Link returned to Skyloft under the cover of the dark night sky. Despite how late it was, he rallied Gaepora and the Professors and shared everything with them. Everyone, Link included, all felt in their hearts that their time to finally be reunited with Zelda was inching closer and closer. However, Owlan took note of the strange mark on Link's neck. It had faded considerably, yet was still seeable to the naked eye. Fi explained the extent of the injury. Gaepora and the professors agreed that Link needed to stay on Skyloft and recover for a day. He tried to argue, but was strictly overruled. He was given a potion and retired to his room. As anxious as he was to get back to the surface to find the next flames, his own bed felt unbelievably welcoming, and before long, he fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning, he ate a breakfast of warmed, spiced oats in milk and juicy, fresh fruit on his own, as many of the students as well as the professors were keeping to their normal schedules and routines, meaning classes had already begun for the day. While he did not mind being alone, he noted that the loneliness was tangible. His only company was the sounds coming from the disgruntled cook, who had already begun preparing for supper. As delicious as it was, the breakfast felt shallow somehow.
Link ventured to the Bazaar to see if there were any provisions he could restock on, or if there were any goods that could potentially be useful to him. Gondo, the village ironworker, spotted him from his stall at once.
"Hey, you decided to turn up again," he called to Link, a smile beaming on his dark lips.
"Yeah Gondo, I'm here," Link replied politely, nervously scratching the back of his head.
"I couldn't help but notice you're missing something," Gondo sneered jokingly.
Link froze, his forest green eyes growing wide as Gondo's sneer struck him. He had been so absorbed in finding the Goddess Sword that, up until this moment, he had forgotten that his shield had also been lost below the Ancient Cistern. He swallowed dryly as he thought of how to respond, to which Gondo just laughed loudly.
"I'm just pulling your leg, kid," he said, composing himself. "You've come back at just the right time. Wait here."
Link offered him an affirmative nod and Gondo wandered off to the back of his stall. Meanwhile, Link peered around the Bazaar, which was buzzing mostly with adults from the village. He thought perhaps his mind was getting the best of him at first. However, the more he observed, the more he realized that everyone was sneaking glances at him at every chance they got. His eyes darted to the fortune teller, who met his gaze with a flinch and then pretended to peer into his crystal ball, despite the fact no one was there to have their fortune read. Feeling the hairs on his arms rising, he glanced over to a group sitting over at the tables. One of them hid their mouth with their hand and leaned over to whisper something to the person beside them, neither of them taking their eyes off Link in the process.
An unsettling queasiness began rising in his gut and he caught more and more coming glances his way.
"Master," Fi said from inside the sword, "are you unwell? Your heart rate is increasing considerably."
"I'm fine," Link growled quietly.
His voice had only just faded when the sound of metal pounding down on the wooden stall before him startled him, prompting an audible flinch. Gondo was too excited to notice Link's intense reaction.
"Here you are," he said, gesturing to what he had set down on the table before him. "It's all yours."
Link's frustration fled his mind the moment he laid eyes on it. In front of him laid a bold, royal blue shield, heavier than either of the shields Link had previously. On it was the likeness of his own crimson Loftwing, and the shield was bordered with a thick, reflective metal. Link's mouth fell agape at the sight of it.
"Gondo," he said breathlessly, "you've outdone yourself."
His fingertips glossed over the smooth surface of the shield. If he looked closely enough, he could make out his own reflection staring back at him. This, however, made him scowl. The boy let out a heavy sigh.
"I can't accept this," Link said quietly. "You could sell this for so many rupees to take back to your family." His eyes lifted to meet Gondo's. "You should sell it. I'm sure one of the Knights would-"
"Link," Gondo said gently, "I want you to have this." He gestured for Link to lean in closer, which the boy did, though his discomfort was apparent. "As I said last time, your absence has been felt by all of us. Now, there are plenty of theories floating around about what it is you might be doing. I don't know what it is, but I know you're sacrificing much of yourself for it."
He pushed the shield forward.
"The least I can do is help keep you safe. Take the shield."
Link bit down on his lower lip as words escaped him. He took hold of the shield, feeling the beginnings of a lump forming in his throat. His eyes met Gondo's once more. He managed a nod, which Gondo interpreted correctly.
"Don't sweat it, kid. Just use it well."
Link retreated his room for a time, as being around his fellow villagers grew increasingly overwhelming. He could practically see the rumors spreading from one person to the next, and while he could not fault anyone for this, it still put a sour feeling in his stomach. As the afternoon set in, he ventured back out once more with the idea of practicing at the sparring hall. To his surprise, he found Fledge there, setting up a line of pumpkins on some logs.
"What's going on here?" Link asked, forcing some excitement into his tone.
"Link, you're back!" Fledge gasped, running to meet his friend. "Oh, you're asking about this? You're going to be so proud. Prepare to have your boots knocked off in astonishment!"
Link chuckled and crossed his arms over his chest, settling in to see whatever Fledge had planned. He was not, however, expecting the taller boy to produce a self-crafted slingshot, much like the one Link had been given by the Kikwis. He then watched as Fledge shot down all seven pumpkins.
"You're right," Link admitted, a scoff escaping him. "I genuinely cannot believe what I'm seeing right now. Surely I'm dreaming."
"I tell myself the same thing!" Fledge exclaimed. "Me? The cowardly, sickly Fledge, being naturally skilled with a weapon no one else on Skyloft even uses? Well, besides you, of course," he said, giving his thin shoulders a sheepish shrug. "I've even been trying to nail down some of those cool moves you did last time. Watch this."
Fledge, albeit a bit clumsily, rolled around on the ground, occasionally breaking out and propelling a stone at the logs. Though suddenly, the boy yelped out in pain, his hands whipping around to his back.
"Fledge!" Link gasped, crouching down to aid the lad. "You alright?"
"I maybe got a bit too excited," Fledge grimaced, "and pushed myself too hard. I'll be alright."
"Well, why don't we give this a rest for the day, then," Link suggested. "You've got to respect your own limits."
"What should we do instead?" Fledge asked rather abruptly, before suddenly shrinking back. "I mean, if you're not rushing off to disappear again."
"You know what we haven't done in a while?" Link asked, a sly smile forming on his lips.
Fledge thought for a moment, his normally rosy cheeks growing a bit more red as he did. Then, he snapped his long fingers.
Link was particularly thankful to get away from Skyloft, which in and of itself saddened him a good deal, as he wanted to be able to enjoy his home. However, flying several miles out to the Lumpy Pumpkin was a most welcomed retreat from seeing people's stares and watching rumors about himself fly about. The inside of the Lumpy Pumpkin was perhaps the homiest place in the area. In its main room, a large chandelier gave off the warmest light. One would feel quite fancy underneath it without losing the sense of feeling welcomed and at home. Link used some of the rupees he had gathered on the journey to get him and Fledge each a piping hot bowl of creamy pumpkin soup, and a large glass of crisp, cold spiced cider. Link opted to sit on the second floor balcony, as a few of the village regulars were occupying the first floor.
"I recall you telling me about this pumpkin soup shortly after we met," Fi stated from within the sword.
Link offered a directionless smile, though hid it quickly as to not draw Fledge's attention. The creamy soup filled with bits of crisped, green sprouts felt heavenly trickling down his throat, while the foamy, bold cider relaxed him. He was feeling cozier than he had in a long time in the company of his good friend, until suddenly they were interrupted.
"Hey!" a voice called in their direction.
They turned to meet the angry and confused gazes of Stritch and Cawlin, Groose's very own minions. Fledge sat erect and continued to stare at the boys, while Link simply turned, hunching his back forward and looking down at the wooden table. He immediately appeared daze, which Fledge quickly observed.
"You there, Link," Stritch called, pointing a long, gangly finger at him. "Sitting high in mighty in that green tunic which you haven't actually earned yet."
"What do you want?" Fledge asked shakily, while Link remained quiet.
"We think it's long past time Link answer for whatever it is he's doing," Stritch replied.
"Yeah," Cawlin added, "first Zelda went missing, then Link, then Groose. And yet, magically, Link is the only one who keeps showing his pretty little face around here."
"We just have some questions for you, is all." Stritch said, cracking his fingers in unison.
"Let's go," Link uttered to Fledge darkly, rising from his seat.
He tried to walk briskly past the two boys, though to no surprise, they blocked his path. He kept his gaze fixed on the ground while they pressed him for answers. To Fledge, the sudden shift in Link's demeanor was almost as jarring as Stritch and Cawlin's aggressiveness. Fledge rose from his seat and pleaded with Link.
"Link, why don't you just tell them what they want to know so they'll leave us alone?"
"For once, the tall wimp has a good idea," Cawlin said.
"Yeah, Link, tell us what we want to know." Stritch sneered, shoving Link's shoulder back.
The boy's fierce, green eyes shot up. The sound of his breath became sharp and swift, and his face was growing warm and red.
"Don't touch me," he warned.
"Or what?" Stritch laughed. "You going to make us disappear like you did Zelda and Groose?"
"Don't talk about Zelda."
"What about Groose?" Stritch asked.
In a most daring and perhaps ignorant move, Stritch balled the front of Link's tunic into his fists. Turning around, he pushed the smaller boy against a wooden pillar. Meanwhile, Link's own fists were clenched tightly at his sides, digging painfully into his own palms.
"Where is he?" Stritch ordered through gritted teeth.
"I can't tell you," Link replied with a growl.
"But you know?"
Stritch pulled him forward, then pushed him back against the pillar with a good deal more force.
"Where is he?" Stritch asked again.
"I cannot tell you," Link countered, emphasizing each syllable.
He was shoved once more into the pillar, this time audibly so that even those downstairs could hear. The keeper of the Lumpy Pumpkin tried to get a view of what was happening, though the pillar hid it quite well. Fledge took note that the chandelier had shaken considerably on the last impact.
"Where is Groose?" Stritch finally shouted, now sounding panicked.
He reared Link forward and shoved him back, this time with enough force to get a wince from the boy. Link, now burning with anger (literally and figuratively), took Stritch's shirt into his own fists and wrestled himself into his spot. Then, losing his own sense of self-control, he slammed Stritch as hard as he could into the pillar, forcing a small crack to appear in the thick wood. He then threw the boy aside, causing his long body to sprawl out on the table where Link and Fledge had been sitting. Link had taken two swift steps toward him, fists at the ready, but was stopped by a truly horrific sound.
Thousands of pieces of glass shattering at once, along with metal twisting and wood splintering. Soup and cider could be heard spilling out of cups and bowls on the floor below. All of the youths were filled with sick feelings in their stomachs. Fledge, Stritch, and Cawlin peered over the balcony to see the chandelier in absolutely shambled ruins. Link, meanwhile, stayed put, trying to slow his otherwise heaving breaths.
"What is going on up here?" The keeper shouted as he marched to the top of the stairs.
Stritch and Cawlin immediately pointed at Link, making up a wild story about how he suddenly and randomly snapped, unprovoked, threatening to beat Stritch into oblivion for no apparent reason. Link was far too infuriated to correct them, and Fledge was too stunned to spit out even a word in his friend's defense. With no differing arguments made, the keeper ordered Stritch and Cawlin to leave. He then took Link by the shoulder, which only reignited the boy's frantic breathing, and ushered him down the steps. Fledge followed behind, still fighting for words.
"You should have your race victory revoked for this!" the keeper exclaimed.
He unhanded Link with a subtle shove in the direction of the carnage left by the chandelier.
"You are going to work off this damage you've caused, through the night if you must. Do you hear me?"
"Wait," Fledge intervened. While he had not yet the courage to speak the truth, he wanted nothing more than to help his friend. "Let me help him."
"You have nothing to do with this," Link finally growled back. "Go home Fledge."
"No!" Fledge protested, much to Link's amazement. "For once in your life, would you accept some help? Please?"
The keeper grunted.
"Perhaps your friend's self-sacrifice will teach you to keep your behavior in check."
The two were sent out into the pumpkin patch where they were ordered to till the soil to make way for the new crop. They were then to plant and water hundreds of seeds, as the Lumpy Pumpkin was preparing for its autumn busy season. Not a word was spoken between the friends for quite some time. Fledge was dripping with sweat. Whether it was from the physical labor or feeling the tension of Link's residual rage, he did not know. As shadows began forming on the ground below them, Link's mood appeared to calm considerably, though he still remained silent.
"Erm... Link?" Fledge uttered.
Link simply turned and met his gaze, brow raised.
"You don't owe me any information, but please, hear me out."
Link put his head down, though tried to remain open-minded as Fledge continued.
"I'm worried sick, Link," he admitted with a sigh. "Zelda has been gone for weeks now, and no one has an explanation. I don't expect one from you, but please at least remember that she's my friend, too."
Link found himself swallowing dryly upon hearing this.
"You disappear for days at a time, and every time you return, you're either hurt, isolated, or both." Fledge inched his way a bit closer, fiddling with the hem of his orange shirt. "I'm not asking for anything. I can deal with continuing to be worried sick, as that's not exactly new territory for me. But you're my friend, and I just want you to know that, whatever is going on, you don't have to shoulder it on your own."
He met and held the older boy's intense gaze.
"I don't think that keeping it all to yourself is healthy for you. I mean, you could have really hurt Stritch. Even if he deserved it, that's not who you are, Link. You always tell me that staying true to oneself is one of the most admirable things in life. Maybe you're overdue to hear that message yourself."
Link sat in thought for a time, feeling the wind dance through his honey-blonde locks. Fledge's words sunk in deep. Every so often, Link's mouth opened, only to close again without a word. Finally, with a loud, shaky sigh, he looked up at his friend.
"Okay," he said, his voice faltering some. "I'll tell you everything."
And he did. As they continued working, Link shared everything from the whirlwind to the Imprisoned, to being infected with malice from the bite of an undead Bokoblin. He also told him about Fi, though she stayed concealed in the sword since they were somewhat in the public eye. Fledge handled each new wave of information surprisingly well. He listened intently and asked few questions, only inquiring when he didn't fully understand something. By the time Link was finished, the sun had begun its descent, and the boys had completed their work.
"So you're going to leave again... tonight?" Fledge asked after some silence had passed.
"Yeah."
"To find another one of those... trial... things?"
"Yes."
"Wow..." Fledge sighed, looking as though it was all sinking in at once.
"Exactly."
"You know what I think?" Fledge began, causing Link to brace himself. "This all sounds like I've known it all along."
Link's brow curved up curiously.
"I mean, I had no idea," Fledge corrected himself, wiping his soil-covered hands on his shirt, "but it makes sense to me that Hylia would appoint you and Zelda to such a thing." He shrugged. "I mean, you're both heroes in my eyes."
Their gazes met, and they each offered a nod of understanding.
"Thanks, Fledge."
"You're welcome. And you have my word that this stays between you and me, to the grave if it comes to it."
The boys began walking back toward the Lumpy Pumpkin.
"Speaking of the grave," Fledge said with a laugh, "I thought I would feel like dying after all of that manual labor, but I don't feel half bad."
"You're going to eat those words tomorrow morning."
The lads were dismissed by the keeper, who had cooled down considerably. Fledge made his way back to Skyloft, while Link went immediately into the Thunderhead. Link had nearly forgotten what a ghastly place it truly was. Immediately, his ears were filled with monstrous thunder, while his eyes were overwhelmed by blinding flashes of lightning. Link and his Loftwing were promptly saturated by the cold, harsh rain and made all the more miserable by the fierce winds. Link and Fi arrived on the Isle of Songs and found another crest, which he promptly struck with a skyward strike. The enormous room was enveloped in a warm scarlet glow.
Fi flew up to the side of the Goddess statue, holding herself in a curtsy.
"Master, I have new information for you," she said. "The moment you struck the crest, I began receiving a message from the Goddess Hylia herself."
Link straightened his stance and offered her a nod.
"The message was intended for you, and I shall recite it for you now."
Fi stood upon the tip of her right foot, and began a series of graceful, alluring turns and her own blue light shone with the scarlet glow of the room.
"Oh youth, guided by the light,
You have proven yourself to be a warrior, possessing both power and vigor
The Master Sword which you seek to awaken
Can only be wielded by one who harnesses and controls their power from within
Din's Power will open the gate through which your power will be tested and proven."
Fi leapt to the other side of the statue, continuing in her dance.
"Please join me, Master."
Link produced the Goddess Harp, and with Fi, played Din's Power. With each new note struck, Link felt as though a fire was being kindled in the depths of his belly. The scarlet light around them warmed the room more and more until the song was complete and the room turned to its natural dark stone state. They left the Thunderhead and made for the portal over the Eldin Volcano. Near its base, they were quick to find the doorway leading once more to the Silent Realm. Using Din's Power, they opened it together.
"Anything you can share about this trial?" he asked nervously, forcing a scoff.
"The Goddess, Din, has not shared any information with me, Master. What is it you would like to know?" Fi inquired, her head tilting slightly.
"Are you coming with me this time?" he replied, though he had already resolved to hear a dissatisfactory answer.
"You may be pleased to know that, yes, I will be."
Link's brow flinched.
"And the sword?"
"In the Silent Realm, Master," she answered, "I am the sword."
This was enough to instill a sense of confidence in Link's heart. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he nodded his head and drew in a deep breath. Fi returned to the sword, and with a shout, Link plunged it into the red earth.
He awoke to find himself standing in what appeared to be a blank, empty world. The Goddess Sword was already in his hand, and even the shield Gondo had made for him rested on his back.
"Welcome, Strong One," a deep, resounding feminine voice said.
Link turned to find himself looking into a reddish, orange light, that to him looked like fire floating in midair.
"I am the Goddess Din. I give power to the worlds and all who dwell in them, and I am the passion and fuel behind every flame and strike of lightning you have ever laid eyes on."
Link bowed his head solemnly.
"The trial I have set before you is meant to test the power and strength harbored deep within your spirit. Unlike the gifts possessed by my sisters, those of Courage and Wisdom, Power is not something you display, nor an act you perform."
Link's chin lifted upon hearing this.
"Power is a gift that you must teach to submit to your will, lest you bend to it. This has been the downfall of many before you, and will be the downfall of many after you. Unless you learn to master over it, you too may fall victim to it someday. You cannot allow this to be so if you are to awaken and wield the Master Sword, and claim the prize waiting for you beyond it."
Link readied himself to ask questions. However, the light Din spoke from faded, as did the circle of light in which he stood. The world before him was flat and gray, yet it was also bright, so much so Link's eyes had difficulty adjusting. He stepped forward and heard a splash. Beneath a sheet of white fog was a pool of dark water. As Link continued walking, it seemed more and more that the water would only continue on with him. An eerie yet gentle breeze tussled his hair, going in the same direction as he was. However, after a brief respite, the wind kicked up and whipped the opposite way. Link turned with the wind. To his amazement, where the circle of light had been, there was now a lone, dead tree, gloomy and sad looking. The wind continued to usher him toward the tree. The sound of his steps splashing softly through the water echoed loudly all around him.
He stopped when something beneath the tree caught his eye.
Before him stood what appeared to be a shadow.
His shadow.
Its fierce eyes glowed red as its gaze bore into him.
