Link landed in the Faron Woods, and let Fi magnetically draw itself to the place they needed to be at. Link pulled out the harp, and played Farore's Courage. When he did so, a flower-like marking appeared in the ground. Link touched it with his sword, and his surroundings changed. He found himself in an odd land.
*Master, this trial calls your mind alone. This is a Silent Realm, accessible only to a chosen hero. Farore's Silent Realm, Saria, tests the limits of your courage. Your spirit is separated from your physical body for the challenge. You must overcome this trial to find the sacred flame,* Fi's voice said. Link looked around Saria, feeling his mind come up with information.
To overcome Saria, you must fill your Spirit Vessel. To do this, collect Tears of Farore. Spend too much time without filling the vessel, and the Guardians will chase you. These Guardians are relentless in their pursuit, and avoiding them is nigh impossible. A single blow is sufficient to fail the trial. Collecting Tears of Farore frequently is highly recommended. Awakening the Guardians is also possible if you are detected by One Who Watches, or by bathing in the Waking Water. When the Spirit Vessel is filled, find Malon to depart.
Link nodded at his own subconscious knowledge, and wandered the trial. He whistled Malon's song, and only felt stubs come from his back. No wings, no items, no Fi. He grit his teeth, and started combing the area.
The task was surprisingly simple. He found the familiar form of Malon standing guard beside the Skyview Temple. He stroked her beak, and she coughed up something. Link spun around, and presented the Water Dragon's Scale, an item that allowed underwater exploration. He vanished, and felt himself appear back in Faron. He knew that, to find the flame, he would need to swim. He saw a pool, and decided to dive through the area. He found himself in the Great Tree. He soared upwards, and met a new Kikwi.
"Hello there!" Link called out.
"Who? I'm napping… oh, a human! The name's Yerbal. Now I'm just a Kikwi hermit… I watch the forest, you know, when I'm not napping. You can see me, however you came here, right?" the Kikwi said.
"I can see you, all right," Link said.
"Then slap yourself on the back! That's not something some Kikwis can do, you know?" Yerbal said.
"I'm looking for a sacred flame?" Link asked.
"Ah, that flame! …Can you keep a secret?" Yerbal asked.
"Yes…" Link said.
"All right. But it's a secret to everybody. You're looking for Farore's Flame. Back when the Goddess roamed the earth, she gave that flame to the Water Dragon of Faron Woods. That flame was said to be the Water Dragon's so that one day it could pass to 'one from the sky'… I guess that's you. You must seek the Water Dragon. Her lair is in the south... and be warned. The Water Dragon is very picky about manners. Try not to become dragon food," Yerbal said. Link nodded, and went to glide to the south.
Link soared high into the sky, before eventually dropping off and taking a high dive into Lake Floria, a large water source in the south of Faron Woods. He tucked away his wings, and shot like a barrel through a waterfall to an inside cavern. There, he met some Parella creatures, who slowly and silently guided him through the cave. Link was wary, and with good reason. There were Craniocs swarming about. Link pulled out his sword, and barrelled around through them, piercing their heads to shatter them. He eventually arrived at the Water Dragon's Chamber, and jumped onto the pedestal bearing the Water Dragon.
Ah! You there, human! You are an intruder, a sacred place few are permitted entry! she said.
"Um… let me think… I am the Crimson Glider, here on official saving-the-world business. Uh… I am looking for a sacred flame… please?" Link asked, trying his luck in wording his statement.
Those with manners call me Faron, Warden of the Woods. I was appointed by the goddess herself! Know you stand in the presence of a loyal servant of the goddess! Faron said indignantly.
"In a pot?" Link blurted out.
…That is beside the point! If you did not happen to bear proof that you might be the Angel that the goddess chose as her hero, I'd smite you down where you stand! Faron said.
"Angel?" Link asked.
The official name of a demon that resembles the goddess's race, but with wings. Surely someone who's been helping himself to the goddess's Information stores would know something as elementary as that! Faron said.
"Fine, go ahead. Mark me as a demon beast!" Link said, raising his voice. His wings started stretching out.
Well, how did you find me, if it wasn't the red-clad one who led you here? Faron asked.
"A Kikwi called Yerbal," Link said.
Him again? That's the last straw. Next I see him, he's my dinner! Now, about that Sacred Flame… Well, I'm not going to believe that some shrimp self-proclaimed demon is the goddess's chosen hero- Faron said.
"OK, now you've gone too far!" Link said, drawing his sword. Fi appeared beside him.
*Master, don't!* Fi urged, allowing the sword to become as heavy as lead.
Humph. If you want to gain my favour, you will need to pass my test. I was earlier attacked by your master, Ghirahim. I stood against him, but I was wounded in the encounter. I am forced to recuperate in this basin of sacred water. There isn't much healing in this water anymore, so I'm going to need another dose. Bring me another container of fresh sacred water. Do this, and I'll gladly show you where that sacred flame rests, Faron said.
*Master, you're not going to get a better offer than this,* Fi said urgently.
"…Fine," Link said, putting his wings away. His sword lightened, and drew in a certain direction. Fi had apparently begun her dowsing for the required water.
Now run along before I change my mind, Faron said.
"Gladly," Link said, spreading his wings and taking flight.
Link followed Fi's dowsing ability to the Skyview Temple. Unfortunately, Fi stopped dowsing when he entered, as the auras of the enemies interfered with her dowsing. Link travelled through the Skyview Temple once more, and entered the room where he duelled Ghirahim. He encountered three Stalfos, and spread his wings. He jumped around, and started weaving in and out of the Stalfos' attacking range, slicing them well. He could return to the Skyview Spring, and could continue dowsing. He found some sacred water, with a basin lying about.
*SCRLD301,* Fi said. With a whirr and a click, Scrapper made his appearance.
*You rang, Lady Fi?* Scrapper asked.
*Can you carry this basin to Lake Floria, a large water source to the south of this wooded area? A Water Dragon named Faron needs this supply of sacred water,* Fi said.
*This basin… filled with this water? Give me a challenge. Sir Shortpants, I will follow you to this lake place. Don't keep Lady Fi waiting! Chicks hate it when you make 'em wait!* Scrapper said. Link turned around, and summoned his wings. He rolled his eyes when he was sure Scrapper couldn't see, and started flying back towards Faron.
Link arrived in the Water Dragon's Chamber, and Scrapper followed.
*Where do you want this tub?* Scrapper asked.
That's the water I need. Pour it into my basin! Faron commanded.
*Sheesh, women these days…* Scrapper said, pouring the water in. The pot Faron resided in shook around, before launching out a massive dragon that sent Scrapper from the air.
Exquisite! That's more like it! Behold the full majesty of Faron, Water Dragon and guardian of these lands! By goddess, it's great to finally stand tall once more! Faron said.
*My zrrt pleasure, miss… Lady Fi, could you whirr bless me with a kiss to click restore my functions?* Scrapper asked.
Angel, you have done well to bring the sacred water I asked for. I see now that there is no coincidence you completed Saria and obtained the Scale of the Water Dragon. In turn, I will grant you the favour you asked for. I shall lead you to the sacred flame. Come, Faron said. Link's vision turned white, and he reappeared to a majestic waterfall with beautiful ceramics.
Behold… Faron said. She pressed her hands to the waterfall, and the cascading waters vanished.
The sacred flame you seek lies within this place. Monsters sadly flourish within this place, so be warned. The Information lies beside the entrance, so be sure to absorb it. Swatting monsters should be no trouble for you, chosen Angel. I imagine that we will meet again. Do not lower your guard in the meantime. Farewell… Faron said. Link nodded, and shot into the place.
Link entered the place Faron indicated, and touched the helpfully placed map Faron mentioned. This place was called the Ancient Cistern, and it was a place that made Link feel very serene. He sprouted his wings, and glided about. He was careful to avoid the Skulltulas. He spent a while searching the place, in both sea and sky, before finding a passage to a central tower. He dived into the pillar, and found a challenging figure: the Stalmaster. Stalmaster was armed with four arms, but he presented little more challenge than a Stalfos…before he drew four weapons. He was able to guard attacks from all four directions.
"Huh…" Link said. He thought a little, before thrusting directly through the square of weapons. The Stalmaster countered by adjusting his weapons, but Link was prepared. He jumped, and slashed the Stalmaster's helmet. It rolled into a small crevice, where the Stalmaster was unable to follow. He disintegrated, and reformed into a new item. It was a Whip. At the end of the Whip was a glowing sphere. He swung it, and it hit a small winch. He pulled it back, and the winch swung.
*Master, an analysis. The Whip appears to be able to pull items and surroundings towards you. It also appears that you should be able to swing over pits, which appears to be 99% useless. Aside from winches and similar objects, your wings might outclass the whip,* Fi said. Link shrugged philosophically, and pressed on.
Link came across a spring in the Ancient Cistern, and felt himself become dragged into a lower level of the Cistern. He walked about this area, and came across some Cursed Bokoblins. He blanched at the sight: the difference between these Bokoblins and normal ones was the absence of patches of flesh, making them appear as rotting corpses reanimated. Link started slashing away at them, and ran through the area in horror. He tripped over a small carving, which he scooped up. He eventually found a long rope, and began to climb it.
"They can't climb… they can't climb…" Link said. "…Wait a minute…" He jumped off the rope, and flew up the thread. The Cursed Bokoblin shook their fists angrily. Link flew back up to the top of the Cistern, back in the serene area. He found a jagged keyhole, and realised that he had the carving he needed.
"Wow… that was rather nightmarish…" Link said. He looked about, and spotted the place where the boss lurked. He entered the room.
"Ghirahim!" Link cried out. Sure enough, the red-cloaked Demon Lord himself sat atop a statue in the centre of the room.
*You certainly are persistent. I'm terribly busy trying to find the clues that will help me revive the demon king. Your incessant fluttering around my head like some irksome little peacock when I'm busy is… well, quite disagreeable,* Ghirahim said. He snapped his fingers, and vanished. A heartbeat sounded, and the golden statue ahead of him pulled together six massive arms. He summoned some weapons, and posed dramatically.
Ancient Cistern Boss… … …Ancient Automaton KOLOKTOS identified!
This ancient automaton defends the Ancient Cistern from intruders. Ghirahim hijacked its power and controls, giving it more power than usual. The red cores provide limited stability, enough to prevent falling to pieces. The removal of these red cores appears to allow loss of integrity. The cores are conventionally hidden beneath forearm plating. When the arms are stretched to full length, the cores will be available. Withdrawal possible with the whip. With the arms lowered, attacking the chest core is possible. There is no way to withdraw the chest with the whip.
Koloktos swung his arms, and Link easily whipped out these arms. He pulled out the four arms, and began to hack and slash at the core. Koloktos smirked, and pulled his arms back to his sides. He pushed down on the ground, and summoned some legs, swords, and a protective grating. Luckily, his arms could still be withdrawn. Link scooped up one of Koloktos's massive blades, and swung it repeatedly at the automaton. The grating, legs, and the arms were all defenceless against this massive blade. Koloktos grinned, before exploding into fragments. Link walked through the door behind Koloktos.
In this chamber, Link found another altar to Skyward Strike. He did so, and the symbol of Faron lit up. A green flame burst into light. Fi appeared beside Link, and dived into the green flame. Link raised the sword, and she shot, along with a lot of green flame, into the blade. Link spun around, and presented the new blade.
The Goddess Longsword: this blade deals twice as much damage as before, and also has longer reach!
Link sheathed his sword, and saw a pattern appear on the back of his right hand. He clenched his fist, grateful he had not lost his normal power. He turned, and started his flight back to the Isle of Songs.
Link soared through the sky, and went back to the Isle of Songs. He knew what to do: he performed a Skyward Strike, and summoned the Goddess Statue.
*Master, a new message. He who seeks the sacred flames, listen well, for I am the one guiding you from my place at the edge of time. Two sacred flames remain. Should you desire to possess them, you must obtain the other sacred gifts. For each trial you overcome, you shall be blessed with another gift. Harness the power of these gifts, and let there be no doubt you shall find yourself standing before the majesty of the sacred flames. Now, I give you another melody. It will serve as a key to unlocking your next trial, which awaits you within the shifting sands of Lanayru Desert,* Fi said. Link pulled out his Goddess Harp, and started to play. This tune was more of a serene piece than the last one, though it still sent his foot tapping gently.
*This is the song Nayru's Wisdom. This knowledge shall aid you in searching for the next trial,* Fi said.
"Well, let's go!" Link said. He sprouted his wings, and flew to the next area.
Link dived back to the Lanayru Desert, and found the next trial. He pulled out his harp, and played Nayru's Wisdom. The flower symbol appeared on the ground, and Link transferred his spirit to the Silent Realm. He whistled. His wings were very small, and wouldn't allow him to fly. But they were larger than last time. He looked around this Silent Realm, which the voice in his head called Nabooru. He ran around the desert, filling his Spirit Vessel with the Tears of Nayru. He could rather easily collect these, activating the Guardians only once, at a harrowing point involving Those Who Watched and a narrow ledge. But he could give the filled Spirit Vessel to Malon, who spat out a reward. He spun around, and presented his Clawshots. He left Nabooru, and returned to exploration.
Using his Clawshots as a guide to where he ought to head, he entered the Lanayru Caves. There, he saw a Goron ahead of him, mining at a wall.
"Hi, Gorko!" Link called out.
"Gorko? My name is Golo!" the Goron said, turning about.
"Sorry… you look a lot like Gorko, though," Link said.
"Eh, I never get visitors anyway. I'm Golo, and my field of research is in the legend of the three dragons, one of which is said to live here. Nothing here at first glance, yes, but I will keep on looking and find that dragon!" Golo said. "So, what's your name?"
"Link," Link said simply.
"Odd name, I suppose… So why might you be here?" Golo asked.
"I am in search of a sacred flame," Link said.
"Something I've heard of… or maybe not… oh, that's right! I heard of that when reading about the Lanayru Sand Sea. I don't remember the details, but if you go on through here, you'll reach the Sand Sea. Just go that way, and good luck!" Golo said.
"And you too!" Link said. He jumped up, and went through to the Sand Sea.
The Lanayru Sand Sea was a vast area of sand. It appeared that, at one point, it was a vast ocean, but now, water was at a premium at best. Link started to fly about, and saw a particularly unique Ancient Robot beside some Chronolite. Link knew what to do. He slashed the Chronolite, and the surrounding desert turned to water. The Ancient Robot looked up.
*Who are you?* it asked.
"I am Link. You?" Link responded.
*Bzzrt… I am the skipper of this ship that protects Nayru's Flame! Well… I was. We were beset by pirates… my crew was imprisoned, and I was thrown into the sea. I was lucky to reach this port… but I have yet to find my crew,* the Ancient Robot said.
"Sounds horrible," Link said, thinking of Zelda.
*It haunts me, wondering where my ship could be. I'd bet my hat the ship is invisible,* the skipper said.
"Invisible?" Link asked.
*Invisibility was a function added to protect Nayru's Flame, vweep,* the skipper said.
"Listen… if we work together to retrieve your ship and get back Nayru's Flame, will you allow me to make use of it? I need to it find someone important," Link suggested.
*Sounds reasonable. Hop on board my boat here, and we'll search!* the skipper said. *I've got a sea chart here…*
Link and the Skipper boarded the Skipper's boat. With the Chronolite lodged into the ship, the desert sand turned to water as the Skipper sailed the ship. Link simply sat, breathing in the sea air. It was much different to the sky air he was used to, but different in a good way.
*Like it? This is what I live for!* the Skipper said.
"Yeah… I'm used to flying through the sky, but the sea has its own charm," Link said. Skipper pulled up his map again, and Link took it from his hands. He saw his location in his mind's eye, and started to guide Skipper away from natural barriers, and in the direction of the Shipyard, their best bet for finding Skipper's ship. Once they arrived, Link entered the Shipyard to find clues to the location of the Skipper's ship. He entered the construction bay, and used his Gust Bellows to search underneath the sands that had built up over time.
Shipyard Boss… … … Thousand-Year Arachnid MOLDARACH identified!
An Aracha that has survived a lengthy larval stage. Over 90% of its body is shielded by an armour-like exoskeleton that sends even the sharpest blade plinking off. Its weak points are overdeveloped pincers, if struck at the correct angle. When in danger, it buries itself under the sand. Blow away the sand to reveal its position. When its pincers are removed, its central eye will be exposed, leaving it in a fatal position. However, striking that central eye with horizontal, vertical and diagonal slashes will be ineffective…
An ambush though it was, Link's knowledge of what he encountered was in tip-top shape. Moldarach opened its pincers, and Link sliced at the claws, slicing them off. Moldarach swung its tail, which Link dodged. Moldarach dived under the sand, and Link used the Gust Bellows to pull it out. Link stabbed directly into Moldarach's eye, sending it reeling. It seemed too easy, but sure enough, it had exploded like a boss normally would. Link estimated that Moldarach was intended as an enemy when he had not gathered as much experience as he had.
*Master, the fact that monsters have made their nest here limits the potential for clues. We'd best search elsewhere…* Fi said.
"Now you tell me…" Link said.
"Nothing to do here…" Link said.
*Really? Then there's nothing else to it… but if we want my ship, attacking the pirates will be our only option. They are mechanical beasts… well, tighten whatever human have instead of bolts. We're going in!* the Skipper said triumphantly. Link and the Skipper boarded the boat, and travelled to the Pirate's Stronghold in the north-west.
*Link, the pirates ought to be withered by time. I am aware my Chronolite restores my power… but what of the others?* the Skipper said. Link nodded, and entered the Pirate's Stronghold. He looked about, and explored the Pirate's Stronghold. He found some Chronolite contained within an orb that was easy to carry. He did so, using his ability to change between the present and the past to his advantage, and opened the door to the Stronghold. Some masts came from the sand, and Link ran to inspect them.
*Master, these masts appear to belong to the ship guarding Nayru's Flame,* Fi said. *I can now dowse for them.*
"Skipper, we can find your ship!" Link said.
*Good… Link, I will steer, and follow you,* the Skipper said.
Using a highly convoluted method, Link could dowse for the ship. Skipper steered Link in the direction his sword pointed, and fired his cannons at his own ship. The ship shuddered, and stopped.
*There… now, you can board,* the Skipper said.
"Thank you, Skipper…" Link said. He pushed down on Skipper's boat, and sprouted his wings. He shot into the air, and landed on board the Sandship. He felt the knowledge of boats filling up as he touched the planks.
*You can fly?* Skipper asked.
"Yeah. Don't mind it, though. You're welcome for the help!" Link said. He set his footing, and walked through the bilge of the ship. His search led him through quite a bit of the ship, and found himself on the poop deck, or at least a high one. He was standing on a gangplank, and on the furthest point opposite him was a figure. The mechanical shape turned, and whirred towards him. Link put pressure on this fellow, Scervo. Scervo stabbed with an electric sword, sending Link backward, and he seized up. Link shook himself, and knocked Scervo from the ship. He shattered on the sand, and Link noticed something that Scervo dropped. He spun around, and presented the Bow.
*Master, that bow is much more powerful than the slingshot. In addition, switches that are marked with an eye are now able to be struck,* Fi said. Link nodded, and ran back to the deck. He jumped down, struck such a switch on the mast, summoning some Chronolite on the crow's nest. Link struck it with his bow, sending the Sandship back to the past.
*Well done, glider! Now, make it to the brig, and return my crew!* Skipper called out. Link gave a salute, and went back below deck.
Link found the brig, and Skipper's crew. With a well-placed sword strike, Link could disable the electric barrier that kept the crew captive.
*My circuits are glowing with happiness!* one of the robots said.
"Thanks. Where's Nayru's Flame?" Link asked.
*If you want it, we're going to need to regain control of this ship, phoo-weep!* another Ancient Robot said. The crew filed their way through the prison, and made their way to Skipper's boat. Link headed back to the deck, and made his way to the place he saw earlier: a door with a squid-like carving beside it. He inserted the carving into the skull-shaped lock, and entered the boss chamber. Immediately, he felt the ship begin to quiver and shake, as if a monster was attacking. Link glided up the ship, dodging barrels, tentacles and the rising water. He went above ship, and saw that it was in ruins. It was really an arena to fight something. A massive, tentacle something.
Sandship Boss… … …Abyssal Leviathan TENTALUS identified!
The tyrant of the ancient seas. Its tentacles can be repelled, but only briefly. Repelling a number of them should reveal the beast itself. Using the Skyward Strike appears to be the best method of repellent. The eye is the weak point, though a Skyward Strike will not suffice: using the bow appears more effective. The large number of tentacles means attacking multiples at once, if possible, is optimal.
Tentalus roared, and its many tentacles ravaged the ship. Link Skyward Struck four of the nearest tentacles, causing Tentalus to roar, opening its eye. Link shot it with an arrow, and Tentalus roared, flailing about. It fell to the ship, and Link struck Tentalus's eyes with his sword. A tentacle appeared from behind him, and grabbed him. Link shook out of Tentalus's grip, and started flying. Link shot an arrow at Tentalus, and stabbed him repeatedly. Tentalus writhed, and decreased the amount of available field. Link grinned. Tentalus leaned down, and the tentacles on his head turned into snakes. Link slashed at these tentacles, and stabbed away at Tentalus's eye again, causing Tentalus to explode and return to the depths. On this last part of the ship, the crest for the flame appeared underneath the symbol of Lanayru. Link performed a Skyward Strike, and summoned Nayru's Flame.
Nayru's Flame shone a brilliant blue hue. Fi appeared from Link's sword, and dived into the flames. Link held up his blade for Fi, and allowed her to pelt the sword with Nayru's Flame. He spun around, and presented the new sword.
The Goddess White Sword: this blade allows Fi to dowse for minor items that might come in handy along your quest!
Link checked his right fist, and noticed that another triangle had appeared on the back of his hand. He jumped back into the air, waving a goodbye to Skipper. He travelled in the direction of the Isle of Songs.