Nightmares - Skyward Sword {ZeLink}

Chapter 12 - Who do you see?

Link’s POV 

I slowly walked towards the entrance of the temple, unaware of Groose’s location and where he may be hiding. Pushing open the doors.

I found the nearest bird statue I could find, and prayed. Soon a large gush of wind appeared from underneath me, and I was hoisted into the air.

Once I was above the barrier, I called my bird. But when he came, last night’s events came rushing back to me. All of a sudden I became very nervous.

Once my bird had arrived, he seemed exhausted. He looked as though he was panting. It must’ve been from the knights chasing him all over Skyloft, trying to catch him. All night.

I felt a bit guilty, I’ll admit. But I promised to my bird that I would sort it out, and make sure he’s not in any trouble.

I steered him into the direction of Skyloft, but a knight spotted me too soon. He gasped and called the other knights.

“He has returned! Get him now!”

I was so frightened right now. It’s quite nerve-racking to see at least 6 knights come charging after you.

I tried to make my bird go faster, but it was no use. He was already tired enough. I figured that my bird shouldn’t have to suffer for me. So I slowed him down.

But I didn’t realise the knights would be so reckless! They steered their loftwings right into us, bumping into us. They came from all angles.

Once they had us trapped from everywhere, they pulled out some ropes and began to put them around my crimson loftwing. He began squawking like crazy.

The knights then completely brought us to a halt. Then they just shove me off my loftwing! I screamed, as it is terrifying to get pushed off into oblivion.

I felt claws grab onto me and stop my falling.

“I’ve got him! Let’s go back!”

We started flying back to Skyloft at an incredible pace. I didn’t know what the knights were planning to do to me. But this whole mess, I’m not afraid to admit that I’ve taken it too far for anyone to ignore.

I was going to make a run for it once we had landed, but the knights were smart. They brought me close enough to the ground so me feet were touching, but so the loftwing was still holding on.

The other knights approached on the ground, about 5 of them. I didn’t think I was that much of a threat I needed to be tackled to the ground.

They all held onto me as I struggled to get myself free. There was a bit of yelling, and a lot of faces were staring as we made our way to the Knight Academy.

Uh oh…

I tried to run away again, but they pushed down hard on my shoulders, keeping me in place. We entered from the top floor door. Now I definitely knew where we were going. I gave up trying.

2 knights opened the doors and stayed behind, while the other 3 held onto me. We struggled all the way down the corridor, until we reached Gaepora, the headmaster’s door.

The doors were practically smashed down as we entered. Gaepora turned around at the exact moment I tried breaking free once more, so it didn’t look too good.

“What is the meaning of this!?”

Oh, was he mad. They shoved me onto the floor in front of Gaepora.

“This one was flying during the night, headmaster.”

He looked down at me, I felt like an ant. But then again, being at the lowest height you can be, would make you feel like one. He had a stern look on his face, before he calmed himself.

“Thank you, knights. I’ll take it from here.”

And with that the knights left, leaving only Gaepora and I in the room. He outstretched his hand and helped me stand. I was surprised at how calm he was. If I were in a different situation, I’d probably be expelled already.

“Link. I understand at how upset you must be feeling about all of this. But you still can’t go off breaking rules and regulations like that. There are reasons why we have them.”

I remained silent. It was only until at this moment, that I realised how stupid I must’ve been acting last night. No wonder I needed so many students to “capture” me. I stared at the floor.

“Link? Say something, please.”

“It’s my fault…”

“What did you say?”

I spoke in a pleading voice. “Headmaster, this is all my fault. This whole mess that we’re in; that Zelda is in. It is all because of me.”

“Link, don’t say that nonsense!”

“But headmaster! You weren’t there! You didn’t see it with your own eyes!

I am the one who hit the crystal with the master sword!

I am the one reason why Zelda is on her deathbed!

I am a failure!

I am no hero!”

“Link! That’s enough! Do not even think about speaking those words upon yourself! I do not see a failure before me.

I see someone who is strong!

I see someone courageous!

I see someone who will help my daughter come back to us!”

I was utterly speechless. I had known Gaepora for nearly my entire life. But honestly, I have never seen this side of him before. We both remained silent for a while.

“Headmaster I-“

“Gaepora is fine Link.”

“Oh, alright. Well, Gaepora. I am truly sorry for my actions. I just wasn’t thinking clearly and I needed to just… I felt like I needed to run.”

“No apologies are necessary, Link. I understand you perfectly. You are excused.”

I was so glad that was over and done.

“Thank you, Gaepora.” I bowed to him before I left, and walked out the door in silence.

Once it was closed, I rested my forehead against the wall and hit it lightly. After about a minute of that, I sat down against the wall. Zelda’s door was in plain view.

The last time I saw Zelda, was when Professor Owlan said that she might never wake up again. My heart was in knots.

I used the wall to stand on my feet, and I walked to the door. I was about to turn the handle, but I stopped myself. I had no idea why.

Part of me wanted to see Zelda so desperately. But another part didn’t want to see her at all. Why? Zelda is my friend! Why wouldn’t I want to see her?

I pulled myself together, and turned the door knob…