I thought it was kinda lame that he just started talking again after everything, but it does make some sense. I figured I’d keep him mute but I played with an idea. He does have his voice back, but it’s reeeeally hard to talk. Maybe he’s not used to it after years of being silent? Maybe his vocal cords don’t work normally? Or maybe it’s something else entirely. Either way, I think it’d be interesting to explore him trying to relearn how to talk after years of being unable to
I wanted to do a scar chart for my boys, not only to know where scars are, but also to figure out body types! I struggle a lot with unique body types so this is a challenge, but that’s fine! Challenges are good.
With Sky, I wanted him to have a more softer but strong look to him. He’s very strong in the game, so his arms are pretty toned. But he has some tummy cuz he just doesn’t care about looking toned or anything. He does what he wants. He has a lot of various scars here and there, but the biggest one is from his battle with demise.
Minish is a blacksmith and is very strong with his arms and chest. He’s short but he’s very toned. A lot of his major scars come from Vaati.
Time is the strongest on the team. He’s tall, he’s buff, he’s done farm and ranch work for the past 10 years, he’s terrifying. Idk what happened to his head but pls ignore how small it is. The sketch made his head really big so I shrunk it so he’d still look tall and now he looks ridiculous 😔 [EDIT: I can’t take it anymore. I had to change his head size. It looks normal now] he doesn’t have a lot of scars from his actual adventures. His body traveled back in time but his mind stayed in place, so a lot of injuries that would scar didn’t. The only scars he has is from his final battle with Majora. All other scars are from his time at lon lon and other scars he got as a kid. Also I gave him my issue with super itchy legs. I have them scars myself UwU
Legend has powerful legs, so they’re much stronger than the rest of his body, but he’s well toned thanks to his sword fighting abilities. I… haven’t played or am familiar with his games save for la so his scars are kinda lame, but let’s just say that he did a good job at keeping big scars from scarring. (This is a half joke but he has a burn scar from Aganhim on his butt. For obvious reasons you can’t see it)
Totem has very strong shoulders and arms thanks for all the totem times he did. So he has a strong upper body. He should probably work on leg day tho. He has two injuries from accidents regarding totem time (falling on his face while being the guy on top and having someone’s boots scuff his shoulder) but he’s a totem master now!
Rift only has rift-shaped markings on his body, and he’s a very lanky kid. He’s a bit toned in his arms and chest thanks to sword fighting but that’s about it. He doesn’t focus that much on his body anyways.
Hyrule is a very small and skinny kid, with some muscle showing on his arms thanks to swords fighting. But generally he’s small, which is good for him cuz that makes hiding easier. A lot of scars from his first adventure.
I was playing skyward sword last night and saw how violent Ghirahim was towards Link and I was like “what if he saw him again” and then I imagined Ghirahim finding Sky and torturing him so… this is what happened.
This is kinda like Linebeck meeting the villain squad, except it’s the lbl team and instead of the villain squad it’s just Ghirahim, and it’s 10x more traumatic. But they’re in the villain squad era :D rip Sky. (Also if you want some context on what’s happening with Ghirahim I would read my stupid poisoned blade comic Lol). It’s not my best work but i wrote it all last night so… hope you guys like it 😭🙏
Warnings for kidnapping, torture, blood, and near death. It’s a bit of a doozy. You know how Ghirahim is
~~~~~
They were getting real sick of this.
Portals opening up and pulling people in, taking them to Hyrules they’re unfamiliar with. To say that it was annoying was an understatement. This new portal took only a few of them: Wars, Twi, Time, Rift, Sky, Hyrule, and Hero. The rest were left behind, stuck in the Puppeteer’s Hyrule, which meant that they had to find a way back. Wars and Twi were especially anxious to return, feeling worried for their fellow heroes who were left behind with no guidance. The group immediately huddled together, searching for a way back while stuck in an enormous Castle Town—one that was bigger than anything the others had seen.
“Why are we even trying to get back to that era?” Hero whined, walking beside Wars. “Shouldn’t we try to get to our own eras?”
“I cannot abandon the others, and who’s to say that the puppeteer won’t try to bring us back again?” Wars rebutted, and Hero groaned.
“This sucks.”
“Yeah, it does suck,” Twi spoke up. “But at least we ain’t alone!”
Hero glared at him, and it was apparent at how awkward he felt with the others. He and Knight only recently joined their little team—he wasn’t very familiar with them. The group began to move to get out of the big crowd so they could strategize, Hyrule and Rift gripping onto Twi as they nearly separated from him. Wars was leading the way, though it was clear he had no idea where he was going.
“Goddesses, why are there so many people?” Sky commented, an uncomfortable look on his face. He’s never seen so many people together at once before. Wars huffed and led them to a relatively empty alleyway, and the group let out sighs of relief.
“This really sucks,” Hero grumbled.
“Where are we? Castle Town?” Hyrule asked, and Time pointed at the sky.
“There’s a castle, so yes. I think this is Castle Town,” he said flatly, and Hyrule frowned, staring at the giant castle towering over them.
“How’d I miss that?”
Rift smiled and patted his head, clearly pointing out his height, which made Hyrule glare at him.
“Hey, I missed it too,” Sky said, also patting Hyrule’s head, and he waved his hand away.
“Quit patting my hair!”
Rift stared at the castle for a moment, then looked over at Wars, pointing at it, which he somehow understood his silent language.
“If there’s a castle, then there’s a princess,” he muttered, turning to the others. “We should ask this era’s Zelda for help. I’m sure she or others will know how to send us back.”
Everyone nodded, save for Hero who shook his head.
“No way, I’m not talking to any Zelda,” he protested. “You guys can go ahead, but I don’t want to go anywhere near the royal family.”
“Hero, I think it’s best if we stick together,” Twi argued, but Hero stayed stubborn.
“I’m not going near the royal family,” he repeated, and Wars frowned.
“We don’t have the luxury to be comfortable, Hero, we must all go together.”
“No! I’m not going! And I don’t really care if I stay in this era! I got nothing waiting for me in my own!” He turned away and crossed his arms, letting out a huff. “I’m not going.”
Wars was about to say something, but Time put his hand on his shoulder.
“They might not allow a lot of us in there. Perhaps we should split up, just for the time being until we find a way back.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“And I don’t think they’ll like a big group of strangers coming in to meet the princess. I’m sure it’ll be easier for them if some of us stayed behind.”
Wars crossed his arms, staring at Time for a good long moment, before sighing and nodding.
“You have a fair point. Very well, we shall split up.”
And so it was decided: Hero, Sky, Rift, and Time were to stay behind, while the rest were to hopefully convince the princess to help them.
“Stay here, you understand? Don’t move,” Wars ordered, pointing at the entrance to the courtyard. “We must try to stay as close as possible!”
“Yes sir,” Hero mumbled, clearly looking relieved that he didn’t have to go. The group watched as Wars, Twi, and Hyrule walked to the castle entrance, Wars looking confident while the other two looked nervous. They watched until they left their vision, and Sky plopped himself down next to Hero, who flinched back.
“Not a fan of castles?” He asked, a gentle smile on his face, and Hero frowned.
“Don’t go thinking you can pry into my life just because we’re all heroes,” he said, and Sky chuckled.
“You know, you remind me of Minish.”
Hero blinked. “How?”
“Grumpy, always complaining, never wanting to be friends…”
“I—” Hero paused, but he didn’t have a good rebuttal. He didn’t want to be nice nor did he want friends, so he guessed it was pretty accurate to him. “Minish isn’t like that.”
Sky shrugged. “Well, he’s gotten much better. But you act like how he used to be.”
“Well I’m not here to make friends, sorry,” Hero said, turning away in a huff.
“None of us are really here to make friends,” Sky said, “but here we are!”
Hero groaned, causing Sky to chuckle and even making Time smirk. He was a lot like Minish indeed. Rift smiled at them as well, and his head turned to look at the big crowd of people, only to lock eyes with a strange man staring straight at them, a manic look in his eyes. Rift blinked, but the man was suddenly gone, almost as if he never existed.
Rift stared at the crowd, feeling unease as he thought about the strange man staring at them, and when he turned to point it out to Time, something plopped itself in the middle of the group, exploding and sending them flying back. Rift hit the wall harshly, a gasp escaping him as pain erupted in his back. Time was tumbling across the bridge, and he scrambled to his feet to see dust covering everything, a silhouette of a man being the only thing he could see. Sky was attempting to stand up, but the stranger hit his head, knocking him unconscious. He knelt to the ground, his sleek, white hair covering his face as he stared at Sky. Time bolted, hoping to get him away from Sky, but he was too far. The man picked up Sky, and he turned to look at Time with familiar, black eyes. Ones filled with malice, insanity, violence…
Those eyes that once stared back at him during the war…
Ghirahim!
Ghirahim took off running, Sky slung over his shoulders, and Time bolted.
“Stay with Hero!” He ordered Rift, who was still trying to recover from the blast, and he ran through the crowd of people, trying to keep his eyes on crimson red. Ghirahim was quick and slick, slipping past strangers and dodging walls and crates, meanwhile Time still felt dizzy from the prior attack. But he couldn’t lose him, knowing what was at stake.
Townsfolk yelled as Time pushed them aside, but he ignored them to keep up with Ghirahim, and he watched as his red cape disappeared into an alleyway. Time turned the corner right when a dagger pierced itself through his shoulder, sending him flying to the ground. He let out a grunt, seeing Ghirahim standing over him, Sky still unconscious over his shoulder. Ghirahim smiled before running away, and Time tried to get up in time to catch him, but he was already gone. The flash of crimson was nowhere to be found amongst the crowd, and Time slumped against the ground, the pain in his shoulder being numbed by the horror of what just happened.
He needed to tell Wars, he needed to get the others.
Sky didn’t have much time.
When Wars, Twi, and Hyrule were finished speaking to the princess, they excitedly ran to the others, only to find Rift hunched over a dazed Hero, Time and Sky nowhere to be found.
“What happened?” Twi asked, looking at the burnt grass and scuff marks on the ground. Rift looked up at him with pleading eyes, a worried and pained expression on his face.
“I dunno what happened,” Hero mumbled, rubbing his head which was noticeably bleeding from the back. Hyrule walked over to him and immediately began healing, a surprised expression on Hero’s face. “Something in front of us exploded and I was knocked out. I don’t know where Time and the other guy is.”
“Sky?”
“Yeah, him.”
“Sky was kidnapped.”
The group all looked at Time who was gripping his shoulder and panting, as if he was running for miles.
“Kidnapped?” Twi repeated, and he nodded.
“Yes— He… Wars…” Time looked over to him, his expression filled with worry. “It was Ghirahim.”
Twi looked between the two, his brows pinched together. “Ghirahim? Who’s Ghirahim? What’s going on?”
Time walked over to them and sat on the ground, the dagger in his shoulder now revealing itself to them. “He attacked and… took Sky. I tried to keep up but I lost him.”
Twi knelt down beside him, pulling out a potion and resting his hand on the dagger. Time nodded at him and he pulled it out, the man gasping in pain as blood started to pour out. Wars began pacing as Time drank the potion, his mind running frantically at the thought.
“I thought Ghirahim died…”
“I thought so too but… I guess I don’t remember much of what happened to him. I was a kid, after all.”
Twi sighed, shaking his head. “Who’s this Ghirahim guy?”
Wars frowned, crossing his arms across his chest. “Ghirahim is a violent, dangerous demon. To say that Sky is in grave danger is an understatement. We need to rescue him. Now!”
“Wait,” Hero started, pulling away from Hyrule who finished healing him, “What about the princess? What did she say?”
“She said she can help us, but we must help Sky first!” Wars turned to him. “She can wait, but Sky can’t. I mean it when I say Ghirahim is dangerous. I fear what he’ll do to him if we don’t act now!”
“We don’t even know where we’re going!”
Time looked up at Wars. “I remember when I fought him as a kid… he could only teleport himself, but he couldn’t teleport others. I think we can find clues as to where he went.”
“Do you remember where you lost him?”
“Yes. Let’s go.”
Time stood up, wavering slightly but brushing it off when Twi tried to help him. He marched straight through the crowd, Wars following closely. Twi looked back at the younger ones, Hero looking uncertain, Hyrule looking scared, and Rift looking pained. He gestured for them to follow, and the small group of heroes took off, fire in their veins to save their brother.
~~~
The scent of smoke filled his nostrils and he began to wake up. A pounding ache formed in his head, and Sky opened his eyes, seeing a blurred figure watching him, silently. Immediately he noticed his aching wrists, which were cuffed and suspended above his head, stretching out his chest. A chill ran through him, making him realize that he had no shirt on, and he began to panic as he realized what situation he was in.
His eyes shot open, and he stood up straight, his shoulders aching from hanging limply. He stared right at the person in front of him, and he blinked a few times to see if he was hallucinating. The figure wore red clothes, decorated with diamonds, sleek white hair that covered half of his face, and dark, unforgiving eyes that stared right back at him. It couldn’t be…
“G-Ghirahim?” Sky whispered, and he finally responded to him, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “H-How? What—I—How are you here?”
Ghirahim’s smile faded, a look of disgust replacing it as he stepped forward, and Sky felt his blood run cold. He was completely helpless, no sword to protect him here.
“I should be asking you the same thing, skychild,” he spoke, the voice sending shivers down Sky’s spine. It dripped with venom, murderous intention behind it, and Ghirahim suddenly ran up to Sky, pinning him against the wall and grabbing his face so violently, he could feel his fingers scrape his skin. Their faces were inches away from each other, Sky’s breathing uncontrolled and strained as his face was practically squeezed.
“You took everything away from me, you know that?” He growled, pulling Sky’s face as he spoke, his sharp fingers digging further into his cheeks despite the thick, red gloves he wore. “I executed my plan, flawlessly, I resurrected my master, but then you came along and ruined it all!”
He screamed by the end, shoving Sky’s head against the wall and spinning away from him. His hands hovered near his head as if he were about to pull out his hair, and he began to thrash around violently.
“Everything had gone according to plan! I had it all, my master had everything he asked me for! But then you killed him! You defeated my master and returned to the world to Hylia’s sick image!”
He slammed his fist against the wall, the loud thud echoing through the room as he shook with anger. Then he shot Sky a look, his teeth bared and his eyes narrowed.
“How are you here, Link?” He asked, his voice quiet and raspy. “That era has long since passed…”
Sky didn’t say anything, his eyes wide as he watched Ghirahim with his heart pounding against his chest. Ghirahim’s eyes never left him as he stood up straight, walking towards him slowly. As he got closer, his gaze landed onto Sky’s right arm, it trailing along the lichtenburg figures all over his right side. From the battle with Demise.
“It’s destiny, you know,” he started, his voice soft as his hand gently traced his scars, making Sky’s skin crawl. “That we meet again like this. Our fates are tied together after all.” Their faces were inches away again, Sky unable to lean back any further than what he was. “Now I can finally have my revenge.”
In a split second, Ghirahim took off his glove and shoved his sharp hand right into Sky’s abdomen. He gasped as pain shot through his body, the hot blood already pouring out from Ghirahim’s hand, and to his horror, he felt his fingers begin to twist inside his body, breaking through flesh as he forced his way further in. He couldn’t even scream.
Ghirahim tore his hand out, and bits of flesh and blood went flying with his hand, the blood leaving his body at an alarming rate as Sky slumped, panting. But he had no reprieve as Ghirahim grabbed his face again, the metallic smell of his own blood filling his nostrils as it began to cover his face.
“I’m going to tear you to pieces and make you experience every second,” Ghirahim spat, lifting up his face so he could look him in the eye. “Let’s see if that spirit of yours is truly unbreakable.”
~~~
From what the heroes observed, Ghirahim didn’t seem to have gone far. Twi turned into a wolf and picked up Sky’s scent, and they were led to a cave far enough away from Castle Town, but close enough for Ghirahim to rush to. Which was good. He must’ve not known about the other heroes that traveled with Sky, and they were determined to make him regret taking him. Wars was eternally grateful that Twi was with them; he wasn’t sure if they’d be able to find Sky in time, and even then, he was still worried that they would be too late. He still remembered Ghirahim, how unpredictable, violent, and aggressive he was, and it frightened him to no end that Sky was left alone with him. It seemed there were some personal grudges between the two.
“So… how do you guys know Ghirahim?” Hyrule asked as they ran. “Do the other guys know him or something?”
“Not that I know of,” Wars answered, following Twi as he turned left in the cave. “He appeared in the War of Eras, working for Ganondorf and Cia.”
“Be grateful that you’ve never had to deal with him,” Time grunted, trying to keep up with the group. “I remember how creepy he was. It didn’t matter that I was a child, he still tried to cut me to pieces.”
Hero let out a groan, and Twi abruptly stopped, his ears perked up as he stared down the cave. The group stopped as well, listening, and they all heard it. Distant screams.
“HURRY!” Wars yelled, urging Twi to continue. “We must find him!”
The group sprinted forwards, praying that they weren’t too late as the screams grew louder, and when they stopped suddenly, Wars’s heart lurched to his throat.
Please don’t be too late.
They finally reached a door, which looked out of place from the rest of the cave, and Twi turned back into a wolf, throwing his entire body against it. They tried everything, unable to get the door open, and Time forced them all back, donning his bomb mask and getting close to the key hole, letting the mask explode. The lock blew right off, and Time slammed into the door and allowed the heroes to finally enter. The room was dim, lit by only a few torches, and right in front of them was Ghirahim, his arm raised with a sword in his hand, about to swing down on Sky’s head.
“No—!” Twi yelled as he swung it down, but he stopped it, the sword slowly disappearing into diamonds as he acknowledged the heroes’ presence. It was silent, the demon blocking off the view of Sky from the heroes, and he finally turned to look at them. Wars and Time expected a sadistic smile on his face, but there was none, only a look of annoyance and anger. It almost felt more unsettling. Ghirahim’s eyes locked with Wars’s, and his eyes narrowed.
“Well well well,” he muttered, his sick smile finally reaching his face. “I’m seeing all the Links today, hm?”
His legs crossed over each other as he stared at Wars, his head resting against his hand. “It’s been a while, hasn’t it boy?”
“Where’s Sky?” Wars asked, already knowing the answer, but needing to see him. Ghirahim simply smiled at him and stepped away, showing the mangled body of Sky. The heroes couldn’t help the gasps that escaped them, Hero’s hand covering his mouth as he stared in horror. There was blood covering every inch of Sky, deep stab wounds decorating his torso, with a supposed bite mark that shredded his shoulder. One wrist was bent at an awkward angle, his body twitched, his chest heaved slowly, and it was clear that he didn’t have much time before he succumbed to his injuries. Wars bared his teeth, snarling at Ghirahim.
“You monster.”
“Come to rescue him?” Ghirahim asked, two swords appearing into his hands while his red cape disappeared, and he got low, snarling back at Wars. “Good, I could use more of you once I'm done with him.”
Wars nodded at Hyrule, and they charged. Hyrule used his jump spell to leap over Ghirahim and rush to Sky, Hero ducking below the demon and following him. The two began to work on the cuffs around Sky’s wrists, being careful with his broken one while the rest tried to distract Ghirahim. He was not holding back, his attacks viscious and aggressive, doing well to fight off the many heroes surrounding him. Swinging his sword, he sliced Twi’s chest, making him fall back, he kneed Rift’s stomach so hard he spat up bile, and with the two down, he snapped his fingers, causing magic rope to wrap tightly around the two, pinning them together. It only left Wars and Time.
Ghirahim dodged Wars’s attack and went straight to Time, who used Nayru’s protection before his blade could make contact with him. He sneered and bounced back, sending flying daggers towards Wars.
“You look familiar, have I fought you before?” Ghirahim asked Time as their swords collided, and Time shoved him back.
“I fought you when I was ten,” Time answered simply, swinging his sword where there was an opening. Ghirahim grunted against the hits, hopping back.
“I’ve never fought a child.”
“It was during the War of Eras.”
“Hm, you must’ve not left a good impression on me then,” he sneered, but Time ignored his sharp words, keeping a level-head as they fought. Meanwhile, Hyrule and Hero worked at picking the locks, which they were able to do successfully. With Sky free, he fell forward, Hero catching him and gently laying him on the ground. The two looked over him, Hyrule immediately working his healing magic. Though it wasn’t hard to notice beads of sweat on his forehead, his skin growing more and more pale as the blue light lit up from his hands.
“Hyrule, are you alright?” Hero asked, and he nodded.
“‘M fine, I just gotta heal him up enough,” he muttered, his voice clearly strained. Hero frowned but didn’t continue, instead looking down at Sky. His tan skin was deathly pale, his skin clammy and his breathing shallow and strained. But the wounds slowly began closing up, his breathing leveling out, and Hero gently patted his cheeks.
“Hey, buddy, are you ok?” Hero asked softly when Sky’s eyes opened. They were dazed, and they stared at Hero for a moment before rolling to the back of his head, his body going limp. Hero glanced up at Hyrule, who was clearly beginning to waver himself, but he said nothing, instead grasping Sky’s hand, praying for the first time in years.
The battle between Ghirahim and Time was almost like a dance. Ghirahim shoved Wars back against a wall, pinning him with daggers against his clothes, and he returned to Time, who was expertly dodging his attacks. And the two gracefully fought each other, their relationship as enemies almost unknown as they swung their swords at each other, like they were two friends sparring.
Despite their even skill, Time knew he didn’t have time before Ghirahim would gain the upperhand. He was a formidable foe, with skin as tough as metal and nearly impossible to scratch and dent, and he knew it wouldn’t be different this time around. Fortunately, the battle made Ghirahim lose his focus, and the magic ropes restraining Rift and Twi began to slip. Soon they escaped, and Rift shot three of his might arrows at him. Ghirahim flinched back from the arrows, and he spun around to glare at Rift. He was now once again surrounded by heroes, and it was clear that he was beginning to lose the battle as all three attacked him. Wars struggled against the daggers, his eyes landing on Hyrule. He could only see the back of his head, but with the way he was wavering, he knew his magic was getting drained more and more by the second.
“Come on,” Hero whispered as Sky’s wounds started healing more and more, and Hyrule suddenly stopped, pointing at Sky’s wrist.
“We have to… fix the position,” Hyrule breathed, his energy clearly getting sapped out of him. Hero frowned.
“Can’t it… fix itself?”
“No… it’ll… heal wrong… we have to set it in place…”
Hero swallowed, feeling himself cringe from the idea of doing that. Hyrule watched him for a moment before reaching for the wrist, but Hero shoved him away.
“No, you take care of yourself, ok? I’ll do this,” he said, and Hyrule nodded, grabbing Sky’s other hand. Hero pursed his lips and grabbed his wrist, feeling the bone and joint, then he sucked in a breath and shoved it back into position. Sky jolted, gasping in pain as he tried to pull himself away, but Hero instantly grabbed his face, resting his forehead against his. “Shhh, it’s ok, Sky, it’s ok, you’re safe,” he whispered, and Sky panted, tears falling out of his eyes as he lost consciousness again. Hero pulled back and looked at Hyrule, who nodded and continued healing the rest of his body, his magic going in deeper to deal with internal damage. Hero couldn’t help but worry for him.
“Are you going to be ok?” He asked Hyrule, and he nodded, smiling at him.
“I should have enough magic to heal him.”
Hero nodded and glanced over at the men fighting Ghirahim. Wars had ripped his clothes and broken free from the daggers, joining the battle once again. Ghirahim was becoming more panicked as he realized he was severely outnumbered, and there was hope that the battle would be over soon. But suddenly, in an act of desperation, Ghirahim reached for Rift, pulling him close and putting his sword right up against his neck.
“No—!” Twi cried, and the sword was sliced across Rift’s neck, blood immediately pouring out as Rift fell to the ground.
“RIFT!”
Hyrule spun around to see his friend crumple to the ground, holding his bleeding neck with his eyes wide. He looked back at Sky, then at Hero, then he sprinted to his friend, pouring as much healing magic as he could into the wound before it took Rift’s life. The others had dogpiled Ghirahim, keeping him away from the boys. If there was one thing Ghirahim couldn’t ever learn, it was not to go after a hero’s loved one.
Wars grunted as he dodged an attack from Ghirahim, and he jabbed his sword straight for the chest, which was redirected to his side. Where he was expecting clashing metal instead was his sword sinking into something soft, and Ghirahim let out a pained cry, pulling himself away and crumpling against the wall, holding his side. The heroes stopped fighting, watching as he shuddered, his hand pulling away to reveal blood oozing out of his new wound, staining his white clothes red. What?
Ghirahim looked up at them, his eyes filled with fear as he panted. Wars and Time glanced at each other in confusion, seeing something from the sword spirit they’ve never seen before. They didn’t know he could bleed, and with the way Ghirahim was acting, it was clear he wasn’t supposed.
“No… no no no…” Ghirahim grumbled, pressing himself against the wall, snapping his fingers, but nothing happened. “No… no… I… I am Lord Ghirahim… Demise’s servant, I—I can’t… I’m not a mortal like you!” He cried, pointing a bloodied finger at them. Wars didn’t make a move as he slithered away from them, suddenly running out of the room, leaving a trail of blood behind. Wars snapped out of his stupor, his legs moving to charge after him, but Tim stopped him, pointing to those injured. Rift was stirring, his throat having been healed thanks to Hyrule’s magic, meanwhile Sky remained still, with Hero stroking his hair.
“Are you ok?” Hyrule asked Rift as he sat up, and the silent boy nodded, a grateful smile on his face. Hyrule nodded back, standing up, only to stumble over. Rift gasped and caught him before he could hit the ground, and Twi was at their side in seconds.
“He’s drained his magic,” Time murmured, his brows furrowed as he stared at Hyrule before glancing over at Sky. The man was stirring slightly, his breathing now deep and even, and his eyes cracked open, staring at Time and Wars.
“Sky,” Wars started, walking up to him, “are you alright?”
Sky remained silent for a moment, and they wondered if he was even lucid, but a tired smile reached his lips as he closed his eyes.
“Thank you,” he whispered, and he once again fell unconscious. Wars grew worried, but his soft breathing made him relax, and he smiled at all the heroes. They were alive.
Now they could finally leave this era and return to the rest of the heroes.
~~~
There was soft talking with the sound of a campfire popping in the background, and Sky opened his eyes, staring at the yellow tent he was in. It took him a moment to realize where he was, and he sat up, slowly and carefully as his body shot warning signs at him to rest. He looked down at himself, finding no visible injuries on him, and memories of what happened before flashed across his mind. His blood ran cold, his hands bunching up near his chest as his breathing turned shallow.
Goddesses.
Of all the people to see again, why did it have to be him?
Shuddering from the thought, Sky decided to leave the tent and find comfort in his comrades, and he was pleasantly surprised to see all of them at a campsite, some wrestling each other while the rest sat and watched. They must’ve found a way back it seems. That was good.
Sky wobbled over to the group sitting down, spotting Hyrule who had a blanket around him, a warm mug of something in his hands. He smiled and rested his hand on Hyrule’s shoulder, causing him to spin around.
“Sky!” He cheered, standing up and hugging him tightly. “You’re awake!”
“I am now,” he said, his voice surprisingly raspy. Or… maybe it wasn’t surprising.
“Are you alright?” Wars asked, his hands held out to steady him. Sky nodded, smiling.
“I am now… thanks to you guys… I—I can’t tell you how grateful I am,” he said, his voice wavering slightly, and Wars smiled gently, pulling him into a tight hug.
“I’m relieved you’re doing better. Hyrule saved your life, you know.”
Sky chuckled and ruffled Hyrule’s hair, who giggled slightly while sipping his warm drink.
“How did you find me? I thought… I was never going to escape!” Sky asked, and Wars gestured to Twi.
“His wolf form.”
Sky glanced over at Twi who was cheering on the wrestlers and smiled. He was so grateful for him.
“You guys saved me,” he whispered, tears beginning to form in his eyes. “I thought I wasn’t—I—I didn’t think I was gonna see my wife again.”
Time walked up to them, a pleasant smile on his face. “We look out for each other. We’re a family.”
Sky nodded, smiling at each Link and wiping another tear. “Thank you.”
The others smiled back, until a strange light appeared above Sky’s head, and their eyes widened. A crystal with many jagged edges suddenly formed, the glowing, orange light reflecting off the gray world around them, and Sky gasped, holding out his hand to catch the crystal.
“I don’t believe it!” He exclaimed. “A gratitude crystal!”
Wars raised a brow, glancing over at Hyrule and Time who looked just as confused. Sky let out a hearty laugh, one that felt good after the day he just had and he handed it to them.
“Let’s just say, I’m very grateful,” he explained.
“So grateful a crystal appeared out of your head?” Hyrule asked, and Sky nodded, chuckling some more.
“Yep! Though… I don’t really know what to do with this now, unless y’all know a monster that wants to turn into a human?”
The three stared in bewilderment, and Sky shrugged.
“Well keep it, just in case.”
Wars chuckled and opened his arms to Sky, gesturing for him to stand next to them while pointing to the rest of the boys.
“Come, they’re goron wrestling and are trying to see who will defeat Twi.”
Sky smiled, watching as Hero began to wrestle with Rift, a genuine smile on the grumpy hero’s face, and he felt warm inside. They all seemed happy… and it was all he could ask for after what Demise’s curse put them through. The group sat back down on a log, watching as Hero struggled against Rift, and he rested his head on Wars’s shoulder. They sat like that until night, the heroes across eras all enjoying their time together, grateful they were alive.
