Disclaimer: Skyward Sword and involved characters belong to Nintendo.

Breath held, eyes narrowing, Link let his arrow fly.

It whizzed just above the wooden target and buried itself in the bark beside it. Clicking his tongue, Link circled his Loftwing around the Great Tree.

"Just one more," he promised, patting Pyrois' crimson feathers.

His Loftwing gave an answering croon. This had, in fact, been the third time Link had missed his mark. If he had ever hoped to catch up to Zelda's level of precision, then he'd really have to step up his game. Had she been present, she would have playfully reprimanded him for slacking off. Sometimes this would be accompanied by a competitive flicker in her eye, and she would challenge him to beat her score. Amused by her confidence, Link was eager to prove he was a worthy adversary. Unfortunately, this was still a work in progress as Zelda had developed a near-mastery of archery.

Coasting along the tree's giant frame, Link searched for his target with renewed determination. Once found, he retrieved another arrow from his quiver, straightened his spine and pulled back the bowstring. Sensing that Link was leveling another shot, Pyrois eased into a steady glide.

Link released his arrow.

This time his aim had been true and the wooden target swerved with an impaled center. Link beamed. Even Zelda would have been impressed with a shot like that. Pyrois trilled a resounding cheer, and in their moment of triumph, both knight and Loftwing raced through the air. Picking up speed, they climbed up to the very top of the Great Tree. At the peak, Link pulled on his bird and they inverted into a dive.

After a moment of weightlessness, they plunged downwards, Pyrois' wings tucked to his sides. With the cold, sharp air rushing against Link's ears and face, the world around them became a blur. At the very last second red wings spread to catch wind, and the pair leaned back to swoop upwards, narrowly avoiding impact with the ground. The grass split in their path, Pyrios's impressive wingspan accidentally bowling over a couple of poor, unsuspecting Kikwi's.

"Sorry!" Link called over his shoulder, but only saw a pair of quivering dots as they soared back into the sky.

Luckily for him, the Kikwis were forgiving creatures. He doubted that he'd be very successful without their guidance as Link had come to learn that his knowledge of the Kikwi's native land had been limited. Despite thinking himself an experienced resident, Link had only explored a small portion of the woods, leaving a brand new world to range over. What he thought were familiar paths had often led to new discoveries.

Machi had become a frequent scouting companion when venturing through these uncharted areas, eager to help Link with his navigation. Whenever the little Kikwi would point out hidden trails or unknown passages, Link would studiously mark them down on his map. As excited as Machi was in showing Link around the expanse of the forest, the Kikwi had to reluctantly enforce certain boundaries, sectioning off areas that were exclusive to Kikwi kind. Not wanting to cause dissent between the tribes, Link was quick to relay these restrictions to his fellow Skyloftians.

After all, if not for the Kikwi, they'd still be desperately searching for a place suitable enough to conceal the Tri-Force. Who would have guessed that Faron Woods housed another temple equipped for such a task? Having much to be grateful for, the Skykoftians did their best to honor all requests made by the little creatures.

Well...most of the time.

Link eyed the targets he had spread around the Great Tree. Bucha had asked for them to refrain from tampering with the ancient tree as it was home to many Kikwi. With a pang of guilt, Link had Pyrois take them around the tree and hurriedly collected his mess. The knight hoped the dents and scrapes his arrows left behind were not terribly noticeable.

He had been careful to have the wooden targets hang by rope instead of nails to prevent unnecessary scarring, and made special note to avoid any Kikwi-inhabited areas. Still, he did not want to risk a misfire and decided maybe it was time to stop using the Great Tree as an ideal obstacle course.

With everything packed, Link rode back towards the village to resume his daily duties.

The Bokoblin never saw them coming. Licking its chops, it closed in on a trembling Kikwi, only to realize a little too late that Pyrois was already upon it.

Shrieking at the sudden barrage of talons it fled in a wild panic, yelping when the Loftwing charged after it with an angry screech. In desperation the Bokoblin scrambled towards the Deep Woods at full speed, perhaps unknowingly towards the wooden barricade that blocked the way. By the time Link and his Loftwing had caught up, the Bokoblin had shoved itself inside a narrow opening between broken boards, legs frantically kicking behind it as it tried to squeeze through.

Pyrois decided this was an opportune moment to give the Bokoblin's wriggling flank a farewell peck. The intruder shot forth with a howl.

And stay out! Link thought, satisfied when he heard the wails fading in the distance.

Pyrois, on the other hand, was still riled up. Even though the Bokoblin was long out of sight, the Loftwing's crest was flared with aggression, and his wings beat hard against the wall of planks. The knight quickly pulled back on Pyrois, encouraging the bird to settle towards the ground. Once calmed, Link dismounted and gave Pryois a dismissive pat on the neck, who responded with a heated huff before taking off.

Pyrois had just started vanish into the clouds when Link heard a voice call out to him.

"Hey! Link!"

He turned to see Groose rushing towards him, fists swinging high in the air with each stride. Skidding to a stop, Groose bent forward panting with his hands resting on his knees.

"Came—as—fast as—I could," he panted between breaths. "Heard a huge racket—what happened?"

Link motioned towards the barricade, just in time for a plank to fall to the ground.

Groose looked horrified, jaw dropping as though he had witnessed a terrible crime.

"Those punks!" he ran in front of the damaged structure, fingers curling in distress. "They messed up The Groosicade!"

Link blinked at Groose disbelievingly. "You...called it the Groosicade?"

"Of course!" Groose wailed, looking like he had just lost a child.

Link knelt beside Groose, peering through the Bokoblin-sized hole. He had not seen much of the Deep Woods since they sealed the entrance, and at first glance, it seemed the same, but the forewarning cries of distant creatures told him otherwise.

"It should be easy to fix right?" Link asked, giving Groose's back an encouraging pat.

Groose pitched a snort over his shoulder.

"Easy!" he straightened up and pounded his chest with a closed fist. "Ain't nothing I can't put back together better and stronger!" Groose seemed to swell with confidence in that instant. "I'm going to punk-proof this barricade with even bigger traps!"

Link grinned. "Just go easy on those, I almost fell into one the other day."

"You mean The Groosepit?"

Link laughed. "I guess that was the one."

"Oh, uh, yeah," Groose rubbed the back of his neck. "That's why I left markers, so you know there's a trap and—"Groose caught a glimpse of Link's expression, which suggested such a thing was never encountered. "It should say Grooseland on it."

Link groaned. Groose never stopped looking for any and every opportunity to claim something—anything to be part of his personal project.

"Still going on about that?"

"Uh-huh! Gotta start somewhere!" Groose turned back to the barricade, hands digging into the various leather pouches he had strapped around his waist. "Grooseland is going to be totally loser-proof! No more dweebs will wreck all of Zelda's hard work!"

Groose was radiating with unrivaled determination, hammer suddenly in hand like he was ready for battle.

"Not on Groose's watch! I'll slug em all—duh-huh, but don't worry, I'll make a special exception for you." He grinned, jabbing Link's shoulder with a playful fist, perhaps with a little more enthusiasm than was necessary.

Link couldn't help but give a snort, flinging back a punch of his own. "Thanks."

Both men laughed, rubbing their sore shoulders.

As Groose got to work, Link could not help but admire his redheaded friend's dedication. Groose had been surprisingly knowledgeable about architecture and excelled at creating invention after invention to help maintain and build their village.

While Link and the other knights could intimidate and fend off troublesome Bokoblins from disrupting their establishment, it was difficult to keep them at bay for long. Somehow they always found their way back, hungrier and more aggressive than ever, moreso with the approaching winter.

Thankfully, Groose had been incredibly gifted in his craftsmanship, his traps successfully containing and repelling unwelcomed visitors. He made it his primary duty to ensure all traps were in top condition and never missed a beat when it came to repairs. Today was another example of just that.

Despite their efforts, their village was disappointingly barren. Several homes were built around the woods but nearly all were vacant. At first the surface had been lively with residents of Skyloft interested in staying in temporary lodging, or even having housing of their own. Volunteers had been plentiful then, fellow knights and townfolk helping with construction and development.

Unfortunately, that was all short-lived. The onset of winter had brought an inexplicable increase of monsters in both volume and ferocity. The attacks had stalled their progress, constantly terrorizing their settlement and forcing the Skyloftians to retreat to the safety of the skies. It had been a blow to Zelda's confidence, as she had especially prided herself in taking the lead in planning out the village. Of course, she and Link knew not to take it personally; they doubted anyone would want to immigrate to unfamiliar territory, especially if said territory was still littered with unwanted and dangerous occupants.

A shadow darted over from them. Link lifted his eyes and Groose followed his lead. Soaring just above them was a Loftwing, and Link caught a brief glimpse of its rider wearing a yellow uniform.

"That Pipit?" Groose asked, raising a hand to block out the sun's glare.

Link nodded, watching the pair bank around the Great Tree and slowly descend to the forest floor. "I thinks he's dropping stuff off at Zelda's."

That gained Grooses's attention.

"Hey, Link," there was a slight hesitance in his voice, as if forcing himself to continue. "Did you, uh, see Zelda today?"

Link looked at Groose, who kicked at the dirt idly, staring at his own feet.

"Not since yesterday, she hasn't been sleeping well," Link answered, watching Groose's eyes flick up with concern. "We canceled archery practice today."

"Oh," Groose's shoulders drooped just a little. "I guess she'd probably want to keep resting then, huh?"

Link shrugged. "Maybe, but you know her, she doesn't like sitting around doing nothing for long. Why?"

"Uh, nothing," Groose's eyes quickly went to his tools and kept his back to Link. "I was just gonna ask her something, that's all."

"Well, I was going to drop by and see how she was doing," Link began.

"Yeah, I was about to too but you know—" Groose yanked a broken plank free and tossed it aside. "Those creeps showed up and hgnn—!" Another plank was stripped off, this time more forcefully. "Wrecked the Groosicade, so now I gotta make sure this baby is fixed up, replace the boards and stuff..."

He seemed to be mumbling to himself now, and Link heard Groose uttering something about rotten luck under his breath. It was no secret that Groose was disappointed. Link had a sneaking suspicion that his friend had been in high hopes of setting something into motion today.

"Did you want help?" Link offered.

"Nah, I got this." Groose waved a dismissive hand, and his look of defeat told Link not to press further. "I know you got your own things to do and with Pipit here, you gotta go talk to him about your maps, so uh, just tell her I say hi."

After making sure every detail was up to date, Link folded his map and pocketed it. He made his way downhill and saw Pipit in the distance tending to his bird, Tawny. He was unfastening the buckles to her harness, which appeared to have several amply filled bags attached to her sides. Link counted at least four being unloaded to the ground with numerous scrolls and books spilling out, which Pipit bent down to collect. Tawny preened her feathers once relieved of the extra weight. When Link drew closer he saw her head dip down to reach under her wing and was surprised to find there was still something, or rather, someone on her back.

Neatly seated on a saddle, with his wide, beady eyes blinking about his surroundings, was Sparrot. Link wondered how he failed to notice him before. Then again, the fortune teller was so small he was easy to miss.

"Oh, it's you young man!" Sparrot greeted Link with a waving, dainty hand.

Link returned the gesture. "Hey Sparrot."

"It's been much too long!" Sparrot beamed. "I do believe I have not seen you since your last visit to Skyloft!"

Link nodded, catching a brief glimpse of Pipit grousing behind his Loftwing as he fumbled with Sparrot's luggage. "It's been really busy here,"

Sparrot held up a tiny hand. "Speak no more young man, for I know of the importance of your tasks here to ensure a safe future for us all! And my!" He gestured around him excitingly, nodding approvingly at the various pathways and fencing."What splendid progress! Nearly fit for living!"

"Well, not yet." Link confessed, helping Sparrot slip off of Tawny's back and steadying the petite man to his feet, who happily bumbled along, marveling at the houses. "We have a long way to go, there are still a lot of dangerous creatures around—"

"Tell me!" Sparrot suddenly chimed, staring up at Link intently, who secretly enjoyed feeling tall for once. "Have you been feeling the auras?"

Link blinked. "The...what?"

"The auras!" Sparrot insisted, an intense look in his eyes. "All around us! This Land is just overflowing with mystic energy! No doubt in preparation for the great Star Shower! What a promising night it will be!"

The fortune teller was speaking very fast, clearly enthralled with whatever he was rambling on about. Link could see that Sparrot had expected some sort of reaction from him, but was unsure what to say.

"Easy Sparrot!" Pipit had emerged, leaning over Tawny with a knowing smile spread across his freckled face. "Poor Link here has been doing nothing but chasing away pesky Bokoblins all week! He's got enough on his mind, don't you think?" He sneaked a wink to his fellow knight.

Sparrot's lip stuck out for a moment but eventually nodded. "Yes, yes of course, apologies, but may I suggest you partake in watching the great Star Shower tonight?"

"Star Shower?" Link repeated, somewhat dazed now.

"Sparrot," Pipit interjected, "if you want to enjoy this Star Shower of yours, we should get your stuff unpacked."

"Oh! Oh yes! This way Pipit, I must prepare right away!" Sparrot scurried towards Pipit, picked up the smallest, lightest bag from the pile of his belongings and retreated into an empty house.

Pipit scoffed, seeing the heavier bags were left for him to deal with.

"He's been like this all day," Pipit explained with a roll of his eyes. "It was neat at first but he keeps going on and on about these vibes he keeps getting."

Amusement aside, Link began to question the duration of Sparrot's visit as Pipit slung a sizable bag over his shoulder.

"Is Sparrot…actually moving in?" Link really didn't like how the fortune teller was Bokoblin-snack sized.

"No, he's just camping here for the night, don't worry."

Link wasn't sure if he was sold on the idea. Who knew how long until the barricade was broken through again? Not that he doubted Groose's handiwork, but the monsters have been becoming stubbornly persistent.

"The area isn't fully secure yet," Link insisted. "I had to chase off a Bokoblin not even twenty minutes ago, and Groose is still fixing the barricade it chewed through."

"Trust me Link, he insisted." Pipit gave a dry laugh. "I wasn't thrilled with it either, but you should see the way this man pleads." There was a certain tinge of exasperation in Pipit's words and Link guessed his friend had endured many hours of Sparrot's babbling. "He keeps raving on about these constellations that align a certain way every hundred years or something crazy like that."

"But it's true!" Sparrot had reappeared. Pipit visibly stiffened; there was no escape for him now.

"In this once-in-a-life time phenomenon," Sparrot began, "Something extraordinary happens! They say a portal opens from another dimension and the stars that fall are signs of mystic beings entering into our very own world for a visit. It is said to be a remarkable sight!"

Maybe, just maybe, Link was a little bit curious. "Mystic beings?"

Pipit groaned loudly. "Link, don't encourage him. Please."

"Yes!" Sparrot seemed absolutely thrilled at the inquiry."Enigmatic entities that bring joy and fortune to all. It is said they can only be seen by those young and pure at heart. They are timid to show themselves, but if I absorb the reflections of the shooting stars with my crystal ball, then I may be able to see them!"

Sparrot grasped Link's hands and gave them an eager shake, eyes twinkling. "I must urge you to see the Star Shower my boy! And perhaps take fair Zelda with you! It is simply too wondrous to miss!"

That didn't seem like such a bad idea. Zelda did always enjoyed sightseeing and had in truth, expressed some interest in star gazing. If this Star Shower was as remarkable as Sparrot was making it out to be, then maybe it would be worth taking Zelda with him. It could be a good opportunity to unwind after a long day.

Then it clicked. Was that what Groose had been wanting to ask Zelda?

Pipit snickered. "Goddess, Sparrot, I think this is the most excited I've ever seen you." He rebalanced the large bag on his shoulder, hefting it up as if to remind the fortune teller of the burden he was carrying. "Guess we should, you know, get ready for the big show?"

"Ah! Quite right! Come along Pipit!" Sparrot released Link's hands and immediately disappeared into the house he had claimed, again leaving Pipit with all the heavy lifting.

"I'll have to catch up with you later Link," Pipit sighed, eyes strained with forced patience. "Save yourself while you can, just do me a favor before you go alright?"

He stuck his free hand in his pocket and withdrew a small, thin parcel.

"Zelda asked to have this delivered to her quickly," Pipit handed it to Link with a wry smile. "So if you could use those lazy feet of yours and take it to her?"

Link took the package in his hands, which seemed paper light and crinkled easily in his grasp. "Did you want the maps now?" Link asked.

"You can give them to me later, got my hands literally full right now." Pipit smacked the bottom of the bag with the flat of his palm. "I'll be out and about making supply runs, but I'll be staying here tonight to keep Sparrot safe since he's my responsibility for today. After all, it's a knight's duty to protect and help others."

His words seemed to roll out begrudgingly, the corners of his mouth pulling into a frown but a toothy grin quickly replaced it.

"So don't worry, no babysitting for you. Just leave it to ol' Pipit!"

Areos had perched himself on Zelda's rooftop with his powder blue feathers rippling in the cool breeze. Link could see those keen eyes briefly flicking to his direction before sweeping back towards the kneeling figure on the grass. Following the Loftwing's gaze, Link found his best friend carefully parting the grass with delicate hands. Her lower lip was slightly caught between her teeth and her brow seemed to crease with uncertainty.

Link was surprised that he somehow managed to walk up behind her undetected. With childish delight, he peered over her shoulder to see what she was fixated on. Was it a bug? No, he didn't see anything between her curling fingers, which were quick to fasten around her shawl when a brisk wind picked up. She was completely oblivious of his presence. Link's mouth wrinkled as he tried to contain himself, but decided it was time to reveal himself.

He leaned forward. "Did you lose something?"

"Oh!" Zelda jumped, looking up in alarm."Link!" She brought a hand to clutch at her chest, gripping at it as though her heart were about to leap free. "You snuck up on me!"

Link grinned at her boyishly despite the scowl Areos gave him. "Yeah, it was surprisingly easy to do too."

Zelda swatted at him, noticeably red in the face. "I didn't see you!"

Link's grin widened. She rolled her eyes and gave him a playful shove that sent him tumbling to the ground and on his back laughing.

"Just you wait," Zelda huffed, jabbing a finger at Link's ribs, who recoiled with a giggle. "I'll get you back for that, you'll see." she promised but was unable to hide a smile of her own.

"Oh no," Link smirked. "Are you going to smite me, Your Holiness?"

Suddenly the knight was at Zelda's mercy, squirming side to side as the goddess incarnate punished him with a series of deadly pokes.

"Mercy!" He cried, voice tickled with laughter as he tried to shield himself from Zelda's assault. "I'm sorry, Your Grace!"

Zelda ceased her attack and grew very still. Link saw that her head was bowed down with her golden bangs veiling her eyes mournfully.

The knight feared he made an insensitive reminder of Impa. A stabbing pressure of guilt welled within him as he knew how dear the Sheikah had been to her. His mouth parted, trying to form some sort of apology or words of comfort, but Zelda had already heaved a heavy sigh and settled onto the grass beside Link.

"I still prefer Zelda." She said gently, eyes lifting to the sky in silent contemplation.

Link reached for her hand and offered an apologetic squeeze. She squeezed back and together the two lay there, watching the clouds float by. For a while they said nothing, merely enjoying eachother's company and collectively reflecting on the journey they had shared.

Despite the time that has passed, their hearts still felt heavy from the hardships they had faced fulfilling their roles. Not a day had gone by without Zelda missing Impa immensely, and although she strove for a bright future the ache was still there.

With a slow intake of breath, Zelda broke the silence.

"Hey Link," she turned her head to look at him, "Have you been having any weird dreams lately?"

Link thought for a moment, but couldn't remember anything note worthy. Well, aside from one dream where his Loftwing had turned into a horse and he had somehow obtained a magical ocarina that could manipulate time, but he doubted that's what Zelda meant.

He shook his head. "Not really, why?"

"I was just wondering."

Link frowned. It certainly didn't sound like simple curiosity. "Something up?"

Zelda pursed her lips before giving a curt nod.

"Yup, these clouds. See that one?" She raised a hand to point at a rather awkward looking cloud. "It looks like your hair when it's super messy."

"Ha-ha, funny." Link turned to his side, still holding Zelda's hand. "But really," he inclined forward hoping to meet her eyes. But they seemed uncharacteristically evasive, and he could see faint traces of dark circles gathered beneath them. "You doing alright?"

Hesitance, but eventually blue eyes met his.

"Hm, I think so," Zelda confessed but the conflict in her words did not go unnoticed by Link. "I've just been having a lot in my mind lately, but nothing to get worried about."

Link wasn't very convinced.

"Come on, put that frown away!" Zelda poked at his cheek. "I'm fine, really!"

Just then, a sudden gust of wind blew past them. Zelda's shawl flew loose and smacked into Link's face dead center.

"Pipit!"

When Link removed the shawl he saw Zelda had gotten to her feet, waving frantically at Pipit flying overhead. Their friend didn't appear to hear her as he raised higher and higher into the clouds and towards Skyloft.

She breathed out a somewhat frustrated sigh. In response, Areos had immediately flapped down to her side and flexed his wings anxiously. Zelda gave her Loftwing a reassuring pat on the neck before turning to Link.

"Sorry Link, but can we talk later? I need to catch up with Pipit really quick to pick up a package."

Link suddenly remembered he had delivery to make.

"I almost forgot," he quickly fumbled with his pouch pockets. "I was supposed to give this to you for him."

He presented the parcel to her and she stepped forward, leaning in to peer at it. Her eyes lit up with recognition and she clapped her hands together, "Good! I was waiting for this!"

Areos warbled deep in his throat, crest deflating in disappointment. Zelda ruffled his neck feathers affectionately. "Oh alright, go on you! Go have have fun."

After affectionately rubbing his beak against her side, the Loftwing unfurled his wings and took to the skies with a powerful blast of air that nearly took Zelda' shawl again. Link grabbed it before it could escape. Zelda was carefully tearing a slit in the package, just enough to peek inside when he handed it to her.

"What is it?" Link asked, squinting his eyes. It looked like grinded up roots and shriveled leaves.

"Medicine!" Zelda beamed, looking very pleased with the contents.

"For you?" Link's brows tipped with concern.

Zelda blew out a little laugh and Link was relieved to hear it had a feathery lightness to it.

"No, no, I haven't been feeling that bad." She shook her head with an amused smile. Her eyes seemed to have a certain shine to them, a type of reassuring warmth that put Link at ease. "No, this is for Machi, he's been sick."

"I didn't even know Kikwi could get sick." Link was sincerely surprised. He couldn't think of a single occasion when the little creatures were ever susceptible to any sort of illness. The Kikwi were practically an extension of Faron Woods, and they were quick to hibernate before the weather grew too harsh for their bodies.

"It does seem odd," Zelda admitted, tapping a finger to her chin. "But I guess winter is coming early this year, and Machi did mention something about being behind on preparations."

She neatly folded the medicine bag and tucked it under her arm so she could take her shawl and wrap it around herself. "Anyways, I really need to give this to him, I have him staying at my place until he gets better."

Link gave an understanding nod. As much as he wanted to talk more, he knew Machi's health held a higher priority. Zelda smiled at him in appreciation, and despite the chill in the air, Link felt a pleasant warmth swelling inside him. She reached for him and took his hands in hers.

"Link, I..." she had an almost rueful expression."I wanted to apologize for skipping out on archery this morning, so I'm going to make it up to you with a surprise!"

Link pretended to look worried. "Uh-oh."

"Come on, stop kidding around!" She lightly smacked his arm with a confident smirk. "You'll like it I promise!"

"Wait!" Someone shouted behind them.

Zelda and Link turned in unison to see Sparrot's figure speeding towards them —well, as fast as his little legs could carry him. Sometimes the man resembled a frantic, bobbing Kikwi.

"Sparrot?" Zelda glided towards him. "What's wrong?"

The fortune teller nearly collapsed in front of the two, huffing and puffing. "That Pipit! Taking off so soon before I —Goddess I'm out of shape —I could tell him!"

"Tell him what?" Zelda inquired.

"My crystal ball!" Sparrot breathed, slowly regaining his composure. He cleared his throat and dusted off his robes. "Ahem," he straightened himself up as if to appear taller. "In my excitement for the great Star Shower, I have neglected to bring my most prized crystal ball for the event."

"Pipit said he'd be back." Link assured him.

"Surely, but will he on time? I need it sooner than later, before the very moment the first star shines!" Sparrot began to droop, eyes hooded in despair. "But if I don't have my crystal ball by then I'll miss my chance to catch the lights and see the mystic beings…"

"Oh, that's…tonight?" It was Zelda who spoke, so softly that it sounded like she was speaking more to herself than anyone else. Link was surprised that she seemed familiar with what Sparrot was talking about.

"Yes," Sparrot sighed, staring at ground sulkily. "This day only comes once every one hundred years."

Zelda gave Sparrot a pensive stare with a set jaw. Perhaps Link was just imagining it, but it seemed like her entire posture had stiffened.

"Ooooh already these exquisite, all-seeing eyes of mine are beginning to dull at the thought of missing such an opportunity!" Sparrot went on, his voice raising in a dramatic note.

Zelda hummed thoughtfully, eyes glancing over at Link hesitantly. "Well…" her lips loosened into a soft, imploring smile. "What if...Link gave you a ride?"

Sparrot's eyes glistened at Link hopefully.

Link cringed inwardly, wanting to protest but Zelda was giving him a pleading look he couldn't ignore.

"That is," she said with an apologetic dip of her head, "If you don't mind, Link?"

He knew she would have volunteered herself if she could, but her tightened grip on the medicine bag told him she had more pressing obligations on her mind.

How could he say no?

Link gave a defeated smile. "No problem."

Link stifled a yawn, having heard Sparrot explain the Star Shower's origins for the third time now. The sun had already settled itself into the sea of clouds, a soft, distant glow in the horizon. Link guessed the surface below was well passed dusk.

The fortune teller was so enthralled that he could hardly contain his enthusiasm, his words tumbling out eagerly and excitingly, and kept talking and talking and talking…

"Oooh and just think!" Sparrot went on, bouncing energetically on Pryois' back, much to the Loftwing's displeasure. "The unbelievable fortunes I could tell, all would be revealed, everything! Of course, these piercing eyes of mine can already see the future, but with the Star Shower, no stone would be unturned! No one would ever doubt my wisdom."

Pyrois tossed an irritated snort into the air, feathers ruffling with waning patience. Link helped smooth them down with a few sympathetic strokes, but they would prickle back up whenever Sparrot voiced a new thought.

Link was starting to appreciate Pipit's efforts for withstanding such punishment. He didn't think traveling with Sparrot would be such a taxing affair, and hoped he had enough fortitude to last the rest of the trip. Lucky for him Skyloft had just come into view. Pyrois eagerly beat his wings faster.

"Young man I must say I am eternally grateful for your kindness." Sparrot suddenly piped, sounding as though he were interrupting his own speech. It took Link by surprise when he realized Sparrot was waiting for a reply.

"It's no big deal." Link shrugged, relieved to see the town's rooftops passing below them.

"Young man, this is a big deal!" Sparrot insisted. "This is a grand occasion that should not be taken lightly!" Link could feel the man's dainty hands giving his tunic a persistent tug. "As such, I would like the repay your kindness by giving you a free fortune this very minute!"

Link sent a questioning look over his shoulder. "Don't you need your crystal ball for that?"

Sparrot's tiny mustache gave a jubilant quiver. "Normally yes, but today is truly spectacular!" His beady eyes gleamed boastfully. "The auras I've been sensing down at the surface have been so extraordinary that they have temporarily enhanced my abilities to foresee the future without the aid of my crystal ball —of course I will still require such for the Star Shower."

Link choked back a laugh. He might as well humor Sparrot. "Alright, let me have it."

"Splendid!" Sparrot clapped his hands together and hummed loudly in his glee. "Pipit had his doubts until I told him of a promising future with his beloved Karane."

Link cracked a grin at that. Sparrot began to sway behind him, speech becoming chant-like.

"Aaaaaah I see, I see...the gathering of tempestuous clouds...I see restless nights in the wake of a storm. There will be clashing of spirits and the mighty will fall. You must beware when a shadow stalks you, for the past is not where you left it..."

Link bristled, an unsettling sensation building in his stomach. It wasn't in the nature of Sparrot's fortunes to be so ominous. He was so caught off guard that he was left speechless. Judging by Sparrot's muteness, it seemed the fortune teller was surprised by his own words.

"But in light!" Sparrot chirped, eager to break the silence. "A bond you hold with someone will soon become unbreakable!"

Link did his best to mimic an appreciative nod, relieved that Sparrot seemed satisfied with having their conversation end where it did.

Thankfully it wasn't long before Link had them land in front of the Bazaar and Sparrot wasted no time in dismounting. The little man nearly stumbled with his excitement as he rushed inside the building, allowing Link a brief moment of peace.

The knight stroked at Pyrois' beak absentmindedly, trying to parse his thoughts. Of all the years he had known Sparrot, he had never received a fortune that held such a grave undertone. Historically they have been inessential but always served as helpful hints to obtain useful findings, specifically in his time as the goddess chosen hero. But never any predictions of potential tragedy. At least, not like this.

The past is not where you left it.

Link's mouth tightened into a frown. Was this implying danger? Sparrot was never wrong about his fortunes before and Link had no reason doubt him, but he wondered if this was a product of the man's excessive excitement. After all, Sparrot didn't have his crystal ball, maybe he just got carried away in the moment.

Yeah, that had to be it.

Maybe he was overthinking it, but Link wondered if the chill running up his spine was really from the cold air.

Author's notes

Oh man, it's been ages everyone! I'm sorry for the ridiculous wait, I admit I've been going through some health complications so my personal life was a total mess.

But! Good news is that I've straightened myself out and I'm giving writing another shot. I almost gave up when I lost the original file to this chapter, but I'm glad I forced myself to rewrite it again, and in a way I'm glad I did because I think this version is better than my first attempt. Anyways, enjoy everyone! I hope this chapter makes up for the wait. Thank you for your patience. Feedback is always appreciated!

Stay tuned for more! :)