The smell of fresh air and clean water hit me as I passed through the door. I blinked a few times, dazzled by the sunlight. Small birds twittered on the stone walkway. I paid no heed to the stepping stones leading to the large goddess statue, instead stripping off my boots to walk through the cool spring. I noticed the floating blue crest, but I didn't pay attention to it at all. Instead, I washed the blood off my skin, enjoying the cool water.

When I was sufficiently relaxed enough to handle whatever else may come, I grasped my sword and raised it skyward, feeling the blade vibrate as the energy charged. The whirl of energy that flew from the edge caused the floating, blue crest to spin as it glowed white. Fi leapt from my sword, barely touching the water's surface.

"Mistress," she whispered, "I have a message for you written in the language of the gods of old. Allow me to translate for you."

Pivoting gracefully, Fi danced across the Spring's surface, reciting the message about the Spirit needing to cleanse himself in another Sacred Spring, somewhere in a place called Eldin. Yippee, another long boring quest chasing after my best friend who just couldn't slow down. I took the ruby tablet and slipped it into my adventure pouch, reluctant to go on another long venture in a new land.

I splashed the cool, clear water on my face again as Fi returned to the goddess sword. As I stood to leave, a gust of wind rippled through my hair.

Zelda...

I whirled around, becoming all the more confused when I saw no one. Then I heard it again.

Zelda...

"Here I am," I answered, still uneasy. The words became louder, but I still couldn't find where they were coming from.

Zelda, a great evil has disrupted fate. You will require great strength to continue. Strength that you have deep inside of you, slumbering. The Spirit Youth has a similar struggle, but with a different part of his nature. You must walk the path of the Hero, a path that you were not destined to walk, just as the Spirit Youth must humble himself and become the wise one. When you meet with the Spirit Youth again, there will be a choice: correct this oversight or continue in the path fate has given you. Use the wisdom you have been blessed with to make the correct decision.

"What do you mean?!" I cried in frustration. "What is my true destiny?! Why am I not supposed to be the Hero?!"

You were blessed with gifts that were not meant for the Hero. You have the strength, but it is hidden deep. Choose well, Zelda.

The voice died and I howled in frustration, punching one of the stone columns with all the force I could muster. Tears slid down my face at the injustice of it all. I was so tired of not knowing, not being told what my fate was. I had been a normal girl until just days ago. I didn't want a destiny. I just wanted to get Link safely home.

"Merciful goddess!" I screamed at the heavens, "What do you want from me?!"

There was no answer. When I composed myself I left the cursed temple, and turned straight to the bird statue.

"I'm going back to the sky," I said firmly.