Chapter 19: Lost in the Past
Owlan had his sights glued to the sunset-filled sky. Under normal circumstances, he would do this to admire it. This time, however, was different. His sights were on the yellow light column emitting from the clouds.
Just yesterday, himself, Gaepora, Horwell, and Eagus assisted each other in addressing the public about the new occurrences that happened since the Wing Ceremony. The lights, Zelda's absence, why Link, Pipit, Fledge, and Karane kept on leaving the island more than usual, the subsequent transformation of Pipit, and how will affect Fledge, and…Karane.
She and the others have been gone for over a day now. That's the longest they've been away since this quest started. Owlan is aware that Karane was capable of taking care of herself, but he would be lying to himself if he claimed he wasn't worried for her. How can he not be? He raised that girl for about nine, almost ten years now. Their history went way farther than the day he took her in.
Owlan wondered what Arus & Balea would think about these occurrences. One part believes they would be confused by these matters. Hell, all of this was surely confusing despite his attempts to understand the situation better. At the same time, Owlan thinks they would be interested in these events. Arus had a huge interest in history, while Balea was interested in stories about Hylia when she was part of the physical world. Owlan liked to think that if they were around they too would try to help try to understand what was going on.
The real question Owlan was most curious to know: Would they think of Karane's involvement in all this? Would they fear for her well-being? Would they be against it? Or would they be proud of making such a decision to take part in the mission that will determine the fate of the world?
Alas, they were not here for Owlan to know. Moments like these, all he can do is forget himself and get lost in the past…
"Hard to believe you're leaving us."
Arus handed the last of Owlan's bags to the man. Owlan secured them onto his brown and white Loftwing that he calls Quill. They both were at the plaza docks of Windloft island.
"You know it has to be this way, Arus. The Knight Academy at Skyloft offered me a position as an Instructor there. I know I'm not a fighter, but surely I help others in ways that don't involve swinging a sword."
"Goddesses know you're terrible at using one," Arus quipped.
"Like you're any better?"
"Shut the hell up." Owlan chuckled as he finished tying his bag.
"Wait! Don't leave yet!" Balea jogged over to the pair. A bag hung over her shoulder.
"I was wondering when you'll get here," Owlan said to her.
"Sorry," Balea muttered in between breaths. "I was just finishing up something."
Owlan raised a brow. "Finishing up what?"
Balea reached her hand into the bag. Pulling out of it is a blue sash of sorts. It was long enough to wrap around his shoulders and had patterns of diamonds. Balea handed it over to Owlan.
"What is it?"
"It's a decorative sash," Balea answered. "We wanted to give you something to think of us."
"And maybe it can go with whatever uniform you wear at that academy," Arus added.
"Thank you. I promise to take care of it," Owlan promised to the pair.
The couple did not utter any words for the next several seconds as Owlan tucked the sash into one of his bags.
"We're really going to miss you, Owlan," Balea revealed solemnly.
"Yeah...Windloft won't be the same without you," Arus commented with sadness as well.
A frown grew across Owlan's lips. Despite the excitement he had about his new job, he was going to miss Windloft. This island is the place where he was born and spent the first two decades of his life. Moving to Skyloft meant leaving everything here, including his close friends. But he will not leave on a somber note.
"I will miss you both as well, but I won't always be gone. I promise I'll write to you both as frequently as I can. And I'll visit on birthdays & holidays. That I promise."
"We'll hold you to that. Otherwise, I'll kick your ass if you don't."
"Arus!" Balea playfully hit his shoulder. That earned a laugh from him and Owlan
All three wrapped each other in a long hug. Then Owlan climbed onto Quill's back. He looked out onto the horizon of The Sky. He brought his gaze back to his friends.
"Take care, old friend," Arus said.
"You as well," Owlan commanded his bird to fly in the sky and away from Windloft. A new chapter in Owlan's life has begun.
The following years afterward Owlan kept his promise to write and to visit his two friends on their birthdays and important holidays. There were only three such occasions where he would see them outside of those times.
The first time happened not too long after he moved to Skyloft when Arus & Balea decided to finally get married. Arus selected Owlan to be his best man so, of course, he had to go over and be there. It was a grand day that neither one ever forgot.
The second time Owlan visited was when Arus & Balea had their daughter.
Several months before that day, Owlan made his usual scheduled visit to the couple. It was quite a surprise to see Balea with a baby bump. Arus thought it would be a nice surprise to have Owlan see himself rather than write him the news when he and Balea found out. Regardless, Owlan was happy for them.
Owlan arrived at Windloft a few days after he received the letter that the baby was born. Arus greeted him at the docks. He had the biggest smile on his face as he guided Owlan back to his and Balea's home. They walked in to see Balea sitting on the couch. In her arms is a baby girl wrapped in a blue blanket. She had many features from Balea, but she also had Arus' nose and his red hair. Overall she was a beautiful baby girl.
"What's her name?" Owlan asked the couple.
"We named her Karane," Arus revealed.
"Do you like it?" Balea asked.
"I think it suits her well." Owlan brought his gaze to the baby.
"Would you like to hold her?" Balea asked her friend several moments later.
As much as Owlan was reluctant to do so due to a lack of experience with infants, he accepted the offer. With the help of Balea, baby Karane was placed into his arms. Owlan kept his eyes on the sleeping baby. He had seen babies before but never had he been this up close with one. The baby began to stir from her nap just several minutes later. Owlan was afraid he did something wrong but Arus & Balea assured him that he didn't. Baby Karane opened her eyes, staring at the man she had never seen before with her big blue eyes.
"Hello, little one. I'm Owlan. It's nice to finally meet you."
The infant could respond with grabbing his finger. Arus mentioned that she already likes him.
That night, Owlan and Arus sat outside in front of the house. They shared a drink under the starry night sky, the full moon shining bright. They talked about simple things such as Owlan sharing details of his life at Skyloft, Arus being excited to be a father, and sharing memories of the past. Then Arus hit Owlan with this question.
"Have you ever considered having kids of your own, Owlan?"
Having kids was not part of Owlan's plans for his life, but the thought had crossed his mind. Having them naturally was out of the question due to Owlan's...preferences in partners, but it's not as if adoption was out of the question. Many of the major islands in the sky had orphanages. Even The Knight Academy at Skyloft functioned similarly as an orphanage.
"I think my priorities would get in the way."
"Ever the workaholic you are," Arus commented.
"I'm serious, Arus. I don't just teach, I also serve as the head healer & scholar at the academy. The work I do is very important."
"But you're still a person. Someone who deserves to be happy."
Owlan exhales a breath. "It's not like I don't want kids. What I do helps everyone at the Knight Academy in more ways one could not imagine. It brings me a lot of happiness when I make a difference in someone's life. Sure having a kid would bring more happiness, but if I go my life without a kid, I'll still be happy."
"I suppose that makes sense."
"Though if I may ask…Why do you think I should have kids?"
"I just think fatherhood would suit you." Owlan looks at Arus curiously. "The way you held Karane in your arms, it looked so natural. Like it was meant to be. Ah, but what am I saying? It's your decision, not mine."
"It's nice that you think that I would be a good father, but at the moment I don't plan to bring a kid into my life."
"Even the best-laid plans don't always go accordingly, even if the Goddesses themselves carefully planned it out. They created the world to have a mind of its own. Sometimes the world will unexpectedly put you on a path that you didn't intend to go on and there's nothing you can do about it. Some of it is good, and some of it may be bad. That's the way the world works. The future is not always set in stone. It's unpredictable and the outcome is unknown."
"Never took you for a philosopher," Owlan commented, surprised that Arus spoke such deep words.
"We've known each since we were boys, Owlan. Surely you should know that I'm full of surprises." Arus poured the bottle into the small glasses he and Owlan were drinking from. "How 'bout we make a toast. To Fatherhood and life."
Owlan nodded in agreement. Arus and Owlan lifted their glasses.
"To Fatherhood…" Arus started.
"And to life…" Owlan tapped his glass on Arus' own.
Life went on just about the same after that day. Owlan continued to make his normal scheduled visits to his dear friends, only this time Karane was around. Over the years Owlan had seen Karane grow from an infant to a young child. Karane had always kept her distance from the man, most likely since he was closer to both her parent's age and not hers which is understandable. Despite that, she was always kind and always addressed him as 'Mr. Owlan.' Owlan could see the family being so close to one another. Karane & Balea especially had a close bond. The woman was always doting her daughter. Making sure that she was well cared for. And Arus for sure played his role in Karane's life, making her happy as much as possible. The whole family were so closely bonded.
Until that day when that bond will be forever shattered. The reasoning for Owlan making his third and final out-of-schedule visit to Windloft only nine years after Karane's birth.
A series of storms had struck the many island settlements, Skyloft & Windloft included. Fortunately, Skyloft didn't suffer that much damage. Windloft, however…was not so fortunate. Owlan remembers Gaepora approaching him with the news. Windloft had received the worst end of the storm with many structures destroyed, and lives lost during the storm. The officials from Windloft have requested aid from the Skyknights of Skyloft to which Gaepora accepted. Gaepora didn't get the chance to ask Owlan before the instructor volunteered himself to come along.
The very next day, Owlan found himself on the back of Quill flying to Windloft, along with Gaepora, Eagus, and many Skyknights. The whole flight over there Owlan's mind filled with worry for his friends and their daughter. He prayed to Hylia and all three of the Golden Goddesses that they were alright. When the aid arrived at Windloft, the damage the island had suffered was evident. Owlan went to his friend's home as soon as he landed, while Gaepora & Eagus promised to search for them among the injured and…those no longer around. Owlan ran over to where their home would be. Some of the houses suffered damage but remained intact for the most part.
Owlan froze in place when he arrived at the Bellamy house. The outside of the home was surrounded by piles of flower bouquets, and single wick candles. That meant one thing.
Someone who lived there died recently.
"Is that you, Owlan?" The man turns his head to see a middle-aged woman, hair wrapped in a bun with some gray strands that he recognizes as Arus & Balea's neighbor, Elinor.
"What happened? Where are they?" Owlan inquired from Elinor.
A grim expression fell upon the woman's face. "I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this but…Arus & Balea were killed in the storm."
It took everything within Owlan to prevent himself from bursting into tears when Elinor shared the news that he feared. Arus & Balea, his longtime friends were dead. As shocking as it was for him to accept, a new worry quickly crossed his mind.
"What about Karane? Is she-?"
"She's fine. Physically that is…"
"Where is she?"
Without speaking a word, Elinor guided Owlan to the back of the Bellamy house. A large shed resided behind the home. Elinor gently opened the door that led inside. What Owlan saw inside sting his heart.
On the other end of the shed were two large Loftwings huddled around a small girl with red pigtails. The Loftwings are-...were Arus & Balea's birds, Rusl & Uli respectively and the girl to be Karane. She appeared to be sleeping but Owlan could see evidence of tears in the girl's eyes. Her arm was wrapped around her stuffed cat that she dubbed Chesire. Rusl & Uli kept the child in a protective embrace. Owlan recognized this type of Loftwing behavior, though until now he never saw it in action. Loftwings were often known to be protectful of their rider's children, treating them as if they were their own hatchlings. They became extremely protective & attentive when the child's parent became out of commission, be it suffering an injury. Or in this case, both of them perishing.
"The whole family were caught outside when that storm intensified," Elinor's voice echoed in his ears. "They tried to take shelter in a barn when it collapsed. Arus & Balea…sacrificed themselves to protect Karane. Poor thing is devastated by the whole thing. She's been spending her days in here since. Those birds have been keeping her close. I've tried to coax her out of here, but I can't seem to get through to her. Maybe you could."
"I'll…I'll try."
Owlan entered the shed. Rusl & Uli simultaneously lifted their gaze in the man's direction, looking ready to defend the child.
"Take it easy. It's me, Owlan. I know…knew your riders." Owlan assured the birds in a gentle tone. The Loftwings quickly realize who the man is and allow him to approach the sleeping child. Owlan knelt at Karane's level, gently nudging her.
"Karane? Can you hear me?"
The young girl stirred from her slumber. Her eyes are still puffy red. No doubt from the crying she had. "Mr. Owlan?"
"Hello Karane," Owlan greeted her gently. "It's…good to see you."
The nine-year-old sniffed her nose. "Mom…Dad…They're…"
"I know…Elinor told me what happened. I'm so sorry..."
In an instant, more tears poured out of Karane's eyes as her expression showed to be on the brink of crying. She did everything she could to hold them in. On pure instinct, Owlan gently pulled her into a hug. That's when Karane allowed herself to cry once more. Owlan didn't know how much time passed as he heard the girl's cries echoing through the shed. All he could do is to allow her to unwind. Eventually, the cries died down but Karane still clutched Owlan's chest, as the man soothed her hair in an attempt to comfort her.
"They protected me from the debris…" Karane choked out. "They're gone because of-"
"Its not your fault..." Owlan cut in, knowing what she was implying. "I promise you that it wasn't."
The young girl didn't say anything else. A loud grumble emitted from her stomach.
"Have you eaten?" Owlan questioned her.
"Not…really," Karane admitted.
"Why not we get some food in your stomach? That okay?"
"Okay…"
Owlan stood to his feet, holding Karane in his arms. He carried her out of the shed when he saw Elinor talking to Eagus. The pair immediately noticed Owlan.
"There you are, Owlan," Eagus said to him. "Gaepora sent me to fetch you. We…located your friends."
"I know what happened," Owlan responded somberly.
"Gaepora thought you might want to see them…"
"Are you leaving, Mr. Owlan?" Karane looked at him with her sad tired eyes.
"I…need to do something."
"You'll come back later…right?"
"I promise." Owlan hugged her.
Owlan handed Karane over to Elinor. The white-haired man watched the older woman carry the child back into her home. Karane had her gaze on him the entire time. Neither she nor Owlan broke eye contact until the child was in the house.
"That's Arus & Balea's daughter," Owlan told Eagus when they were walking away from the home.
"Does she have any other family?" Eagus asked.
"No…She's an orphan now."
"You mean she's all alone? Poor thing."
The pair remained silent as Eagus led Owlan to their destination. They entered inside a large building. Inside there were at least a dozen bodies covered by cloaks, each of which had cards with their names & ages written on there as a means to identify them. No doubt these were the casualties from the storm. Working at the Knight Academy Owlan had seen a fair share of Skynights who had died in the line of duty. The most recent death was just about a year ago when Harri Erhart was killed by an Aerafos. At the far end of the interior of the building Gaepora stood. Next to him were two more bodies covered in cloaks. They too have cards with names on them
Arus Bellamy
Balea Bellamy
Owlan's sights glued onto the bodies, reading the names just to be sure that he was reading them correctly. Some part of him wished that this was some sort of nightmare but he knew it wasn't. Typically Owlan was not very emotional. Often kept his composure and never let his emotions get the best of him. Seeing the corpses of his longtime friends…broke something in him. First, he fell to his knees. Then the tears poured from his eyes before finally let out sobs.
Never again will Owlan hear the joyous laughter of Arus. Never again will he hear the assuring word from Balea. Never again will they spend time talking about their interests. Never again will they share memories of their past. Never again will Owlan see his childhood friends.
Gaepora and Eagus could only look at him with sympathy. They had never seen Owlan in this state before. Like many at Skyloft, they know that he was a cool-headed person. It was surreal seeing him like this. Yet they did not say anything about it. They understood what he was going through for they too went through the loss of someone dear to them.
Gaepora gave a comforting pat on Owlan's shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Owlan."
Gaepora & Eagus decided to leave Owlan so that he could be alone in his grief. Owlan continued sobbing. Many times Owlan apologized for not being there, but he knew, in the end, there was nothing that could be done. Time passed on until Owlan calmed himself down and all he could do was stare at the bodies. Eventually, he gained the strength to get back on his feet. There were many on this island that needed his help. Karane needs his help. Owlan was not going to do that by just wallowing in his misery. If Arus & Balea were here they would agree as well.
For the following days, Owlan was on Windfall doing what he can to help out in whatever ways he could. When he was not needed he would spend all of his free time with Karane making sure she is well. The loss of her parents still lingers on but she did enjoy his company. She even started to refer to him as 'Owlan' rather than 'Mr. Owlan' like she normally does. One particular evening, which was just about the night before those who had perished in the storm would be finally put to rest, Elinor came up to him with a question.
"You want to take her in, don't you?"
Owlan looked at the older woman quizzically. "What makes you say that?"
"I've seen it in your eyes over the past several days. You want to protect her. Give her love & support. Goddesses know she's going to need lots of it." Owlan did not respond to that statement. "I'm more than happy to let Karane live with me, but if you want to take care of her then I'll be okay with that."
It was an idea Owlan did not think about but once Elinor mentioned it, it cannot leave his mind. Owlan recalled the conversation he and Arus had all these years ago about Owlan having kids. Could he do it? It's one thing to teach a room full of children. Raising a child was a complete different field of Owlan's expertise.
That night he went to Gaepora for his insights on the idea. The headmaster told Owlan that raising a child will not be an easy task to do. That there would be many ups and downs. But he has faith that Owlan had the right qualities to care for Karane and would gladly help him should he decide to take her in. Owlan had issues sleeping that night as his mind was debating on whether or not he should adopt Karane.
The funeral for the fallen had taken place that morning. Loftwings stood by their deceased riders' caskets as those in attendance dressed in black. Loved ones of the departed stood in front of the caskets. Owlan noticed that all of them consist of small groups of people. Karane on the other hand stood alone in front of her parents' caskets. Light rain fell as the funeral services continued. When the time finally came, the Loftwings would carry their rider's caskets away from the island. All but two left the island.
All eyes were brought to the remaining Loftwings, Owlan included. Rusl & Uli gaze down at Karane. They seemed…reluctant to leave her. Everyone stood unsure what to do while Owlan kept his eyes on the girl. Karane looked at the birds with sadness & fear. Both Loftwings looked scared as well. The Loftwings had been sticking by Karane's side the moment they laid eyes on her after her parent's untimely death.
Without even thinking, Owlan moved over to where Karane stood. The Loftwings lifted their heads in his direction. The white-haired man could see the large bird's eyes appearing to be begging him to keep the child safe. For a brief moment, Owlan did not see the Loftwings but rather Arus & Balea staring at him. Both of which giving him looks of plea. Taking in a deep breathe, Owlan gently grabbed Karane's hand.
"It's going to be okay, Karane."
"How? Who's going to take care of me?" The girl glanced at him with her wet eyes, not caused by the rain.
The sad look in her eyes and pleading ones on the Loftwings was enough for Owlan to make a decision that will change not only his but Karane's life from that point forever.
"I will take care of you." Owlan brought his gaze to the birds. "I promise."
The Loftwings seem to grow…relieved by Owlan's words. With a newfound assurance that their rider's child is in good hands, Rusl & Uli climbed onto their respective caskets. They flew into the sky to an unknown location where they would join Arus & Balea in the Golden Goddesses' Eternal Kingdom. Owlan held Karane close as both man & child watched the birds fly away into the sky.
"I swear upon all the goddesses, I will do everything I can to take care of Karane," Owlan promised as he continue to watch the Loftiwings fly away. "Take care, old friends…"
"There you are, Owlan!"
A cheery voice snapped the white-haired instructor out of his thoughts. Turning to the source he saw Horwell approach him.
"Horwell! What brings you here?"
"Dinner is about to be served. You're usually there on time. Is everything okay?"
"I'm alright…" Owlan trailed off as he brought his gaze back to the sky. He then felt the placement of Horwell's hand on his shoulder.
"You're worried about her, aren't you?"
"Is it that obvious?" Owlan quipped back. "This is the longest she and the others have been away from Skyloft."
"I'm sure they're all doing okay down there."
"I have no doubt they are but I can't help but worry sometimes. If anything were to happen to her I'd feel like I would let her parents down."
"That is understandable feeling. You're the closest thing Karane has to a father after all. What happened to the poor girl's parents was just awful," Horwell pointed out. "I still remember when you first brought her here. Poor thing was so quiet & frightened. A contrast for what she is now."
"I think there's Zelda, and the others to thank for that. They really have helped her break out of that shell."
"You helped her as well, Owlan. Give yourself some of the credit," Horwell argued. "I know how close you both are. Why if I was just an outsider who didn't know, I would believe you and Karane are father & daughter. Karane looks up to you a lot, maybe more than you realize."
Owlan stayed quiet for several moments. "Parenthood is different from teaching students. Sometimes I question whether or not I'm a good guardian to her. We've had our bumpy moments. Seeing her now…I think I did the right thing by taking her in."
"And you raised a great young lady. Karane will be an excellent Skyknight, and she has you to thank for it."
"Thank you, Horwell." Owlan smiled warmly at the man he held dear.
"Now enough with the worrying. Henya is cooking up some copious mushrooms. I hear they're the good ones from Cloudloft. Care to join me?"
"Of course."
The two Instructors made their way to the Dining Hall, arms locked. For the first time since yesterday, a sense of ease filled up Owlan. He gave a gentle look at Horwell. The brown-haired man surely knows how to relieve worry. One of these days Owlan would have to be straightforward to Karane about the true nature of his relationship with Horwell.
For now, though, all he can do is have faith in Karane's safe return, and try his best not to worry.
Two Years Ago…
"How do I look?"
Owlan stood outside of Karane's dorm. Yesterday Karane had won this year's Wing Ceremony. It was a close race but she manage to come out on top. Now she wore the uniform that symbolizes her newfound status as a senior knight.
"Like a knight of Skyloft. Congratulations again, Karane."
"I still can't believe I won. It was such a tense race I didn't think I would win."
"Yet you did. I'm so proud of you."
Karane smiled at her guardian. Then she glanced at her uniform again. "This uniform is nice but…I feel like it's missing something. Don't I usally get a hat with this?"
"That's why I have this." Owlan pulled out a green round hat. "I custom-made this myself. I hope you like it."
Karane gaped at the hat as she slowly took it from Owlan's hands. "This…This looks like the one mom used to wear before she and dad died."
"I know Balea used to love that hat of hers, and the fact that this year's uniform happens to be Arus' favorite color. I figure it would be a nice tribute to them. If it's too much I can make some changes-"
"I love it," Karane spoke up.
"Let's see how it looks on you," Owlan suggested.
Karane placed the hat on her head. For that brief moment, Owlan saw an image of Balea. "How do I look now?"
"Even better."
"Owlan…Do you think my parents would be proud of me?"
The man pulled the girl in a gentle hug. "They would be so proud of you right now. You'll be a great Skyknight one day."
I thought we take a break from our main heroes. Here we focus onto Owlan, expanding on his past with Karane and her family. I hope you guys like my take on him for this fic.
Sorry I took a while. Was busy getting caught up with university. I also wanted to take a breather from this fic. I also had a birthday recently.
On another note, it sucks that Breath of the Wild's Sequel got pushed to next year, but in all honestly I'm not that upset. There are too many gaming companies that fall into the crunch problem and I'm glad Nintendo is not doing that crap. They can take as long as they like to make sure the game comes out great.
Still looking for a beta reader!
Favs, Follows, and Reviews are appreciated!