Author's Note: Welcome, welcome! I hope you enjoyed the prologue! This chapter might be a little longer than the other one. But first things first, Dixxy I haven't abandoned MBC: The Laser Tag Game, I am also working on that as well. Guess you could say, multi-task time! That oughta be fun! Away we go! Thanks to Guest for reviewing!
Chapter 1: The Troubled Wing
Something in the blue sky was flying. A red-white creature to be exact. It flew proudly, flapping its gorgeous wings with the sun beaming down at it so that it looked like fire. Another same creature was beside it but it had purple-white skin instead of red-white.
As they were flying, a proud looking kingdom was shown. As the strange birds were passing by the platform, small kids would jump off to ride on them. A medium-size rock cliff floated on the ground, having a waterfall cascading down. There was a building that looked like a cottage with trees at the side of it. Continuing up front, had what it looked like a bridge that allowed the people to cross to the other side where a statue stood above all.
In front of the majestic statue, a beautiful melody was played by a figure. The statue was standing there as if it was watching the entire kingdom.
The purple bird landed in front of the person, reaching out for the letter in which the person gave to it.
It took it and flew off.
The figure smiled, watching it fly. She then resumed playing the harp.
A green orb entered the dark room, revealing a person. It opened its brilliant blue eyes and when it did, those eyes were filled with alarmed as it started to examine the new place.
Where am I?
A sudden great roar interrupted my chains of thoughts and I gasped at the ferocious beast. But a purple light intruded as if it was trying to erase the beast.
"Rise, Link…The time has come for you to awaken…"
What does that mean? Who is talking to me?
I honestly didn't have a clue. I looked up to see a blinding glowing orb that had nearly blinded me temporarily.
"You are fated to have a hand in a great destiny, and it will soon find you…"
Great destiny?
"The time has come for you to awaken… Link…"
Finally, the fiend couldn't take it anymore and it raised its head up, roaring as it hoped that it will destroy the purple orb. The orb vanished, only to reveal the place with no light at all. I who was named Link couldn't feel the warmth going through my body only coldness. Harsh coldness.
I shook in fear and I hoped that I would get of this nightmare. But, I looked to see what was going on. There was another screeching sound and I looked left and right, trying to figure out where the sound was coming from.
I then turned my face but to find a large orange object right into my face. The figure gave out a screech of fright that could alert any people in the Kingdom.
A sudden thud came which indicated that something fell and it did.
I was sprawled out on the floor, glancing up at the ceiling before closing my eyes and then opened them. I examined my new environment but I found out that I was back in my room. As I did, I noticed the large bird was sticking its head out of the window.
The bird was curiously staring at me before it spat out something at me. I figured that it was a letter and then the bird flew away.
Getting up, I massaged my neck while picking up my letter to read it. It told me that how much I like to sleep in and it guess that the letter will be my alarm clock this morning. I snorted at that. It continued to say how today is the Wing Ceremony and how I promised the figure that I was supposed to meet the person before it started.
You'd better not keep me waiting. It wrote.
And of course, the letter was from Zelda. I who was still sleepy blinked my eyes and smiled when it was from Princess Zelda. A sudden flutter was inside my body but I ignored it.
Realizing that there is no point in going back to bed, I yawned and stretched before I exited out of my room. I was then greeted by the guy that was named Fledge.
"Good morning, Link!" the guy greeted me. "Today's the big Wing Ceremony, right?"
"It sure is!" I replied.
"I wanted to fly too, but I…I didn't make the cut, so I'm stuck back here at the academy."
"I'm sorry." I apologized.
The guy waved his hand as in to dismiss it. "Do not worry about it. Plus, I've got to move these barrels over to the kitchen. I was hoping to at least be able to cheer you on, Link, but… I guess that's the way it goes. Go out there and wow them, buddy!"
I smiled. "Thanks; I will. Good luck with those barrels."
I exited out of the building, being greeted by the sunlight that beamed down. I sprint down the path but someone yelled at me.
"Hey, Link! Up here!"
I turned around and saw that there was man, standing on top of the building I had exited previously.
"Hi." I called.
"Good morning to you, Link! Today's final the day of the long-awaited Wing Ceremony! Are you feeling ready?" Horwell asked.
I nodded. "I can't wait to get it started!"
"That's good. Oh, but it's a little silly to carry on a conversation from this distance. Why don't you come join me up here?"
I noticed that there were four wooden boxes that were stacked against the wall which would be good enough to get to the man. I jogged faster towards the boxes and then dashed them on it to reach to the top. Once I was on the top, I turned to my left to climb on a small hill. I aimed myself in front of the hill platforms, jumping across to reach to the person. It was then that I had reached the person.
"So what are you up to? Rushing to get some last-minute bird-riding practice in this morning, Link?"
I chuckled. "Guess you could say that. But, on the other hand, maybe not." I winked.
He smiled. "Oh? You have someone to meet?"
"Indeed. Zelda."
"Ah, she's waiting for you, isn't she?" I nodded. "Perfect timing, then! You see, Zelda's father—Headmaster Gaepora—has a pet named Mia, and well…she's scampered off again."
"Look!" Horwell shouted. We turned around and saw the pet, lying on the rooftop. "Over there! Do you see her?"
"Yes I do."
"The headmaster is so busy working with Zelda preparing for the ceremony…" the guy continued. "I thought that maybe I should feed her but the ceremony is about to start and I just put on a fresh set of clothes and, well…you see…Will you help me out and go retrieve Mia for me?"
"I'm on it." I replied.
"Fantastic! So you'll do it?! I know you're in a hurry, so I really appreciate your taking the time to help." Horwell responded.
"No problem. I like to help people." I stated, earning a smile. I then started to run towards the wall that was behind the guy and I dashed on the wall to get to the "rail" that was around the wall. Hanging on to it, I started to move towards the platform.
When I was on the platform, I jumped to the next one until he reached the last one. I then ran on the vines to the top of the roof. I noticed that there was a box that would maybe help me to get on the rooftop.
I pushed the box against the wall and started to climb the wall to reach the pet. The cat meowed as I picked it up and I started to head back to the guy.
"Nice work! You've brought her back safe and sound! Sorry for troubling you with this, I know you're busy, Link! I suppose I should feed Mia now." he said. "Please tell the headmaster that we found his pet. He should be up by the statue of the Goddess. I believe Zelda is there with him, so you should hurry along."
The name Zelda instantly brought a smile to me. And with that, I set off to cross the bridge to reach them. But before that, I made my way towards another person who was in front of the gate.
"Mornin, Link. How's life? Did you manage to get even a wink of sleep last night?" Jakamar questioned.
"I guess you could say that."
"Figured you might've been tossin' and turnin' all night thinkin' about the big ceremony today."
"Can't wait to start. What are you doing, today?" Link asked.
"Oh, just fixin' this gate here…It's been squeaky lately, and we can't have that on the day of the ceremony! Hey, you haven't already forgotten to send your prayers to the goddess this morning, have you?" Jakamar quizzed.
"I almost did." I replied. It was true though; the dream from yesterday made me to think about it. I still didn't understand what the dream was about. Awaken? What does that mean?
"A prayer in time saves nine, if you know what I'm sayin!"
I went towards the statue and whispered a prayer, saying how everything would be alright for today and I hoped I wouldn't mess up.
When that was done, I made my way towards the bridge and entered through a doorway I saw. I found Zelda standing in front of a circle, playing the harp.
"Oh youth, guided by the servant of the goddess…Unite earth and sky…Bring light to the land…" I was awed from the voice of Zelda who sang. I walked towards her, hoping to hear some more. But, Zelda noticed something and she turned around and saw me who was smiling.
"Hey! Good morning, Link. I'm glad to see my Loftwing got you out of bed. I was pretty sure you'd sleep in and forget to meet me this morning."
"I might've if you didn't do it." I chuckled.
"But look at this instrument! And look at this outfit! They're mine to use today in the ceremony, since I'll be playing the role of the goddess."
"Wow! It looks really nice on you." I said, earning a blush from her.
"Aren't they beautiful? Especially this instrument! They tell me it's just like the one the goddess was said to have in the legends. It sounds gorgeous too. I asked Father about it and he says it's called a harp. And look at these clothes!" she rambled, saying how that she made this to wrap herself and she gets to use it in the ceremony. She continued to talk how will she make a great goddess today and I couldn't agree more.
"I got you up early this morning because I wanted you to be the first to see me like this, Link! So…how do I look?"
I smiled. "It's beautiful!"
"I think so too!"
Another voice announced, making us to turn. "Ah, there you are, Zelda. Are you all prepared for today's ceremony?"
"Oh, hello, Father." Zelda greeted.
"Hello headmaster." I spoke.
He smiled, making his way towards us. "Ah Link, you're here too. Outstanding. It's encouraging to see you up so early, given your capacity for sleep." I laughed sheepishly. "No doubt today's ceremony had you too excited to close your eyes for once!"
"Yes sir!"
"If you win today's ceremonial race, you'll get to participate in the postrace ritual with Zelda, so give it your best out there."
"I will sir. I will do my best."
"Yes. About that…" Zelda bowed her head down, as if she was upset. "Father, I don't know if he can do it!" I was a bit shocked that she would say something like that. Zelda told him how I haven't been practicing much at all for the ceremony. She then explained that even if I was out riding my Loftwing, I was just lazily gliding around, probably daydreaming. I bowed my head in ashamed.
The headmaster talked about how there is no need to worry. He told us how today's Wing Ceremony tests the skill of the rider as well as his bond to his bird.
"Victory will not come easily." he said.
I slightly gulped as the headmaster said that he hadn't seen me practicing hard as some of the other students.
"But you've known him since you were both very little. You should know better than to fret about him! You see, Link and his Loftwing share a special connection. I've never seen anything quite like it."
He continued to talk about how each of us in Skyloft is but one half of a pair. He told us that they are only made whole by their Loftwings, the guardian birds that the goddess bestows upon each of us as a symbol of her divine protection. When we were young, every one of us meets our Loftwing under the great Statue of the Goddess. It was quite a big moment.
"Ahh, but that first meeting between Link and his Loftwing was extraordinary. The bird that came to him was a Crimson Loftwing. It is a breed so rare we were sure for some time that it had vanished from the line."
I also remembered the extraordinary moment all too well.
"Yes, and the boy and his bird seemed to share a profound connection from the moment they met." Link rubbed his neck, being a bit too embarrassed that they were talking about it. "Do you recall when Link and that Loftwing of his first met? What a sight!"
They continued to talk about me. Zelda was staring at me with awe. Things would always come so easy for me.
"And judging by how jealous you were that day, I'd say the friendship he shared with his bird didn't go unnoticed by you, my dear."
I closed my eyes, remembering the meeting. I then opened my eyes to hear the headmaster talking and chuckling, saying that he was sure that Zelda wasn't the only one who was envious of the powerful bond shared by me and my bird.
Zelda bowed her head before she shouted angrily at her father. "This contest is nothing to laugh at, Father! This ceremony is part of the final test for those training to become knights of Skyloft! If Link doesn't fly fast enough during the race…What if Link messes up his big chance…What if he's not allowed to become a knight?"
"Zelda…" I spoke. She turned around to face me. "Trust me; I know I will win this."
"Listen, Link. You'd better fly your heart out today. At the very least, you need to squeeze in a little practice time before the race!"
Zelda ran towards me and dragged me so I can practice. Once they reached the edge, Zelda continued to push me but I kept my balance.
What was she doing? Trying to kill me?
"Wait but Zelda! I can't sense the Loftwing!"
"Nice try, but you're not fooling me."
Finally, Zelda pushed me and I gave a shout as fell down. I continued to fall down until I whistled to call my Loftwing. Nothing happened for a while which made me to panic. Where was my Loftwing? If it doesn't come, I was going to die for sure!
The headmaster joined Zelda, watching me falling down.
"Hmm…His bird sure is taking a long time to get here…" the headmaster spoke.
Zelda gasped. "Something's wrong!"
She jumped off, executing a perfect dive and she whistled to summon her Loftwing. A beautiful purple Loftwing flew towards her and she landed on the back.
"Hang in there, Link! I've got you!"
She flew towards me and caught me, having me safely on the land.
"Are you two all right?" the headmaster spoke.
"Dandy." I spoke.
Zelda continued to rub her bird's wing. "I'm sorry friend. I didn't mean to push you so hard. You didn't sprain your wing, did you?"
The headmaster talked how it was odd that my Loftwing didn't showed up.
"I don't know…"
He frowned. "For a bird to ignore the call of his master…it's unheard of!"
The headmaster resumed talking about the odd scene that was displayed not a too moment ago.
"Link, when you said you couldn't sense your Loftwing, well…I should have believed you. I'm sorry."
"It's alright." I replied.
Zelda then said how she needed to tend her own Loftwing and how I better go on ahead and see if I can find where my bird went.
We then heard something. It almost sounded like a bell that rang throughout the place, alerting the people. Gaepora said how it was late and if he remembered correctly, the Instructor Horwell is presiding over the ceremony. He then said how I should explain the situation and see if he's willing to delay the race a little so I can find my bird.
I nodded but before I went, Zelda mentioned how her father is the headmaster of the academy. If I asks the Instructor, he'll probably just come talk to him about it. Realization came to him and he pointed it out how Zelda makes an excellent point as usual.
He then requested I to tell the Instructor to come see him in his quarters. I ran towards the path that leads to the knight of academy. I reached the small man who didn't look happy when I started to talk about my Loftwing.
"I'm a little busy here, so buzz off!" With that, I descended down the stairs, only to find another person in the classroom. I explained to him that my Loftwing wouldn't come when I called it.
"For a Loftwing to ignore it's master's call…something must be very wrong…" Owlan also mentioned about Horwell and if I had talked this to him. I told him that the headmaster was aware of the situation and I was sure that the headmaster will delay the ceremony for me.
I exited out of the room but I was still worried about my bird. Why didn't it came when I called it? What had happened to it? I was busy running to get to the plaza but I halted when someone called my name.
I saw that it was the short guy by the name of Gully who needs my help by rolling into the tree. I did that and the short guy exclaimed about how there was a sky stag beetle. He then started to chase the beetle. I then resumed running to the plaza. I came across three people and paused to listen to the conversation.
"…You know, Groose, that sure was a pain, what with all the scratching and pecking."
Pecking?
"Course it was. You thought a big Crimson Loftwing like that was gonna go down without a fight?"
I was alarmed when this Groose mentioned about the Loftwing. Groose mentioned how he didn't care how tough those birds are supposed to be. Groose stood up, stretching and the two boys turned around and gasped as they saw me. Groose then turned and was shocked to see me angry.
"Whoa! Link! So, uh…yeah. Just how long you have been standing there?" Groose asked.
"Long enough to know that you guys stole my Loftwing!" I exclaimed, angrily.
"Well then. You're here to talk about today's race. I can see it in those dopey eyes of yours." Groose said, changing the subject as he circled me. He taunted me how I can find it in my heart to let him win today.
"No way." I replied, sternly.
Groose smiled crookedly. "You're just desperate to win so you can get some alone time with Zelda up on the Statue of the Goddess at the end of the ceremony."
I clenched my fists tightly, trying to control my anger.
"Well, sorry, pal. Groose doesn't do charity for wimps. My advice? Work hard and wish with all your heart. You might even come in second."
Why that little rascal!
"…Say, come to think of it, how come I don't see your bird? Where is that scruffy pile of red feathers?" he smirked.
"You guys stole it! Give him back!" I shouted.
"Huh? I've got no idea what you're talking about." he then pointed his finger at me. "You know, we're all getting tired of how you never let anyone forget you and Zelda go way back."
I smirked. "Jealous?" I taunted back.
Groose growled. "You've been friends since you were kids? Big deal."
"Really? That's why it's been a big deal for you." I shot back.
"Dopes like you are dragging our honored academy through the mud."
I wanted nothing more than to punch him in the face. Just before I could do it, a voice spoke out.
"And just who might you be talking about, Groose?"
"Oh…" Groose stammered, seeing Zelda with her hands on her hips. "Zelda. Hey, nah…it's…uh…"
Zelda marched towards Groose and shoved me out of the way. "Don't even try it, Groose! You're picking on Link again, aren't you? He's a student at the academy, like all of us. Why do you insist on bullying him around so much?"
"Because he's jealous that he doesn't have natural talent like me." I stated, sneering. Zelda threw me a look that said now it's not the time.
"Yeah…I suppose…" Groose started.
"You suppose? Suppose what?" Zelda asked, her eyes narrowing. Something changed Groose as he said.
"I…suppose…you…er…pfft! Forget it. I wasn't supposing anything, ok?" he then turned to walk off.
They were at the edge but before Groose jumped, he shouted at me saying that he hopes I will find my bird or else I am gonna have to sit out today's race.
They then jumped off and flew on their Loftwings.
I was still angry and upset that Groose would even do something like this. Yet again, he would do anything to make my life miserable. As they flew, Zelda spoke.
"I hate to say it, but I'm beginning to suspect that those blockheads had something to do with your Loftwing's disappearance."
"They did. Groose stole it." I said, angrily.
"What? Oh Link! I'll fly around Skyloft and see if I can spot any trace of your bird." she also mentioned that her Father would talk to the Instructor about the delay. Having that only in mind, Zelda jumped off the platform to call her bird and left me on the land.
Author's Note: Wow, quite a long chapter. Sorry about that. So there was a LOT of talking in here and I apologized for it and I did, changed some things around. Like when Zelda suspected how those blockheads did something with his Loftwing, I put Link to say that Groose stole it. Till next time.
