Link and his Loftwing sped back to Skyloft as quickly as they could. It was later in the day and the sun was beginning to cast large shadows over the village. Link's head and heart were still buzzing with excitement from the unification of the dragons, and the deeply moving song they had shared with him. Part of him thought he could hear remnants of the harmony being carried in the wind as they soared with all haste to Skyloft. Groose and Fledge, along with Gaepora, met him eagerly at the light tower. Groose and Fledge immediately bombarded him with questions.
"Did you slay the dragon?" Groose asked, earning a sharp glare from Gaepora.
"How is Levias?" Fledge inquired caringly.
"Is he well?" Gaepora finally asked, very slowly and seriously.
Link allowed a small smirk to appear on his features and let out a sigh, nodding his head, as he was still too awe-struck to put words to it. He rolled up his sleeve and began rubbing his forearm, which was still covered in goosebumps from the experience.
"We are more indebted to you than I think you realize," Gapeora said, letting his broad shoulders lower in relief. "We now have our protective guardian on our side once again."
Link nodded in agreement, then suddenly, his brow furrowed. Fledge noticed his face was paling, as his dark green eyes fiercely stared off.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
Fledge placed a hand near the back of Link's shoulders, worried the boy might fall over as he had on the Sandship. Link shrugged slowly to get away from Fledge's hand without offending the sensitive lad. His eyes continued to stare off, pupils dilating. In his mind flashed the same images conjured during his fight with Dark Link. He saw Skyloft set aflame and the surface burning below. He saw that the village was emptied, with the fates of his friends and neighbors unknown.
Even with Levias being freed, Link knew from his time with Hylia that the surface and Skyloft were both still very much in danger. There would be no telling what Ghirahim, and worse, Demise, could do at their fullest strength. The color slowly returned to Link's face as the mental images faded, though he still found himself feeling on edge and quite breathless. He swallowed dryly, closing his eyes and lowering his head for a moment.
"I think it's time we tell everyone what's really been going on," he said in a reserved tone.
"Now Link," Gaepora cautioned, growing somewhat stern, "we've discussed why this could cause unnecessary-"
"With all due respect," Link countered, much to Fledge and Groose's surprise, "I know you have more wisdom and knowledge of these things, but I... I mean, we... have seen it with our own eyes."
Groose and Fledge nodded. Fledge hunched back some, waiting for Gaepora's scorn. Link continued.
"I still don't fully understand what the Triforce is, or how it's supposed to kill Demise for good, but, should something go wrong," his voice faltered with emotion as he recalled his dark vision once more, "I... I'm just afraid that-"
"I'm with Link," Fledge declared, hoping to bear some of Link's burden.
All eyes fell on him. The gawky boy stood fumbling with the hem of his orange shirt for a time, before straightening up his stance and lowering his tone.
"I may be young, and scared of my own shadow at times, but if something was possibly going to harm me and my loved ones, I would want to know."
"And this Imprisoned-Demise guy means business," Groose chimed in, chest puffed out and arms crossed over it. "We've been lucky enough to fend him off this long, but he's getting stronger by the minute. Skyloft should be prepared in case the worst happens."
Fi emerged from the sword and offered a curtsy.
"Headmaster Gaepora," she said in her melodic tone, "I have estimated that, should Demise return to his full power, then the people of Skyloft will have the greatest chance of survival if they are given time to prepare in advance."
"Zelda would want them to know, too," Link concluded, brow furrowed.
This proved to be the most difficult point for Geapora to contend with. He knew the only person who knew Zelda better than he did was Link. Gaepora's bushy brow raised as the three young men (and Fi) stood before him. For a time, he said nothing, simply allowing for their opinions to sink in. After some time and a few twitches of his white mustache, he sighed.
"It is nearly unheard of for a Headmaster to concede to his students," he said. "However, it is clear to me that this journey has matured each of you into very wise and respectable young men. Alas, I have been outvoted." He drew in a deep breath. "We will inform the village. We will prepare for an unfortunate turn of events," he drew in another long breath, allowing his dark eyes to fall on Link with a soft, fatherly expression, "but we will keep the faith for the most favorable."
Link nodded and allowed a small smile to form, appreciating Gaepora's confidence. For the first time since the Wing Ceremony, the entire village was summoned and gathered at the light tower. Gaepora stood on the steps leading down to the stone plaza, with the Professors standing calmly on his left, and Link, Fledge, and Groose on his right. The townspeople buzzed with anxious chatter until Gaepora calmly raised a hand.
"Neighbors," he said, voice booming, "surely you all have been speculating about some strange happenings since the Wing Ceremony, the most obvious of which being the absence of my very own daughter."
Several onlookers observed Link's gaze turn downward solemnly, almost sadly, and wondered the worst.
"Many of you know of the ancient prophecies long protected and passed down here on Skyloft," Gaepora continued. "It seems as though they are now being fulfilled in our lifetime. My daughter, Zelda, was taken to the surface, the world that lies below the cloud barrier."
Gasps and chatter spread through the people.
"There, she has been working to fulfill the Goddess' orders, and has sacrificed much of herself to do so."
The more observant onlookers could notice the glistening of tears welling in his eyes, though he held them back valiantly.
"You also have likely noticed the absences of our students, Link, Groose, and Fledge. They have bravely taken it upon themselves to help her, and have spent a great deal of their time and efforts on the surface, where they have encountered many good things and have fought for many victories," he drew in a slow, deep breath, "and have also faced many perils. Much of this has been done in secret, so as to not worry any of you. However, the time has come for us to prepare."
"Prepare for what?" someone shouted, almost angrily.
Gaepora's gaze landed on Link, followed by the Professors, Groose, Fledge, and the entire town. The point in his neck bobbed up and down as he swallowed harshly. The hairs on the back of his neck stood erect, and he found himself struggling to conjure any words. A cool breeze made its way through his honey-blonde locks, sending a chill down his spine. He looked over the people and saw the fear and concern in their eyes. A pang of sorrow welled up in his chest as he recognized those same feelings in himself. He especially noticed parents holding their young children more closely. Fi spoke to him from within the sword.
"Master, I sense you are feeling overwhelmed in this moment," she said in her soothing, melodic tone. "Please know that your friends and I are here to support you."
Link nodded lightly before drawing in a long, belly-filling breath.
"There is an evil being from another realm," he said finally, prompting another wave of gasps and whispers, "who has been sealed away for the last thousand years. The seal is breaking, and if the prophecies aren't fulfilled, he will return. Zelda and I..." his voice choked with emotion "... are fighting to keep that from happening, and to stop him for good."
"How do we know any of this is true?" Stritch asked.
"Yeah! How?" Cawlin added, prompting a wave of grumbling from many.
Link's mouth fumbled open, though no words came forth. Everyone, even Gaepora, seemed to be at a loss for words amidst the rising volume of the mounting frustration from the crowd. Gondo and Jakamar, among others, attempted to quell those who were becoming upset. However, they grew further outnumbered by the minute. As Link felt his pulse quicken in the side of his neck, with a burst of sudden blue light, Fi emerged from the sword. Everyone gasped and drew back while her sapphire glow reflected off their wide eyes. Instead of offering her normal curtsy, she stared down the crowd with an intensity even Link had not seen before.
"People of Skyloft," she said in her otherworldly language, "I was created for this purpose lifetimes ago; that the wielder of the Master Sword, my Master, Link, chosen by the Goddess Hylia herself, could seal away this darkness for lifetimes more. I understand this sudden presentation of previously unknown information is frightening to your kind. However, it is imperative that you keep yourselves composed and listen to the instruction being given to you."
Whether it was the shock of seeing her or the seriousness in her melodic voice, a quietness came over the crowd, and suddenly most everyone looked to be receptive. Fi turned to Link and simply nodded.
"Thanks," he uttered with a hint of a smile.
"Now," Gaepora said, taking over, "as Link prepares for the final leg of his journey, we have work to do here."
The people of Skyloft agreed to three things: First, the adults would learn basic sword skills, which Eagus gladly agreed to provide the lessons for. Secondly, their homes and buildings would be fitted with small defences that could be put in place with short notice. Lastly, the community came together to ensure all provisions could be stored and protected. While Link quietly doubted these efforts would be enough to outlast Demise, if he was revived and his hatred and malice reached Skyloft, he could see that the village was slowly growing more confident and emboldened, likely comforted by the sense that they were taking some action to protect themselves and all they held dear. Still, as he looked on, he could not shake the feeling that he had just led them to a false sense of hope.
Fledge and Groose had wandered off to gather equipment, namely arrows for Fledge (as he still carried the bow from the Sandship) and a weapon for Groose. They returned to Link, staring blankly at the people as they began bustling to ready the village.
"Link? What is it?" Fledge inquired, taking note of Link's demeanor.
"This isn't going to be enough," he sighed, shaking his head.
"What do you mean?"
"None of this would even slow down Ghirahim, much less Demise."
He noticed a deep, throbbing pain in his rib and his left arm, where his injuries from Ghirahim had been inflicted. He rubbed his side with one hand and gripped his upper arm with the other.
"You both have seen how monstrous the Imprisoned is," he said. "But Ghirahim is ruthless. He takes pleasure in the slow pain and suffering of others. Remember my arm?"
Fledge and Groose nodded.
"That was all him, single-handedly, and with not a shred of mercy. He shattered my arm and tore it from its socket just to get information on Zelda's whereabouts. Had he not fallen victim to his own foolishness, I don't doubt he would have killed me soon after."
A heaviness came over Fledge and Groose as they once more looked out over the people.
"It's time to finish this," Link said. "Once and for all. Fi, can you lead me to the final gate to the Silent Realm?"
"Yes, Master," she said with a nod. "In fact, I can already detect it."
"Where?"
"On Skyloft."
"What?" all three boys gasped.
"Please, follow me."
The sky was being slowly painted with shades of amber and as evening approached. The occasional gray cloud streaked across it, yet the sun was still free to warm the bustling village with its golden light. Fi led the boys to, of all places, the base of the Goddess Statue, where Link's journey began seemingly so long ago. To their amazement, a ring of glowing cyan light, larger than any of the others, appeared in the center of the courtyard. Link remembered it as the place where he and Zelda had their last normal conversation the morning of the ceremony. He readied the Goddess Harp, wishing he could still feel the warmth of Zelda's hands on the cold gold as he once could. Still, together, he and Fi performed the Song of the Hero, while mystical flower pedals lined the outside of the circle. When the song was completed, a loud silence filled the space for a time.
However, Link thought he sensed the ground beneath them shifting. A low rumble graced his ears, and before long, the earth beneath their feet began to shake until the townspeople scattered about felt it as well. The sounds of their distant shrieks drew Link's attention. Sword at-the-ready, he ran back down to the town where people were beginning to gather, with Fledge and Groose following close behind, though the shaking knocked them down a few times.
To the amazement of all, the quake shook off chunks of dirt and rock from beneath the Goddess Statue's plateau. Each mass that peeled away, falling to the cloud barrier below, revealed bright white brick and golden trimming. Before long, they began to see what looked like ancient carvings, from which plumes of dust fell as the quake continued. When the last of the earth had fallen away, all marveled at the sight of the massive, spiraling structure now jutting out from below the Goddess Statue. Though it had been covered in earth for lifetimes, it looked untouched by dirt or dust, and reflected the light of the setting sun most beautifully.
"I have new information for you, Master," Fi said. "This is the Sky Keep. It is an Ancient Temple constructed by the Goddesses to house the Triforce. The door to the Silent Realm and the door to the Sky Keep are one and the same. Surely you will be able to find the Triforce there."
They returned with haste to the Goddess Statue's courtyard. Link readied himself to plunge the blade into the glowing circle of light, yet was stopped short when Fledge piped up.
"Hey, Link?" he asked a bit quietly. "Is it possible for us to go with you? To the Silent Realm?"
Link's brow raised as he shot a confused glance in Fledge's direction.
"I mean... this sounds like perhaps the most important thing you've done so far. Not that I doubt your ability or anything, but, if help would increase your chances of success..."
"I like the way you think," Groose added, giving Fledge a friendly (yet hard) smack on the upper back. "We've got too much riding on the line for you to mess up and not get the job done, y'know?"
Link rolled his eyes, but smiled. Fi chimed in.
"I can confirm that the Master Sword is capable of transporting multiple spirits to the Silent Realm. It is possible for all three of you to enter the Sky Keep."
Link's forest green eyes bounced back and forth between Groose and Fledge intensely.
"Only if you're certain."
Both nodded. Link gripped the hilt of the Master Sword with both hands, while Groose and Fledge each laid a hand on his shoulders. Fledge closed his eyes and bit down on his lip, Groose balled up his free fist, and Link gave an impassioned shout as he plunged the sword into the ground as hard as he could.
