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Wild has never realized just how much of a gremlin Sky could be.
Sure, the Chosen Hero had a little property damage under his belt (who was without sin?), had learned to hide amongst the cuccos when he wanted to escape farm chores (Wild would join him next time), and was known for a bit of teasing (especially Legend) from time to time.
But the real kicker was what was happening now: Sky sneaking Wild out of the academy at midnight to go for a night ride on his loftwing.
Wild was ecstatic. Sky was literally the best.
Sky showed him the easiest way to ‘freedom’ from the second-floor window (no wonder he had insisted Wild bunk in his room) all the way down to the academy’s gates. They ran off into bazaar from there.
The island of Skyloft was full of life even in the dead of night. Dozens of little lights hung from buildings and houses, with the walkways illuminated by even more. Not enough to be overwhelming or blinding, but enough to give off a sense of safety and comfort. One edge of Skyloft, which Sky was slowly leading them to, held what looked like a dock or a landing, which was just as lit up as the rest.
A singular knight dressed in a yellow uniform had been patrolling nearby, holding a lantern. Wild remembered being introduced to the young man before, but the specifics of when and who he was were long gone. Whoever he was, he did not seem surprised to see them at this hour, and smiled as they drew near the ledge.
Sky waved at the knight, who waved back, before turning back to Wild with a smile. “You have a paraglider, right?”
Wild nodded excitedly. If he was about to get permission to jump off the cliff, then Sky would officially become his favorite.
“Good. You shouldn’t need it, but… just in case.” Then Sky leapt off the island.
Yep. Sky was top-dog now. Wild jumped after him. The air rushed past him, cold but much appreciated. Skyloft, along with its warm light, fell away, until only the light from the moon reigned. Big fluffy clouds lay below them, reminding him of just how high they were.
A sharp whistle pierced the air. A shrill call answered. Something rushed past him, large and quick.
Sky’s excited laughter followed, plenty present even through the winds that whipped past Wild’s face.
Then, Wild was weightless for a moment, and found the loftwing underneath him, catching him in its saddle. Once he was settled in front of Sky, Crimson shot forward like an arrow. Wild ‘whooped’ in delight.
“Let’s show him a thing or two!” Sky called out to his mount.
Crimson held no hesitation, turning to the right before sharply spinning to the left, rotating three or four times before evening out, and shooting upwards. Then, down into a dive that elicited a shriek of pure joy.
Sky laughed from behind him.
They flew on.
Night flights were the best.