Fledge gave a satisfying stretch and sucked in the cool, crisp morning air. The sun was beginning to rise, casting a dim, golden glow on Skyloft as the village awakened most gently. The morning birds and nighttime crickets were joined in a harmonious song, and the grass and plants dripped with shimmering dew. Fledge was eager to start his new early morning routine, during which he exercised on the plaza and ran a lap or two around the island under the cover of the morning before anyone else would be awake and possibly discover him. With a bounce in his step, he started off toward the plaza. Then suddenly, as he drew near, a bright flash of green stunned him, followed by a powerful burst of wind. Fledge threw his hands up to shield himself, stifling a yelp of fright as best as he could.

The previously peaceful Skyloft was then filled with a scream of pure agony. Lowering his arms, Fledge saw Link spilled out on the ground, writhing terribly and gripping his left shoulder. A metallic maiden of striking blue, wearing a deep sapphire and bold amethyst cape, hovered over him. Fledge pieced together that this was likely Fi, who Link had told him about just the day before. Fledge's mouth fell agape and his body froze as he took in the sight of his friend clearly suffering before him. Finally, when Fledge came to his senses, he jogged over to Link and gently helped the boy to sit up.

"Link, are you alright?" he asked, mentally kicking himself for such a stupid question.

As he continued to sit Link up, his hand brushed the underside of his left arm, and the boy let out another loud cry.

"Master Link's left-side arm has been afflicted with many injuries," Fi stated plainly. "He requires immediate medical attention."

Fledge maneuvered Link's uninjured arm around his neck and rose to his full height. Carefully, slowly, he helped Link into the Knight Academy. Link tried his best to hold in his torment, but the occasional whimper or growl escaped him, slowly waking the other students from their slumber. Fledge fumbled into Gaepora's quarters, where the tall, very serious man was beginning to sip on his piping hot tea. His bushy brow rose dramatically as his sharp eyes landed on Fledge and Link.

"Help?" Fledge begged breathlessly.

With Gaepora's assistance, they ushered Link to the infirmary. To Fledge's surprise, Gaepora took Link in and shut the door behind them, leaving Fledge out in the hall. Before he could take offense, he reminded himself that he was not supposed to know about Link's adventure, so Gaeopora was likely trying to keep the secret safe. He waited outside with uneven, quivering breaths, occasionally shaking his hands to work out the nervous stress now coursing through him. A couple of students inquired about what had happened.

"Erm..." Fledge responded anxiously. "A flying accident, I think."

Slowly, the other students tapered off. Fledge, however, stayed fixed by the door, waiting to see what would become of his friend. At one point he could hear straining, as if Link's pain was worsening. He pressed an ear to the door and then heard a loud, agonizing but brief shriek, which startled him terribly. His heart rate quickened and he felt ill. Unsure of what else to do and becoming more frightened by the second, Fledge decided to retreat to his room to regroup. Throughout the day, he stepped out and peered into Link's room, only to find it empty. He even went back to the infirmary and again, Link was not there. He continued to fret for the rest of the day in grueling anticipation to find Link, though it did not happen. Well into the night, Fledge sat up in his bed, arguing with himself over whether to check Link's room one more time. Exhaustion won out, and the tall, lengthy boy finally fell into a light sleep.

He was stirred by the sound of a low creaking. Still mostly asleep, Fledge rolled over onto his back, took in a slow, deep breath, and returned to a state of rest. This, however, was interrupted when a cupped hand covered his mouth. The boy's eyes shot open and he gasped loudly, yet quickly composed himself when he saw a very serious-looking Link standing over him. He removed his hand and signaled for Fledge to quietly follow him, which he nervously did. Together, they snuck from the Knight Academy. Link finally turned, allowing Fledge to see his injured arm wrapped tightly in a cloth sling and held close to his chest.

"Wh- what happened to you?" Fledge stammered.

"I will explain later," Link replied. "I promise."

It then dawned on Fledge that Link was wearing a new, untattered tunic and had all of his gear on his person.

"You're not about to go back to... wherever... are you?" Fledge asked. "In the condition you're in?"

"I have to."

"You're going to need a lot of potions," Fledge stated.

"And some help."

A half-smile crossed Link's lips. As Fledge tried to interpret it, his mind was taken back to the day of the Wing Ceremony, when Link had graciously helped him haul in the rice barrels. Fledge had stated he could use the rupees he was to be rewarded with, and Link had quipped back, "And some help." It seemed that now the tables had turned, and Fledge found himself stricken with fear.

"You're not asking-" he stammered once more.

"I am."

"Me? Really Link? I mean... have you met me?" Fledge argued, his hands gesturing wildly. "I'm a total wimp. The only thing I'm good for is running away-"

"Stop," Link halted calmly. "Fear gets the best of you, I know. But think beyond that for a minute, would you?"

Fledge quieted, and a sheepish look appeared on his features.

"We are never going to get Zelda back if I can't finish what the Goddess has me doing, and Zelda cannot wait for my arm to heal, even with potions. She is in danger now."

He took a step closer to his friend, looking him square in the eye.

"You don't have to come with me if you don't want to," Link reaffirmed. "I won't think any less of you, and neither would Zelda. But if you do, then I will do everything in my power to keep any harm from coming to you."

The corners of Fledge's mouth twitched, though no words came out for a time. If Link was honest, he was surprised he had gotten even this far into soliciting Fledge's help. Finally, Fledge let out a sigh, before slowly straightening his stance.

"Alright, I'll go with you," he said hesitantly. "If it means getting Zelda safely home, then let's do it."

Had he not been in nearly excruciating pain, Link may have in fact leapt for joy at hearing such a declaration from Fledge. After collecting some extra provisions, the boys set out on their Loftwings, soaring off into the night sky together. Link and Fi had already successfully visited the Isle of Songs and learned of Link's upcoming Trial of Wisdom, which would be opened by the melody of Nayru's Love, a slow and gentle ballad. As they flew, Link coached Fledge through everything, and talked him down when his anxieties almost led him to turn his Loftwing back. As they circled the Lanayru portal, Link described the desert to Fledge in great detail, focusing on the positives in hopes of calming the boy. When Fledge felt ready, they made their descent, though Fledge screamed the whole way down. Together they managed to land safely, using Link's sailcloth paired with another they had found at the Knight Academy to carry them both down, with each holding one end of it.

Fledges boney kneecaps were all but banging into each other as they stood in the moonlit desert, though whether this was from nerves or the frigid, nighttime air, Link couldn't tell. Fledge had grown terribly pale and looked faint, though after a time and some encouragement from Link, his color slowly returned and he felt ready to venture further into the desert, where neither Link nor Fi had been before. The whole way he walked irritatingly close to Link, who could hear and smell every shaky breath he took. Every hoot of an owl or quiet bounce of a nearby tumbleweed made Fledge flinch and duck behind Link, who simply kept walking.

Fi emerged from the sword and began her search for the door to the Silent Realm. Link explained what she was doing along the way, though a nearly-panicked Fledge was a bit too overwhelmed to fully comprehend it. At one point, however, he glanced over at Link when the older boy had suddenly stopped talking and had halted abruptly. The grimace on his face soured Fledge's stomach.

"Are you alright?" Fledge asked.

"I'll be fine," Link replied through gritted teeth.

Link pressed forward, and Fledge now followed with a bit more distance between them. If Link could be brave through his obvious pain, then surely he could tough it out in a harmless, albeit cold desert. He forced himself to walk a little taller, in hopes it would instill a greater sense of confidence, though it did not seem to work and before long, he was back to hunching his shoulders and nervously rubbing his hands together. At long last, they arrived at an illuminated circle on the ground. Link awkwardly held the harp in his right arm and made his best effort to pluck the strings, though his injured arm was still tightly wrapped against his chest, leaving little room for his fingers to move. Still, they managed, and the door appeared. Between the sound of the harp and Fi's accompanying voice, Fledge felt a great deal better, almost calm even, though this was unfortunately short-lived.

"You're not going to like this part, Fledge," Link sighed, his eyes fixed on the circle of light.

"W- why not?" he stuttered.

"I'm going to be gone for a while. Well, sort of."

Fledge's eyes grew as wide as Link had ever seen them.

"My spirit is going to the Silent Realm, but my body will remain frozen here."

"So I'll be alone?" Fledge practically shrieked.

"Peace, Fledge," Fi stated rather kindly. "I will not be able to accompany Master Link for this trial. Therefore, I will remain here. Does that comfort you?"

"I guess?" Fledge said, more so to be courteous, as he didn't actually feel better at all.

Link flourished the sword, and with as much strength as he could muster with one arm, he plunged it into the ground, and his consciousness left him. Meanwhile, Fledge stood frozen, looking down at Link who looked as stiff and lifeless as a dead tree.

"Is he...?"

"Master Link's spirit is no longer in this realm," Fi interjected.

A few quiet minutes passed. Fledge noticed, very slowly, that he was beginning to breathe a little easier, and his body felt mildly less tense, though he shivered occasionally due to the cold.

"Lucky for you to have that cape to keep yourself warm, huh?" he said, forcing a chuckle.

"I was not created with the ability to feel hot or cold," Fi replied plainly.

"Really?" Fledge asked, feeling his panic settle as his curiosity increased. "Can you feel... anything?"

Fi shook her head.

"Feeling would negatively impact my primary function, which is to assist Master Link in carrying out the Goddess' sacred mission."

Fledge's hands nervously fiddled with the hem of his orange tunic. His eyes jumped from the ground back up to Fi repeatedly as he mustered the courage to inquire further.

"Do you feel afraid, ever?"

"I am able to convey care and concern for Master Link and those he cares for," Fi replied, "however, I am incapable of experiencing fear as you know it."

"Well, consider yourself lucky. I've felt sick with fear since we got here."

"Fear of what, precisely?"

"Anything... everything!" Fledge replied, flailing his arms. "Somehow getting hurt like Link has, or disappearing like Zelda did, or seeing a monster of anything else frightening or dangerous."

"Another function I possess is that of detecting threats," Fi said with an assuring nod. "I can say with ninety-nine percent certainty that there are no enemies in the surrounding area."

"Would it be safe for me to walk around?" Fledge asked. "Pacing helps my nerves."

"It may be wise for you to reduce your nervousness. I will remain here and will call for you if there is danger."

Fledge did not intend to wander off far, though the restlessness in his legs was becoming unbearable. Trudging through the sand, he ventured a little to the west, turning every so often to ensure that Fi and Link were still in his line of sight. The desert sand shone bright white, with not even a cloud to shield it from the glories of the moon. Fledge felt a bit more at home when he looked up at the shining orb. Though it looked smaller on the surface, it was still the only thing he could recognize aside from his friend. The more he walked, the more he stayed focused on the moon, until he had wandered quite farther than he meant to.

He slowly made his way up an incline. At first the sand was loose beneath his feet, prompting a couple of stumbles, though higher up, the sand became more solid. Fledge had been glancing up once more at the moon when suddenly a bright, green flash drew his attention forward. Something over the crest of the hill was shining. At first, Fledge's breath caught in his throat and the pit of his stomach dropped. He froze, unsure if he should progress forward. Looking over his hiked up shoulder, he could still see Link and Fi in the distance, and Fi did not seem to be alarmed.

He decided he would peer over as silently as he could. Hunching down, he crawled on hands and knees further up until he could lean forward to see over the hill. Below him, about a half a mile away, was what appeared to be a skull, followed by a long, dry and cracked spine with dozens of thick ribs jutting from it. It was perhaps the largest thing Fledge had ever laid eyes on, besides the desert and the open sky itself. The sand it laid in was glowing green, with occasional beams of the emerald light escaping and shooting up into the sky. His mouth quickly dried and a sense of panic began to overwhelm him. Mouth agape, he raced back down the hill, stumbling over himself a few times.


Link's eyes slowly opened after what felt like an eternity in nothingness. He had anticipated awakening to the hazy, gray Silent Realm as he had previously. To his surprise, he instead found himself in a small, dark room. The walls, floor, and ceiling were all made of a blackened stone, highlighted with shimmers of deep, sapphire blue. Not a yard ahead of him was a pedestal, almost as tall as he was, with two stone stairs leading up to it. On top of the pedestal was a large bowl. The outside of it was glossy and dark, with vibrant teal trimming on the rim and base. Link could see that the bowl was filled with some sort of water, which reflected off of everything in the room as it rippled.

A dim royal blue light began to form just behind the pedestal. Link quickly bowed his head solemnly, knowing he was now in the presence of the Goddess Nayru.

"Welcome, Wise One," she greeted.

Of the Goddesses, Nayru's voice sounded the fondest and most loving, as if she were speaking to her very own child.

"This trial," Nayru began, "will put you mind and your heart to the test. Wisdom is an allusive gift, one that does not show itself in the forms of brute strength or perseverance over adversity. Wisdom, rather, is shown in one's judgement, and how they willfully respond to what fate is given to them."

The light shone brighter and widened, as if Nayru's arms were opening.

"Will you gaze into the water?"

Link's breath stopped short, unsure of what awaited him at Nayru's request. However, he rallied himself and nodded his head before slowly and cautiously stepping up to the pedestal. Peering into the bowl, he saw that the water was a vibrant and light blue. It was strangely not reflective, and he couldn't see through to the bottom. It was, however, enticing, both pleasing and soothing to look at. After a few moments had passed, Link peered up at Nayru. She said nothing, so Link returned his gaze to the water. He thought it was just his mind playing tricks on him at first when he began to notice a strange image taking shape in the water, yet before long, he could not deny that he was seeing distinct images appearing. Moreover, he could no longer will himself to look away from the water.

As it continued to ripple, the image before him grew wider and wider, until it consumed his entire vision. Link could no longer tell where the view before him ended and where the room he was in began, as if he was now standing in the image conjured in the water. Surrounding him was pale, green grass, from which a few dirt patches and pathways could be seen. The sky was gray and growing darker by the moment. In the distance, Link could make out what appeared to be a large wall made out of white brick. As Link slowly wandered closer, a gentle rain began to fall, with each drop sending a cold chill down his spine. Distant lightning and thunder could be seen and heard, and Link could feel the atmosphere growing more agitated.

In the center of the wall was what appeared to be a tall, wooden door, closed up tightly. In front of it was a stream of blue water, and in front of the water stood a small child. Link's brow furrowed at once. While the boy did not appear to be his younger self like he had seen in his vision from Dark Link, he was dressed in a green tunic, strikingly similar to his own, down to the curved, pointed cap covering his blonde locks. The boy stood patiently, as if he were waiting for something. Link drew closer, though the boy did not see him. He was struck by the boy's fierce blue eyes.

The sound of many chains moving filled the air. Link observed that the large, wooden door was in fact a drawbridge, and it was slowly being lowered. The distant sound of some kind of creature could also be heard, though it sounded to be distressed. No sooner had the bridge met the earth did a white, four-legged creature speed across it. Link stepped back and the boy moved as well, avoiding certainly being crushed by the beast. On its back was a woman, and in front of her was another small child, this one dressed elegantly. Royally, even. While the boy stayed focused on the white creature, Link's attention was drawn to what followed behind. A larger, black four-legged being appeared, on which rode a tall man with a long, pointed nose and olive-green skin. Link's heart leapt into his throat at the sight of him.

He was clad in dark armor. The hair on his head was bright orange, like a blazing fire, and he had such a terrible look in his eye. He began an exchange with the young boy, though Link could not hear what they were saying. All he knew was the boy seemed intent on defying this man, so much so that he drew a small sword as if he were ready to challenge him. The man seemed to scoff, then raised his hand, which began emitting a terrible, bright glow. Something awoke in Link, and he found himself dashing for the boy. Just as a ray of light was flying from the man's hand, Link planted himself between the man and the boy, with all thought of self-preservation leaving him at once. His vision was filled with the light, making everything around him disappear, though only briefly.

In the next moment Link saw what seemed to be that same burst of light, only this time it was speeding away from him. He now found himself in a sanctum. Surrounding him were the largest windows, configured with more colored glass than he ever thought possible. The entire room rumbled with loud thunderclaps and the sound of electricity and power surging through the air. The man in black armor who he had seen previously was now hovering in the air and being chased down by the surge of energy and light. With a swipe of his large hand, the man in black armor sent it flying forward once more.

This time, however, a young man wielding a sword skidded to Link's side, deflecting the ball right back. Link recognized him as the boy from before, however, he was much more grown, and fought quite valiantly. His time observing the duel was brief, as the large, glassy walls and the sparring foes vanished, replaced with a wall of fire surrounding him on all sides. Through the furious whipping of the flames, Link could hear the distinct sound of metal clashing with metal. As his eyes adjusted, he saw the man in black armor once more. This time, however, he seemed different. Taller, bulkier, and somehow he appeared even more hate-filled than he had previously. The massive weapon he yielded caused Link's gaze to grow wide. He was met with another young man clad in a green tunic. He too, was different from before. His hair was darker, and something about him appeared somehow more serious. The sky above them was a dark amber with the blackest clouds Link could imagine.

He watched the two battle for a time until he was once again swept away to yet another scene, this one being the grimmest of them all. He found himself in a lightly wooded area. The trees grew tall, yet did little to shield him from a cold rain that fell from a heavy, gray sky. His nostrils were stung by the smell of smoke, and unless he was mistaken, he heard the sound of someone sobbing. Link broke into a paced jog in search of whomever was in distress, though the trees and rain made it difficult to follow their voice. He trudged through the muddy woods. The air itself felt heavy, almost as if the world itself was in a state of grief. He passed a tree that had been split in two and was jolted by a harrowing sight.

Before him was a beast, or perhaps a machine, twitching and sparking. It was far taller than he was. Its head spun this way and that, emitting an occasional magenta glow. Link's stomach knotted at first as he wondered if the thing would attack. After some time, however, he realized that it had been severely damaged and was likely dying itself. As Link continued through the woods, he began to find more and more of the beings in the same state. Even his eyes were now burning from the smoke billowing from them.

At long last, he found an open field where the sound of a woman's cries could be heard more clearly. His forest green eyes landed on a young maiden with long and thick golden hair. She dawned a white gown that had been soiled with mud. Her upper body was hunched over another figure, who she held tightly in her lap. This one, a young man, appeared lifeless. He looked to have been burned and cut many times. Unlike the others, he wore a sky blue fabric with strange shapes and patterns embroidered on it. Link approached quickly, ready to offer his help, even though he knew that neither of them was aware of his presence. He crouched down in front of them and ran a flustered hand through his own dampened hair.

"What does this all mean?" he asked out loud, a hint of a growl rising in his tone.

He was interrupted when his pointed ears picked up a familiar sound. It was mystical, almost musical, even, and with it came small shimmers of sapphire blue light. They came from a sword which laid in the young man's limp hand. The light dancing from it matched the otherworldly sounds it made. Link recognized it at once.

"Fi?" he asked, leaning over toward the sword.

He began to hear her voice. It was faint, as if she were somehow trapped in a far-off place, though he could still make out her words.

"Princess Zelda," she said quietly from within the blade, "Master Link must be taken to the Shrine of Resurrection."

"Zelda?" Link questioned. "Link?"

His eyes darted back to the two individuals. The golden-haired woman's gaze was also fixed on the sword.

"So he can... he can still be saved?" she asked, voice trembling.

Link had had enough. Unsure of what to make of all of these visions, from the young boy to the one now dying in this woman's arms. Breaths quickening and shortening, Link rose to his feet, running his hand through his hair once more.

"I don't understand," he stammered.

He briskly paced a few steps away, feeling his own sense of confusion and frustration mounting.

"What is all of this?" he called out to the sky, in hopes that Nayru would show mercy and answer him.

To his amazement, she seemed to do just that, as in the blink of an eye, he was returned to the dark room, still bent forward toward the blue water. The images were gone, and the light of the Goddess still shone before him.

"I don't understand," he repeated, breathlessly, borderline shakily.

As the admission left his lips, he felt a heavy pain deep within his chest. He raised his unbroken arm to it, wincing.

"You are undoubtedly feeling the heaviness of the burden you have been born to carry," Nayru said, sadly and solemnly.

He peered up at her, though his body (even in the Silent Realm) felt ready to collapse as the feeling expanded from his chest to his entire being.

"For what purpose did you set out on your journey, child?"

"To rescue Zelda," Link strained.

"Yes. However, it is time that you learned the true purpose of your calling."

Link's brow raised.

"Long ago," Nayru began, her light shining brighter, "Hylia began her search for someone who could become her chosen Hero of Legend. The individual who would eventually bear the Spirit of the Hero would be required to do three things: First, they must possess an unbreakable spirit from birth, a rare and most treasured thing. Secondly, they must be capable of wielding the Master Sword, forged by the power of the Goddess herself. Thirdly, they must obtain and wield the power of the Triforce, which is what these trials have prepared you to do."

"The Triforce?"

"Yes, child. A short time after the world was founded, when life was just beginning to flourish, evil entered the world from another realm, threatening all who lived in it. While the Goddess, Hylia herself, fought this evil force, Farore, Din, and myself poured our collective power into a sacred relic; the Triforce. A balanced heart, one that possessed wisdom, power, and courage, could someday wield this sacred relic and restore peace and tranquility to the world and vanquish the evil within it. That someone, Link, was meant to be you."

"What does Zelda have to do with this?" Link asked, a bit more loudly than he realized. "Why has she been put in peril?"

"The spirit maiden, Zelda, was also chosen to carry out a specific purpose in the Goddess' mission," Nayru replied. "However, I must tell you the truth. Hylia also used Zelda, as she knew the spirit maiden would be the only person for whom you would risk your own life to save."

Link bit down on his lower lip. His eyes and his belly felt hot with a sense of rage. Hylia used Zelda to trap him? He could hardly believe what he was hearing, though he dared not call Nayru a liar. The feeling of burden upon him grew even heavier, and he now strained to stay upright.

"If you are successful in your destiny," Nayru continued, "the spirit of evil will be banished, though only for a time. As spirits never truly die, his hatred and malice will continue to reincarnate time and time again, generation after generation. Knowing this, the Goddess Hylia is working to prepare your spirit, as well as Zelda's, to be borne in other lifetimes, that they may continue the work of freeing the world and others beyond it from the grips of this great evil."

Something about this calmed Link, though only a little. He steadied his heaving breaths, finally letting out a sigh and returning his gaze to Nayru.

"Is that what I saw in the water?" he asked. "People with my spirit and Zelda's fighting against the evil one?"

"You have gathered well," Nayru said, "as well as the spirit of the sword, who you know as Fi. She, too, will carry on this fight."

Link's eyes bounced about as he continued to wrestle with what he was being told. The sheer anger he felt at being manipulated by the Goddess, the all-protecting deity Hylia, had far from subsided, and now he was learning that his fate would help determine those of others after him.

"Peace, child," Nayru said, "for you need not bear these burdens alone."

"What do you mean?" Link asked, almost offended.

At that moment, the water in the bowl shimmered brightly, and its rippling effect became rapid. Link's wide, green eyes fell to it at once. Nayru, from her light, appeared to gesture to it. Drawing in a sharp breath and holding it, Link stepped forward once more. He stared into it, still feeling quite fiery inside. However, the more he mastered his breath and his frustration, the more he began to see new images appearing in the water. The first he recognized as Fledge, from the exact moment when he had agreed to come to the surface. With a ripple in the water, Fledge was replaced with an image of Groose walking parallel with Link, just after his fight with the Imprisoned. Link recalled this as the first time he ever saw that Groose was capable of being sensitive and caring. Another ripple took away Groose, and in his place came Machi, enthusiastically telling him Kikwi stories under the bright full moon.

Cobal bravely risking himself to aid Link in his fight against the Lizalfos.

X being reunited with his kin, long-presumed dead.

Gaepora and Professors Owlan and Horwell studying through the night to help him progress forward.

The great dragon Farosh blessing him with her scale.

And finally, Fi, offering one of her signature curtsies, in full support of and submission to Link and his destiny.

All of these appeared for a brief moment in the water. When the last image faded, a lone tear fell from Link's eye and could be heard as it dropped into the water. With a sniffle and a sigh to compose himself, Link stepped back and nodded.

"I think I understand," he said quietly.

"What does your heart tell you, wise one?"

"That..." he began, faltering briefly, "... perhaps I've been shortsighted. There are others who need me to do this too... not just Zelda."

"And...?"

A corner of Link's mouth curved upward, as did his brow. Through her tone, he was almost certain that Nayru was egging him on, perhaps even playfully.

"And there are others who have been helping me all along," he said finally. "I've felt I've been very much alone in this journey, but I think I now understand that I never have been."

"Nor will you ever be, in this life or the others beyond it."

Link sighed once more. Though it was a lot to take in, and he did not fully comprehend the magnitude of Nayru's words, he felt comfortably more settled, so long as he kept his thoughts off of Hylia.

"Was this the trial?" he asked curiously.

"Yes, wise one," Nayru replied. "It was time for you to understand these three truths: 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."

Link's head continued to bob softly as her words set in.

"Remember these things, and your wisdom will continue to grow throughout the remainder of your journey."

Nayru's light began to fade.

"Should you ever find yourself in need," she said finally, "you may call upon me, and with Nayru's Love, I will offer you what protection I can."

"Only once, right?" Link asked with a hint of a sly smile.

"You have gathered well."


Link awoke, his body chilled painfully by the desert air, and his broken arm was screaming out in ache. With a sharp gasp, he snapped out of his trance, his trembling hand releasing its hold on the sword. He blinked rapidly at first, re-orienting himself.

"I am pleased to see you have successfully-" Fi began.

"LINK!"

Fledge was running toward them as though he had just seen a ghost.

"I will repeat this to you, Fledge," Fi began, "I do not detect any malicious being nearby. Your panic may be unwarranted."

"It's very warranted!" Fledge shouted back. "Look!"

He pointed to a large hill of sand in the distance. Sure enough, there were flashes of emerald light coming from behind it. Link carefully sheathed the blade and began a brisk walk to the hill. The flashes of light were growing brighter and faster by the moment. Fledge helped Link up the slippery bottom half of the hill, pulling him by his good arm to keep him steady until he could manage on his own. To Fledge's amazement, the gargantuan skeletal remains were still in the sand ahead of them.

"Do you know what in the Goddess' name it was?" he asked.

"I recall X telling us of their guardian dragon being killed in an ancient time past," Fi replied.

"It certainly looks like the others we've seen," Link agreed, "only... deader."

"But what's happening to it?" Fledge asked.

Neither Link nor Fi could answer. Yet, as they continued to watch, they noticed that parts of the skeleton were being pulled into the sand. It was subtle at first, so much so that they were not fully convinced that it was really happening. Though soon enough, it was undeniable. Something was pulling the remains under.

"Is this supposed to happen?" Fledge inquired, sounding no less panicked.

"I do not detect any evil intention causing this," Fi replied. "In fact, I detect the Goddess' power at work."

Link let out a strange huff, drawing the attention of both Fledge and Fi momentarily. However, they looked back in time to see all that was left visible of the dragon skeleton be submerged in the sand. All became quiet as the millions of disturbed grains settled, and they were once more graced by only the light of the moon. Fi's gaze was suddenly drawn upward.

"Master, please observe," she said.

High above them, thin, gray clouds had begun swirling. Somehow, the sky in the center of them appeared darker than the rest. Fledge's legs began to quiver, and even Link raised his arm up to the sword, ready for an attack of some sort from above.

Yet the attack never came.

What came instead was a long, flowing, and glowing creature of indescribable magnificence. Its scales were a blend of striking yellow and diamond. A single horn was outstretched from its head, resembling a mighty lightning strike. Fledge, mouth agape, turned to take off running, though Link caught him by the back of his tunic.

"Peace, Fledge," Fi said plainly.

"Does that thing look peaceful to you?" he shot back.

"The great dragons do come in peace."

"They're on our side," Link added.

The dragon slowly, gracefully, continued its descent. Much to Fledge's dismay, it made its way toward them. How something so large could see them from so high up, he did not know. At long last, the dragon alighted in the sand before them, right where the skeleton had been. An electric current washed over the sand as far as their eyes could see.

"Greetings, Sky Dwellers," the dragon said, its voice sounding fresh and booming. "I am Nayadra, reborn."

Link and Fi solemnly lowered their heads, while Fledge covered his.

"What are your names?"

"My name is Fi," she began. "This is my Master, Link, and his assistant, Fledge."

"Assistant?" Fledge argued, though he was ignored.

"Link," the dragon said, "you are the one traveling to awaken the Master Sword, are you not?"

"I am."

"Verily, it is your presence that has allowed me to return this night."

"Pray tell," Fi replied, "for we do not understand."

"The great dragons - Dinraal, Farosh, Nayadra, and Levias - we are spirits, destined to protect this realm and others beyond it. Long ago, I was stricken with a great evil and trapped in the void between realms, where I was alone and powerless for ages and ages."

Link's brow curved upward, and his stomach ached with sadness upon hearing this.

"Alas, when a spirit of good, one that is balanced and pure, takes their place in the realm, then we are reborn to protect the world anew. Surely, it is your presence and that of the spirit maiden that have allowed me to be restored to this realm. For that, I thank you."

Link was too stunned to speak, which Nayadra understood.

"Surely you are in search of the sacred flame that rests here in Lanayru."

"Yes, Nayadra," Link replied, as confidently as he could manage.

"You will find it floating on the sea."

A tangible silence was held for some time.

"What sea, exactly?" Fledge finally asked.

"Why," Nayadra chuckled, "you're looking at it."

Behind the mighty dragon was a stretch of sand that went on for so long it blended in with the horizon.

"Oh, I get it, a sea of sand."

"There you will find one of my people, one of the Ancient Robots, who can help you."

With a nod and a slow blink of his striking, green eyes, Nayadra sped forth, creating a powerful force of wind that nearly knocked Link and Fledge back down the hill. For a time, they watched as the green, glowing dragon soared off into the desert, roaring mightily with its fresh, new life restored.