Chapter 7: A Daring Rescue
The flight back to Skyloft went smoothly. Like last time everyone landed back at the Goddess Statue. This time everyone entered the secret chamber. Like Fledge was before, Pipit & Karane were amazed by the room where Link met Fi.
Link placed the amber tablet, which filled up all the space left on the altar. The chamber shook, catching Pipit & Karane by surprise, while Link & Fledge remained calm. A loud ding followed before Fi appeared.
"A report, Masters. I've confirmed the location of a third opening in the cloud barrier in the sky southwest. It will allow you to reach a new area on the surface. I suggest going there as soon as you are suitably prepared."
Once Fi is gone, everyone exits back outside. They could see a yellow light column on the right of their vision once they reached the outer portion of the statue.
"So, are we going to talk about the Loftwing in the room?" Karane spoke up.
"What Loftwing?" Pipit followed.
"I think she's talking about the woman that was with Zelda," Link clarified.
"We don't know her intentions for Zelda. How do we even know she's on our side?" Karane pondered.
"She did seem adamant that Zelda be protected at all costs. Something that we failed to do, according to her." Pipit mentioned.
"Well, we're not going to fail Zelda again...Right, Link?"
"We are going to do better. I now see how serious this whole thing is. I thought about it on my way over here. I think a good start would be for us to leave early tomorrow morning."
"You want to try that early? You think you can do it?" Pipit wondered, knowing Link's terrible sleep habits.
"If it means keeping Zelda safe, " Link answered. "I just need to fall asleep early somehow."
"Luv & Bertie may have a potion like that. You should check them out," Karane advised.
"I will. Still, I wonder who that woman could be."
"I think I might have an idea." All eyes turned to Fledge. "It might be a bit far-fetched and maybe stupid."
"I think any idea is better than none," Link said.
"Well...I noticed the woman is dressed similarly to The Old One at the Sealed Grounds. They also had that single braid dangling on the side of their head. And they also had the same tear tattoo on their left side. Maybe they're related somehow?"
"That's a pretty solid theory." Link hummed for a moment. Suddenly he made his way down the stairs.
"Where are you going?" Karane called out to him.
"I'm going to the Sealed Grounds. The Old One may know something about the woman and Lanayru Desert.
"Want us to come with you?" Pipit offered.
"I can handle this myself. You guys should rest up."
"Alright. Be careful."
Link dashed down the stairs, leaving his three friends alone.
"What do you guys want to do now?" Karane asked her friends.
"I'm going back to my house to rest. And answer the many questions Mom no doubt has," Pipit answered.
"I'm going to stick around the academy and rest up. I try to find anything about this Gate of Time or Lanayru Desert. What about you, Fledge?"
"I think I'm going to wander around, clear my head and all."
"Okay. If you need us, you know where we are."
With that, the group disperses. Fledge decided to walk over to the plaza. It's where he often likes to go to simply relax and think. It's a pastime he had done since he was a small child when his mother let him tag along, even after she passed away when he was young. Aside from his blue scarf, it was the one thing he had to keep her memory alive.
People that passed by gave him strange looks, some of which were whispering to themselves. It took Fledge a moment to realize they were probably talking about his uniform. Never in Skyloft's history had a student at the Knight Academy who didn't graduate to the next class wear a uniform, so Fledge does understand why people may appear confused.
Of course, that didn't stop certain...comments he heard from one pair.
"Who's that knight? I don't think I've seen him before."
"I think that's Fledge."
"Fledge? Isn't he that wimpy student from the Knight Academy?"
"Keep it down! You want him to hear you?"
"What's he going to do? That kid is scared of his own shadow. Honestly, I'm surprised he's training to become a knight. Wonder why they let him wear that uniform."
"You may be right, but that doesn't mean you must say it aloud. It's just rude!"
"Don't tell me you're not wondering why he's even wearing that uniform."
"Maybe it has to do something with those weird light pillars showing up?"
"Isn't that something that a real knight should handle? Not a shrimpy kid who's way out of his head. People like him don't make it far."
Fledge increased his walking speed, blocking out whatever those people had to say next. It was a factor he had grown accustomed to over the years. People talk about how he wouldn't make it as a Skyknight or the process would be too much for his lack of physical strength. It's not that Fledge didn't try to improve it. He had made attempts but always gave up because of the tiring process. Fledge never had enough stamina for it.
There were days when the comments would be too much for him, and he considered quitting knight training altogether. Then he would think of his late mom, who always encouraged him to never give up. And his friends, Link and especially Zelda, always talked him out of it. They all encourage him to keep on trying no matter what.
A large object bumped into Fledge. A man in his mid-twenties stood in place. "Sorry, sir. I wasn't paying attention-" Fledge attempted to apologize.
"Fledge? That you?" Getting a better look at the person, Fledge recognizes him as Orielle's older brother and Skyloft's resident Loftwing doctor, Parrow. "Haven't seen you in a while. How've you been?"
"Busy with...stuff."
"Judging by that uniform, it must be important stuff. Weird, I thought Orielle said that Link won the ceremony."
"He did! I wasn't able to participate."
"Right! Now I remember Orielle mentioning it. Sorry to hear that. Still, that doesn't answer my question about the uniform. Did you get promoted some other way?"
"No...I'm doing some special knight training. I can't say anything else.
"Special knight training, eh? It must be really special if you're wearing those clothes. Anyways since you're here, have you seen Orielle today?"
"I haven't. Why?" Fledge looked at the man with concern.
"A short while ago, Orielle went out for a quick flight but hasn't come home yet. I know she has a habit of losing track of time, and I'm still waiting for her to return because I don't want to seem like an overbearing older brother again. But it's getting late, and I saw storm clouds forming on the horizon.
"Did she say where she was going?"
Parrow turned in the direction where the yellow light was now pouring out. "She said she was curious about that colorful island that appeared recently, so I suspect she's somewhere in the southwestern sky. Just around where that yellow light is...Was that there a few minutes ago?"
"I could fly over there to see if I can find her."
"Really? You do that for me?" Fledge nodded his head. "Thank you! I would appreciate that so much!"
"I'm always happy to help, but I'm sure Orielle is fine. Knowing her, she's probably just sitting on an island enjoying the view. I'll try to be back soon."
Fledge ran towards the jumping dock at the plaza. Parrow watches the teen being carried off by his Loftwing.
"Fledge is such a good kid. I can see why Orielle likes him a lot."
Link approaches the main doors of the Seal Temple, doing his best to avoid gazing down the spiral pit. Muffled voices echoed through the temple's entrance, one of which he could identify as The Old One's. When he entered, he saw The Old One in the same place she had been sitting. Standing beside her were two figures dressed in familiar blue garments with the same crimson eyes & golden hair.
One is a tall, middle-aged woman with a beehive hairstyle, with a red streak dashed across her bangs. The other is a girl around his age with a small bun tied on the top of her head while the rest of her hair tied in a ponytail flowed down her back. The young girl was quick to notice Link.
"Huh? A visitor?"
"Greetings, Link. How is your search for Zelda?" The Old One spoke to him.
"It's going alright. Who are these two?"
"This is Purah and her daughter." The Old One turned to the middle-aged woman. "Purah, this is Link. The Goddesses Chosen Hero."
"A pleasure to meet you, Chosen One," Purah greeted happily. "We've been hearing all about you!"
"Please, just call me Link."
"If that's what you want." Purah turned to the young girl. "Come on, honey. Introduce yourself."
"It's an honor to meet you, Li...Lin...Um...Sorry, it's not that I forgot...I'm just bad at speaking to new people."
"Take it slow & steady, like we talked about," Purah encouraged the girl. "Just tell him your name."
"My name is Pa….Paa...Paayy...OH! My name is Paya! Phew! I got it out…"
"Good job, sweetheart!"
Paya lowered her head. "I know I should be able to say my own name. I'm sorry for looking like such a fool."
A sympathetic smile grew on Link's lips. How the girl acted reminded Link of the first time he met Zelda when they were little kids. Link was so nervous about meeting her that he couldn't speak properly. Yet, somehow, the young Zelda found it quite endearing, and now here they are. Paya's behavior also reminded him of Fledge's nervous nature.
"It's alright. I have a shy friend, so I understand," Link assured Paya.
"That's… a huge relief. I'm trying to improve, but I still mess up sometimes."
"You'll get better with it in time, Paya." Purah faced back to The Old One. "If nothing else is to be said, we'll both head out."
"Safe travels to you, Purah. You as well, young Paya."
"Hope our paths cross again soon, Linky," Purah told Link as she walked past him.
"It was nice to meet you, Link," Paya uttered before following her mother out of the temple.
"I didn't know there were more people down here," Link spoke after the two women left.
"Is that so?' The Old One responded.
"Yeah. I was told all my life that Hylia sent all the humans to the sky."
"Not all of them were. You see, there's a tribe of humans who dedicated themselves to fighting alongside Hylia. They are called the Shiekah, or sometimes The Shadow Folk."
"I remember hearing those words once in a class a while back, but the Sheikah are a myth."
"I assure you that they are not. I, alongside Purah, her daughter, and many others, prove our kind are real. We all live in a hidden settlement, even from the clutches of evil."
"That actually reminds me. I came here to ask you this. We caught up with Zelda in Eldin, but a woman was with her. She was dressed similarly to you and those two others and had the same eyes as yours. She also had a tear tattoo on her cheek, just like you."
"So the guardian was with her then?" The Old One gave a thoughtful look.
"You know who she is?"
"The One you saw by Zelda's side is known as Impa. She is a being sent forth by the goddess to aid Zelda in her quest. She is also a member of the Sheikah."
"She's definitely on our side, then?"
"Correct." The Old One took notice of the uneasy expression on Link. "You seem disturbed somehow."
"When we caught up to Zelda in Eldin, The woman, Impa, told us that we were late to protect Zelda. And I had no hope of defending Zelda and that Hylia was mistaken to choose me. She even told my friends they would've put in more effort if they truly cared."
"Let me assure you she bears no ill will towards you or your friends. However, please understand that she was trying to get you all to understand the direness of this mission. It is unfortunate, but sometimes you must be harsh to convey the message. The question is, do you believe her words, Link?"
"Of course not!"
"Then I hope you have plans to prove her wrong. You've acquired the path to your next location, correct?"
"That's the other reason I came here. What can you tell me about Lanayru Desert?"
"Lanayru Desert is a barren area of landscape where little rain occurs, and conditions are hostile for all living things. It is also sweltering during the day, though not as intense as Eldin. At night, however, it can get as cold as the winters."
"Sounds like a charming place."
The Old One chuckled at Link's sarcasm. "It wasn't always like that. The land was much different, but that was in the past. I think you can handle a desert. After all, you dealt with a volcano. Another thing I would like to mention is that the monsters inhabiting the region have lightning-based attacks. If you have those wooden shields, I suggest bringing them instead of the metal ones."
"Lighting base monsters...got it."
"Have I answered all of your questions?"
"Not unless you can tell me what role Zelda plays in all this."
"I'm afraid that is something you must find out on your own."
"Then no. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Safe travels."
Fledge spent a good while around the area Parrow said Orielle flew to. The first order of business was to visit the aforementioned colorful island. The person running it, a ...interesting character that went by Dodoh, claimed that he had not seen anyone flying around. After hearing the man's speech about wanting to spread fun, Fledge resumed his search, feeling weirded by his eccentric behavior. Though he wouldn't put it on the same level as Ghirahim's. He rode on Yunobo searching for the girl. The clouds started to turn gray, indicating a storm was coming. Fledge knew flying a Loftwing in the middle of the storm was out of the question. A light rainstorm, probably, but heavy downpours make it difficult for the large birds to fly through. If Fledge doesn't find Orielle soon, he'll have no choice but to return to Skyloft.
"Maybe she went home already. Surely the grey clouds would be a good indication for her to get home." Fledge took a glance at the storm clouds in the distance. A breath escaped his mouth. "I should keep flying around just to be safe."
The student continues the search for his friend. A loud squawking soon caught his ears. Getting closer to the noise source, Fledge could fully make out the call of a Loftwing in distress.
Coming into his view is a small island. A brown Loftwing laid on in, clearly unsettled. Fledge noticed the braid styled on the bird's head. He knew who this bird was and her rider.
When Yunobo landed on the island, the brown Loftwing squawked at the pair aggressively, ready to defend itself. Fledge slowly dismounted his bird. Lifting his hands up, he calmly approached the aggravated bird. While Loftwings are typically peaceful creatures, they do have the capability to kill people. Fledge had heard stories of Loftwings killing people if they felt their rider's life was in danger. He knew he had to tread on this carefully.
"Easy girl...It's me, Fledge. You know Yunobo and me here. And I know you...Mipha. And I know your rider. I want to make sure she's okay. You think you can help me with that?"
Fledge extended out his hand, turning his head away from the bird. The smooth surface of the Loftwing's beak pressed against his palm several moments later. Fledge let out a breath of relief.
"Thatta girl. I knew you realized it was me." Mipha nudged against him playfully. "I know, I know. The uniform probably made it hard to tell."
Yunobo approached the pair. The large birds lovingly nuzzle each other's heads, also letting out soft coos. Fledge smiled at them. Both Loftwings had always been sweet to each other. While Yunobo was busy comforting the brown Loftwing, Fledge surveyed the area for any sign of Orielle. He did notice a large gash on Mipha's wing.
"Oh, dear. You poor thing. That looks like a nasty cut." Mipha squawked in response before Yunobo nuzzled against her head, calming her down. "I know it probably hurts. Parrow can help you, I'm sure, but I must find Orielle first. Do you know where she is?"
Slowly, Mipha moved her wing down, revealing what, or rather, who was under it. There lay Orielle on her side, unconscious. A gash painted her forehead. A soft, concerned coo escaped from the injured bird.
"Orielle!" Fledge quickly knelt at her side. Much to his relief, he could see her chest slowly rise and fall, indicating that she was still alive. Fledge gently shook her. "Orielle? Orielle, wake up! You're okay! I'm right here!"
After several more minutes of nudging her, Orielle started to stir. A small groan escaped from the girl as her eyes slowly opened.
"Orielle, can you hear me?"
"Fledge? Is that you?" Orielle quietly moaned out.
"Yeah, it's me. How do you feel?"
"Like the goddess statue fell on me." Orielle's eyes widen suddenly, filled with worry. "Mipha?"
"Has a gash on her wing, but she's fine. Can you try sitting up for me?"
Slowly, Orielle sat upright, her back leaning against her Loftwing. She rubs her head in an attempt to soothe her pain. "Is that...a knight's uniform you're wearing?"
"Yeah..."
"I'm not seeing things then...It looks good on you."
"T-thank you…" Fledge tried to hide the slight flush on his cheeks.
"Why are you wearing it? I thought only senior knights could wear them?"
"It's a long story, but I can't explain now. I need to get you back to Skyloft. Can you walk?"
"I think maybe..." Orielle got to her feet, only for one of her feet to wobble. She fell into Fledge's embrace as a painful moan escaped her. "...I think I sprained my ankle."
Fledge couldn't utter the words as he remained still with the shock of Orielle in his arms. He mustered the courage to speak when he moved Orielle back against her bird. "Take it easy then." He reached into his pouch to pull out a red potion. "Drink this."
"Thank you." Orielle took the bottle, chugging the whole thing down.
"What happened to you, Orielle?" Fledge asked her after a bit.
"Me and Mipha, we were flying to check out that colorful island. We were flying, minding our business, when something slammed into us out of nowhere, almost knocking me off. I was dangling from Mipha's side with my life. I managed to make a crash landing, but I landed badly on my ankle and got knocked out.
"Do you know what attacked you? Was it an Octorock? Or a Skytail?"
"No...it was more reptilian, like a giant lizard but with wings. I...I think it was a-."
Loud sounds of whoosh filled the air, along with a roar. The sounds of flapping echoed through the air. Flying down in front of them was a creature that fitted Orielle's description, adding green scales, large yellow eyes, and razor-sharp claws. There was only one creature that matched the description.
"Aeralfos…?" Fledge shuddered.
"That's what attacked Mipha and me!" Orielle confirmed.
"Just my luck…" Fledge solemnly thought to himself as the creature let out a loud roar that echoed through the air.
Link slid from Epona when they landed in the plaza. Patting Epona's neck and giving him treats, he noticed Parrow gazing toward the yellow light. Link figured he was just curious about the light column until he heard he was worried. Instructing Epona to stay put, Link went to the man to see what was happening.
"Everything okay, Parrow?"
"Ah, Link. You really want to hear about my troubles? That's kind of you. You know my little sister, Orielle. She went out flying a while ago, but she hasn't come back."
"Where did she fly off to?"
"She wanted to check out that colorful island southwest of here. Fledge actually flew out over there to look for her when I told him."
"He did?" Link grew instant concern.
"He's been gone a while, though. And those grey clouds aren't making me feel any better. I'm worried sick. I hate the thought of something bad happening to them. If neither comes back soon, I will have to fly there myself."
"Why don't I come with you? That way, you have someone with knight training to watch your back."
"You do that? Thank you, Link! We should probably go now before that storm hits."
"Good idea." Link ran back over to his bird. "Sorry, boy. Our friend needs our help."
Epona took off into the sky with Link on his back. Parrow jumped from the dock, whistling for his bird. An orange Loftwing flies down to catch his rider. Link recognizes it to be Parrow's bird, Sidon.
"Where did you say they were at?" Link called out to the man.
"Southwest of here!" Parrow replied back.
"Let's hurry then." Link urged his bird to fly faster, with Parrow trailing behind. He hoped Fledge or Orielle wasn't in trouble of any kind.
Truly the goddesses must hate Fledge today. First, he almost gets set on fire, then his side gets punched by a Lizalfos, then he almost gets crushed three times, and of course, almost becomes Scaldera's snack. And now he's facing an Aeralfos. All of this was definitely some sort of divine prank.
Fledge had heard stories of these monsters. They were known to be vicious and fly at high speeds, rivaled only by Loftwings. These creatures were responsible for the deaths of several Skyloft citizens, even some Skyknights. Pipit's father fell victim to the giant flying lizard Fledge could recall.
They often attacked out of nowhere, always catching their prey by surprise. Orielle was, unfortunately, the prey this particular Aeralfos had chosen. And now it was back to finish the job. All that was between it and Orielle was Fledge himself.
"What do we do, Fledge?" Orielle's trembling voice echoed through his ears.
Fledge looked around to see if he could find any Skyknights he could call for assistance. There was no one he could find. He, indeed, was Orielle's only line of defense. He had two choices: Run away and leave Orielle to her fate, or stay and fight this monster. Option one, he knew he would never EVER do. There was no other choice. Taking a step forward, he unsheathed his sword.
"Fledge? What are you doing?"
"J-just stay down and let me h-handle this."
"You not seriously...It's an Aeralfos, for Hylia's sake! Just go and get help! I'll be fine!"
"I'm not leaving you to this thing. You're in no condition to fend it off! I'm a knight in training! It's my duty as a Skyknight to protect others, and I will do that!" Fledge paused to let out a breath. "...Promise me if this gets bad, you'll jump on Yunobo and fly back to Skyloft. Do you promise?"
"I-I do."
"Stay down. If I give the word, go."
Orielle sat in her spot, Mipha's wing acting as a shield and Yunobo standing nearby, ready to fly off with Orielle when his rider commanded him to do so.
Fledge stepped closer to the Aeralfos. Getting a better look, he noticed it was smaller than the ones described to him. The small size could be used to his advantage.
The monster made a dive at him, claws extended out. Fledge jumped out of the way while trying to strike the beast, but he missed. The Aeralfos made two more attempts at dive attacking the student, speed increasing each time, managing to make a small tear on the side of his uniform at the final attempt. Next time the creature may hit its mark.
As Fledge desperately tries to think of a strategy, an old lesson from Eagus pops into his memory.
"Each opponent you fight all have distinctive fighting patterns. If you study it well enough, you can memorize it well. It could be useful when looking for a perfect opportunity to strike them."
A pattern! Of course! Each monster he had encountered so far had its own way of combat. Bokoblins take their time and are slow to defend. Lizalfos moves slow enough for him to shield bash against him. Even Scaldera had the repetitive pattern of running up the hill until getting blown up, only to suck in air, allowing them to throw another bomb into its mouth.
This Aeralfos enjoys using divebombing as its main attack. Fledge also noticed that the creature's wings would fly more vividly before the attack. An idea came into his head. Eyes on the monster, he watches it circling above him. When its wings started moving frantically, Fledge prepared himself.
The Aeralfos made a dive toward him. Quickly, Fledge pulled out his shield, bashing it against the creature. It was knocked back several feet, putting it in a daze. Fledge took the opportunity to make several good swipes at it before it jumped away. Instead of flying, it remained on the ground. Claws out, it slowly stalked toward the student. At that moment, another previous lesson of Eagus echoes through his head.
"In my opinion, a good fuel to help you keep fighting and landing stronger hits is to imagine your opponent as someone you might not like all that much. Nothing fuels you better than imagining yourself knocking sense into someone that you do not like."
For a moment, Fledge imagines a red pompadour on the Aeralfos' head. Letting out a shout, he jumped forward, giving the creature several hard slices. When the right moment came, Fledge thrust the sword square in the middle of the Aeralfos' chest. The monster stumbled around like a drunken fool. It tried to lift its claws up before falling onto its knees, and then onto the ground, jaw slacked open. Its body is still like a rock.
Fledge stood still, taking heavy breaths as he waited for the creature to spring back into life and start attacking again. That moment never came. For the first time today, the Goddesses show him good favor.
"Fledge…" Orielle's voice broke out. "You did it…"
"I...I did it...I killed an Aeralfos...I killed an Aeralfos!" Fledge cheered, laughing with joy. "You saw that, right? You saw me kill it?"
"I did. You did kill it. I was beginning to think we were doomed. You saved my life...and Mipha's!" Orielle slowly got to her feet. Remembering what happened last time, Fledge dashed over to her. Orielle fell over to him, enveloping Fledge in a hug. "We both owe you a huge thanks."
Fledge stood still, trying to think of the words to respond. Instead of using words, he responded by hugging her back. A slight glow appeared above the girl's head. Fledge could see a bunch of Gratitude Crystals that flew into his pouch. Minutes pass on by as both teenagers remain in each other's embrace.
"Fledge?!" A voice snapped the two friends out of their embrace.
"Link!" Fledge waved down his friend flying above him.
"Parrow!" Orielle waved to her brother flying with the green-clad senior knight.
The pair landed their Loftwings on the little island. Parrow immediately jumped off Sidon and went over to his little sister.
"Are you alright, Orielle?"
"I'm fine," Orielle answered her troubled brother. "Sprain ankle and maybe sore head, but I'm alive at least."
"I'm so sorry, Orielle. I should've known something was wrong."
"It's not your fault. THAT happened." Orielle pointed to the dead Aeralfos. Both Parrow and Link gain clearly shocked expressions.
"Aeralfos?! At this time of year?" Parrow's eyes widened with shock as Link investigated the dead monster.
"It looks like it. A juvenile, but yeah," Link concluded.
"That thing would've finished me off if it wasn't for Fledge," Orielle revealed. "He took that thing down. He saved Mipha and me."
"He did?" Link glanced over to Fledge, who just gave a nervous smile.
"I did...somehow."
"I don't care how you did it! You save my sister!" Parrow thankfully held Fledge's hand. "Because of you, my sister is safe! I was so worried about her! Thank you so much for your help, Fledge!"
More Gratitude Crystals appeared over the man's head. They also flew into Fledge's pouch.
"I did what anyone else would do," Fledge said.
"Still, thank you. I will never forget this."
A small clap of thunder rang across the sky.
"We need to head back before that storm hits," Link stated.
"Mipha's wing is hurt. I don't think she can fly," Orielle informed them.
"Let me take a look." Parrow spent several minutes examining the gash on Mipha's wing. "I know just the cure." Parrow reached into his pouch, pulling out a bottle filled with a brown substance. "Good thing I always carry Mushroom Spores. This poor bird will be healthy again in no time."
Parrow spread the contents over the gash on the bird's wing. It quickly healed, and the bird could stand on her feet and trotted over to her rider.
"You're okay, girl. You're okay." Orielle patted Mipha's beak.
With the bird healed, everyone made the flight back toward Skyloft. Link spotted a patrolling Skyknight and informed them about the Aeralfos. The Skyknight immediately flew straight over to the Knight Academy. By the time every one returned to the plaza, it had already started to rain. Fledge helped walk Orielle to her home with her brother leading the way.
"Do you need any more help?" Fledge asked once they reached the door leading to the sibling's home.
"I think I can handle it from here." Fledge moved Orielle to Parrow.
"Fledge...thank you again." Orielle gave a warm smile. The same smile that always gave him warm feelings in his chest.
"No problem. What are...friends for?" Fledge replied back.
"Friends...of course. That's what they do...hehe..."
"Alright, let's get you inside." Parrow faced his sister. "Once this rain clears up, I'm getting you to a doctor to check your head."
"My head is fine. It's just a cut. I didn't fracture my skull or get a concussion." Orielle argued as her brother supported her back into their house with the door closing. Fledge's eyes remain at the door.
"Are you coming, Fledge, or do you plan to get soaked in the rain?" Link's voice snapped him out.
"Oh, right!"
They both made a dash to the academy when the rain became a heavy downpour. By the time they made it inside, they were dripping wet.
"That was fun." Link shook the water off like a drench Loftwing drying itself.
"Hey!" Fledge shields himself from the water flying off Link.
"Sorry. Well...After exploring a scorching volcano, fighting a Lizalfos, and dealing with Scaldera, this marks the end of another fantastic day.
Fledge squeezed the water out of his hat. "At least you didn't have to deal with an Aeralfos."
"That's something to be proud of. I don't know anyone who took one of these things down before graduating to senior knighthood.
"Ah, Link, Fledge. Welcome back." Headmaster Gaepora walked over to the pair.
"Hi, Headmaster," Link greeted.
"Hello, Headmaster Gaepora," Fledge greeted as well.
"One of the knights informed me that you both were involved with an Aeralfos attack."
"I was only after things went down. Fledge was the One who dealt with it."h
"Is that so?" Gaepora gave a curious look at the orange-clad student.
"Parrow's sister, Orielle, went out for a flight but was gone a while. I offered to look for her. When I found her, her bird was injured, and she was knocked out. When she came too, she told me that she had been attacked. That's when the Aeralfos appeared and tried to attack her again, but I killed it."
"All by yourself?" Fledge nodded in response to the headmaster. "I must say, I'm quite impressed. I know very few people who defeat an Aeralfos at your age."
"It was a juvenile, so I think it might've put the fight in my favor."
"Even at that stage, those monsters are capable of being dangerous. It is impressive that you handled it all on your own. I'm certain that Orielle and her brother are grateful you were there for her. I'm proud of you."
"T-thank you, sir!"
"I will need to get a statement from Orielle herself, but I will do so tomorrow. Still, it is a concern that an Aeralfos, juvenile or not, would be seen here at this time of year. What would've drawn it?"
"The light pillars…" Link muttered.
"Pardon, Link?".
"It came to me while we were flying Orielle back. The three-light pillars probably attracted it over here. I should've figured this would happen." Link lowered his head.
Gaepora gave a comforting pat on Link's shoulder. "Do not blame yourself, Link. There was no way you could've anticipated this happening. But now we know what to do next. I will inform all knights to be on the lookout for those monsters and inform the villagers to be extra careful while out flying. This incident possibly helped save many lives today."
"Thank you, sir."
"Now, I suggest you all dry up before getting cold. The cleaners are washing the uniforms. I would use that opportunity to get your uniforms washed."
Karane sat at her desk in her dorm room. Laid out in front of her is a journal she is drawing into. On the side of her desk is an open history book. Currently, she's making quick yet detailed sketches of her discoveries from Eldin Volcano and Faron Woods. This included the landscape, small sections of the temples, the monsters, and the friendly creatures they encountered on their journey.
A knock echoed through her room. "Karane, are you in there?" It was Owlan.
"It's open."
The Instructor entered the female senior knight's room. "Hello, Karane. I heard you were back, so I wanted to stop by. How's the search for Zelda going?"
"Alright...I think."
"You sound unsure. Is she okay?"
"She is. It's just...Every time we get one step closer, she's gone. I don't understand. Doesn't she want to go home? Why can't she come back to us? It's not like her to keep anything from me or us."
"I can't give an answer for that. But I'm sure Zelda doesn't mean any ill will. I've known Zelda ever since she was a baby. And you both have been friends for a long time. Whatever Zelda's reasons are, she'll explain once you catch up with her, I'm certain."
"You're right. I'm sure Zelda does have reasons." Karane breathed out.
Owlan took notice of the history book. "Catching up on your history, I see?"
"More so trying to find info on where Zelda is going next, but I can't find anything about it."
"And so you decided to sketch to vent out your frustrations." Owlan nodded over to her book.
"Just documenting what I see. Just like what you always tell us."
"May I…"
"Sure." Karane handed her sketchbook to her guardian.
Owlan spends the next several minutes browsing through the redhead's sketchbook. His expression seems invested in the sketches that Karane created.
"Such wonderful sketches of so many fascinating things... Who knew so much life could thrive down there. And I thought it was nothing but rock and dust down there."
"You are partially right about the rock part."
Owlan then turned a page where his eyes were very focused. He turned the book showing a drawing of a Kikwi. "What's this creature?"
"I had a feeling you would be interested in that One. It's a Kikwi, so that's what they call themselves. It's like some hybrid between an animal and a plant."
"A species of plant that's a mix of flora & fauna? Unbelievable! I've never heard of anything in my life before. Karane, you might as well discover a new type of species altogether!" Owlan exclaimed with excitement. "I love to get my hands on one of these creatures to study further."
"Uh, Owlan. I still have a problem," Karane's voice snapped the Instructor at his excitement.
"Sorry. I got a little carried away. You know how I am with plants..."
"I'm fully aware." Karane playfully rolled her eyes, recalling how often Owlan talked about plants.
Can I help with your research? My knowledge of The Surface is the same as Headmaster Gaepora's."
"Does a 'Gate of Time' or even 'Lanayru Desert' ring bells?"
"Hmm...Gate of Time...Lanayru Desert...I'm afraid neither of which I'm familiar with," Owlan trailed off. "Although, I do recall hearing a 'Lanaryu Field.'"
"What's that?" Karane put her focus on her teacher/guardian.
"Legends say it was a field rich filled with life. The flowers were beautiful, the fruits and vegetables were always ripe, and the water was crystal clear. It's even said it once bordered a sea of water. And get this. It is said that sentient beings lived there, not made of flesh & blood but rather metal. Of course, those are merely legends."
"If there's something I've learned the past few days is that there's always a bit of truth in legends."
"Do you think they both could be in the same place?"
At this rate, anything is possible.
"I'm positive you and the others can endure whatever comes your way."
"I dealt with pigmen, man-eating plants, firefish, fire Keese, a giant flaming boulder, and a psychopath that wears diamond pants. Can't get any worst from there."
"Should I even ask or…" Owlan said with a confused look.
"Probably not," Karane replied with a nervous smile. Then it shrunk. "Owlan...do you think my parents would approve of me doing this?"
"I...I'm not sure if they fully approve of you exploring The Surface. Goddesses know I wasn't when I discovered you went down there." Owlan whispered that last part. "But I'm sure they would be proud of you for taking this step. Goddess, watch their souls."
"I miss them…"
"I miss them too. But I'm sure they're watching over you throughout all this."
"Thank you."
Owlan cleared his throat. "Is there anything else you need?"
"No, I think I'm fine. I'll see you and everyone else at dinner."
"Alright. Don't forget that you and the others are welcome to see me if you need anything."
"I haven't."
Owlan gave a smile. Karane watches her parental figure exit her room.
"Thank you again for your purchase, sweetie!" Luv hollered to Fledge.
"You're welcome." Fledge put the two bottles filled with red potions in his pouch as he walked away from the Potion Shop.
Once the rain had let up, Fledge decided to go to the Bazaar to refill his empty bottles with the red potion while also picking up a little something for Link. Then he figured he would stop by Batreaux's place to give him the Gratitude Crystals. Even though he almost died six times today, he was oddly feeling a little more upbeat than earlier. Even though it was scary, something about this fight with that Aeralfos felt exhilarating. Like something that was locked away was able to break free just for that moment. Whether defeating that monster or seeing Orielle safe and sound, it filled him with confidence. It wasn't entirely there, but that fight told him it was there, struggling to break free of the chains holding it back. The real question is if Fledge can gain the strength to break those chains.
"Hey, it's that Fledge guy again." Fledge glances over to see the two people from earlier that talked behind his back, sitting in the cafe portion of the Bazaar. He was about to speed walk away, not wanting to hear their hurtful words again until they spoke words he did not expect.
"I heard he took down an Aeralfos earlier."
"Wait, seriously? Where do you hear that from?"
"My cousin told me. She's the Skyknight. From what she knows, Parrow's little sister got attacked by one of those things, but Fledge apparently swept down there and saved her!"
"This is Fledge we're talking about, right? He killed an Aeralfos?"
"Yes, the same, Fledge."
"Huh...Well, I'll be damned. Guess that kid is tougher than I give him credit for. If he can take down an Aeralfos of all things, he might have a chance of becoming a knight after all."
For the first time in his life, Fledge could agree with a gossipmonger.
Who loves a good ol' surprise cameo. I mean if there multiple Impas, or even Beedles & Tingles for crying out loud I think it's fair game for all characters. Can I put Breath of Wild characters in a game that was publish before it was? Well I say yes!
For those of you who have not played Twilight Princess, Aeralfos is an enemy that you fight. Its basically a flying Lizalfos. I figure Skyward Sword could've use more sky enemies. I'm kinda surprised Nintendo didn't bring them back in a game that required flying around in a great big sky. Well I decided to help remedy that. Also unlike the ones in TP, the Aeralfos here are not armed with sword & shield. I figure this early in the timeline they haven't develop the intelligence for such a tactic. Anyways I hope you all like this most dramatic take on the Orielle rescue sidequest. Figure it was about time I gave Fledge little bit of good luck. Who knows how long that'll last.
Favs, Follows, and Reviews are appreciated!