Chapter Three: Balaen
Link jumped awake as he heard someone pounding at his door. It had been three years, and Link was now ten. However he had developed a bad habit of sleeping in. That never deterred Zelda from jumping up and getting him up and around at the time he was supposed to be up, or as close to it as she could. Link opened his eyes and stared up at the ceiling for a while. The room was small and made of wood with a single window and single door. There was a bed, a nightstand, a closet where all of his clothes were, and a few other items lay scattered around the room. It was simple and that's all he needed it to be. He'd lived in this small dorm room since he had moved in after his parents had died, and it had been home.
"Link wake up," Zelda cried from the other side of the door. "We're going to be late!"
Link groaned and rolled over to look out the widow. The sun's progression told him that it was somewhere in the mid morning range. It seemed far too early for him, and he didn't want to get up. He couldn't think of what they were going to be late for. Wouldn't it be better to wait until later? What did he have that was so important this morning? Zelda gave a huff from outside.
"Link if you don't hurry I'm going to the Naming Ceremony without you," she called.
The Naming Ceremony? Link suddenly jolted awake and leaped out of bed, rushing to the closet to put on a fresh change of clothes. He quickly pulled them on and ran his hands through his hair, hoping to comb the mess out a little. He failed, and gave an irritated sigh. His hair just refused to stay tame. It wasn't a bad look at all for the boy, in fact it made him seem very handsome. Mostly his irritation just stemmed form the fact that it seemed impossible for him to get his hair to obey him instead of the whims of the wind outside. Guessing he was presentable enough he opened the door.
Zelda was leaning against the wall beside the door frame, mockingly checking her nails as if for specks of dirt as she waited. She offered him a playful smile, knowing that Link was definitely ready for this. He had wanted his own Loftwing since they had been children, and now that they were ten they were taking place with all the children of this year in calling to their partners. Then when they found them they would name them and create a strong bond. For the pair to fly well the bird and master had to be in perfect sync, creating a powerful mental language between them. This was how the master of the bird sensed their Loftwing was near and leaped off the piers around town to the safety of their Loftwing's back. That was the part that scared Link. He hadn't forgotten that his parents had died by falling from their Loftwings. He hoped his would be strong and not let him fall.
"About time you woke up," Zelda laughed. "We're almost late. Hurry! We have to get to the statue of the goddess!"
Without waiting for Link to even say hello Zelda grinned and grabbed Link's wrist. She tugged him quickly down the halls and past several students that were studying already to become Knights. The two children were obviously a normal sight for all of them, and they laughed a little as they saw Zelda tugging Link behind her like always. Link followed, trying his hardest not to trip as he was dragged forward through the halls, blinking sleep from his eyes furiously.
Soon they were outside, which didn't help Link's blinking any at all. The light shone brightly into the boy's eyes and made him blink even more because of it. Zelda just dragged him along after her though and soon they had reached the steps that led up towards the temple. Inside the courtyard under the sight of the statue of Hylia three other children waited, all boys. The biggest was a large brute with red hair that was spiked upwards and gold eyes named Groose. The tallest was a thin boy with a long nose, blue eyes and blonde hair cut into a bowl cut named Strich. The shortest was a thicker child with black hair and grayish eyes named Cawlin. The three of them turned to look at Link and Zelda as they arrived.
"Late as always huh?" Groose asked. "You almost slept in too much Link." Groose's mindless followers began snickering after that, which Link tried his hardest to ignore. Zelda on the other hand shot them a glare that instantly shut all three up.
Link turned instead towards the statue of the goddess, where Gaepora and five of the Knights were waiting, facing the children. They were all smiling, because today was a big day after all. Link took a deep breath to calm his shaking nerves. Seeing all the children now gathered, Gaepora stepped forward and looked at them all.
"Welcome children," he said. "Today will be the day where you will finally meet your Loftwing partner. This will be a partner that you will rely on, and it will also be a creature that will serve as one of your dearest and closet friends. Once you call your Loftwing you will then be given instructions on how to fly. The first flight seals the bond between the Loftwing and its master. The Knights are here to make sure you don't fall, because it is very difficult the first time. Be brave, and be proud."
The children were all watching Gaepora closely now. Though they would never admit it to each other, and they were trying as much as they could to be brave and appear so to the others. Groose went even so far as to puff out his chest like some indignant dog and bump Link who was standing beside him. Link ignored him and instead turned his head forward again as the Knights stepped forward and handed them all straps.
Link looked at it closely. It was a little strap that was made of leather, meant to hang behind the Loftwing's head and shoulders so Link could hang onto it. It was the safest way to remain on the Loftwing. Link continued to examine the strange gift until Gaepora began speaking again, which he soon looked up to watch the man.
"Now," Gaepora continued. "This is an important Ceremony. All of you close your eyes. Imagine yourself flying and picture your Loftwing. Try and feel it. Then when you're sure you can sense it, lift your fingers to your mouth and give a loud whistle to call your Loftwing. If you've done it correctly then a Loftwing will approach you. When the first appears I will give instructions how to approach a wild Loftwing. Those who haven't found your Loftwing will listen but continue to wait until you're sure you can feel it. Do you understand?" The children all nodded nervously. "Very good. Now begin."
Link closed his eyes as he had been instructed, but he couldn't help but wonder how on Earth he was going to picture something he'd never seen before. He tried to imagine what it would be like to fly, but he found himself distracted by terrifying images of his parents falling to their deaths. Link found himself terrified to call to a Loftwing. What if he fell? He'd asked for Hylia to answer his prayers before and felt like he had been ignored. How was she going to answer it now?
He thought for a while of different Loftwings. Some were small and couldn't carry a person. Others were larger and meant for flying. He wanted to make his parents proud and become a Knight. For that he would need a Loftwing that could fly fast and well, and he needed to learn how to have perfect control of his bird. But he couldn't help but wish that he would have one that couldn't carry him and couldn't fly. No one would blame him for having a partner that wouldn't be able to fly, and he'd never have to worry about falling. But at the same time he could get one that was strong and full of life. Which one would the goddess grant him? Which was his perfect partner?
Link jumped a little and opened his eyes as he heard a loud and obnoxious whistle from beside him. Groose had given a loud whistle. He opened his eyes and smirked at Link, and soon the sound of approaching wings could be heard. The Loftwing that landed in front of him was a large one, kind of a dark blue in color, and it had the same sort of "hair" on its head that Groose did. Groose stepped forward trying to look cool and got snapped at by the big bird.
"Close your eyes Link," Gaepora said. Link quickly closed his eyes, wishing he didn't look so surprised as he did. "Now Groose don't be hasty. Treat your bird with respect. Don't meet it's gaze at first, I know it's hard to not do so, but you can't ruin its trust in you. Now when it calms down, step forward with your hand raised. When it lowers its head and lets you pet it then you can put the strap on it and pet it. We'll tell you if it's a boy or a girl, and you can then name it. You'll have to wait until everyone's ready to go before we give the order and you can learn how to fly."
"Hey old man," Groose said, much to Zelda's annoyance. "Why did you tell me to sense my bird? I couldn't feel it. I just felt like someone was watching me and so I whistled."
"It's a figure of speech Groose," Gaepora replied patiently. "No one can actually sense their bird. Loftwings are very special creatures. If someone could feel the mind of their bird then they would have a very special bird indeed, and the goddess would surely favor that person."
Groose continued to grumble, and Link found himself highly distracted. But Groose finally got to finish showing off and greeted his Loftwing. Link didn't bother to listen to the name of the creature. What was the point after all? Groose was nothing but cruel to him. Link turned instead to try and imagine his bird. Maybe he'd feel someone watching him too. As much as Link was suddenly terrified of flying, he wanted to wipe the smirk off of Groose's face. He knew he was wearing one.
Link found he couldn't feel anything, and he wasn't sure what he was going to do now. Three other whistles rang out and three other Loftwings came down. Link felt worried suddenly. What if he didn't even have a bird? What if he was the first Skylofian to not have a Loftwing? He concentrated harder now, trying to feel something, anything.
"Link," Zelda cried happily. "This is Peleca! She's such a beautiful color, such a pretty purple. I wish your Loftwing would show up, then you could see her! I bet yours will be just as beautiful as her!"
"Yeah whatever," Groose said, trying to make Link mad. "He probably doesn't even have a Loftwing. The goddess hates him."
"Groose if you start picking on Link again-!" Zelda began to defend him.
"Children enough," Gaepora said. "Let Link concentrate."
The children fell silent, and Link felt an odd weight on him. He could feel their eyes on him. Gaepora and Zelda were looking at him expectantly. The Knights were watching him carefully, and Groose and his little gang were snickering and glaring, hoping that he would somehow fail. Link grew nervous. The people of Skyloft were waiting beside the waterfall to see the newest Loftwings and their riders ride over the water. It was the time of year when if the water was struck just right by a Loftwing's claws it could send up a cloud of water and create rainbows in the air for brief spans. What if he showed up without a Loftwing? Wouldn't his parents be disappointed? Was he just about to fail such an important moment in his life? Without a Loftwing he would be cut off from everyone, even those that had some that couldn't fly.
Link tried his hardest to concentrate more now, thinking hard. He was trying to imagine what it would be like to fly. If he could sense the bird above then maybe he could call it. He imagined looking down at the Skyloft from high above, circling slowly and peering down carefully. He thought he saw a flash of red. Then to his surprise, he realized he really was looking down on the Skyloft.
His eyes were sharper than before, and he could feel the breeze playing with soft plumage, as if he really was a bird. He spotted the statue of the goddess and looked down on it. He was surprised to make out his own small frame down below, and he saw everyone looking at him oddly. He had an oddly blank look on his face as his face turned skyward, and everyone was watching him with some confusion. The image suddenly faded, but he could feel another mind high above, watching and waiting.
Link jumped and looked straight up, shielding his eyes from the sun. he could barely make out a shape flying overhead, and he felt the presence of something else. He was confused, and everyone else obviously was too. Slowly Link realized that the creature was waiting, sensing him, sizing him up. Link brought his fingers to his lips and let out an ear splitting whistle, high pitched and loud.
He felt the mind acknowledge the sound, and he could almost swear that he felt both confusion and excitement from it. He felt much the same way. The shape above suddenly turned and dove right towards the ground, looking to reach the boy that had called as quickly as possible. And Link soon realized that this was no ordinary Loftwing.
For one thing, the others had all flown in from the sides and slowed carefully. This one dove straight for the ground from high above and let out a shriek as it did so, making the others jump and look up as well. For another, this was absolutely the largest Loftwing the boy had ever seen. It wasn't just big, it was huge. The chest was wider than any other, and though it was about the same height as most, its wings were larger and its legs were longer and stronger, its beak more pronounced and its body was just made differently. Then when it passed in front of the sun and he saw its color, it took his breath away.
It was red. Not just red, but a deep crimson color. It was the brightest and most vibrant shade he had ever seen a Loftwing in, and it almost seemed to glow against the sky above it. The white of its underbelly was the same, and so was the yellow and purple wing tips, but he'd never seen a Crimson Loftwing before. Everyone else gasped as well, and they seemed to grow very nervous. Link could tell why. The bird looked aggressive in every meaning of the word, and if Link hadn't been able to sense the eagerness from the bird's mind he might have bolted rather than wait for the creature to land. Soon it drew close and it's wings snapped out to their full expanse. It beat down on the air hard and slowed its descent, landing heavily on its legs.
It screeched and flapped its wings, snapping its beak and looking around with its flaming eyes. Link didn't feel anger from the bird however, only curiosity and a little confusion. Everyone backed away from the bird as it looked at them all, and the Knights drew their swords as if to defend the children from the odd Loftwing. The other Loftwings backed up, putting themselves between the Crimson Loftwing and their partners. The children peered out at the bird, and Zelda at Link with some fear. It was a fierce creature.
Link was fascinated by it. It was covered in feathers, but the backs of its wings were instead covered in a soft downy fur that was also Crimson and blended in well. Though it was a young bird, it was obviously strong and fearless. Link could sense that though it acted aggressively, it wasn't a mean bird. In fact it was now peering at the boy with the same fascination as he was staring at it. The bird went very still and the two met their gazes. They held the gaze though it was odd for a bird and a person to hold gazes for so long, the two didn't look away. The creature was obviously a fighting bird, strong and full of a warrior's spirit. Was this his perfect partner? He could feel the Loftwing wondering much the same thing as it looked at him.
"Link be careful," Gaepora warned strongly.
Link paused and broke the bird's gaze to look at the man. He was confused. If no one was supposed to sense their bird, then why could he clearly sense the bird's mind? The bird was obviously large enough to fly and carry him, maybe even large enough to carry two people of Groose's size already with no problem. Why was this creature his Loftwing? Suddenly a strange idea came to Link. What if this was the answer to his prayers? What if the goddess had sent him this Loftwing on purpose, such a special and obviously rare creature? What could that mean. He again looked at the bird, who was standing tall and up straight, blinking and tilting its head back and forth rapidly in a very bird like movement. The bird seemed to be thinking about the bird as well, and it seemed the bird thought that he was just as odd as he though it was.
Link thought of his dream of becoming a Knight. With this bird he certainly could do that, but he was afraid to fly. He didn't want to fall to the ground like his parents had. He didn't want to be out in the open air with no stable ground beneath his feet. The bird immediately noticed this fear and seemed to pity the boy. Then he felt the bird think something he couldn't quite name and felt reassured by the bird. He blinked, and realized that they were somehow communicating.
Link reached out towards the bird, and at the same time the bird lowered its head and let the boy's hand brush the feathers on the top of its head. Link blinked and petted the bird silently for what seemed like a long time. He ran his hand down the fur on the bird's back. He knew he wasn't supposed to yet because the bird could grow nervous and snap at him, but the Loftwing was still and seemed to like the feeling. It could sense the boy was just as nervous as it was. The Crimson Loftwing let out a soft shriek and turned its back to the boy. Link slipped the leather strap on and tightened it, then loosened it a little again as he realized the bird thought it too tight. He got it both comfortable for the bird and safe for himself, then patted the bird.
The Crimson Loftwing then turned and nudged Link's shoulder gently with its beak, inviting the boy to stroke it more. Link took the creature's face in his hands and began to pet it. He couldn't help but smile a little at it. It was such an odd creature. It's eyes were now watching his face, and it seemed oddly happy too now that it had seen him smile. The Crimson Loftwing ruffled its feathers.
Gaepora carefully approached, looking carefully at the creature. He seemed in awe of it, and he turned his startled eyes back at Link. The smile fell from Link's face as he looked at the man worriedly. Why was he looking at him like that? He glanced around and realized none of the other children had managed to put their straps on their Loftwings, and they weren't as calm as the Crimson Loftwing was now either, though they were keeping them behind them. The Crimson Loftwing looked absolutely ferocious, and though it was being very gentle with Link, there was something in its eyes that both spoke of its warrior spirit, and made it look terrifying. Link looked at the bird again, which met his eyes again, trying to reassure him again.
Link glanced at Groose, and saw a look of absolute disgust on his face. He had shown him up! He glanced up at the Knights and noticed that they were confused and looked a little scared. He looked at Gaepora, who was looking at Link like he'd never met him before in his life and had offered him something questionable. Link turned at last to Zelda. Surely his best friend would have something to say, something comforting to say. She'd smile at him as always and be glad for him. But he found her eyes full of jealousy. Link looked away quickly and saddly stroked the bird's face then. He didn't want them to all look at him like that. He was just the same as he'd always been. He was no different than before.
The Crimson Loftwing let out a soft click of its beak and nudged Link again, sending him calming thoughts, reassuring thoughts, but Link just felt isolated and lonely. Why would they all change? Zelda had always been his kind and happy friend, and Gaepora had been like a father to him. The Knights were as good a family as any that he could have, and he felt as lonely as he had the day his parents had died. In response the Crimson Loftwing lifted its head and clicked its beak to chastize the others. It just looked furious though, but the other Loftwings lowered their heads slightly, able to understand the odd language that it spoke.
"I think you'd better name him Link," Gaepora said quietly. "This is a Crimson Loftwing. We thought the breed had died out from the line all together, but it seems we were wrong. You always have had a strange way with Loftwings. Give him a name Link. It's the next step in the ceremony."
Link felt the eyes of the others on him, and he felt like he wanted to disappear suddenly. He stepped closer to the Loftwing and listened to his heart a moment, trying to think of an appropriate name. What was he supposed to call something like this? It needed to be strong sounding, full of life, but not too fierce. He wasn't a mad or mean Loftwing, only naturally born a fighter. He wracked his brain for a moment, trying to come up with something. The bird waited patiently. Link was suddenly acutely aware that everything was silent in the plaza. Elsewhere he could hear excited chatter as everyone gathered to see the new Loftwings and await the ceremony. He tried to think carefully, then inspiration struck and he looked directly into the Loftwing's eyes.
"Balaen," he said. "You're Balaen."
At the sound of the name the Loftwing ruffled its wings and blinked. The boy felt that the bird was pleased with the name. It seemed to him that the Loftwing felt that the boy had given it a name that captured its personality perfectly, and it happily nudged the boy again. Link couldn't help but smile again as Balaen sought his attention, and he gladly gave it to him. He rubbed the bird's strong neck and was careful to not ruffle any of the feathers along it. Link suddenly felt glad. The bird was strange and exotic, and he felt glad to have made his odd friend. Balaen seemed to be thinking much the same thing, and the boy almost forgot the hurt and loneliness he had previously thought, almost.
"Very well then," Gaepora said. "Children feel free to talk amongst yourselves. The Knights and I must discuss what we will do next. Each of you will be given a tutor, and you will learn how to fly. Then the Ceremony will be able to conclude soon."
With that Gaepora stepped away and listened to the Knights and began to talk to them in low voices. Immediately Link glanced at Zelda, but her face was difficult to read. His face fell sadly again and he buried his face inside Balaen's large chest try and blot it out. Why was she looking at him like that? They were friends right? Balaen remained very still and looked down at the boy with quick jerking motions of his head. Groose and his gang's angry and jealous bickering was closer to normal, but even though he couldn't hear what they were saying, he felt like each word was more hurtful than any they had said to him before.
Balaen suddenly stepped back, and Link looked up in surprise. The bird hunkered down on its legs, laying its body on the ground beside Link's waist as it waited and watched him for a moment. It looked like he wanted to roost, but Link could obviously tell it wasn't his intent. He looked at the boy closely, inviting him. He didn't understand at first and watched him. Then Link became very aware of the air currents swirling around the island. Balaen wanted him to fly?
Link felt scared again. What if he fell? What if something happened? He was petrified of flying, but Balaen just glared at his refusal. It was obvious that the bird wasn't taking no for an answer. Balaen assured him in his own way that he'd never let him fall, and it seemed to Link that Balaen was eager to show Link his world over the clouds. As nervous as Link felt, he suddenly felt a strange need to see that world for himself.
Carefully Link reached over and grabbed the strap with his left hand. He was left handed after all, something else Groose and his gang constantly made fun of. He tested the strap, and it pulled taunt after a few tugs. It looked thin suddenly. Could he really trust this to keep him on the back of the bird. Balaen suddenly went very still and quiet, still encouraging Link with his mind.
"Link what are you doing?" Zelda asked quietly, a note of fear in her voice.
Link didn't glance up at her, just continued to stare at Balaen. Suddenly he forced himself to have more courage than he'd had in many years, and swung up onto the bird's back. The Loftwing shifted a little, and Link laid his knees against the bird's back, spreading them out so they nestled comfortably for both of them against the strong muscles beneath. He could feel the bird's wing muscles work as he suddenly stood and flared his wings a little. Link was both a little scared and excited. He gripped the strap tightly with both hands.
"Link what are you doing?" Zelda practically shrieked.
Now he had the attention of the Knights, Gaepora, and Groose and his startled gang. Balaen gave him no time to second guess his judgment though. He leaped up, jolting Link and making him wince. Then the Loftwing began to flap downwards, pushing up with each powerful stroke. Usually a Loftwing as young as he was wouldn't be able to take off this way with a passenger. Usually he would have to wait for his partner to leap off one of the many wooden piers around Skyloft and catch them so he could correct in time to fly on because he would already be flying. But Balaen was a Crimson Loftwing, and by no means a regular Loftwing. If he had waited for Link to jump off the pier he would have been stopped before he could make it far. Now however he was already in the air. Soon he had gained enough altitude that he dipped his beak forward and flapped hard and fast.
They rocketed away from the statue of the Goddess, and there was a lot of confusion behind them. Gaepora was trying to calm Zelda who was now frantic with worry, and Groose and his gang looked ready to jump on their own Loftwings and show Link up. They were quickly calmed and kept quiet, but it took longer for the Knights to recover from the confusion and for one of them to leap onto their Loftwing to follow. By that time she had a hard chase because the Crimson Loftwing was faster than his size suggested, and he was far away by now.
Link was scared at first, and closed his eyes. But Balaen flew straight at first and level, and soon he opened them. It was a beautiful sight, watching the Loftwings circling by aimlessly or playfully dip close to Link and Balaen. The sky seemed so much bigger now, and the clouds didn't look nearly so menacing. He could tell that Balaen knew every current that was flowing through the sky now, and he knew how to read the wind. Link felt at ease and didn't worry about falling now. He knew that the Loftwing would catch him if that would happen. What had happened to his parents, he could suddenly understand, was a freak accident, and there were no monsters in sight. The watch of the Knights had been doubled, so no monsters were getting anywhere close again.
Link relaxed and let go with his right hand, only holding on with his left. He often saw Knights riding in the same fashion, relaxed and at ease. Balaen seemed pleased when he realized that the boy was relaxed more. Then Balaen seemed to be challenging him, urging him to allow him more freedom to fly. Link agreed and felt the bird tilt upwards, flapping up to gain altitude quickly. Link quickly adjusted so the bird could ascend and he was still comfortably on the bird's back. Balaen was teaching the boy how to fly.
Once they had flown higher, he suddenly pointed his beak towards the clouds below and folded his wings. They began plummeting quickly towards the clouds, but Link only felt a slight glimmer of fear. Balaen knew what he was doing, and he just had to trust him to teach him silently what to do. Link again shifted, making the descent much easier and stopping him from sliding back when he dove so fast. Once they neared the clouds, Balaen slowly eased his wings back out and stopped his dive, still racing quickly past but no longer headed down. Link again shifted until he was comfortable and soon enough he began to slow, going a not so quick pace, but faster than before.
Link let out a laugh. It felt great to actually be flying! He wasn't scared anymore. He knew that he could trust Balaen, and since he could sense his mind he was a better teacher than any human. Link was still a little confused how he could sense his mind when all other people couldn't. It usually took people a long time to learn how to control and read their bird like he was doing now, but it seemed so natural since he could sense the bird's every thought and movement through his mind, and what he should do to make it so that he was safe and comfortable on the bird's back, as if he'd done it for years.
Balaen urged the boy to trust him and then shot forward slightly, snapping at the air. Link was surprised, but the bird repeated the motion and Link shifted so he was comfortable and let the bird do the same thing. Link realized that this was an attack he had seen used before. When swords weren't an option or swift action was needed Knights and normal fliers often used this when they were in need of a quick defense.
Link listened to his teacher's mind, but mostly he just felt joy from the Loftwing. Link suddenly felt joy too. Then he got an idea. Link shifted and then asked the bird to go up. Balaen happily obliged and flew up again. Link asked him to dive as he shifted and he also followed this order, happy to share his joy with the boy. Link's fear disappeared as he went through the commands again and again, letting the bird dive and weave. Then Balaen showed him other things, like how to drift and calmly let the world slide by beneath them, and also how to remain on his bird when he flew upside down. He showed him more difficult tricks, but never any his young body couldn't manage.
Then Link's joy was replaced by a little bit of shame as the Knight caught up with him. He didn't meet her gaze, and Balaen leveled out and let her bird come beside him. He'd never done anything like this before, breaking the rules so badly. However the Knight's response wasn't one that he expected at all. She smiled at him.
"You're amazing," she cried. "I was worried when I saw you flying off on this Loftwing! I thought there would be no way that you'd be no way that you'd be able to control this bird! He's one terror of a Loftwing alright, but you're a natural. The goddess must really favor you!"
"Y-You think so?" Link asked, surprised.
"Yes," the Knight replied with a nod and a smile. "You're great. You fly on your bird like you've done it for years!" Then she winked at him. "But promise me you won't go breaking rules like that again alright? You scared everyone half to death. That could have been dangerous."
"Y-Yeah sorry," Link said sheepishly. She giggled.
"Tell you what though," she said. "I think you'll do pretty good, so I'm going to show you something else. If you're good at this too then I'll just forget this whole thing happened."
Link blinked at her, confused. He had Balaen turn though to follow her as she turned her Loftwing towards a rock that sat floating in the middle of the sky. They had a hole through them and an odd shimmering blue shape. As he was wondering what it was for though, the Knight's Loftwing folded its wings and went into it. They suddenly went rocketing out of it in a blur of motion. Link pulled Balaen back and watched the rock nervously, and the Crimson Loftwing circled around slowly, also watching the portal closely. He began silently tutoring Link on how to go through it and survive the incredibly fast speeds it would produce.
The Knight came back, laughing and waving at him as she did so. He gave her a nervous smile back as she turned and brought her Loftwing beside Link's again. She looked him up and down as if to approve of him or not. She then nodded to herself and smiled again.
"Good," she said. "I wouldn't want you to go through on your own. Go ahead and go through. We're not facing Skyloft, so you shouldn't run into anything out here. I'll be right behind you in case you fall off alright?"
Link nodded and steeled himself. Then he turned Balaen towards the strange archway and took a deep breath. He urged Balaen through it and shifted as he had been told. He had to correct a little because the speed was more than he'd expected or anticipated, but soon he got the motion down and he had no danger of slipping off. Balaen's wings folded close to his body so that he was zipping by quicker than ever. Eventually he began to slow and extended his wings, slowing nearly completely and flying eventually at a much more normal pace. The Knight came up beside him again and laughed.
"You did amazing," she cried. "I'm glad you're so good at this! I was scared you'd fall off for a minute there. You and that bird are an amazing pair! I've never seen a bond like that!"
Link said nothing, instead thinking of his strange connection to his bird. No one else had a mental connection with their bird. He didn't even know if this was something that was normal at all! Maybe the goddess did favor him, or was trying to make up for the fact she had let his parents die. He wasn't sure what was going on, but he was glad that Balaen was here either way. On the bird's back he felt safe. He suddenly hoped his parents were watching him and that they were proud of him now. He felt a smile touch his face, and he smiled. It was a true smile, and though he had smiled before, none had been as big or bright as this one. He hadn't smiled like this in a long time.
"Well come on," the Knight said. "We'd better head back. They've been learning how to fly by now I expect. You've worried everyone enough. We have to complete the Ceremony soon too. Back through we go."
The Knight turned and sent her Loftwing through the tunnel. Link turned Balaen through as well and soon he was rocketing off behind her. Skyloft was very close by the time Balaen had slowed, and the other four Knights were buzzing around like angry bees. They seemed relieved to see him alright and seemed to relax a little as well. But Link flinched more when he saw a purple Loftwing come rushing towards him. It was Peleca, and there was a livid Zelda on her back.
"Link what were you thinking?" she cried. "You could have gotten yourself killed! I was worried sick."
"I don't know," Link said, deciding against telling her about his seemingly strange connection with his bird. "I just wanted to fly..."
"You're terrified of flying," she cried. "You've been terrified since...forever!"
"I know but," Link began. Suddenly he thought of flying and felt Balaen's joy again. That true and genuine smile touched his lips again, and Zelda paused. "It's amazing." For a long while Zelda was quiet.
"I'm sorry Link," she said. "For being jealous. When you flew off like that I was just terrified that you'd die and that'd be the way we parted. I'm not jealous anymore. I'm just happy for you. I haven't seen you smile like that in a long time. Just promise me one thing. Teach me how to fly better?"
Link turned to look at her and saw that big smile that he was so used to seeing. He felt happier than ever then, and he was glad that she was his friend again. He'd rather be flying and enjoying the peace and happiness he had with his best friend than have all the favor of the goddess. Zelda was his best friend. He grinned and nodded.
"You bet," he replied. "Anytime."
"Alright children," one of the Knights called. "Get in formation like we tell you. Link I want to talk to you."
Link felt his heart fall a little again and he looked away, ashamed. He'd never really broken the rules of anything before. The male Knight came over with the female from before. Zelda however looked angry and Peleca between Link and the two Knights like she was going to protect him. The male Knight looked angry, but he paused when he saw the two. Zelda looked like she was going to give him an earful too and Link looked ashamed and was peering up at him carefully. The female Knight from before just laughed.
"Don't worry," she said. "I don't think Link will get into too much trouble. He has a special connection with that bird. I've never seen anyone fly like that on their first flight ever!"
"It still doesn't excuse the fact that he broke the rules," the male cried. "He could have died or-!"
"Well he didn't die," Zelda said. "And he's fine. Besides he was with his Loftwing. Nothing was going to happen. You know that they're our guardian spirits! And..." she paused and glanced at the surprised Link. "I haven't seen him smile like that in a long time."
Now the two Knights paused and looked at the boy. It was true that they hadn't seen the boy smile in a long time, at least not a real smile. He'd been lonely and upset lately. As mad as they were at him, and amazed, they couldn't stay mad. Link was just far too sweet a boy for them to stay mad at. The male Knight sighed but gave him a small smile.
"Alright alright," he said. "I get it. You'll just have to be careful from now on. And we can't just let you get away with breaking the rules. I'll have Gaepora come up with a punishment for you, but for now we should finish the ceremony. Come on you two."
Link felt happier than he had for the whole day. Yes he'd broken a rule and he was going to have to pay for it, but he felt like his best friend was back, and he wasn't scared of flying anymore. Balaen would be there to catch him if he fell, and he knew that with Balaen teaching him he wasn't going to fall. He was already a great flier. Balaen let out a loud shriek when he felt the boy's spirit rise, and Link could tell that the bird was glad to know that he was happy again. Link smiled at Zelda as they went to join the pack of birds now making for the waterfall.
The Knights carefully circled the children as they made their way towards the waterfall. Everyone was gathered and waiting now, and one of the Knights flew off to tell Gaepora that they had found Link safely, and the strange way that he was so good at flying. The others made their way behind the rocks and the waterfall and talked excitedly amongst each other. The time for the Naming Ceremony to begin its completeion was nearly here.
Zelda was right next to Link, smiling and laughing with him. The Knights tried to shush the children, as it was supposed to be a surprise when they would all appear, but the crowd was talking loud enough to drown out the sounds of the happy and excited children. The Knights landed their birds on top of the waterfall, just far enough to be out of sight from below. They waited silently as the Knights waved three others and they began to fly over the crowd, releasing jets of colored smoke over the crowd from pots attached to the Loftwing's backs. The crowd below began to cheer loudly.
"Now listen," a male Knights said. "You're going to be going down below by order of who found their birds first. Feel free to show off your bird but stay over the water in case you fall off. Now Groose will go first, then Zelda, then Strich, then Cawlin, and finally Link. Got it? Now lets go, and stay near a Knight."
Groose went first with a female Knight close behind, and below the crowd cheered. Zelda gave Link a smile as she leaped off and followed the male Knight from before. Strich left with a male, and Cawlin left with a male Knight. Now it was Link's turn. He peered out. The other Loftwings were circling down below, throwing up rainbows, and people were now looking for him. He glanced at the female Knight from before and she smiled and nodded.
Link told Balaen in his mind to take off, and the Loftwing let out shriek that silenced the crowd below. Balaen leaped up and spread his wings, then turned upside down and dove towards the water below. The Kngith followed close behind, watching carefully, but Link was not going to fall off. Balaen straightened out and instead dove straight for the water, pulling up so it splashed some water up into the air and set rainbows dancing around his livid red feathers. Link laughed as he pulled up again, doing another summer sault for the people. They began to cheer, breathless at the sheer grace and bond already formed between Link and his bird.
Link knew that there were going to be reprucssions for his earlier actions that day, but right then he felt both invincible and ready to take on anything. For the first time in a long time he didn't feel so lonely, and he felt like the goddess had finally smiled on him.
