Their eyes opened to a world nearly void of color. Fledge and Groose looked over themselves, taking in the sights and sensations of the Silent Realm. Meanwhile, Link's fierce gaze stared straight ahead. He felt a burning rising from his belly as his breaths deepened. A renewed sense of determination was welling within him. He gripped the hilt of the Master Sword as tightly as he could. Before them stood the massive Sky Keep, now in the place where the Goddess Statue had been. The towering structure looked ominous, no longer bright and beautiful as it had before.
"Master, I have new information for you," Fi said from within the sword, though all could hear her in the Silent Realm. "Because this is the trial to prove that you have a heart balanced enough to wield the Triforce, you will not be given a second chance. Should you fail, the gate will close, and the Triforce will be sealed away."
"See?" Groose said, feigning confidence. "There's a lot at stake here. We knew you'd need our help."
"I suddenly don't feel so well," Fledge said, gripping his stomach.
"There's no turning back," Link said strongly. "It's the Triforce, or nothing."
With that, they began their storm into the Keep. The inside was made of gray stone with faint gold trimming. In the center of the room was a large fire, yet it looked unsettlingly pale. At either end of the square room were enormous statues of holy, feminine figures, and beside each was a doorway. Above each doorway was a symbol carved into the stone. Link recognized them as the crests of the three regions; Faron, Eldin, and Lanayru. As it was directly ahead of them, they went through the doorway bearing the crest of Eldin. They started up a long, dark stairway.
"Master," Fi said, "please proceed with caution. I am detecting a power unlike any we have encountered before. However, I also sense that this power is severely unbalanced and may cause harm."
Fledge began fanning himself with the collar of his shirt.
"Is anyone else feeling uncomfortably warm?" he asked nervously.
"Now that you mention it," Groose replied, "yeah, I think I am."
"It almost feels like something is burning," Fledge noted.
"Like fire," Link confirmed.
The top of the stairway opened up into a large room. The floor was lined with stone platforms, each of which carried a large flame. In the very center of the room, there was a small incline of stairs leading up to a stone platform. Above it floated a golden, triangular piece, which shone especially brightly against the faded grayness of everything else. The reflection of the golden piece danced in their eyes.
"Behold," Fi said, "the Triforce of Power."
Swallowing dryly, Link stepped toward the shining artifact. His leather boots echoed off the stone floor with each cautious step.
"This seems too easy, don't you think?" Fledge asked quietly.
Link paused and rubbed his fingers against his thumb in thought. Fledge, the nervous wreck he was, made a good point. With a sigh, Link continued forward. However, just before he reached the stone steps, a wall of flame emerged from nothingness, singeing his outstretched arm. With a yelp, he recoiled, backing away from the now ravenous flame burning before him.
"I don't understand," he uttered, clenching his hand, still stinging from the fiery eruption.
"Master, if I recall correctly, it was the Goddess Din who told us that Power can only be successfully wielded by one who also possesses Wisdom and Courage."
"So we need those Triforce pieces first?"
"There is a ninety-nine percent likelihood that this is the case, Master."
Link let out a huff as he continued to gaze up at the golden Triforce piece. The heat touching his face from the raging flames matched that of the frustration clustered in his chest. To see the Triforce piece just out of his reach was nothing short of infuriating. Still, reluctantly, he turned, and the company made their way back to the chamber at the bottom of the Keep. This time, they went through the door with the crest of Lanayru. Another long, dark stairwell led them to another open space. It looked very similar to the place where Link had met the Goddess Nayru. There was a bowl atop a pedestal in the center, and inside of it there was an otherworldly water that reflected light on everything in the room, despite having no source.
They slowly approached the pedestal. Following Link's lead, they gazed into the mesmerizing water. Ripples danced across it most beautifully. As their gazes remained fixed on the moving water, they noticed new, smaller ripples appearing. Slowly, they realized that it was rain, and could now feel cold droplets falling against their skin. Flashes of light from high above drew their attention. The stone ceiling they saw previously had now turned into a dark sky, across which raging storm clouds billowed.
The area was filled with a roll of thunder, so deep and low they felt it rattling in their chests. Gazing forward once more, they now found themselves in a familiar place; The Sealed Grounds, as if the water had transported them there. The inner edges of the spiraling path were lined with strange fire, preventing them from jumping down. Beneath them, at the bottom of the Grounds, instead of the lone stone pillar they were used to, they saw a faint, golden object hovering in the center. It was undoubtedly the Triforce of Wisdom, however, it did not appear to be all there. Through the wind, rain, and thunder, they began to hear other noises coming from the trees. They were the screeches and battle cries of an army of Bokoblin, which began pouring from the woods and spilling out onto the grounds. The red fiends began charging up the path with their eyes set on the trio.
"What do we do?!" Fledge shrieked.
To Fledge and Groose's amazement, Link was standing with his head lowered and eyes closed. Meanwhile, the Bokoblin were now close enough for their pungence to be detected.
"Link?!"
The boy stood in deep thought. He reflected on what he had learned from the Goddess Nayru. The memory of her voice resounded in his mind, almost as though she were speaking to him again.
"You are setting in motion that which will continue for lifetimes to come. Your destiny is beyond your own desires to rescue the spirit maiden, and you need not shoulder these burdens alone."
Finally, he looked up, eyes sharp and forward. He knew what he needed to do.
"Fledge," he began. "You stay here and fire at them from afar. Believe in yourself, and don't miss. I will push ahead into the horde. Groose, follow behind. Kill any of the Bokoblin that get past me, and don't let any of them reach Fledge. Understood?"
Both nodded in agreement, yet before they moved, they noticed that the Triforce piece beneath them emitted a golden light and appeared more solid than it had before.
"Master," Fi said, "the wisdom you are displaying is summoning the Triforce. You must continue to use good discernment to summon it fully."
Flourishing the Master Sword, Link ran forth, dashing down the spiraling path as fast as his legs could carry him. He met the Bokoblins head-on and began slashing them down one-by-one. The few who avoided him were then intercepted by Groose, who made quick and easy work of them with his hammer-like weapon. Every so often, an arrow would soar through the air with an ear-piercing whistle, and not a single one missed its target.
As Link continued his valiant race down the spiraling path, he noticed a faint, distant voice. He mistook it for a gust of wind at first, yet after a time, he realized that it was, in fact, a voice, and it was calling his name.
"Link!"
It was Zelda, screaming for him just as she did when she had been savagely caught in the grips of the whirlwind. His breath quickened as he looked this way and that in desperation to find her. Groose, sensing Link was in some sort of distress, approached, clobbering the Bokoblins as he went.
"Link?" he asked. "What gives?"
"It's Zelda," Link replied. "She's here somewhere."
"Really? How'd you figure?"
"You can't hear her?" Link asked, frustration rising in his tone.
"I really can't."
"I am also unable to hear the Spirit Maiden, Master," Fi said from within the sword.
Link's head flicked to the side. Her shrill screams continued to ring out in his head. Every muscle in his body urged him to search for her, to rescue her. However, the longer he stood in thought, the more he doubted that she was really there at all.
"Snap out of it, Link," Groose ordered, batting down a few more enemies. "We know she's safe at the Sealed Temple. Either you're losing your mind or you're being tricked somehow."
"I think you're right," Link admitted, shaking his head and turning his attention back to the fight at hand.
In response, the Triforce piece grew brighter. Yet at the base of the Grounds, each with a puff of malice, more Bokoblin appeared and began their ravenous run up the path, giving pause to both Link and Groose.
"Let's push ahead together," Link said. "With both of us, we may yet be able to reach the Triforce piece."
"No, Link," Groose protested. "I'll run ahead and take down as many as I can. You get to the Triforce."
"But Groose..."
"Oh Fi?" Groose called in a sing-song voice.
"Master, I can confirm that Groose's plan will grant you the greatest chance of success."
Link huffed, but nodded. With that, they flourished their weapons and ran straight forward into the raging horde of monsters. Every step closer to the Triforce piece filled Link more and more with desperation. Every flick of his blade came with an impassioned shout. Groose, having charged ahead, began yelling and taunting the beasts.
"Hey, you ugly, red scumbags, look over here!"
He waved his weapon around in between hits and thought of every taunt he could conjure.
"You slimy, warty demons! You think you can fight? Well, now's your chance to prove it. Come and take me, you bunch of disgusting bloats!"
The plan worked oddly well. Link continued to cut down the Bokoblins as he went. However, most were focused on Groose and his incessant shouting. Link fought against his urge to turn back and rescue Groose and continued forward, and the Triforce piece grew brighter the closer he came to it. Groose fought valiantly until he found himself covered in Bokoblins. Two jumped onto his back while others grabbed at his arms and legs. Yet another came at him straight on and raised its weapon. Groose clenched his eyes shut and readied himself for the worst.
The next thing he knew, he was stumbling backwards, falling to the ground, and landing on his back and shoulders with a harsh thud. He was once more on Skyloft, where he could feel the warmth of the setting sun and the coolness of the evening breeze. With heaving breaths, he felt over his body for any sign of injury, sighing when he found none. Scrambling to his feet, he carefully inspected Link and Fledge, who remained frozen in their stances. With a gentle smile crossing his thick lips, he crossed his arms over his puffed out chest and nodded, feeling proud of himself for what he had done. Then, something drew his attention. With a confused hum, he leaned forward to closely examine Link's right hand. On it, he saw a golden light shaped like a triangle appearing. His bushy brow rose as he realized what it was.
"He got it!" he exclaimed. "I can't believe it, he really got the Triforce piece! Ya-ha!"
After a clap of his hands and a pump of his fist, Groose kept watch and waited in eager anticipation.
Meanwhile, Link opened his eyes and found himself in a world of white fog, with occasional glimpses of blue sky breaking through above him. He seemed to be walking on a beautiful, cream-colored cloud. The last thing he had remembered before this moment was leaping into the air and reaching for the golden Triforce piece. In wonder, he looked down at his hand and found it empty. But how could that be? He was certain he had grabbed it. Turning his hand over, he saw the imprint of the Triforce of Wisdom glowing brightly. He looked forward and saw a cluster of fog being blown away by an otherworldly wind. Behind it stood a golden, feminine figure illuminated in blue. It was Nayru. Link bowed his head at the sight of her.
"Well done, Link," she said, her voice alluring and motherly. "You now wield the Triforce of Wisdom, which houses the power of truth and discernment."
Though he could not see her eyes from the magnificence of her glow, Link lifted his face and met her gaze.
"Wisdom is like a mother calling to her lost children in the desolate streets. Wisdom's only desire is to protect and serve those who answer her call, and yet few listen to her. Wisdom, my child, requires sacrifice, dedication, and selflessness, yet in return, she grants honor, peace of heart, and assurance to those who cling to her dearly. Those who are willing to look outside of themselves to the greater good of all will find Wisdom waiting patiently for them to answer her call. Surely, on this day, you have done just that. Link, as you pursue to remaining Triforce pieces, allow Wisdom to lead you, guide you, and protect you. Listen to her well, that you may be successful in fulfilling your destiny."
With a flash of light, Link and Fledge suddenly found themselves back in the main chamber of the Sky Keep. The crest of Lanayru now glowed a brilliant blue, and the door was sealed shut. With a few deep breaths to rally themselves, Link and Fledge went through the doorway, above which was the crest of Faron. They were immediately met with a large stone door, which showered them with dust as it opened. Once they were through, the door closed with a loud, earth-shaking rumble. Link and Fledge both turned at the sound of it, and found that the door was gone. Behind them, there was nothing but a thick, white fog as far as the eye could see. Before them stood what appeared to be a wall of earth with a sliver of an opening in the center. On either side, the wall vanished into the immense fog. With Fledge hunched behind him, Link stepped forward and found a thin pathway with walls on either side. The path then split off in two directions.
"It's a maze," Link said plainly.
"Well, that doesn't sound so bad," Fledge chuckled nervously.
"I'm not so sure about that," Link replied seriously. "Stay close."
They made their way down several long, eerily quiet pathways. The walls on either side of them made them feel quite cramped and uncomfortable. Fledge even forgot to breathe on several occasions. After a time, they came upon an opening, and they each let out a sigh of relief to no longer feel so cramped. Three pathways were before them. They opted for the center path, though before they followed it, Fledge paused.
"Do you hear water?" he asked.
Lin's pointed ears took notice of the sound. He looked behind them and saw something expanding on the ground they had just crossed, but it was not water. Link recognized it as the sickeningly colorful sludge from the Trial of Courage. Fledge took a curious step closer as it continued to bubble up and expand over the ground, but Link tugged him back.
"Don't touch it," he ordered sternly. "Stay very close."
They continued on through narrow, foggy corridors. Though he tried to remain calm, Link felt himself feeling more tense and unsettled with every step. They walked past an indent in the wall, undetected from by a shadow cast over it. Yet from it erupted an air-shaking, ear-piercing roar. From the shadow emerged a shining white weapon as long as Link and Fledge themselves. It slammed to the ground and sent clumps of mud and grass flying into the air. Its impact could be felt beneath their feet. A Guardian stepped out. Its hollow, black eyes fixed on Link and Fledge as it unleashed another unbearably loud roar.
"Run!" Link shrieked.
They struggled against the wetted grass as they sprinted away from the armor-clad beast. They both slipped as they turned a corner, though they helped one another up with just enough time to scramble to their feet before the Guardian slammed into the wall, continuing its fiery pursuit. Ahead, they saw another Guardian, its weapon raised over its head, running toward them with monstrous strides. The pathway split in two directions once more. While Fledge had practically been on Link's heels the whole way, he went down one path, while Link sped down the other. He came to a mud-flinging halt when he realized Fledge was no longer with him. He crept back to where the pathway split to give chase, but heard the metallic footsteps of the Guardians approaching. Holding his breath, Link pressed himself against the cold dirt wall to avoid being seen.
One of the Guardians raced down the path Fledge had gone down while the other lurked nearby, appearing to sniff the air, likely in search of Link. The green-clad boy closed his eyes and said a silent prayer. However, he remembered vividly what the Goddess Farore had told him during her trial.
"Courage can only manifest in the face of fear. You must let fear pass over you, not through you. Then your courage will carry you, as it has all along."
He felt his shoulders relax and his jaw loosen ever so slightly as he reminded himself of what courage truly was. As if he was being guided, Link slowly drew the Master Sword from its sheath, almost in complete silence. He could hear the Guardian creeping forward, closer and closer with each small step. Link recognized his frantically pounding heart and the sweat forming on his palms. He was afraid, though this time, he leaned into it, rather than trying to convince himself otherwise. His senses could detect every movement of the approaching beast. He heard the metal clanging of each step, and felt the heaviness of its presence coming closer. He almost thought he could even smell a sharp, metallic odor being carried in the wind.
Then, for a time, there was only silence. Link's brow and the corners of his mouth twitched as he waited in grueling anticipation. Then suddenly, the beast stepped around the corner with a roar and raised its massive blade over its head. Link, with a shout of his own, thrusted the Master Sword forward, and to his amazement, it slid through the very center of the Guardian's belly. The beast stumbled backward before collapsing into a heap of white metal. Link tried slowing his heaving breaths as he looked upon the wreckage in awe.
"I didn't think that would work," he uttered with a nervous chuckle.
The celebration was cut short by the sound of Fledge's scared wails echoing in the distance. Link gave chase, disappearing into the thickening fog in search of his friend. Fledge, meanwhile, was running out of breath and stamina, while the Guardian at his heels only seemed to be gaining strength in its monstrous pursuit. It swung its weapon with a mighty roar. Fledge ducked and was missed by a hair. The beast's weapon tore into the dirt wall, sending chunks of dirt and rock into the air.
Fledge banked corner after corner until he finally came to another foggy opening, much larger than the one previously. It had a pond of the colorful sludge in the middle, however, at the center of this was a small incline of earth, and over it hovered the Triforce piece. Fledge felt his heart leap at the sight of it, yet he had no time to marvel. He ran down yet another pathway, followed by the Guardian. The panicked lad came to what he feared most; a dead-end. He tripped over his gangly feet and tumbled harshly until he came to a stop against the dirt wall. He scrambled to his hands and knees and tried to press himself against the earth as hard as he could, as if he could somehow sink into it and hide away from the beast.
It came to a stop directly in front of him and raised its weapon. With a cry, Fledge threw his hands over his head and waited for the worst. Yet the beast's loud, victorious roar was suddenly interrupted by a crash, followed by a desperate sputtering. Fledge's eyes shot open to find the glowing tip of the Master Sword protruding from the Guardian's belly. The creature's knees caved, and it fell in on itself. A most heroic-looking Link stood confidently behind. He extended a hand to Fledge.
"You alright?" he inquired.
Fledge simply took Link's hand and hoisted himself up, refusing to answer the question.
"I found the Triforce piece," he said between gulps of air. "It's this way."
He quickly led Link back through the many corridors until they came to the opening once more. Link ran a hand through his sweat-soaked bangs as he studied the area in search of some way to make it over to the Triforce. An exasperated sigh escaped him as his frustration grew.
"I think we're going to have to go through it," he uttered.
"The water?" Fledge asked. "What happens when you touch it?"
"It summons them," Link replied in a grisly voice.
Both stood in silence for a time, trying to conjure alternative ideas, though none came. They caught and held one another's gaze, knowing it was the only choice they had. With a nod, they pressed forward. They trudged through the water until it came up until their waists. Link cringed as they went, bothered by how thick it felt around his body. Slowly, they inched their way closer and closer until they were interrupted. With a loud splash, a Guardian rose up from the water, then another, then another, until the pond was practically swarming with them. Link charged skyward strikes and sliced through as many of them as he could until his energy was spent.
Fledge let out a yelp, alerting Link at once. The slender lad had been caught by the leg by a Guardian. Link managed to catch his hand before he was pulled under, and a tug—of-war ensued, with Fledge shrieking out in pain every time he was pulled one way or the other. All the while, more Guardians were closing in.
"Link, you've got to let me go," Fledge cried.
"I won't!" Link shouted back. "I promised I would keep you safe."
"You have!" Fledge winced. "But you have to get to the Triforce. It's the only way."
Link's eyes met Fledge's, and he could tell that the boy was resolved to his fate.
"Close your eyes," Link said, "and you'll be back on Skyloft before you know it."
Fledge nodded. With that, as deeply as it pained him, Link released his hold, and Fledge was left to the mercilessness of the Guardians, who continued to drag him through the water. Fledge closed his eyes and thought of as many happy thoughts of Skyloft as he could, until suddenly he felt himself flying backwards and getting caught by two hard, broad arms. Though, these arms were not made of metal. Opening his eyes, he saw that none other than Groose had kept him from hitting the hard ground.
"Thanks, Groose," Fledge managed between gasps.
The relief of being back home all but erased the horror of being taken by the Guardians. Color returned to his paled skin as his nerves began to calm.
"What about Link?" Groose asked, helping Fledge get steady on his feet. "Did he get the next Triforce piece?"
"I'm not sure."
Groose showed him where the first Triforce had appeared on Link's hand. Both watched in agonizing anticipation, until at last, a second golden shape came forth.
"Yes!" they shouted in unison.
"He's on his own for the last one," Groose sighed.
"If anyone can do it," Fledge replied, "it's Link."
Link once more found himself in a world of billowing white clouds. Before him shone an overwhelming emerald light, at the center of which was another golden, feminine figure; Farore. Link bowed his head in reverence as she spoke.
"Your valiancy," she began, "has proven you worthy of holding the Triforce of Courage. Courage, my child, is what takes you by the hand and walks you through even the darkest of trials. It is the strength that permits one to act through adversity, and to overcome even the greatest of their fears."
Though he could not see her face through the brilliance of her glow, Link could sense that Farore was smiling upon him.
"It is Courage that walked with you through the death of your mother. It is Courage, not foolishness, that has compelled you to chase after the Spirit Maiden without question, and it is Courage that will see you through to the third and final Triforce piece. With Courage and Wisdom, you can now claim the Triforce of Power, and with all three, restore peace and balance to the world once more. Go now, and fulfill your destiny well, Brave One."
He blinked, and by the time his eyes opened, he was once more in the Sky Keep. With all haste, he sped forward through the center-most doorway and charged up the stairwell. It felt even more blisteringly hot than the first time. He entered the chamber. The fires around the room were still burning, as did the one surrounding the Triforce piece. However, near the raging flames stood a familiar figure, with a sword at the ready and his red eyes baring into Link.
Dark Link had returned.
Link ran forward to meet him head-on, and the two engaged in a fierce battle. The clashes of their swords and shields echoed in the dark, ominous chamber, accompanied by the occasional shout or growl from either. Their blades crossed, and they both pushed forward, trying to knock the other back. Dark Link's red stare bore into Link.
"You cannot kill me," he growled.
"Maybe not," Link admitted, straining, "but I can defeat you."
Link pushed all of his weight forward, throwing Dark Link off balance. However, the shadowy foe sprinted forward with break-neck speed. The next thing Link knew, Dark Link's fist was colliding with his jaw and his mouth was filling with the sickening metallic taste of blood. Dark Link continued his attack with a barrage of sword strikes, each of which was deflected by the Master Sword. Dark Link suddenly leapt backward, putting significant distance between them. He raised his sword overhead, and the black blade was enveloped in a dark, shadowy flame. With a shout, Dark Link flung the blade downward. It hit the stone floor with a deep, room-shaking clang, and the dark flames began flowing toward Link with frightening speed.
He dove out of the way, landing on the cold, stone floor with a harsh crash before stumbling to his feet. At that moment, Din's words from the Trial of Power resounded in his heart.
"The greatest display of power is one's ability to overcome and master their weaknesses, oft anchored in the deepest voids of their minds."
"I can defeat him," Link thought to himself in response.
Drawing in a deep, warm breath, Link raised the Master Sword and charged a skyward strike. With a sideways flick, he shed the light and sent it barreling toward Dark Link, who responded in kind. Two beams of energy, one of shadow and one of light, soared through the air, at one point passing over one another. Link tore through the beam of shadow with the power of the Master Sword. Dark Link tried to do the same, yet failed. The light sent him flying backward with a pained scream echoing in the air.
As Dark Link laid grunting and panting on the floor, the wall of flame shielding the Triforce of Power lowered, just shy of vanishing entirely. With a gasp, Link scrambled to race toward it. He had almost reached the stairs when Dark Link appeared before him, and the two continued their fierce battle.
"You're too weak to wield the Triforce of Power," Dark Link sputtered between slashes. "It will consume you."
Link growled and thrust his blade forward, then pulled it back and swung sideways. The quick motion caught Dark Link, and the tip of the blade crossed over his abdomen. The shadowy figured stumbled backward and howled. Link ran forward as fast as he could. Dark Link scrambled up to his feet and gave chase. Ascending the stairs, Link reached out his hand and felt the warm, glossy corner of the Triforce piece grace the tip of his finger. Then, everything went white.
For the final time, he entered the realm where the Goddesses dwelled. There he was met by Din with her fiery, red light casting much warmth on his face.
"You have proven yourself worthy to claim the Triforce of Power," Din said. "However, unlike the others, who surely bestowed their blessings upon you, I must offer you a warning. Listen well."
Link straightened up his stance and drew in a long breath to clear his mind.
"True Power," she began, "is the ability to master oneself. To those who bear her well, Power offers longevity, abundance, protection, and mercy. However, if one fails to subdue her, then Power will become untamable like a wild boar. She will hunger for dominion over many, and even if this is achieved, she will turn to consume her bearer, until there is nothing remaining. Therefore, it is your duty to wield her well, for the sake of all."
With flashes of light, one sapphire and one emerald, the Goddesses Nayru and Farore joined Din. Link bowed before them, almost afraid to look upon all three at once. In one voice, they spoke.
"Link, Hero of Destiny, and wielder of the Triforce. We may now grant you the deepest desire of your heart. What is it that you long for most in this life?"
Link sucked in a long, shaky breath. He looked down at the backside of his fist, where all three Triforce pieces glowed brightly. With a nod of his head, he closed his eyes and prayed silently before feeling his consciousness leave him.
