Chapter 4: Eruption and Emotions
I woke up to find that my arm had nearly completely healed. Or at least I thought it had. It didn't hurt nearly as much, which in itself was a blessing. I sat up to find the old woman sitting in her usual spot in front of the large stone doors.
"I see you've finally awoken. How do you feel?" she asked me.
"Better, thanks." I responded, trying to get a handle on what all had happened the past few days.
"You must hurry, Your Grace. Our time grows short. Soon you must make your way to a new part of the land."
"I was afraid you'd say that," I answered.
The old woman smiled at me before standing and making her way toward me. She held out her hand and I took it. She helped me up with surprising strength considering she looked as if she could barely tip the scale eighty pounds soaking wet.
"Come now, we have much to discuss before you depart."
I followed her to the doors of the temple. She looked me up and down, observing my condition and the condition of my dress.
"I meant to ask you about that," I said, reading her mind as she looked at my attire. "Why exactly do I have to wear this?"
The woman smiled slightly and looked into the distance.
"Just as the hero must be garbed in that of which the one before him wore, so must the spirit maiden don the dress of the Goddess as she takes on her part."
I tried to understand exactly what she meant.
"You mean, the 'hero' in which you describe wears the same thing as the hero in the legends? And I, the 'spirit maiden,' am wearing the dress of the actual Goddess?"
"Indeed. For you are her reborn, as the hero is the Goddess' chosen one reborn as well."
"I see," I answered for lack of anything else to say, although I really didn't.
"Before you depart, there is something I must teach you," she said, stopping me.
"Teach me?" I didn't think there was anything she could really teach me this quickly.
"Throughout your journey you will learn many things. One of which is the power to summon the magic of the goddess. Because you are indeed her reborn, you hold her capabilities," the old woman answered.
"Wait…capabilities? Such as?"
"Such as telekinetic powers, physical strength, and other seals you may cast."
"You mean magic?" I looked down at my hands, unable to figure out how on Skyloft they'd be able to perform such a task.
Wait, you're not on Skyloft anymore… I thought briefly.
"Go now, the province of Eldin awaits," the old woman said backing away from me.
"What do I expect when I get there? And…how do I get there!"
"Trust. All will be revealed to you!"
"You keep saying that but I am still confused on—"
I was cut off by the strange warm light entrapping me. It circled around me, blowing my hair out of my face. I felt myself be lifted into the air, against my own will. The last image I saw was that of the old woman smiling at me.
The light began to leave and I immediately felt a change in the world around me. The air was hot and dry. Dust and ash flew around in the atmosphere, making me cough. I longed for the comforting light to come back and take me away, but of course that didn't happen.
I surveyed the area and found that, to my convenience, it was nearly covered in lava. I had read about places like this in the ancient texts of my father's, but I never dreamed I'd actually come into contact with anything close to it.
But standing around wasn't going to do anything at all and neither was wishing to be elsewhere or wishing I wasn't some reborn goddess, or thinking about all the things left unsaid between my best friend and me. I had to get a move on.
Although I'd never been to this place, when I started down the nearest "path," I recognized it. I decided to trust my instincts, which I began to realize was probably some memories of Hylia, and I continued making my way around the area to get to the temple.
As I ran down ledge of rock, two creatures emerged from the ground. Something about them was familiar, but I didn't get a good look. I had to keep going and I couldn't afford any interruptions.
I climbed and sidled my way up the volcano. I knew I had to be getting close to the next temple because I kept coming up on ruins of what once was an extravagant structure.
I was running so fast I almost didn't have time to skid to a stop when I saw the drop in front of me. There was a giant gap in the middle of me and my destination. I kicked the dirt out of frustration. What on earth did the old woman at the Sealed Temple expect me to do about this?
All of the sudden, in the midst of my small fit I took out on the dirt, another familiar creature emerged from the ground.
"Aaaahhh!" He screamed. I only screamed back at him. "Hey! Watch it! Some of us live under there you know!" He yelled.
"Well, sorry! I didn't know! …What are you anyway?" I inquired.
"Hmph, I'm one of the Mogma brothers! We are the tribe that inhabits this beautiful province. Isn't the smell of the soot and ash wonderful?" He took in a deep breath.
"Umm, yes, lovely. But listen, do you think you could tell me how to get over there?" I said, pointing across the abyss.
"Yeah, I do. But first you tell me why you need to get over there! Are you looking to steal some treasure?"
"No. I'm just in a hurry and there's something I have to do. It's really important."
"Well too bad miss…miss…," the Mogma stammered, not knowing what to call me.
"I'm a human. My name is Zelda."
"A human, huh? Boy, you don't hear much about those anymore. Interesting. Well, anyhow, sorry Miss Zelda. I can't tell you that information."
"Of course." I answered.
"Sorry pal, you're all out of luck." And then he just disappeared back into the ground.
I was mad momentarily, but getting mad would literally do nothing but waste time. I had a spring to get to and I couldn't let this 10 feet of space get in my way. As I was pondering how I would get over there, I remembered something the old woman mentioned.
I walked up to the edge of the cliff, looking down over the eternal darkness below me. I shut my eyes and summoned every amount of courage within me. I focused on what I wanted to do, and slowly, I placed my foot out over the edge. I felt my weight being held, even without anything under me. It was a magnificent feeling. I was scared, yet exhilarated. I decided to try my next foot.
The same thing happened. I took another step. And another. I was walking on thin air, defying every law of logic I had ever known. I was so excited I began to laugh. I turned and looked behind me to see how far I'd come. Although my newfound ability was extremely fun and daring, I knew I had to keep going. Quickly, I ran across to the other the drop off and onto hard ground. I was so happy and proud of myself. I feld the adrenaline race through me as I ran up the path.
When I got to the top, I stopped dead in my tracks. I felt the blood leave my face and leave me paler than I already was before. An entire pack of those disgusting beasts, Bokoblins as the Kikwi leader had called them, had set up camp right in front of the temple.
I clutched my harp tight to my chest, some sort of comfort thing I'd been doing with it a lot. I remember I held it the same way when talking to Link my last morning on Skyloft. I was nervous then too.
I looked around a large pillar that stood in front of the temple. I was fairly concealed, but far too close to them for my liking. The ugly things walked and paced all around their camp. I decided my best bet was to immediately run into the temple, and hopefully none of them would see me. Besides, I outran them in the woods. Surly I'd make it here.
When I felt the time was right, I sprinted to the door. But to my dismay it was locked tight. I pulled on pushed on the door harder and harder, feeling panic rise within me. But I was too late. I heard one of the Bokoblins shriek and run behind me. In a state of survival, I swung around and hit the Bokoblin in the stomach with my fist, fairly hard. It flew backward, landing on its back. But it was no good. Three more surrounded me, blowing their horns to summon back up. I remembered what the old woman told me, so I tried another force of magic. I called on the Goddess for help, praying I would be able to defend myself in this growing hoard of monsters.
I whirled around, my palms facing my opponents. A blast of light shot out from them, killing all of them instantly. I ran to the door again, hoping I could beat them into the temple. If I could just get ahead of them I could hide do the killing from a distance.
A sharp pain raced down my back. I let out a cry of agony and turned to see four more Bokoblins had surrounded me, swinging their swords and shouting. Sick of being interrupted by these stupid things, I stuck my hands out, gaining more and more power before trying to release it.
I felt another slice in my back. Instantaneously I felt the blood bleed through my dress. The Bokoblin grabbed my long sleeve and swung me around to face him before slashing his blade across my abdomen. I doubled over in pain, too busy with my newly inflicted wounds to try throwing out magic.
The Bokoblins all grabbed my dress, beginning to drag me into the temple. I struggled and hit and kicked, which partially worked. At one point I even got free, but I was too beaten and bloodied to escape.
The Bokoblins grabbed my dress, nearly tearing it to shreds while I was silently cursing the thing. I continued to struggle until one of them took out a club and sunk it into my skull. And then it was dark.
When I came to I was chained to a large slab of stone surrounded by lava. There was nothing around me except a long stone aisle leading up somewhere that I couldn't see. I pulled on the chain trying to break free, but it was clearly no good. I lifted my free hand to my forehead, wiping the significant amount of sweat off. My dress was nearly sticking to me from all the sweat, and my bangs stuck to my forehead. I figured I could again try to break the chain, only this time using a burst of magic to help me.
I sent a zapping ball of light toward the chain. Nothing. I did it again. Still nothing. I did it again and again until I was too tired to try again. I learned that using a lot of magic in a short amount of time took a tole on my energy. All I could do was sit now.
I felt hot tears begin to spill over my eyes, although I wouldn't be surprised if they immediately evaporated.
Just then, I heard a thundering heard approach me. I stood up, ready to fight again. Five Bokoblins surrounded me, chanting rhythmically and swinging their swords. I felt a new fear arise inside of me. Why were they chanting? What did they know that I didn't. The Bokoblins began to make some sort of laughing sound at my distress and utter helplessness. And I hated it.
Just as I was certain my death was a few moments away, I spotted something in my peripheral vision. A woman, extremely thin and tall appeared out of no where. She seemed to just drop from the ceiling. I couldn't see all of her face due to the clock that hid half of her body.
She didn't hardly move. She merely glanced my direction before opening her palm to reveal a blue ball of light in her hand, similar to the magic that I could produce. She threw the light in the center of the approaching Bokoblins, killing them instantly. I flung myself out of the way, trying to avoid the blast, but I couldn't really get anywhere due to the stupid chain.
The bodies of the beasts landed beside me, sprawled out and utterly destroyed. I slowly stood up, studying the woman while she studied me. I looked her in the eye for a long time, trying to figure out where I had seen her before. From Skyloft maybe?
No, I'd recognize anyone instantly from there. No matter how much trauma I'd been through, I would. She was clearly not from Skyloft, but the only other human I had seen on the surface was the old woman.
Then another thought hit me. Perhaps I hadn't met her before, but Hylia had.
"Your Grace, fear not. For I am here to help you." Her voice was strong and calming. I knew I could trust her.
"Thank you," I nearly whispered.
The woman thrust her hand toward the chain and it immediately broke. I was astonished at her power. She smiled at me, seemingly knowing I had tried effortlessly to accomplish the same task.
"I am Impa, Servant of the Goddess," she said, slightly bowing.
"Zelda," I replied, holding out my hand for her to shake.
"Now," she straightened up, "why don't we get you out of here? We have a lot to discuss."
"Alright."
Impa wrapped her arm around me, as she was a considerable amount taller, and spun us both around. Instantly, we were transported to the spring. It wasn't quite as beautiful as the one in Faron, but it was still breathtaking. Almost identical to the last, save for being located in a stone building, the temple seemed to hum with the sound of the Ballad of the Goddess, the song I played at the Wing Ceremony.
"Your Grace," Impa started, "there is something I must bring to your attention."
I didn't think I could handle much more to be brought to my attention. But I listened nevertheless.
"Are you aware of who your chosen hero is?"
"My chosen hero? Don't you mean Hylia's hero?"
"It is time you accept your fate, Zelda. You are no longer just Zelda. Zelda will always be a part of you, that is certain. But you are the Goddess Hylia reborn as a mortal."
I stood up straight, trying to not appear as how I felt: mad.
"So the case may be, but that will all be sorted out on my own time. What is this about Hylia's—I mean, my— chosen hero?"
"The hero was also reborn. He is now in the form of a boy from your generation. Do you have a guess of who that might be?" she said with a coy look.
"…I might." I answered vaguely, trying to hide my emotion.
"The boy from Skyloft of whom you hold dear. He is your chosen hero, Your Majesty."
"Link…" I breathed.
"Indeed, Miss."
"Where is he?" I shouted with urgency. "Ever since I fell he has not left my mind. The only reason I have been going on and trying to find a solution to all of this is so I can go home and reunite with him if he's even alive. I've been trying to find a sign if he made it or not, you must tell me where he is."
"Calm down, all will be revealed to you." Impa answered, again with no emotion.
"Where. Is. He." I enunciated every syllable hoping she would pick up on my urgency to know Link's whereabouts.
"Alive," she answered.
"That's not good enough," I retorted.
"He is here."
"What?" I breathed. I had no idea he was so close behind me. I've had magic and teleporting, how has he managed to keep up with me? In a split second, I smiled in admiration of him. Could he really be near?
I quickly wiped the smile off of my face. I had to focus.
"But, Your Grace, should you see him, you must not go to him."
"Why not!" I asked with no hesitation.
"Because. He has failed his task of saving you thus far. He was late, and you were given into the hands of the enemy."
"That was my fault, I didn't fight back hard enough and I just danced my way over that drop off. How was he even expected to save me? Besides I don't need—"
I stopped before I finished the sentence. I did need saving. Had Impa not arrived I would be dead.
Impa raised her eyebrows at my acknowledgment of my mistake. Or rather—pride.
"And if he is to appear next time trouble comes?" I asked, more snarky than anything.
"You are not to be swayed by emotion."
"I'm sorry?"
"I am aware of who Link is to you, and his amount of significance. You have known him since you were both very young on Skyloft, am I not correct?"
"You are, but how did you—"
"Such was expected, Your Grace. I know what the boy means to you, but with that being said you must not be completely overcome when you see him. You must focus on your task at hand. Which is going to every last temple to fully awaken your memories. Only then can you wield the true power, and be fully aware of your task. And only then will this world still have a chance."
This was a lot of information in just a few sentences. I didn't quite understand how she knew, but I knew what she was saying. I must resist the urge to run to him, and forget everything on the surface and return home with him. I can't get lost in those deep blue eyes, nor can I feel his strong arms around me again.
But there was more than that in what she said. Maybe it's not so much that I have to resist the urge of running to Link as it is to resist the urge of running to Zelda. If I see him, I will immediately revert back to Zelda. The Zelda from Skyloft. The Zelda who holds no memories of a great war on the surface. The Zelda who merely loves swimming and riding on her loftwing. The Zelda who loves him. I'm not just Zelda anymore. While Zelda will always be apart of me, it is true what Impa said. I am Hylia reborn.
I felt tears swell up inside of me but I pushed them down. Majesties don't cry. I folded my hands together in front of me and pushed down my emotion. And frustration.
"Understood," I answered sternly.
"Zelda," Impa said, putting hand on my shoulder. "I'm sorry. A lot is to be expected of you at such a young age."
I smiled at her through tears.
"Now," she started, "we must get on with our journey. I'm afraid we have a long road ahead of us."
"We? You're coming with me?"
"If it is as I fear, Girahim has already become more powerful than I had expected. It will be dangerous for you to continue alone."
Frankly, I was relieved. It would be really nice to finally have another human alongside of me.
"Perfect." I replied.
"You know what to do," Impa said, gesturing toward the Goddess Statue.
I walked up to the prayer circle and pulled out my harp. I played the Ballad of the Goddess and instantly felt the effects. I grew lightheaded and knelt down to begin my prayer.
A rush of scenes raced through my brain once more. Thousands of events flew past me as I felt my skull feel like it was being split open.
Suddenly, all was calm again. I stood, a little weary. However, this time I was not teleported back to the Sealed Temple as I had expected to be. Whether or not it had to do with Impa's presence, I didn't know.
"Come this way, Your Majesty."
I walked toward Impa. She recited something in the Goddess's language, something I instantly knew within the first flood of memories. Suddenly, a portal of light appeared in front of us. Impa looked at me and smiled.
"Zelda, if we are to be separated, recite those words and the Goddess will open a way to your next destination for you."
I nodded my head in understanding, although I already hated the thought of being separated from Impa. She held out her hand, gesturing for me to enter the light.
"After you," she stated.
I looked up at her, and just as I was about to do as she said, I heard the door behind me open.
I spun around, ready to have to fight again. I was rejuvenated knowing that Impa was beside me. Only this time, what I saw stunned me even more.
"Link," I breathed.
I couldn't behold the sight of him. His clothes were tattered and charred. A giant burn spread across his arm, revealing sticky new flesh. His hair was the messiest I'd seen it, which was saying a lot, and part of the ends of it had been singed.
"Zelda," he replied in the same awestruck tone I had.
I immediately felt my feet begin to move toward him. Forget being a goddess, forget the "task at hand," forget all of it. The one person on this land whom I cared about most stood before me, and nothing was going to stop me from reaching him.
"Zelda," he said again, smiling as he ran to me.
I giggled in response. And just as I was about to accelerate in his direction, I felt a hold on my still sliced back. I winced in pain, causing Link to gasp.
Impa swung me around to face her.
"You must not go to him, Your Grace. Remember what we discussed!" she said franticly.
"Impa, it matters not how many times you call me 'Your Grace." I said, beginning to take off again.
"Zelda, FOCUS." she yelled. "The fate of him and all you love are in your hands! You must not be distracted!"
That got me to stop. His fate in my hands.
I quickly ridded my face of any smile. I couldn't go to him right now. I had to leave and get to the next temple so that I may quickly reach the end of this terrible journey. I knew I would be reunited with him later.
Link stopped running upon seeing my struggle. He was clearly confused on why I hadn't run to him and thrown my arms around him.
"I'm sorry, Link. I can't. I have to go." I turned away with a knot in my throat.
"Zelda?" Link cried in a raspy voice from all the smoke he probably just inhaled.
"I'm not just Zelda anymore, Link. I'm sorry."
"Yes you are! You're my Zelda! You said you'd always be my Zelda, don't you remember that?" I felt the tears make their way to my eyes. I could't hear this right now.
"I've travelled all this way for you. I've fought so much to find you! Just to know that you're safe! Please don't leave right now!"
I felt myself begin to cry. I let out a tearful and raspy wail and lifted my hand to my forehead, a habitual thing I do when I cry.
"Your Grace, I will explain. Go, now!" Impa yelled, pushing me into the light. I suppose she knew that I had to get out of there and fast, because the last thing I saw the golden light engulfing me before I was transported to an entirely new place.
A/N: Okayyyy so I know it has been a long time. Sorry I didn't do this over the weekend either, but here is my next chapter. Of course, I haven't written this portion of Always Be Your Zelda yet, so we won't know what is going through Link's head until I finish that one v Anywho I hope you all enjoy this one. Sorry for the potential mistakes in there by the way. Please leave a review and let me know if you want me to continue! Feel free to follow/favorite and all that junk. Thanks for reading!