Warning: There is some heavy stuff in this chapter. Putting it out there incase there's something triggering. If there is let me know so I could properly tag it


Chapter 33: Path of Atonement III

The white light fades away, allowing Groose to see the new location the sisters had taken him too.

They were inside a house that looked smaller than his dorm room and the place he used to live in with his parents. There was barely any décor, no color in the room. What little items were seen were presented in a disorganized manner. Dust layered the walls, dirt painted the floors, and dirty dishes piles up in the sink. Whoever lives here is a more lousy housekeeper than Pipit's mom.

Groose instantly did not like this place. Something about it made him feel uneasy. That's when he found a bottle. And another. Then another.

Dozens of empty glass bottles resided all over the room. Whiskey bottles, to be exact. Some intact. Few were shattered, and whoever broke them didn't bother to clean them. The bottles led over to one end of the room. A figure sat on a worn-down chair in front of a fireplace, th eonly source of light in this dark room. Groose moved closer to get a better look at the figure's face. What he saw made his heart stop.

Because Groose was looking at himself.

Except he was older, well into his adult years. He still has the same bright red hair styled in a messy pompadour. What concerned Groose was how…small his older self appeared. He had lost considerable weight, looking almost as thin as Fledge. The muscle of his biceps had shrunk. Older Groose seemed to not have shaved or cleaned himself often.

Older Groose's face told the story. His expression, at first glance, looked angry. His eyes on the other hand were filled with regret.

Older Groose only stared into the fireplace. Aside from taking an occasional sip from his whiskey bottle, he did not move. When he took his final sip, Older Groose let out a frustrated growl, throwing the bottle against the wall with loud shattering glass that startled glass. After he calmed down, he placed his hand on his face. The sound of a light sob lightly echoed in the room.

Groose was utterly speechless at this pathetic sight of his older self. "That…That can't be me." He uttered in disbelief.

"I'm afraid it is," Lana's voice gently broke through.

"This is what your future is in store for you if you do not change your ways," Cia stated sharply.

"H-how…?" That was all Groose could say. "I should be flying around Skyloft as a Skyknight."

Somberness painted Lana's face, clasping both of her hands together. "You did something...terrible. Enough to not only permanently strip away your future as a Skyknight but also warranted banishment from Skyloft."

Groose turns his head towards the women in shock at those revelations. That was not an answer he was expecting to hear. With a frown, Cia slowly strutted towards him.

"You may be now thinking, 'What did you do to earn such a harsh punishment?' hmm?" Cia stopped in front of Groose. "Do you remember what you told yourself the day Zelda cut off her friendship with you? That things would be better if Link was out of the picture?" She leaned down, looking Groose dead in the eye. "In this future, you succeed in making it come to the past, as you wished…"

"And because of that, your future will be this," Lana noted grimly, gesturing back to Older Groose. "A dark cloud blowing through. Days neither joyous nor free. What we see is a future…" She pointed an index finger at Groose. "A future caused by you."

All this talk the sisters were spewing made Groose feel uneasy in his chest. How they sounded, it is clear that Groose will do something terrible sometime in the future. And Link was involved in it. How he was made Groose nervous to know why.

"What did I do?" Groose uttered out fearfully.

"You seriously want to know?" Groose nodded in response to Cia. "As you wish."

With a wave of her scepter, the scene changed.

Groose can now see they were in the courtyard outside of the Sparring Hall. The sun shines in the sky with some clouds. Many people have gathered, forming a ring. Groose recognized pretty much everyone. Except everyone here appeared to be several years older than they were now. Looking through the large crowd, Groose spotted the person of his interest.

Link stood in the inner section of the crowd, in the ample ground space that the bystanders had gathered around. He was older, had hair long enough for a ponytail, and had signs of facial hair growing through. There was even a scar on one of his eyebrows. He was dressed in his green knight uniform, except he had additional accessories like he was going into battle, including the steel sword in his hand. Groose could also make out a gold-colored ring on the finger of his left hand. A wedding ring, to be exact.

Joined with him were all of his close friends.

Pipit was the same if Groose didn't count the additional accessories he wore onto his yellow uniform. Not to mention a rather nicely trimmed beard he has, and he has green eyes for some reason. Karane was similar, except her uniform was a hybrid of the Skyknight and the Academy Instructor's attire. Her hair was also longer but still tied in her pigtails. Karane & Pipit also had silver wedding rings, symbolizing that they were married to each other.

Fledge actually made Groose gape his mouth open. No longer, Fledge appeared to be scrawny. Though Fledge was nowhere close to being buffy like Groose, he had decently noticeable muscles. More strange is that Fledge had some type of tattoo on the left side of his face of a dragon-like creature whose tail end is under the eye. Speaking of which both were now red. Another surprising thing Groose noticed was a bronze-colored wedding ring, meaning Fledge was officially hitched. The way he was standing simply showed how much confidence he had. Groose couldn't believe the Fledge he was looking at was the same scrawny kid. Talk about one hell of a glow-up.

Curiosity about how Fledge got his glow-up was swept away when Groose saw Zelda. She, too, was now a full-fledged adult. Still pretty like she is, Groose noted. Her hair is tied up in a cute bun, with her two braids hanging on both sides of her head like how she usually has them. She also had a wedding ring the same color as Link's, making it clear that she was his wife. That was not the only thing Groose took note.

Zelda's belly was heavily swollen. The way her hands grasped around it, Groose could see Zelda was in the late stages of pregnancy. Zelda is pregnant with Link's child.

All four were gathered around Link. All of which have uncertainty in their eyes. Link didn't seem concern.

"Do you really have to do this, Link?" Zelda asks with worry.

"If it'll humble that brute, then maybe yes," Link responded.

"It's Groose. What do you expect from him at this point?"

"You gonna tell us what this is all about?" Pipit pressed.

"And what did Groose do that warranted a public spar?" Karane asks curiously.

"Aside from being a prick like usual?" Fledge added with casual dryness.

Link & Zelda looked at each other. Their eyes indicate a silent conversation. Link lowered his head when Zelda started speaking, holding her belly.

"Link & I had a date the other night. To celebrate upcoming parenthood for us. Everything was going well. Until Groose showed up. We tried to ignore him like we normally do, but he was in a more persistent mood."

"Couldn't you tell him to back off? That usually works," Karane wondered.

"He didn't," Link revealed.

"Your Eagus's Lieutenant. The second-highest rank among the Skyknights. Groose had to listen to you," Pipit argued.

"Groose said since I wasn't in uniform & off duty, he technically didn't have to take orders from me," Link explained.

"Of course, he would say something like that," Fledge breathed out. "Typical Groose trying to find dumb loopholes to harass you."

"He should know that's not how that works," Pipit mentioned.

"Believe me, I tried telling him that. But he was really trying it that night," Link groaned. "He kept hassling us until Zelda pulled the 'her dad's the headmaster' card. That seemed to work…"

"But…"

"Groose stopped walking, and he turned to me," Zelda continue with a disappointed look. "He said he felt sorry for me. That I deserved better than-" Zelda stopped herself, alarming her friends.

"Deserve better than what?"

"He said Zelda deserved better than being my personal whore," Link revealed bitterly.

All three of their friends had various reactions to such a statement. Pipit look furious. Karane was disgusted. And Fledge looked like he wanted to rip someone's head off.

Watching this event play out, Groose himself was horrified by the claim that Link's future self was about his future counterpart.

Bile crept into Groose's throat, fighting every urge he felt to throw up. How could he speak like that? How could he talk of Zelda like that? How could he allegedly call Zelda...that horrible name?

It made him feel sick just thinking about it. In all the years since Zelda ended their friendship, Groose never once subjected her to his schemes or called her a petty insult. It was a vital rule he made to himself and Cawlin & Strich.

"No matter the circumstances, we never hurt Zelda."

That was a sacred law. Groose would always make sure she was out of the crossfire in his schemes. And if she did somehow, he would not go through the plan at all. Hurting Zelda was something he could never imagine himself doing. She could hate him all she wants and Groose would still not go through it.

What made him feel more gross was that his future self called her a whore. Groose never crossed that type of line. Not even commenting in that way towards Karane or any of the women he didn't like. Everyone who knew him would probably be shocked by this, but Groose does have boundaries. Once, Cawlin jokingly suggested an idea to spread a fake rumor about a girl, who allegedly insulted him, that she was sleeping around. Groose immediately shot down that idea and scolded Cawlin for even saying that. Groose mentioned that they were professionals and certain lines should not be crossed.

"Professionals have standards."

That was the first and last time Cawlin suggested anything like that.

To hear that his future self had crossed those lines made him wonder. Would he really get this bad? What happened to him that made him break his sacred rule of never hurting Zelda? Has his jealousy of Link poisoned him as severely as Lana claimed that would make him capable of this? Is he that determine to hurt Link?

The way Groose will get his answers by watching the scene play out.

Pipit let out an annoyed growl. "Goddesses, you think he would get over this by now. We're all Dindamn adults and he still acts like an entitled child! I swear, each year that comes by, he gets worse."

"Like that time he tried to crash yours and Zelda's wedding?" Fledge let out an irate huff.

"Believe me, I've noticed. Every milestone I made, Groose antagonizing got worse," Link mentioned. "My graduation. Zelda & I's engagement. Our Wedding. My promotion. Then our pregnancy announcement."

"Shouldn't you tell all of this to Gaepora?" Karane suggested. "At this point it's borderline harassment."

"I did bring up the idea, but Link didn't want to do that," Zelda answered.

"Why not?"

"I can handle Groose. I'm not a kid anymore. I can fight my own battles," Link insisted.

"Doesn't mean you have to fight them alone!" Fledge protested. "I could probably knock him around a bit."

"You, fighting Groose?" Link looked at Fledge with a raised brow.

"Hey, I'm not as scrawny as I used to be, so I can probably do it. Might actually knock some sense into him, hopefully."

"I'd join in if I wasn't pregnant." All of them chuckled at Zelda's comment.

"I appreciate the sentiments, but I can do this alone." Link assured with a smile.

"Is a spar necessary?" Zelda inquired.

"Maybe me beating Groose's ass in front of a crowd would be enough to finally humble him."

"And if it doesn't? What if he acts worse after this?"

"Then I'll tell Gaepora what Groose has been doing. He'll probably demote Groose to a low rank."

"I still wonder how the hell Groose managed to graduate into knighthood," Karane pondered in bafflement.

"Admittedly, he is a decent enough knight without any issues with anyone else," Pipit admitted dejectedly. "The only issue is how often he clashes with you."

"After today, that will hopefully change. That I'm certain of." Link declared with complete confidence.

"Try not to get hurt, sleepyhead," Zelda suggested softly.

With a warm smile, Link leans in to give Zelda a kiss on the lips. "I promise, love. It's only a spar. No one has ever gotten hurt in a spar." Zelda responded by giving Link another kiss, making him giggle.

In the past, Groose would've been disgusted seeing Link & Zelda display that type of affection to one another. In his old, close-minded self, Groose would be convinced that Link somehow manipulated Zelda into marrying him, like he manipulated her to no longer be friends with Groose, and how he manipulated others to like him when he didn't do much. That thinking made Groose feel vindicated on how he treated Link in the years following his & Zelda's fallout.

How foolish he was to believe such a thing…

Link & Zelda's adult selves were genuinely in love with one another. In the brief moments Groose saw them interact, he could see how much they cared for each other. How much affection Link shows on Zelda. The way he pats her swollen belly when they kiss.

Once upon a time, Groose would dream of being in Link's spot. Now, he wondered if what he felt for Zelda was genuine love or if he saw her as nothing more than a prize, as Fledge accused him of days earlier.

"Interested in the lovely couple, are we now?" Cia commented to him.

"Yeah. They are lovely together."

"Does that make you…envious?" Lana leaned in curiously.

"I…I don't know anymore," Groose admitted. "They do look pretty happy."

"They are. I can see they're in a loving marriage." A sad frown grew on Lana's lips. "A shame that it won't last any longer."

Hearing that alarmed Groose. "What do you mean?"

"You'll find out soon enough. For now, why not move your attention over there." Cia gestures her arm in the opposite direction of Link.

Groose went over to where the white-haired woman directed him. He was in a secluded spot from the crowd near the back of the Sparring Hall. Two figures stood alone. Groose recognized who they were. One was Cawlin, slightly taller but still significantly shorter. He also had sideburns.

The second figure, Groose, already knew who that was.

His adult self wore a Skyknight uniform in the same navy blue color as his current self's shirt. He also wore the same type of armor Link wore. Older Groose had a confident smirk on his lips. He sat up with utmost pride, gazing at the spectators.

"Look at that crowd. They'll finally see what a chump Link is when this is over."

"That they will, boss!" Cawlin responded happily.

"Link has had it good for too long now. It's time for someone else to be Skyloft's top dog. Everyone will basically worship me."

"You deserve it. You'll be the best."

"And if I show I'm the best, Zelda will see what she missing out with me."

"Oh yeah. She'll definitely regret marrying Link instead of you."

"Gloating about an outcome that will never come. Why am I not surprised?"

A Skyknight marched to Older Groose. He was tall and skinny, with his uniform in the color of a blue-purple mix with a sword hanging on his lower back. The Skyknight had a bowl-cut hairstyle, and that was enough for Groose to figure out that this person was an older Strich.

Cawlin appeared pleasantly surprised, but Older Groose did not look happy.

"Hello, Groose." Strich greeted bitterly.

"Hey, Strich! How've you been-?" Groose gave a smack on Cawlin's arm.

"No talking to traitors, Cawlin!" Cawlin lowered his head down in shame.

"Lay off him. Cawlin can talk to me as much as he wants." Strich barked back.

"Sorry. I have a 'no mingling with traitors' policy."

"Real mature of you. What else is new?"

"Cut the crap, What do you want?"

"It isn't it obvious?" Strich stated sarcastically. "I heard about what went down between you and Link & Zelda. And what you called her. Is that true?"

Groose crossed his arms casually. "I might've said some…regretful things. I was having a rough night, and seeing Link flaunting Zelda around didn't help improve it."

"So you dealt with it by insulting the wife of the best swordsman of Skyloft! Not just any woman. Zelda of all people!"

"That's why we're having this stupid spar. Link wanted to defend Zelda's honor and to ' teach me humbleness' whatever that means."

"And you agreed to it?!" Strich exclaimed. "Do you realize who you're dealing with?! The last time you had a spar with Link was years ago!"

"Which means he won't know my moves. I've been practicing, and it'll finally pay off. After today, I'll be the most famous person on Skyloft!"

"Do you hear yourself? The last time you fought Link, he beat you! He had ALWAYS beaten you. There's a reason why Eagus made him his second in command. What makes you think this will be different?"

"Because I know so! That's why!"

"You want to know why I stopped being your friend? This!" Strich throw his arms to Older Groose. "This is what broke our friendship apart! You act arrogant & selfish! Always thinking about yourself! Never think about about me & Cawlin or the consequences of your actions! You're too obsessed with proving yourself better to Link!"

"Why do you care anyway?! Didn't you clarify that you wanted nothing to do with me anyway?"

"Because regardless of whether or not we're friends, I know you well enough to know that you can't handle losing. When you do, you do something stupid! Maybe I wanted to ensure you didn't get into serious trouble. Maybe I give somewhat of a damn because…because regretfully, a small part of me cares. Maybe I miss the person who chose to be my friend when no one else would. And maybe, just maybe, that person you were is still there."

Adult Groose gave a huff. "Well, you're wrong." He declared, unbothered.

Strich looked heartbroken to hear that. It was quickly replaced by a scowl. "There was a time when you actually gave a shit about your friends. Who am I kidding? You won't listen to me. It's funny how you called me a traitor when you betrayed me long ago." Strich turned the other direction, giving out one glare over his shoulder. "Have fun getting ass kicked. Try not to do anything stupid when you lose, but knowing you, you'll ignore my warnings like always."

"Yeah, that's right! Walk away! That's all you're good for, bug freak!" Adult Groose roared out as Strich marched away. The thin man responded by flipping him off until he was out of sight. "The nerve of him! Coming up here to talk me down after he abandoned us!"

"Yeah…what a total loser. Who needs him?" Adult Groose did not pick up on the low tone in Cawlin's voice. Groose, on the other hand, did.

Groose felt so much pain watching this play out. Knowing at this point, his older self and Strich were friends no more and were on bad terms. Despite this, Strich tried to talk sense to Adult Groose, much like he did in the past, only for his pleas to fall on deaf ears like all those times Groose had done.

Hylia…Hearing & watching how much a piece of shit Groose's adult version acts made him feel nauseous. Breaking his don't hurt Zelda rule, and knowing at some point Strich cuts off his friendship with him. Knowing his abandonment issues, Groose could guess his adult counterpart pinned the blame onto Strich rather than look in a mirror. Hell, he wanted to go up to older self to punch him in the face.

Is this really how bad he will become?

"If you think this is bad, wait until you see the rest." Cia chimed in with a dark chuckle. "We're only getting started."

The time for the spar has commence. All eyes are glued upon the fighters. Eagus, older but remained to be a diligent Knight Commander, laid out what was about to occur. The opponents will fight best two out of three, and to win, they would have to win two rounds. Eagus introduces the opponents.

Adult Groose walked in with a swagger when his name was called. There were little claps heard. A proud smirk glued to his face. He waved to the crowd as if they were his loyal fans. Nobody did anything except look at him disinterestedly. Some of which scowl. Adult Groose saw Zelda and gave her a wink. The blonde woman rolled her eyes, letting out a groan.

A louder applause broke the air when Link was called up. Some spectators let out cheers. Zelda and his friend let out some words of encouragement of their own. Link took them all with a humble smile, red brightening his cheeks.

Eagus laid out the ground rules. Link listen with intent. Adult Groose crossed his arms, tapping his foot impatiently, clearly not interested in what the older man was saying.

When that was done, the spar began.

Only a few minutes passed before the first-round winner came to Adult Groose. He boasted, gloating about his win. When the audience did not give him a response, he shouted out ''Are you not entertained?' several times until Eagus calmed him down. Link remained silent during the whole thing, watching Groose annoyedly.

The second round commences. It was longer than the previous ones. Adult Groose fought with all his might. Link quickly overcame him, winning the round just as it looked like Groose would win. Unlike previously, the response was for positive with the audience being more vocal. Adult Groose could only glare at Link when they resumed their posistions.

The final round started. Unlike the previous two, it went on longer. Both opponents fought with high ferocity while the audience watched in anticipation. This spar is turning out into something very intense. It was undeniable that Adult Groose & Link were on equal ground, Groose noticed. It's the only thing that he liked about his older version.

The fight could not continue forever. A winner had to be declared, and it soon was.

With one swift move, Link knocked Groose's sword out of his hand, tripping him on the ground. Link pointed the sword near Adult Groose's neck. Eagus grabbed Link's arm, lifting it in the air, declaring him the winner of the spar.

The audience applauded happily, immensely cheering for Link's victory. None more than his friends and Zelda, who looked upon him with a proud, loving smile. Link kept his gaze on her, back wholly turned to Adult Groose.

All the people around were wholly fixated on Link, ignoring Adult Groose. The man's gaze glued onto the ground, on his knees, hands on the basis, absolutely humiliated. He moves his sights on Link. The sandy blonde grinned as he took the audience's praise with utmost grace & humility. That sight alone made Adult Groose clench his fingers on the dirt and grind his teeth together. Anger boiled in him. Again, Link had overshadowed him, stolen his moment of glory. Red clouded his vision.

An urge to throw something itches into Adult Groose's brain. He felt around the ground until he felt something hard but just about the right size to grab. His anger blinded him to see the large rock he grasped. Making a quick impulse decision, he threw the stone in Link's direction.

The red in Adult Groose's vision cleared away when the cheering had been replaced by screams of panic.

Zelda uttered a hysterical scream as she rushed over to Link, lying on the ground, eyes closed, blooding down on the side of his head. A large rock painted with blood rests not too far from him. The pregnant woman shook her husband in an attempt to wake him up.

"LINK! LINK, CAN YOU HEAR ME? WAKE UP! PLEASE!" Zelda begged her unconscious husband, tears pouring out of her eyes.

Karane had joined in, doing her best to treat Link's wound while urging Zelda to remain calm. She then held his hand. "Link! If you can hear me, squeeze my hand!" There was no movement. Karane's face went grim.

Fledge & Pipit had run off to find help. Soon, they returned with other Skyknights carrying a stretcher. They helped place Link onto it. Zelda watched helplessly as she watched her husband be carried away. Karane held Zelda's shoulders, trying to comfort her as they followed. Suddenly, Zelda stopped in her tracks and shouted, holding her stomach. Karane's eyes widen, and she hastily guides Zelda.

The remaining spectators move their gaze onto Adult Groose. Some with glares. Others with horrified expressions. Adult Groose remained still as all eyes pierced him until more Skyknights to escorted him away. In the skies above, dark clouds form with a rumble of thunder heard in the distance.

Groose didn't have the words to explain what he had seen before him. Judging by how people reacted, Link's injuries were severe. Groose had hurt Link in the past in their physical fights, but Groose only roughed him up to the point that he gave him a few bruises and maybe a bloody nose. How all those people looked at his adult self showed how serious this was. Groose had never hurt Link to the point where his life was on the line.

"Crazy, isn't it? In a moment of fury, your future self made a decision that will alter not only your life but those close to Link," Cia grimly said.

"I…I did that? All because I was jealous?" Groose shakily questioned.

"There is a reason why mortals consider envy a deadly sin," Lana stated gloomily. "Like what we said before. If untreated, the poison of your jealousy will continue to worsen until the effects are irreversible. Or, in this case, you do something you cannot walk away from, and Link pays the price for it."

The grim tones the sisters spoke did not put Groose at ease. There's no possibility that he…"Link pulls through, doesn't he?! He has to, right! He fought the freakin' Imprisoned. Tell me he's okay!"

The sisters glanced at each other before glancing at the ground. Cia had an unhappy frown, while Lana appeared sorrowful. Groose felt his anxiety rising. Lana gave a dejected clap, changing the scene.

Groose saw hallways within the Knight Academy. Rain poured against the window. A flash of lightning brightens the inside, shortly followed by low thunder. A door opened, and out came Karane, followed by three older women. One of them appeared to be in their elderly years.

"Thank you for helping Zelda with the delivery. Today hasn't been easy for her," Karane said to the elderly woman.

"Thank you for being by your friend's side. Your presence seemed to help dear Zelda remain calm. I'm sure she appreciates it," The woman responded back. "I do hope her husband pulls through. Poor Link didn't deserve that."

"I hope so, too."

"I will inform the headmaster. I'm sure he would like to see his daughter & grandchild."

The woman and her companions bid farewell and walked away from Karane. Walking past them from the opposite end were Fledge and Pipit, who sprinted over.

"How's Zelda?" Pipit asks her.

"She's fine," Karane responded.

"And the baby?" Fledge pressed.

"Ppremature, but midwives believe that there is no danger," Karane held her other hand. "Zelda crushed my hand, though. Swear she was going to break it." Karane looks at Pipit. "Let me say sorry in advance if I break your hand when I'm in labor."

Pipit responded by giving her a quick peck on her lips. "Don't worry about it."

"Anything on Link? How is he?"

"We don't know. No one will let us see him," Fledge answered.

"What about Groose?" Karane asks.

"He's under strict surveillance. He's not allowed to leave academy walls," Pipit explained, his gaze turning to anger. "I can't believe that bastard did that."

"What are they going to do about him?" Is he still allowed to be a Skyknight?"

"Again, we don't know," Fledge said to her. "I've heard they may demote him."

"Groose deserves to be demoted to the lowest rank," Pipit stated. "He couldn't sit still and accept a loss for once, couldn't he. What he did was straight-up dishonorable. Well, I say dishonor on the whole lot of him!"

"Calm down, honey," Karane cut him off, gently holding his arm.

Pipit let out a breath. "Sorry, Karane. I'm just…" He massages his face. "Goddesses, what a mess this is."

Karane held her husband close, kissing his temple. "I know. I'm worried about Link, too."

"Do you think Link will pull through?" Fledge voices his concern. "That head wound did look nasty."

"Of course, he will!" Pipit exclaimed loudly. "This is Link we're talking about! He went through hell to save Zelda & Skyloft from that…demon! If he can survive those, he can get through this!"

Karan's eyes suddenly lit up. "There's Gaepora! Maybe he knows about Link!"

At the end of the hall, Gaepora, older but still maintaining the firm stance needed for his duties, talked to the midwife Karane had spoken to moments earlier. They were conversing, but the trio could not distinguish what they were saying because they were whispering. Gaepora had a grim expression when he said something to the midwife, who then turned in the group's direction with a hand covering her mouth, eyes full of pity. They parted ways, with Gaepora heading in the trio's direction. The midwife walked oppositely, giving another sad glance over her shoulder.

Gaepora slowly made his way to the group. His face appeared to be neutral. "Pipit. Karane. Fledge."

"Headmaster."

Gaepora turns to Karane. "I was informed by the midwife that my daughter's delivery went well."

"Yes. Zelda and her baby are doing well."

"You were with her every step?"

Karane nods. "Even though Zelda crushing my hand."

Gaepora places a gently comforting hand on her shoulder. "Thank you for being there for her. I am grateful for help, as she is, I'm sure. Zelda was wise to make you & Pipit her child's godparents."

"How's Link? Is he okay?" Pipit voice urgently.

All three have hopeful looks in their eyes. Gaepora had the opposite. His neutrality on his face went glum. "You three might want to sit down…" He spoke in an equally dreary voice.

The three only stood in confusion. "What's going on? Is Link okay or not?" Fledge gently demanded.

"I've had all the best doctors throughout Skyloft helping him." Gaepora quietly gulped, appearing to not cry. "They did everything they could…"

Groose's heart stopped when Future Gaepora said those words. The prediction that he had feared had come true.

"I'm sorry you three, but…Link is gone."

Time could've been frozen for a good minute with how still Pipit, Karane, and Fledge stood registering those haunting three words Gaepora had shared. Fledge was speechless. Karane covered her mouth in shock. And Pipit appeared to be on the brink of breaking down.

"T-That can't be. Tell me that's not true!"

Gaepora solemnly lowered his head. His face is enough to confirm it.

"No…Goddesses no." Tears poured out of Pipit's eyes. He held his mouth, trying to avoid breaking into a crying mess. "There-There has to be a mistake! Link's fine! He always pulls through! He just needs more potions! The doctors are wrong! There's no way he's-"

A gentle touch graces Pipit's cheek. He turned to meet Karane's gaze. Through her tear-filled eyes, Karane maintained a firm expression. That was enough for Pipit to break into a big sobbing mess, fueled purely by his unimaginable grief. Karane pulled Pipit into a tight but soft embrace, letting his heart cry into her shoulder.

"H-How could this happen?" Fledge said shakily through his own tears, trying not to scream. "How could this HAPPEN?!"

"The doctors say that the rock was the perfect size, and the speed that…you know, threw it made it possible," Gaepora explained.

"You may be right." Karane grimly acknowledged. "All it needed was to hit the...perfect spot on Link's head. Enough to do the right damage to his skull & brain."

Gaepora nods. "From what the doctors' gathered, everything was instant for Link. He more than likely had no idea what happened."

"Is that supposed to make us feel better!?" Pipit sharply questioned in a harsh tone.

"No. I suppose not." The Headmaster responded, unfazed by Pipit's reaction, understanding that it was his grief speaking. "I should give you all some time to process this. Is it alright if I see Zelda? I figure I should be the one to…tell her."

Karane gave the older man the go-ahead. Taking a deep breath, Gaepora went through the room his daughter resided in, closing the door. Leaving the three friends alone in the hallway in their grief.

Pipit & Karane remain in a tight embrace. The former continues to pour out his sadness, clinging onto the latter for dear life. Karane let out quiet sobs of her own. Sad for the fate of her friend and worried about how his wife would deal with it from this point. Even through despair, Pipit touched Karane's head, gently stroking her hair. Deep into his grief, he tried to comfort her through her pain of the loss.

Groose would've found that sweet had the circumstances been different. It made him wonder if he'll ever experience that type of love.

Fledge stumbled around until he found himself leaning against the wall across from Zelda's door. Slowly, he slid down until his rear made contact with the floor, pushing his back against the wall. He looked numb like he didn't know what to think. The stoicness that Groose thought he had slowly faded into sadness. He brought his knees close to his chest, hugging them close. He buried his head into them, letting out quiet sobs.

At that moment, the tougher, more assertive man Groose saw this Fledge as turned into the same timid, easily terrified teen that Groose knew him as.

Minutes after the friends processing their grief, a bright flash of lightning lit up the dark hall. A sound followed soon after. It was the sound of a woman letting off a wail of utter despair so loud the thunder was quiet in comparison. The sound came from behind the door of the door where Zelda had delivered her baby. All three friends could only give pitying looks as Zelda's wails echoed. Having the realization that Zelda is suffering most of all.

Groose could not bear to watch this play out. No way this would be Link's fate, right? This is…Link, for crying out loud. The same Link who walked away after Groose started another fight with him.

"There's no way…No way Link goes out like this!"

"Really? Didn't say he was nothing but lazy?" Cia brought up in feigning confusion.

"Not this lazy!" Groose exclaimed. "No way a stupid rock will be how Link goes out!"

"It was not just the rock that killed him…" Lana said in a tone opposite her softer one, staring at Groose sternly.

That's when it hit Groose on what Lana meant. Groose's older self was the one who threw it. He was the one who did the horrible act. The only thing the rock was guilty of was being placed there at the unfortunate, right time. Everything else was on Groose.

Footsteps caught Groose's ears. He remembered that the future event was being presented. Adult Groose stood at the end of the hall where Link's friend's future selves were.

"You…" Immediately, Fledge stood and moved to Karane & Pipit's side. His fists clenched like he was already to fight him at any moment. All three friends gave angry glares at Adult Groose. Groose could tell by their faces alone that they were pissed. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"How's Zelda?"

"You're not going anywhere near her," Karane growls with a glare.

"You can't scare me, missy. Now you tell me how Zelda is or-"

"Or else what?!" Karane barks back at the man. "Threaten us? Kidnap our Loftwings? Call ME a whore?!"

"I ain't leaving until I know what's happening with Zel. No one will tell me anything-"

By the time Adult Groose had said that, Pipit had pulled away from Karane and marched on over, punching him hard enough to knock the man down on the ground. Blood trickled from Adult Groose's nose. The man barely sat up when Pipit grabbed his shirt and shoved him against a bulletin board hard enough for papers to fall.

"Woah, Pipit! Take it easy!"

"DON'T tell me to take it easy...You think you could walk down here and ask to see Zelda after what you did to Link?!" Pipit practically screamed, bearing his teeth. "The absolute audacity you have is fucking unreal!"

"Geeze, Pipit! What's gotten you riled up-?"

"You couldn't for ONCE accept a loss with what little honor you had left, but you have to be a petty asshole like always, didn't you?! Well, guess what?! Your pettiness cost my brother his LIFE!"

"W-what do you mean?" Adult Groose clearly had no idea what was going on.

"Link is gone," Karane said to him, maintaining her glare. Adult Groose eyes widened, horrified. "That rock you threw at him hit his head too hard. Now he's dead. Link's dead because of you."

"And you think you have the right to be concerned about how Zelda feels after you killed her husband? The mother of her baby that will now grow up without their father?!"

"I-I…"

"You what?!"

"I-I didn't mean to-'' Adult Groose stuttered.

"Well, you did! You KILLED LINK!" Pipit hit Adult Groose again. He hovered his shaking fist in the air, panting through his nostrils. After a few seconds, he lowered it, realizing that no matter how many times he hit him, it wouldn't bring Link back. Pipit leans close to Adult Groose's face, growling at him. "I hope they banish you…" He shoved the man away.

"G-guys….I." Adult Groose stumbled.

"Get out of here," Karane snarled at Adult Groose, holding Pipit's arm to keep him calm. "You take one more step towards us or that door, my status as a Skyknight & Instructor be damned. I'll make sure you regret it."

Fledge stepped forward, squaring up to Adult Groose, glaring at him with piercing fury that made Adult Groose tremble. Slowly, the man made his way away from the group, with his back facing them.

"I shouldn't have saved you…" Adult Groose turned back to Fledge, clearly surprised to hear such words. "If I knew you would become this, after all we've been through...I should've let you fall into that monster's jaws." Fledge continues to give his cold glare at his former bully. "Don't look surprised. You murdered my brother. You deserve the worst."

Groose could feel tears trying to break through his own eyes. He could see how Link's death affected everyone. Feel the immense grief & anger they were going through. And even if they were all talking to a future version of himself, Groose could feel the sting of their words. Fledge most of all hurt. Somehow, those quiet, short words stung much more than the heated rant his current self gave the other day. Groose never figured a person like Fledge was capable of that much coldness & fury. Makes him wonder what else the kid was capable of.

Groose quickly wiped his eyes before any tears could pour out. He acted like he needed to soothe an itch rather than break down crying, hoping the two women didn't notice. Somehow, they did.

"Amazing how one impulsive decision could affect the lives of many, don't you think?" Cia said to him. Groose didn't respond.

Lana stepped forward. "I know how upsetting this is, but we have to make a final stop for you to fully understand everything."

She one loud clap.

They were in a vast, dimly lit room with Adult Groose in the middle, with a spotlight shining down at him. A long table stood before him with several individuals, with Gaepora sitting at the center. Owlan, Horwell, Eagus, and other Skyloft officials were with him. Behind Groose's adult version, he could see many familiar faces. Link's friends and Zelda stood on the side of the room between him and the desk. All were decked out in their Skyknight gear. Even Zelda had a Skyknight uniform in the color blue. A woman with brown hair styled in two braids stood next to Fledge. She was dressed in simple clothes like an orange shirt. She held Fledge's hand and had the same bronze-colored wedding ring as his. Groose figures to be Fledge's mystery future wife. She looked familiar but Groose couldn't figure out her name. He immediately shook that off because there were more important things to see.

The Skyknight friends all had black scarves. The dark color is heavily contrasting with the brightness of their uniforms. But Zelda had an additional mourning veil on her head. On Skyloft, it was common for women to wear those veils whenever they lost their partner in marriage. And now Zelda had one to symbolize her status as a widow.

It wasn't just Link friends who donned the black color. Everyone in the room, except for Adult Groose, had black on their wardrobe. Either they had small touches like Fledge's wife, or were straight-up full-out black like Gaepora. Some even had traces of the same shade of green as Link's uniform like the Instructors & Eagus.

A noise entered the quiet room. One made Groose's heart sink.

Zelda had been holding a baby wrapped in black blankets in her arms. The child started acting up, having no idea what was happening. Zelda soothed the fussy infant. Through tired, red, puffy eyes, she gazes upon her baby with love, saying soft, sweet things with a pained smile. Quickly, the baby quieted down.

Groose was doing everything to not burst out crying.

With her baby calmed, Zelda moves her gaze to the Adult Groose. Her blue eyes had so much anger. Many others share the same look, even Gaepora, despite putting on a calm demeanor. It was clear that everyone in this room was out for his blood.

Gaepora slams a small gavel onto the table, silencing the hushed conversations. When all the noise had stopped, the headmaster began speaking, hands clasped together on the table.

"For most of Skyloft's history, we have normally been a peaceful island. Peace has been a part of our life for the past one thousand years of our recorded history." Gaepora paused for several seconds. "Yet a mere few days ago, that peace was shattered when blood was spilled. When you, Groose, made the decision that costed Link's life." Gaepora spoke with fragile dignity, trying not to let anger overcome him. "Do you realize the severity of the actions you have committed?"

Adult Groose didn't respond except to keep his gaze on the ground.

"Judging by your silence, I assume you don't. I will kindly lay it out for you." Gaepora leaned forward, looking Adult Groose dead on. "You killed a man who was beloved by many and who was an excellent Skyknight. Not only that, you killed the person who I saw as a son. Who I watch grow up. My daughter's husband and the father of my grandchild. Your actions made her a widow at her young age and her child fatherless before they could even know him."

Eagus spoke, "To add the severity of your crime, you are a Skyknight, much like Link. Skyknights take a sacred vow to protect their own. You broke that vow when you threw that rock. Your actions have brought dishonor to the academy and all of Skyloft."

"For you, a fellow Skyknight, to take your comrade's life is an unspeakable crime by all means," Horwell stated in a serious tone that had replaced his usual cheerful one.

"It is downright unforgivable," Owlan stated with utmost disgust.

"Despite your past misgivings, I had hope for you, Groose," Gaepora said with pity. "I thought you would grow into a better person when you became a Skyknight. To move away from your troubles with Link. You have, unfortunately, brought my hopes for that down." A pregnant pause followed. "I bring forth the motion to strip you of your position as a Skyknight."

Adult Groose looks up in surprise. Everyone else in the room mutters to Gaepora's suggestion.

"All in favor?"

One by one, everyone at the table, including Eagus, Owlan, and Horwell, raised their hands to vote for Gaepora's motion. It was a unanimous decision.

"The council has agreed. Groose, you are permanently expelled from the Order of the Skyknights. You will be stripped of your uniform and all of your privileges. You will not be allowed to rejoin for as long as you live."

Eagus turned to where Link's friends stood, making a commanding gesture with his hand. Pipit & Fledge both marched over to Adult Groose. Roughly, they removed every part of Adult Groose's uniform. They literally tore everything off of him, even the chainmail, until his trousers, boots, and white undershirt were all that was left. All the while giving the occasional glare at him. Adult Groose did not once fight back. He stood in pure humiliation as he felt his gear be stripped off him.

Once the uniform stripping had been completed, Pipit & Fledge returned to their spot.

"Before we carry out your final punishment, someone here has some words to say." Gaepora turns to the side. "My daughter, Zelda."

Zelda lifted her head, composing herself. She turns to Karane, placing her baby in the woman's arms. Ensuring her child was safely secured and settled, Zelda marched over to Adult Groose, standing directly before him by mere inches. She lifted her mourning veil to the back of her head, locking her blue eyes onto Adult Groose's form. Tensions rose as everyone anxiously watched, wondering what she would say to him.

"Well, Groose…You did it. You finally got my attention." The sarcastic bitterness in Zelda's voice was evident. "That's what you wanted, right? That's what you've been doing for so many years." Adult Groose didn't say anything. "Well, I'm right here now. Tell me, was it all worth it? Was it worth killing my husband?!"

Adult Groose could only look down with shame.

"What was your end goal? You kill Link so that in my grief, you take advantage of me, hoping that I would latch onto you like the desperate whore you said I was?!"

"I-I…"

"You WHAT?!"

"I never meant to hurt you!" Adult Groose blurted out. "I-I'm sorry."

Zelda moved closer to him, pointing in a direction. "Look over there." Adult Groose followed the path of Karane, who was still holding the baby. "Do you see that baby? That's mine & Link's child. My baby will have to grow up without their father because of you! I brought them here so you could get through that thick skull of yours what long-term effects your actions have caused!"

By this point, tears slowly started to pour out of Adult Groose's eyes. Same for Zelda.

"You have ruined my life…You don't get to say sorry. No amount of sorry can fix the damage you caused me and my baby. Link's gone and never coming back because of you. You deserve a life full of suffering & shame." Zelda paused to wipe her tears. "I hope for the rest of your life you feel every ounce of the same pain that you caused when you murdered the love of my life and when you bullied him & my friends for years! Do you understand me?!"

Adult Groose could not conjure a response. Zelda grabs his face, looking at him with a furious expression that could rival the Goddesses themselves. "DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?!"

The man didn't say anything. Any attempt he made, he ended up choking up and broke into a sob. Zelda was unfazed by this reaction. She did not give him any pity. Her hand releases her grip from Adult Groose, only to use it to slap his face seconds later. She marches away back over to where her friends stand. Fledge pulled her into a hug. Zelda's sobs echo throughout the room.

Horwell clearing his throat echoes the room. "I believe it is time we move to sentencing."

"We cannot give him a light sentence. Groose's crimes are too severe to be forgiven," Eagus brought up.

"I concur, Knight Commander," Owlan acknowledged, giving Groose a sneer, not even hiding his dislike of him. "The actions that Groose has committed, along with taking into account his…past misbehavior, shows what he's capable of. While it may be likely that he didn't intend to murder Link, the intention to harm was clear. Over losing a spar, nonetheless. That proves he's a danger to every individual on Skyloft. Who says he won't do something like this again the next time he loses or someone says no to him? Which is why I bring forward the motion to grant him this punishment: Banishment."

Gaepora glances at the others on the desk.

"All in favor?"

Like the previous vote, the decision was unanimous. With that said and done, Gaepora stood from the table.

"In the name of the Goddesses, I, Gaepora Harkinian, sentence you, Groose, to permanent exile to the Outer Isles far from Skyloft. At dawn tomorrow, you will leave Skyloft with all the materials you could carry and be escorted by Skyknights to the Outer Isles, where you'll spend the rest of your days. You will receive a far more severe punishment if you ever attempt to return to Skyloft. May the Golden Goddesses grant you mercy." Gaepora slams the gavel on the long table, forever cementing Adult Groose's fate.

Adult Groose lowered his head, coming to terms with the fact that his life was over. Two Skyknights grab him by his arms and escort him out of the room. Every pair of eyes that watched all gave murderous glares. The man looked back to Zelda, her baby in her arms, surrounded by her friends comforting her. They all had hurt expressions, but they stood firm. Zelda left the room in a direction with her friends by her side. Adult Groose left with no support.

The scene fades until there is total darkness surrounding those who remain.

Groose did not know what to say. He felt nothing but shock.

"I just don't understand. Could I really kill Link? Because of my jealousy?"

"People have murdered others for less," Lana stated.

"But could I never do something like that!"

"Have you forgotten that Link almost fell to his death on the morning of the Wing Ceremony because you locked up his Loftwing?" Cia brought up, much to Groose's shock.

"That was different. I didn't know Zelda would push Link off!" Groose argued back.

"But what about what you said? How things would be better for you if Link was out of the picture. Isn't that what you wanted for years?"

"I didn't want him DEAD!" Groose's voice echoed throughout the black void.

"That may be, but actions speak louder than words," Lana explained. Groose stood unsure. "You may not want Link to have such a fate, but if your petty jealousy is not quelled, it will control you, including your judgment. By the time you'll realize that it'll be too late. Resulting in a future not filled with joy, dreams, nor wishes brought to life. They will instead be dark & tragic."

"No room for hope for you when all is strife, and it doesn't end with your banishment." Groose looked at Cia fearfully. "Your friends, or should I say, would be former friends, will spend their lives forever disassociating themselves from you. Cawlin would not be by your side on your final days on Skyloft. Even when you leave, the stigma of being friends with you for years cause many avoid him, even when he did try to better himself. Eventually, he moved away to start a new life, spending his days in regret." Cia gave a wicked grin. "As for poor Strich, he would spend the rest of his life blaming himself for what happened to Link, and you. He will constantly lament how he should've tried harder to talk you out of the duel. That if he had tried more harder none of that would've happened. He cared for you even when he wasn't your friend anymore. Quite sad."

"As for Zelda and her friends, they moved on with life as best as they could, but there was always a hole in their hearts that could not ever be filled back up." Lana continued. "Zelda never remarries and spends the rest of her life living as a widow. The child she and Link had would never know about their father. Every birthday, they would feel the sting of the loss, no matter how much Zelda tried to make it a happy occasion."

"Being born the day someone's beloved died is not an easy burden to carry, I can tell you," Cia bluntly stated, making Groose feel worse that Link's death triggered future Zelda to go into labor. She then looks sternly at the teen. "Maybe it might've been an unfortunate accident, but the fact remains that your actions resulted in Link's death. All of Skyloft will forever see you as a murderer. A monster. Nothing more. Nothing less less. The only one to blame for all this is you. Because of you, poor jealous Groose, your future will become a nightmare."

"NO! I don't believe this!" Groose yelled defensively.

"Believe what you say, but we do not lie." Lana slowly started to walk backward into the darkness. "For as long you continue to let your jealousy overcome you, the possibility of this future coming true will continue to grow. Unless you can change..." The darkness overcomes Lana. "Which you have the free will to do so."

"If you don't, you will become just as bad, if not worse, than your parents. You'll always be seen as a monster. You will spend the rest of your life in bitter loneliness." Cia bellowed as she moved into the darkness until it too engulfed her. "Leaving behind a legacy of misery & pain!"

"Where are you going! Come back!"Groose ran ahead, darting around to look for the women to no avail. "What do I do? How do I stop this?!"

"Bully…"

"Dumb brute."

"He doesn't belong here."

Groose darted in the direction of the sudden voices. He could not be the one saying the words in the darkness. They continued speaking, and with each voice he heard, they grew more familiar and harsh.

"Why is an asshole like him still allowed to attend here?"

"He brings nothing but dishonor."

"The Headmaster should kick him out already, geeze!"

"He should do himself a favor and leave."

"Better yet, jump off the island and hope he's stupid enough to not whistle for this Loftwing."

Groose clutched his head, hearing the words his peers had whispered over the years he had been in the academy. He had ignored them in the past, but hearing them all that once was too much for him to bear.

"No…Please stop." Groose begged, covering his ears to block out the voices.

"Why does Groose think he's the best? He's the most vile person I've ever met."

"If Groose becomes a Skyknight, I swear to Hylia I'll move away. No way I trust him with my life."

"What's his issue with Link?"

"We all know why. He's mad that Zelda would rather hang with Link than his dumbass. I don't blame her, to be honest."

"He wants to get under Zelda's skirt, not saying she would let him, though. I bet the moment he knocks her up, he'll discard her to the side and find another girl to drool over. Men like him are always like that."

"Talk about delusional. No sane woman would want to be with a guy like him. He's better off dying alone."

"Stop…" Groose slowly landed on his knees, head still on his head.

"Why do you insist on bullying him around so much, Groose?"

"...And you're also a jerk! You think how you treat others are good qualifications for being a knight?"

"YOU CLAIM TO HAVE RESPECT, BUT I KNOW THAT'S A LIE! NO ONE WILL EVER RESPECT YOU BECAUSE YOU'RE A BIG, SELFISH... ASSHOLE!"

Groose could feel the wetness of the tears sting his eyes. "Lana…Cia. I'll stop."

"...Perhaps that's why you tried to murder me."

"They won't shed any tears for you! You bring nothing but dishonor!"

"You contribute nothing! You do nothing for the benefit of Skyloft other than being a horrible person to everyone around you!"

"You don't even deserve to live. The world will be better off without you... "

That's when Groose could no longer bear the voices. Lifting himself up, he let out one final cry to the void around.

"I swear, I'll change! I'll be a better person!" Using every ounce he could muster, Groose said, "I'm SORRY!"


This chapter kicked my ass...Difficult to write.

In case you're confused. When I say Adult Groose I'm referring to hypothetical future Groose. When simply say Groose thats our current boy.

We are at the end of Groose Christmas Carol esqe adventure (Finally I admit that what it was). Next chapter will deal witht he aftermath and be the final part of Groose's arch, then we get back to our main crew.

On another note, this fic is now officially 2 years old. Thanks for the support!