops in front of gushing air, smiling softly.

This is our ride. You ready?

*Starshine is looking at the decive curiously, though she can't read the language it's written in.

[floralzeldahyrule]

Oh, yes, I'm ready I believe.

*She looks over at Star, tilting her head.*

Is something the matter Star?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Well, I can't read the language, is all. But I'm sure I can figure it out.

*Birdie smiles, pulling out his sailcloth.

Just hop over and pull out your parglider!

*He follows his own example, hoping over the small gap and letting the wind take him upwards.

[floralzeldahyrule]

Oh, I didn't even think of that possibility. If you'd like, when we get a moment, I can translate for you.

*She watches Birdie, before taking a breath and mimicking his actions, pulling out her paraglider as she gets into the updraft.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

I would appretiate that, thank you!

*The air deposits her at the top, it doesn't take much until her feet are on the ground again. Starshine follows suit not moments later. Birdie smiles, nodding for her to follow him. He turns a corner, then his earrings shine for a second.

Oh, wow! These work really wel, haha. Last time I came in here I had to run 'cause I immediately caught fire.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*When Zelda makes it to the top, she stumbles a little, not used to the action of landing yet. She clears her throat as she corrects herself, putting her glider away.*

*When Star makes her way up, Zelda holds out her hand for the Slate.*

Since you can't read the text, I would like to hold onto it so it's not accidentally lost.

*She looks at Birdie once she gets the Slate, following him into the next room. It's certainly much hotter here, she's grateful the elixir seems to be working well against the heat.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

Of course.

*Starshine hands it back without complaint.

*The walls themselves show how hot it is -- they glow red with the heat. Birdie leads the two up the ramp on the other side, into a much larger area. Birdie looks around curiously, then pulls out his map and looks at it. Starshine hums.

We're getting closer to the crater atop the volcano. You won't last long without your earrings and potions.

[floralzeldahyrule]

Seems like we're heading into the volcano... It would explain why it's so hot.

*Silently, she's a bit worried about the amount of elixirs she has.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

Yeah, it does..

Well..I guess let's start looking around?

*After a while of doing just that, they find out there's two ways to go -- one leads outside, to a small area where they could at least theoretically get out -- and the other, to a room with a wall of fire, though it's less hot than the other room.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He stood in the training room in Tear's house, swinging his sword against a dummy. Recently, it's all been too much. Finding Twig, befriending her, losing his sword and her...

*Finding out she doesn't remember him. Helping her start to. Getting his sword back, realizing the man that took it was who she called her father.

*Fighting Demise -- or at least, being in the same area as Sky did. He wonders if he'll ever get to that point.

*....He really, really hopes he doesn't.

[I know you don't want to, kid, I don't think any hero has wanted to deal with this guy or his reincarnation. And that's valid, you can just stay here and while you do, your Goddess waits and waits and waits until Demise wins in your time. And there goes your whole timeline.]

*He tenses at the voice in his head, but frowns at its words.

That- that’s not what I meant. I meant, Sky’s had to deal with him so much, and I- I don’t wanna have to do that.

*He continues to swing, attacking the dummy, practicing.

I didn’t mean I should just stay here forever.

*He’d never be able to forgive himself if he did.

[Yet you keep stopping your journey. How long has it been since you've journeyed with the little Goddess? I mean, for her it's been two years. And then before running into her, you were - once again - here. And before that, you were here for, what, a festival you couldn't even properly enjoy?]

*For her it’s….

Wait, what? What do you mean, it’s been two years for her?? It hasn’t even been one!..

*Has it? No, it.. It can’t have been.

I-I… I keep getting hurt, and- I can’t save her if I’m dead..

*His voice wavers, sword pointing down more and more.

A-and, rest is important..! Right?..

[Ah, forgive me, I was going off her age. But it has been nearly a year and a half for her.]

[And why do you keep getting hurt? Because you're weak. It's why you needed her to begin with, isn't it? It's why you lost your sword.]

[Do you think Mama rested so much during her journey? During either of her journeys? I know the answer~]

I-I’m not weak..! I fought that Koloktoss guy and lived, didn’t I?..

*Only barely. Only because Revali was there to pull him out of the water.

I, um…Probably.

*His sword chimes, pulling his eyes to it. He sits down against a wall, sheathing it and holding it close.

*He has her again. He has her still. It’ll be okay.

[Didn't you almost die? You fainted into the water, you were lucky Revali was coming to see you, you wouldn't be here otherwise.]

[No, no she didn't. She rarely ever took the time to even heal herself.]

*…..Oh. He’d forgotten, that he did that.

*..At least one of them is strong. It certainly isn’t Birdie.

*His sword chimes again, in his grasp, pulling his eyes back to it.

@floralzeldahyrule

[floralzeldahyrule]

(shortened)

It seems that...these rifts in time have done more harm than good for some...

*Saying that, she thinks back to Link, and his situation. Her hands relax in worry, as she brings them together. She had long stopped believing prayers worked, at least for her, so she says nothing in her hope for Link's own safety.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

....I believe only his voice was done by someone outside of our time. As well as more recent events, and a time we both got poisoned. Outside of that, his injuries were done by someone named Ghirahim.

These rifts have, quite bluntly, been the best thing for him. I wouldn't be as close to him as I am, he wouldn't have a network of people he loves...I don't think he would even have survived this long if it wasn't for all of this.

And there's you -- just because things are different for you now, doesn't mean they're going to stay like this. You came with us because you wanted to learn, right? And you will get to.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She chews on the inside of her cheek, looking at Star.*

Yes but...what if it's not enough? One problem has turned into many because of these rifts. If I can't find a solution to the most important issue at current, then the others won't be solved as well.

*She looks away, clenching her hands.*

Link will be stuck...and he will blame himself... He already does now when we have not failed in our duties... When he hasn't failed in his duties...

[knight-in-training-sky]

He won't be. Not if he has people trying to help him, regardless of if he wants it or not. He will not end up stuck. What is the most important issue for you? Let's try and find a way to help with that, if we can. One thing at a time.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She looks at Star, a bit of a helpless look on her face.*

Getting Link back. Get him away from Recall, permanently. Not even because he's the hero, but because he's my friend and I... I miss him, Star...

*She looks away.*

He was right there...and then he wasn't...and I was back at Tear's home... We were making progress...and now... Will it have been for naught?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Star hums in thought, one hand rubbing against the marks on her wrists.

Well, we know that separating him from her won’t work, she can simply teleport him away. You’ve tried talking to him, yes? What’ve you tried?

[floralzeldahyrule]

We've tried discussing ways to awaken my powers without risking his life. According to Tear, I am to awaken my powers to protect Link from a Guardian's laser. But even still, he is to succumb to his injuries and exhaustion if we end up down such a path, just as Tear did.

Originally, I was going to stay with him, keep him company...but it seems as if Recall decided I'm more of a distraction, and separated us. I don't wish to just...sit and wait to reunite with him, so I figured that...

That perhaps accompanying Birdie would be beneficial, as it allows me some real world experience...and perhaps I'll learn something that'll aid me in awakening my powers.

[knight-in-training-sky]

Well, we know this can change — Twig, a younger version of Tear also before the Calamity — was able to defeat it entirely by herself. I’m not sure how to awaken your powers at the moment, but it is possible to change how they do.

Recall keeping you away from him is actually not a horrible sign — it means she thinks you may be able to bring him back to your side instead of hers.

Yes, getting real experience is much different than training — even with what he’d done at the Knight Academy in Skyloft, Birdie was still rather unprepared for proper combat with more than an angry Remlit or a chuchu.

[floralzeldahyrule]

So Tear has told me, but from my understanding, both Tear and Twig are both also descendants of Hylia, and have had access to their powers since early childhood. I do not believe Twig is a good example as I'm sure she still required the sealing power.

*She looks away.*

He... He didn't seem against my presence... Perhaps you're right, but it's still not an ideal situation.

How long as he been on this journey? Surely he's gained some sort of experience throughout this?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Yes, but the sealing power was not my point. What happened to Tear was meant to happen to Twig as well — but it didn’t. Maybe Link won’t get hurt by the Guardians for you, and you’ll awaken your powers some other way. Maybe nobody will get hurt.

It is not, that’s true, but the knowledge is helpful, isn’t it?

Oh…A good while now, I forgot exactly when we started, but it’s been months. And yes, he has, but- well, try not to be too upset with him if he keeps trying to protect you. He’s been badly hurt on this adventure, and he doesn’t want anyone else to be hurt like that. I can’t blame him for it myself, but I know it may upset you to be treated like you can’t fight.

[floralzeldahyrule]

Did...Tear not tell you the full story? Of her death? She wore herself thin trying to protect what survivors her and Sil were able to get from Hyrule Field, trying to get them to Fort Hateno and away from the Guardians. I just... I just don't think avoiding that is possible for my time unless I awaken my powers.

Yes, yes it is.

I can deal with that. I'm still not quite used to fighting myself. So long as he doesn't try to completely stopping from aiding in a fight.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Before Starshine can comment, Birdie opens his eyes. When he removes his hands from the sword, he’s holding red earrings, and immediately he’s started removing his blue ones to replace them.

Oh- you completed it? What did you get?

Fireshield earrings. They keep the fire from affecting me, which means we need to pass through that area where I immediately caught on fire. Do you have anything that can help you with that, Bloom? I already know which path we need to take, and it shouldn’t be more than a few seconds if we run.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She sighs when Birdie come to, a bit disappointed that her conversation with Star was been cut short.*

My fireproof elixirs should work just fine. They're designed for areas such as this.

*Upon saying this, she pulls a bottle out of her bag and opens it. She quickly downs if, holding back her disgust as she puts the bottle back in her bag.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

Cool! The quickest way up is this way, it’s a giant gust of air that just shoots you straight up to the top by where we need to go. It does spin you around, so you might get dizzy.

*Birdie looks over at the wall of rocks, and pauses.

Oh, hang on. Forgot I haven’t blown this up yet.

*He reaches into his pouch.

It’ll get really loud for a second.

*He pulls out a blue bomb flower, tossing it near the rocks and covering his ears.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She looks in surprise when you pull a bomb out of your bag.*

Isn't that dangerous? I mean, my Slate is capable of making bombs as well, since Tear managed to unlock those runes for me. But I have to detonate them myself.

*She covers her ears, watching and waiting for the bomb to go off.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

Oh, Ledd gave me his bomb bag a while ago! There’s actually some flowers over there.

*He nods to the bomb flowers, wincing when the one he’d tossed goes off. But he grins.

Success~

[floralzeldahyrule]

I see... Not sure how that changes my statement.

*Zelda laughs, not really reacting to the sound of the bomb going off.*

Well, if you run out of bomb, I have an infinite supply at least.

*She taps the Sheikah Slate on her hip.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

His point is that having a bomb bag, which is designed in such a way that it won't set off the bomb flowers, makes it safer to carry them around.

Oh? How does the Slate work, if I may? Tear has used it before, but I'm still curious.

*Birdie leads the way, humming Din's Power again. It's still stuck in his head, but now it seems to hold litle to no magic sway.

[floralzeldahyrule]

That is not at all what he said.

*She giggles.*

Oh, uh, sure.

*She unclips the Slate and holds it out to Star.*

I'm still figuring it out myself, since not much is known about it and Tear unlocked some of the stuff for me.

[knight-in-training-sky]

It is not, you'd be correct.

*Starshine smiles as well, though she's surprised when Bloom simply hands over the Slate.

Oh, thank you!

*Birdie stops in front of gushing air, smiling softly.

This is our ride. You ready?

*Starshine is looking at the decive curiously, though she can't read the language it's written in.

[floralzeldahyrule]

Oh, yes, I'm ready I believe.

*She looks over at Star, tilting her head.*

Is something the matter Star?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Well, I can't read the language, is all. But I'm sure I can figure it out.

*Birdie smiles, pulling out his sailcloth.

Just hop over and pull out your parglider!

*He follows his own example, hoping over the small gap and letting the wind take him upwards.

[floralzeldahyrule]

Oh, I didn't even think of that possibility. If you'd like, when we get a moment, I can translate for you.

*She watches Birdie, before taking a breath and mimicking his actions, pulling out her paraglider as she gets into the updraft.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

I would appretiate that, thank you!

*The air deposits her at the top, it doesn't take much until her feet are on the ground again. Starshine follows suit not moments later. Birdie smiles, nodding for her to follow him. He turns a corner, then his earrings shine for a second.

Oh, wow! These work really wel, haha. Last time I came in here I had to run 'cause I immediately caught fire.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*When Zelda makes it to the top, she stumbles a little, not used to the action of landing yet. She clears her throat as she corrects herself, putting her glider away.*

*When Star makes her way up, Zelda holds out her hand for the Slate.*

Since you can't read the text, I would like to hold onto it so it's not accidentally lost.

*She looks at Birdie once she gets the Slate, following him into the next room. It's certainly much hotter here, she's grateful the elixir seems to be working well against the heat.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

Of course.

*Starshine hands it back without complaint.

*The walls themselves show how hot it is -- they glow red with the heat. Birdie leads the two up the ramp on the other side, into a much larger area. Birdie looks around curiously, then pulls out his map and looks at it. Starshine hums.

We're getting closer to the crater atop the volcano. You won't last long without your earrings and potions.

[knight-in-training-sky]

Its been a moment since ive seen you and while on my way to visit i come across your Crimson. He appears in distress...*

*I approach carefully.*

Hey bud. Its okay... its me...

@the-real-lu-sky

*Crimson trills, bumping his head against Sky gently.

Dream, he manages to say in your mind. Dream bad. Scary!

*He doesn’t seem worried for himself — which means Birdie probably had a nightmare.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Woah hey bud...

*I listen carefully.*

A nightmare? Okay. Just relax for me okay? We can see whats going on.

Do you know where he is?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Hot place, voice place. Took girl.

*Birdie is in Eldin, with Bloom.

*Crimson is trying to stay calm, he trusts Sky as much as Birdie does. But he's worried -- he's not used to being away from his other half for a nightmare.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Hot place... voice...

*The girl... which girl theres plenty of girls....*

Eldin!

*He nods and gently runs a hand along his back.*

Its okay bud. We can find him. Can I ask you to take me to him?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He trills sadly.

Can't go under clouds. Don't know where.

*And he can't help, he knows he can't.

Went after get song?

*He's hoping that information will help Sky find the boy.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Right... you guys cant can you. Okay. Okay.

You know how you can help me? Can you direct me and Crim there and then stay with crim while I find birdie and then we can bring him up to you.

The song was near the top someplace so I can start there.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Crim nods, taking to the air, leaading you to where he'd left Birdie and Bloom -- the entrance to Eldin. He circles around it, like he always does when waiting for Birdie to jump.

[the-real-lu-sky]

*I follow on quicklycalling crim and taking to the skies after him.*

Its okay bud! I'll find him okay?

*We make it to the portal and I pat a hand on my crim twice.*

Keep this one safe okay. I'll be back with his rider soon.*

*I make the dive quickly and efficiently. Arriving at the entrance of the temple.*

Okay. Time to find him...

*I make my way inside.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

*You find no sign of Birdie, no matter how deep you go. When you come back out, Birdie-less, you see a mogma with blue hair -- Cobal. He notices you.

"Oh, hey man!"

*His greeting is friendly.

"Hey, you ever find Bloom? Said 'he was lookin' for ya! Was down by the bridge that your other buddy opened."

[the-real-lu-sky]

Cobal... hi!

*The greeting is automatic.*

*Oh right. He wouldnt know...*

Wait have you seen another me around here? Ive... not been looking for Bloom myself.

*I give a nod.*

The bridge... its a place to start.

*I move to the edge of the cliff and look down towards the assent. Spotting the bridge in question.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

"Wait, other you?"

*He's confused by that -- he'd thought you were Birdie.

*You can see two people, down by the mark of the trial of the region. Birdie and Bloom, most likely.

“Whaddya mean, ‘other you’??”

[the-real-lu-sky]

Yes. Other me. Your version of me.

*I sigh. Hows the best to explain this...*

Its a long story. But basically. I'm Link from another timeline. Theres been a lot of magic around thats causing things to mess up but link is my younger brother.

My name is Sky. And I'm looking for him.

*I spot the two people down by the trial marker and give a nod.before pointing to show Cobal

Down there. Can you see? Its me with someone...

[knight-in-training-sky]

“…Man, both you and Bloom come in talkin’ bout some kid named Link — he told me us name was Birdie, so that’s what I’m gonna call ‘im.”

“My eyes ain’t nearly that good man, I’d have to go down there and look up close.”

*They both seem to be asleep — at least until Birdie jolts up, looking around frantically.

[knight-in-training-sky]

Its been a moment since ive seen you and while on my way to visit i come across your Crimson. He appears in distress...*

*I approach carefully.*

Hey bud. Its okay... its me...

@the-real-lu-sky

*Crimson trills, bumping his head against Sky gently.

Dream, he manages to say in your mind. Dream bad. Scary!

*He doesn’t seem worried for himself — which means Birdie probably had a nightmare.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Woah hey bud...

*I listen carefully.*

A nightmare? Okay. Just relax for me okay? We can see whats going on.

Do you know where he is?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Hot place, voice place. Took girl.

*Birdie is in Eldin, with Bloom.

*Crimson is trying to stay calm, he trusts Sky as much as Birdie does. But he's worried -- he's not used to being away from his other half for a nightmare.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Hot place... voice...

*The girl... which girl theres plenty of girls....*

Eldin!

*He nods and gently runs a hand along his back.*

Its okay bud. We can find him. Can I ask you to take me to him?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He trills sadly.

Can't go under clouds. Don't know where.

*And he can't help, he knows he can't.

Went after get song?

*He's hoping that information will help Sky find the boy.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Right... you guys cant can you. Okay. Okay.

You know how you can help me? Can you direct me and Crim there and then stay with crim while I find birdie and then we can bring him up to you.

The song was near the top someplace so I can start there.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Crim nods, taking to the air, leaading you to where he'd left Birdie and Bloom -- the entrance to Eldin. He circles around it, like he always does when waiting for Birdie to jump.

[the-real-lu-sky]

*I follow on quicklycalling crim and taking to the skies after him.*

Its okay bud! I'll find him okay?

*We make it to the portal and I pat a hand on my crim twice.*

Keep this one safe okay. I'll be back with his rider soon.*

*I make the dive quickly and efficiently. Arriving at the entrance of the temple.*

Okay. Time to find him...

*I make my way inside.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

*You find no sign of Birdie, no matter how deep you go. When you come back out, Birdie-less, you see a mogma with blue hair -- Cobal. He notices you.

"Oh, hey man!"

*His greeting is friendly.

"Hey, you ever find Bloom? Said 'he was lookin' for ya! Was down by the bridge that your other buddy opened."

[the-real-lu-sky]

Cobal... hi!

*The greeting is automatic.*

*Oh right. He wouldnt know...*

Wait have you seen another me around here? Ive... not been looking for Bloom myself.

*I give a nod.*

The bridge... its a place to start.

*I move to the edge of the cliff and look down towards the assent. Spotting the bridge in question.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

"Wait, other you?"

*He's confused by that -- he'd thought you were Birdie.

*You can see two people, down by the mark of the trial of the region. Birdie and Bloom, most likely.

“Whaddya mean, ‘other you’??”

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He stood in the training room in Tear's house, swinging his sword against a dummy. Recently, it's all been too much. Finding Twig, befriending her, losing his sword and her...

*Finding out she doesn't remember him. Helping her start to. Getting his sword back, realizing the man that took it was who she called her father.

*Fighting Demise -- or at least, being in the same area as Sky did. He wonders if he'll ever get to that point.

*....He really, really hopes he doesn't.

[I know you don't want to, kid, I don't think any hero has wanted to deal with this guy or his reincarnation. And that's valid, you can just stay here and while you do, your Goddess waits and waits and waits until Demise wins in your time. And there goes your whole timeline.]

*He tenses at the voice in his head, but frowns at its words.

That- that’s not what I meant. I meant, Sky’s had to deal with him so much, and I- I don’t wanna have to do that.

*He continues to swing, attacking the dummy, practicing.

I didn’t mean I should just stay here forever.

*He’d never be able to forgive himself if he did.

[Yet you keep stopping your journey. How long has it been since you've journeyed with the little Goddess? I mean, for her it's been two years. And then before running into her, you were - once again - here. And before that, you were here for, what, a festival you couldn't even properly enjoy?]

*For her it’s….

Wait, what? What do you mean, it’s been two years for her?? It hasn’t even been one!..

*Has it? No, it.. It can’t have been.

I-I… I keep getting hurt, and- I can’t save her if I’m dead..

*His voice wavers, sword pointing down more and more.

A-and, rest is important..! Right?..

[Ah, forgive me, I was going off her age. But it has been nearly a year and a half for her.]

[And why do you keep getting hurt? Because you're weak. It's why you needed her to begin with, isn't it? It's why you lost your sword.]

[Do you think Mama rested so much during her journey? During either of her journeys? I know the answer~]

I-I’m not weak..! I fought that Koloktoss guy and lived, didn’t I?..

*Only barely. Only because Revali was there to pull him out of the water.

I, um…Probably.

*His sword chimes, pulling his eyes to it. He sits down against a wall, sheathing it and holding it close.

*He has her again. He has her still. It’ll be okay.

[Didn't you almost die? You fainted into the water, you were lucky Revali was coming to see you, you wouldn't be here otherwise.]

[No, no she didn't. She rarely ever took the time to even heal herself.]

*…..Oh. He’d forgotten, that he did that.

*..At least one of them is strong. It certainly isn’t Birdie.

*His sword chimes again, in his grasp, pulling his eyes back to it.

@floralzeldahyrule

[floralzeldahyrule]

(shortened)

It seems that...these rifts in time have done more harm than good for some...

*Saying that, she thinks back to Link, and his situation. Her hands relax in worry, as she brings them together. She had long stopped believing prayers worked, at least for her, so she says nothing in her hope for Link's own safety.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

....I believe only his voice was done by someone outside of our time. As well as more recent events, and a time we both got poisoned. Outside of that, his injuries were done by someone named Ghirahim.

These rifts have, quite bluntly, been the best thing for him. I wouldn't be as close to him as I am, he wouldn't have a network of people he loves...I don't think he would even have survived this long if it wasn't for all of this.

And there's you -- just because things are different for you now, doesn't mean they're going to stay like this. You came with us because you wanted to learn, right? And you will get to.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She chews on the inside of her cheek, looking at Star.*

Yes but...what if it's not enough? One problem has turned into many because of these rifts. If I can't find a solution to the most important issue at current, then the others won't be solved as well.

*She looks away, clenching her hands.*

Link will be stuck...and he will blame himself... He already does now when we have not failed in our duties... When he hasn't failed in his duties...

[knight-in-training-sky]

He won't be. Not if he has people trying to help him, regardless of if he wants it or not. He will not end up stuck. What is the most important issue for you? Let's try and find a way to help with that, if we can. One thing at a time.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She looks at Star, a bit of a helpless look on her face.*

Getting Link back. Get him away from Recall, permanently. Not even because he's the hero, but because he's my friend and I... I miss him, Star...

*She looks away.*

He was right there...and then he wasn't...and I was back at Tear's home... We were making progress...and now... Will it have been for naught?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Star hums in thought, one hand rubbing against the marks on her wrists.

Well, we know that separating him from her won’t work, she can simply teleport him away. You’ve tried talking to him, yes? What’ve you tried?

[floralzeldahyrule]

We've tried discussing ways to awaken my powers without risking his life. According to Tear, I am to awaken my powers to protect Link from a Guardian's laser. But even still, he is to succumb to his injuries and exhaustion if we end up down such a path, just as Tear did.

Originally, I was going to stay with him, keep him company...but it seems as if Recall decided I'm more of a distraction, and separated us. I don't wish to just...sit and wait to reunite with him, so I figured that...

That perhaps accompanying Birdie would be beneficial, as it allows me some real world experience...and perhaps I'll learn something that'll aid me in awakening my powers.

[knight-in-training-sky]

Well, we know this can change — Twig, a younger version of Tear also before the Calamity — was able to defeat it entirely by herself. I’m not sure how to awaken your powers at the moment, but it is possible to change how they do.

Recall keeping you away from him is actually not a horrible sign — it means she thinks you may be able to bring him back to your side instead of hers.

Yes, getting real experience is much different than training — even with what he’d done at the Knight Academy in Skyloft, Birdie was still rather unprepared for proper combat with more than an angry Remlit or a chuchu.

[floralzeldahyrule]

So Tear has told me, but from my understanding, both Tear and Twig are both also descendants of Hylia, and have had access to their powers since early childhood. I do not believe Twig is a good example as I'm sure she still required the sealing power.

*She looks away.*

He... He didn't seem against my presence... Perhaps you're right, but it's still not an ideal situation.

How long as he been on this journey? Surely he's gained some sort of experience throughout this?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Yes, but the sealing power was not my point. What happened to Tear was meant to happen to Twig as well — but it didn’t. Maybe Link won’t get hurt by the Guardians for you, and you’ll awaken your powers some other way. Maybe nobody will get hurt.

It is not, that’s true, but the knowledge is helpful, isn’t it?

Oh…A good while now, I forgot exactly when we started, but it’s been months. And yes, he has, but- well, try not to be too upset with him if he keeps trying to protect you. He’s been badly hurt on this adventure, and he doesn’t want anyone else to be hurt like that. I can’t blame him for it myself, but I know it may upset you to be treated like you can’t fight.

[floralzeldahyrule]

Did...Tear not tell you the full story? Of her death? She wore herself thin trying to protect what survivors her and Sil were able to get from Hyrule Field, trying to get them to Fort Hateno and away from the Guardians. I just... I just don't think avoiding that is possible for my time unless I awaken my powers.

Yes, yes it is.

I can deal with that. I'm still not quite used to fighting myself. So long as he doesn't try to completely stopping from aiding in a fight.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Before Starshine can comment, Birdie opens his eyes. When he removes his hands from the sword, he’s holding red earrings, and immediately he’s started removing his blue ones to replace them.

Oh- you completed it? What did you get?

Fireshield earrings. They keep the fire from affecting me, which means we need to pass through that area where I immediately caught on fire. Do you have anything that can help you with that, Bloom? I already know which path we need to take, and it shouldn’t be more than a few seconds if we run.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She sighs when Birdie come to, a bit disappointed that her conversation with Star was been cut short.*

My fireproof elixirs should work just fine. They're designed for areas such as this.

*Upon saying this, she pulls a bottle out of her bag and opens it. She quickly downs if, holding back her disgust as she puts the bottle back in her bag.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

Cool! The quickest way up is this way, it’s a giant gust of air that just shoots you straight up to the top by where we need to go. It does spin you around, so you might get dizzy.

*Birdie looks over at the wall of rocks, and pauses.

Oh, hang on. Forgot I haven’t blown this up yet.

*He reaches into his pouch.

It’ll get really loud for a second.

*He pulls out a blue bomb flower, tossing it near the rocks and covering his ears.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She looks in surprise when you pull a bomb out of your bag.*

Isn't that dangerous? I mean, my Slate is capable of making bombs as well, since Tear managed to unlock those runes for me. But I have to detonate them myself.

*She covers her ears, watching and waiting for the bomb to go off.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

Oh, Ledd gave me his bomb bag a while ago! There’s actually some flowers over there.

*He nods to the bomb flowers, wincing when the one he’d tossed goes off. But he grins.

Success~

[floralzeldahyrule]

I see... Not sure how that changes my statement.

*Zelda laughs, not really reacting to the sound of the bomb going off.*

Well, if you run out of bomb, I have an infinite supply at least.

*She taps the Sheikah Slate on her hip.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

His point is that having a bomb bag, which is designed in such a way that it won't set off the bomb flowers, makes it safer to carry them around.

Oh? How does the Slate work, if I may? Tear has used it before, but I'm still curious.

*Birdie leads the way, humming Din's Power again. It's still stuck in his head, but now it seems to hold litle to no magic sway.

[floralzeldahyrule]

That is not at all what he said.

*She giggles.*

Oh, uh, sure.

*She unclips the Slate and holds it out to Star.*

I'm still figuring it out myself, since not much is known about it and Tear unlocked some of the stuff for me.

[knight-in-training-sky]

It is not, you'd be correct.

*Starshine smiles as well, though she's surprised when Bloom simply hands over the Slate.

Oh, thank you!

*Birdie stops in front of gushing air, smiling softly.

This is our ride. You ready?

*Starshine is looking at the decive curiously, though she can't read the language it's written in.

[floralzeldahyrule]

Oh, yes, I'm ready I believe.

*She looks over at Star, tilting her head.*

Is something the matter Star?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Well, I can't read the language, is all. But I'm sure I can figure it out.

*Birdie smiles, pulling out his sailcloth.

Just hop over and pull out your parglider!

*He follows his own example, hoping over the small gap and letting the wind take him upwards.

[floralzeldahyrule]

Oh, I didn't even think of that possibility. If you'd like, when we get a moment, I can translate for you.

*She watches Birdie, before taking a breath and mimicking his actions, pulling out her paraglider as she gets into the updraft.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

I would appretiate that, thank you!

*The air deposits her at the top, it doesn't take much until her feet are on the ground again. Starshine follows suit not moments later. Birdie smiles, nodding for her to follow him. He turns a corner, then his earrings shine for a second.

Oh, wow! These work really wel, haha. Last time I came in here I had to run 'cause I immediately caught fire.

[knight-in-training-sky]

Its been a moment since ive seen you and while on my way to visit i come across your Crimson. He appears in distress...*

*I approach carefully.*

Hey bud. Its okay... its me...

@the-real-lu-sky

*Crimson trills, bumping his head against Sky gently.

Dream, he manages to say in your mind. Dream bad. Scary!

*He doesn’t seem worried for himself — which means Birdie probably had a nightmare.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Woah hey bud...

*I listen carefully.*

A nightmare? Okay. Just relax for me okay? We can see whats going on.

Do you know where he is?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Hot place, voice place. Took girl.

*Birdie is in Eldin, with Bloom.

*Crimson is trying to stay calm, he trusts Sky as much as Birdie does. But he's worried -- he's not used to being away from his other half for a nightmare.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Hot place... voice...

*The girl... which girl theres plenty of girls....*

Eldin!

*He nods and gently runs a hand along his back.*

Its okay bud. We can find him. Can I ask you to take me to him?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He trills sadly.

Can't go under clouds. Don't know where.

*And he can't help, he knows he can't.

Went after get song?

*He's hoping that information will help Sky find the boy.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Right... you guys cant can you. Okay. Okay.

You know how you can help me? Can you direct me and Crim there and then stay with crim while I find birdie and then we can bring him up to you.

The song was near the top someplace so I can start there.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Crim nods, taking to the air, leaading you to where he'd left Birdie and Bloom -- the entrance to Eldin. He circles around it, like he always does when waiting for Birdie to jump.

[the-real-lu-sky]

*I follow on quicklycalling crim and taking to the skies after him.*

Its okay bud! I'll find him okay?

*We make it to the portal and I pat a hand on my crim twice.*

Keep this one safe okay. I'll be back with his rider soon.*

*I make the dive quickly and efficiently. Arriving at the entrance of the temple.*

Okay. Time to find him...

*I make my way inside.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

*You find no sign of Birdie, no matter how deep you go. When you come back out, Birdie-less, you see a mogma with blue hair -- Cobal. He notices you.

"Oh, hey man!"

*His greeting is friendly.

"Hey, you ever find Bloom? Said 'he was lookin' for ya! Was down by the bridge that your other buddy opened."

[knight-in-training-sky]

Its been a moment since ive seen you and while on my way to visit i come across your Crimson. He appears in distress...*

*I approach carefully.*

Hey bud. Its okay... its me...

@the-real-lu-sky

*Crimson trills, bumping his head against Sky gently.

Dream, he manages to say in your mind. Dream bad. Scary!

*He doesn’t seem worried for himself — which means Birdie probably had a nightmare.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Woah hey bud...

*I listen carefully.*

A nightmare? Okay. Just relax for me okay? We can see whats going on.

Do you know where he is?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Hot place, voice place. Took girl.

*Birdie is in Eldin, with Bloom.

*Crimson is trying to stay calm, he trusts Sky as much as Birdie does. But he's worried -- he's not used to being away from his other half for a nightmare.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Hot place... voice...

*The girl... which girl theres plenty of girls....*

Eldin!

*He nods and gently runs a hand along his back.*

Its okay bud. We can find him. Can I ask you to take me to him?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He trills sadly.

Can't go under clouds. Don't know where.

*And he can't help, he knows he can't.

Went after get song?

*He's hoping that information will help Sky find the boy.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Right... you guys cant can you. Okay. Okay.

You know how you can help me? Can you direct me and Crim there and then stay with crim while I find birdie and then we can bring him up to you.

The song was near the top someplace so I can start there.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Crim nods, taking to the air, leaading you to where he'd left Birdie and Bloom -- the entrance to Eldin. He circles around it, like he always does when waiting for Birdie to jump.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He stood in the training room in Tear's house, swinging his sword against a dummy. Recently, it's all been too much. Finding Twig, befriending her, losing his sword and her...

*Finding out she doesn't remember him. Helping her start to. Getting his sword back, realizing the man that took it was who she called her father.

*Fighting Demise -- or at least, being in the same area as Sky did. He wonders if he'll ever get to that point.

*....He really, really hopes he doesn't.

[I know you don't want to, kid, I don't think any hero has wanted to deal with this guy or his reincarnation. And that's valid, you can just stay here and while you do, your Goddess waits and waits and waits until Demise wins in your time. And there goes your whole timeline.]

*He tenses at the voice in his head, but frowns at its words.

That- that’s not what I meant. I meant, Sky’s had to deal with him so much, and I- I don’t wanna have to do that.

*He continues to swing, attacking the dummy, practicing.

I didn’t mean I should just stay here forever.

*He’d never be able to forgive himself if he did.

[Yet you keep stopping your journey. How long has it been since you've journeyed with the little Goddess? I mean, for her it's been two years. And then before running into her, you were - once again - here. And before that, you were here for, what, a festival you couldn't even properly enjoy?]

*For her it’s….

Wait, what? What do you mean, it’s been two years for her?? It hasn’t even been one!..

*Has it? No, it.. It can’t have been.

I-I… I keep getting hurt, and- I can’t save her if I’m dead..

*His voice wavers, sword pointing down more and more.

A-and, rest is important..! Right?..

[Ah, forgive me, I was going off her age. But it has been nearly a year and a half for her.]

[And why do you keep getting hurt? Because you're weak. It's why you needed her to begin with, isn't it? It's why you lost your sword.]

[Do you think Mama rested so much during her journey? During either of her journeys? I know the answer~]

I-I’m not weak..! I fought that Koloktoss guy and lived, didn’t I?..

*Only barely. Only because Revali was there to pull him out of the water.

I, um…Probably.

*His sword chimes, pulling his eyes to it. He sits down against a wall, sheathing it and holding it close.

*He has her again. He has her still. It’ll be okay.

[Didn't you almost die? You fainted into the water, you were lucky Revali was coming to see you, you wouldn't be here otherwise.]

[No, no she didn't. She rarely ever took the time to even heal herself.]

*…..Oh. He’d forgotten, that he did that.

*..At least one of them is strong. It certainly isn’t Birdie.

*His sword chimes again, in his grasp, pulling his eyes back to it.

@floralzeldahyrule

[floralzeldahyrule]

(shortened)

It seems that...these rifts in time have done more harm than good for some...

*Saying that, she thinks back to Link, and his situation. Her hands relax in worry, as she brings them together. She had long stopped believing prayers worked, at least for her, so she says nothing in her hope for Link's own safety.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

....I believe only his voice was done by someone outside of our time. As well as more recent events, and a time we both got poisoned. Outside of that, his injuries were done by someone named Ghirahim.

These rifts have, quite bluntly, been the best thing for him. I wouldn't be as close to him as I am, he wouldn't have a network of people he loves...I don't think he would even have survived this long if it wasn't for all of this.

And there's you -- just because things are different for you now, doesn't mean they're going to stay like this. You came with us because you wanted to learn, right? And you will get to.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She chews on the inside of her cheek, looking at Star.*

Yes but...what if it's not enough? One problem has turned into many because of these rifts. If I can't find a solution to the most important issue at current, then the others won't be solved as well.

*She looks away, clenching her hands.*

Link will be stuck...and he will blame himself... He already does now when we have not failed in our duties... When he hasn't failed in his duties...

[knight-in-training-sky]

He won't be. Not if he has people trying to help him, regardless of if he wants it or not. He will not end up stuck. What is the most important issue for you? Let's try and find a way to help with that, if we can. One thing at a time.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She looks at Star, a bit of a helpless look on her face.*

Getting Link back. Get him away from Recall, permanently. Not even because he's the hero, but because he's my friend and I... I miss him, Star...

*She looks away.*

He was right there...and then he wasn't...and I was back at Tear's home... We were making progress...and now... Will it have been for naught?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Star hums in thought, one hand rubbing against the marks on her wrists.

Well, we know that separating him from her won’t work, she can simply teleport him away. You’ve tried talking to him, yes? What’ve you tried?

[floralzeldahyrule]

We've tried discussing ways to awaken my powers without risking his life. According to Tear, I am to awaken my powers to protect Link from a Guardian's laser. But even still, he is to succumb to his injuries and exhaustion if we end up down such a path, just as Tear did.

Originally, I was going to stay with him, keep him company...but it seems as if Recall decided I'm more of a distraction, and separated us. I don't wish to just...sit and wait to reunite with him, so I figured that...

That perhaps accompanying Birdie would be beneficial, as it allows me some real world experience...and perhaps I'll learn something that'll aid me in awakening my powers.

[knight-in-training-sky]

Well, we know this can change — Twig, a younger version of Tear also before the Calamity — was able to defeat it entirely by herself. I’m not sure how to awaken your powers at the moment, but it is possible to change how they do.

Recall keeping you away from him is actually not a horrible sign — it means she thinks you may be able to bring him back to your side instead of hers.

Yes, getting real experience is much different than training — even with what he’d done at the Knight Academy in Skyloft, Birdie was still rather unprepared for proper combat with more than an angry Remlit or a chuchu.

[floralzeldahyrule]

So Tear has told me, but from my understanding, both Tear and Twig are both also descendants of Hylia, and have had access to their powers since early childhood. I do not believe Twig is a good example as I'm sure she still required the sealing power.

*She looks away.*

He... He didn't seem against my presence... Perhaps you're right, but it's still not an ideal situation.

How long as he been on this journey? Surely he's gained some sort of experience throughout this?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Yes, but the sealing power was not my point. What happened to Tear was meant to happen to Twig as well — but it didn’t. Maybe Link won’t get hurt by the Guardians for you, and you’ll awaken your powers some other way. Maybe nobody will get hurt.

It is not, that’s true, but the knowledge is helpful, isn’t it?

Oh…A good while now, I forgot exactly when we started, but it’s been months. And yes, he has, but- well, try not to be too upset with him if he keeps trying to protect you. He’s been badly hurt on this adventure, and he doesn’t want anyone else to be hurt like that. I can’t blame him for it myself, but I know it may upset you to be treated like you can’t fight.

[floralzeldahyrule]

Did...Tear not tell you the full story? Of her death? She wore herself thin trying to protect what survivors her and Sil were able to get from Hyrule Field, trying to get them to Fort Hateno and away from the Guardians. I just... I just don't think avoiding that is possible for my time unless I awaken my powers.

Yes, yes it is.

I can deal with that. I'm still not quite used to fighting myself. So long as he doesn't try to completely stopping from aiding in a fight.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Before Starshine can comment, Birdie opens his eyes. When he removes his hands from the sword, he’s holding red earrings, and immediately he’s started removing his blue ones to replace them.

Oh- you completed it? What did you get?

Fireshield earrings. They keep the fire from affecting me, which means we need to pass through that area where I immediately caught on fire. Do you have anything that can help you with that, Bloom? I already know which path we need to take, and it shouldn’t be more than a few seconds if we run.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She sighs when Birdie come to, a bit disappointed that her conversation with Star was been cut short.*

My fireproof elixirs should work just fine. They're designed for areas such as this.

*Upon saying this, she pulls a bottle out of her bag and opens it. She quickly downs if, holding back her disgust as she puts the bottle back in her bag.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

Cool! The quickest way up is this way, it’s a giant gust of air that just shoots you straight up to the top by where we need to go. It does spin you around, so you might get dizzy.

*Birdie looks over at the wall of rocks, and pauses.

Oh, hang on. Forgot I haven’t blown this up yet.

*He reaches into his pouch.

It’ll get really loud for a second.

*He pulls out a blue bomb flower, tossing it near the rocks and covering his ears.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She looks in surprise when you pull a bomb out of your bag.*

Isn't that dangerous? I mean, my Slate is capable of making bombs as well, since Tear managed to unlock those runes for me. But I have to detonate them myself.

*She covers her ears, watching and waiting for the bomb to go off.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

Oh, Ledd gave me his bomb bag a while ago! There’s actually some flowers over there.

*He nods to the bomb flowers, wincing when the one he’d tossed goes off. But he grins.

Success~

[floralzeldahyrule]

I see... Not sure how that changes my statement.

*Zelda laughs, not really reacting to the sound of the bomb going off.*

Well, if you run out of bomb, I have an infinite supply at least.

*She taps the Sheikah Slate on her hip.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

His point is that having a bomb bag, which is designed in such a way that it won't set off the bomb flowers, makes it safer to carry them around.

Oh? How does the Slate work, if I may? Tear has used it before, but I'm still curious.

*Birdie leads the way, humming Din's Power again. It's still stuck in his head, but now it seems to hold litle to no magic sway.

[floralzeldahyrule]

That is not at all what he said.

*She giggles.*

Oh, uh, sure.

*She unclips the Slate and holds it out to Star.*

I'm still figuring it out myself, since not much is known about it and Tear unlocked some of the stuff for me.

[knight-in-training-sky]

It is not, you'd be correct.

*Starshine smiles as well, though she's surprised when Bloom simply hands over the Slate.

Oh, thank you!

*Birdie stops in front of gushing air, smiling softly.

This is our ride. You ready?

*Starshine is looking at the decive curiously, though she can't read the language it's written in.

[floralzeldahyrule]

Oh, yes, I'm ready I believe.

*She looks over at Star, tilting her head.*

Is something the matter Star?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Well, I can't read the language, is all. But I'm sure I can figure it out.

*Birdie smiles, pulling out his sailcloth.

Just hop over and pull out your parglider!

*He follows his own example, hoping over the small gap and letting the wind take him upwards.

[knight-in-training-sky]

Its been a moment since ive seen you and while on my way to visit i come across your Crimson. He appears in distress...*

*I approach carefully.*

Hey bud. Its okay... its me...

@the-real-lu-sky

*Crimson trills, bumping his head against Sky gently.

Dream, he manages to say in your mind. Dream bad. Scary!

*He doesn’t seem worried for himself — which means Birdie probably had a nightmare.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Woah hey bud...

*I listen carefully.*

A nightmare? Okay. Just relax for me okay? We can see whats going on.

Do you know where he is?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Hot place, voice place. Took girl.

*Birdie is in Eldin, with Bloom.

*Crimson is trying to stay calm, he trusts Sky as much as Birdie does. But he's worried -- he's not used to being away from his other half for a nightmare.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Hot place... voice...

*The girl... which girl theres plenty of girls....*

Eldin!

*He nods and gently runs a hand along his back.*

Its okay bud. We can find him. Can I ask you to take me to him?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He trills sadly.

Can't go under clouds. Don't know where.

*And he can't help, he knows he can't.

Went after get song?

*He's hoping that information will help Sky find the boy.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He stood in the training room in Tear's house, swinging his sword against a dummy. Recently, it's all been too much. Finding Twig, befriending her, losing his sword and her...

*Finding out she doesn't remember him. Helping her start to. Getting his sword back, realizing the man that took it was who she called her father.

*Fighting Demise -- or at least, being in the same area as Sky did. He wonders if he'll ever get to that point.

*....He really, really hopes he doesn't.

[I know you don't want to, kid, I don't think any hero has wanted to deal with this guy or his reincarnation. And that's valid, you can just stay here and while you do, your Goddess waits and waits and waits until Demise wins in your time. And there goes your whole timeline.]

*He tenses at the voice in his head, but frowns at its words.

That- that’s not what I meant. I meant, Sky’s had to deal with him so much, and I- I don’t wanna have to do that.

*He continues to swing, attacking the dummy, practicing.

I didn’t mean I should just stay here forever.

*He’d never be able to forgive himself if he did.

[Yet you keep stopping your journey. How long has it been since you've journeyed with the little Goddess? I mean, for her it's been two years. And then before running into her, you were - once again - here. And before that, you were here for, what, a festival you couldn't even properly enjoy?]

*For her it’s….

Wait, what? What do you mean, it’s been two years for her?? It hasn’t even been one!..

*Has it? No, it.. It can’t have been.

I-I… I keep getting hurt, and- I can’t save her if I’m dead..

*His voice wavers, sword pointing down more and more.

A-and, rest is important..! Right?..

[Ah, forgive me, I was going off her age. But it has been nearly a year and a half for her.]

[And why do you keep getting hurt? Because you're weak. It's why you needed her to begin with, isn't it? It's why you lost your sword.]

[Do you think Mama rested so much during her journey? During either of her journeys? I know the answer~]

I-I’m not weak..! I fought that Koloktoss guy and lived, didn’t I?..

*Only barely. Only because Revali was there to pull him out of the water.

I, um…Probably.

*His sword chimes, pulling his eyes to it. He sits down against a wall, sheathing it and holding it close.

*He has her again. He has her still. It’ll be okay.

[Didn't you almost die? You fainted into the water, you were lucky Revali was coming to see you, you wouldn't be here otherwise.]

[No, no she didn't. She rarely ever took the time to even heal herself.]

*…..Oh. He’d forgotten, that he did that.

*..At least one of them is strong. It certainly isn’t Birdie.

*His sword chimes again, in his grasp, pulling his eyes back to it.

@floralzeldahyrule

[floralzeldahyrule]

(shortened)

It seems that...these rifts in time have done more harm than good for some...

*Saying that, she thinks back to Link, and his situation. Her hands relax in worry, as she brings them together. She had long stopped believing prayers worked, at least for her, so she says nothing in her hope for Link's own safety.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

....I believe only his voice was done by someone outside of our time. As well as more recent events, and a time we both got poisoned. Outside of that, his injuries were done by someone named Ghirahim.

These rifts have, quite bluntly, been the best thing for him. I wouldn't be as close to him as I am, he wouldn't have a network of people he loves...I don't think he would even have survived this long if it wasn't for all of this.

And there's you -- just because things are different for you now, doesn't mean they're going to stay like this. You came with us because you wanted to learn, right? And you will get to.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She chews on the inside of her cheek, looking at Star.*

Yes but...what if it's not enough? One problem has turned into many because of these rifts. If I can't find a solution to the most important issue at current, then the others won't be solved as well.

*She looks away, clenching her hands.*

Link will be stuck...and he will blame himself... He already does now when we have not failed in our duties... When he hasn't failed in his duties...

[knight-in-training-sky]

He won't be. Not if he has people trying to help him, regardless of if he wants it or not. He will not end up stuck. What is the most important issue for you? Let's try and find a way to help with that, if we can. One thing at a time.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She looks at Star, a bit of a helpless look on her face.*

Getting Link back. Get him away from Recall, permanently. Not even because he's the hero, but because he's my friend and I... I miss him, Star...

*She looks away.*

He was right there...and then he wasn't...and I was back at Tear's home... We were making progress...and now... Will it have been for naught?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Star hums in thought, one hand rubbing against the marks on her wrists.

Well, we know that separating him from her won’t work, she can simply teleport him away. You’ve tried talking to him, yes? What’ve you tried?

[floralzeldahyrule]

We've tried discussing ways to awaken my powers without risking his life. According to Tear, I am to awaken my powers to protect Link from a Guardian's laser. But even still, he is to succumb to his injuries and exhaustion if we end up down such a path, just as Tear did.

Originally, I was going to stay with him, keep him company...but it seems as if Recall decided I'm more of a distraction, and separated us. I don't wish to just...sit and wait to reunite with him, so I figured that...

That perhaps accompanying Birdie would be beneficial, as it allows me some real world experience...and perhaps I'll learn something that'll aid me in awakening my powers.

[knight-in-training-sky]

Well, we know this can change — Twig, a younger version of Tear also before the Calamity — was able to defeat it entirely by herself. I’m not sure how to awaken your powers at the moment, but it is possible to change how they do.

Recall keeping you away from him is actually not a horrible sign — it means she thinks you may be able to bring him back to your side instead of hers.

Yes, getting real experience is much different than training — even with what he’d done at the Knight Academy in Skyloft, Birdie was still rather unprepared for proper combat with more than an angry Remlit or a chuchu.

[floralzeldahyrule]

So Tear has told me, but from my understanding, both Tear and Twig are both also descendants of Hylia, and have had access to their powers since early childhood. I do not believe Twig is a good example as I'm sure she still required the sealing power.

*She looks away.*

He... He didn't seem against my presence... Perhaps you're right, but it's still not an ideal situation.

How long as he been on this journey? Surely he's gained some sort of experience throughout this?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Yes, but the sealing power was not my point. What happened to Tear was meant to happen to Twig as well — but it didn’t. Maybe Link won’t get hurt by the Guardians for you, and you’ll awaken your powers some other way. Maybe nobody will get hurt.

It is not, that’s true, but the knowledge is helpful, isn’t it?

Oh…A good while now, I forgot exactly when we started, but it’s been months. And yes, he has, but- well, try not to be too upset with him if he keeps trying to protect you. He’s been badly hurt on this adventure, and he doesn’t want anyone else to be hurt like that. I can’t blame him for it myself, but I know it may upset you to be treated like you can’t fight.

[floralzeldahyrule]

Did...Tear not tell you the full story? Of her death? She wore herself thin trying to protect what survivors her and Sil were able to get from Hyrule Field, trying to get them to Fort Hateno and away from the Guardians. I just... I just don't think avoiding that is possible for my time unless I awaken my powers.

Yes, yes it is.

I can deal with that. I'm still not quite used to fighting myself. So long as he doesn't try to completely stopping from aiding in a fight.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Before Starshine can comment, Birdie opens his eyes. When he removes his hands from the sword, he’s holding red earrings, and immediately he’s started removing his blue ones to replace them.

Oh- you completed it? What did you get?

Fireshield earrings. They keep the fire from affecting me, which means we need to pass through that area where I immediately caught on fire. Do you have anything that can help you with that, Bloom? I already know which path we need to take, and it shouldn’t be more than a few seconds if we run.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She sighs when Birdie come to, a bit disappointed that her conversation with Star was been cut short.*

My fireproof elixirs should work just fine. They're designed for areas such as this.

*Upon saying this, she pulls a bottle out of her bag and opens it. She quickly downs if, holding back her disgust as she puts the bottle back in her bag.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

Cool! The quickest way up is this way, it’s a giant gust of air that just shoots you straight up to the top by where we need to go. It does spin you around, so you might get dizzy.

*Birdie looks over at the wall of rocks, and pauses.

Oh, hang on. Forgot I haven’t blown this up yet.

*He reaches into his pouch.

It’ll get really loud for a second.

*He pulls out a blue bomb flower, tossing it near the rocks and covering his ears.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She looks in surprise when you pull a bomb out of your bag.*

Isn't that dangerous? I mean, my Slate is capable of making bombs as well, since Tear managed to unlock those runes for me. But I have to detonate them myself.

*She covers her ears, watching and waiting for the bomb to go off.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

Oh, Ledd gave me his bomb bag a while ago! There’s actually some flowers over there.

*He nods to the bomb flowers, wincing when the one he’d tossed goes off. But he grins.

Success~

[floralzeldahyrule]

I see... Not sure how that changes my statement.

*Zelda laughs, not really reacting to the sound of the bomb going off.*

Well, if you run out of bomb, I have an infinite supply at least.

*She taps the Sheikah Slate on her hip.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

His point is that having a bomb bag, which is designed in such a way that it won't set off the bomb flowers, makes it safer to carry them around.

Oh? How does the Slate work, if I may? Tear has used it before, but I'm still curious.

*Birdie leads the way, humming Din's Power again. It's still stuck in his head, but now it seems to hold litle to no magic sway.

[floralzeldahyrule]

That is not at all what he said.

*She giggles.*

Oh, uh, sure.

*She unclips the Slate and holds it out to Star.*

I'm still figuring it out myself, since not much is known about it and Tear unlocked some of the stuff for me.

[knight-in-training-sky]

It is not, you'd be correct.

*Starshine smiles as well, though she's surprised when Bloom simply hands over the Slate.

Oh, thank you!

*Birdie stops in front of gushing air, smiling softly.

This is our ride. You ready?

*Starshine is looking at the decive curiously, though she can't read the language it's written in.

[knight-in-training-sky]

Its been a moment since ive seen you and while on my way to visit i come across your Crimson. He appears in distress...*

*I approach carefully.*

Hey bud. Its okay... its me...

@the-real-lu-sky

*Crimson trills, bumping his head against Sky gently.

Dream, he manages to say in your mind. Dream bad. Scary!

*He doesn’t seem worried for himself — which means Birdie probably had a nightmare.

[the-real-lu-sky]

Woah hey bud...

*I listen carefully.*

A nightmare? Okay. Just relax for me okay? We can see whats going on.

Do you know where he is?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Hot place, voice place. Took girl.

*Birdie is in Eldin, with Bloom.

*Crimson is trying to stay calm, he trusts Sky as much as Birdie does. But he's worried -- he's not used to being away from his other half for a nightmare.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He stood in the training room in Tear's house, swinging his sword against a dummy. Recently, it's all been too much. Finding Twig, befriending her, losing his sword and her...

*Finding out she doesn't remember him. Helping her start to. Getting his sword back, realizing the man that took it was who she called her father.

*Fighting Demise -- or at least, being in the same area as Sky did. He wonders if he'll ever get to that point.

*....He really, really hopes he doesn't.

[I know you don't want to, kid, I don't think any hero has wanted to deal with this guy or his reincarnation. And that's valid, you can just stay here and while you do, your Goddess waits and waits and waits until Demise wins in your time. And there goes your whole timeline.]

*He tenses at the voice in his head, but frowns at its words.

That- that’s not what I meant. I meant, Sky’s had to deal with him so much, and I- I don’t wanna have to do that.

*He continues to swing, attacking the dummy, practicing.

I didn’t mean I should just stay here forever.

*He’d never be able to forgive himself if he did.

[Yet you keep stopping your journey. How long has it been since you've journeyed with the little Goddess? I mean, for her it's been two years. And then before running into her, you were - once again - here. And before that, you were here for, what, a festival you couldn't even properly enjoy?]

*For her it’s….

Wait, what? What do you mean, it’s been two years for her?? It hasn’t even been one!..

*Has it? No, it.. It can’t have been.

I-I… I keep getting hurt, and- I can’t save her if I’m dead..

*His voice wavers, sword pointing down more and more.

A-and, rest is important..! Right?..

[Ah, forgive me, I was going off her age. But it has been nearly a year and a half for her.]

[And why do you keep getting hurt? Because you're weak. It's why you needed her to begin with, isn't it? It's why you lost your sword.]

[Do you think Mama rested so much during her journey? During either of her journeys? I know the answer~]

I-I’m not weak..! I fought that Koloktoss guy and lived, didn’t I?..

*Only barely. Only because Revali was there to pull him out of the water.

I, um…Probably.

*His sword chimes, pulling his eyes to it. He sits down against a wall, sheathing it and holding it close.

*He has her again. He has her still. It’ll be okay.

[Didn't you almost die? You fainted into the water, you were lucky Revali was coming to see you, you wouldn't be here otherwise.]

[No, no she didn't. She rarely ever took the time to even heal herself.]

*…..Oh. He’d forgotten, that he did that.

*..At least one of them is strong. It certainly isn’t Birdie.

*His sword chimes again, in his grasp, pulling his eyes back to it.

@floralzeldahyrule

[floralzeldahyrule]

(shortened)

It seems that...these rifts in time have done more harm than good for some...

*Saying that, she thinks back to Link, and his situation. Her hands relax in worry, as she brings them together. She had long stopped believing prayers worked, at least for her, so she says nothing in her hope for Link's own safety.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

....I believe only his voice was done by someone outside of our time. As well as more recent events, and a time we both got poisoned. Outside of that, his injuries were done by someone named Ghirahim.

These rifts have, quite bluntly, been the best thing for him. I wouldn't be as close to him as I am, he wouldn't have a network of people he loves...I don't think he would even have survived this long if it wasn't for all of this.

And there's you -- just because things are different for you now, doesn't mean they're going to stay like this. You came with us because you wanted to learn, right? And you will get to.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She chews on the inside of her cheek, looking at Star.*

Yes but...what if it's not enough? One problem has turned into many because of these rifts. If I can't find a solution to the most important issue at current, then the others won't be solved as well.

*She looks away, clenching her hands.*

Link will be stuck...and he will blame himself... He already does now when we have not failed in our duties... When he hasn't failed in his duties...

[knight-in-training-sky]

He won't be. Not if he has people trying to help him, regardless of if he wants it or not. He will not end up stuck. What is the most important issue for you? Let's try and find a way to help with that, if we can. One thing at a time.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She looks at Star, a bit of a helpless look on her face.*

Getting Link back. Get him away from Recall, permanently. Not even because he's the hero, but because he's my friend and I... I miss him, Star...

*She looks away.*

He was right there...and then he wasn't...and I was back at Tear's home... We were making progress...and now... Will it have been for naught?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Star hums in thought, one hand rubbing against the marks on her wrists.

Well, we know that separating him from her won’t work, she can simply teleport him away. You’ve tried talking to him, yes? What’ve you tried?

[floralzeldahyrule]

We've tried discussing ways to awaken my powers without risking his life. According to Tear, I am to awaken my powers to protect Link from a Guardian's laser. But even still, he is to succumb to his injuries and exhaustion if we end up down such a path, just as Tear did.

Originally, I was going to stay with him, keep him company...but it seems as if Recall decided I'm more of a distraction, and separated us. I don't wish to just...sit and wait to reunite with him, so I figured that...

That perhaps accompanying Birdie would be beneficial, as it allows me some real world experience...and perhaps I'll learn something that'll aid me in awakening my powers.

[knight-in-training-sky]

Well, we know this can change — Twig, a younger version of Tear also before the Calamity — was able to defeat it entirely by herself. I’m not sure how to awaken your powers at the moment, but it is possible to change how they do.

Recall keeping you away from him is actually not a horrible sign — it means she thinks you may be able to bring him back to your side instead of hers.

Yes, getting real experience is much different than training — even with what he’d done at the Knight Academy in Skyloft, Birdie was still rather unprepared for proper combat with more than an angry Remlit or a chuchu.

[floralzeldahyrule]

So Tear has told me, but from my understanding, both Tear and Twig are both also descendants of Hylia, and have had access to their powers since early childhood. I do not believe Twig is a good example as I'm sure she still required the sealing power.

*She looks away.*

He... He didn't seem against my presence... Perhaps you're right, but it's still not an ideal situation.

How long as he been on this journey? Surely he's gained some sort of experience throughout this?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Yes, but the sealing power was not my point. What happened to Tear was meant to happen to Twig as well — but it didn’t. Maybe Link won’t get hurt by the Guardians for you, and you’ll awaken your powers some other way. Maybe nobody will get hurt.

It is not, that’s true, but the knowledge is helpful, isn’t it?

Oh…A good while now, I forgot exactly when we started, but it’s been months. And yes, he has, but- well, try not to be too upset with him if he keeps trying to protect you. He’s been badly hurt on this adventure, and he doesn’t want anyone else to be hurt like that. I can’t blame him for it myself, but I know it may upset you to be treated like you can’t fight.

[floralzeldahyrule]

Did...Tear not tell you the full story? Of her death? She wore herself thin trying to protect what survivors her and Sil were able to get from Hyrule Field, trying to get them to Fort Hateno and away from the Guardians. I just... I just don't think avoiding that is possible for my time unless I awaken my powers.

Yes, yes it is.

I can deal with that. I'm still not quite used to fighting myself. So long as he doesn't try to completely stopping from aiding in a fight.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Before Starshine can comment, Birdie opens his eyes. When he removes his hands from the sword, he’s holding red earrings, and immediately he’s started removing his blue ones to replace them.

Oh- you completed it? What did you get?

Fireshield earrings. They keep the fire from affecting me, which means we need to pass through that area where I immediately caught on fire. Do you have anything that can help you with that, Bloom? I already know which path we need to take, and it shouldn’t be more than a few seconds if we run.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She sighs when Birdie come to, a bit disappointed that her conversation with Star was been cut short.*

My fireproof elixirs should work just fine. They're designed for areas such as this.

*Upon saying this, she pulls a bottle out of her bag and opens it. She quickly downs if, holding back her disgust as she puts the bottle back in her bag.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

Cool! The quickest way up is this way, it’s a giant gust of air that just shoots you straight up to the top by where we need to go. It does spin you around, so you might get dizzy.

*Birdie looks over at the wall of rocks, and pauses.

Oh, hang on. Forgot I haven’t blown this up yet.

*He reaches into his pouch.

It’ll get really loud for a second.

*He pulls out a blue bomb flower, tossing it near the rocks and covering his ears.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She looks in surprise when you pull a bomb out of your bag.*

Isn't that dangerous? I mean, my Slate is capable of making bombs as well, since Tear managed to unlock those runes for me. But I have to detonate them myself.

*She covers her ears, watching and waiting for the bomb to go off.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

Oh, Ledd gave me his bomb bag a while ago! There’s actually some flowers over there.

*He nods to the bomb flowers, wincing when the one he’d tossed goes off. But he grins.

Success~

[floralzeldahyrule]

I see... Not sure how that changes my statement.

*Zelda laughs, not really reacting to the sound of the bomb going off.*

Well, if you run out of bomb, I have an infinite supply at least.

*She taps the Sheikah Slate on her hip.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

His point is that having a bomb bag, which is designed in such a way that it won't set off the bomb flowers, makes it safer to carry them around.

Oh? How does the Slate work, if I may? Tear has used it before, but I'm still curious.

*Birdie leads the way, humming Din's Power again. It's still stuck in his head, but now it seems to hold litle to no magic sway.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He stood in the training room in Tear's house, swinging his sword against a dummy. Recently, it's all been too much. Finding Twig, befriending her, losing his sword and her...

*Finding out she doesn't remember him. Helping her start to. Getting his sword back, realizing the man that took it was who she called her father.

*Fighting Demise -- or at least, being in the same area as Sky did. He wonders if he'll ever get to that point.

*....He really, really hopes he doesn't.

[I know you don't want to, kid, I don't think any hero has wanted to deal with this guy or his reincarnation. And that's valid, you can just stay here and while you do, your Goddess waits and waits and waits until Demise wins in your time. And there goes your whole timeline.]

*He tenses at the voice in his head, but frowns at its words.

That- that’s not what I meant. I meant, Sky’s had to deal with him so much, and I- I don’t wanna have to do that.

*He continues to swing, attacking the dummy, practicing.

I didn’t mean I should just stay here forever.

*He’d never be able to forgive himself if he did.

[Yet you keep stopping your journey. How long has it been since you've journeyed with the little Goddess? I mean, for her it's been two years. And then before running into her, you were - once again - here. And before that, you were here for, what, a festival you couldn't even properly enjoy?]

*For her it’s….

Wait, what? What do you mean, it’s been two years for her?? It hasn’t even been one!..

*Has it? No, it.. It can’t have been.

I-I… I keep getting hurt, and- I can’t save her if I’m dead..

*His voice wavers, sword pointing down more and more.

A-and, rest is important..! Right?..

[Ah, forgive me, I was going off her age. But it has been nearly a year and a half for her.]

[And why do you keep getting hurt? Because you're weak. It's why you needed her to begin with, isn't it? It's why you lost your sword.]

[Do you think Mama rested so much during her journey? During either of her journeys? I know the answer~]

I-I’m not weak..! I fought that Koloktoss guy and lived, didn’t I?..

*Only barely. Only because Revali was there to pull him out of the water.

I, um…Probably.

*His sword chimes, pulling his eyes to it. He sits down against a wall, sheathing it and holding it close.

*He has her again. He has her still. It’ll be okay.

[Didn't you almost die? You fainted into the water, you were lucky Revali was coming to see you, you wouldn't be here otherwise.]

[No, no she didn't. She rarely ever took the time to even heal herself.]

*…..Oh. He’d forgotten, that he did that.

*..At least one of them is strong. It certainly isn’t Birdie.

*His sword chimes again, in his grasp, pulling his eyes back to it.

@floralzeldahyrule

[floralzeldahyrule]

(shortened)

It seems that...these rifts in time have done more harm than good for some...

*Saying that, she thinks back to Link, and his situation. Her hands relax in worry, as she brings them together. She had long stopped believing prayers worked, at least for her, so she says nothing in her hope for Link's own safety.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

....I believe only his voice was done by someone outside of our time. As well as more recent events, and a time we both got poisoned. Outside of that, his injuries were done by someone named Ghirahim.

These rifts have, quite bluntly, been the best thing for him. I wouldn't be as close to him as I am, he wouldn't have a network of people he loves...I don't think he would even have survived this long if it wasn't for all of this.

And there's you -- just because things are different for you now, doesn't mean they're going to stay like this. You came with us because you wanted to learn, right? And you will get to.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She chews on the inside of her cheek, looking at Star.*

Yes but...what if it's not enough? One problem has turned into many because of these rifts. If I can't find a solution to the most important issue at current, then the others won't be solved as well.

*She looks away, clenching her hands.*

Link will be stuck...and he will blame himself... He already does now when we have not failed in our duties... When he hasn't failed in his duties...

[knight-in-training-sky]

He won't be. Not if he has people trying to help him, regardless of if he wants it or not. He will not end up stuck. What is the most important issue for you? Let's try and find a way to help with that, if we can. One thing at a time.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She looks at Star, a bit of a helpless look on her face.*

Getting Link back. Get him away from Recall, permanently. Not even because he's the hero, but because he's my friend and I... I miss him, Star...

*She looks away.*

He was right there...and then he wasn't...and I was back at Tear's home... We were making progress...and now... Will it have been for naught?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Star hums in thought, one hand rubbing against the marks on her wrists.

Well, we know that separating him from her won’t work, she can simply teleport him away. You’ve tried talking to him, yes? What’ve you tried?

[floralzeldahyrule]

We've tried discussing ways to awaken my powers without risking his life. According to Tear, I am to awaken my powers to protect Link from a Guardian's laser. But even still, he is to succumb to his injuries and exhaustion if we end up down such a path, just as Tear did.

Originally, I was going to stay with him, keep him company...but it seems as if Recall decided I'm more of a distraction, and separated us. I don't wish to just...sit and wait to reunite with him, so I figured that...

That perhaps accompanying Birdie would be beneficial, as it allows me some real world experience...and perhaps I'll learn something that'll aid me in awakening my powers.

[knight-in-training-sky]

Well, we know this can change — Twig, a younger version of Tear also before the Calamity — was able to defeat it entirely by herself. I’m not sure how to awaken your powers at the moment, but it is possible to change how they do.

Recall keeping you away from him is actually not a horrible sign — it means she thinks you may be able to bring him back to your side instead of hers.

Yes, getting real experience is much different than training — even with what he’d done at the Knight Academy in Skyloft, Birdie was still rather unprepared for proper combat with more than an angry Remlit or a chuchu.

[floralzeldahyrule]

So Tear has told me, but from my understanding, both Tear and Twig are both also descendants of Hylia, and have had access to their powers since early childhood. I do not believe Twig is a good example as I'm sure she still required the sealing power.

*She looks away.*

He... He didn't seem against my presence... Perhaps you're right, but it's still not an ideal situation.

How long as he been on this journey? Surely he's gained some sort of experience throughout this?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Yes, but the sealing power was not my point. What happened to Tear was meant to happen to Twig as well — but it didn’t. Maybe Link won’t get hurt by the Guardians for you, and you’ll awaken your powers some other way. Maybe nobody will get hurt.

It is not, that’s true, but the knowledge is helpful, isn’t it?

Oh…A good while now, I forgot exactly when we started, but it’s been months. And yes, he has, but- well, try not to be too upset with him if he keeps trying to protect you. He’s been badly hurt on this adventure, and he doesn’t want anyone else to be hurt like that. I can’t blame him for it myself, but I know it may upset you to be treated like you can’t fight.

[floralzeldahyrule]

Did...Tear not tell you the full story? Of her death? She wore herself thin trying to protect what survivors her and Sil were able to get from Hyrule Field, trying to get them to Fort Hateno and away from the Guardians. I just... I just don't think avoiding that is possible for my time unless I awaken my powers.

Yes, yes it is.

I can deal with that. I'm still not quite used to fighting myself. So long as he doesn't try to completely stopping from aiding in a fight.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Before Starshine can comment, Birdie opens his eyes. When he removes his hands from the sword, he’s holding red earrings, and immediately he’s started removing his blue ones to replace them.

Oh- you completed it? What did you get?

Fireshield earrings. They keep the fire from affecting me, which means we need to pass through that area where I immediately caught on fire. Do you have anything that can help you with that, Bloom? I already know which path we need to take, and it shouldn’t be more than a few seconds if we run.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She sighs when Birdie come to, a bit disappointed that her conversation with Star was been cut short.*

My fireproof elixirs should work just fine. They're designed for areas such as this.

*Upon saying this, she pulls a bottle out of her bag and opens it. She quickly downs if, holding back her disgust as she puts the bottle back in her bag.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

Cool! The quickest way up is this way, it’s a giant gust of air that just shoots you straight up to the top by where we need to go. It does spin you around, so you might get dizzy.

*Birdie looks over at the wall of rocks, and pauses.

Oh, hang on. Forgot I haven’t blown this up yet.

*He reaches into his pouch.

It’ll get really loud for a second.

*He pulls out a blue bomb flower, tossing it near the rocks and covering his ears.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She looks in surprise when you pull a bomb out of your bag.*

Isn't that dangerous? I mean, my Slate is capable of making bombs as well, since Tear managed to unlock those runes for me. But I have to detonate them myself.

*She covers her ears, watching and waiting for the bomb to go off.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

Oh, Ledd gave me his bomb bag a while ago! There’s actually some flowers over there.

*He nods to the bomb flowers, wincing when the one he’d tossed goes off. But he grins.

Success~

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He stood in the training room in Tear's house, swinging his sword against a dummy. Recently, it's all been too much. Finding Twig, befriending her, losing his sword and her...

*Finding out she doesn't remember him. Helping her start to. Getting his sword back, realizing the man that took it was who she called her father.

*Fighting Demise -- or at least, being in the same area as Sky did. He wonders if he'll ever get to that point.

*....He really, really hopes he doesn't.

[I know you don't want to, kid, I don't think any hero has wanted to deal with this guy or his reincarnation. And that's valid, you can just stay here and while you do, your Goddess waits and waits and waits until Demise wins in your time. And there goes your whole timeline.]

*He tenses at the voice in his head, but frowns at its words.

That- that’s not what I meant. I meant, Sky’s had to deal with him so much, and I- I don’t wanna have to do that.

*He continues to swing, attacking the dummy, practicing.

I didn’t mean I should just stay here forever.

*He’d never be able to forgive himself if he did.

[Yet you keep stopping your journey. How long has it been since you've journeyed with the little Goddess? I mean, for her it's been two years. And then before running into her, you were - once again - here. And before that, you were here for, what, a festival you couldn't even properly enjoy?]

*For her it’s….

Wait, what? What do you mean, it’s been two years for her?? It hasn’t even been one!..

*Has it? No, it.. It can’t have been.

I-I… I keep getting hurt, and- I can’t save her if I’m dead..

*His voice wavers, sword pointing down more and more.

A-and, rest is important..! Right?..

[Ah, forgive me, I was going off her age. But it has been nearly a year and a half for her.]

[And why do you keep getting hurt? Because you're weak. It's why you needed her to begin with, isn't it? It's why you lost your sword.]

[Do you think Mama rested so much during her journey? During either of her journeys? I know the answer~]

I-I’m not weak..! I fought that Koloktoss guy and lived, didn’t I?..

*Only barely. Only because Revali was there to pull him out of the water.

I, um…Probably.

*His sword chimes, pulling his eyes to it. He sits down against a wall, sheathing it and holding it close.

*He has her again. He has her still. It’ll be okay.

[Didn't you almost die? You fainted into the water, you were lucky Revali was coming to see you, you wouldn't be here otherwise.]

[No, no she didn't. She rarely ever took the time to even heal herself.]

*…..Oh. He’d forgotten, that he did that.

*..At least one of them is strong. It certainly isn’t Birdie.

*His sword chimes again, in his grasp, pulling his eyes back to it.

@floralzeldahyrule

[floralzeldahyrule]

(shortened)

It seems that...these rifts in time have done more harm than good for some...

*Saying that, she thinks back to Link, and his situation. Her hands relax in worry, as she brings them together. She had long stopped believing prayers worked, at least for her, so she says nothing in her hope for Link's own safety.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

....I believe only his voice was done by someone outside of our time. As well as more recent events, and a time we both got poisoned. Outside of that, his injuries were done by someone named Ghirahim.

These rifts have, quite bluntly, been the best thing for him. I wouldn't be as close to him as I am, he wouldn't have a network of people he loves...I don't think he would even have survived this long if it wasn't for all of this.

And there's you -- just because things are different for you now, doesn't mean they're going to stay like this. You came with us because you wanted to learn, right? And you will get to.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She chews on the inside of her cheek, looking at Star.*

Yes but...what if it's not enough? One problem has turned into many because of these rifts. If I can't find a solution to the most important issue at current, then the others won't be solved as well.

*She looks away, clenching her hands.*

Link will be stuck...and he will blame himself... He already does now when we have not failed in our duties... When he hasn't failed in his duties...

[knight-in-training-sky]

He won't be. Not if he has people trying to help him, regardless of if he wants it or not. He will not end up stuck. What is the most important issue for you? Let's try and find a way to help with that, if we can. One thing at a time.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She looks at Star, a bit of a helpless look on her face.*

Getting Link back. Get him away from Recall, permanently. Not even because he's the hero, but because he's my friend and I... I miss him, Star...

*She looks away.*

He was right there...and then he wasn't...and I was back at Tear's home... We were making progress...and now... Will it have been for naught?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Star hums in thought, one hand rubbing against the marks on her wrists.

Well, we know that separating him from her won’t work, she can simply teleport him away. You’ve tried talking to him, yes? What’ve you tried?

[floralzeldahyrule]

We've tried discussing ways to awaken my powers without risking his life. According to Tear, I am to awaken my powers to protect Link from a Guardian's laser. But even still, he is to succumb to his injuries and exhaustion if we end up down such a path, just as Tear did.

Originally, I was going to stay with him, keep him company...but it seems as if Recall decided I'm more of a distraction, and separated us. I don't wish to just...sit and wait to reunite with him, so I figured that...

That perhaps accompanying Birdie would be beneficial, as it allows me some real world experience...and perhaps I'll learn something that'll aid me in awakening my powers.

[knight-in-training-sky]

Well, we know this can change — Twig, a younger version of Tear also before the Calamity — was able to defeat it entirely by herself. I’m not sure how to awaken your powers at the moment, but it is possible to change how they do.

Recall keeping you away from him is actually not a horrible sign — it means she thinks you may be able to bring him back to your side instead of hers.

Yes, getting real experience is much different than training — even with what he’d done at the Knight Academy in Skyloft, Birdie was still rather unprepared for proper combat with more than an angry Remlit or a chuchu.

[floralzeldahyrule]

So Tear has told me, but from my understanding, both Tear and Twig are both also descendants of Hylia, and have had access to their powers since early childhood. I do not believe Twig is a good example as I'm sure she still required the sealing power.

*She looks away.*

He... He didn't seem against my presence... Perhaps you're right, but it's still not an ideal situation.

How long as he been on this journey? Surely he's gained some sort of experience throughout this?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Yes, but the sealing power was not my point. What happened to Tear was meant to happen to Twig as well — but it didn’t. Maybe Link won’t get hurt by the Guardians for you, and you’ll awaken your powers some other way. Maybe nobody will get hurt.

It is not, that’s true, but the knowledge is helpful, isn’t it?

Oh…A good while now, I forgot exactly when we started, but it’s been months. And yes, he has, but- well, try not to be too upset with him if he keeps trying to protect you. He’s been badly hurt on this adventure, and he doesn’t want anyone else to be hurt like that. I can’t blame him for it myself, but I know it may upset you to be treated like you can’t fight.

[floralzeldahyrule]

Did...Tear not tell you the full story? Of her death? She wore herself thin trying to protect what survivors her and Sil were able to get from Hyrule Field, trying to get them to Fort Hateno and away from the Guardians. I just... I just don't think avoiding that is possible for my time unless I awaken my powers.

Yes, yes it is.

I can deal with that. I'm still not quite used to fighting myself. So long as he doesn't try to completely stopping from aiding in a fight.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Before Starshine can comment, Birdie opens his eyes. When he removes his hands from the sword, he’s holding red earrings, and immediately he’s started removing his blue ones to replace them.

Oh- you completed it? What did you get?

Fireshield earrings. They keep the fire from affecting me, which means we need to pass through that area where I immediately caught on fire. Do you have anything that can help you with that, Bloom? I already know which path we need to take, and it shouldn’t be more than a few seconds if we run.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She sighs when Birdie come to, a bit disappointed that her conversation with Star was been cut short.*

My fireproof elixirs should work just fine. They're designed for areas such as this.

*Upon saying this, she pulls a bottle out of her bag and opens it. She quickly downs if, holding back her disgust as she puts the bottle back in her bag.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

Cool! The quickest way up is this way, it’s a giant gust of air that just shoots you straight up to the top by where we need to go. It does spin you around, so you might get dizzy.

*Birdie looks over at the wall of rocks, and pauses.

Oh, hang on. Forgot I haven’t blown this up yet.

*He reaches into his pouch.

It’ll get really loud for a second.

*He pulls out a blue bomb flower, tossing it near the rocks and covering his ears.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He stood in the training room in Tear's house, swinging his sword against a dummy. Recently, it's all been too much. Finding Twig, befriending her, losing his sword and her...

*Finding out she doesn't remember him. Helping her start to. Getting his sword back, realizing the man that took it was who she called her father.

*Fighting Demise -- or at least, being in the same area as Sky did. He wonders if he'll ever get to that point.

*....He really, really hopes he doesn't.

[I know you don't want to, kid, I don't think any hero has wanted to deal with this guy or his reincarnation. And that's valid, you can just stay here and while you do, your Goddess waits and waits and waits until Demise wins in your time. And there goes your whole timeline.]

*He tenses at the voice in his head, but frowns at its words.

That- that’s not what I meant. I meant, Sky’s had to deal with him so much, and I- I don’t wanna have to do that.

*He continues to swing, attacking the dummy, practicing.

I didn’t mean I should just stay here forever.

*He’d never be able to forgive himself if he did.

[Yet you keep stopping your journey. How long has it been since you've journeyed with the little Goddess? I mean, for her it's been two years. And then before running into her, you were - once again - here. And before that, you were here for, what, a festival you couldn't even properly enjoy?]

*For her it’s….

Wait, what? What do you mean, it’s been two years for her?? It hasn’t even been one!..

*Has it? No, it.. It can’t have been.

I-I… I keep getting hurt, and- I can’t save her if I’m dead..

*His voice wavers, sword pointing down more and more.

A-and, rest is important..! Right?..

[Ah, forgive me, I was going off her age. But it has been nearly a year and a half for her.]

[And why do you keep getting hurt? Because you're weak. It's why you needed her to begin with, isn't it? It's why you lost your sword.]

[Do you think Mama rested so much during her journey? During either of her journeys? I know the answer~]

I-I’m not weak..! I fought that Koloktoss guy and lived, didn’t I?..

*Only barely. Only because Revali was there to pull him out of the water.

I, um…Probably.

*His sword chimes, pulling his eyes to it. He sits down against a wall, sheathing it and holding it close.

*He has her again. He has her still. It’ll be okay.

[Didn't you almost die? You fainted into the water, you were lucky Revali was coming to see you, you wouldn't be here otherwise.]

[No, no she didn't. She rarely ever took the time to even heal herself.]

*…..Oh. He’d forgotten, that he did that.

*..At least one of them is strong. It certainly isn’t Birdie.

*His sword chimes again, in his grasp, pulling his eyes back to it.

@floralzeldahyrule

[floralzeldahyrule]

(shortened)

It seems that...these rifts in time have done more harm than good for some...

*Saying that, she thinks back to Link, and his situation. Her hands relax in worry, as she brings them together. She had long stopped believing prayers worked, at least for her, so she says nothing in her hope for Link's own safety.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

....I believe only his voice was done by someone outside of our time. As well as more recent events, and a time we both got poisoned. Outside of that, his injuries were done by someone named Ghirahim.

These rifts have, quite bluntly, been the best thing for him. I wouldn't be as close to him as I am, he wouldn't have a network of people he loves...I don't think he would even have survived this long if it wasn't for all of this.

And there's you -- just because things are different for you now, doesn't mean they're going to stay like this. You came with us because you wanted to learn, right? And you will get to.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She chews on the inside of her cheek, looking at Star.*

Yes but...what if it's not enough? One problem has turned into many because of these rifts. If I can't find a solution to the most important issue at current, then the others won't be solved as well.

*She looks away, clenching her hands.*

Link will be stuck...and he will blame himself... He already does now when we have not failed in our duties... When he hasn't failed in his duties...

[knight-in-training-sky]

He won't be. Not if he has people trying to help him, regardless of if he wants it or not. He will not end up stuck. What is the most important issue for you? Let's try and find a way to help with that, if we can. One thing at a time.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She looks at Star, a bit of a helpless look on her face.*

Getting Link back. Get him away from Recall, permanently. Not even because he's the hero, but because he's my friend and I... I miss him, Star...

*She looks away.*

He was right there...and then he wasn't...and I was back at Tear's home... We were making progress...and now... Will it have been for naught?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Star hums in thought, one hand rubbing against the marks on her wrists.

Well, we know that separating him from her won’t work, she can simply teleport him away. You’ve tried talking to him, yes? What’ve you tried?

[floralzeldahyrule]

We've tried discussing ways to awaken my powers without risking his life. According to Tear, I am to awaken my powers to protect Link from a Guardian's laser. But even still, he is to succumb to his injuries and exhaustion if we end up down such a path, just as Tear did.

Originally, I was going to stay with him, keep him company...but it seems as if Recall decided I'm more of a distraction, and separated us. I don't wish to just...sit and wait to reunite with him, so I figured that...

That perhaps accompanying Birdie would be beneficial, as it allows me some real world experience...and perhaps I'll learn something that'll aid me in awakening my powers.

[knight-in-training-sky]

Well, we know this can change — Twig, a younger version of Tear also before the Calamity — was able to defeat it entirely by herself. I’m not sure how to awaken your powers at the moment, but it is possible to change how they do.

Recall keeping you away from him is actually not a horrible sign — it means she thinks you may be able to bring him back to your side instead of hers.

Yes, getting real experience is much different than training — even with what he’d done at the Knight Academy in Skyloft, Birdie was still rather unprepared for proper combat with more than an angry Remlit or a chuchu.

[floralzeldahyrule]

So Tear has told me, but from my understanding, both Tear and Twig are both also descendants of Hylia, and have had access to their powers since early childhood. I do not believe Twig is a good example as I'm sure she still required the sealing power.

*She looks away.*

He... He didn't seem against my presence... Perhaps you're right, but it's still not an ideal situation.

How long as he been on this journey? Surely he's gained some sort of experience throughout this?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Yes, but the sealing power was not my point. What happened to Tear was meant to happen to Twig as well — but it didn’t. Maybe Link won’t get hurt by the Guardians for you, and you’ll awaken your powers some other way. Maybe nobody will get hurt.

It is not, that’s true, but the knowledge is helpful, isn’t it?

Oh…A good while now, I forgot exactly when we started, but it’s been months. And yes, he has, but- well, try not to be too upset with him if he keeps trying to protect you. He’s been badly hurt on this adventure, and he doesn’t want anyone else to be hurt like that. I can’t blame him for it myself, but I know it may upset you to be treated like you can’t fight.

[floralzeldahyrule]

Did...Tear not tell you the full story? Of her death? She wore herself thin trying to protect what survivors her and Sil were able to get from Hyrule Field, trying to get them to Fort Hateno and away from the Guardians. I just... I just don't think avoiding that is possible for my time unless I awaken my powers.

Yes, yes it is.

I can deal with that. I'm still not quite used to fighting myself. So long as he doesn't try to completely stopping from aiding in a fight.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Before Starshine can comment, Birdie opens his eyes. When he removes his hands from the sword, he’s holding red earrings, and immediately he’s started removing his blue ones to replace them.

Oh- you completed it? What did you get?

Fireshield earrings. They keep the fire from affecting me, which means we need to pass through that area where I immediately caught on fire. Do you have anything that can help you with that, Bloom? I already know which path we need to take, and it shouldn’t be more than a few seconds if we run.

[knight-in-training-sky]

*He stood in the training room in Tear's house, swinging his sword against a dummy. Recently, it's all been too much. Finding Twig, befriending her, losing his sword and her...

*Finding out she doesn't remember him. Helping her start to. Getting his sword back, realizing the man that took it was who she called her father.

*Fighting Demise -- or at least, being in the same area as Sky did. He wonders if he'll ever get to that point.

*....He really, really hopes he doesn't.

[I know you don't want to, kid, I don't think any hero has wanted to deal with this guy or his reincarnation. And that's valid, you can just stay here and while you do, your Goddess waits and waits and waits until Demise wins in your time. And there goes your whole timeline.]

*He tenses at the voice in his head, but frowns at its words.

That- that’s not what I meant. I meant, Sky’s had to deal with him so much, and I- I don’t wanna have to do that.

*He continues to swing, attacking the dummy, practicing.

I didn’t mean I should just stay here forever.

*He’d never be able to forgive himself if he did.

[Yet you keep stopping your journey. How long has it been since you've journeyed with the little Goddess? I mean, for her it's been two years. And then before running into her, you were - once again - here. And before that, you were here for, what, a festival you couldn't even properly enjoy?]

*For her it’s….

Wait, what? What do you mean, it’s been two years for her?? It hasn’t even been one!..

*Has it? No, it.. It can’t have been.

I-I… I keep getting hurt, and- I can’t save her if I’m dead..

*His voice wavers, sword pointing down more and more.

A-and, rest is important..! Right?..

[Ah, forgive me, I was going off her age. But it has been nearly a year and a half for her.]

[And why do you keep getting hurt? Because you're weak. It's why you needed her to begin with, isn't it? It's why you lost your sword.]

[Do you think Mama rested so much during her journey? During either of her journeys? I know the answer~]

I-I’m not weak..! I fought that Koloktoss guy and lived, didn’t I?..

*Only barely. Only because Revali was there to pull him out of the water.

I, um…Probably.

*His sword chimes, pulling his eyes to it. He sits down against a wall, sheathing it and holding it close.

*He has her again. He has her still. It’ll be okay.

[Didn't you almost die? You fainted into the water, you were lucky Revali was coming to see you, you wouldn't be here otherwise.]

[No, no she didn't. She rarely ever took the time to even heal herself.]

*…..Oh. He’d forgotten, that he did that.

*..At least one of them is strong. It certainly isn’t Birdie.

*His sword chimes again, in his grasp, pulling his eyes back to it.

@floralzeldahyrule

[floralzeldahyrule]

(shortened)

It seems that...these rifts in time have done more harm than good for some...

*Saying that, she thinks back to Link, and his situation. Her hands relax in worry, as she brings them together. She had long stopped believing prayers worked, at least for her, so she says nothing in her hope for Link's own safety.*

[knight-in-training-sky]

....I believe only his voice was done by someone outside of our time. As well as more recent events, and a time we both got poisoned. Outside of that, his injuries were done by someone named Ghirahim.

These rifts have, quite bluntly, been the best thing for him. I wouldn't be as close to him as I am, he wouldn't have a network of people he loves...I don't think he would even have survived this long if it wasn't for all of this.

And there's you -- just because things are different for you now, doesn't mean they're going to stay like this. You came with us because you wanted to learn, right? And you will get to.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She chews on the inside of her cheek, looking at Star.*

Yes but...what if it's not enough? One problem has turned into many because of these rifts. If I can't find a solution to the most important issue at current, then the others won't be solved as well.

*She looks away, clenching her hands.*

Link will be stuck...and he will blame himself... He already does now when we have not failed in our duties... When he hasn't failed in his duties...

[knight-in-training-sky]

He won't be. Not if he has people trying to help him, regardless of if he wants it or not. He will not end up stuck. What is the most important issue for you? Let's try and find a way to help with that, if we can. One thing at a time.

[floralzeldahyrule]

*She looks at Star, a bit of a helpless look on her face.*

Getting Link back. Get him away from Recall, permanently. Not even because he's the hero, but because he's my friend and I... I miss him, Star...

*She looks away.*

He was right there...and then he wasn't...and I was back at Tear's home... We were making progress...and now... Will it have been for naught?

[knight-in-training-sky]

*Star hums in thought, one hand rubbing against the marks on her wrists.

Well, we know that separating him from her won’t work, she can simply teleport him away. You’ve tried talking to him, yes? What’ve you tried?

[floralzeldahyrule]

We've tried discussing ways to awaken my powers without risking his life. According to Tear, I am to awaken my powers to protect Link from a Guardian's laser. But even still, he is to succumb to his injuries and exhaustion if we end up down such a path, just as Tear did.

Originally, I was going to stay with him, keep him company...but it seems as if Recall decided I'm more of a distraction, and separated us. I don't wish to just...sit and wait to reunite with him, so I figured that...

That perhaps accompanying Birdie would be beneficial, as it allows me some real world experience...and perhaps I'll learn something that'll aid me in awakening my powers.

[knight-in-training-sky]

Well, we know this can change — Twig, a younger version of Tear also before the Calamity — was able to defeat it entirely by herself. I’m not sure how to awaken your powers at the moment, but it is possible to change how they do.

Recall keeping you away from him is actually not a horrible sign — it means she thinks you may be able to bring him back to your side instead of hers.

Yes, getting real experience is much different than training — even with what he’d done at the Knight Academy in Skyloft, Birdie was still rather unprepared for proper combat with more than an angry Remlit or a chuchu.

[floralzeldahyrule]

So Tear has told me, but from my understanding, both Tear and Twig are both also descendants of Hylia, and have had access to their powers since early childhood. I do not believe Twig is a good example as I'm sure she still required the sealing power.

*She looks away.*

He... He didn't seem against my presence... Perhaps you're right, but it's still not an ideal situation.

How long as he been on this journey? Surely he's gained some sort of experience throughout this?

[knight-in-training-sky]

Yes, but the sealing power was not my point. What happened to Tear was meant to happen to Twig as well — but it didn’t. Maybe Link won’t get hurt by the Guardians for you, and you’ll awaken your powers some other way. Maybe nobody will get hurt.

It is not, that’s true, but the knowledge is helpful, isn’t it?

Oh…A good while now, I forgot exactly when we started, but it’s been months. And yes, he has, but- well, try not to be too upset with him if he keeps trying to protect you. He’s been badly hurt on this adventure, and he doesn’t want anyone else to be hurt like that. I can’t blame him for it myself, but I know it may upset you to be treated like you can’t fight.