Link soared up into the sky, performed a large loop, and soared back down to the Sealed Grounds. He heard a loud yell behind him, and turned around. Groose had leaped down towards Link, and Link yelped. He hurriedly put away his wings, forgetting he was airborne. Groose grabbed Link, and the two fell together. Link hurriedly pulled out Zelda's Sailcloth, and slowed their fall.
"Rough landing…" Groose said, rubbing his face. "So, what happened to that Crimson Loftwing of yours?"
"I'd rather not talk about it!" Link said, folding his arms. However, his temper at what had transpired revealed his secret for him. His wings, Malon's wings, extended out in a magnificent display of plumage.
"No way… you can fly?" Groose asked, in awe. A few birds flew down, and landed on both Link and Groose.
"WHOA! They're like little baby Loftwings! What are they… WHERE ARE WE?" Groose asked, finally drinking in his surroundings.
"And what is that?" he added, spotting a familiar face.
"Gorko! What are you doing here so quickly?" Link asked. Gorko appeared to not hear him, and moved on. Link shrugged, and turned to Groose.
"You know how Zelda and I haven't been around Skyloft a whole lot? Well, welcome to the surface! It's a land with different sights… and a whole lot of dangers. Zelda and I apparently have roles to play in a great event, and it is my duty as the Crimson Glider to fulfil that role," Link explained.
"But… whoa… this place… too much!" Groose said.
"You're telling me. I only know so much because I'm apparently getting sudden updates to my knowledge. It's probably best if you remain in one area, so don't stray too far until I've developed a solution. And before you ask, Zelda isn't able to come here. I don't even know where she is…" Link started to explain.
*Master, this Skyloftian is undoubtedly confused… there is a 75% chance that I can provide him with some Information, tapping into your knowledge…* Fi said.
"Go nuts," Link said. Fi shot out a beam of light, which hit Groose in the forehead. Groose blinked a few times, before looking around.
"I don't know what you did… but I'm starting to understand…" Groose said. Link smiled.
"That's good news. Now, I need to see someone," Link said. "If you want to come, you're welcome. If not, you're welcome to take a seat and organise all of this new input. I'll try not to forget you on my way back to the sky, but forgive me if I'm in too much of a rush."
"I'll come with you. It's pretty great down here, and I'd like to know more. And if you're looking for Zelda, that's a quest I'm willing to take over," Groose said.
"If you're looking to be her girlfriend, I doubt she'll be interested. I've seen her, and she'd be clinging from me if she was allowed," Link stated, and began walking towards the Sealed Temple. Groose ran straight past him.
Link arrived in the Sealed Temple, to catch the tail end of a conversation between Groose and the old lady who sits. Groose was apparently trying to be the one to save the day, and the lady was assuring him only Link was up to task. It wasn't going over well. Groose eventually ran from the room in anger, leaving Link to talk to the old woman.
"He is impossible… were you able to catch up with Zelda?" the old woman asked.
"Yes. She was at the Temple of Time, but disappeared into a giant cog with Impa," Link said. "You do know what these proper nouns refer to, right?"
"Yes indeed. You will find there is precious little I do not know. So you saw Impa. She was sent forth by the goddess to act as Zelda's seeing eye in her quest, as well as a few other eyes. The two have travelled in order to accomplish the great task destiny has set before them. Since Impa destroyed the gate they used, there's only one way left to follow. You must use that harp," the old woman said. Link spun around, and presented the harp.
"This one?" Link asked, holding his pose.
"Yes… though have you played it?" the woman asked.
"Nope. Haven't had the time or the opportunity," Link said.
"Very well… but do you know how to play?" the woman asked. Link pulled out the harp, and softly strummed the harp. The old woman nodded, and hummed a short tune. Link felt his hand suddenly begin playing the song, a brilliant tune that he enjoyed playing. The pattern in which he strummed the notes became etched into his mind.
"That is the Goddess's Harp. It is a divine instrument of the goddess who watched over this land long ago. The melodies that it can manipulate have the power to produce a variety of otherworldly effects. That slab over there is a Gate of Time. The last of its kind… the only portal that binds our world to the one with Zelda. If you can open it, you will likely find yourself where Zelda is. But to power it, you'll need to endure many hardships…" the old woman explained.
"Name the task," Link said. Before the old woman could speak, a rumble sounded, and the temple shook.
"That seal has shattered. I had hoped it wouldn't break so quickly to what has occurred here… I'll explain what has transpired here later. Right now, you must go outside, to the pit," the old woman said. Link turned, and shot through the ajar door like a bullet. He hovered over the pit, ignorant to the presence of the old woman and Groose behind him.
"The ground is heaving… wasn't it supposed to be solid down here?" Groose asked.
"The sealing spike!" the old woman called. Link didn't hear her.
"THE SEALING SPIKE!" Groose echoed, louder.
"Got it!" Link said, and dived down the pit. He saw the stone he saw earlier shine with a black light. A large, scaly beast burst from the ground. It was all mouth, with two burly legs with massive toes holding it up. The stone was imprinted in its forehead, and its aforementioned mouth was filled to the brim with teeth.
The Imprisoned!
This beast is vastly different from all other monsters encountered thus far… the sealing spike must be its weakness. Damage might be inflicted by attacking that. Attacking the beast's massive toes will immobilise it.
"THE SEAL HAS SHATTERED! KEEP THE BEAST AWAY FROM THE TEMPLE!" Groose shouted. Link assumed that this was relayed information.
"GOT IT!" Link called back. He dived around the Imprisoned's feet, slashing its toes. When the Imprisoned keeled backwards, Link pulled an impressive circular loop, and slashed at the Imprisoned's head repeatedly. The spike was driven into the Imprisoned's head. The Imprisoned got up, and onto its belly, beginning to slither up the pit. Link glided backwards, and hopped onto the Imprisoned's back. The sealing spike was shot out of his head, and Link jumped onto his head. He slashed the spike again, and it dived deeper into the Imprisoned's head. The Imprisoned writhed in agony, before exploding into a mess of scales. The scales returned to the starting point, where Link delivered a Skyward Strike, sealing the beast once more. Groose and the old woman wandered down to see Link.
"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. Unfortunately, time has only been bought… this won't hold forever…" the old woman said.
"Dang," Link said.
"Link… your wings. I would like an explanation," Groose said.
"So would I. But for now, know that some demonic act tied me to my Loftwing, giving me the body of a demon," Link said.
"...That's a bit harsh. You can fly! Doesn't every little boy want to soar the skies?" Groose asked.
"…I'm not one of you anymore. I'm something else…" Link said. The old woman looked down for a moment.
"The behemoth you beat back is a horror of unspeakable power. The seal could give way soon… You have little time to complete your task. We shall return to the Sealed Temple," the old woman said finally, before turning around to return. Link took pity on her, and flew her back up.
Link and the old woman returned to the Sealed Temple, where the Gate of Time sat.
"As you can see, this gate is just a slab of cold stone now. Rousing it would require great power," the old woman said.
"A Skyward Strike?" Link asked.
"Not at the moment. Your sword lacks power. You and your sword must grow before the holy light of a Skyward Strike is sufficient. Travel to Faron, Eldin and Lanayru. There is a sacred flame in these lands, which can purify your sword with their heat. Only when you have tempered your blade in these fires will it have the power to open this door…" the old woman said. Link nodded.
"Listen to the Ballad of the Goddess closely. The clues within its lyrics are your best hope of finding the flames. Look for someone in Skyloft who knows this song," the old woman said.
"Gaepora," Link said.
"Well done, Grannie. I hate saying this, but this is well done, what you have figured out," Groose said from behind the two. Link gave a moment to ponder.
"Is there anything Groose can do to help Zelda?" Link asked.
"There is a role in which he will play in time…" the old woman said. She looked to Groose, and then past it at the Imprisoned's pit.
"I have a practical idea… will you… Groose… remain here in the Sealed Grounds?" the old woman asked.
"What for?" Groose asked.
"I have here a special whistle. It works with frequencies that birds are particularly sensitive to. By blowing into it, you can alert Link if the Imprisoned needs another seal. I suspect the Imprisoned will work harder in future, so figuring out a way to counter him would also be advised," the old woman explained, holding out a whistle. Groose blew into it, and Link felt his wings grow out. He also heard a tune that seemed to inspire a sense of urgency.
"It works, all right," Link said, rubbing his ears.
"I will make you proud, Grannie! And Link! Try not to get your nose stuck in a book, for the Imprisoned might come at any time!" Groose said, doing a jig, and holding the whistle skyward.
"Groose… it's spin around and present it, like so," Link said, spinning around, and presenting the Beetle.
"No way. I have my own way of getting free stuff!" Groose said.
"Link… don't bother. You must go. Your mission, and Zelda's fate, are in the balance," the old woman said. Link nodded, and shot into the sky.
"And if Hylia is my witness, I will make sure Groose only uses that whistle when the Imprisoned arrives," the old woman muttered under her breath.
Link shot through the sky, and landed back in Skyloft. He breathed in the fresh air. His cowardice had kept him from this place, but feeling that fresh sky air was enough to convince him of his error. He went into the Knight Academy, and entered Gaepora's room.
"Hey, Gaepora," Link said.
"Link! Thank the goddess you made it back. Are you in need of information?" Gaepora asked.
"Yes. Zelda and I are in some dire straits right now… the situation on the surface isn't going too well. I need to know the lyrics to the Ballad of the Goddess," Link said.
"OK… but I warn you, I can't sing," Gaepora said.
"Then don't," Link said. Gaepora nodded.
"Oh youth, guided by the servant of the goddess… unite earth and sky, and bring light to the land. Oh youth, show the two whirling sails the way to the Light Tower… and before you, a path shall open, and a heavenly song you shall hear," Gaepora said.
"Light Tower?" Link asked.
"Real place, in the plaza. It's the whirling sails that get me…" Gaepora said.
"OK… solve that puzzle. Thanks," Link said, bowing. Gaepora smiled, and watched as Link left the room.
Link left the room, and shot into the sky. He saw two windmills, which seemed the best bet. He pulled out his Gust Bellows, and swung one of the windmills to face the Light Tower. As he flew to the other one, though, he noticed a problem… the spinning mechanism was gone. And there was a large note saying that it had vanished under the clouds. Link sat at the windmill, before remembering an old tale.
"Hey, Gondo! Remember that story about the old robot your family once had?" Link asked, finding himself in Skyloft's Bazaar not long later.
"Ah, Link! So it's that story you want to hear, eh? It's not to make fun of me, right?" Gondo, the junk repair man, responded.
"No…" Link said, looking at the old thing Gondo waved at whenever he told his story. As he suspected, it was an LD-301 unit. "I want to know if you can fix it. If it can be put back to work retrieving objects from the clouds."
*Master, could you not carry the objects yourself?* Fi came out to ask.
"I don't know who this odd girl is, but I will say this: even if you could fly, hauling stuff around would not be too kind, especially with what you already have there… you'll need this thing if you want to consider lugging. Old Scrapper is good for the job, sure… but I can't fix him. I'm going to need this 'Ancient Flower'…" Gondo said.
"Suspected as much. Lucky I found one," Link said, pulling out his Ancient Flower. "I was going to give it to Zelda, but I think bringing back Scrapper and proving you were right about him is the better thing to do, even if I could get away without using him," Link said.
"Thank you for your kindness, Link!" Gondo said, so giddy that small crystals fell from him and onto the floor. He took the Ancient Flower, and grabbed Scrapper. He bent down, and fixed Scrapper the LD-301.
*Thank you! I've got a full tank of energy and I'm raring to go!* Scrapper said, rubbing his finger and his thumb together in what looked like a finger snap, and closing one pupil.
"Great!" Link said.
*Huh… Who the heck are you, shorty?* Scrapper asked.
"Wow… it talked! I fixed him all right!" Gondo cheered. "This kid gave me what I needed to fix you. Say thank you."
*Him, my man? Well… I guess it's thanks, then, vrrt. Don't expect me to say that again, Sir Shortpants,* Scrapper said.
"That's no way to talk to the man who just saved your life!" Gondo said. "And besides, this kid wants to return you to work, so help him!"
*Even if he did restore my operations, there is no way in a forest fire I'm helping this kid!* Scrapper said. *I don't serve little kids still in diapers!*
*Master Link…* Fi said, appearing from Link's sword again.
*…WHOA! Program overload in aisle seven! Who's this pretty lady?* Scrapper asked, closing one pupil again.
*The name is Fi, little robot,* Fi stated.
*Fi? What a beautiful name for a beautiful lady! You in need of anything, gorgeous?* Scrapper asked.
*…If you must address me, call me Lady Fi. But, as it so happens, yes, I do need your aid, robot,* Fi said.
*My lady Fi, if you needed me to haul the earth across the galaxy, I would do it in a heartbeat! Your every wish is my command!* Scrapper said. Fi stared blankly for a few moments.
*Master, through an odd sequence of chain-of-commands, we appear to have procured the services of a robot who can carry objects from the surface to the sky,* Fi said. Link reached out for him.
*Oh no you don't touch this bod, kid!* Scrapper said. Gondo sighed. He liked seeing Link do his trademark dance on receiving an item. Fi returned to the sword.
*Oh… Lady Fi is with you, Sir Shortpants? Very well. Tell Lady Fi that if she wants me to carry something, all she needs to do is think the code SCRLD301. Should be easy for someone like you to remember,* Scrapper said. Link turned to Gondo.
"I've seen some weird stuff where I've been… but this is the weirdest thing yet!" Link said.
"Same," Gondo said. "I'm going to the Lumpy Pumpkin."
Link returned to the windmill, and held Fi over the cliff. Fi was drawn towards one direction, latching onto the direction of the propeller.
*SCRLD301,* Fi said. Scrapper appeared, and looked at the sword.
"Um, Lady Fi is pointing to a propeller for you to pick up," Link said. Scrapper zoomed down, and shot back up with a propeller in one hand. He winked.
*So, where's the lady?* Scrapper asked.
"She is the sword," Link said. Scrapper gave somewhat of a shrug, and flew back to his resting point. Link picked up the propeller, which was indeed hefty. He placed it where it should be, and used the Gust Bellows to point it at the Light Tower. Something rose from the tower's tip, and Link flew over to it. Link played the Goddess's Harp for a mirror, activating a crest. Light shone around the tower.
"What's happening?" Link asked in anticipation. A beam of light shot at some clouds in the distance. Link jumped, and started soaring towards that beam, dodging tornadoes with ease. Link found himself in the Thunderhead, and shot to a new island, where the light was striking.
*The Isle of Songs…* Fi said. Link walked towards the tower where the light struck. He found another altar to Skyward Strike, and did so. Another Goddess Statue appeared by the altar.
*Master, an important message. He who seeks the sacred flames, listen well, for I guide you from my place at the edge of time. The sacred flames are three in number. To obtain them, you must also earn relics known as the three sacred gifts. For each trial you overcome, you shall be blessed with one of the gifts. Make use of the power of these gifts, and you will find your way to the purifying sacred flames. Now, I bestow unto you a melody. It will serve you as a key, opening the first trial that awaits you deep in the wilds of Faron Woods,* Fi said. Link suddenly felt himself strum a catchy beat that was very reminiscent of forests. The tune etched into his mind.
*That song is called Farore's Courage. Its rousing melody will guide you,* Fi said.
"Now to find where to play it. Can you dowse for it?" Link asked.
*Can birds fly?* Fi responded. Link shot into the sky, and began flying back to Faron.