Chapter 3: A Walk Through Faron Woods

The knight academy students followed the trail leading into the woods. As they took in the scenery Pipit felt the map that The Old One gave him vibrate. Pulling out the map, he and the others watch as a section of green is added with the label Faron Woods at the top on the map. Touching it the section zoomed in towards Faron Woods. Touching it again he managed to zoom in to an icon that indicated their location.

"This map really is magical," Karane remarked before Pipit put it away. "Now we find our friends."

"Right!" Fledge scanned around the area. "Where do we start?"

Everyone just stood stumped. For all their excitement to find, they never stop to think about where to look for him.

"Maybe we start by walking along the trail?" Pipit suggested.

The group walked on the trail laid out ahead. Each one carefully looked around every space to see if there was any sign of any of their friends. At the same time, they gaped at the number of trees seen and the many unknown creatures seen in the woods. And to think that the woods was only a small breath of the wild The Surface has to offer.

Eventually, the group found themselves in a section of the woods with an excess of large colorful mushrooms that laid along a large dirt path. On the dirt path, the students noticed footprints. They all ran towards them to get a closer look.

"These are no doubt Link's footprints. He's been through here," Pipit confirmed.

"Recently too. They look fresh," Karane added.

"That's great. Let's just follow the footprints and maybe they'll lead us to him."

Fledge hastily strolled ahead, his attention still faced his two friends. Unbeknownst to him, two large blue plants emerge from a small patch of dark leaves with razor-sharp teeth dripping with drool.

The student was greeted with one of the killer plants trying to bite him. Fledge let out a shout as he fell back onto his behind, frantically crawling backward as the other plant attempted to bite him as well. It had only missed Fledge's foot by mere inches. Fledge made it back to the safety of his friends far away from the plant. Seeing that their prey was too far out, the plants retreated down into their leaves.

"You okay?" Pipit asked.

Fledge breathed heavily. "I-I think so. What kind of plant was that? Plants don't normally try to eat people."

"It's a Deku Baba. They're very nasty." A sudden entrance of a high-pitched voice startled the group.

A small creature stood behind them that had a white underbelly and a dark brown color covering its black, with small patches of grass on the top of its head. At the same time the group got startled, the creature let out a shriek and fell on its belly onto the ground. A small bush emerges on its back.

"Kweee! I'm sorry! Please don't hurt me!" The creature pleaded.

Seeing that the creature didn't intend to attack them, the knight students calmed down, merely staring at the rather adorable creature. Pipit gently approached them.

"Easy, little guy. We're not going to hurt you."

"Kwee? So you're not going to hurt me?" Pipit nodded his head. The bush on the creature's back closed up into a dome on its back before he stood up. "Oh, that's a relief. I'm Machi and I'm a Kikwi. There have been all sorts of monsters in these woods lately so I'm a little on edge. This is turning into a weird day, kee-koo. This is the third time I've seen funny-looking animals."

That got Pipit's attention. "What did they look like?"

"The first one was a girl that came by a while ago. The second one was a boy who was just here. He was dressed like you but he was green. He rescued me from some monsters and help find my fellow Kikwis. Are they your friends, kwee?"

"Yeah! Do you know where they are?"

"No...sorry. But I know they talked with our elder. Maybe he can tell you where they went. I'll take you to him. Follow me."

The Kikwi guided the group through the woods. At one point they passed by a stone gate with symbol of two crescents that was blocking access to a large lake of sorts. It caught Pipit's interest for a moment before moving on. They soon came to the large tree they saw when they descended to The Surface. Across from it was a small stone structure of sorts. Not too far from it, there were more of those Kikwi creatures hanging around. One appeared to be very bigger than the others.

"Kwwwee-heee...You've returned Machi. And you brought more friends," the large Kikwi spoke.

"Yes, Elder Bucha. They're looking for the green one that helped us and the girl from earlier."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, They are our friends. We were hoping you knew where at least one of them went," Pipit stated.

"Indeed I do, kweee. The green one helped me and my fellow Kikwis. He went after the girl that was here earlier. They went that way." Bucha steered to the stone structure. "The green one went down there not too long ago actually. If you all hurry you may be able to catch up to him."

"Thank you. That's really helpful."

"Now go find your friends. I'll be rooting for you. Kwee heh heh."

The group bid farewell to the Kikwis. They went down the direction above the stone path. This led them to another section known as the Deep Woods, according to the map. A structure, labeled Skyview Temple, was also added. That's most likely where the student's friends went. The path was steeper than the previous trail and much longer.

Another one of the Deku Babas is seen blocking the trail up ahead when they make a turn.

"Let me handle this." Pipit unsheathes his sword and shield. He ran towards the plant to strike its outer layer. However, Pipit staggered back when the sword struck it, with the plant appearing unfazed. It lunged forward, grabbing ahold of Pipit's shield arm.

"PIPIT!"

Karane quickly ran towards her friend, but Pipit somehow freed himself after smacking the plant several times. With his sword, he slices the inside of the plant's mouth, splitting it in half. Its dead body disappeared in a puff of purple smoke. With the danger gone, Karane was quick to Pipit's side, followed by Fledge.

"Are you okay?" Karane asks.

"I think so." Pipit looked at his arm, and several small bloody holes were seen on his arm. He rolled up his sleeve revealing several small gashes that were bleeding. "That's gonna leave a mark."

"We need to stop somewhere so I can take a look at your arm."

"I think see the temple straight ahead," Fledge's voice echoed.

Up ahead on the trail lay a large temple. Much like the sealed temple too appears that it had been here for a very long time. Though this temple had a tree growing out of it. This must've been Skyview Temple like the map said.

The trio made their way to the temple stairs, where they sat down at the bottom. Karane spent the next few minutes treating Pipit's arm. She poured some red potion on his wound, which he winced in pain from the sting. She then pulled out a rag to clean the blood off.

"Can you move your fingers and your arm?" Pipit wiggled his fingers, then proceeded to move his arm. "Good. I don't think any nerves or arteries have been damaged."

"Who woulda known a plant could bite that hard."

"Next time we encounter something that looks dangerous, try to be more cautious." Karane wrapped a bandage around his arm. "There's a fine line between courage and recklessness. As brave as you are, that does not make you immortal."

"Noted." Karane finished wrapping up Pipit's arm with the bandage. He pulled down his sleeve to cover it. "Guess those lessons with Owlan paid off, huh?"

"As long as you don't have an infection or aggravate it, I think you'll be fine for now."

Fledge had been quiet throughout the whole time Karane treated Pipit's arm. His mind had been deep in thought.

"You okay, Fledge? You've been quiet." Pipit noticed his friend's silence.

"I was thinking about what that old woman said," Fledge answered. "She called Zelda The Spirit Maiden, and Link The Chosen Hero. What do you think that means?"

"Your guess is as good as ours," Karane simply told him.

"I'm thinking...that there's more to this going on, and that we're walking into blind. I just don't know if anything good or bad is about to happen."

"Take it easy, Fledge. I'm sure once we find Link & Zelda, they'll explain everything to us," Pipit assured him.

"Unfortunately, you all won't be getting that chance."

A dark voice echoed across the trio's ears. They quickly got to their footing, searching for the source of the voice. Their gaze caught the sight of a figure appearing to be that of a pale male standing at the top of the stairs leading to the temple. He wore skin-tight white clothing with diamond patterns, a large red gem on his hip, and covered himself with a crimson cape. Half of his face is covered by his white hair combed to that side. The exposed side showed his pointed ear with a large blue diamond earring. An arrogant smile plastered across his face.

"My my, what do we have here? More sky children it seems. I didn't expect to see more of you down here, yet here we are. Not that your presence has any consequence." Just the way he spoke was enough to send shivers down their spines.

"Who are you?" Pipit demanded

"Goodness, how rude of me! Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Demon Lord who presides over the land you look down upon, this world you call The Surface. You may call me Ghirahim. In truth, I prefer to be indulged with my full title: Lord Ghirahim. But I'm not fussy."

"What do you want with us?"

"What do I want with you?" Ghirahim laughed mockingly. "I don't want anything. Truth to be told, you lot aren't even worth my time. I'm only here for The Spirit Maiden, and I can sense her, just at the end of this temple. I picked up Sky Child's trail which led me here, but he's taking his sweet time getting through this temple. Then I sensed your presence here and decided to make myself known."

"Sky Child? That has to be Link," Fledge whispered to his friends.

"What do you want with her?" Karane demanded, wanting to know what this...man wants with her friend.

"Oh, I just need her for one teensy tiny thing. Nothing...major. I honestly hoped that tornado I stirred up would've brought her to my clutches."

"Tornado? You created that tornado that snatched Zelda?!" Fledge exclaimed.

"Yes, we plucked Her Majesty from her perch in the clouds. I say it was my best handiwork." Ghirahim confirmed with a smirk on his face. "But she would've been mine by now if it wasn't for that cursed servant of the goddess who managed to get to her before I could…" The tone in his voice seemed to fill with anger then it was quickly suppressed. "But no matter. Once I deal with Sky Child I will finally have the girl in my grasp."

"Not if we have something to say about it." Karane pulled out her sword. Pipit immediately followed her lead, and Fledge slowly pulled out his sword as well.

Ghirahim gazed at them in amusement. Then he let out a dark chuckle. "Do you all honestly think you can stand against me?" The Demon Lord suddenly disappeared in a cloud of diamonds.

The trio scramble, looking around for The Demon Lord There seemingly is no trace of him. Fledge walked backward, starting to think that perhaps this Ghirahm probably decided to leave them alone.

"Such foolish children…" Ghirahim's voice purred as his head leaned over Fledge's shoulder. The student stood frozen in fear, hairs on his neck standing up, doing his best not to panic. How did he not hear The Demon Lord walk behind him? "You all have no idea what you're walking into…"

Without thinking, Fledge swung his sword behind, only for Ghirahim to hold the blade of the sword with his gloved hand. Fledge struggled to reclaim his weapon as Ghirahim managed to keep a tight hold on it. This failed as Ghirahim flipped it into the air, its hilt landing in his hand. Fledge scrambled back to his friends as Ghirahim examined the sword.

"Hmm...decent looking blade you have, but so long as you telegraph your attacks like the novice you are, you'll never land a blow."

The trio of students stood with their guard as Ghirahim continued to casually inspect the blade. Without any warning, he threw it towards the group of students. They manage to move out of the way quickly, watching the blade land deep into a tree.

"As much as I would love to stay and chat, I have a meeting to attend with Sky Child. I suggest you all go back to your little island in the sky if you value your lives. But if you are bold enough to proceed, let's see if you get through my friends."

With a snap of his fingers, the Demon Lord vanished. More flashes of diamonds appeared where he stood just moments ago, revealing three red hideous, pig-like monsters that were armed with large cleavers.

"Bokoblins…" Karane muttered, recalling the stories she heard of the war between Hylia and the demonic forces. She had seen drawings of what these creatures looked like. Until now, she thought they were only a myth.

The Bokoblins quickly caught sights on the group. With a loud squeal, they ran over towards them, malicious intent in their eyes. Two of which made their way to attack Pipit & Karane.

"Fledge, RUN!" Pipit commanded as he blocked a strike from a Bokoblin.

Fledge could only stand in a panic as he watched his friends fight against the monsters. He could run, yes, but he didn't want to leave his friends behind. The sword lodge in the tree had him quickly remembered that it was his weapon. He ran over to the tree, the hilt of the sword sticking out on the side. Fledge attempted to pull out the sword but it did not budge. He tried to pull harder, but it seems like this sword was intending to stay in.

The third Bokoblin, which was standing back cheering its companions fighting the senior knights, noticed the struggling student. Fledge heard its squeals as it ran towards him. With the sword still stuck in the tree. The student tried to think of his options on how to defend himself until an old memory of a lesson by Eagus sprang into his mind

"A sword is indeed the most important weapon for a Sky Knight," Knight Commander Eagus explained to the group of students in the Sparring Hall. "But there may be a situation where your sword may be unavailable to use. In a scenario such as that, what's the first thing you're gonna need?"

"A doctor?"

"Very good running speed?"

"A shield?" Fledge randomly guessed

"Shield, correct." Eagus lifted a shield to show to the students. "The most important piece of equipment is your shield. If you must make a choice between a sword or a shield, take the shield!"

"How can a shield help?" A student asks.

"A shield can be just as effective as a sword. If timed right you can use it to parry back an opponent's attack. Depending on how strong you hit, you can either knock your opponent back or knock them down completely."

Unhooking the shield from his back, Fledge put it up in front of him trying to control his shaking. The Bokoblin stood just a few feet away from the student. The human & monster circle each other waiting for one of them to make the first move. The Bokoblin quickly got impatient and swung its cleaver at the student. Fledge quickly parries his shield as hard as he did. The Bokoblin got knocked down, lying still as a rock, much to Fledge's surprise.

If the situation were different Fledge would be jumping with joy, but he had to focus on getting his sword out of the tree. As he quickly tugged on his sword he did not see the Bokoblin getting back on his feet. With a smile filled with malice, the Bokoblin slowly trek upon the unsuspecting student.

Pipit performed a fatal blow onto his opponent as Karane sliced through the chest of her's as well. Both monster corpses disappear in a cloud of purple smoke. The joy of victory was short-lived once they saw the final Bokoblin walking towards Fledge, still unaware, pulling his sword out of the tree.

They both called their friend's name, catching the attention of the Bokoblin as he was about to strike Fledge down. With the monster's attention away from him, Fledge finally got his sword out of the tree, using it to strike the Bokoblin from behind. The monster let out a pain shriek as Fledge pulled out his sword, before disappearing in purple smoke.

"Everyone okay?" Karane asks.

"I think that fight might've aggravated my arm a bit, but I think I'm fine." Pipit rubs his bandaged arm in an attempt to soothe it. "How 'bout you Fledge?"

"I'm okay. Thank you for saving me. If you haven't gotten that thing's attention, it would've cleaved me. I should've figured that thing wouldn't stay down long."

"Hey, you managed to make the final blow," Karane said.

"Only because you distracted it."

"But you manage to hold yourself long enough. That's something to be proud of, at least," Pipit retorted. "What were things called again, Karane?"

"Bokoblins. The old legends of Skyloft said that they stood with the demonic forces that fought against Hylia. I thought they were only a myth."

"They felt very real to me."

"And they left these things." Fledge picked a small ornament skull that the Bokoblin left behind. Figuring it would be useful he pocketed it.

"Just who was that guy? Ghirahim was it?" Pipit wondered.

"I don't know, but he seemed like he didn't want us to join up with Link and…" Karane's eyes widened in horror as a realization struck her. "Oh Goddesses, he's after Link & Zelda! We have to get in there! "

The redhead quickly ran up the stairs, stopping herself as she stared at the darkness within the temple. Her companions each by her side giving a determined & reassuring glance. Slowly, they descended into Skyview Temple.

The darkness dissipated once they reached the bottom. A spiral corridor that descended downwards, its path lit by large blue glowing mushrooms. The walls were a cool blue with carvings. There are large roots of plants growing from the walls, along with skinny-looking trees. Large spider webs that were cut down were also seen. If the group weren't in a hurry they would've taken in the sights.

They hastily but carefully descended into the temple, keeping their guard up in case Ghirahim, or any more unpleasant surprises decided to sneak upon them. Several rats and large-looking spiders scurried away from the group as they walked by.

They reached the first door that was covered with carvings of some sort of flower on its stone surface. Pipit & Karane had to lift the door, allowing everyone to enter. The room they entered had carvings of eyes plastered on the wall. One item that caught Fledge's eye was some sort of amber relic on the wall. After slamming against the wall several times, as well earing weird looks from his friends, the relic fell into Fledge's grasp. Deciding the room didn't have much they exited through another door.

The new room was larger than the previous one. A stone walkway passed through the open room that was filled with water. More plant life filled the walls of the room, along with spider webs, and evidence of bones. They exited the room after carefully walking across a large log that served as the only path.

This room is larger than the previous ones. At the center of the room load a large dome. In the ceilings high above the group were very large spiders. Noticing a door, Karane decided to check the inside. Lifting the door and glancing inside, all she saw was an opened chest in the room so she didn't even enter it.

The group made their way towards the exit on the other side of the dome. A long bridge that stood high above a large abyss. Straight ahead were large golden doors with a symbol of a bird. They all walked across the bridge, trying their best not to look down. Normal circumstances, heights do not scare the students, but mostly because they always have their Loftwings to catch them. Here they do not have such a luxury. They all reached the end of the bridge, standing just in front of the large gold door.

"I hope this is the end." Fledge let out a breath of relief after crossing the bridge.

"Me too. This place just gives me the creeps," Karane agreed.

A loud shout came from the other side of the large door. It was all too familiar.

"That sounds like Link!"

Pipit placed his hands on the door, slowly pushing it open until his friends came to his aid. They manage to open wide enough for them to enter.

In the room stood two figures armed with swords. One end stood Ghirahim holding a long, slender, curved backsword. His opponent is none other than Link, neither of which seem to notice the trio entering. Ghirahim had summoned small sharp projectiles that floated in front of him. They flew straight at Link at a fast speed. Fast enough to knock Link back a bit.

Ghirahim took this moment of Link's dazed state to run straight towards him, knocking the boy several feet away. Ghirahim teleported next to Link, his black sword high above to back the final blow.

"LINK!"

The shouts of the students caught Ghirahim's attention, who was more than surprised to see them.

"How did you-"

The Demon Lord was cut off when Link sliced through him after quickly getting back on his feet. After several hard slices, it sent Ghirahim back. He stood still, sword still in the air, for several moments watching the three humans run to their friends' side, with Link at the center staring straight at him.

"Well...it seems I underestimated you all," Ghirahim acknowledged with an amused smile on his lips. "Especially you, Sky Child. You put more of a fight than I would have thought possible out of such a soft boy. But don't clap for yourselves quite yet. That sword of yours is the only reason you still live. And pure luck is why the rest of you are still standing." He lowered his sword. "I fear I spend far too long teasing and toying with you all. The girl's presence has all but faded from this place, which means there's no reason to linger here. Goodbye, dear sky children. Run along and play this little game. Any of you get in my way again, though, and you're dead."

With the swift movement of his sword, Ghirahim vanished. The room lit up brightly. A stone door with wings that everyone recognized as the symbol of the goddess on it glowed.

"What are you guys doing here?" Link's voice echoed through the chamber.

"We-we came to help you find Zelda," Fledge answered.

"First we had to track you down. Wasn't easy. First we met with that old woman. Then we wandered through the woods until we bumped into Kikwi's. They told us where you went," Karane explained.

"We also ran into some trouble with a Deku...Maba?" Pipit added.

"Deku Baba," Link corrected. Pipit was not going to question how Link knew that.

"Yeah, those. One got a hold of my arm, but I got out of it. Then that Ghirahim guy showed up and gave us a bit of trouble. Looks like he did the same to you."

"You don't know the half of it…" Link muttered. "You guys came all this way to find me?"

"...Yeah," Karane responded.

"Does anyone know you're here?"

"Uh...no," Fledge answered sheepishly. "We just told people that Pipit & Karane were helping me with knight training."

"It was kinda an on-the-spot decision." Pipit crossed his arms.

"Huh, and people call me careless." An amused smile grew on Link's mouth.

"Looks who talking Mr. I Came Down Here Alone," Karane chided.

"I'm...not entirely alone."

"What do you mean?" Pipit raised his brow.

Link glanced at the sword on his back. "Hey, Fi. Can you come out?"

A flash flew out of Link's sword. A figure of a blue woman appeared floating. Her eyes had no pupils, her forehead had a small diamond, along with a much larger blue diamond on her chest. She wore a large blue & purple shawl that acted like arms. Her sudden appearance startled the three students.

"Everyone, this is Fi. She's the spirit that lives in my sword. Fi, these are my friends."

"Greetings," Fi said in a gentle robotic voice.

"Hello. Nice to...meet you," Fledge greeted first.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Fledge."

"You know my name?"

"My primary functions are to analyze any living being that can be a potential friend or foe. I gather what information I can read to share with my Master by analyzing their aura."

"You can do that?" Karane inquired.

"She can. It's been very helpful when fighting monsters or finding something that doesn't want to kill me," Link confirmed. "I'll even prove it. Fi, tell me what you know of them."

"As you wish, Master Link." The sword spirit glances at her first subject. "Your name is Pipit. You are a talented, passionate individual. You are also my Master's classmate at the Knight Academy. You are training to be a master swordsman."

"I'll admit, that's pretty impressive!"

"You also display an immature side that allows yourself to be distracted by other things."

"What, I do not!" Pipit whined before realizing the tone he used. It earned him a few snickers from his friends. The senior knight slouched forward. "Carry on..."

"You serve as a lookout around Skyloft after dark, when it often becomes very dangerous. And you have a strong desire to keep those you care about safe."

"Well, two out of three isn't bad..."

Fi proceeded to move on along.

"Your name is Karane. You are a strong, young student of the Knight Academy. You are my Master's classmate. A senior at the academy, you are learning to be a knight like my Master. I have observed that you are quite popular with the male students who find you rather pretty."

"Really? I don't think I'm that pretty…"

"Are you kidding, of course, you are!" Pipit asserted without hesitation, taking in a moment to realize what he said. "I speak as your friend of course."

"Thank you…" Pipit didn't notice the flush on Karane's cheeks.

"What about me?" Fledge spoke up, interested in what Fi would say.

"Your name is Fledge. You attend the Knight Academy with my Master. You seem to suffer from a lack of confidence in his physical abilities. You are often troubled by your lack of physical strength relative to other boys your age."

"You're spot on with that one." Fledge lowered his head gloomy.

"I detect a sudden feeling of hurtfulness within you. I apologize if I offended you in some way."

"Oh no, it's fine. I'm used to it."

Fi turned her attention back to Link. "Master, we must proceed through this door to find clues to where Zelda may have gone." Fi went back into Link's sword.

"Well...she's um…" Pipit started.

"Interesting," Karane finished.

"I know she may be like that, but it's just how she is so she can help me. She grows on you." Link walked over to the glowing door which then vanished. "Are you guys coming?"

"We came this far. Might as well watch you finish it," Pipit stated.

Entering the room a stone lied straight ahead with white stone pillars trailing along with waterfalls on the side. Moving closer to the end of the path showed a large spring with even more small waterfalls. Fish swan around the clear waters of the spring, while more tiny birds hopped around on the stone pavement. Two trees lie on each side of the spring. Ahead is a statue that appears to be a smaller replica of the Goddess Statue at Skyloft.

"Look at this place! It is so...beautiful." Karane gaped at the sights.

"Hard to believe a place so creepy could have something so pretty," Fledge commented.

Pipit found the spring rather beautiful too. He notices Link walking towards the statue. He stood on top of a symbol engraved into the ground. Another is seen at the bottom of the statue but in black. Link lifted his sword skyward, a small glow trailed down. Link sliced his sword into the air releasing a large glow that struck the symbol. The symbol now purple, twirled around, before stopping and gave a bright glow.

Link sheaths his sword as his friends stood, waiting to see what would happen. Fi then appeared in front of the statue, floating on top of the water.

"Master, I have a message written in the language of the gods of old. Allow me to translate for you."

Fi then moved around the spring. Everyone watched as she skated around on the water, moving with grace. As she did she recited a message.

"From the edge of time, I guide you, the one chosen to carry out the goddess's mission. The Spirit Maiden who descended from the clouds must travel to two sacred places to purify her body. You stand in one of these places: Skyview Spring. The other is known as the Earth Spring."

Fi halted in front of the statue, twirling around in a fast pace.

"This second spring is hidden away deep within the scorched earth of Eldin. The Spirit Maiden, ever mindful of the heavy task entrusted to her, has set out for this second sacred place."

A glowing object appeared near the top of the statue. It floated towards Link, revealing to be a stone tablet with a ruby gem on it. The weathered surface on this tablet makes it appear very old. Fi hovered towards him.

"Master, as I just translated, it would appear that Zelda purified herself in the waters of this spring. I calculate a 97% chance that she has already set out for Eldin, where another great spring exists. However, it is not clear what method of travel Zelda used to move from here to her next destination. My analysis suggests you should take the tablet to the altar in Skyloft. Doing so will likely open a new column of light on the surface, allowing you to descend to another area to continue your search for Zelda."

"So Zelda's definitely not here?" Karane asks.

"That is correct."

"Well isn't that just nice!" Karane exclaimed moving her arms frustratingly.

"Easy, Karane. At least we know where Zelda is going next," Fledge assured.

"But, why is she doing all this? Why did she need to purify herself? Why is she called the spirit maiden?" Karane looked at Link, hoping for answers.

"Your guess is as good as mine."

"Well, there's only one way to find out. We'll just head out and-" Pipit felt a sudden pain in his arm. He groaned as he rubbed it.

"Are you okay?" Link gave Pipit a concern look.

"Guess that Deku Baba bit me pretty good. It's probably gonna be sore for a while."

"May I make a suggestion?" Fi chimed in. "My analysis shows that the water in this spring contains unique capabilities. If you soak your arm in it I estimate a 95% chance that the water will fully heal your arm."

"You think so?"

"She hasn't steered me wrong so far. Go for it, buddy," Link encouraged.

Pipit knelt at the edge of the stone path. Unwrapping the bandage from his arm, revealing the bite marks. He put his arm in spring, which stung for briefly before a soothing sensation replaced it. Moments later the senior knight removed his arm, revealing faint scars that replaced the dried blood over the cuts.

"That's amazing! Its as if the scars has been there for years," Karane stated.

"It doesn't feel sore anymore either." Pipit looked over to Fi. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. I suggest we return to The Old One at the Sealed temple to inform her of our next move." Fi went back into Link's sword.

"You know…I think Fi isn't all that bad," Fledge stated.

The trip back to The Sealed Temple was thankfully a smooth one. The group ran into the Kikwis again. Elder Bucha expressed the joy of the friends finding each other but shared their disappointment of not finding Zelda. Regardless he and the other Kikwi's wished them good luck.

Once they returned to the temple they each gave their accounts to The Old One. Link also explained what he knew to his friends. From the dreams, he had been having weeks before The Wing Ceremony, obtaining The Goddess Sword, to the moment where he fought Ghirahim back at Skyview Temple.

"Let me get this straight, you've been having dreams about some monster and a person talking about a great mission for the past several weeks?" Pipit clarified.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Karane stressed.

"I didn't want to burden you guys with this," Link responded lowly, rubbing his neck as he did.

"You're not a burden, Link. You always listened to us when we had problems. We're always happy to return the favor."

"You guys don't owe me anything. You're my friends."

"And friends help each other out." Pipit pointed out. "You don't have to do this alone."

"I don't want you to get hurt."

"We're training to become knights. Our job is pretty much an occupational hazard."

"That's different. We know the potential risks in Skyloft, but down here we don't know anything. I don't want you guys getting hurt on my account."

"And we don't want you getting hurt too," Karane retorted to Link. "You're right, we don't know anything about this land. We knew the potential dangers when venturing down here, but we came anyway. We faced threats we didn't know, but we got to you alright. If we can handle that we can deal with whatever comes our way.

Link remained silent, unsure what to say.

"Please, Link. Zelda is our friend too. We want to help." Fledge begged in his soft voice.

Link still didn't respond. The silence was broken by The Old One

"You chose your friends quite well, Link. They have big hearts. Perhaps you should take their suggestion."

"What do you think, Fi?" Link spoke to his blade after a moment.

"Having a large party would attract too much attention, but If you let your friends join you, I estimate that our success rate of finding Zelda will increase by 60%. I also believe we'll find her at a faster pace," Fi's voice echoed through the sword.

Link expression remains filled with thoughts. He does not want his friends getting potentially hurt, and no matter Gaepora's insistence, he believes he had to do this alone. But his friends risked their lives to travel to a place they've never been to just to help him find Zelda. They seemed adamant about it. He never wanted to burden them with his problems. Seeing them come all this way Link felt touched by this. Hearing the words of his friends, Fi, and The Old One, he made up his mind.

"If you guys are absolutely sure about doing this, then I'll let you help."

"Thank you, Link. We won't let you down!" Karane declared.

"You can count on us!" followed by Pipit.

"Yeah. For Zelda," Fledge said, though not as loud as his two companions.

"It seems like everything is settled then. Now, I believe you all plan to head over to Eldin next, correct?" The Old One inquired.

"Do you know anything about that place?" Link asks.

"It is the home to a large volcano that pours massive amounts of hot lava. A much more intense place than Faron Woods. The air is hot enough to burn any wooden materials. Some monsters attack with fire. I suggest you get yourselves metal shields if you don't have any. Do you have any more questions?"

"No I don't think so."

The Old One gazed her head to the open gap in the ceiling. "The hour of Twilight is a mere few hours away. I suggest you all go back to your home to rest up for the remainder of the day. There is a Loftwing statue right outside that will bring you back to the skies. You are all welcome back here anytime. I wish you all safe travels. Go now."

They all exited out of the temple. Leaving The Old One alone once again.

And so our knights catch up with their friend. Now they just need to do the same for their other friend. Shouldn't be too hard right?

I know I breezed through the first dungeon here (mostly because Link already solved it), but I may be doing the same for the others. I don't wan to dwell too much time on solving the puzzles. Nothing is set in stone so we'll see how it goes.

Of course let's not forget the arrival of our dear Demon Lord, Ghirahim. I was going to wait until we get to Eldin for him to meet Link's friends, but I told myself, where's the fun in that? Plus, writing Ghirahim is kinda fun. Though I hope I'm getting Fi right.

If you guys are liking my story so far, I would appreciate if you check my 2 other ongoing fics: Path of Destiny is another Zelda fic set in a original setting away from the games, or if you're a fan of Disney's Frozen, you can check out Lost Snowflake if you like. It would be appreciative.

Favs, Follows, and Reviews are all appreciated!