Chapter 10: Uninvited Guests
Once everyone found a Loftwing statue after leaving the Temple of Time they all agreed that they would make a quick stop at Skyloft before going to The Old One. That way everyone can have a chance to clean up a bit, especially Karane since she was still covered in sand, and they can eat lunch since it was about that time.
The quartet strolled by Orielle's home as they headed back to the Knight Academy. Fledge figure it would be a good opportunity to check on her after what happened yesterday.
"I need to do something. I'll catch up with you guys in a bit!" Fledge ran over over to Orielle's house. Building up his courage, he knocked on the door. "Hello? Parrow? Orielle? Any one of you home?"
"Just one minute!" The door opened just moments later. Orielle stood at the doorway leaning against a crutch, and had a bandage wrapped around her head. "Fledge, hey! How are you?"
"I'm doing fine. I just wanted to stop by to see how you're doing."
"The good news is that my head is fine. I didn't even need stitches, and my ankle isn't sprained but the doctor said I should use a crutch for the next few days."
"At least your injuries weren't too bad."
"Try telling that to my brother." Orielle rolled her eyes. "Every time I get sick, or even as much as scrap on my knee, he acts like every next moment is going to be my last. I love him and all but him playing nurse drives me nuts sometimes!"
"I think I have something to keep your mind off that." Orielle looked quizzically as Fledge dug through his pouch. He pulled out the flower, or Ancient Flower as Fi informed him, that he found in Lanayru Desert. "I...I thought you might like this."
"Fledge...It's beautiful." Orielle accepted the flower. "I have never seen this flower before. Where did you find this?"
"I found it while I was...flying around."
"For your special knight training? Parrow mentioned something like that."
"Y-yes! That! I found it while doing very important training."
"Mind sharing where this special knight training place is?"
"It's uh...top secret."
"Top secret?" Orielle arched her brow.
"Yep. Very top-secret special knight training business."
"Alright…" Orielle responded, though unsurely. "Anyways, I really like it. I think I have an extra flower pot to put it in."
"I won't keep you up then."
"Wait." Orielle gently grabbed Fledge's shoulder as he tried to walk away. "I...I wanted to ask you this. Maybe when I get better, and whenever you're free I could treat you to The Lumpy Pumpkin. As a way to say thanks for saving my life."
"You don't have to…" Fledge trailed off before Orielle cut him off.
"I want to. It's the least I could do." Orielle moved her hand from Fledge's shoulder to his hand. Unbeknownst to her, Fledge's heart skipped a beat. "Just you and me. If that's alright with you."
Fledge could only stay silent. Was...Was Orielle asking him to go on a date with her?
"Uh, Fledge?" Orielle's voice broke his thoughts.
"I would love to!" Fledge blurted out.
"Really? That's great! Once I'm all better we can work out when we can go."
"That's alright with me. I would like for you to get better first."
"You're such a sweetheart, you know that?"
A nervous smile grew on Fledge's lips as he rubbed his neck. "I have been told that. Anyways, I need to get back to the academy."
"I probably need to get back in bed before Parrow gets home. I'll see you later."
The student stood as Orielle closed her door. He stood still for several minutes contemplating the conversation that just happened. His heart flutters at the idea of him and Orielle spending time together. Of course, they have before yet somehow...this felt special to Fledge.
"I take your finish doing your 'something?'" A voice startles Fledge. The student turned to see Link leaning casually on the walls of Orielle's house.
"Gah! Link?! How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough," Link glance between Fledge and Orielle's door. "So...you and Orielle huh?"
"I was just checking up on her, that's all."
"And then she asked you out on a date."
"She didn't-! She just wanted to repay me for saving her from the Aeralfos yesterday."
"By taking you out to dinner with just the two of you."
"Yeah! Friends do that! That's what Orielle and I are!"
Link lifted his arms in defense. "Alright. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to assume things. Anyways, Henya just finished prepping lunch. She made curry today."
"Then we should probably hurry before they're gone."
Fledge made a headstart for the academy, with Link trailing not too far behind.
"And I thought Pipit's feelings towards Karane were bad. Now I've got two friends in denial and won't confess." Link thought to himself irratably. "Granted, I'm one to talk, but I can at least ADMIT I have feelings for Zelda. I just need to bring up the courage. If I ever find her, that is..."
Karane walked into the academy dining hall. She was happy to finally be cleaned from the sand stuck all over her and to have a well earned lunch. The Dinning Hall is packed with almost all of the tables being occupied by several students and some Skyknights.
"Over here, Karane!" The female senior knight saw Pipit waving her down from a table, where Link and Fledge are sitting across from the yellow-clad senior knight as well. "We got you some curry, and saved you a spot." Pipit patted down to the spot next to him on the bench.
"Thank you." Karane sat next to him.
"Manage to get all the sand out?" Link asks.
"I hope so." Karane took a bite of the curry. "Never thought sand could be so annoying."
"It can't be that bad," Fledge insists.
"Easy for you to say. You didn't get submerged under piles of it by a giant killer scorpion."
"Well, I think it's better than getting nearly crushed three times by a big boulder lava monster."
"Touche…" Karane responded with defeat.
"Well compared to your guys' experiences, my arm getting bit by a Deku Baba seems like a morning stroll," Pipit commented.
"Try getting bit in the torso by them," Link cringed at the mention of that. "Happened to me when I first encountered those things. All I can say is thank the goddesses for these chainmails."
The quartet resumed eating their lunch. Not a word uttered out of them for the next several minutes."
"Where do you think Zelda went?" Karane brought up after several minutes. "Do we even know if she's safe?"
"Fi said that Ghirahim couldn't get to her...whatever that may be," Link reminded her, though he sounded unsure himself. "We won't find out until we get to The Sealed Grounds."
On the other end of the dining hall, the group is being watched from another table where Cawlin & Strich sat at. With them is a large boy about Link's age with amber eyes, light brown skin, and a very large red pompadour. The person who was watching the quartet was Skyloft's resident trouble maker, Groose.
Groose sat at his table, barely nibbling his food, eyes glued to Link. Ever since Zelda vanished he had been hearing strange things surrounding Link's group. Link had gained access to The Surface to search for Zelda. Frankly, Groose found it stupid that Link was the one chosen to find her. Why him? He was the reason she fell in the first place! If Groose had won the Wing Ceremony like he was supposed to, he would've saved her. Or better yet they would've been doing something else besides flying out in the sky where that strange tornado struck. Link winning had led to Zelda's disappearance. And now she was down there either hurt, stuck, or worse. And seemingly, Pipit, Karane, and even Fledge had decided to join in on the search. What makes them all qualified to search for Zelda? He could see why for Pipit and maybe Karane, but Fledge? That kid was nothing but a pipsqueak who can barely lift a barrel. Yet somehow, Fledge became qualified to wear a knight's uniform all because he joined in on the search! Groose of course asked Headmaster Gaepora's permission to search for Zelda but he was turned down. The headmaster told him that it is something Link and the others have to handle.
So what? Groose was concerned about Zelda's wellbeing just as much as they were. She's his friend...at least they were once when they were kids, but he still cared about her! He could never forget the kindness she gave him when he arrived at Skyloft all those years back. He had nothing but the clothes on his back and no family. Zelda was the first to offer her hand in friendship. Things were nice between them for a while but there was a problem.
Link…
Zelda was always more willing to hang with Link more than him. Whenever Zelda asks to hang out with Groose he always accepts her invites. But when he gained the courage to ask her she always responded with "I love to, but I promise to hang out with Link today", or "Sorry, but I have to help Link with something", or "Thank you for inviting me but Link and I had made plans to go on a picnic. Maybe some other time?" That other time never came, all because of Link. It didn't bother him at first but after a while, it got under his skin so he started avoiding Link. Zelda tried to get him to spend time with Link but that made Groose more irritated, and more mad at Link. Groose was fully convinced that Link was trying to keep Zelda away from him. So he started lashing out at Link. It started as simple mean comments but, slowly, it turned to lashing out physically. One particular day things escalated between him and Link. Since that day Zelda stopped talking to him, and now Link is a living reminder of what he lost.
Well...at least that's how Groose sees him.
"I can't believe they gave Fledge a knight's uniform!" Cawlin's loud voice broke Groose out of his thoughts. "What makes him so special? He didn't even participate in The Wing Ceremony!"
"Mind keeping your voice down? I prefer to enjoy my lunch without hearing your constant whining," Strich requested, clearly irritated with Cawlin's complaining.
"Whatever...traitor."
Strich let out a small groan. "You're still mad about what happened at The Lumpy Pumpkin? That was your own damn fault for knocking down the chandelier."
"In my defense, Pipit shouldn't have called me short. You know how sensitive I am about my height!"
"And I prefer to lay low," Strich retorted sternly. "Need I remind you that we're still under hot water for what we did to Link at The Wing Ceremony."
"They can't prove that we're the ones who kidnapped Epona. "
"Yeah but they still suspect us. Plus we tried to cheat to help Groose win. I don't know about you guys but I rather not risk getting expelled."
"You worry too much. We'll be fine. Right, Groose?"
"What?...Oh, yeah! We just need to lay low and the heat will be off us in no time," Groose answered before resuming eating his lunch.
"You alright, Groose? You hardly ate the curry," Strich asked him.
"Nah, I'm fine," Groose responded in his usual confident self. "I'm just thinking of plans to look for Zelda."
"What do you have in mind? Like where to look for starters?"
"I'll figure something out. I always do."
"You definitely will, boss! You're the best in the academy. If anyone can do it, it's you! Much better than those guys." Cawlin pointed to Link's table. "They're all nothing but chumps. Well, all of them except for Karane. Now she's something special."
"So you've told us dozens of times..." Strich rolled his eyes.
"Because there's a lot of things to talk about!" Cawlin rested his head on his hand, staring at the female upperclassmen with admiration. "Karane's is amazing in every way possible. Those shining blue eyes. That soft hair of hers. Her lovely voice. And her curves, man…They do things to me."
"Can you please keep your horny feelings to yourself before I lose my appetite?"
"Whatever. I'll proclaim my love for her some way. In fact, I plan to write her a beautiful love letter. I'll sweep her off her feet with my words alone."
"Or maybe drop her flat on her back."
Cawlin stared at his friend with a deadpan expression. "Asshole…" All Strich could respond with is a chuckle.
Groose smiled at the interaction. It wasn't the first time they butted heads and jab insults, but that's the charm of their little group.
"We should get going now." Groose heard Link's voice. The buff teen saw Link's group standing up from their table and bringing their dishes to Henya who thanked them. All four left the cafeteria all in a hurry.
Groose got himself an impulsive idea. "I have to go."
"Where are you going?" Cawlin asked as Groose abruptly stood up.
"Why I'm going to start looking for Zelda of course!"
"Now?!" Strich exclaimed with shock. "Shouldn't you get some sort of weapon or supplies at least?"
"I'll be fine. Don't worry about me, Strich ol' buddy! It's time for real professionals to get to work. Catch you guys later!"
Groose dash out of the Dinning Hall, leaving his dishes for Cawlin & Strich to clean up. He caught a glimpse of Link's group walking out the main doors. Going to a window nearby to look through there, while also staying discreet, he saw Link's group standing rummaging through their pouches outside.
"What are they up to?" Groose thought to himself.
"Everyone got everything." Everyone in the group responded with a yes to Link. "Alright. Let's get going. Hopefully, we can find where to look for Zelda next."
"They're going back to look for Zelda. Perfect!"
The four friends ran off, unaware that they were being followed.
The quartet ran fast back to the plaza. They ignore the odd stares given by people passing by. The group didn't even stop at the plaza dock for a breather as they all ran straight off. They guided their Loftwings to the green light column until they were close enough to jump.
All four made their descent to the world below. It was peaceful for the first several seconds. That is until halfway down that they heard the sound of someone screaming.
"Do you guys hear that?" Fledge called attention to it.
Link glanced his eyes up in the direction of the scream that was getting closer to by the second. They were greeted by the sight of Groose falling straight towards him.
"GROOSE?!" Link shrieked.
"WHAT?" The rest of his friends yelled out in shock.
Groose grabbed Link and Fledge's legs, causing them to fall at an even faster speed.
"WHAT THE-" Fledge let out.
"Link! Fledge! HEEELP!" Groose begged as they plummeted to the ground.
Link & Fledge manage to get their sailcloths/scarves out quickly for them to not die on impact. They still ended up crash landing just a short distance away from The Sealed Grounds.
Pipit & Karane meanwhile made a safe landing just outside of the temple. They took several minutes to comprehend what the hell just happened.
"Was that who I think it was?" Karane finally asked out loud.
"There's only one person around here with that stupid pompadour." Pipit glance over to the direction the three of them landed. "I hope that idiot didn't get them killed."
Down the road from the temple, Link, Fledge, and Groose lay on the ground in a daze. Link slowly pulled himself off from the ground.
"You okay, Fledge?"
"I think so." Fledge rubbed his head as Link helped him back to his feet.
"Ugh, rough landing." Groose uttered as he sat up. "I think I mighta broke something. Hey Link, Fledge, seriously...didn't anyone ever teach you guys how to land without crash-"
Groose stopped as he caught something in his sight. Several small birds were hopping around his foot, one of which was on his boot. His jaw was so wide open a Remlit could climb in it.
"Woah!" Groose jerked back causing the birds to fly off. "B-birds? TINY birds?! Wh-what...ARE they?! And what is that thing?!" Groose notices Gorko walking by, completely oblivious to the whole conversation. "But...how...wh-why...wh-what...WHERE AM I?!
Both Link and Fledge gave awkward glances to each other as they watched Groose go through his mental breakdown. Once he finally got over the shock, Groose ran over to the pair.
"What's going on here? Ever since Zelda vanished, you've been zipping in and out of town all in a hurry! Then Fledge, Pipit, and Karane are gone most of the day. And Fledge here is wearing a knight's uniform all of sudden. So I figure I tail you guys to figure out what's going on, and you might lead me to Zelda. But this is...so wild. Seriously, what IS that thing over there?! And what's with all these trees? There are so many! Just give it to me straight! I can take it. Where are we? Is Zelda here? What's the deal with this place?! If there's supposed to be nothin' below the clouds, what's all this?"
Sucking in a breath, Link patted Groose's arm.
"Okay, Groose. Here's the thing. We're on The Surface. We're near a place called The Sealed Temple. And just down the road from here, there's a place called Faron Woods. One of the many lands below the clouds."
"And there are also living things down here," Fledge added as well. "The 'thing' is called Goron. His name is Gorko, I think. There's also an old woman in the temple who's helping us find Zelda."
Several minutes of explanation later Groose fell on his knees. He was so still that some tiny birds landed on his shoulders.
"Whoa…" He stared at the pair. "You guys are kinda imploding my mind right now...But, I think I get what you're saying. If I've got this right, Zelda is down here somewhere, and she's okay?"
"Yes," Link replied with a nod.
"She's...She's ok. Oh wow! That's so great!" Groose's lip grew a smile. Not his usual arrogant smile that the pair were accustomed to but a genuine one. "Hearing that is such a...huge weight off my mind."
Seeing Groose in this state was rather amusing to Link, and especially Fledge. They had never seen him so genuinely happy about something. It was kinda heartwarming to see.
"You know, guys...It's sort of alright down here. This place needs a name. Yeah, a name fitting for this rugged, adventurous wilderness. From now on, we'll call it… Grooseland!"
And just like that, the moment was lost...
Groose stood back on both of his feet. "So, lemme see if I've got this right. The old lady living in the temple down the road from here knows where Zelda is?"
"We believe so…" Fledge answered.
"I see…" A grin grew on Groose's lips. "Right. Link, Fledge, thanks for getting me here. You've both done a good job. You and the others can head home. Big Groose will handle the search for Zelda from here. Yup. I'll track her down, save her, and give her a lift back to Skyloft. Then when we get back, I'll ask if she wants to make our whole going-out thing official, and then the two of us will get some quality time together. Anyway, the point is that your work here is done. I got it covered from here! Now it's off to find that old lady you were talking about. Catch you both later!"
The pair watched Groose run down the road until he was out of their sight.
"He's serious about this, isn't he?" Fledge wondered out loud.
"He is 100% percent serious. Though I detect his survival chances right around 30%," Fi responded, think Fledge was intentionally asking that.
"Uh, thank you, Fi…"
Link could only shake his head.
They arrived at the temple side entrance a little later. Pipit and Karane were hanging nearby. They were relieved to see them.
"Link, Fledge! You're both alright!" Pipit ran up to the pair.
"It was a tough landing but we'll live," Link said back. "You wouldn't happen to see-"
"Huh? You gotta be kidding me, Grannie!" Groose's voice echoed through the interior of the temple. Groose stood in front of The Old One in her usual spot.
"That answer your question?" Karane deadpanned.
"You're messing with me. Say it again, I dare you!" Groose shouted at The Old One.
"I only speak the truth," The Old One spoke back firmly, unfazed by the boy. "You are not the one who will save her. The Spirit Maiden, your Zelda, can only be saved by another. It has been his fate to do this thing, and in doing so save us. As it was decided long before you were brought crying into this world-"
"Shut it, Grannie!" Groose cut her off rudely. An action that most certainly irked Link's group. "You obviously don't know me well, cause if you did, you'd know if anyone's going to save Zelda, it's Groose! How could it not be me? Plus, if it ain't me, why would I even be here? Pffft. If I'm not up to the job of being the hero, just who is?"
"They are." The One One pointed to the direction behind him.
"Huh?" Groose turns to see Link walk up towards them, with Pipit, Karane, and Fledge not too far behind. "Oh… Now I getcha. Link, Grannie here has been trying to tell me you and the others are gonna be the ones to save Zelda."
"That's because she's telling the truth," Link stated as a matter of fact.
"You, a hero?" Groose scoffed. "What a joke! Look, all I heard so far is a bunch of babbling about destiny, but that's a load of shit! I know you and you're no hero, shrimp!"
"Well we also know him and we can tell you he's capable of doing this," Pipit retorted firmly as he crossed his arms.
"And we know you well enough to know that you're not suitable to help," Karane added, glaring at Groose.
"Like you guys are any better? Pff! Now I know that's nothing but bullshit. You're nothing but a little miss teacher's pet, and he's a goody-two-shoes."
"Groose, you have no idea what's going on. I need to do this," Link pleaded to him to see reason.
"YOU need to do this!? This whole mess was your fault in the first place! If you couldn't help Zelda before, what makes you think you can help her now?"
"And what would you have done then?"
"Certainly more than you ever did. I wouldn't get knocked back by a little wind. Why? Because I'm a hard worker! You on the other hand are the biggest slacker I know. You sleep all day! You barely fly straight! And your head is constantly in the clouds! Sounds like a piss poor knight if you ask me. Me, I'm stronger, smarter, and a better flyer!"
"And you're also a jerk! You think the way you act is good qualifications for being a knight?"
"You don't get far in life by being soft. You need to command respect."
"Respect?!" Link scoffed Groose's claim. "You call trying to sabotage me on The Wing Ceremony, or terrorizing other students, Fledge and me included, respect?"
"Or making hurtful comments about my mother when she's having her bad days?" Pipit brought up.
"Big whoop! Not my fault she gets lazy some days because she misses her dead husband."
"You son of a bi-" Pipit marched to Groose with his fist clenched only for Link to stop him.
"And what do you call dumping a bucket of mud all over me in front of other students on my birthday? Is that respect?" Karane fumed.
"It was just a harmless little prank! Besides, I apologized, didn't I?"
"Only after Zelda punched you, and Owlan threatened to permanently suspend your knight training!" Karane spat back at Groose as she pointed am accusing finger at him. "And I know you never meant it!"
"Calm down everyone! Arguing will get us nowhere!" Fledge pleaded in an attempt to settle things down before it went out of control.
"You stay out of this, pipsqueak!" Groose shoved him hard. "Out of everyone, you are defiantly not qualified to help Zelda! You're the most spineless person I know and have no right to wear that uniform!"
"Hey, you leave him alone!" Link barked back. "He's been a huge help to me throughout the past few days more than you realize."
"Like what? All he's good for is keeping quiet and not crossing me, which he should be doing now!"
Spineless...Keeping quiet...Don't cross him.
Those are words Fledge had grown accustomed to from Groose all these years. He had always endured it and moved on. Yet, something about this time made him feel...different. After everything Fledge had been through the past few days hearing Groose's words made him ball his fists and clench his teeth. Something burns within him. It had continued to grow as he repeated Groose's words. Fledge did everything to contain this burn, yet his mind took him back to an encounter that he had to endure just days ago.
Three days ago (Morning of The Wing Ceremony)...
Fledge cleaned up around the kitchen back at the dining hall at the Knight Academy. Henya had left him alone as she had to do a quick errand which left him alone. All was peaceful until he heard footsteps echoing. Groose, Cawlin, and Strich entered the dining hall. Fledge did his best to keep himself hidden not wanting to deal with their teasing. That is until he caught wind of their conversation.
"I'm not so sure about this, Groose," Strich pondered.
"Why not? It's a great plan! One that guarantees my victory in today's race!"
"Yeah but it seems risky. What if someone catches us?"
"They won't because we'll be quick about it." Groose patted the tall blonde's shoulder. "All we have to do is corral Link's bird to the waterfall and lock him in a pen. As long as that bird remains there Link will have no choice but to sit out the race, which means victory is mine for the taking! It's foolproof!"
"How are we going to do it, boss?" Cawlin asked very eagerly.
Fledge couldn't believe it as he listen Groose going over his latest scheme. Groose was going to kidnap Epona! This is certainly not good news. He had to tell someone, either Link or one of the staff at the Academy. Fledge glanced over from his hiding spot. Groose and his gang didn't seem to notice him. All he needs to do was sneak out of the dining hall. He tiptoed his way towards the exit. Just as he was about to cross, he felt someone grab his arm hard and tug him back.
"Where do you think you're going?" Groose spoke down to Fledge.
"O-oh...G-good morning Groose! Lovely morning isn't it," Fledge spoke in an attempt to appear oblivious.
Groose was not convinced. "Don't play dumb with me. I know you heard our entire conversation."
"W-what are you going to do with me?"
"What I am going to do?" Fledge gulped as Groose gave his arrogant smile. "Why, nothing."
"N-nothing?"
"Yep. I'm not going to do anything, and neither are you. You're not going to tell Link or anyone in the academy about my plan for Link's bird. Because if you do...I'll make sure that you'll never fly Yunobo ever again."
Fledge's eyes widened with shock. "Y-you wouldn't."
Groose then towered over the timid student, glaring down at him. "You really want to find out?"
"I would listen to him!" Cawlin shouted.
"Well? Do you understand me, pipsqueak?!" Groose spat at Fledge, who stood still in slience.
"I think he got the idea, Groose," Strich spoke up once Fledge didn't respond after several moments.
"You have a good morning, Fledge..." Groose gave his smirk.
Groose left the dining hall, followed closely by his friends. Fledge just stood in the middle of the hall hyperventilating, completely paralyzed by the encounter.
Fledge mutters something. It was indistinguishable but it was loud enough for Groose to hear.
"You got something to say, pipsqueak? Say it to my face!" Fledge didn't say anything back. "Nothin' huh. That's what I thought. Just stay quiet like the little coward you are-"
Whatever remnants containing the burning sensation within Fledge were instantly shattered. A fire within his soul let loose.
"SHUT UP, GROOSE! FOR ONCE IN YOUR LIFE, SHUT. UP!"
The loud words of Fledge echoed through the inside of the temple. Link, Pipit, Karane, and even Groose were all taken aback at Fledge's sudden outburst. They had never seen Fledge react like this, even on his bad days. The timid student was usually good at containing his anger. Yet whatever usually held it back was now gone.
"YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT WE'VE BEEN THROUGH THE PAST FEW DAYS! YOU CALL ME A COWARD BUT I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU OUT OF YOUR ROOM SINCE ZELDA WENT MISSING! WE'VE HAD OUR LIVES CONSTANTLY ON THE LINE! WE FACED MONSTERS OF ALL SIZES THAT TRIED TO KILL US! I EVEN TOOK DOWN AN AERALFOS! AND THERE'S SOME PSYCHOPATH THAT'S HUNTING DOWN ZELDA, WHO MADE THAT TORNADO THAT KNOCKED HER DOWN BY THE WAY, THAT NEEDS HER FOR HYLIA KNOWS WHAT BUT I KNOW IT'S NOTHING GOOD!"
Fledge jabbed a finger to a still stunned Groose's chest.
"AND YOU SAY YOU'RE A BETTER FIT FOR THIS?! HA! YOU'RE THE LEAST FITTED PERSON FOR THIS JOB! LINK'S DONE MORE THE PAST THREE DAYS THAN I HAVE EVER SEEN FROM YOU SINCE I'VE KNOWN YOU! HE GOES OUT OF HIS WAY TO HELP OTHERS WHILE YOU CONSTANTLY TERRORIZE EVERYONE IN THE ACADEMY AND SKYLOFT! DO YOU KNOW WHAT ALMOST HAPPENED TO LINK BEFORE THE WING CEREMONY?! ZELDA PUSH HIM OFF A DOCK BECAUSE SHE DIDN'T BELIEVE THAT HE COULDN'T SENSE EPONA! IF SHE HADN'T CAUGHT HIM LINK WOULD'VE FALLEN TO HIS DEATH AND ZELDA WOULD'VE HAD THAT ON HER CONSCIOUS FOR THE REST OF HER LIFE AND IT WOULD'VE BEEN ALL YOUR FAULT!"
"I-I didn't-" Groose stuttered but Fledge didn't give him the chance to finish.
"IF YOU DID CARE FOR ZELDA YOU WOULD'VE CONSIDERED THAT! BUT I GUESS YOU DON'T CARE BECAUSE YOU ONLY SEE HER AS A PRIZE TO BE WON! DO YOU WANT TO KNOW WHY PEOPLE STAY OUT OF YOUR WAY?! NOT BECAUSE THEY RESPECT YOU, ITS BECAUSE THEY HATE YOU! WE KNOW IT! ZELDA KNOWS IT! I BET EVEN YOUR OWN FRIENDS KNOW IT! I DON'T RECALL SEEING STRICH HANGING AROUND YOU THE PAST FEW DAYS! YOU CLAIM TO HAVE RESPECT BUT I KNOW THAT'S A LIE! NO ONE WILL EVER RESPECT YOU BECAUSE YOU'RE A BIG, SELFISH...ASSHOLE!"
Heavy pants escaped from Fledge as his friends, and Groose was too stunned to speak. Fledge calmed down after a few minutes as his face twisted with shock as he realized what he had done. He ran out the side door of the temple and straight into the woods. After running a small distance he leaned against a tree, hand on his head, as kept on recalling his outburst his head over and over again.
"Dear Din...Did I really just do that?"
"Fledge?" The student turned around to see Link just a few feet away, with Pipit & Karane standing behind the green-clad senior knight. "Are you okay?"
"I-I think so...Did that actually happen?" All three of his friends nodded. "Oh Din...What have I done?"
"You went completely off at Groose," Pipit stated still in complete shock.
"I've never seen you like that before," Karane also mentioned.
"What was that back there? That isn't like you," The concern in Link's eyes were evident.
"I-I don't know what came over me," Fledge stammered out. "This intense feeling overwhelmed me like a fire. It felt so wrong saying that to him, but at the same time it felt justified."
"I believe I may have an answer to what you're feeling." Fi's voice echoed. "Would you like to hear my analysis?"
"Uh...sure," Fledge answered before Fi appeared before him.
"My analysis shows that what you are feeling is similar to that of anger. Yet the level of your anger was extremely high. I detect a 90% possibility that your outburst is the result of your anger being contained for a long period of time."
"That...that would make so much sense..." Fledge lowered his head. "I spent so many years taking in Groose's abuse. There were so many times where I wanted to get angry at him but couldn't because I was afraid he would hurt me. So I just took it in. I guess I never realized that instead of going away my anger was just building up. What Groose was going on back in there almost felt like business as normal. But something within me just...couldn't let him get away with it this time. Thinking about it I think after everything we've been through I'm not as afraid of him as I used to be. Scaldera, Moldarach, Ghirahim, and even that Aeralfos...Groose is nothing compared to all of them. Even still I shouldn't have reacted like that way. I'm sorry you all had to see me like that."
"Don't be. While it was a bit much, we don't blame you." Link patted Fledge's shoulder assuredly.
"You don't?"
"I think I speak for everyone when I say you did something that we all wanted to do for a long time," Pipit claimed.
"Yeah you pretty much took the words right out of our mouths," Karane added.
"Though I'm surprised you called Groose an asshole. I think that was the first time I've ever heard you swear," Link brought up.
"At that moment, I really didn't care how he would react," Fledge retorted. "You don't think he's going to beat me up when we get back there, do you?"
"I would be more surprised if he did. I think your words hurt him more than any of his punches. So I don't think he'll be messing with you for a while," Pipit suggested.
"But if he does, we'll be there," Karane proclaimed.
"Thank you, guys."
"I did not wish to interrupt but I must remind you all the true reason we came here," Fi spoke up.
"Right, sorry Fi." Link apologized to the spirit before she went back into the sword.
The quartet trek back to the Sealed Temple. The Old One had remained in her spot but Groose was nowhere to be found.
"Welcome back. I trust everything is alright?" The Old One greeted them.
"Yeah. Sorry about that," Link apologized.
"It seems like you all have some tension with that Groose boy."
"We...don't have a good history with him."
"I'm sorry for my behavior," Fledge apologized to the woman.
The Old One smiled warmly at the orange-clad student. "It is alright. It is clear that you had a high amount of pent up anger that needed to be released. Everyone has a breaking point at some point in their lives. It seems you desperately needed to let it out."
"I still shouldn't have acted acted that way."
"There is no shame to it. Frankly, from what I can tell that Groose needed to hear it. He went out front as soon as you all left. As I told Link before, sometimes, you need to be harsh to get others to understand. I would try not to worry about it to much."
Fledge gave a small smile to the woman.
"Anyways it is good to see you again, Link. And it is good to see you three well. It seems you went through a wardrobe change, Fledge. You look better suited than last time."
"Thank you," Fledge beamed.
"Now that all of you are here we must get back on track. Were you able to catch up with Zelda?"
"We met with her at the Gate of Time in Lanayru. We didn't talk long because Ghirahim showed up. Zelda and Impa went through the gate but Impa destroyed it after they traveled through it," Link explained.
"I see. It is good to hear that they both manage to get through safely."
"Do you know where they went?" Pipit asked.
"And is Zelda safe from Ghirahim?" Karane asked as well.
"Zelda is safe I assure you. Ghirahim cannot get to her. As to where they have gone, the two have traveled somewhere to accomplish the great task destiny has set before them. However, now that Impa had destroyed the gate that they used, there is only one way left to find them. You must make use of the harp Zelda has given you. Tell me, Link, have you attempted to play the harp that you received?"
"Not really…" Link answered.
"I've been holding onto it." Karane pulled out the harp.
"Very well. I shall teach you how to play it. Listen well and do as I say. Karane, please give Link the harp." The redhead placed the harp into Link's hands. "First lesson, strum the harp to the rhythm my braid moves."
Link spends several minutes doing what The Old One instructed him to do by strumming the harp at the same pace her large braid swayed. He perfected in a matter of minutes.
"Good. you learn fast," The Old One praised. "Now for your next lesson. Go to the center of the circle below the stairs. I will activate a pulsing of the light around the circle. Focus and play in time with the pulsing of the circle of light. When your timing is right, I shall join my voice with your harp."
Link went down to the circle pattern at the bottom of the stairs. A pulse of light soon emulated in the circle. He struggled to keep up with the timing the first few minutes but quickly move along with the pace of the light. Soon he was flawlessly playing on the harp as if he had played it many times before as the woman sang along. Pipit, Karane, and Fledge applauded him when he was done.
A blue glow appeared behind Link. A large black slab of stone emerges from the ground. The stone was covered with words of a language that the students were unfamiliar with.
"The harp that you hold is known as the Goddess's Harp." The Old One told. "It is a divine instrument of the goddess who once watched over this land."
"What?" Link gazed at the harp in shock.
"You mean that very harp was once held by Hylia?" Karane inquired.
"Indeed. The harp once belonged to Hylia herself. The melodies it brings to life have the power to produce a variety of strange and otherworldly effects. The great slab standing before you is known as a Gate of Time. It is the last of its kind in existence, the only portal binding our world to the one where Zelda now resides. If you manage to open the gate and pass through, you will likely end up in the same place as Zelda."
"That shouldn't be too hard," Pipit declared.
"It is not that simple I'm afraid," The Old One stated in a low tone. "You all must endure many hardships and place yourselves in great danger to awaken the gate from its dormant state."
"Put ourselves in great danger? Is that the only way?" Fledge question.
"I'm afraid so. But while your journey will put all of you in harm's way, you must endure, as it was fated to be-"
The earth suddenly started to shake violently. It was so abrupt that some of the students almost lost their balance. A roar echoed from the outside.
"What's going on?" Link frantically asked.
"This shaking...I fear the seal has been broken." The Old One shuddered. "I expected that it would react to your summoning the gate, but I never imagined the seal would break so quickly."
"Seal? What seal?" Karane asked.
"There will be time to explain later. Right now, you must hurry to the bottom of the pit outside, Link."
Link quickly ran out front, his friends were quick to follow. The shaking continued to go on outside, even harder than it did in the temple.
"Whoa! What's with all the shaking?" Groose, standing nearby, exclaimed. "The whole ground is heaving...I thought it was supposed to be solid down here!"
"Go quickly, Link! Check on the sealing spike at the center of the pit," The Old One shouted to him once she made it outside. "There is nothing natural about these tremors. That monster could free itself at any moment. Approach the pit with caution!"
Link quickly went straight down into the large spiral pit. His friends try to follow, but The Old One stopped them.
"You three cannot go down there!" The Old One commanded.
"Why not?!" Pipit gave a bewildered look to the old woman.
"This monster is not like the ones you've all faced before. This is something only Link can do."
"How is this monster any different?" Karane argued back.
They got their answer once Link made it to the bottom. The pillar in the center of the pit glowed with a dark aura. Just as soon Link got close the patterns surrounding the small spike glowed red. The dark magic covered the pattern. A monster, as large as The Goddess Statue, emerged from the ground. Its body was covered with large black scales and hideous large teeth. It peered down at Link, showing the pillar that was just on the ground moments before on the center of its forehead.
Link stood still trying not to show his fear as the monster let out a roar. This is the same monster that had plagued his dreams for the weeks leading up to The Wing Ceremony. Except this time was the real thing.
On the edge of the top of the spiral, the three students, plus Groose, looked down at the hideous monster. There were no words to describe the sheer terror they're all feeling right now.
"Farore, Nayru, Din, and Hylia…" Pipit covered his mouth in shock.
"What. Is. THAT?" Karane trembled at her words.
"It's-it huge! HUGE! And it has teeth!" Fledge panickily exclaimed.
Groose didn't say anything as he watched the monster with fear in his eyes.
"I knew it. The seal has given way," The Old One spoke as she walked next to the group. "I will explain later, but now is the time for action. We must keep that beast from escaping that pit! It must not reach the temple!"
"Just what is that thing?!" Karane asked the old woman.
"That is an abomination known as The Imprisoned. It is a force that will destroy everything if we let it escape."
"What happens if it does reach up here?" Pipit hesitantly asked.
"A great calamity will fall upon not only this land but everyone in the sky as well."
"You mean it can reach Skyloft?!" Fledge quavered.
"It will unless Link can drive the monster back."
Link stood still as he watch the monster stomp towards him.
"Give me something, Fi..."
"This is The Imprisoned. I have insufficient data on this monster. Its enormous size and ominous aura cannot be compared with previously encountered monsters. I can confirm that the sealing spike observed at the top of its head is the same object originally found in the Sealed Grounds. I hypothesize that damage can be inflicted by driving the stone pillar into the monster's head. There are two ways to do this. You can jump from above if you time it right. Or you can attack the beast's feet to stop it from moving. The monster will probably be unable to move if you destroy all of its toes. I recommend using the air vents to move ahead of the monster instead of chasing it from behind. If you are able to get between the monster's toes, my analysis indicates you can effectively inflict great damage with a Spin Attack."
"Let's do this."
Link ran straight towards the monster's feet. Sticking out from them were its large white toes. In no time Link sliced all its toes while trying not to get squashed. The Imprisoned fell on its back, letting out labored breaths. Link quickly ran to the head where the pillar was in his reach. He sliced his sword back into the creature's head. It moved onto its belly and slithered about several feet. It rose back to its feet and the pillar slowly pulled back out as the creature let out another roar. Link went to a nearby air vent to get the level above just to get ahead.
The Imprisoned was less than fifty feet away. Link could charge up and slice his toes but he decided to try the other options. He used another air vent to get to the path above the monster. Once the beast got close enough, Link leaped from the ledge and manage to land on top of the head. The Imprisoned attempted to shake him off but Link succeeded to strike the pillar back into its head.
The creature started shaking. Two arms grew from the creature's sides with the fingertips being the same as the toes. The pillar once again was pushed back up from its head. It roared even louder.
"Master," Fi called to him urgently. "I can confirm that the creature had grown limbs that function the same as arms. But the evil power of this creature has also increased. Analysis indicates that you should be able to use the same basic strategy. Its fingers can be destroyed the same as the toes, but I would not target them unless they become a top priority."
The Imprisoned started thrashing again, more violently this time. Link was doing everything he can to stay on. Then the monster started bashing its body against the walls of the pit. It let out a strong shockwave that those watching from above almost lost their footing and barely stayed on at least one of their feet. Groose on the other hand wasn't so lucky. The shockwave was strong enough to send him tumbling over the edge. The impact of landing on the ledge below sent him almost rolling off the path. He manages to grab ahold of the edge, leaving him dangling over.
"GROOSE!"
The sounds of his friend's horrified screams for Groose caught Link's attention. The Imprisoned used this opportunity of Link's distraction to jerk its body which sent Link flying back. Link landed hard on the ground enough to leave him dazed. With Link on the ground The Imprisoned started slithering its way around the pit.
Groose was still holding on the edge for dear life. Thankfully, his strong arms made it easy to maintain his grip. Finding his footing to climb was the real problem. From his viewpoint, he could see a fresh cut around his bicep which was now trailing blood. No doubt he received that when he fell. Groose finally manages to get the right support to help him pull himself up. He pulled his arms over the ledge when he heard heavy breathing. A large black scaly limb with white fingers crept on one side of him, and then another on the opposite side. Groose peered down to the one who controls these arms.
The Imprisoned stood right below him. It was so close that Groose could feel its putrid breath against his skin. Looking at it closer Groose could've sworn that it was...smiling at him. Groose didn't know why he just didn't continue climbing. Perhaps it was the fear of the monster that paralyzed him. The Imprisoned pulled itself upwards, opening its jaw, sucking in high amounts of air. So strong that Groose could not pull away. The air was pulling him in the direction of The Imprisoned's jaw. There was only one thing Groose could do at that moment.
Scream.
This was it, Groose thought to himself. This was the end of him. He screamed as he felt his hands release their grip from the edge. He would've been pulled right into the monster's mouth were not for a hard grip wrapping around his wrist. Looking up his eyes widen with shock as he saw none other than Fledge maintaining his hold despite the air the monster was sucking in. Groose didn't know if what Fledge was doing was shockingly brave, or downright foolish. Didn't Fledge knew that he could get pulled in as well?!
"I've got you! Just hang on!" Fledge shouted at him
The pulling of the air seize as it was replaced by The Imprisoned letting out a pain-filled screech. Taking this opportunity, Fledge helped pull Groose back to the safety of the solid ground. Turning to the side, Groose saw Pipit & Karane stabbing the thing's fingers with their swords. They barely left any marks on them yet they persisted.
"Wha-what are you guys doing?" Groose stuttered.
"What do you think? Saving you, idiot!" Pipit retorted.
"You're welcome, by the way!" Karane added.
"Y-your swords are barely piercing that thing's….fingers," Groose mentioned.
"We know...but we can at least buy time!" Pipit responded.
"For who?"
Running footsteps echoed through the air as a green blur went right by them. Letting out a shout, Link leaped from the ledge and straight onto The Imprisoned's head. He drove the pillar back into its head. The creature started howling as its body started to flash with white. It suddenly stood still as a statue for a few tensed filled seconds. A blinding white light engulfed the creature, shrinking it down before its black scales exploded into the air. They hovered in the air before flying back down at the center of the pit. The pillar came down hovering over its spot
"Now Link! Strike the sealing spike with a Skyward Strike and restore the seal! Quickly!" The Old One instructed him with great urgency.
Link ran towards the bottom of the pit. He activate his Skyward Strike, shooting its beam at the pillar which glowed. With a swift movement of his sword, Link placed the pillar back into this spot. The monster was now sealed away. Link dropped to his knees. The air was quiet save for the sounds of his heavy breaths.
"Link?"
The green-clad senior knight turns his head back to see his three friends with concerned expressions.
"Hey…" Link uttered. "You guys okay?"
"I think we should be asking you that," Pipit remarked.
"I'll be fine." Link stood to his feet.
"So is that thing…" Karane panted.
"Seems like it," Link swiftly replied. "That was nothing I've never seen before. I didn't think I could beat it."
"But you did it. All by yourself," Fledge said.
"Well...you guys did help out a little." Link look at them with a smile.
Groose lingered several feet away from the group. He reached out, about to speak until he was interrupted.
"Nice going, Link," The Old One praised as she strolls to them. "Though The Imprisoned had only just begun to awaken and break its bonds, I'm impressed you were able to restore the seal keeping it captive. And you three, despite my warning not to engage, you still went out your way to drive back the monster. I have to say, it is very commendable. Unfortunately, you have only succeeded in buying us a little more time in which to act."
"You mean we only temporarily sealed it?" Link guessed.
The Old One gently nodded her head. "The behemoth you beat back into confinement is a horror of unspeakable power. Judging by what I saw, I would not be surprised if the seal gave way again soon. So you are all left with precious little time to complete the task with which you have been entrusted. Come, let us all return to the Sealed Temple. There is much to discuss."
The four knight students followed The Old One as she made her way out of the pit. None of the students pass a glance at Groose, who watches with a dejected expression as they made their way. Back inside the Temple, The Old One stood in front of the Gate of Time with the four students behind her.
"As you can see, the gate is nothing more than a slab of cold stone for now. It is sleeping. Rousing it from its slumber would require great power. Yes, I believe a shot of holy light from your Skyward Strike might just do it."
"Okay, not a problem." Link almost drew his sword out but The Old One stopped him.
"Ah, sorry to disappoint you, boy, but for now your sword lacks the power necessary to awaken the gate. First, you and your sword must grow together."
"Grow together? How can they do that?" Pipit question while Karane and Fledge looked at the old woman.
"Faron Woods...Lanayru Desert...And Eldin Volcano...A sacred flame is hidden somewhere in each of these lands. Seek them out, and purify your sword in their heat. Only after your blade has been tempered by these three fires will it be fully imbued with the great power for which you search. Clues to finding the sacred flames have been woven into the lyrics of a song precious to your people, the Ballad of the Goddess. These clues are your best hope of finding your way to the flames. Return to Skyloft. Somewhere on your island is one whose knowledge of this old song will point you in the right direction."
"Ballad of the Goddess...That's the song Zelda played on the Wing Ceremony," Link remembered.
"But we can't get to her. We don't know anyone else who knows the song," Fledge pointed out.
"Actually...there is someone," Karane claimed. "When I played the role of the Goddess in last year's Wing Ceremony, Zelda helped me learn it, but it was Headmaster Gaepora who provided me with the lyrics. He might know."
"It's a good start. We head straight for him once we get back."
Footsteps echoed from behind the group. Groose stood with his arms crossed with an annoyed look. They all waited for him to make one of his snarky remarks or petty insults. Instead, he turned his back towards them.
"I hate even sayin' this but I guess you got it all figured out, Grannie," Groose spoke with a tone of hopelessness. "Me, well, there's nothing I can do to help Zelda. I'm...useless."
"Ah. You sell yourself short, my friend. You'll see in time that you have your role to play in all of this." The Old One said to Groose as he stormed back out front.
"Hey, guys…" Link echoed out. "With what just happened out there, well...If any of you want to back out of this, I won't blame you."
"Are you kidding? We're not backing out. If anything, we're more determined to help!" Pipit exclaimed.
"You really are?"
"You're not getting rid of us that easily." Karane bragged. "Maybe this isn't how all of...this didn't intend to be but it is what is now."
"I agree with her, Link," The Old One affirmed. "This may not have been the original plan, but the will of the Goddesses permitted your friends to help you on your journey. They all now play an important role in all this just as much as you do. Now you all must return to Skyloft. Trust in fate to guide your feet. Your mission depends on it...as does Zelda's fate."
Link gave a nod to the woman. The group proceeded through the side entrance. However, Link notices Fledge standing near the front of the temple.
"You guys wait near the statue. We'll catch up in a bit." Link told Pipit & Karane before walking over to Fledge. "You okay, Fledge?"
"We should see if Groose is okay."
"You sure about that?" Fledge nodded at his friend. "Alright. Let's check on him together."
Groose stood right outside of the doors, fuming at himself. Then he let out a frustrated yell.
"Awwww, c'mon! I couldn't do a thing! I'm totally useless!" Groose ran over to the outside walls of the temple, punching it as he leaned against it. "They were right...I'm just dead weight after all. What kinda use is that to anyone?"
"Groose?" The large teen turned his head back to Link and Fledge standing nearby.
"What do you both want? Come to gloat, have you?" Groose spat at them.
"We want to make sure you're okay. And your arm...it's bleeding," Fledge told.
"I'll be fine. Not like you care anyway. Just leave me alone."
"We also want to let you know that there's a Loftwing statue just outside the temple. Just touch it and it'll take you back to the sky," Link explained.
"I'm in no hurry to get back. Besides, it's like you said, Fledge, everyone on Skyloft hates me. Now leave me alone!"
Fledge lowered his head. Link placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and guided the student to the inside of the temple.
"Is he doing alright?" The Old One asked.
"He won't let us talk to him." Link let out a tired breath. "It doesn't feel right leaving him down here like this."
"I will keep an eye on him. Do not worry."
"Thank you."
Both Link and Fledge made their way out of the temple.
"You know, Link...I think there's more to Groose than I thought," Fledge said as they exited through the side entrance.
"What makes you say that?"
"You saw how he reacted to this place. He was filled with wonder, and not the kind of wonder he gets for bullying us. I've never seen that side from him before. And he seemed distraught about not being able to help Zelda."
"You know, Fledge...I think you're right."
"You do?"
"I know me and him never got along but there's something within me that tells me that there's more to Groose than what he shows. I want to believe that, but as long as he acts the way he is, nothing will get through to him."
"In their last moments, people show you who they really are." -The Joker
Here we have Groose joining in and the avacado-I mean The Imprisoned making their appearances, along with several other twists & turns happening. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and had a great & safe Thanksgiving.
Also I decided to combine both the first and second Imprisoned fight. I don't want to deal with that scaley bastard 3 times so he'll get one more appearance next time around.
Favs, Follows, and Reviews are appreciated!