Chapter Text
This is a tale that you humans have passed down through uncounted generations…
It tells of a war of unmatched scale and ferocity, the likes of which would never be seen again.
One Dark, fateful day, the earth cracked wide and malevolent forces rushed forth from the fissure.
They mounted a brutal assault upon the surface people, driving the land into deep despair. They burnt forests to ash, choked the lands sweet springs, and murdered without hesitation.
They did all this in their lust to take the ultimate power protected by Her Grace, the goddess. The power she guarded was without equal. Handed down by gods of old, this power gave its holder the means to make any desire a reality. Such was the might of the ultimate power that the old ones placed it in the care of the goddess.
To prevent this great power from falling into the hands of the evil swarming the lands the goddess gathered the surviving humans on an outcropping of earth. She sent it skyward, beyond the reach of the demonic hordes. Beyond even the clouds.
With the humans safe, the goddess joined forces with the land dwellers and fought the evil forces, sealing them away. At last, peace was restored to the surface.
This is a tale that you humans have told for many ages, generation to generation. But there are other legends, long hidden away from memory, that are intertwined with this tale. Now, a new legend bound to this great story stands ready to be revealed; a legend that will be forged by your own hands.
“And so, in short, that’s why you little shitholes need to get your act together and stop fucking around during class.” Brock Strider closes the book he’s been reading from and gives the kids assembled in front of him a stern glare. Karkat, Dave, Sollux, John, Rose, and Roxy gaze up at him and nod dutifully. It isn’t the first time they’ve been here, getting lectured on the different shit they pulled during class.
“Alright, get out of here. I don’t know why they keep sending you to me, I teach sword play precisely so I don’t have to deal with ankle biters.”
“That’s because you’ve got time to spare, bro.” Dave pipes in, prompting a snort of laughter from Sollux.
“You keep that shit up, go ahead. I know where you live.” Brock swats at Dave with the flat of his wooden sword, and he runs out howling with laughter, Karkat and Sollux in tow. Rose and John take that opportunity to shake Roxy into alertness, before running for it themselves.
“Don’t think I didn’t notice you, Roxy.” Brock snaps irritably. “You need to stop slacking off during class. You could go far if you tried. Rose, you and I both know you’re smarter than this. John, you and I both know you’re better than this. You guys aren’t like my little bro or his asshole friends, you’ve got potential, all of you. You just need to start giving a shit.
“Thank you sir.” John says solemnly, walking out the door. Rose smiles at Brock and follows him. Roxy just laughs and leaves.
Brock sighs as the voices grow more distance outside his door. “Can’t help them any more than that. Fucking kids, give them some good advice and they just laugh in your face.”
“I’m going to go study.” John announces as he walks across the courtyard. “I need to catch up on everything I missed.”
“Taking Mr. Strider’s comments seriously, are we?” Rose asks bemusedly, watching John rush ahead. “Is John Egbert going to move up in the world?”
“You bet!” John grins broadly, spinning around. “I’m going to be the best student this school’s ever seen! Until I’m known all across The Sky!”
“Well then, I suppose I’ll have to take things seriously myself.” Rose giggles, “You won’t beat me. After all, Mr. Strider did specifically state that I am the smart one.”
“Well he called me the better one, and I won’t disappoint.” John nods resolutely. “Besides, I’m tired of always disappointing my family. No more goofing off in class, no more following Dave’s crew and breaking the rules. I’m going to make my family proud!”
“Yeah well have fun with that.” Roxy waves a hand lazily. “My grades are fine, so forgive me if I’m not too concerned.”
“Aww, come on Roxy, don’t you want to go far?” John asks.
“I’m happy where I am.”
“Suit yourself sister dear.” Rose pats Roxy on the shoulder with a smile. “I, for one, find John’s enthusiasm to be inspiring. Shall we go to the library then John?” John gives his signature goofball grin, offering an arm, which Rose gratefully accepts.
“See you later Roxy!” John grins broadly as he walks into the school building.
Roxy smiles and waves, glad nobody’s there to see her blush. She stands alone in the courtyard for a few minutes; gazing into the sky and watching the knights fly overhead. She smiles, but it’s bittersweet. Finally, she makes up her mind to go home, and strolls down the stairs into Skyloft. “I don’t want to be great or go far.” Roxy mutters to herself.
“I just want to be Roxy.”