Reviews: me (guest): Don't carry on reading then.

Pharmagirl: Yay! I'm glad that you enjoyed the chapter. Keep telling me that and I'll keep writing for sure :)

ShadowNinja1011: I actually didn't, but nice observation anyway. I went on Google Translate (the most reliable thing ever, ha ha) and Goddess/Lady translated to Dominae. Thank-you and keep reviewing!

Someone (guest): That's fine. Oh, and you'll find out why Link wasn't fighting Ghirahim straight away. It's not the best excuse but I had to get it in there somewhere :P And I will be making him crazier in this one; I mainly wanted combat for the first main meeting. Oh, and that bit was because Zelda was embarrassed – and their relationship is bigger in this story. Please, let me just thank you for making me think more about the emotions that the characters use. I didn't do it all that often but you have made it better – thank-you!

Twazzi: That's fine! The ending is great, though, so be prepared :) I'm glad that you're liking it so far and speaking of Impa... your wish is my command! Hope you enjoy the chapter!

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"Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to."

~John Ed Pearce~

Ancient Roots

A Skyward Sword FanFiction

Chapter 7: Home

"This is Skyview Spring." Fi clarifies from her place within the Goddess Sword as we step into the strangest room that I have ever seen. Compared to everything we have faced on the Surface thus far, this is Heaven in itself. "It is a special place protected by the power of the Goddess, therefore few monsters can gain access to such an area. They say the water here can purify the body of whoever comes into contact with it."

The Spring is incredibly pristine and beautiful compared to everything that we have been through thus far. The Spring is a reflection of the true beauty of Faron Woods, and I am surprised that it has stayed this beautiful being so open to things like storms. I'm sure that there are storms down here too, since that's what we have learnt. Either way, the pristine Spring is what we need after what we have endured.

We help each other down a path made of pure grey stone lined with large pillars of the same material and clear water that almost looks like glass, walking up a small set of steps and stand atop the very platform that it leads us all to. The floor is blanketed entirely in pure water, two trees growing through it on either side of the Spring as purple fish swim through the water without a care in the world.

The platforms that are held above the water, although, lead over to another larger platform where a much smaller Statue of the Goddess watches over us, a dormant crest lying below the structure much like the one inside the real Statue of the Goddess. Layers of grass, moss, and flowers draping over the edges of rock that is the wall securing this area from the other parts of Skyview Temple and Faron Woods. Even eight perfectly parted waterfalls cascade down the wall and into the Spring elegantly.

This is when we all separate to look at the other parts of the area ourselves. Karane goes straight over to the flight of Blessed Butterflies despite them being so common in Skyloft and the Sky Realm in general. I, myself, drag my right hand along the back wall where all of the waterfalls are, letting the water splash against my face and brush against my skin; calming me. I wish that I could stay right here forever...

My happy thoughts soon fade when I notice Link resting against a tree growing off to the side, a serious and tense look upon his features. I carefully wade through the water towards him, taking a seat in the water by his side and taking his hand. "I won't let him get you, Link." I promise. "He's gone for now. You can relax."

He sighs deeply. "I don't know if I can, Zelda." He tells me, keeping his eyes away from mine by concentrating on Karane, who is dancing with the Blessed Butterflies in an attempt to stay calmer than the both of us at this moment. "He was talking to be a lot before you got there. Telling me about why he needs me and how angry or scared you got when he told you about me." I swallow thickly, frowning deeply.

"So that's why you weren't fighting him when I got there?" He nods silently. I lean against his side, watching Karane too as I add: "I'm going to get us all out of this. Whatever happens, we will come out on top."

"Even if I don't make it..." He whispers softly, avoiding my eyes. I turn to him, wide-eyed. "If Ghirahim has me in his hands and all of this goes in his favour, I'll be—"

"Mistress Zelda." Fi suddenly calls out, totally cutting into Link's very important words. In a flash of light from the Goddess Sword, she leaps outwards and floats atop the water's surface. Link jumps back in alarm, but I assure him that she means no harm whatsoever. "Although this area is protected with a shard of the Goddess's power sourced from the Statuette, this area may now be prone to monster infestation at forty-seven percent due to the decreasing energy in this area. It would be wise to strike the crest in this room with a Skyward Strike so we may leave and continue on with the Goddess's Mission."

I squeeze Link's hands as Fi leaves and stand, slipping my hand out of his as I clutch the ends of my dress in hopes of getting some of the water out of it; moving over to the platform just before the Statuette of the Goddess. I unsheathe the sacred blade and raise it skywards, shooting the beam of light at the crest. Just like inside the Statue of the Goddess, the crest bursts into life and spins around – causing Fi to appear as soon as it finally halts, hovering above the water again. "Mistress Zelda, I have a message written in the language of the Gods of Old. Do you allow me to translate for you?"

"Yes, Fi." Then all of a sudden, in response to my words, she spins around and begins soaring across the water in an incredible dance; leaving a glittering trail of green behind her.

At the sight of this, both Karane and Link joins me to spectator over Fi's incredibly beautiful dance. "From the edge of time I guide you, the ones chosen to carry out the Goddess's mission. The Spirited One who descended from the clouds must travel to two sacred places to regain memories of his past life."

"S-Spirited One?" I breathe, recalling how Link was dubbed with the same name.

She spins around as she guides herself all over the top-half of the Spring. "You stand in one of those places: Skyview Spring. The other is known as the Earth Spring." Fi returns to the front of the Statuette and twirls around, her wing like arms held heavenwards. She holds this position and speed for such a long time that she may even follow her arms and fly back towards Skyloft. "This second spring is hidden away deep within the scorched earth of Eldin. The Spirited One, ever mindful of the heavy task entrusted to him, must set out for this second sacred place."

Fi finally slows down, yet doesn't show any signs of dizziness, even if she is a spirit of sorts. The spot where I place the Bird Statuette in the Wing Ceremony glows brightly on this small statue and a large piece of rock is formed. It slowly drifts down to me, right down so it is only a metre or so away from me. "Fi..." I whisper softly. "What does all of this mean? I don't quite understand your meaning."

As I sheath my blade and raise my arms up to grasp the formation of rock, Fi travels over to the spot near the tree that Link and I were sat at before. I pivot around to her, balancing the rock in my hands. She tilts her head at me, only she doesn't smile like I kind of expect her to. "Mistress, what you hold is the Ruby Tablet, another shard that connects to the Emerald Tablet back on the altar in Skyloft."

"All right then." Karane says after a long while where no one speaks, trying her best to put light on the situation at hand with a shaky, but cheery, voice. "Let's get back to Skyloft and set out for Eldon, or whatever Fi called it." I roll my eyes at the "Eldon" part and step forwards, only for Fi to move over and block our exit. "Um, Fi? We need to get out of here if we're going get back to Skyloft."

Fi still keeps her position in place. "The Spirited One must pray to the Statuette of the Goddess along with my Mistress first." Karane turns to the both of us, and I turn to Link, who only nods at me. Taking a deep breath, I hand the Ruby Tablet over to Karane, move over to the very edge of the platform and kneel before the Statue. "Please play the song that you played on the day of the Wing Ceremony with the Harp, Mistress Zelda."

Agreeing, I pull out the Harp and pluck the simple notes of the song; humming the notes as I go. Strumming the song twice, I place the instrument softly against the stone platform and clasp my hands together. As soon as this happens, I am pulled into another time, just like I was when I drew the Goddess Sword for the very first time; though this time I have just as many questions as I had done before and hope that they are answered.

~O~

She stood tall before monstrous demon. Layers of dust and debris flew wildly around the two as a Seal took place upon the demonic beast, dragging him into the depths of Hell itself. However, before she could complete such an enormous task, the Demon roared in anger: "Where are the hidden Golden Triangles?!" He felt himself being pulled further and further away from the Realm of Light, but he desired the answer before he gave into the callings of the Dark World.

The only thing the woman could do was smile as she held her slender hand out towards the King of Darkness. "They went to a place that you will never achieve! A sacred place where evil never managed to violate her!" She paused, strength growing in her own voice. "They will be protected by my beloved people!" She looked deep into his eyes, expecting a response that did come.

The beast smirked himself. "They're in the hands of humans?" He laughed deeply. "Cursed Goddess... do not think that this ends. That absolute power will be mine! And when that day comes, the Demonic Tribe will reign over this world for all time no matter what your defences will be!" The world beneath him slowly began to swallow up his large figure no matter how much he tried to resist.

The woman could only watch as the spike that she created with her powers devoured the evil that shrouded her land for such a long time. It was over, but for only a short period of time. Still, the skies would soon clear and she would be able to pull her land-dwellers deep within the ashes. Her form was absorbed from the area and to an area on the outskirts of her Temple, handing her a horrifying image that she would never be able to get out of her head.

The loss of the Knight that risked everything for the Land of the Goddess. She shed many tears in that moment of time, struggling to understand what had occurred there. Her sadness soon transformed into anger, however, and all she could do for her future was seal the fate of the Demon King. Her sadness was not cold rage, and she would not rest in any lifetime until that rage was let out towards the darkness.

~O~

"Oh Goddess..." I breathe. "Who are these people? And what do they want with me?" I cautiously look up, watching the sunlight reflect of the gems decorating parts of the platform lifting the Statuette up into the air. The woman, who I could not see clearly, acted very much like the Goddess in the stories when she sealed away the Demon King for all time. What would the significance of showing it to me be, though? I know the story all ready.

Karane is at my right side, and I note Fi moving over to my left side; the one side where Link is emerging from his prayer too. He lifts his head up and starts panicking for some reason, as if he is still lost in the confinements of whatever he saw. None of what I saw was a part of his life, just like with me, causing me to hold my arms around his shoulders tightly. "It's okay, Link. Whatever you saw wasn't you, okay?"

"I felt fours years of pain at once." He says, breathing heavily. "What's going on, Zelda...?"

I squeeze his shoulders even tighter. "I don't know, Link. But whatever it is, we'll be all right. Let's... let's just go home and we can escape all of this, okay?" He rests his head on my shoulder, nodding into it through his thoughts. I run my fingers through his hair in hopes of calming him. He obviously didn't see what I did. So what did he see? Carefully helping Link to his feet with Karane's help, we turn around and see a shadow looming in the distance. "W-Who are you?"

Karane moves in front of the two of us with her sword drawn, shoulders tensed. Before us stands a tall, dark skinned woman, a small piece of her right blonde hair not tied back like the rest of it. She wears a deep blue attire decorated with golden triangles and orange feathers. An orange eye is painted onto her forehead along with a small part between her wrists and elbows bandaged on both of her arms. She bows to all of us. "I am Impa, one of the Sheikah tribe that have been around since the Era of the Great War." She stands tall, crimson eyes watching mine intently. "And welcome to the Surface, Your Grace. However, I wished that you were here over lighter matters."

I find my hands turning into fists at the title. "That title won't be used on me until I know what it means!" I step in front of Link to meet Karane's side evenly, drawing my sword with a metallic shing. "I have never seen you before. What is your business here?"

Why do I sound so different? I try not to think about it but I just cannot help it. Who even isthis person? Impa gestures to Link, unnerving me. "I am here to transport the Spirited One to the Eldin area so he can continue on his own journey, as will you." She pauses for a moment, avoiding my eyes slightly in hesitation. "And I am no enemy. Surely one of you must remember my face." My eyes narrow into thin slits, and I raise my sword towards her.

"Of course I don't remember you!" I cry. "I've never seen your face be—"

Link suddenly cuts in, causing my eyes to widen suddenly. "I-I remember something about you." I spin around, anger fighting to make me shout at him but failing to do so. "Not in this time but in another, I think. I... I think that I can trust you." I stand there, dumbfounded, shaking my head at him though not speaking a word. "Especially since you're a Sheikah. We've learnt so much about them, Zelda, haven't we?"

"O-Of course we have... but I can't just leave you when I've just—" I stop myself to breathe, then lower my sword. "I don't want you to go off again, even if we have learnt a lot about the Sheikah. I want you home with me, and with everyone else, not down here where I can see you hurt at every corner." I gulp, turning to Impa. "I don't want you taking him from me. You'll have to be on your way."

Impa shakes her head herself. "I apologise for the intrusion, Your Grace." I scowl, however she seems to ignore it. "Destiny has called me through premonitions, as she has done with you I believe, and I must fulfil my duty to the Goddess and my duty to my Elders. I am sorry for such suddenness, but there is nothing that can be argued against in this subject. I go to retort, though Link places a hand on my shoulder.

"It's all right, Zelda. We will meet again soon, won't we?" He smiles, and his face goes blurry from my tears. I don't want him to go, and he acts so strong as if it doesn't matter. "I don't want to leave you, but it's for the best. We are down here for a reason, and we need all the help that we can get. He hug me once and then pulls away, doing the same with Karane and mumbling something to her about being safe. As soon as he moves to Impa's side, he struggles to stay calm too.

"Fine." I spit. "Leave us, but if I don't see you again then I'll never forgive you. If something happens to you, then I'll die for you!" His face pales, though Impa focuses deep and creates a circle on the ground that tints it a light blue colour, guiding him into it until his form disappears. Impa turns to me before leaving too, and an agry tear falls down my face. "I don't care what destiny wants, because I will come after you if you hurt him in any way."

She bows deeply. "I will not. I promise, Your—"

"Zelda." I growl. "My name is Zelda."

Impa swallows thickly, nods, and then rises once more. Without hesitation, she steps into the circle a lot more relaxed than Link, both her and the circle disappearing. A long moment of silence drags out through the Spring. Only minutes ago, I was perfectly happy because I knew that Link wasn't dead, despite what is after him, and now I am left alone. Karane reaches forwards. "Zelda...?"

"No, Karane." I grunt, wiping my tears away with my fists. "I'm fine."

Another moment of silence passes, then Fi appears. "Dominae." I jump at Fi's voice, who flies over to me. "I can transport you back to the Sky Realm so you may return to Skyloft. Would you permit me to do this for you?" I look at Karane, nod at her, then nod at Fi. She instructs over to the spot where Link was transferred away from here. "You will be lifted, quite harshly, into the air. It will be surprising, although it is the only method to leave the Surface. Please draw your Sailcloths."

I nod, still angry, and bring out my Sailcloth as Karane does so too. I take a deep breath unsure of what I am about to do when this happens, nearly zoning out on Fi as she counts down. I barely hear her reach zero, and I shreik as a strong wind current suddenly flings both Karane and I skyward, high above Faron Woods. I squeeze my eyes shut as the wind rushes past my face, hearing Karane crying out with excitement just like her first descent onto the Surface.

How is she enjoying this?

I panic when my hand starts slipping from both sides, so I turn them around so the fabric wraps around my hands tighter. Only after I feel a little bit safer with this do I snap my eyes open a little, taking in the beautiful sights of the cloud barrier. I burst through the gap created by Column of Light, watching all the different shades of green transform into deep blues and whites.

I'm home... but I need to let go of the Sailcloth and whistle before I go back onto the Surface. Taking on deep breath, I untangle one hand from the Sailcloth, my heart stopping when I find myself being jerked downwards. And, in one swift movement, I stuff my Sailcloth into my bag and whistle sharply for Destiny. Free falling can be amazing, but it's horrible right now. Destiny slams into me, catching me before I can fall back into the gap in the cloud barrier, flying us home to the large blot in the aerial canvas, an angry silence all that we can hear.

And yet, I almost want to kiss the ground when we land back in the Plaza of Skyloft. I never thought that I would be back here on the same day that I left for the Surface, though I am happy for it. I can see Father and everyone now. Releasing our Loftwings back into the late afternoon sky, we slowly make our way through the Plaza, watching the shining faces beam at us as we walk back towards the Academy.

"Zelda!" I fume as Groose barrels towards me, almost ramming into me though manages to stop himself and wraps his arms around my shoulders. "You're okay! I was so worried when you walked off like that!"

Just like in the Bazaar, I barely manage to pry him off of me, still irritated. "I'm—" I see Karane. "—We're fine, Groose. This is going to happen a lot so we would prefer it if we could just get on with it for now, please." The look of hurt on his face sends a pang through my heart, but I keep a straight face. "I'm not in the mood, Groose, and I don't care what you have to say. We just want to leave."

"O-Okay. I guess I'll ... just leave you to it."

And with that, he strolls off, looking a little disappointed at what happened through his less confident strut. I look at Karane, sighing deeply. "I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you. It was uncalled for." She smiles and hugs me tightly, then gestures towards the Knight Academy, and a smile tugs at my own lips. We quicken our pace up the pathway towards the Academy, more than happy to see the lights twinkling from inside.

We push the door open and search around when we head inside, the corridor completely empty now that most of the students have retired to their chambers. The Instructors must be in their rooms as well now that lessons are over, the entire Academy undoubtedly a lot more sombre now that it is missing a member. My eyes, however, lighten up like the sun when I see Father making his way down the stairs, his face a little paler than it was before.

"Father!" His eyes find me at the other end of the corridor, and explodes in excitement; running towards me at a fast speed towards me so he can embrace me. I don't care that I cannot breathe when he embraces me, but I no longer care. I thought that I wasn't going to see Father for a good few days, or even never again if things went even more downhill in Skyview Temple, but I was proven wrong again.

"Pipit!" Karane cries form behind me, shooting off into the distance. He must have heard the commotion and come down here. I thought that he would have been on the Night Patrol around about this time, but it seems that he has either gotten the night off (which is extremely unlikely) or he is going out later on tonight. Father hears me wince a little when he hugs me tighter, and pulls away in a panic; seeing the cuts and scratches that have been passed onto me today.

"Zelda, my dear, what happened down there?!" He looks over towards Karane, who is hugging Pipit tighter than ever, and sees her torn up tunic even from here. "Let us attend to you. You're safe now."

It may have only been a few hours down on the Surface, but feeling my Father's hug again feels like I've been away from him for generations. We have been ever so close since Mother passed away. Karane hugs Pipit like she's never going to see him again; which may be our circumstance, to be honest. As he walks me towards the steps, I can barely speak from the emotions bubbling in my aching chest.

"I... I'm so sorry for saying good-bye, Father." I whisper. "I never knew how downhill things would go. But Karane and I bought down a lot of food and Potions, so I promise that we aren't fatally injured." I quickly add on when I realise how bad I have made the day sound, even if it was.

He sighs softly, wrapping his hand around my shoulder lightly. "Don't worry, my dear. I'm just glad that you're here right now, and then you can tell me what happened whenever you are ready too. But may you please tell me this for the sake of the islanders, have you seen him? Is he okay?" I merely nod towards him, and that is all the answer that he needs. Knowing that Link, who is like the son he never had, is well bodes well for his health.

"Where in the Sky have you been?" Pipit asks, almost demands, from Karane; apparently seeing her injures from the Stalfos fight. I look up to see their conversation with Father, hearing the last part of the conversation. "When no one had seen you or Zelda, I was worried sick. I thought that you had been hurt and left on one of the islands, or lost in another Tornado! I haven't been so scared for either of you."

"I'm sorry, Pipit, but we weren't in the Sky." His expression darkens. "No, I'm being serious. Those Columns of Light lead down to the Surface, and we went down there too. It's a surprise that we made it back tonight."

He turns to me, as if to question Karane's words. I simply shrug. "I'll let Karane fill you in, as it's been a long day and I really want to talk to Father. But she does speak the truth." I explain with a sigh, looking up at Father. "It is a longer story that you are expecting, Pipit, I promise you that." After a few moments, he nods and lets the conversation finally drop; both him and Karane walking off into the dining area after bidding me good night.

Father laughs deeply after they are gone. "Oh my dear. Let's go to my Office, and we can discussed what happened. But do not hesitate to keep out parts you are uncomfortable about, because I will listen to whatever you have to say." He pauses. "No one else is allowed down there but you and your companion so you better tell your Father before he goes down there himself." I smile a little, but it is clearly forced as he guides me upstairs to his Office, leaving Karane to explain the rest to Pipit.


"The "scorched earth of Eldin"..." He muses long after I have finished. "While I wish that I could follow you down there to stop you from getting hurt, there is only so much that I can do. The Ancient Texts show so very little, though I will pass on as much knowledge as I physically can." I agree silently, though he notices my dull expression. "Do not hold such anger, my dear, you know that he is perfectly safe."

I panic when the Goddess Sword begins glowing, trying to hide the light which doesn't actually work. Fi appears in a large burst of light while Father's back is turned. I make crazed gestures at Fi, only to calm myself down when I realise that Father was with me when I drew the Goddess Sword for the very first time. Father turns and sees Fi, stumbling back in alarm. "Oh Goddess above!" He exclaims. "Hoo, Fi, it is you."

"I do "apologise" for the alarm, Headmaster Gaepora. However, I am here to show you the areas that my Mistress has visited and will visit in the near future." I tilt my head when she bows hers and glows a little like she did when she gave me the dowsing option. Then, all of a sudden, the entire Office explodes into a green light, transforming the area into another, very familiar area.

I gasp in alarm at where we are. We float high above the area where I played the Harp for Machi and all of those weird plants. From this point, I can easily see the large tree, Skyview Temple and it's Spring where I fought Ghirahim; and even the clearing where all of the Kikwis were. The best part is the factor that the sun is slowly setting over the woods and there is an entire mountain range looming in the distance which makes it look twice as beautiful.

The look on my Father's face is priceless, but my smile merely grows at how fascinated he is. Fi floats by my side as we look at the Woods. "T-This is the Surface?" He steps forwards, and the air somehow holds him even when he moves. "I-It's... incredible! This is so much more than I expected!" He turns to me. "How did you explore all of this in one day?"

I force a smile, memories still submerging me. "I was... I was really just thinking about finding Link. I guess I wasn't really spending time taking in the scenery, even if it didn't matter by the end of the day." All he can do is nod as he sees how amazed I am by where we are currently. Fi glows from beside me, and the world around us begins to glow a faint purple. The land of Faron slowly fades back into Father's Office and condenses into a bright green orb.

Fi brings forth one of the Ancient Texts and stores the orb within it. "If you are ever in need of this overview of Faron Woods then use this book." She brings her arms to the book, then back down to her sides in one swift motion, causing the book to hover slowly over to Father.

"Thank-you, Fi." Father praises, before pausing for a moment. "Can I speak with you more tonight? I have numerous questions that I hope you would answer."

He asks her as he looks up from the book, taking it into his grip and not letting it go. She nods at him. "Yes, although I am bound to the Goddess Sword, so my Mistress must either stay here or leave the blade here while we speak." I look up at the sound of "Mistress", taking the sheathed sword and handing it over to Father. He inspects the sword more, now that he can, and I bid them both farewell as I have a few things that I want to do before sundown.

I quickly find myself back in my own room, the sights and scents that normally feel familiar now act as if they were off the Surface. I guess going on the Surface has really shown how much I have depended on these people and places over such a small period of time... My mind whispers. Nonetheless, I sit at my desk and begin to get changed. Taking all of the ribbons and beads out of my hair, I comb through my messy hair as best as I can until it is somewhat reasonable.

I move into the Bathroom and bathe for a long as I can, rubbing of the dirt and specks of dried blood that I never knew were there until now. I squeal at the patches of grime, though push through. Stop being such a girl, Zelda! I soon find myself changed back into my home clothes. A white, long-sleeved top that flicks out slightly at the wrists, a long dark-blue skirt that goes on past my knees with a green and black belt around my waist, in addition to the brown boots that I wore on the day of the Ceremony. There aren't any jewellery or flashy items on me, just a simple red hair-band.

"I'm me." I say to myself. "And no one can ever change that."

Taking my bag back from my room, I stroll down to the Bazaar before closing time with my white dress so I can wash it by the river. The Bazaar is a lot calmer just before it closes for the day. The lights are more dim, there are less shouts about the seller's bargains, more people are at the tables by Piper's stall, eating and drinking happily, and the overall atmosphere is actually calm compared to everything that I have seen.

I buy another two Heart Potions from Luv, laughing at her remark about getting at Groose this morning, feeling surprised at how long ago this morning feels to me. Storing my new Potions into my bag, I stroll casually out of the Bazaar and down to the spot just by the bridge where I like to sit at the bank and clean my clothes. I don't know why I don't have another do it for me when I can – I like doing this, as strange as it may sound.

I plop down by three women: Mallara (Pipit's mother), Goselle (the mother of Rupin, the Gear Seller in the Bazaar), and Greba (Gondo's mother). Greba sits at the edge, cleaning her son's clothes, while Mallara and Goselle sit behind her; chatting over doing the laundry. "Oh, hello there Zelda! How are you on this fine day?" Goselle greets, patting a spot by her for me to sit down on.

"I'm doing fine, thank-you. I would love to chat, but I have clothes to clean." I respond with a smile, holding up my dress. Goselle laughs as I kneel by Greba, who seems to be annoyed about doing Gondo's laundry. I scrub the dirt off of the dress, finding that there is a lot more on the dress than I had first expected; but ignore the thoughts anyway and carry on.

"That's one beautiful dress, sweetie. I never had anything like that when I was your age!" Mallara compliments, nodding with approval as she points at my dress. "I bet you that you made that all by yourself, am I right?" I shake my head at her, plastering a smile on my face as I do so.

"It was given to me a few days back by..." I can't say where I got it from, though, can I? "By Father." They all make a soft sound at that part, knowing how close I am with Father; especially in the past few years. At this, I actually give them a genuine smile and continue with my cleaning; keeping mainly quiet as I try and get the blood out of the dress which none of them see, thankfully.

There's a long time where none of us speak. This keeps going on until Greba finally says something, yet in a whisper so neither Mallara nor Goselle can hear her. "So, I hear you're going out lookin' for your friend, am I right?" I nod, seeing his scared face in the water beneath me as the blood mixes in with it. "There's rumours about that place below the clouds being the spot where he's at. Is it true?"

I gulp. I might as well tell the truth. "Yeah, it's true. It's all incredibly beautiful, Greba. It's a shame that only I and a companion of mine..." I trail off into deep thought, remembering al that I can about today. The beauty of the woods, the crazy Harp powers, fighting properly for the first time ever, seeing Link and actually talking to him. And that isn't even the start of—

"Are you going on about all those legends about the Surface again, Greba?" Goselle says, flapping her fan in her face. Apparently we weren't so quiet after all... "You're as bad as your son when it comes to those silly stories!" She laughs again, but in a mocking way this time. Greba just turns back to her work like Link would, and I revert to how I am with Groose; now that she is acting much like he would in this situation.

I rise to me feet and say: "Those stories are actually true." She stops laughing, only to start up again. Mallara just watches me, not laughing at all. I don't shout like I do with Groose, because I had a time where I didn't believe the stories either. "I went down there today to look for Link, and I saw him too. The stories and legends about the Surface are real. Just look at that Column of Light if you need your proof."

Goselle halts her laughing yet doesn't speak a word. Greba mutters a small "Thank-you" and I nod. "I think I'm done here. Thank-you for letting me chat with you today. It's always a lovely pleasure." I pick up my dress and walk away, my cheeks going red with embarrassment over what I have just said.


"So for keeping everything about the Surface quiet, we haven't done a very good job; have we?" Karane remarks at the table in the kitchen after I explain what I've been up to ever since I left Father with Fi. After me standing up for Greba, I had put my dress straight back into my wardrobe where it will be safe and came down to the kitchen in time for dinner. I sit with Karane, Pipit and Fledge – as Groose and his mates normally go to the Lumpy Pumpkin at this sort of time anyway.

I shrug. "We never said that we would keep it quiet."

"Well that big green beam of light thing kind of keeps a low profile, doesn't it?" We laugh at Pipit's addition into the conversation. A moment of silence passes before he speaks again. "Karane told me everything. Well, just about." I urge him to continue. "I so need to come with you one of the days. If you'd want me there, that is."

I look over at Karane, who nods at me as if she has been talking to him about this subject for a long time. "I guess so. If you want to, you could come with me tomorrow. You're good with a sword, which we need against one particular person after I tried fighting him with no experience." I shake my head at my own words, feeling the cuts I received from the said person acting up a little and making me scratch at them; ripping the scars off.

"Hey, that was incredible, Zelda!" Karane says comfortingly. "I've never seen somebody have so much power over another before. You really should have been there, Pipit! What she did was incredible!" Now I'm shaking my head at Karane instead of me. "What about you, Fledge? You want join our quest of destiny and fate?"

He looks up, slightly freaked out that we're talking to him. He replies with this, nonetheless: "I don't think that I'm cut out for all that you're doing. I think I'm better staying back here, to be honest." We all smile sadly at him as he looks back into an old and slightly-withered book that I always see him reading. I have never asked about it, although, but I really should.

"Aw, Fledge, you're strong. We'd love to see ya in action." Karane praises, acting a little hyper – as usual. Fledge only shakes his head from inside the book and carries on eating his Pumpkin Soup along with his light reading. "Still, we better get an early night if we're going to get you—" She points at me with her spoon. "—out of bed in time. I don't want another repeat of this morning."

I bite my lip as I pick up everyone's bowls, handing them over to Henya and thanking her before leaving. "Hey, Zelda!" Pipit calls as Karane links arms with me and begins to leave. I turn back to him. "Is he okay down there? I can't say that I'm not worried about him; being his friend, you know."

I smile sadly, trying to figure out what to say without worrying him too much. "He's... hanging in there. He's being protected by a Sheikah while I'm gone. But I think he just wants to get home, though." Pipit opens his mouth to comment, then holds back for a few moments. "Are you okay?" He looks down at the floor, then back at me and Karane.

"Can't he just... come back here and stay as if nothing happened?"

I shake my head, feeling the same way as he thinks in this situation. "I wish that too, but the person who wants him will just come here and hurt all of us to get to him. I don't think that he would want to cause something that bad." I pause myself, sighing. "Do you want me to pass on a message for you?" He nods after a few moments.

"Just tell him that he doesn't need to worry about us back here. You know what he's like more than any of us."

I laugh and agree before following Karane outside and upstairs, finally separating after spending the entire day together in the brand new world. After changing into a simple nightdress, I snuggle down underneath my bed sheets and struggle to fall asleep. All of the day's events still linger in my mind, as to be expected, and the answers that I so desperately need still eludes me. When I finally am allowed sleep, I send one last prayer to Link before I enter the void of sleep.

Goodnight, Link. Stay safe for me, okay? We all want you home so badly...


~Interlude~

Link was supposed to be asleep that night, and yet he just couldn't. That wasn't right for him, as he spent more than enough time in bed back in Skyloft, so why would it be any different then? Ever since he left the Spring, he and Impa had walked a lot over the land that connected all of the areas to build up the boy's strength and see what "memories" it would spike. She had called this place "Hyrule Field" somewhere along the line. They set up camp hours later, and that was how he got here.

And yet, he was not tired. He had built a fire while she built a shield around them so monsters wouldn't see him in particular, which he would be forever amazed at. But even when she had told him to rest, he found himself stuck in this daze where he can't open my eyes because I'm sleepy yet he couldn't actually fall asleep. It's like my brain is waiting for something big to happen so I don't fall asleep when it happens... He shook his head over the absurd thought, only to freeze up completely when he heard a familiar sound followed by a dark presence.

Ghirahim.

"You did a fine job getting him into your grasp in the Spring." Link's blood completely froze in place, his heart picking up in pace as his mind whirred at the sudden sound of his voice.Why isn't Impa doing anything? Why am I not doing anything? He was about to rise himself, but the desire to hear more of the conversation kept him against the ground. "You haven't gained Her Grace's trust, although. She can sense something wrong that you didn't mask. You should have done much better in your acting, mighty Sheikah."

He heard Impa rising onto her feet, so he rolled over so they couldn't see that he was still conscious. She nudged his shoe, as if she knew that he awake; which worried him even more. "At least I kept the kid in my grasp for more than five minutes. You got beaten by a girl, Ghirahim. You should be rather ashamed of yourself right now." If his eyes were open, they would have widened in shock. N-No... what's going on here? What on the Surface is he doing here?! I thought that Impa was in alliance with the Goddess!

He couldn't calm himself properly. His breathing picked up dramatically, drawing both Ghirahim and Impa's attention over to him. Don't do this, he pleaded to the Goddess.Don't do this! Please don't take me away from the ones that I care about please! "Bite your tongue, Sheikah. It's time to hand him over before he wakes and realises what is going on." When he finally managed to slow down his breathing, it merely picked up again. His mind was so foggy that he couldn't figure out what to even think.

"I have a plan." Impa stated calmly. "Her Grace and her friend is going to greet him at Eldin Volcano tomorrow afternoon. I even heard that she may be bringing more of those from their perch in the sky." He couldn't understand why she was bringing more people down to the Goddess awful place. Please don't bring any more down into his grip. Please, Zelda... "Let's wait until we're at the Temple's entrance and then give him to you. It'll shock them so much that they'll do anything to get him back, and you can cut them down with ease."

An icy feeling froze up in his stomach. He couldn't let them die, not for him.

There was a long moment of silence before Ghirahim finally said: "Fine, Sheikah. But," Link opened his eyes just as little so that he could peek through his eyelashes, watching as Ghirahim stepped within inches of Impa's face, eyes narrowing into thin slits as he continued. "You will be punished if this plan fails miserably." Link heard the familiar flash of him transferring himself to another part of the Surface, watching as it happened, yet barely had the mind set to relax.

Knowing that he wouldn't be able to sleep after everything that he had just head, he pretended as best as he could to act like he was waking up from sleeping. "Are you well, Spirited One?" She asked kindly, her kindness sending betrayal through my heart. And yet, Link noticed her complexion was almost... sad. "You seem to be having poor rest. Was it nightmares again?" He had told Impa of his nightmares, whether they be flashbacks to the other Bearer or merely horrid images one after another, though he didn't want to trust her again after what he heard.

He had to play dumb. That was the only way that he could protect himself and his friends.

He shrugged, playing along. "I had a bad dream." He lied. "I lost all my friends because they were trying to help me. They all betrayed me and handed me over to Ghirahim so suddenly." She moved around the fire, the flames shining against her bright red eyes; reminding him of the Loftwing that he want to take him away from all of this. He tensed up as Impa shifted closer to him, his mind begging to know what she would say or do next that would set more alarm bells off.

"I'm positive that they would never do that. They all care dearly about you, after all." She paused, nudging the fire with a stick. "Just try and get some rest, Link. We've got a big day tomorrow." He shiver at her words, but pretended that it was because of the cool breeze on the Surface. "Are you cold?" He nodded a little. "Sit closer to the fire. It will help your weariness." He begged to the Goddess that this was all a nightmare, that none of it existed, but he knew that it was far from that.

When he shuffled closer and pulled the blanket further across his body, he said one last thing before he lay down on the carpet of grass beneath him. "Thank-you, Impa." He muttered. "Thank-you... for protecting me." The Goddess finally allowed him to enter the world of sleep, but he felt the Sheikah place her hand tightly around his shoulder tightly first; though didn't notice the growing grin on her face as the world soon decided to fade out from around him.

"The honour is mine, Spirited One. The honour is all mine."


Author's Note: So, Zelda gave Link over to this mysterious Impa only for her to betray him. Will Zelda save him in time? Or will this entire mission be over before it is too late? Find out soon! Please drop a rate and a review please; it would mean the world! Please drop a rate and review if you haven't all ready done so, as I would really like to know what you all think of these different/altered betrayals of characters, and in Interludes too.

~RandomButLoved~