"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

~Lao Tzu~

Ancient Roots

Chapter 16: Mines

"Has he tried to take control like that before?" I ask Link as we make our way up to the Statue of the Goddess. "He seems pretty determined to protect you."

"A few times," he answers honestly, which makes me stop as we reach the wooden steps leading up to the courtyard. He turns back to me and is unable to hold back a smile at my evident shock. Have I really been so blind that I didn't notice it happening other times? "He's tried a few times, like when we escaped the Earth Temple, but I've managed to stop him before he could actually take control."

I frown, "I'm sorry I didn't notice. I could've helped you." He shrugs.

"It's never been overwhelming enough to be obvious. I don't think he wants to take control," he explains as we start walking again. "His presence usually goes away when I fight back, so I don't think he wants to fight instead of me." I'm not convinced and it shows because he wraps his arm around my shoulder and gives me a comforting squeeze.

As we reach the courtyard, however, the mood shifts as memories from the day of the Wing Ceremony return like a kick to the teeth. I glance over at Link, unable to not think about that afternoon where our lives changed forever. He must be thinking the same because he smiles ruefully at the circular design on the ground before us, the same one I pushed him onto when the butterflies in my stomach got the better of me.

"It's strange coming back here after everything that's happened," he murmurs. I remain still as he steps into the circular design and tilts his face up to the sky, an old habit that makes my heart soar. "I wonder what would've happened if I'd never asked you to come flying with me…"

"I don't know," I reply just as quietly. He looks back at me then with a strange look in his eyes and I suddenly feel a little self-conscious. "W-What?"

"I wanted to tell you so much that day. I just…" He rubs the back of his neck absently. "I'm glad I got to say it in the end and you said it back."

A smile tugs at my lips, "I'm glad you said it too."

He smiles back, then turns to the base of the statue, "Come on. I want to see what this chamber that everyone's seen but me." I laugh and move forward to take his hand so we can walk inside together. "How did you find this place?"

"It was after the tornado. Fi led me here and she explained everything." I nudge him a little, then add, "This was where she told me that you were still alive. I didn't believe her at first, and it wasn't until we met the priestess in the Sealed Temple and found you that I truly believed her."

The wind drops, though the autumnal chill lingers as we wander down the corridor and into the chamber. The torches are still lit and Fi appears at my side as we head deeper into the chamber. Link takes his cue to inspect the chamber as I move towards the altar and take the tablet from Fi so I can slot it into place. There's a long silence stretches between us as the gem sparkles in the torchlight and I hear faint rumbling in the distance that I recognise instantly, though Link does jump a little at the unfamiliar sound.

"Dominae, I've confirmed the location of a third opening in the cloud barrier in the sky to the southwest," Fi confirms at my side. "It will allow you to reach a new area on the Surface. I suggest going there as soon as you are suitably prepared."

I turn to Link once Fi returns to the sword and cross over to where he now stands patiently by the pedestal where I took up the Goddess Sword. I smile at him and remark, "So, now you've seen it like everyone else has. What do you think?"

"I think it's a much nicer place to learn about your destiny than a clearing full of monsters," he says, though the lightness in his tone doesn't make me feel any better about his attempt at humour. His smile drops at my lack of reaction, "I wouldn't wish it on myself, but I'm glad it was that way; you were safe, and that's all that matters to me."

I force a smile but remain silent as we head out of the chamber. I try my best to lighten my mood by casting my mind back to better (or just more carefree) times, though even that proves difficult. The skies I love are different with the three Columns of Light there, I have a sword at my waist and so much on my mind that I know it'll be some time before I can relax again.

We'll get through this, I remind myself as I spot Karane and Pipit waiting for us in the courtyard. I have people I love around me and a resolve to finish what the Goddess started. We'll get through this…

"We saw the Column of Light appear, so I assume we're all good to go?" Karane remarks as we slow into a halt in front of them. I nod.

"I think so. If everyone—" I trail off when the Goddess Sword glows and Fi appears out of thin air. "Is everything alright Fi?"

She nods, "Yes, Dominae. I can confirm that with your current equipment and provisions, you are prepared for the Lanayru Desert, however there was a matter I wished to discuss with you prior to your departure." I raise a brow apprehensively at nod for her to continue, "As one chosen by the Goddess, you have been gifted with unique abilities like the Spirited One has. I propose we test the limits of your abilities, as I predict they will prove useful in this particular region."

"Unique… abilities?" Pipit parrots.

Link hums, "I think she means spells, like the ones I can do." Fi nods in agreement.

"You are correct, Spirited One," she confirms, and I suddenly don't know how to react. Does she really think I can pull off the same feats that Link can? "I ask that you hold out your hands and repeat the word: unda."

I glance at her. I might have been chosen by the Goddess, but this really does seem a little far-fetched. I know Link can do things like this, but he's spiritually connected to another person who was probably well versed in the use of spells, but not me. I catch Link's eye and let his encouraging smile give me a little bit of confidence. I sigh and hold out my hands.

What's the harm in trying?

"Unda."

We stand there for a few moments where nothing happens, and I can't help but feel a little deflated that it didn't work. I doubt just saying a word would give me the ability to create protective barriers or do anything like Link has done in the past, though it would have been pretty useful (not to mention incredible) to have that ability. I drop my hands and look up at Fi with a shrug.

"May I ask that you try again, Dominae?" she insists, to which I frown at her but do as she asks. "Use of a word creates a foundation on which spell casters can focus on their spell, therefore increasing the spell's efficacy by 50%. Focus on the word and repeat it again."

A part of me wants to roll my eyes, but I refrain. After all, Fi's only trying to help and it's not her fault that she has misplaced faith in my supposed magical abilities. I lower my head and close my eyes, holding out my hands as I bring the word to mind and focus all my thoughts on that single word—whatever it means.

"Unda."

Something feels different this time, though I'm not sure what it is. My hands grow warm and I snap my eyes open to find particles of blue light forming in my cupped hands. We watch on in awe as the light grows, only for it to flicker when I grow distracted. I repeat the word and the light returns, and I instinctively hold my hands out as the light continues to grow.

Then, without any warning, water appears.

It sputters at first, like a water pump that hasn't been used in a long time, but soon enough water spouts out from the light and streams into my hands. I gasp and pull my hands away, only to reach back out and catch the water again just as quickly. The others watch on as the light fades away and the water pools in my hands.

"F-Fi… what just…?"

"Congratulations, Dominae. You have managed to harness your unique abilities," she tells me. I gape at her. "Your abilities will take time to grow in strength, however spells like this will increase your chances of survival on the Surface by summoning drinking water for you and your companions. Stronger spells will drain more of your energy, however simple spells like this will only reduce your energy by less than 2%."

A laugh escapes me before I can stop myself and I drink from the water in my hands, glee bubbling inside me at the realisation that I can create spells. Fi dismisses herself as I dry my hands off on my dress and my friends watch on with a mixture of joy and awe.

"That's going to be pretty useful down on the Surface," Pipit remarks, then jokes, "Though between you and Link, I trust you with this kind of thing much more than someone who has the record for sleeping the longest in a single day."

"You're just jealous that you can't do this sort of thing," is all Karane says on the matter. Pipit doesn't respond.

I say nothing, still a little awestruck, and Link notices. "If it helps, I had the same response when Impa taught me my first spell."

Then I get an idea, "Does that mean you could teach me what she taught you?" He blinks and shifts his weight uncomfortably.

"I'm getting used to this myself; I doubt I'd be a great teacher." I go to protest, but he shakes his head and compromises instead, "How about we try when we come back from Lanayru? I might have a better grasp on the spells by then."

It's not the answer I wanted, but I nod nonetheless—it's the best I'll get for now, "Deal. Now, are we ready?"

They nod and we make our way towards the diving platform, the same one I'd pushed Link off of on the morning of the Wing Ceremony so he could practise for the race. The person in question passes me a knowing look as Karane and Pipit leap from the platform and call for their Loftwings, leaving Link and I left to jump. I glance at him and pray that he isn't nervous about flying after the tornado, though just flying to the Lumpy Pumpkin was bad enough—what will the drop back to the Surface do to him?

But then he smiles at me, and it's a genuine one too because he teases, "Just remember that I can jump myself this time," before leaping from the platform and whistling for Crimson. I blink, then smile and jump after him.

As I land on Destiny's back, I fly after my friends and quickly catch up with them. Despite the black tornado and the threats from the Demon Lord forever at the back of my mind, the sensation of flying still brings me an inner peace and joy that I'm glad I haven't lost. The third Column of Light, with its bright yellow hue, beckons us from the southwestern skies just like Fi had told me.

Not for the first time, I consider the wisdom of bringing Karane and Pipit along again. I don't doubt their strength or their abilities, but Impa (despite her betrayal) was right when she said that a large group would draw attention to ourselves, and in the desert I'm sure those risks will increase tenfold. But we prevailed before and we'll prevail again—I just need to have faith.

I'm chewing my lip as we grow closer to the beam of light and the four of us ready our Sailcloths. I can't help but smile at the irony of me giving Link a Sailcloth for winning the Wing Ceremony, the same item that's now necessary for he and us to reach the Surface safely. As we guide our birds towards the yellow light, I suddenly gasp at what I find waiting for us in the rift below.

While Faron was adorned in greenery and Eldin was covered in reds and oranges, Lanayru almost looks like a land of glittering gold as the sunlight reflects off the land below. Most of the terrain is gold with rocky formations dotted around and, similar to Eldin, a wave of heat billows up from the gap in the clouds, though this heat is far drier than the volcanic land we travelled through before.

Fi was right, though: it really is a lifeless land.

As we continue to circle the Column of Light, I swing my legs over the side of my Loftwing and unfurl my Sailcloth completely. Pipit, determined to be the protector, jumps first with Karane close behind, and I purposely wait for Link to go third in case anything happens. He stares down at the colossal drop before him and I give him the time he needs—he needs that more than any reassuring words, because only time can heal the trust he's lost in the sky after the tornado.

Once he finally lets himself fall, I steel myself and go after him, constantly looking around for any signs of darkening skies or shift in the atmosphere; thankfully, I find nothing of the sort. The heat grows more and more intense the closer we get to the surface of Lanayru, though I endure it and focus my attention on my companions as we breach the cloud barrier.

With the thick layer of clouds out of the way, the world opens up around us to reveal the same blue sky, but one adorned with dusty clouds that lazily drift by. As the sun continues to rise in the distance, its light casts long shadows across the land before us. Pipit and Karane are first to land on a tall structure with Link and I close behind, though we give ourselves a minute to adapt to the heat before fully taking in our surroundings.

The dark metal tower that we landed on is already hot from the desert sun and I can feel the heat instantly starting to seep through the soles of my shoes. The dry, hot air makes it difficult to breathe, and I'm already thankful for the unda spell that Fi recommended I try to cast. The area here is far rockier than the rest of the desert with strange statues sticking out at acute angles, though I suppose they'll offer us some protection from the sun.

"Goddess above, it's hot," Karane breathes as she wipes the sweat from her brow. "And I thought Eldin was rough…"

Fi appears before we can reply, "A report, Dominae. We have arrived at Lanayru Mine. This arid region was transformed into a desert over the course of several hundred years. Prior to its decline, this area used to be a thriving land where minerals were mined from the earth and used for a variety of purposes. I advise you begin your search for the Gate of Time; however, you will be unable to dowse for it as it does not emit a readable aura."

So, we'll be wandering aimlessly until we find the Gate of Time, I think to myself with a frown. Well, there's nothing we can do about that…

I nod and dismiss her before turning to the others, glad when a warm breeze drifts by and offers us a brief refuge from the heat, "We need to reach the Gate of Time as soon as possible, but we should take it slow—who knows where Ghirahim or Impa could be. The last thing we need is to be ambushed when we're exhausted."

Link nods, "From the map on the tablet in the Chamber of the Sword, this is the last major part of the Surface, so they'll know where we are. And I'm sure Impa knows about the Gate of Time and its importance, so we just need to take things slow and keep our wits about us in this heat."

It's all rather unsettling to think how obvious our location is, but it's not like we can do anything about it. Eager to get started, I lean over the edge and spot a metal ladder welded to the tower for us to use. The cracked ground at the bottom sends up small clouds of dust as each of us hit the ground and I can't help but cough as we draw our weapons and start towards the only way forward: a tunnel straight ahead of us.

Just as Fi had said, there's barely any life around here. As we walk between the jagged, rocky walls on either side of us, I can count on one hand how many clumps of dead grass I can see. As the dry earth slopes down and reveals some sort of metal tracks (worn down and cracked from weather and disuse), Karane frowns as one of the lumps of dead grass she kicks snaps and falls limply to the ground.

"Is this the traditional Lanayru Desert welcome?" she remarks as we go. Pipit hums.

"If it is, then hopefully it means less monsters lurking in the shadows," he says, and I can't argue with his logic. "I doubt much of anything can live down here…"

We descend into the tunnels and breathe a sigh of relief as they block the sun's rays from us. The temperature barely changes, but it's nice not the have the sun glaring in my eyes. We continue on, taking care of what few Keese have nested here and going at a slow pace until we reach an area where part of the path has completely eroded away. None of us try to make conversation as we help one another down the drop before us, too focused on our surroundings to make casual remarks.

It's clear to see that most of these tunnels were dug through by people or creatures because I notice claw marks all over the walls and holes in specific parts (where some more Keese have nested) where only a few gemstones and minerals can be spotted. There aren't many materials left here so I can only assume that the mining operation down here was successful until something changed—most likely the area transforming into a desert.

What gets me is that this area, a place that's obviously devoid of life, has had the most activity. In Faron and Eldin, the creatures there were happy enough to get on with their lives and there weren't really any settlements (apart from the huts that the Bokoblins had built in Eldin, from what Karane told me). And yet here, in such a hostile land, there was a thriving operation and signs of it have endured for thousands of years; it's truly incredible to think about.

The tunnels continue on for a while before we spot sunlight in the distance and prepare ourselves to head back out into the elements. As the tunnel opens out into a large clearing surrounded by walls, I flinch as the direct sunlight returns with full force. With no immediately obvious exit (apart from some doors that are impossible to open), we take a break to drink and investigate the area.

This clearing was a hub of mining activity, it seems. Heavy metal equipment has been abandoned and large metal boxes are stacked around the area, ones that we can't pry open but must have been important for carrying materials across the mines. Clumps of weeds and rocks have piled up over the years too, limply and lifelessly swaying in the breeze, and the cracked ground is covered in broken metal tracks.

And yet, one thing has managed to survive over all these years. In the very centre of the site is a small, metal pedestal which holds a strange gem. I can't help but inspect it with surprise at how pristine the gem's state is, its deep purple hue unclouded and its surface isn't covered in dust like everything else—it doesn't even show signs of erosion. Karane stands at my side as I kneel before it and run my fingers across it.

"How has that managed to survive in a place like this?" she wonders aloud. I don't have an answer for her.

That's when Fi appears and the others come over to hear her out, "This is known as a Timeshift Stone—it contains certain properties that allow it to resist the desert climate. Upon further scans, I can detect the auras of other stones across the region that includes a strong presence I am unable to completely identity." She pauses, then, "As the Gate of Time was partially constructed with Timeshift Stones, there is a 64% chance that this presence belongs to the Gate of Time."

My lips part, "Does that mean we can dowse for the gate?"

"You can dowse for this strong presence that I predict is the Gate of Time," she corrects. "But yes, Dominae, you are able to use your dowsing abilities. I also advise you hit this stone with force in order to progress."

We start weighing up our options once Fi returns to the Goddess Sword. Pipit's the first to offer, "A sword would offer enough force."

"A blade might crack the surface of the stone, though," Link counters, then glances down to his sword, "The pommel could work though."

I frown, "It could, and if the stone can resist the desert then surely it could handle a sword pommel?"

"Or your slingshot, Zelda," says Karane. I hum in agreement—it's the best middle ground option. The others nod in agreement and I take out the slingshot, to which Link looks at me quizzically.

"Is that mine?"

I smile and shake my head, "No, the Kikwi elder gave it to me when we were searching for you." I fake a scoff, "I can't believe you think I'd steal your stuff."

He rolls his eyes and says nothing as I slot a seed into place and step back a pace to fire it at the stone. It hits the surface and breaks on impact without denting the stone, although I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not because nothing happens at first. We all exchange glances and silently consider other options, only for the stone to finally react to the slingshot seed.

Light appears around the Timeshift Stone and is drawn into it, transforming its colour from a dark purple to a light blue. The light must have given it power because it rises into the air and we all take a step back as a circle of blue light appears and stretches out from around the stone, making us all jump in alarm when the ground beneath our feet begins to change dramatically.

The metal underneath us suddenly bursts into life, the previous brown hue replaced by a spectrum of reds, oranges, greens and blues. Even the dull, limp grass perks back to life somehow and tiny buds flourish into small flowers before our very eyes. As the circle continues to spread out around the clearing, the old machinery dotted against the walls groan into life and the metal tracks fix themselves and metal boxes, once attached to the tracks, now levitate.

"Incredible…" I whisper as I take in the world around me, then kneel down before the Timeshift Stone that sparkles in the sunlight. "I can't believe it…"

Something tugs on the hem of my dress suddenly and I whirl around to find a small creature rolling by. The small, white metallic creature suddenly stops when it realises that it ran over my dress and spins around. It makes a series of adorable bleeps as it clasps its floating hands (though they're connected to its body by a crackling blue light) together and rolls back a pace.

"Oh, Your Grace!" it cries. "Please accept my humblest apologies, zrrpt! I didn't see you there…"

Even these things think I'm the Goddess, I think to myself. I really must look like her… "I-It's fine," I stammer anyway. Relieved, it bids me farewell and acknowledges my companions before rolling away and continuing on its business. I'm suddenly aware that other, similar creatures are going about their business here, rolling around or digging nearby. "Fi… what's going on?"

She appears in a spark of light and clarifies, "I am able to confirm that a time shift has appeared in this area, Dominae. Any impact to the Timeshift Stones creates a sustained temporal disruption field in the area, and readings show that this area is in a past time state."

I gape at her, "So you're saying that we're… in the past?" She nods and I can already feel a headache coming on. "Goddess… as if things couldn't get any more complicated." Nodding to the creatures, I ask, "And what are those?"

"These are robots, Dominae," she explains. "More specifically, they are artificial lifeforms that are a part of the LD-301 series of robots. They are a species that do not have personal names assigned to them as their primary objective is to mine various ores and minerals in the area, including Timeshift Stones."

"That's right!" one of the robots agrees as it rolls towards us. "Her Grace and her companions will always be welcome here, zoop!" Pushing myself onto my feet, I nod and it rolls off. I glance at the others and am glad to see that they are just as confused and awestruck as I am.

And, as if to make things worse, grumbling in the skies above suddenly puts me on edge. The sky, once bright blue and scattered with dusty clouds, has now darkened drastically and the grey clouds are now clumping together like a storm is coming. The storm, however, is nothing like I've ever experienced before.

I jump when something falls on my head, though I have no time to think about it before more start falling down. The four of us immediately run for cover as the droplets fall from the sky, my heart starting to beat faster as the falling objects become much more intense even though the robots don't seem to be too fazed by it, merely the rolling over to nearby overhangs for cover.

That's when I realise what the falling things might be.

I reach out with a frown and feel the warm, transparent substance on the palm of my hand—I know what it is, "It's… water?"

Their eyes widen, "What?"

The Goddess Sword glows and Fi, as if to demonstrate that it's safe, appears before us and is unfazed by the water hitting her body, "What you are experiencing is commonly known as rain, a natural process of water condensing in the clouds and then falling to the earth. As the presence of the cloud barrier prevents this natural event occurring in the sky, I predict this is your first experience of rain."

I nod numbly, "It is. Skyloft's weather doesn't really change—our biggest threats are wind storms, not… rain storms." Fi nods.

"I can assure you that rain is not harmful to humans and is a common and natural part of weather on the Surface, apart from areas such as Lanayru Desert in the present and Eldin Volcano." Nodding to the nearest robot, she then adds, "I project that the artificial lifeforms in this area will grant you a way out of this area so you may continue your search for the Gate of Time."

Turning to Karane, I breathe, "Which is more incredible: the fact my harp can help us across chasms or that water can fall from the sky?"

She laughs, "They're about as believable as Chu Chus being able to fly."

Forcing myself out into the rain, I recoil as the water hits me but swiftly recover and a sense of joy floods through me as I slowly get drenched. I laugh and motion for the others to join me, though only Karane does so—the others are still a little sceptical, though they watch us with grins as we have this moment to relax.

One of the robots, however, quickly grows concerned, "Be careful, Your Grace. Humans can get sick if they stay out in the rain for too long!"

Their words, ironically, dampen my mood and I head back under the overhang to squeeze the water out of my hair and doing my best to ignore Link's expression—one of concern for my health and happiness at seeing me happy. Once we're all sorted, I dart over to the next overhang where the worried robot sits and kneel before it.

"We're hoping to reach the Gate of Time," I tell them. "Would you be able to give us directions?"

The robot stares at me blankly, then, "O-Of course, Your Grace. You can use the minecarts to leave the mines and then continue northwest towards the Temple of Time, vrrt. The minecarts are just for transporting Timeshift Stones, but we can make an exception for you. But, if I may be so bold," it adds before I can say thank you, "Why are you travelling on foot? Is your guardian bird sick?"

I blink, "W-What?"

"O-Oh I'm sorry, Your Grace!" it squeaks. "I shouldn't have asked, voop!"

So the Goddess had a Loftwing too? I muse. That's why they're a symbol of her divine protection… I raise my hands to calm the robot, "There's no need to apologise—you meant no harm. Me and my companions must travel on foot, but I appreciate your concern. Thank you for allowing us safe passage."

The rain's already easing up and I return to my friends to relay what the robot told me. Following its guidance, the four of us head out into the light rain and head towards the floating minecart nearby. One of the robots braves the rain to offer me a hand inside which I take graciously. Numerous rocks lie at my feet, some just rocks and others chunks of deactivated Timeshift Stones.

Link, Karane and Pipit hop into the cart after me and, although it's pretty cramped, we all just about manage to fit. Before the minecart starts moving, however, a timid looking robot rolls up and hands me a piece of Timeshift Stone that's about the size of my palm—rupee size, so to speak. It's deactivated like the others and I quickly thank them for the gift.

"Consider it as a little memento for your trip here, vrrm!"

The robot rolls aside and the cart jerks into action, almost knocking us all into each other. We quickly adapt to the rain as the minecart circles the clearing before turning off towards one of those doors we couldn't open before and, thanks be to the Goddess, they slide open and we glide through effortlessly.

Once the doors close behind us, however, we seem to reach the limits of the Timeshift Stone's power because not all of this area is in the past—there's a blue line ahead that distinguishes past from present. The minecart stops at the blue line and we dismount, having no choice but to continue on foot. Redrawing our weapons, I pocket the Timeshift Stone and we start down the next set of tunnels.

Our morale seems to have improved since our encounter with those robots. Despite the overwhelming experience of travelling to the past and experiencing rain for the first time, I've managed to process it and move on. Maybe it's because I've been on the Surface for a few days or maybe it's because I can't afford to be held up on these things with the Demon Lord and Sheikah lurking nearby, but either way I'm glad I can move past it.

As we continue through the system of tunnels and kill any Keese in our way, I remark to the others, "How many more surprises do you think we'll get today?"

"Well, as long as they're good surprises then I don't mind," is Karane's response.

"I think we've all had our fair share of surprises for a lifetime," says Link with a shake of his head. "Though I wouldn't mind it if the Gate of Time was nearby…"

Pipit rolls his eyes as we found a corner and head up a slope, "Now you've jinxed it. The Goddess will've heard you and now it'll be harder to find it."

"Such a pessimist," I tease. "You have two of the Goddess's chosen ones on your side—she favours us."

He snorts, "Well, next time could you ask her to put the Gate of Time in, say, those woods you mentioned? Surely that'd be a much better place to put this gate." I smirk.

"I'll add it to my prayers tonight."

The dowsing leads us through the tunnels for Goddess knows how long, but soon enough we're following broken minecart tracks up a steep slope and towards a pair of slightly ajar doors. With all our strength combined, we manage to pry the old doors open and wince as bright daylight floods into the caves. We head through in our usual order—Pipit, Karane, Link then me—and Fi appears as we reach the outside once more.

"Dominae, we have arrived at Lanayru Desert."

*Unda means water in Latin.