Author's Note: Oh my! 940 views! Thank you! You guys are AWESOME! WHOO! And because of that, it made me to write even more!

Chapter 21: Inside of the Great Tree & Lake Floria

The same "pulling" feeling came to me as I woke up from my slumber while I pulled out the sword.

I was…back…I was back! Haha! That's great!

"Congratulations, Master Link. You have passed this trial. You now have the power to proceed to the location of the first sacred flame that will enhance your sword. The Water Dragon's Scale is one of the goddess's sacred gifts. The great spirit of the Water Dragon has provided you with the ability to swim freely underwater. The flame you seek is somewhere within these woods…Master, I must conclude that this flame is likely in a part of this area you have not explored."

I sighed when I knew that I was safe. The air felt just right and more welcoming than in the Silent Realm. It spooked me and I didn't like it one bit. It kinda reminded me of the Skyview Temple. On the other hand, I was pleased when I had gotten back my sword and that made feel that I was safe no doubt.

See you didn't die. The voice told me.

How long are you going to be inside of my head?

I could've sworn I felt it smirk. As long as I can.

Great.

"Ah, hello again, I see you have the Water Dragon's Scale there, kewwww." the sudden voice made me to yelp with fright causing my heart rate to beat rapidly.

"Who? What?" I whirled around to see the elder. Oh. "Er yes I do."

"That's amazing! I heard that if you have one, kewww, you can swim through the water like a dragon soars through the sky! There must be places here in the woods that you haven't visited yet, kewww. You should use the Water Dragon's Scale to explore areas you couldn't even get to before, kewww!" the elder advised me.

And then it creepily laughed…

Walking away from his creepy glare, I started to search with an area of water. I went back to the Viewing Platform and saw the waterfall. Maybe I had to go there?

It was then that I saw a decent-size river that got me an idea to try out the Water Dragon Scale. I didn't want to drown if I found out that it didn't work. But why would the goddesses leave something that wouldn't work? The moment when the cool water touched my body had sent shivers but they were pleasant ones. I have missed the feeling of the water.

During the summers, I would often go swimming with my friends to the waterfall.

Nevertheless, I shook that question out of my mind and the Scale proved itself useful when I saw the deku baba that was hanging on the "ceiling". It plunged itself underneath the water, hoping to strike me but it didn't.

I saw a hole underneath the water and swam through it. It was interesting when I had swum through the hole. There was a long path of endless water that looked like it was going to lead me somewhere. After reaching the surface, I took gulps of air when I had felt my lungs being compressed from not having enough air.

I eyed the surroundings. There were a few platforms that were hanging down from a few strings that allow the people to reach the other side. Vines were also on the cliffs to which I swam towards it. I was curious to where I was since there were trunks from the trees that was underneath the water.

I gave myself a dry chuckle, thinking that maybe we were inside of a tree.

Hey Shortpants, maybe you are inside of a tree. The voice replied.

I ignored it.

Once I climbed the vines, I jumped on the platform to blow those bomb fish things…and it also killed the bokoblin.

Sucker.

Not very nice.

Shut up before I blow you up.

If you did, you would blow yourself up since I am after all a part of you in a way.

...

Speechless much?

I told you to shut up.

Someone's grouchy…

I felt lost since I didn't really know how to make the platform move so I eyed the distance and maybe I could jump over it?

Well, that proved to be useless when I dropped myself to the water. The voice snickered at my fail attempt which got me to grumble.

Well I'm not the one who stupidly decided to jump over a distance in which you couldn't even make it. Maybe you had to blow the platforms. It stated, smartly.

Yeah, whatever. I took out the Gust and it turned out that the voice was right since I started to swing.

Told you so. It stated, smugly.

After reaching successfully on the other side, I exited out of the room only to meet with the sunlight. I turned to my left to jump on the platforms that were attached to the side of the trees and then climbed the vine when I had reached the last platform. I climbed down to catch my breath when I reached another platform so I could also kill the spiders that were roaming around the vines.

Until, I spotted a beehive which I destroyed…

It wasn't such a good idea…

You think? The voice told me.

So, I used my sword to try to get them away from me! Go away you annoying bees! Hey! You remind me of the self-conscious voice!

I read that! It replied, angrily.

One of them managed to sting me and it hurts…

Aww poor little baby got stung. Tsk. Such a shame.

I growled inwardly. Shut up!

That word is getting old.

You're getting old.

Ouch.

I then thought about using the bug net which made the bees to go away and I happily continued to climb the vines after killing the leftover spiders since I got distracted by those bees…

Once I had finally made it to the very last platform, I entered the entrance.

The scene wasn't new; it was the same when I entered the first hole. Though, I walked on the "branches". However, a peculiar creature decided to block the entrance since it stood guard, holding the weapon and the shield.

Angrily (since it saw its enemy), it started to charge at me with its spear pointing at me.

Oh great.

I'm innocent!

No you're not.

Seriously!?

What?

Must you always make remarks?

Yup.

When did you come from anyway?

I already told you. From you…in a way.

Let me guess. You were only formed so that you can annoy the hell out of me?

Exactly. Oh you might want to watch out for that spear.

What sp-

An abrupt poke had poked harshly at my abdomen making me to fall down.

What spear, you say.

Angrily, I got up and quickly did a spin attack and managed to land a hit on him. Can this thing go away please? Sadly, it didn't since it would use its shield to protect himself from my attacks.

"What? Are you too cowardly to attack me without using your shield everytime?" I taunted him.

Careful. The voice warned me.

The creature grunted in response but it was mad about the remark since it came from the weird creature.

"Aww did I hurt your feelings?" I sneered.

Link. This time, the voice's tone was sharp.

All of a sudden, the brute used its shield to ram into me. When I "flew" off the ground, it used its spear to slice at my arms and then it used his shield again. I landed harshly on the ground, having the wind knocked out of me. I coughed, trying to get some air into me.

Damn it.

The cuts on my arm stung a little but I paid no attention to it. That wasn't important right now.

You're stupid, Mr. Stupid.

Be quiet.

I pushed myself up but I gave out a sharp gasp of pain when I felt the spear entered inside of my body, twisting my own flesh. It then yanked the weapon out harshly, letting me to breathe unsteadily. After having enough of this, I ran towards him closely and started rapidly to attack his shield.

After many hits, his shield began to break in half. But he still had a bit of the shield in his arm.

Hey hold on. How about throw a bomb to completely demolish his shield? the voice suggested.

You think that will work?

Worth a try.

I backed off to give a good distance so I won't blow myself up and took out my bomb. I chucked the bomb and waited for it to explode. I notice the sudden movement from the fiend; it was backing away from it with fear as it was protecting itself with his shield. When the bomb exploded, I was delighted when it saw that the shield was completely destroyed.

Whatdaya know? It worked.

Oh please stop. You're embarrassing me.

For what?

For my smartness.

I ran towards him and he swung his arm as if to hug him, causing me to be able to hit him at least a few times before he decided to release his arm to painfully smack against my body.

It stung badly but nevertheless, I got up and continued to strike him whenever he did the "arm-hugging". He walked forward, letting out a short roar as I was swiftly striking its belly when he continued to march towards me. At the last one, he finally succumbed to his death since he turned around, letting out a roar of agony and then he finally fell to the floor, dead.

I let out a sigh of relief but winced when the pain came from the "twisting".

You okay?

I will be.

Getting out of the place, I inhaled my breath. The view was so gorgeous! The fountain of the waterfalls continued to have the water flowing down gracefully while there were many trees as if it was nearly surrounding it. I turned to my left to follow the path only to be greeted with blue and red bokoblins.

This was getting ridicules! With a few hits here and there, they were finally dead when I performed a spin attack to end them all. I then resumed my uphill trek and climbed the vine.

I went to my right to see a river streaming down below as the leaves blew softly. I stopped since I thought I had heard a noise…

Where is that noise coming from?

You're hearing things.

I am not!

"You have reached the top of the tree. From this vantage point, you have a good view of the woods. Perhaps you will see an area you haven't explored."

We looked at the breath-taking view and then…

Wait…

Was that…yeap, another Kikwi.

It was another Kikwi that was sitting on a curved branch.

"Master, look up there…"

"I know. A Kikwi…"

She nodded. "I have confirmed the discovery of a new Kikwi. Analysis indicates a 90% chance that the sounds we have been hearing were the loud snores of this Kikwi."

Ha! Told you I wasn't going crazy!

Mhm, that's nice sweetcakes.

Thinking, I got out my slingshot and made a wakeup call. Now I know that was mean but how else can I wake him up?

"Kikwiiiiiiiiiiiiii!" it shouted with full alert. "Whoozit!? I'm nappin'! Oooh, look at that! A real live human! Haven't seen one of you in a while, kwrrrrrk." it replied, amazed. "They used to call me Yerbal. Now I'm just the old Kikwi hermit. I watch over this forest here…when I'm not nappin'. I don't know how you wandered all the way up here, but let me ask you something…Can you really see me?"

"Well then my name's Link. And I can see you." I answered.

"Is that so? Well then, slap yourself on the back, kwwwrk! You know, some Kikwis can't even see me these days…But forget all that nonsense and tell me, kwwwrk, what business does a real live human have in these woods?"

"Have you heard of a sacred flame?" I asked. "I'm looking for them so that they can enhance my sword. When I do have them, I can continue to look for someone who is important to me…"

"You're out questing for a flame to enhance your sword, kwwrk?" it repeated as if it didn't quite catch the words. I nodded. "How about that…A human who can see me and seeks a great flame, kwwwrk! Listen, do you promise not to breathe a word of what I'm about to tell you to another soul? I'm serious, kwwwrk!"

"Yes I promise."

"All right, I'll tell you. But remember—it's a secret to everybody. The flame that you seek…is most likely Farore's Flame. Yes, yes…Farore's Flame…That story begins very long ago, when the goddess was still with us, kwwrk… The goddess gave the flame to the Water Dragon, a great spirit that presides over Faron Woods. The way I hear it is she left the flame in the care of the Water Dragon so that one day the mighty dragon could pass it on the "one from the sky"…"

Huh. Interesting. So it all goes back to me. The Kikwi stated that he got a hunch that the goddess was talking about me.

"Well, that settles that. You must seek out the mighty Water Dragon."

And die in the process? Well then…

You won't die.

Shush.

He then took a glance above to see the massive waterfalls that formed a pool.

"Her lair is deep in a lake in the south of these woods, kwwwwwwrk. She watches over the flame there. There's a problem, though. The gate that leads to that lake is sealed shut to all those judged unworthy…But don't worry, kwwwwrk. I'll let you in on the trick to opening the gate. To open the gate, you have to channel the power of the goddess into the symbol carved into its doors, kwwwrk."

He then went on how it isn't simple because the symbol incomplete and to be able to unlock the gate, I have to make the symbol whole. He stated that the only way I'll know what the completed symbol should like is to first find that same complete symbol somewhere else in the woods.

Fantastic.

"Is all of this seeping into your head, lad? Do you know where you must go to find the symbol you seek?"

"Got it! Thanks!" I responded.

"Then I wish you safe travels, lad." he nodded. I started to walk away from him until he shouted. "OH, wait up!"

I halted while jumped with startle…Geez, give me a heart attack why don't you…

"I forgot to mention this earlier, but it's important. Her Excellence, the Water Dragon, is very persnickety about manners…So watch yours!"

Meaning…

If you don't watch yours, you will die.

I know what it means! I snapped at the voice.

Yeah, you're definitely grouchy.

I growled.

"I've heard stories of folks who caught her in a fussy mood. They ended up as midmorning snacks, kwwwwrk!" I started to pale.

That was not comforting!

"I probably taste like old cave moss, but I'm not in a hurry to become a royal meal, kwwwr! So don't let her know I told you about Farore's Flame, ok?"

"O-ok…" I stuttered before I resumed my trek. Oh right, the Kikwi went back to sleep after it told me to be on my best behavior and a gracious guest.

So being the crazy idiot (according to the voice), I jumped off the platform and used my sailcloth to land safely. I walked back to the Viewing Platform and noticed that there was the symbol when I had reached the top. When that was done, I went back to find that waterfall while ignoring the enemies. I didn't have time for that.

I reached the locked gate after defeating the bush enemy that was beside it.

"Master, my calculations indicate there is an 80% probability that a sacred flame lies beyond this gate. I have also deduced that the power of the goddess the Kikwi hermit referred to is in fact the Skyward Strike. Charge your sword while standing in front of the gate and use its energy to draw the missing portion of the symbol."

Well okay then.

I was confused, needless to say. Do I have to draw something? It was then that I went closer to it and randomly did the Skyward Strike. I was awed when I had to literally draw the circle on the stone. It was cool! The circle faded away to be replaced by a glowing orb that disappeared. Nothing seemed to be happening for a while until the door started to open, having the bottom scraping the ground.

I went through the tunnel and once I reached the end of it, I performed a dive, plunging myself into the clear water. I hissed when the water touched my wound as it was slithering its way to the wound like a snake circling the human body. The lake was really beautiful; the sunrays struck the water making it to shine like diamonds. The current came but it was a soft one, not a hard one so I made it to do the work by tagging me along.

I then got tossed out, making another splash to another pool. Something strange was ahead of me. The creature had a peachy colored skin with tints of brown, a bit of red and orange. The body is in an oval shape while it had three tentacles.

"Ack! Another human!" it squeaked. "Ok, ok…I just have to avoid eye contact and back away slowly…"

It backed away slowly while I stared at it dumb-founded.

"Hold on…" I replied. But before I could even say, the creature sunk down swimming away from me. I dived underwater by using the Water Dragon's Scale to reach the gate that was underwater. I started to swim through the hole but the bizarre creature stopped me.

"Quit following me, pest! If you don't move along, I'll be forced to tell Her Excellence the Water Dragon about your little incursion!"

"I'm not following you!" but all it came was the bubbles.

The sea-creature then went through the hole but it stopped to laugh at me, saying that I didn't see that coming and how I can't follow er…him (?) now.

"So, what now? Are you going to cry? If you think you can make it through, just go ahead and try!"

Obnoxious sea-creature!

So going through that hole was impossible and I made my way up to the surface so I can catch my breath. I then took another dive to reach the other side so I can find another way. I saw another creature that was the same as this one but it had different shades of blue and this one was more…nicer.

"I never knew there were humans who could dive this deep!" it stated, curiously. "Can you also do a spin?" I backed away from it so I won't hurt it in the process. When I had enough distance, I forced myself to spin in a circle like a tornado would except instead of being upward, it was in a straight line.

Cool.

I then thought to where that orange creature was. Maybe the spin would do? Using that idea proved useful since the gate was smashed while my head start to throb in pain.

"GAH! How is that even possible!" it shouted. "I've never seen a human pull off a spin like that!"

I'm just special!

Yeah a special case.

You can talk underwater?!

...

It then squinted its eyes as something caught its attention. "Wait…That's a Water Dragon's Scale! Does that make you the emissary of the goddess, like the Water Dragon said?"

I nodded.

"Hey, I've got an idea! Maybe you can help Her Excellence!"

Wait what?

"What happened?" I gurgled underwater. Somehow it seemed to understand me.

"Yeah about that…It happened really recently. This weirdo came in here with a gang of monsters and went right after Her Excellence. My lady the Water Dragon is a fierce fighter, and, boy, did she gobble up most of those monsters in the first few seconds." it replied proudly. "Thing is, there were just so many of them! While she was distracted, the weirdo leading all those creatures managed to wound her. She's healing up now, but she says we don't have enough special water for her to make a full recovery. So could you please go talk with Her Excellence and see if you can help her out?" it pleaded.

I nodded.

What could go wrong?

I then followed the peculiar creature through the water tunnel while doing a spin where it is necessary. Once we were out of the tunnel, the water was filled with rocks with sharp edges and cliffs. Nothing was out of the ordinary other than having some sea-creatures like those Froaks.

"Huh? That's weird." it responded. "I was expecting to meet up with my friend here…And the path is blocked with a huge boulder. Lovely. Now what do we do?" it asked. I noticed that there was the froak that was swimming aimlessly near the boulder.

Now how can I blow up that fish?

The spin was quite painful since I struck it which also collided with me but it did blew up the boulder to reveal another tunnel.

"Oh, now that's using your noodle! Her Excellence is just up ahead. Over this way!" it told me, excitedly.

I eagerly took the gulps of air when I reached the surface to do that. Even though the Scale can provide me to swim freely, it sure doesn't allow me to breath underwater!*

The creature smoothly went through another gate when it saw me paused, it shouted to me to hurry up.

"I can't get through." I said.

"Sheesh, you humans and your bones. Talk about inconvenient. I guess you can leap over the top of this wall if you have to." it replied bluntly.

Well sorry!

I then noticed the blue-shade Parella so I went to him who told me if I know how to do a spin jump. When I said no, it explained to me.

"If you spin up toward the water's surface, you can do an amazing leap right out of the water!"

Hmm…

Doing the spin jump demonstrated to be somewhat difficult since I did a spin attack, ramming my head into the metal gate which hurts… so then I went back to give me enough distance. The second time was the best. I zoomed towards it and then using all my muscles, I executed the spin jump by jumping out of the water and diving back into the water to the other side only to dive back into the water when I had reached the other side.

Awesome!

"Wow! Perfect jump!" the orange creature praised me. "I'd call you amazing, but I think we both know it was the Water Dragon's Scale that made that little stunt possible."

Way to go to ruin my confidence.

It then sunk underwater, indicating to follow it. I performed another spin jump to leap over the gate. I stared in horror when I met with the most atrocious sea-creature I had ever seen!

I wasn't even sure if it was a fish! Its head was in a weird shape kind of like an oval while there was a mark that looked like a star in front of the head. It had fat lips, two beady eyes and really it looked like a blob!

Small fins were at its side while there was something sticking underneath its body.

I don't even want to know what it is.

The fish started to swam towards us and the orange creature squealed with fright.

"Yikes! Oh, they're back! That's one of the fish that weirdo brought in here and used to attack Her Excellence! Watch out—they're mean as they come!" the Parella shook with fear.

As soon as I came near it, the head suddenly turned to red representing that it will attack but I swam away just in time. Using the spin attack, it died.

Huh.

Well that was easy.

"Wow! The goddess sure knows how to pick them! You did great!" the Parella exclaimed. And then it started to swim away so I can follow the seahorse creature. She stopped when she reached the door.

"At last, we're here! Her Excellence the Water Dragon is just up ahead. Hang on just a second."

To tell you the truth, I was nervous! Will she like me?

You will do fine as long as you have nice manners. The voice told me.

My heart beats fast when the creature swam towards the door. It dived itself straight so that the head was facing the hole of the door. She then put her head in the door so that she could open it. She started to turn the door while hearing the door shaking as it was opening. The door then opened itself in half to reveal the dark entrance.

"Please come in."

I stared at the entrance that doesn't look so…inviting. I would've thought that it would be well cheery at least and elegant… I exited out of the tunnel and stopped when I saw rays of blue light shining down.

Many creatures that looked just like the one that had been guiding me was surrounding the stand and I swam towards it. My mouth made a small o when I saw a giant dark ball while a head was sticking out.

"Ah! You there, human!" it bellowed loudly. "You have intruded into my home, a sacred place few are permitted to enter!"

I felt stiff, unable to move.

"But I-"it interrupted me.

"This is no place for one such as you. And yet here you stand! You will explain how you got here, and quickly."

I gulped. However, I cleared my throat so that the stammer wouldn't come out.

"Water Dragon?" I replied, bowing.

"I am. Those with manners address me as Faron, warden of the woods. I was appointed by the goddess herself. Though my current stature is less than, well, intimidating, shall we say, know that you stand in the presence of a loyal servant of the goddess!"

It narrowed its eyes suddenly as it something shiny on me.

"…Hmmm? I say, that's one of my scales you have there! A sacred gift such as that could only be carried by the goddess's chosen hero. But could you really be him?"

I nodded. "Yes I am. My name is Link."

"Link, you say. This raises questions. Even with that scale in your possession, finding my hall is no easy task… How did you find me?"

To tell or not to tell? I did promise the Kikwi to not tell. Before I could say anything, the Dragon beat to me first.

"That cackling, old hermit Kikwi told you where I live, didn't he?" she presumed.

Talk about a lucky guess.

"Honestly, I can't remember how many times I've told that scruffy thing to keep his mouth shut. That's the last straw. Next time I see him, he's dinner!" she replied, furiously.

"D-dinner? But your M-Majesty-"

"Oh, but I digress. You've come here seeking a sacred flame, have you?"

"Yes."

"I knew it." she stated smugly. "But I'll be straight with you. A shrimpy boy like you hardly looks the part of the goddess's chosen hero."

Shrimpy?

Hate to disappoint you, but I have to agree with Her Majesty.

Shut it.

I almost groaned when she said about a test is in order to prove I'm everything I say I am. How many times do I need to prove myself? She then began to explain about how she was attacked by a pompous creature calling himself Ghirahim. I twitched my eye when I heard that name.

Doesn't he have something better to do?

She then told me that she was forced to recuperate in the basin of sacred water. She stated to bring her a container of fresh sacred water that she requires.

Lovely!

Fi then reported that she can help me with the dowsing. And she also said to me that I do not have a container suitable for transporting water.

"Please prepare a vessel for this purpose."

Once the talk was over, I exited out of the tunnel in which she had mentioned. Well then…Off to find the Sacred Water!

Author's Note: Well that was definitely a turn of events… Next time we will discover the full form of the Water Dragon! Dun Dun Dun…Oh and this: Even though the Scale can provide me to swim freely, it sure doesn't allow me to breath underwater!* I wasn't sure if the Scale can actually help him to breath underwater as long as he pleases. So in that case, please correct me if it can.