Some Music to set the mood watch?v=TPiyOplgtV8&ab_channel=GamingThemes

Chapter 29: Boundless Love

Burning pain stung on the left side of Fledge's face from the left ear sliced to the now burnt cut in the shape of a diamond—another addition to the ever-growing pain that Fledge felt all over his body. Fingers snapping bounces off the chamber. The knives pinning Fledge's hands to the door disappear. Fledge toppled towards the floor, letting out a pain-filled groan when he landed. The pain was so intense that even breathing hurt. Fledge slowly moves his head upwards. Greeting his gaze was Ghirahim staring at him with a sadistic grin on his lips.

"What an unpleasant state you're in. You could've evaded this if you had only given me what I wanted." Ghirahim crouches down, cupping Fledge's chin to study the boy's face. "Now look at you…If it's any consolation, your face wasn't all that good to look at, to begin with. I hope there haven't been any girls you've been pursuing."

"Shut up…!"

Fledge immediately went silent. Ghirahim, on the other hand, took notice of Fledge's tone. How defensive he sounded.

"There is someone who caught your eye? She must be a pretty little thing. I wouldn't blame you. She's way out of your league, I can tell. Chances are she's probably not interested in you, most surely if she saw your face now. Don't get me wrong, your face is, or should I say, WAS adorable to gaze upon. Good enough for some pleasantries but not enough for a woman to marry, bed, start a family, or even date you. She would have to have faulty intelligence to do so. Women tend to go for the muscular type, which you are not, Little Fledge."

If Ghirahim hoped to get another response with his admittedly harsh words, Fledge did not indulge him. All he could do was glare back. Ghirahim withdrew his fingers from Fledge's chin, standing straight up.

"I am impressed that you stayed silent. It makes me wonder, what will…." Ghirahim gives a hard kick to Fledge's side, forcing a groan. "...Get you to talk?"

"Please…"

"What was that?"

Fledge lifts his head, tear-filled eyes of pain looking at Ghirahim. "...Please, stop."

"Tell me where the gate is if you want me to do that."

"I-I can't." Fledge's cries echoed through the chamber.

"That won't cut it. So I suggest you do a little less whining and do more-" Ghirahim kicks Fledge again. "-Talking!"

"Stop. It hurts."

"Talk!"

"Stop…Please stop."

"TALK!"

Fledge continues to beg softly. The more he did, the more enraged Ghirahim grew, along with how hard he kicked Fledge.

"TALK DAMN YOU!"

Fledge watches Ghirahim stomp toward his face. Blackness obscured his vision.

Fledge darted up, letting out a loud gasp. His hand was over the left side of his face. Sounds of his hyperventilation bounced off his ears as his mind scrambled in panic.

"Master Fledge."

Hearing Fi's voice pulled him out of his state. Slowly, he regained his bearings. He was in the cave near the Mogma Colony, not in the Fire Sanctuary Chamber. Gorko was lightly snoring on another end of the cave on a rock bed that he had made for himself. Seeing his sleeping friends sank his nerves more rapidly.

One side of him was Karane with Pipit behind her, both sleeping, the latter's arm wrapped around her torso, gently holding her close. They faced in his direction. On the other side, Link was flat on his back, but his head angled towards Fledge. The four wore their pants, socks, and white long-sleeved shirts under their tunics. The rest of their uniforms lay neatly folded, not far from them. Fledge had his blue scarf on to comfort him to sleep.

Fledge's gaze met Fi, hovering near him.

"Are you alright, Master Fledge?" The sword spirit asks him.

"Y-yeah. I think so." Fledge let out a tired breath, resting his arms on his knees. "Did you wake me up?"

"I detected your heart rate increasing rapidly. I figured it was best to wake you."

"Thank you for that. It was only a nightmare."

"About your…time with Ghirahim, I presume." Fledge sluggishly nods his head. "Do not feel ashamed. You went through a traumatic event. Nightmares are a normal effect of that."

"This is going to be a normal thing for me?"

Fi nods her head. "It won't happen every time you sleep, and they usually happen when your mind is uneasy. Sometimes things will trigger them or suck you into flashbacks. The best way to handle them is comfort."

Fledge looks over to Link, who shows no signs of waking up.

"Would you like me to wake Master Link or your other friends?" Fi offered him.

"No!" Fledge responded immediately. "…No. I need some fresh air."

"Are you certain?"

"I am."

"Understood, Master Fledge," Fi replied. "If you intend to leave the cave, I should let you know that I felt a new presence entered the area a few minutes ago."

"Monsters?...Or him?"

"Neither of them is out there, that I do know. However, I do not know if this presence is friendly or not. I advise you to be careful."

"I've been through worse. I think I'll be fine."

"Very well." Fi stayed quiet for a minute. "If…If you need my assistance, do not hesitate to summon me, Master Fledge."

"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Fi." Fledge gave a small smile towards her.

The Sword Spirit returned to Master Sword that lay near Link, leaving Fledge isolated with his thoughts. The young teen glimpses at each of his friends. Part of him wants to wake them to seek comfort, but Fledge drives that idea out of his head. All three of them, Link especially, have been through a lot today. They need their rest. As for Fledge, he was not interested in going back to sleep.

Fledge stood to his feet, walking over to the cave entrance. The fire the Mogma's used to cook dinner earlier had long since died out. The Mogmas themselves are nowhere to be seen because they are sleeping underground. Sounds of crickets chirping caught Fledge's ears often. High above the sky were many stars, though Fledge wondered how he could see them despite the cloud barrier.

Leaning one hand on the cave wall, Fledge covered his face with the other to ease his nerves. Every event from today went through his mind. Despite knowing that Ghirahim was not near and had better means of defending himself, Fledge held his guard up.

Din's Melody. His trial. The Volcano Summit. The conversation he had with Gorko right before Ghirahim kidnapped him. The torture. His death & resurrection. Beating down Ghirahim. And Link obtaining the final sacred flame.

Goddess, what a day this was. So much good and so much wrong. The trial had allowed him to see the worth he had denied seeing for so much of his life, and Din gave him magic. Frankly, that was the best feeling Fledge had in years.

Everything went downhill the moment Ghirahim got his clutches on him. The torture Ghirahm put him through before executing him is something Fledge will never, unfortunately, forget. And if what Fi says is true, he will deal with it for the rest of his life. Fledge wonders if he'll ever fully recover. How he will, he did not know.

Amidst his thoughts, soft glowing blue suddenly caught Fledge's attention.

There was a small fire in the fire pit. Odd because Fledge was sure that the Mogma's put it out after dinner. Looking at it better, Fledge could see that this flame was not orange like a normal fire. The fire is the color blue, specifically cyan blue. A fire can't be this color. Yet there is one explanation Fledge could figure.

According to the legends he read growing up, spirits of those who had departed from the mortal realm can appear in cyan flames. Could this be the presence Fi had mentioned? If so, who was this spirit? Could it be someone who fell from Skyloft or the other islands? What are they doing here? And what does it want with him?

Fledge slowly moved himself to the flame to examine it. When he was close enough, the small fire instantly vanished. Then it appeared several feet away. Fledge makes his way over to it, only for it to disappear again and reappear not too far from him. This possible spirit wants Fledge to follow it.

The flame led Fledge down the path toward Cephla Lake. When he was close enough to the banks, the fire vanished. This time it did not show up. Fledge darts his eyes to see if the flame has reappeared or what it wants to show him.

"You sure are a long way from home…."

The voice made Fledge stop dead in his tracks. That voice sounded familiar. He knew that of a woman with words filled with enough warmth and comfort. Fledge long accepted that he would never hear them again.

Then Fledge saw her standing at the shores of the lake.

The moonlight emulating from behind was a woman surrounded by cyan flames indicating she was a spirit. Her platinum blonde hair, styled in a thick braid, dangled to her mid-back. The woman turns to face the teen, revealing the bang covering one of her green eyes and a small nose. Her clothes were similar to what some of the Instructors at the Knight Academy wore in honey yellow. Hands clasped together the same way Fledge does sometimes. Only one woman could have all of these factors, and Fledge could not believe she was right in front of him.

"Mama…?"

Luma spread her arms out to offer a hug. Her lips grew to a warm smile.

"Hello, Fledge."

No amount of self-control could stop the waterworks coming out of Fledge's eyes. Who he was seeing right now was the spirit of his mother, who had been dead for ten years. There was so much he wanted to say. All he could do was one thing.

"Mama!"

Fledge dashes straight towards Luma, tightly hugging her. He struggled to formulate the words to say while he wept into her chest. Luma did not protest, only holding him close, stroking his head to comfort him. Despite Luma being a spirit, her hug felt warm as they did when she was alive all those years ago—Goddesses, how he missed her hugs. Minutes went on without a word said, only Fledge's cries emitting in the quiet air.

Time had passed when Fledge finally pulled away to make eye contact with his mom.

"I-Is it really you?"

"It is me, Fledge. I'm here." Luma eyed his shoulders. "You still have my scarf?"

"It brings me comfort. Keeps you close to me." Fledge showed the back of it, showing Din's Emblem. "I hope you don't mind the changes."

"I love it. It suits you." Luma puts her palm against Fledge's cheek, caressing it with her thumb. "You've grown so much, my sweet boy."

Fledge leaned into her touch. Realization hit as he jerked away from Luma, using his hands to hide his left cheek & ear. It was a rude thing to do, he knew, but he did not want his mom to see the scars on his face.

"I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to…I-I don't want the first thing you saw to be...Please don't look!" Fledge stammered in his sentence.

"It's okay, Fledge. Look at me." Luma softly voiced.

The teen turns back to his mother. Luma places her hand on Fledge's arm. Her eyes alone told him that no judgment would pass. Steadily, Fledge removed his hands from his face, giving Luma a good view.

Luma's gaze went to her son's sliced left ear, the diamond scar on his cheek, and the scars on his hands. A sad frown grew on her lips. Fledge had his head downcast. Shame painted on his face as he expected to hear some hint of disgust from her.

"Oh, my poor boy," Luma whispers.

"They're hideous, I know. I'm sorry you have to see this," Fledge said sorrowfully.

"Don't." Luma gently grasps Fledge's shoulders, holding eye contact with him. "Don't EVER apologize for something that isn't your fault. And you are not hideous. Your scars do not change who you are. You're my son, and I love you no matter how you look. The only one to blame was that vile demon who did this to you."

"You know about Ghirahim?"

"Where my soul rests, we can see the affairs of this world. As do many of the departed who wanted to watch over the loved ones they left behind. I've been watching you since I passed."

"How are you here then?"

"It was Din's idea."

"Din?" Fledge was surprised to hear that.

Luma nods. "I saw the pain Ghirahim inflicted upon you in that chamber. It was so painful to watch. I was so bad in hysterics that Nayru had instructed Farore to escort me out of the room I was viewing. When I calmed down, Din came to me and told me that you sacrificed yourself and that she encountered your soul on the pathway to the afterlife before you came back to life. I saw what you did to Ghirahim after you came back."

"You saw me beat him up?" Fledge held his breath. Luma was not bothered.

"I'm not casting any judgment. That monster deserved everything you gave him. What Ghirahim did to you was horrendous."

Hearing what his mother had witnessed his torture and what she felt was heartbreaking for Fledge to hear. She had to see everything Ghirahim did to him. Watching your child getting tortured and being unable to do anything to stop it must be excruciating. Fledge wouldn't even wish that upon his worst enemy.

"Din knew how worried I was, and how traumatized you were. She came up with an idea to help you and me. She proposed to her sisters that I come down here as a spirit to see you. They agreed, and here I am now."

"I'm… I'm glad the Goddeses all agreed. Having you here shines this dark day I had."

"I am not the only good thing that has happened to you."

"What could you mean by that?"

"Your trial that you had. Din told me all about that. Thanks to that, you can see how much value you have within yourself. Value I knew you always had."

"It was…helpful. It made me realize that you were right. Even before I got Din's essence, I was stronger than I realized. I only wished I had known that back then."

"You know now, and that's what matters. And you want to know something else?" Fledge kept his ears open, anticipating what Luma had to say. "I'm proud of you. I am now and have been back then and will be forever."

Fledge smiles, wiping his eyes. He noticed a subtle but sudden shift in his mom's behavior. Luma's demeanor is now uneasy, twiddling her hands together nervously, and her facial expression riddled with debate. Something was evidently on her mind that she wanted to say.

"What's wrong, mama?" Fledge asks his mother with concern.

"...There is something I wish to tell you."

"What is it?"

Luma guided Fledge to a large rock big enough to sit on. Luma sat in silence to think over what to say. Fledge kept his attention on her in anticipation.

"Before I died…." Luma gently held Fledge's hand. "I initially had Gaepora promise to tell you this when you were eighteen. I thought that you would be able to handle it by then. But since I am here, and after what you've been through, I believe you are ready to know this."

"Know what?"

"I…I know you're curious about who your father is."

Hearing that had caught Fledge's attention fully. A mixture of excitement & nervousness filled up his chest. After so many years of adults changing the subject, he is finally about to hear the truth himself.

"Who is he? What was he like? What happened to him?"

Luma took a second to answer. "…I don't know."

That was an answer Fledge did not expect. "Don't know what?"

"I don't know who he is or what he was like. I never even met him." Luma faces Fledge. "Or your mother."

"I-I don't understand..."

"The truth is, Fledge, I… I'm not your blood mother."

16 years ago...

Luma sighed tiredly, setting the pen down at her desk next to the assignments she had now finished grading. The clock hanging on her dark classroom wall shows it is late. The projects she had graded were essays from her older students, and she wanted to take her time to ensure she graded them accurately. All the papers were, at worst, decent enough to earn a passing grade. However, her attentive grading cost her time. Fortunately for her, there were no classes for the next several days, leaving her plenty of free time to rest.

Tightening the jewel holding her blue scarf around her shoulders, Luma breathes into her hands in an attempt to warm herself. It was late winter. Spring would be coming within the next few weeks. The cold temperature, in and outside, would say otherwise. The frost on her window makes the cold air more evident. Luma wondered how the Skyknights on night patrol could handle the chilly weather.

Frantic knocking echoed through her classroom door when Luma was cleaning up. Sudden enough to make her jump in her seat.

"Instructor Luma! Are you in there? I need to speak to you!" The voice speaking sounded urgent.

Luma rushed over to open the door. A brown-haired young man with an apple-green knight tunic greeted her sight. This man was on the bridge between teen and adulthood. Luma knew him to be one of the Senior Knights. In his arms was something wrapped in blankets.

"Eagus? What's wrong? Aren't you supposed to be patrolling outside the Academy?"

New noise emerged from the wrapped object before Eagus could explain. Luma's heart dropped at the type of noise she heard, more so when she saw the blankets moving on their own. Luma's worst fear came true when an unsettled Eagus moved the bundle of blankets to give her a better look.

Secured in Eagus's arms was a baby.

"Oh, Goddesses." Luma covered her mouth in shock, focusing back on the unsettled teen.

"I-I was patrolling outside like I normally do. I decided to rest my feet in front of the Sparring Hall, only for a few minutes, I swear! I heard a noise, and I went over to investigate. I saw someone at the entrance. I asked them if they needed something, and they-they ran off without a word. I was about to go after them when I saw who they had left. I couldn't leave the baby alone, especially in the cold. You were around s-so I thought I come to you-"

"Calm down, son. You did the right thing."

The baby started squirming and letting out noises indicating that he was in some discomfort.

"Crud, I think he's about to cry. What do we do?"

Luma took a second to think it over. "Hand him to me."

Eagus followed her command and placed the baby into her arms. The child was getting fussier.

"Now what?"

"Go to Headmaster Gaepora & Instructor Owlan. Tell them what happened and to come here," Luma instructed firmly, keeping a good hold of the baby. "I'll try to calm him down."

Eagus dashed away. Luma closes the door leading into her classroom. Right at that moment, the baby started to cry. The Instructor was alone with him. It is up to her to calm him down.

"Shh. It's okay. Shh…" Luma said to him repeatedly in a soothing tone as she rocked him comfortably.

The baby continued to cry more loudly. Luma was starting to worry that something was wrong, but she was not jumping to that conclusion yet. An idea struck her. Moving to her desk, she pulled open a drawer, where a lone ocarina lays.

The small instrument was gifted to Luma by her late mother when she was young. Her students especially like to hear her play, so she would bring her ocarina to her class every day if they had extra free time so she could play for her students. Many others also like to hear her music, calling them excellent. Her ability could be enough to calm a crying baby.

Luma's mother taught her many songs, including one she used to play for Luma when she was a baby. Luma sat on the floor with her back against the desk. She placed the crying baby across her crisscrossed legs comfortably. With both hands-free, Luma proceeds to blow into the ocarina.

A loud but gentle tune emerged from the little instrument, followed by a continuous sweet melody. The baby's cries slowly died down the longer Luma played. Halfway through the song, the baby had almost stopped crying altogether. The baby seemed to be entranced by her music. Luma stopped playing several minutes later. To hear the baby no longer cry was a relief to hear. All the baby did was look at her, making cute baby noises.

"You're not sick, at least. That's good to know."

Luma noticed something tucked near the baby's neck in the blanket. Pulling the object out revealed it to be a folded piece of paper. Luma unfolded it, which showed it to be a written letter.

"My husband is dead. I cannot care for myself like I used to be able to since his tragic death. Even the birth of my son could not give me strength. He's only a few hours old, yet I feel no spark. Because of this, I fear I do not have the power to care for him. I hear that the Skyloft Knight Academy takes in orphans & foundlings, so the best option would be to leave him in your care.

I know whoever is reading this, you are likely thinking of me as a coward. Rightfully so. How can a mother abandon her child, much less her newborn, who's barely a day old? I pray that Hylia and her sisters grant me forgiveness for abandoning my son, but I have nothing to help him or me. I love my son, and he deserves better than a pathetic, cowardly mother who can't function after her husband's death.

The only thing I can do for my son is to give him a name: Fledge. Yes, like a Loftwing fledgling. Much like me, the more I think about it. Someone who doesn't have the maturity to be a mother, much less a single one. I wish I didn't have to find that out the hard way. Odd name choice, but it fits him. Call it the sole remnant of me he'll ever have.

Grant this final request to a mother: Please ensure he's well cared for. All I want is what's best for him. That best is, unfortunately, not me. If he asks, tell him: I'm so sorry."

There was no signature of any kind. Nothing to indicate who this was. All Luma knew was that the baby was named Fledge, his mother had left him, and this woman did not want to be known.

Soft cooing pulled Luma out of her thoughts. The baby, Fledge, stared back at her with his big brown eyes. Little arms reached out for her. He's a tiny thing, she noticed. Luma's heart went out to the little one. New to this world, and this baby is facing it alone. Poor thing had no idea what was going on.

Luma gathered the tiny baby into her arms.

"Hello there…Did you like that little tune I played?" Luma softly spoke to Fledge, despite knowing the infant could not understand what she was saying. Yet she felt compelled to do so. "My mama taught me that song and how to play it. She taught me a lot of things. Papa died when I was young, so it was her and me until she died last year. I suppose that's something you and I can understand. Facing the world without our mamas."

Baby Fledge did not understand what she was saying, but he looked like he enjoyed hearing her voice. Luma caresses his face with her index finger when she makes another discovery on his cheeks.

"My, what cute dimples you have! I think you're the cutest baby I've seen."

Luma's finger kept on stroking Fledge's face to comfort him. A tiny hand placed itself on her. It moved up towards her extended index finger. Fledge's little fingers wrapped themselves around her lone finger. Happy cooing emitted from him. Luma's chest filled with so much warmth and love. It made her almost burst into tears.

Luma moved the baby closer to her. His skin felt cold—a side effect of the cold weather. There's no telling how long he was out there. It's likely Fledge's birth mother did not live on Skyloft. Everyone on this island knows each other. Luma does not recall a pregnant woman who did not lose her husband recently. They probably came from the other island settlements, meaning they had to fly in the cold night to get here undetected. How long they were in the cold air was not known.

The baby nuzzles into Luma's neck. Something Luma was happy to oblige, holding his tiny head gently with one hand and holding his back to secure him with the other. Fledge made himself comfy. Luma smiled at him.

"Luma…?"

Another woman around Luma's age with blonde hair and blue eyes stood at the classroom door. She was dressed in a night robe with a candle holder with a single wick-lit candle in her hand.

"Hi, Athena."

The Headmaster's wife knelt by Luma's side, releasing a shocked gasp upon seeing Fledge.

"Oh, Hylia…So that's who Eagus was talking about to my husband."

"Fledge," Luma said.

"Pardon?"

"His name is Fledge. That's what the note said."

Luma glanced at the note to the side. Athena took it and spent the next several moments reading it over. The woman grew distraught at the letter.

"Poor thing. How can a mother leave her baby?" Athena wondered sadly. "I could never imagine abandoning my little Zelda."

"Someone who probably thought this was the best thing for him. At least did the right thing leaving him here."

Baby Fledge started to get fussy again. Luma gently rocked him, patting his back. "Shh... It's okay little one. She's a friend." Fledge then quickly calmed down, nuzzling back into her touch.

"Seems to me he likes you," Athena commented.

"Yeah, he does…."

Soon enough, Owlan, in his nightwear, was examining the baby, still in Luma's arms at her assurance, in the infirmary wing at the Academy. With them was Headmaster Gaepora, also in his nightrobe. And Eagus, who stuck around since he was the one who found Fledge.

"Of all the times this could happen, the only midwife on Skyloft is off the island for the week, and our best doctor is ill. What are the odds…." Owlan muttered while examining Baby Fledge.

"Did you see who left him, Eagus?" Gaepora asks the teen, who crosses his arms nervously.

"I didn't get a good look, Headmaster. They were wearing a cloak. When I saw the baby, I prioritized getting him inside, away from the cold. I had heard a whistle and a Loftwing screech when I had him in my arms. Whoever is his mother has to be long gone at this rate." Eagus looks in Owlan's direction. "Is he going to be okay?"

"I have no reason to believe this little one is in immediate danger, fortunately. We'll have to monitor Fledge for another few hours to be safe, but he should be fine."

"That is relieving to hear," Gaepora stated with ease.

"I will say this: He's lucky. Fledge had everything against him. Taking away the fact he's a newborn and extended periods of exposure to the cold weather, based on what I know, he's smaller than average. Fledge is a premie."

"A what?"

"Premature," Luma responded to Eagus, staying attentive to Fledge in her arms. "It means that Fledge was born earlier than normal."

"Is that bad?"

"In most circumstances, a premature baby would require extra attention. In severe cases, they would have small chances of survival," Owlan explained. "But as I said before, Fledge here is not in danger. Din seems to show great favor in him. We'll see what the next few hours will bring."

"Why don't you head home, Eagus? Take the rest of the night and tomorrow off," Gaepora suggested to the teenage Senior Knight.

"Thank you." Eagus turns in Luma's direction. "I hope he'll be okay."

Eagus exits the infirmary.

"If all is well with our visitor, I suppose our next course of action is to see if we can find someone willing to take him in." Gaepora moves to Luma. "I can watch him if you want, Luma. I know how to handle babies. I do have a one-year-old."

"I don't mind, Gaepora." Luma softly insisted.

"Are you sure?" Luma nods.

Right at that moment, Athena entered the infirmary. "Are you guys done? I made a bottle for Fledge. I figure he might be hungry."

"Just about. All we need to do is wait to see if there are any changes," Owlan let out a tired yawn.

"Go get some rest Owlan," Gaepora told the Instructor, to which he complied.

Athena moves close to Luma. "Do you want me to feed him? You must be tired."

"I'm fine. I can do it."

Athena handed the bottle of baby formula to Luma. The woman smiled at the baby cozied in her arms.

"Look what I have. Miss Athena made a bottle for you. You must be hungry."

Luma moved the tip of the baby bottle close to Fledge's mouth. He immediately started sucking, placing his tiny hands on the bottle. The bottle was empty within a few minutes.

"You have to burp him. Lightly pat his back," Athena instructed.

Luma nods. She patted his back for some minutes until a loud, strong burp echoed.

"Good job!" Baby Fledge could only respond by grabbing her face. A gesture that made Luma giggle happily.

Luma noticed how Baby Fledge looked at her with such fondness in his eyes. Luma felt a close connection with him briefly since she met the baby. Since her mom's death, Luma has felt a sense of loneliness. And now here's a baby, left by his family and no one to go to.

For most of her life, Luma had never been interested in marrying. Dates happened in her teens, but she never felt a spark with any of them. Back then, Luma knew that romance was not her thing. Wedding bells had no place in her future. Some may give her grief for it, but it was her decision, not theirs. With no marriage, that also meant no children, she believed. She made peace a long time ago.

Then this baby landed in her arms. She felt so much love for him. While she was happy to be single, there were times when Luma caught herself looking at mothers with their children longer than usual. Luma had always liked kids. If she didn't, she wouldn't have become an Instructor. She loved all of her students. Many sometimes call her their second mother. Always making sure they're doing great. Without a husband, she could not have kids naturally. Having them naturally out of wedlock was not entirely desirable either.

Adoption, on the other hand, Luma had never considered. Now she has an abandoned baby boy in her arms. Luma wondered if this was the Goddess's doing. One thing is for sure.

Fledge needs her. And maybe she needs him: Two lonely souls who might need each other.

"Athena, Gaepora. May I ask you both a probably strange question?" Luma's gaze moves to the couple. "This little one needs someone to look after him. And I know you let Instructors' families live with them at the Academy. Is it alright if I could-"

"I think we know what you're going to ask," Athena responded with a smile, looking at her husband.

"Question is: Are you certain about your decision?" Gaepora questioned. "What you're about to do is a lifelong commitment from this point. More challenging than being an Instructor. Every decision you make will affect him. It won't always be a smooth road. Not to mention, some people may get the wrong idea."

"I thought about this very carefully. Anyone who knows me should be able to figure it out. Any issues they have, they can take it up with me. I made my choice." Luma moves her eyes back to Fledge. "He needs me. And I need him too."

"Then tell us…What can we do to help?"

By mid-morning that day, Luma's room at the Academy had a crib, toys, clothes, and all necessities needed for a baby. Gaepora & Athena had been very generous in acquiring all these supplies. She'll have to repay them soon, despite the couple's insistence not to worry.

Baby Fledge was dressed in brand-new baby clothes and cleaned up. Owlan had also given him the all-clear on his health. It was only Luma and the newest, most important person in her life.

"This is where you'll stay until you're old enough to have room." Luma was sitting on her bed holding Fledge, feeding him another bottle. "But I promise to look after you. I hope I'll be the best mom you need."

Baby Fledge finished eating, and Luma helped him burp. Fledge let out a tired yawn. His eyes grew heavy. Luma did the same. She quickly realized that she had not gotten any sleep at all. Now would be a good time for both of them to nap.

Luma took Fledge to his new crib. Fledge lets out another tried yawn. Luma watches her newly adopted son fall asleep peacefully.

"Sleep well, my sweet boy."

Fledge sat frozen as Luma concluded her tale. He could not believe what his mom-...adoptive mom had revealed to him. Many thoughts flew through his head like a tornado throwing debris. Luma's eyes locked onto him, waiting for him to speak.

"I…I-I was a foundling?" Fledge shakily uttered.

Luma solemnly nods.

"Meaning my birth mother abandoned me?"

She nods again. "I'm sorry."

Fledge moves his gaze away, covering his mouth to try not to burst out crying. Shaky breaths came out of his mouth.

"My birth mother didn't want me..."

"That may be, but you know who did?" Luma's hand gently grasps Fledge. "I wanted you."

"But why adopt me? You spent the last years of your life stuck with me…."

"I do not regret my choice, not once." Luma moves Fledge's head in her direction. "Fledge, do you remember our conversation the day after I visited the doctor?"

Fledge looks at Luma. "You said to open my heart to love?"

She nods. "I adopted you not out of glory nor pity. I did it because I felt so much love for you in the first few minutes I knew you. You could say it was love at first sight. I wanted to make sure you were well cared for. I want you to become the best you can be. Tell me, Fledge. Does knowing me being your adopted mom change anything?"

Fledge stayed quiet as he reflected on the years before Luma's death.

How she spent her days with him, comforted him when he got a scrape, cheered him up after Cawlin bullied him, read him stories every night before he went to sleep, and soothed him after a nightmare or during a bad storm. How she encouraged him the first day he could attend classes at the Academy. How she always let him fly with her on her Loftwing. And how often she lets him know she loves him as any mother would. In all those memories, he could see the genuine love in her eyes no matter the circumstances.

"You did the best to take care of me…You were the only family I had." Fledge wiped his eyes. "All those years we had together, we're the best. When I'm having a hard day, I reflect on those days. I miss them."

"I miss them too. I'm sorry that I had to leave you behind."

"Life wasn't all that bad. I've been mostly okay. The Academy has everything I need. But some days I wish you were here. I feel so alone without you."

Luma strokes his face. "Oh, Fledge. You were never alone. I may be gone from this world physically, but I'm always with you in your heart. Even better, you have a family in the form of four wonderful friends. Zelda, Pipit, Karane, and Link are all great people. The love you all have is something to be treasured. Not many people have that type of bond. Love is a great gift, Fledge. Open your heart to those worthy of your love, as I did the same for you. Fledge, you made the final years of my life the greatest. Knowing my death was coming, I wouldn't change anything if I could do it over again. I'm proud to call you my son."

Through his tear-filled eyes, Fledge cast a warm smile. Luma pulled him into a hug. Mother and son held each other tightly. They remained that way for several moments. Fledge then noticed his mother fading away.

"What's happening?" Fledge pulled away, alarmed at what was happening to Luma.

"I finished what I needed to do. Now my spirit must return to the realm of the Golden Goddesses. Let Gaepora know what I told you. He would want to know."

"But-but I just got you back! Don't leave, please!"

Luma gently held Fledge's face, using her thumb to wipe his tears. "My time in this world is over. Yours is not. You still have a purpose in this life. Have the strength to live as I told you the day I passed."

"I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you as well but do not think of this as a goodbye. Think of this as a 'see you later.' The time will come when we will see each other again. It will be when you die of old age, after serving many years as a Skyknight, having beautiful children, grandchildren, maybe great-grandchildren, and living your life to the greatest. Your family will be with you every step of the way. And Orielle has my blessing."

"W-what?"

"In the afterlife, we can see glimpses into the future. She's a sweet girl. I know you both will be delighted to be together. That's all I can say." Luma let out a cute wink. "But before all that can happen, you have a quest to finish. Help your family, and help save this world. I believe in you."

Luma's form had become more faded. Fledge held her arm desperately, hoping that she could stay a few more minutes. Luma gave him a gentle, reassuring smile. Luma pressed her forehead gently against Fledge's, who responded by nuzzling his forehead against hers.

"Blood or no blood, you will always be my son. I love you, my sweet boy."

"I…I love you, mama."

"Goodbye, Fledge. Take care. Be the strong boy I know you are."

Luma's spirit fades away into bright tiny glowing particles. They floated into the sky, leaving Fledge alone. Reaching his arm out, Fledge watches until the last of the particles are gone. For a short while afterward, he remained sitting on the rock with his eyes glued to the sky.

Tears threaten to break through Fledge's eyes. Already he misses Luma, his mama. It was like losing her again, except this time knowing everything she had told him. This departure was more challenging than when she died. All he wanted to do was cry. Cry for his mama to come back. But keep himself composed. Telling himself that Luma would not want to see him upset, that she would want him to be happy, not sad.

Revelations of his adoption swept through Fledge's mind. Knowing this information makes all the memories of Luma that he cherishes heartwarming. His blood mother, whoever she was, left him at the Academy, out of her life. Luma let him into hers. She raised him as her son out of the goodness of her own heart. Luma might've not been his blood mother, but she was indeed his mama.

Determination swept across Fledge's face as he walked back to the Mogma Colony. Out in the distance, he could see the rays of dawn peaking through the sky. It would not be long until everyone at the colony, his friends included, would be awake.

Fledge walked on over to the section of the cave where his uniform lay. His friends remain sleeping not too far. Fledge smiled in their direction. They are his family, Zelda included. Din, he was so lucky to have them in his life.

Uniform in hand, Fledge examined his tunic. Lapi had done a great job getting the blood stains out. Her patchwork is remarkable. In the chest area of the tunic, Fledge could see a red thread that stitched together the location where Ghirahim gave the fatal wound. Gently, Fledge stroked the red stitch with his fingers. Despite how out of place the stitch may be, Fledge could see how it defines him.

Yesterday was awful. That day will forever etch into Fledge's mind. By the end of it, he had become a different person. Interesting how much a person can go through in a few short hours. Fledge will never be the same person when he woke up yesterday. He will have to bear the physical and mental scars for the rest of his life. The road ahead will be challenging for him.

But he is still standing strong. The stitch on the uniform is evidence of his hardships and shows how strong it is. The scars on Fledge's left face also showed this. Like this uniform, he too had been damaged, but he was all patched up, standing strong with no intention of backing down.

One by one, Fledge put on his boots, belt, pouches, bracers, gloves, chainmail, tunic, and hat. Adjusting his blue scarf was his final touch. With all that done, Fledge placed his sword on his back. Fledge looks into the sky outside the cave, waiting for his friends to wake, motivated to be ready for whatever comes his way on this quest and to help Zelda.

As for his friends that are here, he will help them. He will protect them, even if it kills him again. Not only out of the duty of a friend and Skyknight but out of the duty of family. And Fledge would do what he could to protect his family, as they have done the same for him over the years.

Elsewhere

Luma appeared back into the room. She had returned to the Goddesses' Realm, the afterlife. The large table with the orb stood to her side.

"All went well?" Din approached her from the other end of her.

"Very much." Luma bows to the Red Goddess. "Thank you again for granting me the opportunity to see him, your grace. I don't know how I can repay you for this."

"You can start by dropping the formalities. I've told you, just call me Din. Geeze, you mortals really need to stop being so formal around us."

"Right, sorry."

"All is good. You both needed it. Shall we meet with the others?"

Luma was about to follow Din but then turned her eyes to the orb. Din did not stop her, watching Luma go to the sphere where it displayed the image of Fledge. He had dressed back up in the knight uniform that he had been wearing. The garb honestly fitted him perfectly. Being a Skyknight was indeed his destiny. The Academy has to knight him after all of this. They would be foolish not to.

Her finger strokes the surface of the orb right near Fledge's face. Her son appears to be more confident. All that pain he endured previously, and he stood firm. Luma was proud that Fledge had the strength.

And yet.

"I miss him already," Luma admits softly, not facing Din when she walks beside her.

"You need not worry. Your boy is a strong one," Din said, holding Luma's shoulders to comfort her. "Has been since the day of his birth."

"I know…but I can't help but worry. Despite not being related by blood, Fledge is still my son."

"That you are. You may not have birthed Fledge, but you raised him no less different than how I saw mothers raise their blood children. Fledge is one tough kid, and he has you to thank."

"It's just-" Luma wipes her eyes. "It's just hard to believe how much he's grown. He was so small when I died."

"Watching the youngest in your family grow is tough. It's hard to see past the little bird they were. But seeing them spread their wings to fly alone is a wonderful feeling. It means you did the job well. Fledge certainly can fly well on his own now. You should be proud."

"Thank you, Din. That makes me feel good."

Din grins. "How about we take you back to the others? I'm sure they want to hear everything."

"I hope they don't resent me."

"Why would you think that?"

"Because… I'm the only one who got to talk to my kid post-death. They never did."

"They will not resent you. If anything, they'll be thrilled you got the chance."

Din led Luma outside of the structure. Warm light greeted Luma as the sun did in the mortal realm. Many buildings stood close to where she was. There was a town reminiscent of, but also far more extensive than, Skyloft that housed souls living in the mortal realm much like herself. That is where she is not heading.

Adjacent to the building was a beautiful garden. Farore & Nayru stood watching five other souls that inhabited this realm. Cara, Kit, Harri, Balea, and Arus happily chatted. The two Goddesses noticed their sister enter the garden with Luma by her side. The other five halted their conversation. Their full attention was on Luma, interested in what she had to share.

They wanted to know everything. How did it go? How was he? They knew about the horrific torture laid upon Ghriahim and the Demon Lord's previous attempts to murder their children. Luma laid out everything.

By the end, Luma had broken into tears expressing how happy she was to see Fledge and also sad because she missed him. Cara pulled the woman into a hug without hesitating. Luma cried into her shoulder while Cara let out words of comfort, letting her know how happy she was. The others followed suit. The Golden Three watches with bittersweet smiles.

A bit later, Luma approached the Golden Three. She had a request to ask for herself and the other five.

"If Ghirahim's soul, if he has one, somehow leaves the Mortal Realm, we have one simple request to ask."

"What would that be?"

"Give us a few minutes with the son of bitch." Luma told with complete confidence, not flinching once.

The Golden Goddesses glance at one another. They came to a silent agreement.

"If that ever comes, we'll see what we can arrange," Farore promised.

"Under most normal circumstances, we would not encourage such violence…." Nayru paused. "However, there are times where we can make…exceptions."

"We may be kind but also believe in fair punishments." An evil playful smirk crept upon Din's red lips.

That was something Luma did not expect to hear. The Goddess of Wisdom took notice.

"You and the others are not the only ones that had Ghirahim's actions harmed their loved ones..."

Nayru's fierce tone, the grim look on Farore, and the quiet anger on Din, Luma needed to say no more. She and everyone else in this realm know what that all means.

10 Years Ago.

"Where are we going, mama?" Six-year-old Fledge looked up at Luma, who was holding his hand as they walked through Skyloft.

"To the graveyard," Luma answered.

Fledge didn't say anything else. The graveyard wasn't one of their usual spots to relax. Why was his mama taking him there? It was strange to him. Fledge had noticed his mom acting differently lately. Luma had been coughing an abnormal amount of times. Allergies acting up were the primary suspect at first. A few weeks later, the cough persisted without sign of going away. Luma had also started to lose some color on her skin.

Yesterday it had gotten to a point where her students and colleagues were seriously getting concerned for her. Gaepora took Luma to the doctor in town to figure out what was wrong with her. Fledge did not see her for hours. The next time he did, Fledge noticed that his mama looked sad. When he asked her what was wrong, Luma smiled at him and said she was okay before telling him she would see him later. The smile she gave wasn't her usual radiant one.

Hours after his mama's return, Fledge felt a shift in the Academy. Instructors and other staff members all looked sad. When he walked by some of them, they whispered to themselves, casting looks of worry to him. There was one conversation he remembers.

"Do you think she told him? About her illness and the prognosis of it?"

"If not now, then she will sometime soon. Luma would not hide that from Fledge. She loves that boy."

"Goddesses, he's so young. How do you think he'll go on?"

"...I don't know."

Hearing that conversation, Fledge got a sense that something was wrong.

Mother & child arrived at the graveyard. No one was around, so they had complete privacy. Fledge glances at his mother, waiting for her to speak.

"Why are we here, mama?" Fledge spoke up.

"These stones have the names of every person who lived on Skyloft for the past one thousand years."

"Wow…" Fledge breathed out. "So all of these people lived here?"

"That's right."

"Where are they? That looks like a lot of names."

"They are no longer around."

"Why Mama? Where did they go?"

Luma faces him. "…You know your classmate, Pipit?"

"Yeah."

"Do you know what happened to his daddy a few months back?"

"That he died."

"That is correct. When someone dies here in Skyloft, we put their name on these makers. These stones serve as memorials. When Pipit's daddy died, his name is placed here because of that."

Luma showed Fledge a much newer stone than the previous old ones. A cough briefly halted them. Luma cleared her throat moments later, continuing. She pointed to the name 'Harri Erhard.' Next to his name was his birthdate & the date of his death earlier this year. Above his name were about many dozen others who had dates of their birth & death.

"Fledge, do you understand when you hear someone died?"

Fledge has yet to respond. He was unsure what 'died' meant. All he got was that the person was no longer around, and everyone got sad.

"I know that they're not around anymore…."

"But…" Luma gently pressed on.

"I don't know why they would leave. Pipit loved to talk about his daddy all the time. Why would his daddy leave if Pipit loved him that much?"

Luma crouches down to be at the same eye level as Fledge.

"Eons ago, the Golden Goddesses, Farore, Nayru, and Din, created this world and its living beings. They wanted their world to be taken care of and wanted to share the joys it offers. They created souls. The souls needed to grow and become individuals. So they created living beings for souls to do such things. Every living being you see, Remlits, Loftwings, insects, and humans, which is what you and I are, and possibly many more that we don't know, all have souls within us."

Luma's expression turns somber.

"But a soul's time here is temporary. One day it has to go back to the Goddesses' realm. When that day comes, the body, where the soul lives, dies. The person no longer functions; the soul is free, leaving the body behind. The soul's body can no longer talk, walk, eat, or do anything. That person is forever gone. That's what happened to all these people on these stones and why we don't see them."

"Can't we stop it?"

Luma let the air out of her mouth. "You can't stop it. We're not immortal like the Goddesses. Death happens to all living beings. It can come naturally, such as old age or-," She paused briefly. "...Illnesses. Or it comes from an external force, much like what happened to Pipit's father. Death comes when it comes."

"So…Everyone I know is going to die?"

"Someday, yes."

"Me too?" Luma softly nods. "And…you?"

Luma held her mouth, trying her best not to cry. "Y-Yes. There will come a time when I will die, and you will have to go on without me."

"I don't want to die! And I don't want you to die, mama!" Fledge held tightly onto Luma.

The woman pats the boy's hair to comfort him.

"I know it sounds scary, Fledge. It scares me too. But death is a natural part of life. Life is born, lives, and then eventually dies. Then new life takes its place, and the cycle continues. It's the natural order of things. But you want to know a little secret, Fledge?"

Another cough came out of Luma, prompting Fledge to move away to give her the space. Luma continued to speak after the coughing fit ceased.

"Death may be inevitable and unexpected, but we should not fear it. Rather we use the time we have to enjoy the world the Goddesses constructed. Life is something to be cherished. Many wondrous things in this world make life worth living, Fledge, even after I'm gone."

"But if you die… I'll be alone. How can I be happy?" Fledge questioned.

Luma holds his cheek, lips curving into a sweet smile.

"My sweet boy, you are never alone. There is someone out there who cares for you. One of the greatest gifts the Goddesses gave us is the capability to love. I promise you, Fledge, even with me gone, someone out there cares for you. When you find that person, they will be the brightest light on your darkest days. All you need to do is to open your heart to love, and you may find that person. Or perhaps they will find you."

Luma gently pulls Fledge into a comforting hug. The six-year-old accepted it. What he did not see were the tears trailing from her eyes.

I want to share something personal with you guys:

When I was 13 years old, I lost my dad to a heart attack. We didn't see it coming. It hurt me and my family. I'm doing fine at recently turned 26 but I think about my dad sometimes. My mother had to raise me and my other two siblings after dad died. Fortunately, she had a good job, and my brother was older enough to help out so got on quite fine. I also made some friends in the years afterwards that I appreciate. In a way, writing out a story of having characters dealing with the same pain that I once dealt with, still deal with in some form to this day has been helping. Losing a parent in childhood is not a pleasant thing to go through. I have my mom, but some days I think about how things will be when the day comes when she inevitable passes. It scares me. But I should not let fear of that day consume the time I have with her.

Another reason why I wrote this fic. I've been familiar with the Zelda series for a while, but Breath of the Wild was the first game I truly played. Eventually, I got around to play Twilight Princess, and of course Skyward Sword. Playing those games gives me a different insight than watching videos online. Watching, and reading alot of anaylisis and lore I got a sense og how...lonely Link must be in his adventures. Yes he's had companions such as Navi, Midna, King of Red Lions, and in this case Fi but any of us who seen their stories know how that ends.

Link never has anyone else accompany him on adventures, and usually has to deal with the aftermath of them alone. No one knows what he went through. Never seen the things he seen. The one time he did have others helping him was in Breath of the Wild in the form of Mipha, Daruk, Revali, and Urbosa and they...get killed. And we don't even know what will happen to Sidon, Yunobo, Teba, and Riju in Tears of the Kingdom which comes out in less of a month at the time of this post. I wanted Link to have companions who sees what he goes through in his quests to help Zelda, and willing to help him. All the while telling the story of individuals who suffered loss of loved ones and found a family among themselves. And Skyward Sword had the best cast of characters (Pipit, Karane, and Fledge) for that type of story I believe.

(TLDR: Author lost her dad at 13. I wrote this fic to help cope. Link needed friends.)

*deep breathes* That was unexpected. Sorry about that. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. We're about another month away from Tears of the Kingdom. I cannot wait!

And I hope you all like Luma. If you haven't figure it out by her name & description, she's based on Rosalina from Mario Galaxy games

Thanks for reading, and for the favs & reviews!