Head in the clouds (Skyward Sword Link x Reader)

Cooked or Cooking

The Temple of Time was unusually still. Sunlight streamed through the crumbling stone arches, dust motes dancing lazily in the air. Zelda stood at the edge of the time gate, her fingers brushing the ancient glyphs as if seeking comfort. Link lingered nearby, his hand never straying far from the Master Sword's hilt.

Groose leaned against a pillar, arms crossed. "So... we just wait here like sitting ducks? That's dumb as fu-."

Zelda smiled faintly. "The time gate is vulnerable while it recharges. We have to protect it."

Link was about to reassure her when a sharp, chilling voice cut through the air like glass.

"Ohhh, how heartwarming."

The air seemed to shatter as Girahim appeared in a swirling cascade of white and crimson diamonds. His grin was serpentine, his tongue flicking out in mock delight. "The little hero and his entourage, playing guardian again. How quaint."

Link instinctively stepped in front of Zelda, drawing his blade. "Girahim."

"Don't sound so cross, dear boy." Girahim tilted his head with faux pity. "You've been such a thorn in my side. It's time I plucked you out."

With a flick of his wrist, Girahim sent a bolt of razor-sharp diamonds hurtling forward. The cluster struck the ground between Link and Zelda with an ear-splitting crack, sending shards of stone and light flying.

Link staggered back, shielding his eyes. "Zelda—get back!"

But Girahim was already moving. His form blurred as he swept past Link, delivering a swift, vicious strike to his chest. Link's breath left him in a painful gasp as he hit the ground, the Master Sword slipping from his grasp.

"LINK!" Zelda cried out, reaching for him.

But it was too late.

Girahim's arm snaked around her waist, pulling her against him as if she weighed nothing. "And you, my little goddess—so sweet, so selfless. I've been waiting for this."

Groose bolted forward, fists clenched. "HEY! Hands off, you... you knock-off magicky freak!"

Girahim didn't even look at him. "Do shut up." With a single elegant kick, he sent Groose tumbling across the stone floor, his pompadour flattening against the temple wall with a sad little floof.

"My HAIR!" Groose howled. "NOT THE HAIR--!"

Zelda struggled in Girahim's grasp, twisting to look back at Link as Girahim approached the time gate. Her eyes locked with Link's—burning with a silent plea.

Her lips moved without sound.

Y/N.

Link's stomach dropped. Y/N? What had Zelda told her?

Girahim's grin widened as he stepped into the glow of the time gate. "Be a dear and stay down, hero. I'll take good care of her."

The portal flared, and in an instant, they were gone—leaving only the faint hum of magic behind.

Link forced himself upright, chest heaving. His fingers curled tight around the Master Sword's hilt as he staggered to his feet.

"Y/N..." he whispered, realization dawning. Zelda had given her something—power, maybe even her goddess essence. And if Girahim found out—

"She's in danger," Link muttered, eyes narrowing.

Groose groaned from the floor, patting his ruined pompadour. "Bro... what just happened? Why'd Zelda look like she dropped a secret side quest on you?"