Author's Note: Okay, so here is the next chapter. I, again, haven't left this for very long; but I really want to get the next few chapters out because of how much I want to write them! Anyway, onto the reviews so you can you can read the new chapter and I can get on with writing the next few chapters myself! :3
Reviews: TDDolphin: It's no problem! I'm glad that you got all of the references, because I couldn't have pirates without having Wind Waker references! I go so caught up in the Tentalus battle (especially when listening to epic music too) that I thought it was long winded, so it's good to know that it was good. And no, you don't sound cold when you say that - as I didn't feel as much about her passing either, though I'm just like that sometimes. Here's the update that you wanted, and thank-you very muchly!
ShadowNinja1011: You should be, being crushed is a bad way to go...
CupcakePride101: Good thing it was, it would have dragged if it wasn't (which I thought that it did!). I'm glad that you saw the reference, because I think you're the only one of two who picked it up in a review. I get where you're coming from with Zelda looking like Tetra, I completely forgot about that in Wind Waker (because it isn't the main part of Wind Waker whatsoever!). And good eyeing there with the name of Groose's Loftwing – I think Mido represents Groose in the early days, I suppose. And you'll just have to wait and see if they were late, and what he said means. Don't worry, better late than never, but thank-you anyway for still reviewing :3
Clashing Swords: Nice to see you again as well! I'm still gathering those thoughts on how they got up here, but she is too!
MiniJen: I'm so glad! I'm glad that you picked up on that too! I love Wind Waker so much, and Scerva's backstory (I actually like my work?!). Glad to know that you're hooked now, and that you loved the fight as much as I loved writing it. Here's what you've been waiting for, and thank-you so much!
Favourites & Follows: Thank-you very much to "KuroYuri54" for favouriting this FanFiction!
"When hope is a ghost fear survives."
~Hope is a Ghost, Angelflare~
Ancient Roots
A Skyward Sword FanFiction
Chapter 31: Skyloft
"Sisters," I moan, "Please say I'm dreaming…"
And yet, the closer we fly to Skyloft, the more I realise that I'm not dreaming.
It's a living nightmare.
The darkness in the skies stretch on far beyond the horizon, the clouds a stark coal black against the brown sky. A thick line of crimson lines the horizon, as if the sky itself is bleeding. Bokoblins plague the once quaint island, attacking villagers and throwing flaming torches onto whatever buildings they find. Knights are scattered all over the island to help civilians flee up to the Statue of the Goddess for safety, but it's clear that they're overwhelmed by these foreign creatures.
How could this have happened?
Ghirahim had managed to make his way into the Sky Realm during the Autumnal Equinox, but that was solely him—how did he manage to transport such a large mass of monsters up here in such a short period of time?
Link's warning from my dream rings in my ears.
"You have to be careful. I've seen what might happen to you…"
He was right—the dream really was a warning.
Groose and I land in the Plaza and take no time in battling against whatever monsters are closest to us. The Goddess White Sword sings as it strikes true through many evil creatures. It doesn't take long before we clear out most of the Plaza together, and we spot Pipit and Karane fighting in the distance.
Rushing up to meet them, we help them protect a group of islanders.
"Zelda! Groose!" The two of them cry in relief. "Thank the Goddess you're both here…"
"When did they start attacking?" I demand as we fight.
"A few hours ago," says Pipit. "They're attacking whoever they can. We're trying to get all of the islanders to the Statue of the Goddess and off of the island, but…"
He trails off, to which Karane finishes, "We've lost some already."
I feel sick.
I can't bring myself to ask how many.
"Fi," I pant as we make our way towards the bridge. "Is there a source where the monsters are coming from?"
"I cannot detect a source, Mistress," Fi responds from within the sword, "However I do sense a strong presence from within the Knight Academy."
He's here…
Once the bridge is clear, I speak up, "Fi, assist the others where you can. I'm going to the Academy to track him down."
"Zelda—" Karane cuts in when I go to leave. "You need—"
"There's no time," I tell her firmly. "I'll be fine. I promise. Just focus on getting people off the island."
Whistling for Destiny, I briskly mount her and take to the skies—thankful that there aren't any flying enemies waiting for me. With this vantage point, I can use my spells to toss Bokoblins into the skies below with gusts of wind and wash them away with bursts of water. But with this height, I can see the destruction raining down on Skyloft too.
As well as the Bazaar, various homes are alight too. The Knight Academy has taken a beating but has yet to be torched. Taking out my bow, I gladly welcome Hylia's presence as I shoot down as many Bokoblins as I can before my quiver is empty—praying that I can help to turn the tides in our favour.
But as I think that the battle may be beginning to turn, Destiny suddenly cries out.
I gasp as Destiny tumbles through the air, and I can barely hang on as we plummet down towards the second floor of the Knight Academy. I land with a harsh thud, though Destiny takes the brunt of the fall for me. I leap off her back immediately and assess the damage, my heart twisting at what I find.
There's an arrow embedded in its chest.
"Destiny…" I choke. She whines in pain, and I have no time to properly help her before Bokoblins have been alerted to our presence and start to attack us. In a fit of anger, I rip out the Goddess White Sword and brutally attack each and every monster than threatens us.
With one final cry, I breathe heavily as Bokoblin corpses lie listlessly around me before disappearing in a plume of dark smoke.
Falling to my knees at Destiny's side, I gently tug out the arrow and call forth my healing incantation with shaky hands. It seems to stop the bleeding at least, but I don't know how well it will work on a Loftwing when its primary purpose is to heal humans—the Water Dragon was a special case.
"Get as far away from here as you can," I soothe, rubbing her neck gently as I wipe away my tears. "I'm so sorry…"
Destiny nuzzles my neck once before shakily standing, forcing herself into flight and weakly flying away—leaving me alone.
Loftwings are the most loyal creatures you can find in this world—that both Zelda and Hylia agree completely on.
Without anymore hesitation, I pray for Destiny's safety as I storm into the Knight Academy. The interior is ruined—the walls are cracked, the lamps snuffed out, and there's no one left. Only my footsteps echo around the empty Academy, and I suddenly feel very alone—shivers running down my spine as I notice my door has been broken down.
Readying my blade, I step inside.
He isn't in here, but my room has been turned upside down, as if he was looking for some sort of clue that I would stupidly leave out in the open about where Link was. My work bench has toppled over, my bedsheets torn to shreds, and the worst of all is damage dealt to the painting of Father and I.
Someone has torn through the painting, in particular over Father's chest and my face—and what I pray isn't blood spelling out 'HE WILL DIE' over the canvas.
I swallow thickly.
Then my eyes prick up at the sound of china breaking downstairs.
I start out of my bedroom and check that Father's Office is empty before running downstairs, skidding into a stop before reaching the Kitchen when I sense something wrong. I quickly dispose of the Bokoblins ruining the Kitchen before creeping back towards Link's dorm, gripping the hilt of the Goddess White Sword tightly as I push the door open.
No one is there.
This is no time for paranoid, I think to myself as I step inside, jumping out of my skin when the door slams shut behind me.
I spin around, my entire body tensing up when I feel a presence behind me.
But, once again, there's no one there.
He's taunting me…
Shaking my head, I exit the Knight Academy via the second floor—ignoring the Demon Lord's scares and taunts so I can focus on the task at hand. With Destiny out of action, I can no longer fight in the air, so I must focus on defeating as many Bokoblins as I can so that the islanders can escape.
Hopefully I can stop even more of them from dying.
"Such humble beginnings for the Goddess and her Champion, hmm?" A familiar voice remarks from above. I spin around to find Ghirahim perched atop the bell tower. A burst of fear courses through me so quickly that I freeze up on the spot. "What a pity to see it fall into such disarray, don't you think?"
"What are you doing here?" I snap. "You won't find anything here."
He smirks, "And to think the Goddess didn't give you enough brains to figure it out—such a shame…"
And with that, he disappears.
Forget about him, I tell myself. He isn't the focus—the focus is getting everyone to safety.
"Hylia…" I breathe. "Please help me… These people haven't done anything to suffer in this way."
There's a beat of silence, and I almost give up hope.
Then a shrill bird cry slices through the air.
My lips part as Link's Crimson Loftwing soars through the air elegantly before landing mere paces away from me and bowing deeply. I reach out in awe, Hylia taking control as I touch its beak tenderly. "Dear Loftwing, I thank you for aiding me in this fight. I am forever in your debt."
Hylia fades as I quickly mount Crimson and nudge his sides. His wings stretch out as far as they can. After a few harsh flaps, Crimson rises up into the skies above. As we fly, Hylia whispers into my mind, "My dear, I shall aid you in whatever way I can. The love you have for these people mirrors my own adoration."
I nod in agreement and allow her to take control of me.
Hylia begins to focus deeply, and I can feel something big growing in my gut. Holding my hands slightly apart, a ball of pure energy forms between them. I can feel its power even in such a weak form, and as we fly over Skyloft Hylia pushes the spell as far as it will go before unleashing its might.
"Occido!"
In a burst of dazzling luminescence, a blaze of light begins to rain down. Bokoblins screech in pain as the light consumes them, destroying hundreds of the monstrous creatures all over the island. Islanders and Knights alike find me in the sky and watch in awe as I guide Crimson back towards the Statue of the Goddess, sending down another rain of light onto the oncoming wave of monsters.
"I-It's the Goddess!"
"She's come to save us!"
A smile creeps up onto my face as Crimson soars towards the Statue of the Goddess and lands gracefully on the hands. In the back of my mind, Zelda reminiscences of better times when she stood atop here with the newest Bearer. Casting my gaze into the courtyard beneath, Hylia comforts Zelda with the sight of the Headmaster guiding people to safety with the Instructors.
I wipe away a tear of relief.
He's safe…
Crimson stands tall beside me as I look out onto the destruction the Demon Lord has brought onto Skyloft, my heart sinking at the suffering everyone has gone through. Zelda wanted to return to her island to heal, not to suffer even more, and it was up to Hylia to save them all.
Breathing deeply, I focus on the final spell as the residual effect of the Occido spell destroys the last few remaining Bokoblins. I will save you all, I promise. I won't fail you…
"Scutum…"
As soon as the word passes through my lips, a gentle golden light travels down my arms and into the open air. With all of the Bokoblins finally dead, the spell creates a shield around the entirety of Skyloft. The spell follows the movements of my arms, the shield riding up from the bottom of Skyloft and skyward as I raise my arms.
The crowds below quickly catch on too, but they thankfully don't see me atop the Statue of the Goddess.
Clasping my hands together, the shield finally knits together in a spark of light, and once my hands part the shield flashes golden once before becoming completely invisible.
"It is done," a voice whispers into my mind. "As long as this body breathes, this island shall be protected…"
Hylia's presence leaves me behind so suddenly that I almost fall to the ground with exhaustion. I mount Crimson and swiftly return to the main part of the island to assure everyone that the fight is over. As the crowds cheer in relief and start to help those injured in the battle, I find Pipit, Karane, and Groose in the midst of it all.
"You did it, Zelda," Karane says softly with a small smile. "You saved us…"
But with the stress of the past few days and Hylia no longer here to keep me going, my eyes roll up and I collapse—my world fading into blackness before I even hit the ground.
~Interlude~
"Link… it's time."
"Just a bit longer, Impa. I can do it."
The Sheikah shook her head. "We've waited too long, Link. I have trained you as much as I can, and the Seal is weakening by the day. You must cast the spell before you become too weak to do so yourself."
His heart sank, knowing that she was right. "She'll be here soon. I can feel it…"
Impa smiled sadly, "We can't take that risk, Link. You know it as much as I do." She paused, then, "I'll explain everything to her when she arrives. I'm sure she'll understand why you couldn't wait."
"You do not need to fear what has come to pass, young one."
He sighed deeply, turning back to the small set of steps in the back room of the Temple. "You're right…"
No matter how much he wanted to put this off, he knew that he couldn't any longer—after all, it was his destiny to do so.
Taking a deep breath, the newest Bearer slowly began to make his way towards the back of the Temple—his journey taking longer than ever before. Impa followed him from a few paces behind, silently observing Link as he walked on ahead. For one so young and with so much burdening him, he faced his destined path well; for that she was proud of him.
He turned to her once he reached the top of the steps at the very back of the Temple, expression calm and stoic. The Sheikah stood at the bottom of the steps and gave him a reassuring smile.
"It is my duty to protect you whilst you do your part," she said, then, "You won't be alone."
It took a lot not to hug her, because otherwise he wouldn't go back to where he stood and cast the spell. Instead he simply nodded at her firmly, comforted by her words. She was right—she was always going to be there to protect him, and despite what had happened in Eldin the two had struck up a close bond over the past few days.
He was glad to have her at his side.
"Thank you, Impa… for everything."
It's time…
Bowing his head, he summoned all of his energy and began to focus deeply until the world around him fell away. Consumed by darkness, he brought forth the spell that Impa had taught him. The Sheikah watched in awe and pride as a golden light surrounded the newest Bearer, particles of light dancing around his form. As the light intensified, she couldn't help but shield her eyes from its brilliance.
And when she looked back, the light was gone and the spell was complete.
Forcing herself back into the main part of the Temple, she closed the grand stone doors behind her with a flick of her wrist—silence reigning supreme in the cold chamber.
And so began her life of solitude as she waited for Her Grace to enter through the Gate of Time.
~Zelda~
Overcast days make the sky look like a blank canvas, but today feels bleaker than ever.
Three days have passed since the barbaric attack on Skyloft, and slowly but surely we're getting back on our feet and rebuilding. Ashes have been cleared, buildings that weren't salvageable have been demolished, and all that remains of the Bazaar now is a few wood piles from the stalls and little else.
The Knight Academy had taken a beating, but it was the only viable place for caring for the injured. I woke atop a blanket in the classroom, Father close to tears as I came around. He held me tightly as I got my bearings back, his arms shaking—most likely out of fear.
I soon gave my spot up for another who had been brought in for care despite Father's hesitation. I was still weak on my feet, but I insisted that I was well enough to move around. The entire town won't stop talking about the return of the Goddess on that fateful evening, and I can't help but thank Hylia myself for saving so many people.
I helped wherever I could, choosing to ignore the Goddess's Mission until I was sure that Skyloft could recover. None of them understand why they were attacked or what those monsters were, and it pains me to have no simple answers for them. So, until I do find a good enough answer, they must remain oblivious.
But that doesn't stop the fact my home is a target now, even with the shield in place.
I step into the ruins of the Bazaar, the dull sky looking down through the gaping holes where the material covering the area has been burnt away. Link and I always used to play in here, especially when Luv had no work to do and would play with us—but now the bright lights have all but faded from this place, and a layer of ash and broken glass has already settled on my boots.
I shake my feet free of the dust and pull my cloak closer to my face, trying my best to collect myself. The final Sacred Flame taunts me from the depths of Eldin, but I just can't bring myself to leave Skyloft behind in such ruins. But the longer that I stall for time, the higher the chances are of Ghirahim finding the Gate of Time and everything else falling into calamity with it.
And then more people will suffer, just as they already have…
Some people refuse to come back until there's proof that they'll be safe—those like Gooselle and Rupin, who've flown away to her sister's private abode in the north, and Croo, who forced his grandson to leave with him even though he wanted to help.
A few others who left have returned to help, but some on the island have been beacons of hope in the darkness. Henya and Rusta, for instance, have dedicated themselves to feeding everyone despite the short supplies, as well as Kina and Pumm, who've opened up the Lumpy Pumpkin as a place of refuge for those who lost their homes.
But that can't even begin to heal the gaping holes that have been created.
Kukiel is missing.
Mallara is so sick she is barely alive.
Jakamar is dead.
Grebba is dead.
Gully is dead.
Three people.
Three people are dead because of the Demon Lord.
No… because of me.
I sink to my knees, wincing when my legs meet a layer of broken glass, but I don't move away from it—the pain pales in comparison to the agony in my heart.
People are dead, others injured and dying, others stricken with pain and grief.
And it's all my fault…
A choked sob escapes me.
"Zelda!"
Someone calls my name a few more times before I finally register their voice. Karane kneels down in front of me, sadness glinting in her eyes as she takes me in for a tight embrace before helping me back onto my feet. When she steps away, my stomach sinks as I see the dark shadows under her eyes and the tears staining her cheeks.
"What's happened?" I breathe, dread sinking into my gut.
"It's the Headmaster..."
No…
I don't give her time to explain before I start towards the Knight Academy, Karane not far behind me as I go. Terror fills my heart as I force myself to keep breathing, my chest constricted as I dare to imagine what's happened to him. I can't lose him, I repeat over and over in my mind. I can't lose him. I can't lose him…
The journey between the ruins of the Bazaar and Father's Office is a blur, and the next thing I know I'm bursting inside. His desk has been pushed aside to allow a makeshift bed to be put in his Office—most likely because he couldn't reach the attic on his own—and on it is Father.
Oh Goddesses…
The Instructors part upon seeing me, revealing his vulnerable state. His eyes are barely open, the colour in his pupils faded and clouded. His face is covered in a thin layer of sweat, and although a thin sheet has been pulled up to his chest, it doesn't manage to cover how deathly pale he looks and the strange darkness in his veins.
"Father!" I tumble onto my knees beside him, immediately taking his hands into my own as tears threaten to fall.
"Zelda... my dear…" Father croaks.
"His illness came so suddenly," says Imstructor Owlan from behind me. "We can't understand what has caused it…"
I swallow thickly.
I can't lose you…
"Fi," I call. "Fi… please help me…"
The spirit of the sword appears in a burst of light, ignoring how she startles the Instructors as she gives her analysis. "Upon a scan of his bloodstream, Mistress, I have found a positive match to the strain of poison that you were infected with during your battle at Lake Floria."
"No," I choke. "No, please… you're not saying…"
"Her Grace's strength was able to keep you alive, which is unable to occur with the Headmaster," she confesses. "This particular strain has been created via dark magic and will only able to be reversed by the creator's hand. If no antidote is found within the next forty hours, then the Headmaster will die."
"The Headmaster will die."
I cover my mouth to suppress the sob, but to no avail.
"Someone's going to die, Zelda."
He was right all along.
He's going to die…
But then the rest of Fi's words sink in and I snap my head up with a gasp.
"This particular strain has been created via dark magic and will only able to be reversed by the creator's hand."
I grit my teeth.
"Fi, can you sense his presence?" I ask her. She doesn't need clarification to understand.
"I believe that he is currently situated in the Eldin region, Dominae. I cannot provide a more concise location until we arrive on the Surface."
I dismiss her immediately before turning back to Father, tears rolling down my cheeks as I cup his cheek lightly. "Don't speak," I soothe when he tries to talk. "I'm going to find a way to save you, I promise…"
I bite my lip when my voice cracks.
Before I can fall into another flood of tears, I plant a kiss onto his forehead and hug him one last time before leaving, only to stop a few paces outside when Instructor Horwell follows me out. He catches my arm and asks, "Do you really know where the cure is?"
"I won't stop until I find it."
"Then take someone—"
"No," I step in curtly. "I'm his daughter—it's my job and mine alone. Just tell him that I'll be back soon."
He sighs and releases me, knowing that he won't be able to get through to me. I angrily wipe away my tears as I return to my mess of a room, having little time to clear it up completely since the attack. I open my wardrobe and pull out a simple white undershirt, chainmail, a pair or tan pants and a red tunic—the Skyloftian crest sewn onto the side in white.
I'm not the Goddess Reborn today, I'm a daughter searching for her Father's cure.
Taking a seat on the corner of my cracked bed, I slip into a pair of boots and wrap a brown belt around my middle before going to put my dress away.
It falls out of my hands when my eyes fall back onto the painting.
'HE WILL DIE'
No he won't, I tell myself. I won't let you take another life, Ghirahim.
Biting my lip, I remind myself of the time that I'm losing by just standing there and strap the Goddess White Sword to my side and grab my bag before leaving my bedroom. The sun has almost set when I emerge on the second floor of the Knight Academy, but I take no time to observe the dull scenery before whistling for Crimson.
"Mistress." Fi appears moments before Crimson lands in front of me. "Upon further analysis, I sense the presence of the Demon Lord is close to that of holy ground—I surmise that the Sacred Flame is close to him and suggest that you return to the Isle of Songs before departing to Eldin. I hypothesise that the Sacred Gift you will acquire from the next Trial will be of great use to locating them both."
Irritation stirs in my gut at the thought of wasting time, but I calm myself. Taking out two birds with one stone is better in the long run, and he may be hiding somewhere inaccessible without the Sacred Gift—so no matter what happened, I would have to complete the next Trial anyway.
I sigh at the thought of another Trial standing in my way.
"Thank you, Fi," I say simply to dismiss her, mounting Crimson after stroking his beak lightly.
I wish I had Destiny here.
Nonetheless, I shake my head and nudge Crimson's sides, taking off into the clouds. My eyes stay on the Knight Academy as we soar towards the Isle of Songs until it's nothing but a tiny speck against the clouds, praying to each of the Goddesses that they can keep Father alive as long as possible so that I can find the cure.
The wind roars in my ears as we fly into the large dome ahead, and I can't help but feel a heavier weight crushing my shoulders with every passing minute. People have suffered because of me, people have died because of me, and people may still die because of me, and all I can do is carry on fighting despite this—forcing myself onward to the end of this forsaken Mission.
I won't ever be able to forgive myself for what Hylia and I have done to this world.
But until this Mission is over, all I have to focus on are the hours ticking away before another life is taken.
Author's Note: Well, for once I am actually planning out where this story is going so it's getting good for me now! Nonetheless, please drop a rate and review if you haven't already; as I really want to know what you are thinking of the plot now. Anyway, see you in the next chapter!
*Occido is Latin for "kill" and Scutum is Latin for "shield."
~RandomButLoved~