Author's Note: So not too badly when it comes to timing on this chapter, but I still feel a little hesitant about this chapter in particular. But, nonetheless, I hope that you thoroughly enjoy this chapter; as I do like particular parts in it myself. Also, I found "Gothic Storms: We Meet In Dreams" a really good song to listen to when writing this, if you wish to check it out.
Reviews: NoSignalBlueScreen: I am really glad that you enjoyed the chapter, and the foreshadowing that came along with it.
MiniJen: Thank-you so much! I really wanted the Trail to be personal, so then it would actually prove that she had courage; as much as I liked the Trails in the game itself. I really feel happy with reviews like these, as I feel that was my best chapter yet, and having the support that says so is much more than I ever could have dreamed of. And you'll certainly see more of the interludes in this one too!
Guest (guest): I'm glad that you liked the twist on it. And I never realised, so thank-you for telling me; I've changed the errors now. I'm glad that you understand and was able to tell me, because I usually hide things like that away from the author's just because I feel bad to day it when it really isn't. I'll try my best in the future.
Clashing Swords: I assure you that there will still be twists on the others, what they will be are unknown to even myself yet. I'm glad that you enjoyed it, thought.
Vampire-Queen-Kazumi: It really is a good idea, and I wouldn't have put it in otherwise; so thank-you!
Schniedragon88: I'm glad that you liked it so much!
CupcakePride101: Yes, thanks to you! I got a little carried away, but I hope that you liked the length of it. Impa's plan is bizarre and crazy, honestly, and you'll see the outcomes of that soon. With regards to the Trail, I'm glad with the reaction and how you like mine more :)
WolfenAmpithere: I'm glad that you like it, and I have gone into some depth; but please tell me if you would like more, as I do want to write more interludes between them.
G01den Unicorn 11: I'm so glad that you liked it. And I'm really glad that you liked the flower part too. And I haven't read that series, but it sounds intriguing. I'll have to check it out soon!
Favourites & Follows: Thank-you to "CookiesRocks- 2" and "Neos the Final Builder" for favouriting this FanFiction, but no followers this time.
"Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny."
~C.S. Lewis~
Ancient Roots
A Skyward Sword FanFiction
Chapter 25: Floria
~Interlude~
"W-Why did you do that to me, Impa?"
Her heart sank at his tiny voice. He had not been harmed by the ritual—she had made sure of that—but she couldn't have prepared herself for the aftermath of what she had done. "You know why, Link. You had to see what the Demon Lord could do to you if he ever manages to find you again."
He said nothing, lowering his head as he sat on the steps leading to a small platform at the very back of the Temple—trying his best to comprehend all that he saw. Impa wasn't lying about the ritual, he really was lost in a torrent of horrible things that weren't true—but were so vivid that he believed them.
He didn't wake up for another day after the Sheikah ended the ritual; she hadn't even gotten halfway through the ritual before she had to stop for his sake, and his sanity.
The thought of what would have happened if she didn't stop chilled him to the bone.
He resisted enough in Impa's eyes, but if the Demon Lord had conducted that ritual then Link, and the world, would have been doomed in minutes. She took a seat beside him, wrapping her arm around his shoulders as he processed everything. "I never wanted to hurt you, Link. It's been my solemn duty to protect you from those who seek to assail you."
"I know."
"And as the first Bearer's own instructor into the Sheikah arts during the Great War, his death crushed me," she added, "And to know that I wasn't able to protect you from the same fate…" She refused to finish the thought.
They were both so alike, that she figured out rather quickly. And they both had a fight in them that most humans could never muster, and for that she had hope. She thanked the Goddess for giving her the opportunity to protect the newest Bearer during such dark times, and she prayed that it would be enough to save both Link and the world from calamity.
The two of them had little time before Link would have to protect the Seal on his own, and therefore they had little time to prepare for the worst outcome.
Taking a breath, she asked after a moment, "Link... what are you fighting for?"
Breathing out a dark laugh, he muttered, "What, other than my life?"
She should have known that answer was coming. He was young and still accepting his destiny, and for that she understood—she had to do the same during the Great War, after all. "Other than your life, Link," she said simply.
He turned his gaze towards the ceiling. His skin was still slightly pale from the ritual, she noticed. "What aren't I fighting for, Impa? I'm fighting for the Goddess, for the Surface, for Zelda, for my friends, for my home…"
"Not yourself?"
"I guess I'm fighting so I can live another day, so then I can fight for the Goddess and the Surface…"
She frowned, "Do you not want to fight for your life?"
"Of course I do," he said, then, "I want to live more than the next person, I just want the others to live first."
"And what was the first thing I told you, Link?"
A tiny smile tugged at his lips, but only for a moment, "That it's better to fight for something than live for nothing."
"So keep fighting, Link, despite the odds, despite the fear, despite the Discidium. But fight for yourself too. You have a right to live as much as Zelda does, as much as anyone else does."
For a moment he smiled, "Thank-you, Impa." Then there was a beat of silence before he finally spoke up again, "I want to try again."
"Try what?" She knew exactly what he meant, but she had to be sure—she needed to hear it from him.
Link rose to his feet and looked down at her, "I need to prepare myself against the Discidium before it's too late. If I'm going to fight for life, then we need to get started."
Impa smiled, glad to see the fight in him return.
"Then let us begin."
~Zelda~
I groan and slowly open my eyes, closing them just as quickly when the sunshine hits me, my cheek rubbing against the soft blades of grass beneath me. There seems to be a canopy of tree leaves above my head, but the sunlight still fights through. The world around me alive with sounds that soothes my mind, bringing me back into consciousness gently rather than how I lost consciousness before.
"Zellie, don't go in there! It's too dangerous!"
I bolt upright at the memory, clutching my head in a weak attempt to make the memories go away. Blinking my vision back into focus and away from the memories, I let the gentle breeze rustle my hair for a moment as I calm myself down.
I completed the Trial… I can move on from this—I'm stronger than this.
"Mistress," Fi's voice quickly reaches my ears, and I do all I can not to jump onto my feet and attack out of experience. I force a smile when she glides into my field of vision, "Mistress, you are awake. You have been sleeping for a total of sixteen hours and twenty-three minutes: making the time now thirty-one minutes past eight in the morning."
Sixteen hours…
The Trial really did take it out of me.
Looking around, I quickly ask Fi, "Why am I in the clearing with all of the Kikwis?" Thankfully they're all asleep, but I distinctly remember losing consciousness by that white structure.
"I brought you here as, due to my calculations, this part of Faron Woods was the least likely to be attacked by monsters as there are few resources to be salvaged from here," she clarifies, softly, then, "While I cannot completely understand human emotions, I conjecture that by resting you are not mentally healed from your ordeal, but are able to continue your search for the Sacred Flames."
I nod, "I am, Fi. And thank you for taking care of me. That Trial… it was a true test of courage."
"And I am pleased to tell you that you passed the Trial, as I am sure you already know," she says with a smile, "And whilst you were sleeping, the item you brought back from the Trial of Courage blossomed."
Following her eyes down to my hand, I find a strange blue scale in my hand that's incredibly soft to the touch. The scale is tied to a blue cord and decorated with beads and other things I don't recognise. "What is this, Fi? I've never seen anything like it."
"That, Dominae, is known as the Water Dragon's Scale. During the Great War, the Goddess Hylia called upon three Dragons of this world to aid her in her fight against the Demon King, and these Dragons are still present today," she explains, to which my lips part in wonder. Dragons? I thought they were just stories… "With this Scale in your grasp, I hypothesise that you will be able to breathe underwater like a fish for an extended period of time."
I hold the Scale up into the sunlight before pulling the cord over my head, though I feel no different wearing it, "It's beautiful…"
"I believe that there is a high chance that this item shall aid you in finding the first Sacred Flame," Fi adds moments before returning to the Goddess Sword, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
Despite the horrors that I faced in Farore's Trial, I try my best to keep that at the back of my mind and focus on the task at hand: using the Water Dragon's Scale to find the first Sacred Flame. I contain my excitement over the existence of Dragons in this world and, looking over at the sleeping Elder sympathetically, pull out the map of Faron Woods.
If the Scale is going to help, then the best place to begin is near a large water source, I muse. I'm in the clearing directly in the east of Faron Woods. I explored the Deep Woods entirely with Karane as well as the main part of the Woods too, and none of those had any big water sources.
Looking at the southern parts of Faron Woods, I note that part of the map is completely missing. Maybe that's where I need to go first.
Rolling the map up, I creep past the sleeping Kikwis and over towards the vine that Karane and I used during our last visit here. I use the vine to swing out of the clearing and back into the main part of the forest, kneeling into a crouch when I land to save myself from the harsh impact. I narrow my eyes at where the Trail used to be, the flower on the ground now completely gone. Sending it a glare, I turn off to my left and slip between a tiny passageway; finding the small clearing that Machi helped us get through—the same one which helped us into the clearing I just woke up in.
Pursuing this, I swing across some vines and travel deeper into the forest, making my way up a small incline which leads back towards that white door which I saw on my first journey here when we were helping Machi find his friends—ironically in the same area that I wanted to explore.
With Hylia's knowledge, I spot part of Farore's insignia carved into the door, but it hasn't been completed. I attempt to push the door open despite this, though nothing works. Clambering onto the fencing next to it, I find exactly what I'm looking for: the large water source that I needed.
I just need to get there.
"Fi? Is there any way to get through here other than climbing around?"
She appears in a spark of light, "Mistress, I believe that there is an eighty-five percent chance that by using the power of the Goddess, the way shall be opened." She gives me no more clues to this before going back into the hilt of the Goddess Sword.
The power of the Goddess—I may have an idea…
I make my way back over to the door and draw the Goddess Sword, preparing a Skyward Strike. I try hitting the door straight out with the Skyward Strike but get nothing from the door in response. Thinking more about the design on the door itself, I bring forth another Skyward Strike and place the tip of the sword into the door—watching in surprise as a line of purple light follows the sword as I draw a circular design inside of the crescents.
The line fades, and a white circle replaces it before fading as well, the double doors grumbling open to reveal a large corridor before me. Smiling, I sheathe the Goddess Sword and race down the corridor. Stone above me blocks out the sunlight, yet black iron bars on either side of me periodically let the sunlight in to dance across the white stone beautifully.
I skid to a stop at the edge of the platform and peer over the edge, staring down into the large body of water below. Mist from the waterfalls blur the water, creating an almost whimsical look. And yet, despite where I'm from, plunging myself into water that deep sends panic into my system.
It's just like jumping off Skyloft for Zelda, I tell myself calmly as I see the drop. For Hylia... not so much.
Taking a deep breath, I clutch onto the Water Dragon's Scale tightly and take a few steps backwards—imagining Destiny soaring below in wait. Rushing forward I leap off the platform, twisting myself into the best dive I can. I always got Link to climb up to the top of the highest waterfall in Skyloft during the Summer—it was always a high point of my childhood, even if Father did scold me for doing it.
My lips curve up into a small smile as I enter the water moments later, the cool water hitting me instantly as bubbles fly up around my face and body. I kick up as quickly as I can, breathing heavily once I break free of the surface. The mist from the waterfalls caress my skin softly, and a laugh bubbles up from my chest.
I'm really doing this. I really am here.
Sometimes it's easy to forget where you are when the world is on your shoulders.
My eyes widen when I suddenly remember my bag and how soaked it must be, although when I reach down for it the power of the Scale has created a bubble around its content. My lips part for a moment, then Fi appears before me—her toes balancing elegantly on the water's surface.
"Mistress, this area is commonly known as Lake Floria," she says, "Despite its serene beauty, I detect the presence of various monsters. Your equipment is survival-focused, and sustainability to this area is forty percent." I frown—she's right, it'll be tricky to fight in the water. "Despite this, I suggest using the "Unda" spell in order to hurl water at enemies."
I smile as she returns to the Goddess Sword and take a few moments to try out the spell underwater before pressing on. Diving underwater, I swim down into the tunnel ahead, dodging a few trees growing out of the ground as I pass. I recall the times when Link was teaching me how to swim in the Summer time, and how we ended up just having water fights. I smile a little at the memories, missing him too much already.
I can't wait to see you again…
A small waterfall at the very end of the tunnel spits me out into a much more cavernous area, plants swaying with the current at the bottom of the river whilst others drape from the walls as well—almost looking like lights to guide me. Glancing around I find a strange creature before me. Its strange body is decorated in red designs and the bottom of the body much like a snake.
"Oh, praise be to the Goddess, we have been given a beacon of hope!" The creature cries out happily, swimming across the water's surface to greet me. "You must the one that Her Excellence foresaw coming here!" I blink a few times in confusion, "You must come with us, Chosen One! Our home is being attacked!"
Without even allowing me time to process the information, the creature shoots off into the distance—and, in hopes of helping it and getting answers, I follow it. We swim onward—faster than I have normally learnt to swim at—down numerous underwater caverns leading though the main parts of the Lake, finding some enemies along the way. Fi calls some "Froaks"—large fish enemies that puff up into large spikes when wanting to attack—and "Caniocs"—also fish enemies that glow red when choosing their prey and flying towards it in excitement.
Once I manage to take them out with my spells, we carry on down the many caverns until we enter another open cavern that reveals a large door designed with numerous designs that I don't recognise. The door is dyed a light purple colour, reminding me of Fi, and has a thin lock in the centre.
"This is where Her Excellence is, Chosen One," the creature says, "But beware for enemies ahead; they were swarming the place when I left." It moves towards the door and faces it head-on, locking its head into the lock and twisting its head around. I can feel my stomach churning so much that I am forced to look away from how horrible the grinding sound is. I look back long after the door seems to have opened. "I apologise for being so abrupt, but my family are in danger."
"It's alright," I say, though it feels strange to speak underwater and breathe normally too, "I understand."
On that, it merely swims off and down another tunnel with me following it as fast as I can. I swim through the tunnel and emerge into the largest part of the underwater area, even more plants lining the walls and cavern floors than in the other tunnels. From my vantage point underwater, there seems to be a main platform ahead surrounded in tree roots, and I assume that the main fight will be occurring up there.
I begin to swim towards the platform, taking out enemies as I go. The creature was right: the place is swarming with creatures, and as I'm surrounded by monsters, a Froak puffs up and manages to pierce the skin on my arm with one of its spikes. I hiss in pain and knock it away with a strong spell, watching as my blood trails into the once pristine water.
Dragging myself up onto the platform, the wound stings even more now that I'm out of the water. I press my hand against it to slow the bleeding, though try my best to ignore the pain as I stand. The steps leading up to the centre of the platform are covered and water and spattered with blood—and I quickly find myself in the middle of the fight.
"Now, I believe I have dawdled enough in this drab place," a familiar voice remarks, his back to me—yet his blade is far too iconic to miss as he swings it around dramatically, "So I believe that it's time you gave up and confessed what you know, isn't that right, water snake?"
The looming figure he raises his blade to and mocks must be none other than Her Excellence, Faron, from what Hylia's memories are showing me. She's one of the Dragons that Fi mentioned, but much like a fish creature in Zelda's eyes. From the base of her neck, a stream of water runs down to the very end of her tail, her dark blue cloak adorned with the symbol of Farore in black and light blue. Scales fan out around her head in purple and yellow, and her look is as stern as a stone.
"How dare you mock something that could snap your bones in two and flip them outside your body, you arrogant fool," her voice booms across the chamber, so much so that even the Demon Lord's minions stop for a moment in fear. She sends forth a surge of water towards him—it misses him, and I barely manage to dodge it myself.
Before Ghirahim can go in for another attack, the sound of me unsheathing my sword catches his attention. Both of them find my gaze, and I hope that there's nothing but anger in my eyes and I take a step towards them. I can feel Hylia's anger growing too, that and her desire to protect Link mixes with mine.
You won't have him.
"Ah," he greets with a grin, "The Threads of Fate seem to have brought Her Grace to my presence once again."
My stomach drops.
"The Threads of Fate bind us. They may twist and strain, but they shall never snap."
I swallow thickly, trying my best to hide my sudden change.
Ghirahim pouts at my lack of response, "Still pining for your love, are we? Or have you finally figured out your role to play in all of this?"
"I know exactly who I am and who I need to be," I reply, sidestepping an attack as we circle one another. "But that doesn't change a thing. You won't get anywhere close to Link and never will."
I counter an attack with one of my own, thankfully managing to catch his side—but still, as ever, no blood is spilt. As our swords clash, Faron watches over us silently, "So now you finally understand what you have done, Goddess," he hisses, "And how there's nothing to do to stop it."
He manages to overpower me, and he takes that opportunity to slice my left shoulder. I bite my lip to cover up my cry of pain, but I force myself to attack in response, matching the slice he just gave to me. Pushing him away with the attack, I spit, "You will find nothing here, now leave."
He merely chuckles, pushing my sword aside for a few moments with his fingers. "I have wasted too much time here, but I shall be back soon to check on your… progress, shall we say?"
And just like that, he leaps high into the air before I can attack him again—embedding a deep cut into the Water Dragon's chest and teleporting away before he can safely land on the ground. My shoulders slump forwards, and I take a deep breath before kneeling onto the ground and wrapping some bandages around my wounds.
He's gone…
"Your Grace," I snap my head up towards Faron, then realise exactly who I'm standing before. I immediately cross my arms over my chest and bow my head.
"I apologise for not formally greeting you sooner," I say softy, Hylia taking over for me, "I…"
Faron raises a clawed hand and smiles, "It should be myself bowing to you, Your Grace." She motions for me to rise, and I do as asked, "It is good to see you again, Your Grace."
I smile warmly and sheathe the Goddess Sword, "I am glad to see you as well, Your Excellence." Noting her wounds, I call for Fi, who appears instantly, "Is there anything that could heal the Water Dragon?"
The spirit of the Goddess Sword nods firmly, "Dominae, I believe that by using a healing spell, the Water Dragon's wounds will heal by ninety-eight percent, allowing the body to naturally heal the rest of the wounds." I tilt my head. Another spell? Before I can ask, she then adds, "The word "Sana" should create the necessary healing spell."
I cast my gaze back over to Faron, who struggles to hold her hands out to stop me. "Do not spend your energy on this old dragon, Your Grace. I can merely obtain one of my subjects Sacred Water from Skyview Temple instead." I simply shake my head at her, "I admire your persistence, Your Grace, however I—"
"Please don't call me "Your Grace," Your Excellence," I cut her off, slightly irritated at her constant use of the title, "I have very little fond memories when it comes to that title." She opens her mouth to object, yet she thankfully cuts herself before saying anything else. "And besides, I would be willing to help someone in need."
Faron bows low to me, and I hold my hands up towards her with Fi's guidance. With a deep breath, I call out the word: "Sana," and feel the edges of my fingertips tingling at the sensation of magic working its way towards the wounded Water Dragon. Tendrils of pink work their way from my fingers and towards Faron's cuts, a large translucent flower blossoming across Faron's scales.
I smile as some of the wisps follow on towards myself as well, twisting around as the numerous tendrils heal my cuts and bruises as well—the physical ones, at least. "Thank-you, Your—Hylia," she pauses for a moment as the wisps fade away, "I am positive that you have come into my Domain for a particular reason, Hylia. Is there a way that I could be of assistance?"
My smile only grows. "It is a very long story, Your Excellence. I think it may take a while to explain…"
~Interlude~
Impaz sighed deeply as the doors of the Sealed Temple burst open again, the figure of the boy who accompanied Her Grace onto the Surface stormed in. After she had left, the boy constantly lingered between states of wonder and marvel at what was around him as well as anger at his supposed destiny being thwarted by the newest Bearer.
It was clear of how the boy felt towards Her Grace, and he seemed to show no sign of changing his attitude towards these grave times anytime soon.
Groose, she believed his name was, huffed loudly as he stormed over into an alcove off to the side, hiding himself from her line of sight as he muttered something bitterly under his breath. With his constant mood swings and stubbornness, the boy had quickly become someone rather tiresome to deal with. She longed for some much-needed peace and quiet after the boy's ruckus.
She assumed that the boy had been handed most things in life or used his anger to get there, leaving very little for him to grow and develop as a person. And now that he was on the Surface, Impaz knew that his presence must have been by something divine—the Goddess herself wouldn't send such a boy for no reason, would she?
Maybe now was the time in his life to finally find his true self.
So, after a few moments, Impaz rose onto her feet with all of her remaining strength, her bones groaning with the effort. Although her strength was withering and waning away, she still had a role to play in the Goddess's Mission—and to forget that would lead to downfall.
Then she would be able to rest…
Making her way feebly down the jagged steps, she crossed over towards the boy who sat on a nearby stool, his hands scrunched up into fists on his knees. He was staring down at the floor, deep in thought. His lust for the woman from his childhood would be of great use to this Mission, and Impaz knew it.
And besides, if what she had foresaw was correct, Her Grace would soon be in great danger…
She placed her bony hand onto Groose's shoulder, snapping his attention back into reality. Meeting his eyes evenly, Impaz crouched down before the young man. "Child, you shall be of no help to Zelda by stomping around like this."
His eyebrows knitted together, "Leave me alone, Grannie."
"Not until you hear how you may be able to assist dear Zelda in her quest." His eyes lit up, and she knew that she finally had the boy's attention. "I have a very important mission for you, child…"
Author's Note: Well, I do hope that you enjoyed that chapter. Please tell me mostly what you thought of the interludes in general, because I do want more between Link and Impa; and I do want to know what you thought of the last one too. Anyway, please drop a rate and review when you can and I'll see you soon!
~RandomButLoved~