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Chapter 10: Sky Rides a Horse and Everybody’s Scared

Thanks to Time and Epona, Sky’s feeling much better. In fact, he might be a little TOO better, someone check on Twilight’s heart…

Author's Note: It's time to get things off the ground! ^u^ Sky's in for a wild ride =). Y'know, as I was writing I just used the LU excuse that Talon was out delivering and staying in Castle Town a few days, but if he came home while the Chain was still there, I think he and Sky would really get along (loves cuccos and naps and horses? Perfect bonding material!) [Linked Universe belongs to @jojo56830 / @linkeduniverse , and The Legend of Zelda belongs to Nintendo of course.] Happy Reading!

Masterlist | First | Chapter 9 | Chapter 11 (coming after a gap week!)

(💚Please comment and like directly from the og post in case Tumblr does weird things again! Tumblr reblogs are ok but Never repost, thanks! <3)

>>><<<

"Look out, Wind!"

"Gangway!"

Sky hopped out of Wind's path on one foot, his other foot stuck halfway in his boot. Wind ran past him through the dining room with his tunic over his head, arms flailing as he tried—and failed—to pull the clothing past his eyes.

Malon laughed and came to his rescue. Catching Wind's arms before they smacked her in the face, she found the tunic's hem, twisted it, and yanked. With a small "oof!" and a frizz of messy curls, Wind's head popped free of its prison.

The sailor grinned past the flush on his cheeks. "Thanks Miss Malon."

"You're welcome," she smiled back. "I know y'all are excited to see Sky ride today, but does that really warrant this much of a tizzy? Y'all've been buzzing like bees all morning."

"Ugh, we woke up so late, though," Sky grunted, shoving his boot on. He sent a silent thanks to Malon for catching his shoulder when he wobbled.

"Yeah, why'd they let us sleep in like that?" Wind groaned. He brushed some of his sandy hair to make it slightly more presentable. "I get Sky sleeping in, but they just left me up there!"

"Hey, I wanted to wake up, too, I'm not missing this!" Sky replied.

"You both needed the sleep, simple as that," said Malon. "The others noticed that, and did you a kindness. Appreciate that. You've got plenty of time."

Sky and Wind nodded, letting her words sink in and untangle the knots in their stomachs.

"Now, Sky hon, if you're riding for the first time, I'd leave that nice cape of yours indoors. You don't want to get yourself twisted in the saddle," said Malon. Then she added with a wink, "I'd also be a shame to stain that white fabric in the unlikely case you fall into manure."

Sky snorted and unclasped the sailcloth from his shoulders. "Wise words," he said. "Thank you. Oh, and..." he scratched his head. "Thanks. For that vegetable omelet this morning, and... for last night..."

Malon squeezed his arm. "Honey, you thanked me already by enjoying the food and getting a good night's rest. Now go on and get, you boys enjoy yourselves out there!"

Sky and Wind glanced at each other and grinned.

"Race you to Time!" shouted Wind, already speeding out the door.

"Hey, hold on!" Sky laughed. "Thanks Miss Malon—hey, aren't you coming out too?"

"Yep, just have a few small things to tidy then I'm there. Now go! Catch that boy and tell him not to run around the horses!"

"Yes ma'am!" Sky saluted, and dashed out to grab Wind.

Wind had stopped to wait for Sky and yelped when he saw the knight speeding towards him. The sailor tripped and started running again, but Sky had an ace up his sleeve.

Sky's stamina was poor, and everyone knew it.

But boy, could he sprint.

The gritty earth kicked up around him as Sky shot forwards in the morning light. The fresh taste of morning air fueled him, filling his lungs and sparking his excitement all over again.

Today he was going to fly.

He might have already been flying, with how his feet barely hit the ground. With Wind's golden hair shining like a beacon, Sky dashed for his target, shouted in delight, and tackled him to the ground.

Wind squealed as Sky rolled to shoulder the fall, locking Wind in his arms.

"Let—GO! What gives?" Wind grunted as he struggled. "You're supposed to be—hngh—slow! Grr!"

"Malon said no running around the horses!" wheezed Sky. "And no means—OW! Uncle, uncle!"

"That's what I thought!" said Wind, releasing Sky's arm from where he'd twisted it behind his back. He stood up in a rush and got exactly two steps before Sky grabbed his ankle.

Wind hit the dirt, and Sky grabbed on even tighter.

"Oh, c'mon! That's it!" With a mighty war cry, Wind unleashed his fury, scrambling madly for any way out of Sky's arms. Sky struggled to keep up with him, if only because he was laughing too hard to breathe. It soon turned into a contest of Sky's droopy dead weight against Wind's youthful ferocity. Neither side was winning.

"Having a good time, are we?"

Sky and Wind froze. Warriors was standing over them, hands on his hips and his eyes twinkling.

Sky gulped. "Uh..."

"FREEDOM!" Wind shot out from Sky's arms, taking full advantage of the distraction. He made a beeline for the riding field, but Warriors grabbed him by the collar before he could go anywhere.

"HEY!"

Sky shook with another bout of laughter.

"Didn't Malon tell you not to run around the horses?" asked Warriors. "They frighten easily."

Wind's face scrunched up. "Uuuuuuuugh."

"Well?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'll be careful and walk. Now will you let me go already? You're stretching my shirt!"

Warriors obliged.

"Bye!" said Wind, already three paces away. To his credit, he did walk—even if it was the fastest walk Sky had ever seen.

The captain reached a hand out and helped Sky to his feet. "Ready to ride, oh Knight of Skyloft?"

Sky dusted off his pants. "More than ready, Captain."

"Good man!" Warriors clapped him on the back. "Let's try and catch up to that sailor of ours."

"Not a very patient one, is he?" Sky smiled.

"No, but then again, he is a youth. And between you and I, I think we all deserve a bit of levity... don't you?"

Sky noticed Warriors's sharp eyes trailing over him, and caught his unspoken question.

"Yeah. It feels nice." The Skyloftian nudged him. I'm ok now, Warriors. Thank you.

The captain brightened, and before either of them knew it, they'd arrived at the center of Lon Lon field.

Two horses stood saddled and ready by their masters in the inner ring. Twilight’s Epona was busy using the rancher as a scratching post, but when Time's old mare caught sight of Sky, her ears flicked up in delight. Her whole body expanded as she drew in a mighty breath, stretched out her neck, and let out a long, loud whinny.

Wind jumped back and bumped into Sky. Sky patted his shoulder.

"Good morning!" Time called out to them both. "You two certainly look bright and alert."

Hyrule did a double take when he saw the dust coating Sky’s and Wind's hair. "What happened to you two?"

"Wind was running," Sky explained.

"I was gonna stop before I got here," huffed Wind.

"Sky," Twilight called as if nothing had happened, "you'll be riding the old man's Epona today. I'll be right beside you on mine. We're all saddled up, so head over here and we'll show you how to mount."

The captain placed a hand on Sky’s arm before he moved. “You’ll do well,” he said, smiling wistfully at the horses. “I can see how much they trust you. Have fun out there.”

“In other words, you’re missing your own horse and are looking forward to living vicariously through me?” Sky raised an eyebrow.

Warriors wilted dramatically. “Yes, goodness, I miss my horse,” he breathed out all at once. “But I am excited for you, truly. First time is always a joy to see. Good luck, Sky.”

The Skyloftian grinned as Warriors patted his back, and he skipped off towards the horses.

"Don't die out there," smirked Legend as Sky passed.

"Wouldn't dream of it," Sky winked. "I can't spend all those rupees you tossed me if I'm a ghost!"

Sky didn't need to see Legend's face to know he was rolling his eyes.

Approaching Epona like he'd been taught, Sky patted her left side and listened closely to Time and Twilight. The older knight showed him how to double-check the girth. The rancher demonstrated how to grip the reins, mane, and saddle, and how to spring up from the stirrup for a safe mount. Time helped Sky get his toe in the stirrup, and with one mighty heave, the Skyloftian knight swung himself onto a horse for the very first time.

As soon as Sky settled in the saddle, he forgot how to breathe.

The breeze blowing past his face was cool and familiar. Between his weight pressing him into the saddle and the large, gently breathing animal beneath him—an animal that was acutely aware of his presence just as he was aware of hers—it all felt like heavy déjà vu. Suddenly he was back in Skyloft, preparing for a standing Loftwing takeoff with the wind at his back. Sky couldn't wipe away his grin.

“...y? Featherbrain, you in there?”

At the sound of Legend’s voice, the Chosen Hero blinked himself back to the present. “Yeah." Still smiling, he let out a shaky laugh. “I… I’m home.”

The others looked a bit confused at that, but Time seemed to brighten. He stroked the nose of his beloved steed and fixed Sky's hold on the reins. “You ready to ‘take off’ then?”

Sky nodded enthusiastically. As he did, Time’s Epona swiveled an ear to listen to him, her muscles tensing and her feet shifting in the grass. Sky was amazed. She’s picking up on my emotions just like Loftwings do. Time was right!

“Ok…” Twilight began, studying Sky’s posture. “Sit up a little straighter, Sky—good. Now you’re gonna ask her for a walk. You can say it with words, but it’s best to urge her forwards by squeezing—

“—squeezing my legs and leaning forward slightly?” Sky cut in, heart racing. No way. No way, it’s EXACTLY like riding a Loftwing…

Twilight opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He looked at Time in utter surprise. “You’re sure he’s never done this before?”

Time’s eye sparkled. “Well, maybe not in the way we’re familiar with, but he does seem to know what he’s doing, doesn’t he?”

Sky matched his grin, practically shaking with excitement. Let’s go let’s go let’s go!

Twilight still didn’t look very confident. He gave Sky another once-over. “Well…”

C’mon c’mon c’mon!

“…your posture is pretty sturdy…”

I want to FLY, Twilight!

“…Fine. I’ll be right with you, though. Just start her going with a small—”

“HYAH!!!”

“SKY, NO!”

But it was too late. Before anyone could blink, Sky and Epona were hurtling into the outer field at full canter, not a care in the world as they flew by their onlookers. Epona’s hoof beats were much bumpier than Sky had expected, but after a few dizzying moments, he was able to safely match her gait with his hips. Instinctively, he shifted his weight to the balls of his feet as he leaned forward, gripping the reigns and Epona’s long, flaxen mane.

Memories of clouds and red feathers swirled through his senses, lighting Sky’s heart ablaze. In that moment, he was just Link again. And he couldn’t get rid of his smile.

>>><<<

“Sky, you idiot, come back!!!” shouted Twilight, galloping after him.

“Does he have a death wish?!?” Warriors yelled as the heroes watched the horses fly away together.

Wild began to run after them only to get caught by Time’s hand.

“Wh—Time?”

“Watch.”

Seven heads turned back to the field to see Sky hurtling towards the ranch’s outer fence.

“Oh, no no no!” cried Hyrule. “Horses can’t fly, Sky!”

“I can’t look!” shouted Wind, grasping onto Time’s shirt and burying his head into his back.

“You may want to reconsider,” said Time. “Watch his legs!”

Sure enough, Sky had shifted. One leg went slack against the saddle as his whole body leaned smoothly away from the fence. Epona—such a good, clever girl, Time thought—knew exactly what her rider was asking for, and leaned with him, never even touching the fence.

Twilight shouted something and pulled his horse to a stop in the middle of the grass, glancing back at the other heroes. Time watched him fling his arms up in disbelief, as if to say, What the heck am I supposed to do with him now, Old Man?

Time simply laughed.

"Hoo, boy! Look at those two go!"

Several heads turned to see Malon hurrying towards them, her eyes glued to the carefree new rider. "You're sure this is his first time?"

Warriors shrugged, "It's currently up for debate."

"I don't know if I should be more impressed or terrified," Four admitted.

“I’m starting to lean towards impressed,” Legend shook his head in disbelief.

Malon nudged Time as she came to a stop beside him. Quietly she murmured, "I don't think I've seen Epona that frisky in years, Link."

Time felt his heart swell. "Me neither, even when I've ridden her."

"Aww, you jealous?"

Time shook his head. "Not at all. Seeing them like this is rewarding enough."

As Epona kicked up her heels, Sky out-smiled the sun, and the other heroes cheered and bit their nails, Time simply stood still, soaking in the moment. Peacetime was a rare blessing best savored with friends, after all. And with his wife at his side, for now, he allowed himself the freedom to just be.

>>><<<

Sky, meanwhile, was having the time of his life.

He hollered in delight as the wind whipped past his face, filling up his lungs the way they were always meant to be filled: by breathing cool air at top speed.

He was so excited he felt like standing on the saddle, and would have, too, if Twilight hadn't stressed how important it was to use his legs to guide his horse. Party pooper. Well, never mind Twilight, here was another curve!

Sky leaned as far as he dared in the saddle, asking without words for Epona to make the turn. She felt his weight and acted upon it, smoothly gliding around the curve and down the next stretch of dirt. Sky shifted forwards. Epona understood his need for speed, and happily complied.

He enjoyed the sound of his friends' cheers when he whisked past them.

As Sky and Epona cantered through another tight turn, Sky's wild heart gave him a crazy idea. Time had once said something about Epona being a star fence-jumper in her prime. And jumping made you airborne, even if just for a second. So by that logic, he could make a horse fly...

Without another thought, Sky steered Epona towards the center fence.

As soon as she noticed where she was heading, Epona’s gate transformed. Her muscles tensed with excitement. Her gate stiffened and quickened until she was no longer in a canter but a gallop. Sky nearly fell with the change in gate, but he caught himself at the last second, leaving his fear behind in the outer field.

Let's go, Epona!

The other heroes shouted in alarm from inside the central ring. Their small forms shuffled about until they were forced to scramble out of the way of the oncoming horse and rider, waving their arms the entire time. Even the Old Man's expression had changed to worry, but by the time Sky could actually see his face it was too late to stop.

As if he would have stopped, anyway. Sky could feel the way Epona thrust her powerful hooves into the ground, determination seeping out of her from her ears to her tail. And if she believed she could still jump a fence, then Sky believed in her with his whole heart.

He didn't fight her. He let her fly. Free to do as she pleased, Epona bunched up her muscles, shifted her gait, tilted Sky and the entire world with him, and took off from the ground with one giant, magnificent LEAP!

For a moment Sky was sure she'd sprouted wings. For just that second, time slowed to a crawl, and between Epona’s tawny wings Sky was safe and weightless. He could see them soaring off into the clouds like he and Crimson would, touching the clear blue atmosphere and breathing in the chill of thinner air. Sky spread his arms. They were flying! They were free! They were...

...hurtling back towards the ground?

Uh oh—

Sky was not prepared for the sudden THUD of Epona’s hooves when she landed on the other side of the fence. With his hands thrown out, he had nothing to hold on to, and before he knew up from down he was bounced roughly out of the saddle and sent sprawling into a pile of scratchy hay.

The impact nearly took the wind out of him. Everything hurt. But a Skyloftian knew how to fall, and there was only one thing running through Sky's brain.

That was FUN.

A chorus of footsteps hurtled towards Sky. Legend was the first to reach him, falling to his knees and grabbing Sky's sore shoulders. "What the heck, Sky?!? I was only half-kidding, I said DON'T die, weren't you listening?"

Legend's eyes were wide with worry and exasperation over his fallen friend. The Skyloftian smiled and patted Legend’s hand. "Sorry I scared you."

"You didn't—! I mean! Well... just shut up and don't do that again!" Legend grumbled, seizing Sky's arm and helping him stand.

"Yes Sky, he's prone to heart attacks, remember?" Warriors called as he jogged over, not-so-subtly glancing Sky and Epona over for injuries. His smooth voice certainly did not match his frantic gaze.

"Not the time, Cap," Legend groaned.

Hyrule pushed past both of them. "Whoa Sky, you went flying, are you ok? That looked like a bad fall."

"I'm fine! I'm fine, really!" Sky held the traveler back with a laugh. "No broken bones or anything, trust me, I'd know."

Hyrule bit his lip. "...You're sure?" he glanced between Sky and at Legend.

"He's fine. But he's in a lot of trouble," grumbled the veteran.

Hyrule sighed deeply. "Phew. In that case..." his hazel eyes sparkled, "The captain's right, Sky. Don't do that to Legend, he's a veteran, fragile heart and all that. You could say he's the real old ma—AH!" Hyrule ducked when Legend went to grab him.

Sky didn't get much time to laugh at their bickering. As the rest of the heroes approached, Sky looked up, and his eyes immediately met Twilight’s. The rancher’s icy blue stare sent a chill down Sky's spine.

He could freeze over Eldin Volcano with one look, Sky gulped.

Twilight stomped up to him. "What were you thinking?!?"

"Bold of you to assume he was thinking," Four snorted.

Sky felt his cheeks burn when he couldn't dispute that. "I—I, uh..."

Twilight's arms flailed around Sky as if he wanted to shake him but was holding himself back. "Sky! You—arrrghhhhh!"

Sky laughed nervously. "Well... you know what they say. Practice makes perfect?"

Twilight was fuming. "Not. Jumping!" He dug his fingers through his hair. "We weren't doing jumping! Just normal riding, a-and you were pushing that, too!"

"At ease, rancher," came Time's deep, calm voice. "I think he's learned his lesson."

Sky couldn't tell what Time was actually thinking behind that imposing stare. He was stern, but maybe he was holding in a laugh? No, in this lighting he looked really mad... oh boy Sky could have really hurt his horse, couldn't he? But then there was Malon behind Time looking... impressed? Amused? So maybe things weren't so bad. Sky preferred the not-so-bad option.

"Learned his lesson?" Twilight repeated. "Has he?"

The rancher rounded on Sky and actually grabbed his arm this time. "Don't you do somethin' like that ever again, y'hear me? For your sake and Epona's."

Wild raised his hand from where he’d gone over to check Epona's legs. "Um. But what if he's on horseback being chased by monsters and has to jump over a log to get away?"

"Or somebody traps him and a horse in a really tall fence?" Four added, also raising his hand with a grin.

"I—stop encouraging this, you know what I mean!" Twilight turned back to Sky, suddenly pleading like a worried puppy, "...Right? Please?"

Sky noticed Legend hovering by with that same mother-Loftwing look. Touched by how much they cared, Sky put on his best "I'm ok!" smile and let it stretch wide and bright. The adrenaline still coursing through his body may have also contributed a bit.

He held up a hand. "I solemnly swear to never jump on horseback again, unless I'm being chased, trapped, or given explicit permission and/or training by Time and Twilight. Better?"

"Much," Twilight deflated.

"Y'know, foolhardy as that was," said Malon, "you kept up some pretty good control out there. Epona looks right as rain, too."

Wild gave a thumbs up and patted Epona’s side. She neighed happily, much to the relief of the Hylians.

"With a little more practice, I'd wager it won't be long until we've got ourselves another horse champion." Malon nudged Time in the side. "He might even beat your racing record, Fairy Boy."

"Not a chance," Time smiled. "Especially since he's going to be sitting out for a little bit."

Groans of protest filled the field.

Time held up a hand to quiet them. "Sky, after that stunt you pulled I want to give your body and your mind a rest, you understand?"

And give my bad behavior a time out, yeah, Sky realized. Still, Time had a point. His lungs were kind of killing him after all that excitement and the fall. He nodded reluctantly. "Fair is fair."

"Good. Now that we've come to an agreement," Time turned towards the sailor. "It's Wind's turn."

"WHAT?" Wind gasped as the others started another uproar. "Wait, no. Absolutely not, did you see the way Sky went over that fence???"

"What's the matter, Sailor? You could do it! Don't tell me you're scared," Warriors prodded.

"Am not!" Wind flung out his arms. "It's just that maybe I don't want to go flying through the air like Sky! Ever think of that?"

“Sky is the farthest from an example of a good student," Twilight drawled, glaring at their wayward horseman.

Sky tried to look innocent as he picked straw out of his hair. Epona helped him by eating it.

Twilight sighed. “If you take things slow and actually listen," he glared at Sky again, “then you’ll be fine, Sailor. We’ll take it easy.”

Time came up behind him. “My old horse is feisty, but she’s always been a good judge of character. She’ll recognize what speed will be best for you, Wind.”

Wind’s judgmental squint was enough to rival Legend’s. “Uh-huh. You sure? ‘Cause she just jumped a fence and Sky fell off.”

“Which she only did because Sky encouraged her. Does he look the least bit upset about it?”

Sky’s crazed smile was still plastered on his face. “I have no regrets.”

Twilight groaned.

Wind bit his lip, a smile twinkling in his eyes as he looked back at Time. “No, I guess you’re right.”

“Trust Epona,” Time grinned. “That’s one of my greatest philosophies.”

True to Time's word, Epona and Wind got along like a pair of old friends. Despite the sailor’s initial doubts about horses, Twilight's presence and Epona’s steady gate soon put the boy's fears at ease. Wind was a determined student, too, furrowing his brow as he listened closely to Twilight's instructions. And his focus paid off.

It wasn't long before Wind was trotting all by himself down the outer field, a wide, brilliant smile shining on his face.

Sky tried not to be a little jealous that Wind was the better student between them. That was ok. Sky had trained on his bird for far longer, and now it was the sailor’s turn to enjoy that first rush through the air. The Skyloftian smiled, remembering his own first flight. Wind would hold this day dear for the rest of his life.

And judging by the way Time and Malon were eyeing Hyrule, Wind wouldn't be their last student.

...Which probably meant Sky would have to wait even longer to get back in the saddle. Great. He itched at the thought of staying still, and yet...

"You've got to learn to slow down and smell the wildflowers! There's a time and place for urgency, buddy."

"None of us have a problem slowing down for someone in need."

"Let us look after you."

"Master Link," chimed a far-off memory, "the energy inside you is nearly depleted. I strongly advise you return to Skyloft and rest your mind and body. I will watch out for you there.”

“The world can wait a few hours, Sleepyhead."

Maybe staying still was exactly what he needed to do right now. And as Wind dismounted and Hyrule was called forward, Sky smiled at the traveler and pushed him towards Epona.

"Good luck out there," he said. "Oh and apparently fence-jumping is taboo, so don't do that."

Hyrule snorted. "Thanks, Sky."

Time informed Sky that his riding ban would be over after Hyrule's turn. And that was fine with him.

He was busy enjoying a moment of peace.

>>><<<

Masterlist | First | Chapter 9 | Chapter 11 (coming after a gap week!)

Author's Note: Growth for Sky! Don’t look now but I think he’s actually starting to understand how to slow down and enjoy things one step at a time >u< Although, please never jump a horse that isn't yours without permission, especially if she's on the older side 😅 All of the horse-owning Links made sure Sky understood that before the day was done >u< Sky got the memo and won't be trying any stunts on her again, though if anyone could convince Twilight to give him proper jumping lessons then it would be Sky, haha. Also if you noticed the movie reference in the illustration you get a cookie <3

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

(💚Please comment and like directly from the og post in case Tumblr does weird things again! Tumblr reblogs are ok but Never repost, thanks! <3)

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