This chapter is part one of a mini fic: Fi and Ghirahim's backstory, which takes place during the Era of the Goddess. It is set three-thousand years before the events of Skyward Sword. ENJOY!
Chapter 25
Send Her My Love: Part One
She wanted to scream and cry, both in sorrow and in happiness. Part of her wanted to dance with joy. The other part wanted to die with the rest of them. It seemed so unfair… While their souls were being ripped from their scourged bodies, she was given the promise of a new day.
Why had the scales been tipped in her favor?
This cursed war had been enough to turn anyone's sanity upside down; to make people question themselves, their purposes, and their world.
The rays of a waning sun scattered themselves around an open field, showering it in a warm, orange glow. The feeble light slipping to the surface was made weaker by a thick cloud cover. Fi looked skyward, her divine face no longer shining, but bemired, dirtied by soil, tears, and blood not her own. She closed her lilac eyes, gathering whatever strength she had left to direct a prayer to the heavens.
She hoped that the Golden Goddesses were listening. She accredited Din for the strength given her to complete what she had been called upon to do. She expressed her gratitude toward Farore for awarding her with the courage to press on in the face of almost certain destruction. She thanked Nayru for instilling in her the wisdom to know when to stand her ground, and when to run for her life.
So much more needed to be said. So much more. To fall on her face in praise seemed the only fitting action to take. The battles were over. They were finally over. The enemy had been overcome. She could breathe again.
Lifting both hands, depleted and enervated from hours, weeks, and months of magic use, she parted her indigo hair, brushing the long, straight tresses behind her. Pulled from her brooding, she inhaled.
With a drawn out exhale, she opened her pointed ears. The bloodshed could still be heard.
After months of anticipation, the final battle had ended, and Hylia's army had won. But, the personal vendettas had yet to cease.
The war had brought a long, prosperous era to a brutal and savage end. Both sides had fought viciously throughout, each knowing when the end had arrived. The ultimate showdown was their last chance to fight for what they believed in. Much blood was spilled in those last days.
Now, amidst a mostly silent landscape, the occasional clash of weapons could still be heard, echoing across land that was now more of a mortuary than a battlefield. The demon king had been sealed away, but the skirmishes continued. The surrender of the roughshod was most certainly going to be slow in coming.
Studying the land, Fi realized that her formal prayer of thanksgiving would have to wait.
She shivered, feeling the faint presence of an unwelcome gaze… In this place, though, such a feeling was normal.
Hundreds of casualties littered this once tranquil field. It seemed odd that the life-giving summer season was just beginning to wrap up. How could this green solstice have coexisted with such a morose and bloody time?
Death was nothing new. Members of various races had fought – and fallen – alongside one another since the war's beginning one year earlier. In one form or another, death was a constant companion to everyone involved in this larger-than-life fight.
The tall, ethereal woman sighed, wrapping her arms around her thin torso and embracing her violet, form-fitting robe. She glanced around, twisting slowly, taking in the visual before her. The sight was common, but ghastly, nonetheless.
The corpses of demons, dressed in heavy mail covered by the igneous coat of arms of their king, were strewn beside those of their enemies - of Fi's allies. Some lay in piles, the heavy frames of friends and foes intermingling. Death was no respecter of persons, consolidating that which couldn't possibly be brought together in life. With the battle over, opposing forces melded, just as they always did after death had asserted its dominance. There was no other way to bring about peace.
In this moment, harmony prevailed.
Fi knelt to the ground, beleaguered. Her warm, woven cloak, the same sky-blue shade as her skin, and marked in the center with the white outline of a crescent eye, lifted into the air before dropping. It settled along her back like warm mist over a cold pond.
Next to her sat the severed head of a brown, broad-shouldered creature: a mogma. The blood beneath it had only just begun to dry and darken, matching the base of the neck on the body. She stared into the glazed eyes, picturing the gruesome scenario in her mind.
The position of the corpse gave her all of the clues that she needed. The elbows were bent and the clawed hands were pressed flat, indicative of the way in which a mogma would normally hold itself just after breaking through the ground. This told her that the attack had happened within seconds of the creature emerging. The wide shoulders were drawn back and tilted at an angle, with the right shoulder down. Ninety-five percent of mogmas were right-handed, so it was only natural for them to twist in such a way to look over their left shoulders. This suggested that the mogma was struck from behind. Most likely, this poor soul had been unlucky enough to surface right at the foot of an enemy, only to lose his head immediately after.
She sighed. So unbelievably unfortunate.
Her full lavender lips curled. She wondered what this mogma's name was, if he had any family, and what he could have done differently to prevent his untimely death. A dozen alternative sequences of events rushed through her mind as she conceived what her dead comrade could not.
She blinked several times, shaking out the barrage of computations. Even at a time like this, her brain was fixed upon analyzing. She scolded herself. Never, never would she allow her compassion to be swallowed up by cold calculations.
The remainder of the gory scene contained hundreds of death stories, each one unique, but equally lamentable. Most were excessively bloody. To look upon them made her feel sick, but to avert her eyes felt disrespectful.
The aged yet youthful woman climbed to her feet. She started wandering, finding the remains of gargantuan, hard-bodied gorons and modest, short-circuited ancient robots, both toughened and hard-bitten by the harsh conditions of Lanayru Province. She spotted countless mace-wielding mogmas, and the once towering figures of the kikwis.
This ancient race of pelage-covered giants, made up of individuals that were twice as tall as the demons, joined Hylia's army, offering its powerful magical abilities. These creatures had truly provided great aid to her cause.
To see these amazing, long-lived creatures reduced to nothing more than black and white mounds in the dirt was utterly heartbreaking.
And the parella; who knew how many of these graceful beings were now floating lifelessly in their domain - the once besieged waters of Lake Floria and its surrounding waterways? The lake had been reclaimed, but not until many lives had been taken.
Fi had yet to meet with Her Grace, the guardians, her fellow commanders, and the leaders of the vanguards. Only then would she learn the true death count of these breathtaking, aquatic creatures.
Blessed – or, perhaps cursed – with a photographic memory, Fi made her weary way through the spattering of bodies, putting a name to every face that could be seen through the filth and disfigurement. As occurred every day, tears filled her eyes. The sight of lives lost was not something that even months of seasoning could mitigate.
Most crushing of all was the sight of her fellow empyreans. Unmistakable and dazzling even in death, the blue-tinted beings laid, their semi-immortal lives cut short by demons, hulking bokoblins, and other infernal beasts. Though bloodless, the empyreans' deaths were just as terrible as those of the surface creatures; perhaps even worse.
Fi's race was sacred, created for the sole purpose of doing the honorable work of the Goddesses. Until called upon by the deities, this race of mostly females lived out eternity in Empyrea, the realm just below the heavens, never to experience death unless blighted by a tragedy.
To be an empyrean was once coveted.
Then, the demon realm unleashed its fury, terrorizing and murdering all in its path in the name of conquest. The Golden Power of the Goddesses, the Triforce, was the demon king's incurable desire.
But, in response, a vindicator, a son of man reserved and raised up by the Goddesses themselves, set out. Solitary and courageous, every facet of his power, wisdom and courage was tested. With an eye on punishing the wicked, he completed his long journey, delivering what would transform the entirety of the enemy's realm into a shadow of its former self. And he did it gladly.
With the humans and their consecrated Goddess Statue raised into the safety of the sky realm, the empyreans descended to defend, to fight, and to die for the one in whom the three Goddesses had entrusted the Golden Power–the Goddess Hylia.
In the hands of Hylia, the one whose three virtues were balanced, the Triforce fulfilled its purpose, bringing peace and prosperity to the world. This was the Golden Age.
But, evil lusted for the powerful relic of the Gods of Olde.
In the hands of one undeserving of the power, all goodness would cease, devoured by every deadly sin in existence.
With his newly constructed weapon, the hero, in kind with the relic which he sought to protect, reached his full potential. Taking up life as a humble servant and casting himself aside, Link embraced his destiny.
When the war was still young, Fi saw him for the first time. His image would be burned into her memory forever. With hair the color of the sun, eyes the shade of an empyrean sky, and tunic the hue of the rolling hills that lay beneath them, this human was exceptional. Inside and out, he was a representation of the Goddess' world, and everything within it that they held dear.
With both soldiers holding positions as Hylia's chosen – one, the hero, the other, the commander of the Goddess's guard – the two came across each other in their frequent dealings with their leader. At first, the two never spoke.
Fi, giving obtrusiveness full rein, watched Link from afar. He was stern, that much could be educed, especially for one so young. One would never have known that he had seen but twenty yearly harvests in his surface realm. Surely his yearlong excursion to obtain his holy blade had shaped him, tempered him in ways that would put that shining weapon to shame.
As Hylia addressed them, and all of those under them, Fi would examine him secretly, storing what little information she could glean during their distant, short-lived meetings.
The assuredness of his posture. The cut of his gaze. The astuteness of his husky yet mellow voice which was oft wondered about but rarely heard. In all of her years, she had never come across his equal.
The scholarly woman wanted more of him.
Hylia's speeches habitually fell on deaf ears, for Fi's usually focused mind was diverted.
Being an empyrean, Fi had little experience with humans. The extent of the empyreans' knowledge was that the human race needed protection, and that it was their calling to provide it for them. They would leave the paradise was Empyrea to lay their lives down, should the need ever arise.
It was only natural for Fi, a lover of science, mathematics and philosophy, to be drawn to one such as Hylia's hero. He was unusual, after all, a human and a warrior. There was no one else like him.
But, there was more brewing than curiosity.
Over the months she would see him intermittently, though she doubted that he noticed her. His eyes were elusive, and his motivations seemed wholly devoted to Hylia's will. For a time, Fi would yearn for his undivided attention.
Battling in the sun, the rain, and the snow, the Master Sword glimmered, reflecting the very world which it was profoundly committed - along with its wielder - to save. From a distance, she heard the shouts and cries of a man determined. Rarely, she would gain the opportunity to fight beside him, witnessing his renowned skill with the blade of evil's bane. All enemies in the vicinity trembled. Some fled, but most fell.
Most, but not all.
There were some demons who posed a great challenge. Having fought in and survived previous wars, these beings were old, practiced, and vicious. Some the Master Sword did indeed slay. Others slipped through the hero's grasp, only to rise against him in battle once more.
Among them, only one would leave both Fi and the hero with a lasting impression.
The horror of combat, the eerie stillness of the overly quiet mornings, the strained conversation during meals in the camps, the fight to get even a few minutes of sleep… Everything worked against the soldiers to change them, both for better, and for worse. Families and homes were missed. Not knowing who would be the next to die wore on even the bravest of them.
Eventually, curiosity got the better of both Fi and the hero. Gazes met, changing cautious stares to guarded smiles. Not wanting to overstep a boundary, Fi waited for his approach.
Amazingly, it came.
Months before the last battle when winter was fading, Fi stood guard before the door of Hylia's temple. That night, her assignment was as routine and relaxing as it always was. Hylia's realm seemed to repel the evil that the Goddess' power attracted.
There was a novel warmth in the air. Balminess had pervaded the dry cold that had become customary on the surface. The infusion of heat was relieving for anyone used to the ideal conditions of Empyrea. Fi was quite pleased when she realized that her breath was no longer turning into frosty mist. It had been so many long, dragged out weeks since she had experienced this.
As soon as she had puckered her mouth to blow a steamy, yet invisible cloud into the air, she realized that someone was near. She completely froze. With lips stuck in place, she turned her head to the right.
Grinning, Link stood with gloved hands clasped behind him. His bare fingers fluttered, playing with the bottom of his scabbard. Fi thought she saw a twinkle in his eye. She pursed her lips.
After a full minute of silence, Link's smile infected her. Shifting timidly, Fi finally heard him say, 'Hi'. She would never forget the way that his voice sounded that day.
As a changing wind swept across the sacred grounds, they had their first conversation; the first of many. Lightening the mood, Fi joked about whether or not chance had played a role in their 'chance meeting'. Perhaps Hylia, in all of her wisdom, had stationed them together on purpose. They both shared a good chuckle over the notion.
Finally, after months of perusing one another, the pair became acquainted while on duty together.
Weeks passed. Even though Link was slowly coming to value Fi's company, he never seemed to say much. But, he was quickly won over by the commander's attractive disposition.
She was an unfathomable amount older than him – as well as slightly taller - but the idea that age mattered swiftly vanished in a puff of smoke.
In due course, idle chat after Hylia's meetings turned into deeper conversation. It didn't take long for the two to begin spending their downtime together.
As time went on, keeping away from one another became an impossibility.
They talked about everything, from the eternal beauty of Empyrea to the hardships of winters on the surface. Fi would sit quietly whenever he spoke, eager to hear what he was willing to share. She found him fascinating, impelling him to talk about any and all subjects that were fit to be discussed between a male and a female. Most of the time, he complied.
Her admiration for him was not left unrequited. Genuine elation graced her for the first time since the war had begun when he began asking her questions. With enthusiasm, she offered him whatever knowledge he desired. He would soon come to return the favor, telling her about the life that he had led prior to taking up the Goddess' mission.
Once the ice between them had been broken, Fi found herself longing for Link's company when he wasn't around. She started preferring it over that of other empyreans. Her peers took notice, observing the pair as they grew closer. Some questioned her, asking if their relationship was anything serious. Knowing how bizarre it must look for a human and an empyrean to be close, she would hastily quash their suspicions. Not that everyone believed her, of course.
Lonely travel became a thing of the past for them, as did visits to the field hospital, located in a section of the Temple of Hylia. Whether they were receiving medical treatment or visiting comrades, they would stick together.
Hours were spent comforting one another during the passing of friends, an all too common occurrence. Nothing could be done to take the pain away, but the warmth of each other's arms would always provide relief.
They went off together more and more frequently, fulfilling the requests of their leader jointly whenever possible. On more than a few occasions, their subordinates were left hanging, wondering why their superiors were late…again.
Apart, their immovable sense of obligation thrived, overflowing to all others around them. The respect and adoration awarded them was more than deserved.
But, together, the hero and the commander were prone to losing their concentration. Garnering intrigued looks, the two discreetly carried on. Sometimes they would laugh – a thing practically unseen around the camps.
Fi had even danced for him once, an intimate act for an empyrean. He was left speechless, but not for the usual reasons.
Individually, the two were deeply loved. When brought together, they were a beacon of light, encouraging and guiding those entwined in the impenetrable darkness of the times. They were illustrations of a time long passed; an unceasing reminder of what was being fought so diligently for. So much so, that not one soldier had a problem overlooking their little mistakes.
Even though Link had slowly started to open up, he was still a man of few words. But, when Fi compared his current amiability to his previously hushed ways, it was clear that he had changed quite a bit. Whenever they were separated, she would think about how far they had come, grateful for everything that had developed between them. They had become true friends.
In time, to Fi's delight, the hero started to talk more openly. Yet, she knew that he was holding something back.
The facts revealed through his body language were plain as day. He was not entirely comfortable here. He would speak of his old home - a small village to the north of Eldin Province. He spoke of a young lady. His voice was stoic, but his eyes exposed his sadness. He confided in Fi to an extent, telling her that he missed his friends and family. But, he failed to admit what their absence was doing to him.
With the rest of humanity now residing in the sky, he was one of the few left of his kind. Free of all peril, everyone that he knew was moving on and building a new life, all without him.
A small group of the bravest humans stayed on the surface, refusing to flee. Hylia had allowed them to stay, knowing that these individuals would never be content to live out their lives as refugees while war flourished beneath their feet.
One by one, the hero watched many of his fellow humans die, succumbing for their lack of skill. Those created in the image of the Gods of Olde were a peaceful race, and knew very little of fighting, let alone war. War was an enterprise sanctioned for the empyreans. They were taught the ways of combat. The humans were not.
Hylia's chosen was a special case. With ingrained interest in sword fighting and archery since childhood, he easily developed his fighting skills during the quest for the Master Sword. In every way, he was incomparable, maturing into a living, breathing mirror image of the Triforce.
As each battle grew fiercer and stretched for longer periods, Link and Fi's time together was reduced.
Many short, melancholy talks were had in the moonlight. In the rain they would huddle underneath Link's shield, thanking the Goddesses for their many blessings. Every moment that they were able to hear each other's voices, hold hands, and embrace one another had become invaluable. Whether or not either of them would survive another night of fighting was a mystery. Each meeting might have been their last.
Nothing was certain. Very little was fixed. The demons were tough and changeable.
But, they were not without their weaknesses. Most from the demon realm were light-sensitive. To Hylia's army, the sun was an ally. To the demons and most of their comrades, it was an indomitable enemy, keeping them away from battle until the light had begun to fail.
The surface tribes harbored their own flaws, as well. The demon realm was too inhospitable for most surface creatures to dwell in for very long. Lack of sun, nourishment and drinkable water aside, the arid air of the realm was enough to poison a foreigner. Invading the realm was out of the question. Because of this, the enemy would always have a sanctuary to fall back on.
Eventually, the demons set up camp on the surface, expanding into new territory and gradually becoming lightfast.
The threat of night ambushes, the defense of precious food sources, the possibility of sending spies to their deaths - everything that this bloody war entailed would soon, thank the heavens, be a memory.
A feeling of comfort warmed over Fi as her overburdened mind lolled in the cushion of a daydream.
Disentangling herself from her private tangent, she slowly came back to the present.
If only for a moment, a smile flashed over her lips. In this place, overmastered by a setting late-summer sun, death's overpowering presence was inescapable. Yet, so was the joy in her spirit for the victory achieved by Hylia's army; a mishmash of races, of thousands of individuals with vastly different backgrounds. That a muddled defense force like this could unify at all was a miracle in itself. Despite language barriers, the humans and empyreans were somehow able to work with the various surface creatures.
Over the course of the war, the mogmas and ancient robots adapted effortlessly to the Hylian language. The gorons, however, were still learning. They spoke only a few words of the language. The kikwis, as well as the parella, didn't speak any.
The price of victory for these beings had been heavy. Many had died, but none had done so in vain.
As Fi marched, she blinked away the tears. The time would come for all of those left in the war's wake to mourn for and to celebrate the lives of those who had passed away.
But, the time was not now.
Exiting the southeastern section of the expanse between the Eldin, Lanayru and Faron Provinces, Fi tried not to look at the deceased. Despite her efforts, her peripheral vision registered enough details to tell her who she was passing. Her lip trembled in anguish as she tried not to trip over sprawled hands and feet. Pools of blood were soaking into the grass, transforming the overwhelmingly green field into a muddied shadow land.
She had the faintest sense that she was being watched. Turning in a circle, she searched through open field and darkened grove. Her sharp eyes picked up no one.
What she did see was countless empyrean corpses, thousands of years old, as aged as the oldest of the demons. She saw soldiers from her own legion, sworn to flank Hylia and her chosen hero.
"Commander…"
A strangled murmur slashed through Fi's thought. In an instant, she made a path between the bodies, gliding to where the small voice had come from. She crouched down, bringing her face to the one who had called out to her.
An empyrean man. He was barely breathing, his body was broken and mangled, and his face was almost unrecognizable, save for a small mark on his right ear. Fi's mouth dropped as she realized who he was. This was a friend, a former neighbor of hers from the metropolis which had been her home for centuries, before she was summoned to the surface.
This man had been a soldier under her command since the beginning. His name was Za. He was a professor of music, a carpenter, and a husband.
Fi shut her eyes, trying to will the tears away. Her face was on the brink of twisting with grief, but she had to be strong for him.
"Com-" he said, choking. He sounded as if he was already miles away. "I'm s-" Fi shook her head. "I'm sor-" She grabbed his hand in haste, squeezing it as if to suppress his words.
"No," she said soothingly, stroking his trembling hand. She locked eyes with him, knowing that he needed the connection.
"Pl-" he whispered. Fi leaned in. "Please, F-"
"What, Za?" she asked.
"Please… Fi… Tell…"
"Yes?"
"Tell her… That I… She-"
"I will, Za," Fi said, her voice breaking away. The urge to cry was becoming unbearable. Her throat tightened like a vice. She kept her head low, not moving until she was sure that her friend had breathed his last.
Thank the heavens that the sun was almost down. The darkness was Fi's only means of avoiding the horrific images.
Casting her gaze away, she was struck by another memory.
The vivid image of a man danced before her. A pale-skinned captain in the enemy's army, strong yet graceful, with the eyes of a dark angel. In form, he mirrored most others of his kind. Outright, he was nothing extraordinary. With his tall, proud stature and long white hair that was secured behind him, he looked exactly like his fellow demons.
But, looks were oftentimes deceiving.
Fi had first encountered him several weeks prior to the battle in Hylia's realm, focused and fully engaged on a field near the desert to the west. She had seen him fighting, killing without mercy. His skills were impeccable.
Notwithstanding his distinguishable merits, his carmine uniform, overlaid by a shining iron breastplate, showed signs of wear. Whether it was from the tears in the thick fabric around his upper arms, the lacerations on his black vambraces, or the deep, red gash that trailed down the side of his face, it was clear that he had taken some hits. A nearly inconceivable concept for someone as slate of hand as he. But, it only confirmed what Fi already knew: Hylia's army contained its own champions.
Not only did the demon wield a rapier with elegant precision, but he was a magic user, displaying a fearsome mastery, unique among those of his realm. In her travels on the surface, Fi had learned that some, though not many, demons practiced magic. This demon, however, possessed a vast knowledge of the black arts; the dark twin of the power utilized by the empyreans. Wholly singular was his level of skill.
One afternoon, the sky was as red as an ocean of blood. The drift of battle pulled Fi and the demon together like a wave to the seashore.
In the midst of defending herself against another, she performed an evasive spin. Unexpectedly, her quick footwork brought her face to face with the unnamed stranger. A huge, black gaze framed by brown met exotic eyes of hyacinth.
With body suspended, Fi's penetrating countenance withered, caught in the stare of one unknown to her. He paused as well, looking equally shocked. His weapon sank down as loose wisps of hair clung to his face. Her heartbeat pulsed in her neck. Agape, the two faltered, not knowing whether to strike, to risk escape, or to surrender.
To surrender what, neither warrior knew.
The junction was fast and fleeting, over almost as soon as it had begun. The charge of soldiers and the chaos of mêlée tore the meeting in half, placing each participant on his or her own respective path, never to see each other in combat again.
Now, Fi wondered if he was still alive…
Minute after minute she hiked, leaving one meadow behind to enter a new one. Her brain was spent, yet the onslaught of thoughts just wouldn't stop.
Over the last day and a half, Fi had been pulled away from Hylia's realm; but, not until she had witnessed the demon king's defeat with her own eyes.
Once she and her fellow soldiers had aided Hylia and her chosen in weakening Demise's horde, Link dealt the final blow, demonstrating to every living being in attendance, including the demon king, why he had been chosen in the first place.
It had been an incredible sight to see.
With the great Demise forced to genuflect before the ones who had secured his defeat, the ground beside the Temple of Hylia lurched and quaked, responding to the Goddess's power as she partitioned the land, carving a deep chasm within it. With a terrifying shout, the demon king fell through the surface, chased by the Goddess as she worked to pour every ounce of her strength into a permanent seal, enough to hold Demise in imprisonment for all of eternity. Trapped by this barrier, the immeasurable evil would never escape. He would be locked away, stripped of the ability to terrorize the humans and all other tribes of the surface.
With the first of the ritual complete, Fi submitted to Hylia's orders to go where she deemed best. Almost two days later – right now- she finally felt the urge to return to her leader. She looked forward to seeing Link, as well.
After navigating acres of hills and woodlands, the empyrean commander arrived at what was now called the Sealed Grounds. It was teeming with fighters of all races. Excitement burgeoned and a celebration was on the verge of erupting. Hylia deserved to be glorified for her efforts, but, the festivities would have to wait.
Everyone was fatigued and overextended. The scuffles still carried on outside of the woods. Stranded soldiers desperately needed aid, rousing all of those able-bodied to move out. Brandishing all weapons in their possession, they headed out, raring to put an end to the remnants of the last battle; to bring the fighting to a close, for good.
As Fi approached the now secure realm of Hylia, fighters of all sizes were coming and going. Saluting the drained empyrean, many rushed past her. She simply nodded at each of them, sidestepping the bodies of those who had fallen during the conflict. She could feel the rumblings of mogmas on the move beneath her feet. Strong vibrations seized the ground as gorons rolled by. Kikwis lumbered past with huge, measured steps.
By the order of Hylia, nearly everyone in the area was rapidly dispersing. Fi secretly hoped that the Goddess would not send her out again. Not until she had rested. She was exhausted. The sky was getting darker by the second, meaning that retaliation attacks were on their way. She would be utterly useless if she didn't get at least a little bit of sleep.
Fi stopped at the edge of the massive crater. She looked down, studying the spiraling walkway that ran along the sides.
When Hylia and the hero had finished their work in the newly formed pit, she created the walkway for ease of access, both for those in the present time, as well as the future. From where Fi stood, the two looked quite small against the grandeur of the basin. She breathed in the refreshing breeze as it blew through her hair, grateful that the Goddess and her hero were still on their feet. Fi didn't move as the pair ascended the winding dirt path.
She watched Link as he assisted Hylia. She started to smile. Even after the most arduous trial he had ever participated in, he was still as dedicated as ever, putting others first. She shook her head, never surprised by his fidelity, but always amazed.
Suddenly, Fi couldn't help but notice that Hylia was favoring her left leg. She was also leaning on Link quite a bit.
Concerned, Fi made her way to where the crater's pathway met level ground. The Temple of Hylia stood to her right as she picked up her pace. Disregarding her own weariness, she ran to meet the Golden Goddess' most important soldiers.
"Your Grace!" Fi called as she finally finished circling the chasm. "Are you alright?" She halted at the top of the path, observing Hylia's limp. A sword was gripped in her right hand. In her other, which hung over Link's shoulder, was a golden, ten-string harp.
Although she was injured, she looked magnificent. She always did. She wore a heavy but queenly long-sleeved, sorrel garment, fitted at the top and full-skirted at the bottom. She was tall, but only slightly more so than Link.
Tossing most of her caution to the wind, Fi approached the blond-haired Goddess.
"May I?" she asked, offering an arm. Hylia lifted the soft, refined features of her face to her faithful servant. Her ice blue eyes widened.
"Of course…" she said regally, sounding out of breath. Exchanging a fretful glance with Link, who appeared reasonably winded himself, Fi bent to take Hylia's weight over her left shoulder.
Together, the three shambled to Hylia's temple, gathering a small group of worried soldiers along the way. Before they even made it to the door of the large, stone building, several human and empyrean nurses in long brown robes were waiting to receive them. They passed between two small, burning torches.
The building was glorious and perfect, with every stone in place. Vines of deep green climbed along its pillars, walls and windows. This sacred place, housing three marble likenesses of the Golden Goddesses atop a large altar in its center, had been Hylia's dwelling place for the duration of the war. In her kindness, she had opened the left wing to those most gravely injured, refusing to allow them to endure the elements from within a tent hospital in the woods. Some of these soldiers would never stand again. She insisted that they pass in comfort.
Not only that, but there was something about the temple that the enemy found disagreeable. No demon or their allies had ever set foot inside of this sanctuary.
Before long, Hylia was whisked to the right side of the temple. A flurry of feet scuffled along the stone floor as the Goddess was escorted to her private chambers. Torches crowding every partition brightened the temple as if by sunlight. A makeshift, red silk canopy hung from each adjoining wall in the corner.
The soignée woman reclined beneath it on her velvety daybed, dipping her head to the curved rest behind her. The nurses clumped together, all scrambling to hand her what they had retrieved: water, hot cloths and pain-relieving herbs. Fi nodded to herself, confident that she was going to be fine.
After leaving her heavenly realm, the Goddess' body became like that of an empyrean: tough, yet capable of sustaining injury. Even though she did not bleed when she was hurt, she was still able to feel pain. And, like an empyrean, she was impervious to healing through conventional means, such as surgery. Plain old rest and relaxation was her, as well as Fi's, only option for recovery.
Link was quickly tended to as well, much to his dismay. When Fi's gaze turned from the Goddess to the young man, she discovered that he looked a lot worse than she had first realized. Hylia's condition had distracted her from his disheveled state. He had several cuts, welts and bruises. His green tunic was shredded down to the chainmail. She gasped softly, mentally reproving herself for overlooking her closest friend's wounds. She was never that unobservant.
For a time, Fi watched from a distance. It took several minutes and a direct order for the nurses to let Hylia and the hero be. Giving the Goddess space, Link stayed in the opposing corner. This resting area had been made up for him weeks earlier as a way to encourage him to sleep more. He hardly ever used it, though. In fact, Hylia had to order him away from the battlefield several times to ensure that not only was he stopping to rest, but that his injuries were being properly cared for.
Link had a distinct way of ignoring his own needs in the name of duty. Convincing him to rest in the evening, after he had been locked into a string of battles for days, was borderline impossible. Hoards of demons were most likely to attack at night, and this meant that no matter how exhausted he felt, he was not satisfied unless he was either guarding his camp, or running into battle with everyone else.
Fi stifled a grin as she watched him fidget on his bed. He was dying to get out there, to do his part in quelling the last of the fighting.
But, there he sat, with no shoes, no cloak and no shirt. His chest and arms were wrapped in gauze. His face was scratched, but clean. His hair could have used a good brushing, however.
Holding her hands behind her, Fi rounded the corner that separated them.
"How are you feeling?" she asked, taking a seat beside him. Link stared at his blistered hands.
"Fine," he said. The dull murmur of nurses and patients rose and fell in the background, accompanied only by the soft crackle of fire.
"Fine? That's all? Just fine?" Link brought his red-tinged eyes up.
"Yeah," he replied. Fi snickered.
"I expected to hear something a little more exhilarant from the man who just slew the one responsible for the deaths of thousands of humans, and the destruction of dozens of your towns and villages." She paused. "You know?"
"You and your long, wordy sentences," Link calmly teased. "And I didn't slay him. I just brought him down a notch so Hylia could do what she needed to do." He looked at her as if that was all that needed to be said. She smiled and shook her head in her usual way.
"You're too modest, Link. You just did something extraordinary. I've seen a lot. You know that." She leaned closer. "And Demise is the most terrifying entity I've ever come across." They both fell silent for a moment. Link gave a reluctant nod.
"Yeah… I guess it was a little scary to face him, after waiting for so long."
"I don't know of anyone in this camp who hasn't been plagued by nightmares in recent weeks," Fi said. "It's like everyone knew that the horror was coming. I think everybody will agree that the bravery you just exhibited is astonishing."
"Well, thanks."
"You're welcome, noble hero," Fi said wryly, wishing he would give himself a bit more credit. She took his hand, attempting to pull his attention away from his callouses. His eyes shifted. "You seem distracted. Is something wrong?" At last, Link looked her in the eye.
"To be honest, I don't want to be sitting here right now…"
"Oh, of course," Fi sighed. "But, you fought alongside Hylia for hours. You're injured, Link. Look at you. You need to rest. The other legions will take care of the stragglers out in the field. Just have faith."
"It's not that I don't have faith…" he started.
"I know. You have to be at the helm or you think you're dishonoring Her Grace." Fi cracked a little smile. "I know you too well." Link glanced at his shield and Master Sword. Leaning against the wall, the blade no longer reflected violence, but the gentle glow of torchlight. Fi examined Link's restless expression, concluding that his weapon's inertness was paining him more than the incisions and punctures that the nurses had just bandaged. "It's alright, Link."
"It's been a year and a half," Link said. "Since I left my home to find the sword, anyway. It's been four seasons of nonstop fighting, and watching people die all around me…" His voice quieted. "I don't know how to be anything but a soldier." His blue eyes pierced through Fi's. "It's not alright for me to sit here." Fi rubbed his hand.
"I understand," she said. "I'm sure after you've slept for a little while that Hylia will-"
"It might be over by then," Link interjected, surprising Fi with his insistent tone. She was used to him silently asserting his opinions and orders. Somehow, people always listened and understood. She didn't say anything for a moment.
"There are other things to consider right now," she said, aiming to distract him.
"What else could possibly be worth considering right now?"
"Well," Fi said, crossing her legs and turning toward him. "Now that your objective is complete, and the threat is sealed away…" She looked deeper into his eyes. "You can start thinking about the future."
Fi suddenly felt as though her statement had been too forward. Link's silence made her nervous. She wondered what he was thinking.
"I mean…" She started to say. Even with centuries' worth of knowledge in her brilliant mind, her tongue was prone to tying itself in knots in certain situations; especially when she was with Link. She rolled her eyes at herself. She didn't want him to think she was suggesting anything… "I mean, now that peace is on the horizon, finally, we can start getting back to our lives again." She bit her tied tongue, feeling inarticulate. "You know?" Link stared for a few more seconds.
"Well, it's going to take me a while to settle into a regular civilian life," Link admitted, looking down again. "After all this, I don't really know if I can…"
"Everyone can relate to that," Fi said, trying to ease his worries. He seemed more tense than usual, even though he had just accomplished something unheard of for a human. "But, when you're ready, where do you think you'll go? To stay?"
Fi had been waiting to ask this question. She stiffened, trying to conceal her eagerness.
"Oh, well…" he said slowly. "Ever since I left home, I couldn't wait to go back to my village. But then it was destroyed…" He paused to think. "When everyone I knew was sent to the sky, I wanted to follow them. I wanted to stay here and fight, but I really wanted to be with my family, too. So many times, I've dreamed of dying, of never being able to see them again. All I wanted was to go to the sky, to see what it looked like up there, and to join everyone again… I mean, you know that. I've told you that over and over." Fi tapped her foot.
"So, you made up your mind?" Fi asked.
"No, actually. I uh…" Fi's glowing eyes broadened. "I don't know if I'll be going to the sky."
"But, you've always wanted to. Isn't there a…young lady there, waiting for you?" She held her breath, feeling silly inside. She didn't know why this mattered so much to her. She was an age-old empyrean. He was a human…
"Well, yeah." He shrugged. "There is, but…" He looked to Fi as if he didn't know what to say. Or, perhaps he did know, but he didn't want to say it. "I dunno, Fi. The thing is, we've all changed so much. I've changed a lot. Somehow, I just feel like I don't belong there…"
Fi was taken aback. She knew that he was having trouble making a decision, but to hear this—
"Link? Commander Fi?" The two automatically jumped up at the sound of Hylia's voice.
"Yes, Your Grace?" they both said. Still resting her head, Hylia gently gestured for them to approach her.
"How are you feeling, Your Grace?" Fi asked. They both stood at attention as she gingerly lifted her body into a sitting position. Fi looked her over. Only a Goddess could don a long dress in battle…
"For a semi-immortal, not bad," Hylia answered with a stately nod. Fi nodded back. "How are you feeling, Link?"
"Fine, Your Grace," he said, standing up straighter.
"Are you in pain?" she asked.
"Not much," Link replied. Fi eyed him, knowing he was lying.
"I would prefer you to stay out of harm's way," Hylia said sternly. "The skirmishes will soon end, and the dead will have to be collected. You may take part in this task, but you are not to fight. Is that clear?"
Her voice was kind, yet unyielding. She knew exactly what Link was thinking, and what he wanted. Fi could sense his body stiffening and heating up in protest. She heard him grind his teeth.
"Yes, Your Grace," he forced himself to say. Fi looked away, feeling poorly for him.
"Thank you," Hylia said, brushing her luxurious golden waves over her shoulder. "We have much to discuss with your fellow commanders. We will be gathering tomorrow. Eldin, Faron and Lanayru will be in attendance. There is a matter of great concern that must be addressed at once." Link and Fi exchanged looks.
"What is it, Your Grace?" Fi asked.
"I will explain the matter in detail later on," Hylia explained, pressing the cloth-wrapped herbs to her neck. "However, I feel that-."
"Is something wrong, Your Grace?" Fi interrupted. Link gave her a questioning look. Fi stepped back. "I'm sorry I…spoke out of line. I just sense that something is wrong…"
"It is quite alright," Hylia assured her, holding up an elegant hand. "As I would expect, your instincts are correct." Her listeners felt their stomachs drop. "This concerns both of you, as well as those in the sky realm-" She looked to Link. "—and the surface realm. It will eventually affect those in Empyrea, as well."
Hylia's words were always urgently heeded. Now, however, they commanded even more reverence. Link and Fi didn't move a muscle.
"The wound through my shoulder, dealt by Demise's blade," she continued, placing a hand on the cloth draped over the bare skin, "left me significantly weakened. As I infused the sealing stake within Demise with the power of the Golden Goddesses, my strength was lacking. Regrettably, the seal itself is incomplete." Because Link had been directly involved with the ritual, he was the first to speak up.
"Your Grace, are you saying that the seal needs to be reinforced?" His eyes brightened. "If so, I'll gladly accompany you to the Sealed Grounds." Hylia's angelic face softened.
"Thank you, Link, but unfortunately, the seal cannot be strengthened. Not without completely removing the stake. In doing so, we run the risk of awakening the one in whom you fought so valiantly to overcome. We cannot risk unleashing the very danger that we have worked for so long to subdue. We simply cannot." She looked back and forth between the two soldiers. After a moment, they both gave her an understanding nod.
"I see, Your Grace," Fi said. "If the barrier which imprisons Demise is imperfect, then something must be done. What do you propose we do?"
"Yes, Commander, something must be done." Hylia buried her cracked fingernails into each of her cloths. "There will come a time when the ritual will recommence. But, this advent, which will precede a great apocalypse, will not come to pass in this age. No, it will not be seen for three millennia." Once again, the two friends were speechless for a moment.
"Three thousand years?" Fi asked. Link's jaw had dropped considerably.
"Indeed," Hylia said. "By the Goddess' will, another hero will arise." Link's eyebrow came up.
"Another hero?" he asked. "Will he be human?" Hylia gave him a warm smile.
"They usually are," she said furtively.
"Are my people gonna stay in the sky?" Link asked. "Is that where he'll come from?" Fi leaned over and silently rebuked him with her eyes, reminding him to get a grip on his newly escaped etiquette. "…Your Grace," Link added in. Hylia's airy grin showed that all was well.
"Yes, Link, your race will remain in the clouds. They have already built much of what they have come to call, their 'loft in the clouds'." All at once, Link looked like an awed little boy.
"'Loft in the clouds'," he said with fascination. "I'm gonna have to see this place." He looked to Fi. His change of heart lifted a massive weight from her shoulders. She had never seen him so excited. "Fi, do you want t-" He turned back to Hylia.
"Dismissed," she said with a hint of a chuckle. Link nodded before pivoting. He grabbed his linen shirt and slipped it over his head as he marched outside, leaving his clothing on the daybed. Fi followed close behind, catching the first few notes of the Goddess's harp as she left.
"Fi, did you hear that?" Link asked outside the temple door. He straightened the collar of his long-sleeved beige shirt. Running a hand under her silky hair, Fi stepped beside him, watching the flurry of activity around the crater. The moon's bright aura was raining down tonight, pushing its way through the clouds. "The 'loft in the sky'. I wonder what it looks like."
"They've had over a year to construct their villages. I'm sure it's splendid. Humans are superb builders."
"There're a lot of people from my own village who I know would've helped. I bet they're still building. I wonder if they created a replica of our old village." A daydream tried to snag him, but he instantly shook it off. "Oh, Fi, I was gonna ask you…" He rotated to face her. Fi stopped breathing. Link had never been this impassioned about anything. She secretly looked forward to whatever words might tumble out of his mouth. "Would you like to…" In a reticent moment, his mouth wavered. "Do you want to-"
"I'd love to," Fi blurted out. She stared at Link, a bit shocked at herself.
"You would?" Link asked with a flickering smile. His hand rose to hers. Fi looked down as she felt his touch.
"Of course. I would love to meet everyone that you've talked about all these months. I've heard so much about them. They feel like my own family." The glow on Link's face assured her that she'd said the right thing.
"I can't wait," he said with a long exhale. Fi beamed. It was fantastic to see him so happy.
But, when he turned a blank gaze toward the edge of the woods beyond the Sealed Grounds, her chorus of blissful thoughts immediately hushed. She tilted her head, studying his blue eyes.
They appeared to be almost glazed over…just like the deceased mogma earlier. She squeezed Link's hand.
"Link?" she chimed softly. He didn't budge. "Link?"
Twitching, his focus returned to his friend. In the dim light, Fi thought she saw him blush; something she had never witnessed.
"Sorry, I thought I heard something," he nearly garbled.
"I thought you seemed distracted earlier, too," Fi admitted. "Is something bothering you? Is it Demise? What you just went through? Maybe something Hylia said about the seal?"
"I'm not sure," he said, shuffling his feet. "Maybe…"
"Don't feel bad. You've had it rougher than anyone this past year and a half. No one can argue with that." Looking away, he sighed through his nose. His breath swirled into the air.
"I guess."
"Not 'I guess'. 'I know'," she corrected. He started to loosen.
"Yes, mother," he joked.
"You know what I smell?" Fi asked. "Our marvelous chefs preparing something delicious."
"Smells like someone went fishing," Link noted. "And hunting. Venison, I think."
"As keen a nose as ever," Fi laughed. "A celebration dinner, maybe?"
"A little early for that. Probably tomorrow."
"Speaking of tomorrow," Fi said, "we've got a lot of work to do. We have a meeting with the commanders and guardians, and we have casualty duty. I don't know about you, but I'm tired."
"What do you wanna do, eat and go to sleep?" Link asked.
"Would be wise, yes."
"I'd rather be out there," he said, looking toward the field. "Even though I'm starving right now."
"Well, you have your orders," Fi reminded him. "Don't disobey Hylia."
"I know," Link mumbled.
"Looks like we'll be eating late tonight," Fi said. "I don't think the food's ready yet." She looked her friend over yet again. "Aren't you freezing? This is the coldest night we've had since last winter ended, and you're barefoot." Link scratched the back of his head.
"Yeah, you're right. Guess I'm too used to summer. I'll go get my stuff."
"Meet you in the 'mess hall' in a little bit?" Link gestured his approval. "Great. I'm looking forward to it." With a departing nod, Link reentered the temple, leaving Fi to warm her hands over one of the torches. She covertly admired his upper body from behind, noting how bulked up he had become since their first meeting. Not only had endless fighting given him impressive muscle tone, but he was transitioning from a teenager to a man. As he disappeared, she cleared her throat and waved her fingers over the flames. She shook her head at herself.
It wasn't long before Fi had gravitated toward the small clearing to the south of Hylia's Temple. The grounds were bustling. The energy about the dining area was electric. The high of victory spared no one.
Just being there lifted Fi's spirits. They were hoisted straight to the floating island in the sky.
Its huge shadow could be seen through the heavy curtain of cloud. Fi lifted a contented smile to the dark silhouette.
A short time ago, she never would have guessed that a simple invitation from a human could make her so happy. In fact, it made her century. Maybe even her millennium.
Before taking a seat with a group of lady empyreans, Fi searched for Link's characteristic green tunic and blond hair. He didn't seem to be there yet.
Telling herself to be patient, Fi sat down and joined in on the excited chatter. She laughed. If every one of the two dozen wooden tables was abuzz with the same topic that her friends were discussing, then Link and Hylia's earlier performance was the talk of the camp. Fi surveyed from the tables to the trees, hoping that Link was around to hear this. When she didn't see him, she delved further into the conversation.
Minutes slipped past unnoticed as Fi's attention was diverted.
No one was foolish enough to believe that all danger had been vanquished, or that the work was over. In spite of the fact that the most perilous portion of their journey was behind them, there was so much more that needed to be done.
But, tonight, no one was interested in suppressing their joy. It was impossible not to rejoice a little bit. Emotions ran high. Much laughter was shared, and many tears were shed. This was a night that countless had waited for. At last, the deaths of so many innocents had been avenged.
Fi ate her meal in the company of those she loved and trusted. She would never forget how something that promised only death could not only renew old relationships, but build new ones.
As stories were shared, both joyous and tragic, Fi and her friends ate and drank their fill.
Just as everyone began to clean up and disband, she realized that Link had never come. Holding her dishes, her eyes darted from table to table.
He definitely wasn't here.
Fi bit her lip. Link had told her that he was going to meet her. He had also said that he was hungry… Why hadn't he shown? This wasn't like him.
Worry promptly gripped her.
Dropping her plate to the table, she ran back to the temple, her leather boots thudding against the grass. Her mind drew a horrid picture, flipping her stomach—
Link - behind Hylia's red drape, with only his bare feet visible - dutifully offering himself to her in any way that she wished.
Flying through the dark, Fi swallowed. She had considered this before. Link was deferent enough to do it, or so she thought. This was the Goddess. She was fairer than any woman. All she needed to do was command, or perhaps ask… Fi grimaced.
What else would steal him from her tonight?
By the time she had reached the front of the stone structure, she was panting. She stood in the entryway for a moment, hesitating. Lowering her eyes, she pressed on, needing the truth.
She was speedily met by the sound of a dozen quiet discussions. Nurses scurried around, just as they always did.
Directly ahead, kneeling on the altar, was none other than Hylia. Her head was bowed. Her lips were aflutter. And, most importantly, Link was nowhere in sight.
Fi scoffed at her poor judgment. Why would she ever think such a thing about her gracious leader?
She was fed up with herself. She was fed up with this whole mess.
As soon as she found Link, she was going to tell him how she felt. Exactly how she felt.
How she felt when he didn't join her for dinner. How jealous she would become when he and Hylia had private talks. How she had worried herself sick in the past while waiting for him to return from his missions. How ecstatic his company made her feel. The sense of loneliness that afflicted her at night when he wasn't around...
Then, she froze. Maybe Link was more hurt than he had let on…
She dashed for Hylia's chambers. Entering the enclosed area, however, all she found was an empty daybed.
If it hadn't been for two pieces of evidence – the Master Sword and shield – Fi would have concluded that Link had simply sneaked his way back into the field. But, even if he had been crazy enough to disregard Hylia's orders, he certainly wouldn't enter combat unarmed.
Fi shook her head, thinking hard. Seconds later, something peculiar caught her eye.
Link's warm, woolen tunic, cap and cloak were balled up on his bed. If he had gone anywhere, he was surely frozen.
Stranger still, his shoes and socks were in the corner.
Fi's heart skipped a beat. Now she knew something was wrong.
Everyone in her path was questioned as to Link's whereabouts. None of the nurses or patients had even a scrap of knowledge. She gaped at the door.
Jogging outside, she headed for the edge of the crater. Fire blazed along its perimeter, but not in the pit. Perhaps Link had been compelled to ascend to the enemy's sealing point. She squinted, unable to tell if anyone was down there.
The racket of rolling thunder made Fi jerk to the side. Her hand shot to her chest. She peered into the black hole before her, grateful that she hadn't tumbled into it.
A goron.
With a sense of urgency that was expanding by the minute, Fi took a cleansing breath. The young goron beside her bowed his head. She nodded back.
"Fi," he said in a baritone voice. He pushed a pebble from one side of his mouth to the other with his huge tongue. The grating sound of tooth against rock made Fi cringe.
"Darmani," Fi said.
"Rrrr, hi," he rumbled.
"Darmani, have you seen Link?" Her ears perked.
"Grah, Link," Darmani said. Hopeful that the goron wasn't merely repeating her, she dug for answers.
"Do you know where he went?" He nodded. Her fervor grew. "Where?" She rocked on her toes.
The goron's burly arm came leisurely upward. His thick finger stretched out, pointing straight ahead.
Into the pitch black woods.
Fi gawked, not knowing what to think. The goron gave her a thoughtful look.
"Fi…?" he asked. But, she didn't hear him.
Unsettled, Fi began to walk around the chasm. She couldn't take her eyes off of the void that lay behind the first row of vegetation.
"Did you really go in there?" she whispered.
The question replayed itself in her head over, and over, and over.
In a tired haze, she trudged into the woods beside the Sealed Grounds. It had been a long thirty-six hours for her. For Link, as well. She had no idea what he was doing. Maybe he didn't know what he was doing. She was fearful for him. She shivered, burying her hands inside of her blue cloak.
It was so cold in these woods. Perhaps colder than Hylia's realm. Why in the word would he venture into the forest at night, half-clothed?
She walked on, determined to find the answer.
The occasional rustling of leaves and twigs made her flinch, but it swiftly proved itself harmless every time. Small creatures of the night were everywhere right now…
The sound of a tree rattling stopped her in her tracks. Her throat tightened with fright.
Out of instinct, her hand came up. A bright cyan glow came forth as she prepared to strike out against the danger. Breathing heavily, she halted, seeing a blurry form leaning against a tree several yards away. Her hand lowered.
"Link?" she called, tapering her eyes. The glow of her hand started to fade.
No answer.
Her mouth was as dry as cotton. Part of her wanted to panic. She gave herself a stony headshake, refusing to give in to anxiety. She was a warrior of the Goddesses. Losing control of emotion was not becoming for someone of her status.
"Link? Will you answer me?" she asked, her voice shaking.
"He probably would if he was here," someone said.
Fi's breath jammed in her chest. Her lungs constricted.
A smooth, mellifluous voice.
Fi's hand lit up again.
"Lower your weapon," it said.
"Who are you?" Fi demanded. She looked around, wondering why she had been stupid enough to wander in here. "Have we met?" She gulped, hoping that a guise of friendliness would coax the stranger out. A concealed, unnamed person was automatically an enemy.
The figure stood up, crunching the newly fallen autumn leaves beneath his boots. Fi's face lifted up.
This man was tall. He definitely wasn't Link.
He stepped closer, but Fi stood her ground. Her hand sizzled and flared, ready to unleash its fury.
By the light of the moon, large black eyes with thin brown irises crashed into hers. She already knew who this was before she saw his long white hair and intricate coat of arms. She gritted her teeth, knowing that she had stumbled across a treacherous enemy. She was seconds away from releasing her built-up energy.
"Yes," the man said with a debonair twist of his head. "I do believe we have met."