NOTE: flashback is M rated as past one's were. Gore is included.
Welp, I guess I did manage another flash back segment, though I had to skip past the worst part because eyes.
This came up while working on what was supposed to be the next chapter, so bonus chapter I guess!
Leave a comment if you enjoyed!
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"Alright Link, it's time to put the frosting on. Do you think you can handle that?" The blonde gulped at Henya's request, anxiously looking at the nice smelling thing called a cake. There were two circle shaped cakes at least three feet in diameter, both smelling strongly of pumpkin. He had never seen a cake before, and had no idea how to put frosting on the thing either.
"Don't look so nervous. I'll work on one of them while you do the other. You'll learn quickly." She smiled warmly. Link just nodded and took the offered bowl of frosting and a wooden spatula, approaching his with a sense of unease.
He could do this. Just don't mess up and Henya won't be mad! He could already feel his heart pounding though, and his hands were starting to tremble. This wasn't going to work! He needed to back away before destroying something-
"We will start by spooning a large portion of frosting on top of the cake, like so." Henya stated causing Link to jump in surprise. She raised a brow at him condescendingly. "Boy, this is for Zelda. If you can't get this right my whole reputation as a cook will be ruined, so no splattering the cake everywhere, got it?" He nodded tensely and proceeded to watch as she plopped a large amount of icing on top of her cake. He took his own spatula, trying to mimic her process, though he was much less refined about it.
"Good. Now use the spatula to smooth the icing out so it sticks out over the top edge. You'll use the spatula to smooth it down from there." Link followed her instructions the best he could, watching her movements carefully and trying to mimic her. As he worked his mind seemed to focus more on the task, his hands steadying as his shaky short strokes became more confident and longer. He pushed the icing out to the sides like Henya, smoothing it down along the edges in shaky strokes. It felt like a familiar movement to him, he wasn't sure why, but the tool seemed to fit in his hand like it was meant to be there. Maybe not this cooking utensil specifically though. Perhaps his cane would be a more accurate comparison? Though he never wielded his cane like this.
Stroke to the left side pushing the icing just off the edge.
Swipe with the whole arm in a wide curved motion.
His hand twirled around naturally like it was a practiced motion, and the frosting started to smooth more and more with each pass. Henya finished before he did, walking over to watch him work.
"Not bad for your first cake." Link flinched back finally noticing her presence. He looked over to her perfectly smooth cake, then back at his. It was lumpy in some areas, and it definitely didn't look as nice as hers. He messed up at some point.
"S-Sorry." He closed his eyes expecting to be yelled at, only for the woman to squawk with laughter.
"Sorry? Link, you did a very fine job and the cake looks amazing. I appreciate your help as always." His shoulders dropped and he exhaled a long breath. He glanced at her, seeing the odd look in Henya's eyes. She was watching the way he held the spatula up in front of him when she spoke, and even the firm grip he still maintained. Feeling self conscious Link quickly threw the thing into an empty frosting bowl, getting another laugh from her.
"I'll get the boys to help carry these into town. You get yourself cleaned up." She left the kitchen area leaving Link to wash up the dirty pans. He didn't mind, and apparently his presence really helped Henya with finishing early. It was nice to know he could do that much at least, especially with all the bustling from the last few days. Apparently the Skyloftians were having a town wide feast in Zelda's honor, which required a lot of prep work. He could even hear the activity all the way from town through the open window. The residents were hanging all sorts of white banners in celebration, and some had gotten their instruments out to play, filling the entire island with an upbeat melody.
"Whoa! These pumpkin cakes smell amazing." Groose entered the kitchen seeing the two massive pastries. His mouth was starting to water, earning him a quick slap from Henya.
"Don't even think about trying the frosting! I still haven't forgiven you for last year!" Henya turned to Link shaking her head. "He wiped his finger through the frosting, just to try it early! He ruined my beautiful cake!" Groose's face turned red from embarrassment, flailing his arms a bit trying to stop her.
"I said I was sorry! It was an accident!" He tried to defend himself only to get another shameful look from Henya. Link couldn't help but grin at their antics.
"They look great Henya. Thanks for all the help." Fledge added joining Groose by the cakes.
"Don't thank me, Link did half the work, and the clean up apparently." The blonde shied back a bit with all the attention on him, though feeling a bit proud of his achievement nonetheless.
"Good job Link! I'm sure everyone will love what you guys made." Fledge smiled, taking one of the heavy cakes and carrying it over his shoulder.
"I'm already starving…" Groose pouted but grabbed the second cake, carefully carrying it into the hallway.
"We'll see you guys at the party!" Fledge called as the double doors shut. Henya just looked Link over with a shake of her head.
"I told you to get cleaned up."
"I'm clean." Link replied horsley. Henya just grabbed a wet towel and stool so she could reach Link's head. She rubbed over his face and bits of his hair, pulling the cloth back to show the flower and frosting that was previously all over him.
"NOW you're clean." She stated with finality. "You should get changed before Zelda arrives."
"D-do I have to go?" Link stuttered looking out the window where all the music was wafting in. It was going to be very loud, and he didn't like loud places.
"I understand Link, once you've seen a party like this you've seen them all." Henya sympathized. "But this will be your first one since coming back, and I know Zelda would love for you to be there. At least for a little while. Now go get into somethin clean!" She shoved Link into the hallway, forcing him to change out of his flour covered clothes. He really didn't want to do this. He had a feeling it would all be very crowded, and too many people would want to talk to him. Then again, he could hang out with the Crimson the whole time. That wouldn't be too terrible. Being able to sit and watch with his Loftwing, then sneak back to his room when no one was looking.
He could do that at least.
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He couldn't do it.
Not any longer.
The whole crowd of people had waited until Zelda landed on Skyloft, all screaming Happy Birthday in unison much to her surprise. The music really kicked up doubling in volume. He had no idea how the harp and lute players managed to get louder with the drummer and trumpeter, but they did and it was hurting his head! At least when everyone was out skating the chaos was contained to the frozen lake. Now it was all around him and he couldn't handle it any longer.
Everyone was laughing and children were running around shouting. Now Zelda was being ushered to a table while Groose and a dozen others brought gifts to her. He covered his ears the whole time, retreating behind a lean-to where Oolo the kikwi was also trying to hide. At first he tried getting them both back to the academy, but Batraeux was blocking the way with a huge tray of cookies. After narrowly escaping the assault of sweets Link called his Loftwing and the three retreated to the upper entrance, which was locked. Who would lock the upstairs entrance to the school?! Out of options the three snuck up to the Goddess statue, which was thankfully deserted.
"Is it safe?" The kikwi questioned poking his head around nervously.
"I-I think so." Link exhaled collapsing against the stone structure. Parties were both scary and exhausting at the same time. Just being near all that excitement for an hour took everything out of him, and they hadn't even served the food yet. The Crimson strutted around the area searching for any potential followers, finally sitting by his human once satisfied. Link stroked the birds feathers, grateful for how calming his presence was. In return the bird preened through Link's hair cleaning out any leftover pieces of batter. Oolo was calmer too, deciding to talk about all sorts of topics to fill the silence, starting out with the day he learned remits could fly.
Link just looked up to the sky gazing as the clouds floated overhead. Hopefully the crowds would clear and he could actually get into the school soon.
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"That is a wonderful idea Fledge, but next Friday doesn't leave much time to prepare." Zelda said after hearing the surprise Fledge was planning with the others. The two were taking a break after the festivities ended, walking towards the Goddess Statue while the rest of Skyloft settled down for the evening.
"Oh! I commissioned Gondo a couple weeks ago so the project is well underway. It helps that Batraeux and Kukil's parents were so eager to help contribute rupees too. Apparently Henya and her husband were paying him to make Link something too, and the Headmaster is also involved. I guess everyone wants to help out for his special day."
"That's perfect!" Zelda smiled. She was genuinely glad to hear Fledge had thought this out so far ahead of time. It would be a special day after all. And even in this state, Link was managing to help people and make a difference. It was great seeing everyone showing their gratitude in such a kind way. "Have you decided where you'll take him first? He'll have so many options for travel now."
"I was thinking about the Lumpy Pumpkin, but he's not really big into loud parties and lots of people. It would be nice to take him to see the little robots in the desert, maybe even the Thunder Dragon. They are all very friendly-"
"Wait." She stretched her arm out to stop him when they reached the top of the stairs. Looking into the stone arch across the grounds they spotted three familiar figures. Link was leaning against the Goddess Statue half asleep while the Crimson sat next to him, all while Oolo chatted away.
"So that's where he went." Fledge whispered. "I figured the noise was too much for him, but I thought he went back to the dorms." Zelda looked up seeing a Sheikah guard watching him from atop a pillar. At least he wasn't by himself up here. Still, she wished the two of them could have some alone time together. Sadly she couldn't get close to him, and the thought of causing him more pain was too much for her.
Though… there might actually be a way. If his muscles remembered the motions then maybe they could have a moment together after all.
"Fledge, could you ask Oreille if I can borrow her harp?"
"I could, since the celebration is over I don't think she'll mind. Don't you have your own harp though?"
"It will only be for a little while, and sadly a different one from mine will be needed." She looked back to Link pulling her own harp from the strap on her hip. The harp she held was blessed with the power of the Goddess, meaning it was likely to hurt Link if he played it. He would need a separate one, and perhaps that would be enough to trigger a memory or something.
She prayed this would work.
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Link blinked rapidly trying to keep his eyes open. This was harder than he thought, seeing as the last time his eyes were open the sun wasn't setting. He needed to stay on guard, but the temptation of sleep was too much, especially with how tired the day left him. No one had disturb him yet and dragged him back, so the three just stayed here for the entire afternoon.
He stared up at the clouds as they wafted by slowly, the sky now a deep orange color as the night approached. A blue Loftwing was circling overhead, the glint of metal around its neck forcing him to squint. The bird was coming in for a landing, prompting Oolo to curl up defensively. It landed in the center of the courtyard, looking directly at Link holding something silver in its mouth. This was Zelda's bird, he knew that much at least. He just didn't know why it was here. Stepping forward the bird lowered its head, dropping something heavy into Link's lap, he jumped in surprise before realizing what the object was. A silver harp was laying across his lap, simple in design with the shine wearing away from years of use. The blue Lofwing took off again leaving the three of them to stare at the object.
"Why'd it give you that?" Oolo asked sniffing it curiously. The blonde had no idea, holding it up in both hands spinning it this way and that. This was really odd.
The sound of plucked strings echoed through the courtyard. Link perked an ear, glancing up towards the stone archway across from him. The sound was coming from just beyond, and he couldn't see who was playing.
Oolo reached over and plucked one of the strings, causing it to vibrate with a beautiful high pitched sound. The Crimson poked the thing and cawed, looking directly at Link expectantly.
"I-I don't understand…" He whispered under his breath. Why was he presented with this? What was he supposed to do with it?
Zelda stepped through the archway then, leaning against the far wall clutching her own golden harp. He stood up quickly unsure why she was coming here. Was she going to make him leave? Perhaps she was mad at him for leaving the party so early? He could take a yelling fit from her but he'd bail on the Crimson if she was going to hurt him again, even if he could barely stay on. She didn't say anything, simply running her fingers against all of the strings so every note rang out together. She started playing a slow toon, looking to Link every so often to see how he would respond. He was stuck for a moment both confused and equally mesmerized by her song. She was expecting him to do something, but he wasn't positive about what that was. Taking the harp in one hand he rested it across his arm holding it securely like Zelda was. His fingers hovered over the strings, unsure if he should really try it or not.
Lightly he ran one finger against the far right string, a lower sounding note coming from the instrument. Zelda didn't look up at the sound, simply continuing with her melody. He plucked a second string, then a third, his slow notes interrupting the time of her music.
He breathed, trying to catch the tempo of her song.
One. Two. Three.
One. Two. Three.
"One." He plucked the thinnest string producing a high note.
"Two." Next he swiped the next string in line with a fingernail.
"Three." The lowest note reverberated from his harp, managing to harmonize with Zelda's song.
She didn't look at him, but a small smile did spread across her cheeks. Was that why she gave him this? To play along to her song? He didn't really understand how to play the instrument like her, but he could continue plucking at least.
One. Two. Three.
One. Two. Three.
He continued to strum random strings, figuring out what sound each of them made while staying in tempo with Zelda. Some of the notes he chose created a beautiful ring when combined with her melody, while others seemed to clash more then anything. Gradually he determined the best cords to strike, playing a single note on each beat while Zelda amazed with the full spectrum of her skill. Her notes finally slowed, striking the lowest cord letting it sing briefly to bring her song to a close. He stopped playing too, looking to her wondering if she'd continue. The girl seemed surprised by his expectant gaze, smiling lightly realizing what he wanted.
"Link-" She started but stopped herself, looking back down to her instrument. She could let the harp speak for her.
Taking her full hand she swiped along all of the string one after the other, making them all play their notes at once. She looked at him, bringing her hand back so the notes would play in reverse order. Repeating the movement she played the sequence of notes over and over, maintaining that same swiping motion with her arm. Link held his own hand erect trying to mimic her. Starting with the lowest notes close to his chest he moved his hand outwards to make a similar sound to her, hitting all the strings in quick succession so they would all play at the same time. He pulled his hand back towards his body so the chords would ring out again.
"Keep playing it just like that. To the count of One. Two. Three. Four. One. Two. Three. Four." He strummed along as she requested, keeping in time as she started playing her own song to accompany it.
One. Two. Three. Four.
One. Two. Three. Four.
The strumming on both ends turned into a beautiful duet. Link's head began to nod to the tempo, while Zelda started to sing along to the melody. the blue Loftwing came in for a landing by Zelda to listen, while the Crimson and Oolo stood behind him mesmerized by the melody. Link was completely lost in the sound, the world seeming to fade into the soft ballad. His mind only returned when Zelda began to play her final few notes.
One. Two. Three. Four.
One. Two. Three. Four.
One.
Two.
Three.
Four.
Zelda strummed the highest note on her harp, the sound ringing through the air. It was now dark as the sun had just set over the horizon. The moon and stars were illuminating the courtyard, both teens looking at each other in amazement.
That was genuinely fun. He didn't expect such a tiring day to turn into something so nice. Honestly he never expected to have a pleasant interaction with Zelda either. All of their previous encounters were either distant, or in Link's case painful. He watched her smiling face fall as the happiness in her eyes began to wain. She was searching for something in his gaze, but apparently didn't find it.
"Tell me, do you remember this lyre?" Zelda held up the harp in her hands. Link tensed realizing what this was all about. He scowled and looked off to the side, not wanting to speak of this stranger anymore. He never heard the end of this adored hero. Why were the kikwi the only ones that understood it wasn't him?
She was hurt by his reaction apparently, sighing sadly before hooking her harp back in its holster.
"I'm sorry. I'll leave you be then." The girl turned to leave, only to stop right at the archway. "Do you mind returning that lyre to Oreille later? She loaned it to me so we could… anyway, goodnight." She left him alone then, her Loftwing flying off to follow her. The town had grown quiet finally, making way for the insects to fill the night with their own melody. Link put his back to the Goddess Statue, watching as Oolo waddled his way closer.
"That was amazing Mr. Link." The kikwi gawked. Link didn't say anything, looking down at the harp lost in thought. What was it with Zelda anyway? He didn't want to hurt her feelings, even if her presence had hurt him before. Simply thinking about her made him feel off, and he wasn't sure if that was good or bad.
Absently he plucked a few more harp strings, letting out a breath and heading down to the thankfully quiet town.
He had an instrument to return.
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Two Months Before Rescue*
This was a particularly brutal day, and Ghirahim was all too delighted.
The Sky Child cried pathetically, his raspy screams deteriorated into nothing but weak sobs as he clutched his bloody face with both hands. Ghirahim took a sip from his wine glass enjoying the pained whimpers. Oh how the torture never got old!
Slowly finishing off his drink the demon dispelled his chalice, slowly waltzing over to the boy's crumpled form.
"Now Sky Child, you know why I had to do this, right?" Link didn't answer, continuing to apply pressure to his eye socket and sob.
"I asked you a question boy!" The demon grabbed Link's throat and threw him against the wall, forcing him to release the bloodied socket that once held a beautiful blue eye. He gouged it out earlier, and enjoyed every excruciating moment of it. The screams, the scraping against muscle, the tension in the socket as he pulled it out. It was all too wonderful! And the brat could do nothing to stop him.
"I-I'm s-s-sorry M-M-Mast…" Link forced out between sobs. Perhaps a more gentle approach was needed. He was so fragile now, almost as light as a feather.
"Now now child, I just need you to answer a little, teeny, tiny question. You know why I had to do this to you. I just need you to say it." He stroked the boy's bloodied cheek softly with the back of his hand. The red fluid pooled on his fingers, dripping down his knuckles and falling to the floor. The droplets would dry to join the coating of black crust that now stained this cell, all belonging to a single brat.
"I-I-I h-h… h-h-it ba-ck." He finally managed to force out.
"Very good Sky Child!" Ghirahim smiled wide showing off his fangs. "You tried to hit me right when our session started, as if you didn't want to have fun today, and this is the price of misbehavior." Bringing his hand to his mouth Ghirahim licked the blood for the back of his fingers, slowly so the child could watch every agonizing second. The brat had acted out, panicking when Ghirahim was dragging him near the fires with his metal heating tools. The fact that a weak fist literally impacted Ghirahim's chest surprised him, showing the boy still had some fight left even if it only came from fear. Of course he had to fix that. "Now the next time you try to hit me, what do you think the punishment will be?" Link sniffled then, shutting his remaining eye tightly as if that would protect it.
"Y-you… you'll-"
"That's right! I'll take your other eye too! Just like the first." He threw the child down to the floor, watching him cough and wheeze trying to inhale more air. He went limp then, not bothering to try stopping the bleeding. The brat literally curled into a ball and gave up. He looked like a pathetic, disgusting skeleton with skin, a far cry from the muscular young man that was captured nearly a year ago. His locks were now long, matted segments of hair reaching past his chin, and it was hard to tell the boy's complexion by the amount to filth that covered him. He was a literal shadow of his former self.
Ghirahim couldn't help the toothy smile spreading across his face. He was doing it! He could FEEL the Sky Child's spirit falling to pieces. Link was cracking before, bit by bit with each torture session they had, but now those damaged pieces of his soul were chipping away. The boy was finally breaking.
The Hero's spirit was breaking.
Summoning a rapier The demon slowly dragged the top along Link's back. The boy tensed but didn't struggle, completely submitting to his captor's will. Ghirahim was doing what was supposedly impossible, and he couldn't be any happier.
"Now now… I say… What was your name again? I expect an answer… or else." The threat in Ghirahim's voice made the boy flinch. He didn't dare look his master in the eyes, keeping the side of his face flat against the ground.
"I-I don't… h-h-ha-ve one." Link croaked genuinely. The fear in his voice, the pure terror was so obvious and it filled Ghirahim with such glee!
"That's right! You don't have a name because you are nothing! You only exist to bring me amusement, through whatever means I see fit." The demon leaned down so his lips were mere centimetres from Link's ear. "Do you understand boy? From now on you will accept every form of fun I wish to inflict without resistance." The boy couldn't even manage a verbal response, only able to nod his head stiffly in acknowledgement.
"Good." The demon lord placed a chalice of water and a piece of moldy bread on the ground. "Your next order is to eat. Do that much and I'll let you rest." Mechanically Link slowly moved towards the rotten food, shakily taking it in his bloody hand and eating it as told, gore and all. He tried to drink the water but his hands were too weak to lift it up very far without the whole thing falling through his fingers. The child was hyperventilating with panic watching the water wash along the floor.
"Shush boy." Ghirahim kneeled summoning a fresh chalice. The brat cowered barely managing to breath, sprawled out on his hands and knees staring at the floor fearfully. The demon placed a finger under the boy's chin, tilting his head back forcing the boy to look at him. His remaining eye was wide, the single pupil a pinprick as his body trembled. Ghirahim held the glass up to the boy's mouth tilting it back so the water would flow.
"Drink." He ordered. The child did as told, gulping it down without question until every last drop was gone. Ghirahim grinned, the crack running along his face all the more prevalent. He pushed the child back down, standing erect and snapping his fingers. He vanished in a ploom of diamonds, reappearing in his quarters and laughed maniacally. He was winning! His patients and hard work were finally paying off!
This was wonderful! Fantastic! But what would his next move be when the boy was broken? He couldn't just retire, he needed to live up to his master's memory! That little goddess needed to be taught a lesson too. Ghirahim needed to beat her down, and perhaps he could use the Sky Child to do it...
