Chapter 22: Trial of Power
The quartet strolled through the inside of the Isle of Songs. The crest Hylia still stood where it was like the previous two visits. Today was the day the group would begin searching for the final sacred flame, presumably in the Eldin region.
"You guys ready?" Link glances back at his friends, hand on the handle of the Goddess Sword.
Both Pipit and Karane nodded diligently. Fledge took a moment to do so. Link pulled out the sword, activated the Skyward Strike, and struck the beam at the crest, turning it purple. A minute of silence passed before the group felt the ground shake below them. The round emblem that Link is standing on slowly rises while his friends stumble back, watching him. Below him is revealed to be another small goddess statue with the crest of Din, singing a melody.
"You guys good down there?" Link called out to his friends.
"We're fine! You?" Pipit called out.
"I am. How's Fledge?"
The senior knights on the ground took a look at their friend. Much like the last two times, Fledge appeared to be in a trance-like state.
"Fledge is fine. Looks like the melody got to him. He's the one." Karane replied, waving her hand in front of Fledge's face for confirmation.
Fi appeared in front of Link.
"Master Link, I have important information. When you struck the crest with a Skyward Strike from your sword, a message from the goddess awakened deep within my memory. The goddess intended this message for you, Master. These are her words."
"He who seeks the sacred flames, listen well, for I am guiding from my place at the edge of time. The last of the sacred flames still eludes you. To obtain it, you must claim another sacred gift. For each trial you overcome, you shall be blessed with another gift. Make use of the power of these gifts, and you will most certainly find the path of the sacred flames. Now, I bestow unto you another melody. Let it serve as a key to unlocking your final trial. It awaits you upon Eldin Volcano."
Link pulled out the harp as Fi readied herself. Like previous times music echoed as Link played to the rhythm as Fi started flying around the room, dancing and singing in the same manner as before, a red mist coming out of her.
"Rising from the earth, lava you will surf
Through a blaze, you'll find the flame of crimson red
Dance into your flame, cast away your shame
Move in Harmony, follow the beat
Unleash the he-he-he-he- heat
POWER!"
The area around Link changes again, with him back standing in the sky. Epona flew around him, followed by another red Lofting he recognized as Yunobo.
"Rising from the earth, lava you will surf
Through a blaze, you'll find the flame of crimson red
Dance into your flame, cast away your shame
Move in Harmony, follow the beat
Unleash the he-he-he-he- heat
POWER! "
"According to my records, that song you just heard is called Din's Power. Use this song of might to locate the last trial." Link heard Fi as the music faded away. The statue below Link lowered back to the ground. Fledge was still in his trance.
"Fledge? You back with us?" Link called out to him
"...Yeah, I think so. It's over already?" He rubbed his head.
"Masters, I have committed Din's Power to my memory. Now you can use dowsing to locate the gate to the final trial. I suggest you all travel to Eldin Volcano immediately."
With that, the quartet made their way out of the building. The last to exit was Fledge.
After nearly an hour of traversing the dangerous volcano, the group finally found the location of the trial gate, accompanied by the Blessed Butterflies. It was located at the bridge where they first encountered Impa early in their journey.
Link pulled out the harp and strummed the strings. The emblem appeared, as did Fi floating above it. Link played the harp as Fi sang a vocalized version of Din's Power until the gate appeared fully.
"Thrust your sword into the center of the mark and open the way to a new Silent Realm." Fi retreated into the sword.
Link was about to pull out his sword, then he stopped himself. He noticed Fledge was fidgeting. He knew what would happen once he entered the trial. Once he goes in, Fledge will be summoned for his own.
"You gonna be okay, Fledge?"
"Yeah…I'm fine. Go do your trial. Don't worry about me."
"Alright…"
Link pulled out his sword, the blade pointing at the center of the gate. Before thrusting the sword down, he said one more thing to Fledge.
"I believe in you."
Fledge looks surprised by that statement. "I…I believe in you too, Link."
Link smiled before thrusting the sword down. His body glowed, indicating that he had entered the trial.
"Master Link has entered the third trial, Din's Silent Realm, which will test his power. You cannot speak to him until he exits," Fi's voice echoed.
"Now that just leaves you, Fledge," Pipit turns to him.
"Right, of course." Fledge rubs his arm. "So…How did the other goddesses appear to you both?"
"They just…showed up," Karane simply answered.
"And froze time," Pipit also added. "All you can do is wait."
Fledge did not answer. Closing both of his eyes, he sucks in a deep breath. Then he felt a sudden shift in the atmosphere. Opening his eyes, he could see both his friends freezing in place. The world around him dimmed darker.
"You kept me waiting quite a while."
Turning around, Fledge saw a figure of a woman in a hooded cloak. Strands of red hair, even brighter than Karane's, dangle from her forehead. Bright red lips curved into a smile as she began walking around him.
"You know who I am already, don't you?" The orange-clad student nodded his head. "Good. Then you know what happens next from this point. Like Hylia's chosen, you will be tested by the last virtue of the golden goddess: Power."
"Why me?"
"Beg your pardon?" Red lips look at Fledge quizzically.
"Why select me for this trial? This must be some sort of mistake."
"I can assure you this is not a mistake, dear Fledge. The others and I have made out selections very carefully on who best represented our virtues. As you know, Pipit was worthy of the virtue of Courage. Karane was worthy of the virtue of Wisdom. And you, Fledge, are worthy of the virtue of Power."
"How can I? Look at me! I'm so scrawny and can barely pick up a barrel! Power equates to great strength, and I don't have that."
"There is more strength than how big your muscles are or how many barrels you can lift. Strength comes in many forms. A shame that you cannot see what kind of strength you have despite what you've been through. Well…Hopefully, this trial will make you open your eyes. Sorry about this."
Red Lips tap Fledge's forehead. His eyes bulged as he heard a heartbeat. A sharp pain grew in his head. Time around him was restored as he clutched his head, letting out a yelp, and went to his knees. Pipit & Karane were quick to his side, attempting to comfort him. They urge him not to fight it and to let her in. All the while, her voice echoes in her mind.
"Are you convinced that you lack strength? Are you so insistent that you cling to the chain that makes you believe that? There's more to you than you realize, yet you don't have the strength to see. That belief will be put to the test. If you succeed, you'll finally be strong enough to be free of the chains holding you back, freeing you from your false self."
Fledge's vision faded into darkness.
"May this trial let you see your strength."
"Why didn't they tell me how bad that headache would be?"
A soft groan escaped from Fledge as he woke up. Messaging his head, he took a look at his surroundings. Like Pipit & Karane described, the world around him had a green filter, and he was in a location the group had already visited early on in the adventure. For Pipit, it was the room where Link first fought Ghirahim in Skyview. For Karane, it was the room where they encountered Molorach at the Ancient Lanayru Mining Facility. For himself, it was the room right before they all fought Scaldera in the Earth Temple. He recognized those dragon statue heads anywhere, especially since one of them released a large boulder that almost crushed him. The other dragon's head poured out some golden material. Like it poured out lava that blocked the large gold door the first time. Though Fledge is not going to touch it.
"Back here again. Fun…"
"Master Fledge, can you hear me?" Fi's voice called out to him.
"Loud and clear, Fi."
"You have entered your trial. Much like Master Link's, it will test you on your power. But as like previous trials, I cannot follow you to this realm, for it calls to you alone. This domain is only accessible to you. Your spirit has temporarily separated from your physical body so that you may undertake this challenge. I calculate that this trial will be similar to the one Master Pipit and Master Karane have dealt with. When you go behind that door, I cannot follow you. Do you understand?"
"I…I think so."
"I wish you good luck. I will eagerly await you and Master Link in the outside world."
The golden lava pouring out from the dragon statue's mouth stopped flowing, and its mouth closed as it did. It opened the path to the large golden door, which led to the chamber with the sloping hill that led to the Earth Temple Spring.
"There better not be any boulders trying to crush me this time."
Slowly, Fledge entered the large chamber. Its structure was the same as it did in its real-world counterpart. Even the chain that kept Zelda captive here previously was in the same spot. Fledge arrived at the large stone ramp where the battle with Scaldera occurred. Taking in a deep breath, he jumped onto the ramp below. The dragon head statue lay high above at the other end.
"Hello?" Fledge's voice echoed throughout the chamber. When he got no response, he started walking up the ramp. "Is anyone here? I'm here to do my trial! Is there even one? Because just walking up this ramp doesn't seem very challenging."
"It's already started."
A voice halted Fledge to a stop when he was about halfway up the ramp. The source voice came from the top of the dragon statue. He sees a figure standing on top of its snout, much like Ghirahim did when Fledge and his friends encounter him here. The figure stood there for several minutes before they stepped off the statue. They landed on the ground with perfect ease. Then they started walking towards Fledge, footsteps echoing through the room.
Fledge finally got a good look at the figure once he was close enough. He knew who this person was supposed to resemble, yet something about this person is…odd. This figure had clothes precisely like his but in the color of gray and very, very dark gray. His eyes were yellow, but they were the kind of yellow that brought comfort like the yellow flowers around Skyloft. And his skin was not in a pale, sickly green covered by green veins like Pipit & Karane describe their dark counterparts. Instead, this one has only ashen skin. The figure stopped walking once he was only a few feet away from Fledge.
"I'm guessing you're supposed to be a dark version of me?" Fledge questioned him.
"If you want to put it that way, I suppose yes." Dark Fledge responded in a flat tone. This was the opposite of his friend's dark versions, who were described as energetic & theatrical.
Minutes past as the pair only stared at each other. Fledge waited for his Dark Counterpart to start speaking negative things about himself. Yet that moment never seems to come. The silence was making Fledge a bit nervous.
"…Aren't you going to do it?" Fledge spoke up.
Dark Fledge seemed genuinely confused by what he was asking. "I'm afraid I don't follow."
"I know how this is supposed to play out. You show up and tell me all the bad things about myself."
"Why do you expect something like that?"
"My friends, Pipit & Karane, when they had their trials, they had evil versions of themselves telling them that people would turn on them if found out their true selves or how it was their fault their parents died. I don't think my issues are as bad as theirs, but I had my share of negative things spewed at me."
"Is it normal for your first reaction to something to be…negative?"
"It's my life experience in a nutshell. You should know this."
"I do know. I am you, after all. Your aura is different from your other friends when they entered their trials. However nervous they were, they arrived with full confidence. You, on the other hand, are… the opposite."
"If there's anything I learned in life is to always keep my expectations as low as possible. It saves you the trouble of being disappointed."
"So you expect to fail at this trial, then?"
"Look at me...Do I look like someone who represents Power? Ask anyone in Skyloft. I guarantee they would be confused or laugh. I mean, why me? Karane or Pipit would have been better choices. At least they're strong. This is a mistake."
"Din did not make any mistakes picking you for this," Dark Fledge assured him.
"Well, I think it is! You're me, right? Then you should know all the struggles I endured regarding knight training. I have a hard time lifting a sword. I can hardly keep up with everyone. I can never pass any physical tests. I can barely even lift a barrel as it is."
"Then why go through knight training then?" Dark Fledge demanded sharply. "You say you're not worthy of this trial, yet stay in knight training."
Fledge huffed. "Yeah, I stayed. I stayed because…Every time I get hit in the head by a fake sword or someone snickers when I trip over, it hurt. But it could never hurt more than it did every day of my life just being me!"
A pause lingered in the air. Dark Fledge did not respond as he continued listening to Fledge.
"I stayed because I thought if anyone could change me, could make me…not me, it would be the Skyloft Knight Academy. Everyone that goes there always ends up being the best of Skyloft! And yet…Look at me. I'm the same as I was the day I started the training. No matter how much hard work I did, it never paid off. I always heard the whispers of doubt. The laughing I hear every time I screw up. And how often I let Groose trample over me because I can never stick up for myself. Instead of becoming stronger, I made myself look like a huge fool! Sometimes...I think I'm worthless…."
"Seems you don't need me to say bad things about you. You do the job well yourself."
Tears had started streaming down Fledge's eyes at this point. The orange-clad student lowered his head in shame. Dark Fledge gently lifted Fledge's face to his eye level, wiping out a trailing tear. "But you, Fledge, are anything but worthless. Yes, you do lack strength on the outside. But here…" He put his hand over where Fledge's heart was. "...Is where you are most strong. And I'm not the only one who can see it."
Dark Fledge made a quick snap with his fingers. The area around the pair quickly flashed out of the Earth Temple. They were transported to a large room. Several rows of beds align the wall on both ends of the room. It was evident that it was somewhere in the night, given how only a few candles were lit and the starry night sky was seen in the window. Fledge quickly spotted himself, back in civilian clothes, sitting on one of the beds. He can see his past self clutching his hand. Not too far away, a girl was combing through some drawers, grabbing several items as she did. Fledge soon realized this was the infirmary wing at the Knight Academy, and the girl looking through the drawers nonother than Zelda.
Fledge remembers this night clearly. This was the day that had occurred not too long ago. Around a month before the Wing Ceremony, to be exact. This was the day he was informed that he failed to qualify for the ceremony.
He recalled how upset he was for hours after Horwell gave the news to him. It didn't help that Link was told he had passed all the requirements to participate right afterward. Link and the others tried to comfort Fledge, but he assured them he was okay and needed space. Fledge never told anyone this, but he was…disappointed with himself. He had worked hard on working to qualify to participate in the ceremony. In the end, it was all for naught.
It also didn't help that he ran into Groose & his gang soon after. All of which were bragging about being able to compete. When they learned Fledge didn't cut, Groose & Cawlin taunted him about it. Especially the latter, considering how he was accepted again to compete (Though Fledge wished he could've brought up that he lost the previous Wing Ceremony). Fledge took it for several minutes before storming away from the group. He heads to the Isle of the Goddess, sitting at the statue's base. He sat there for a little while before he soon started crying. Fledge spends the next several hours crying to himself, alone. Eventually, the crying stopped before he sat motionless, curled up at the statue's base. Night had just fallen. No Keese was roaming out and about on this night. And there was no sign of night patrol flying above. It was when Fledge got an idea.
Without hesitation, he started to climb up the statue. Or at least attempted to at the best of his ability. He would only get a few feet before he slipped off. This continued for several minutes until he slipped from the statue and landed flat on his back. In the process, the palm of his hand gained a large cut. Knowing that climbing up the Statue of Hylia is next to impossible, Fledge did the only thing he could.
He let out a loud, frustrated scream. Then internally asks the goddess this question.
"Why? Why can't I move to this important step? Why does someone like Groose and his friends get to compete? I spend so much time trying to train, yet…no matter what I do, I can't get any stronger. I want to be alongside my friends. Help them protect Skyloft. People have told me, 'You're way over your head.' 'This type of life isn't meant for you.' Curse them! I dedicate every moment I can to making myself better. I prayed to you and all of your sisters. Yet the strength I yearn to gain has proven deaf to my devotion. Please, Hylia, Din, Farore, Nayru, any one of you. Tell me. What do I need to do? What am I doing wrong? What is it? What's wrong with me?"
Silence lingered in the air. It would seem that Fledge's plead for answers had fallen on deaf ears. "Fledge?" A soft voice called out to him. Turning around, he sees Zelda, clearly showing concern for him.
Which led them here to the infirmary. Zelda had been looking for supplies to treat the cut on Fledge's hand. Fledge sat in silence on one of the infirmary beds.
"Care to tell me why you were trying to climb up on the statue?" Zelda broke the silence.
"Why does that matter?" Past Fledge responded.
"When you get a cut on your hand and let out a scream, it does matter. I could deduce that you were doing that because you were trying to prove something if you were being that reckless."
"I wasn't trying to prove something. I was just…venting."
"Venting by hurting yourself by trying to climb the statue with your two hands?"
"I wasn't trying to hurt myself. Is that what you think?"
Zelda turned in Fledge's direction. "What I think is that today was very hard for you."
"I-Well-" Fledge let out a frustrated grunt. "I did try my best to qualify. I know I'm not as skilled as Link. Brave like Pipit. Smart as Karane. Or super strong like Mr. Most Ridiculous Pompadour in Skyloft. But…Whatever…"
Fledge let out a tired sigh. Zelda walked to him, which prompted Fledge to lay out his palm with a dejected expression. Zelda started to treat the cut on his hand.
"...I wish you could see yourself the way I do. The way Link, Pipit, and Karane do. You are perfect, just like this. You're just as capable of being a knight as anyone in the academy."
"You're just saying because you're my friend."
"A friend who sees all the good qualities perfect for a Skyknight. You have something other Skyknights don't have. A gentle nature. Big heart. And a cool scarf-"
"All of those are not going to make me physically strong enough to become one," Fledge stated dryly. Zelda did not respond as she finished wrapping the bandage around his hand. "Sometimes, I wonder…why bother continuing with training?"
"Don't talk to yourself like that. I know it was hard knowing that you didn't make it. But that doesn't mean the end of the world. Link was bummed out when he didn't get in last year. Like REALLY bummed out."
"Seriously? He didn't look so…bothered."
"Believe me when I say that he was. But you know what he did? He kept his head up. When the time came again, he worked harder. He might've needed me to remind him to get off his lazy butt." Fledge let out a giggle. "My point is: don't let this failure, and especially Groose, bring you down. There's always next year."
"And what if I don't qualify then? Or the year after that, and so on?"
"Then you keep going. Believe me when I say your time will come if you keep trying. Father told me that the best Skyknights he's known went through YEARS of training before they finally made it to where they are. Some of which never participate in any Wing Ceremonies."
"I… Thank you, Zelda."
The memory disappears, leaving the Current Fledge & Dark Fledge in a white room.
"Do you think Zelda would've said those words if she had no faith in you?" Dark Fledged inquired.
"She wouldn't…She always saw the best in everyone."
"That includes you as well. And Zelda is not the only one."
Dark Fledge snapped his fingers again. This time they were taken outside of the Sparring Hall at the Knight Academy. A flux of students had exited the building, happily chatting among themselves. Trailing behind is Fledge, head down and arms crossed. Strich walked from behind.
"Hey, Fledge? No hard feelings about me wiping the floor with you?"
"N-No. Not at all…."
Realization struck Current Fledge as he watched Strich walk away from his past self. This occurred several months ago when Eagus had students randomly picked to give sparring demonstrations. He did this by putting names into a bowl and grabbing the first two slips of paper with the students' names. It was just Fledge's luck that his and Strich's names were picked.
What followed was Strich practically destroying him in their spar. Fledge put up a good defense, but in the end, Strich pulled some dirty moves, resulting in Fledge losing to him. He never felt so embarrassed to lose to Strich of all people. Granted, he was a better person than Groose or Cawlin, but still. Fledge even heard some of the students giggling. Fledge felt pretty down even after class had ended for the day.
"Fledge?" Eagus walked up to the boy with concern written on his face. "Are you okay?"
"Oh, I'm fine, Knight Commander. Why wouldn't I be?"
"You seemed distraught after your spar with Strich. Is there something you want to talk about?"
"No, I don't. I didn't expect to get into a spar today. It just caught me off guard."
"I have these spars to see if the students are caught up with their lessons. You forgot one of the important rules of fighting. Always expect the unexpected."
"Yeah…That's probably it."
"You did put up a good defense. I will give you that. It is good if you're fighting alongside others, giving yourself time for them to come to your aid."
"But with no offense, being alone in battle would be fatal," Fledge added. "Strich pretty much put little effort into fighting me."
"But with enough practice, you'll beat him or anyone next time. I can help you out if you want."
"No, it's fine. I don't want to be a bother."
"It's no bother to me at all. I want to ensure all of my students will be successful in their future of being knights. I'm more than happy to help anyone, including you."
Fledge didn't answer. Eagus let out a sigh.
"It's your decision to make. You don't have to decide now. My door is always open whenever you decide."
"I'll…I'll keep that in mind."
Eagus gave a smile as the memory faded away once again.
"Eagus has always been looking out for you.." Dark Fledge spoke.
"Fledge, you've got to stop looking down on yourself. You need to stop dwelling on what you didn't accomplish and instead focus on what you can do. I've known you since you were a boy. You're stronger than you let yourself on, and I mean it."
Fledge remembers the Knight Commander saying those words when they talked about the Aeralfos he had killed.
"He believes in you as well. Even now, he does. Is that not enough to convince you of your strengths?" Dark Fledge's words ring in Fledge's ears, remaining still as he comprehends what he is thinking. "...What about your mother?"
Fledge's attention quickly moved to the new scene changing. Now Fledge sees a woman with platinum blond hair, her bang partially covering one of her blue eyes, and a familiar blue scarf wrapped around her appearing to be very sickly laying on the bed. Fledge's eyes widened as he knew he was gazing upon his sick, dying mother.
"Mama…"
His mother let out a cough as he watched what he presumed to be a doctor examine her. The expression on his face appeared to be very grim.
"It's not looking good, Luma…I say you have another few hours."
Fledge's mother, Luma, didn't seem to be surprised. "We both knew this was coming, doctor. I was hoping I would get another few days at least."
"I'm sorry."
"Could you…get my boy here?"
The doctor nods as he quickly exits the room. Moments later, Gaepora walks in with a six-year-old, clearly distressed Fledge.
"Could you leave us alone, please?"
Gaepora nods and closes the door behind him. Leaving the woman and the boy alone.
"Hi, honey." Luma attempted to smile.
"Are you dying, mama…?" Little Fledge asked her.
"I am…"
Tears pour from his eyes. "I don't understand. You're just sick. Usually, when people get sick, they have medicine to make them feel better."
"This is a different type of illness. I can't recover from this. I'm sorry..."
"Who'll take care of me if you're gone?"
"Everyone at the Knight Academy will look after you. You won't be alone."
"But…it won't be the same! You won't be around! I want you to be around forever!"
Little Fledge's eyes were brought to the floors. Tears form in his eyes as he cries at his mother's bedside. Luma soothes her son's hair.
"I want to give you something." Fledge slowly brought his eyes back to his mom. Luma wiped the tears from his cheeks. Slowly, she removed the blue scarf from her and put it on her son. "I may be gone physically, but I will always be by you in spirit and memory. Let this scarf be a reminder of my promise."
"How…How can I go on without you there?"
"You're a strong boy, Fledge. Stronger than you realize."
"How can I be? I don't have muscles."
"Strength isn't in the muscle. It can sometimes be greater." Loud coughs forced their way out of Luma. "Life will throw obstacles at you. There will be moments when the easy way out is to give up. But giving up is not how you live. Promise me this, Fledge. Promise me that no matter what life throws at you, you have the strength to overcome all the obstacles and live your life. And I know you will because you are strong in many ways. I believe in you."
Fledge watches his younger self hug his mother tightly. Tears of his stream down his eyes.
"Even to her dying breath, your mother can see the strengths you possess." Dark Fledge said to him. "But if that isn't enough to convince you, then this final memory should be enough. One that has your biggest supporter."
The scene flashes once again. This time it shows six-year-old Fledge sitting alone at the base of The Goddess Statue underneath the gloomy sky. The little boy was dressed in black. Not too long ago was the funeral of his dear mother. The young boy softly cried to himself, weighing in on the fact that his mom was gone for good. Even though he has a place at the Knight Academy, he has no one to turn to. No one will come to comfort him when he hurts himself. No one will comfort him after nightmares. No one will read him stories. He was utterly alone.
Or so he thought.
"Hello?"
Little Fledge glances up. Standing in front of him was a seven-year-old Link.
"You're Fledge, right? I'm Link. We have classes together."
"Y-yeah…I know you."
"Your mommy was Instructor Luma?" Fledge slowly nodded. "I'm sorry she died."
"Why are you here?"
"I wanted to ask if you…Would you like to hang out with my friends and me?"
"Me…Why?"
"You seemed…lonely. I lost my mom & dad last year. My friend Zelda lost her mom when she was young. And my friend Pipit lost his dad a few months ago. We all know what you're going through."
"You actually want me to hang out with you guys? Other kids normally avoid me."
"Why?" Link seemed genuinely confused.
"They think I'm…not cool."
Silence lingered between the two boys. Fledge expects Link to just give up and walk away. However, Link did not move.
"...I think you're cool."
That had Fledge totally flabbergasted. "You think I'm cool? How?"
"Your dimples look cool."
"Cawlin said they look dumb." Fledge's fingers rub to where one of his dimples was.
"Cawlin is just a big meanie to everyone! It's why he has no friends. I think your dimples are pretty neat."
"No one has ever told me my dimples were cool."
"Your scarf is pretty cool as well."
"Thanks. It was my mama's. She gave it to me right before she…you know."
"…Well, Instructor Luma was a cool teacher. And since she was your mama, that makes you cool as well. I bet there are lots of cool things about yourself."
"You're the first person to have said that."
"Maybe because you haven't found the right people yet." Link extended out his hand in Fledge's direction. "In times like this, it's always good to be surrounded by people who care. So…do you want to hang out with & my friends? I promise they're nice."
Little Fledge looks at the boy smiling at him. Was this for real? The scary part of Fledge tells him not to take Link's hand. It will end with Link ignoring him just like the other kids. Yet…Another part urges him to take that risk. Just like what his mama said. 'Overcome the obstacles and live your life.'
Summoning the strength needed, Fledge took Link's hand. An action that resulted in a friendship went on even to this day.
The memory faded away, bringing the pair back to the Earth Temple. The current Fledge was as still as stone, comprehending all the memories he had revisited. Dark Fledge placed his hand underneath his chin.
"You, Fledge, have spent many years listening to your peers' doubts about you and enduring Groose's bullying. So much so that you deliberately refuse to see anything good about yourself because of the lack of physical strength other knights have. As a result, you now believe you're worthless to everyone around you. From what I've seen, that is not true. You have a strong spirit, Fledge. You claim to be less of a knight than everyone else, yet you have done many deeds that make you worthy of being a knight. Such as how you helped Link with the two Lizalfos. The first time you fought against those Bokoblins. How you saved Orielle from that Aeralfos even when she told you to flee. And how you put yourself in danger to save Groose's life from being devoured by The Imprisoned despite everything he did to you. My final point is how your suggestion brought you and the others here. You knew you would be going into this quest blind, yet you chose to go along and convinced Karane & Pipit to go along with you to help Link. None of you would make it this far if you didn't have the strength for it. Every single person in those memories knows the value you have. If they can see your strengths, then you can see them. The greatest strength one can have is knowing that your weakness does not define who you are. And that makes you worthy of the virtue of Power. Now tell me, Fledge. Do you think you're worthless?"
"...No. I'm much more than I give myself credit for. I got wrapped up in my insecurities that I was blind to see that I have more strengths than weaknesses. I may be lacking in some ways, but I am not a weak coward! And I have people who care about me who can also see it! They see me for my worth! No matter what doubts anyone may cast upon me, I am strong in my way!"
The room was lit brightly. Then Fledge noticed something different about Dark Fledge. He seems to be fading away.
"What's happening to you?"
"You have passed this trial, meaning I am no longer needed. Go forth and claim your reward. "
"...You know, for a dark version of me, you're not so bad after all."
"Safe journeys to you, Fledge." Dark Fledge fades away from the room, leaving Fledge all alone.
"...Thank you."
Fledge moved forward to the top of the hill. A door with the symbol of Din on it was straight ahead. The door glowed a bright red and vanished away when Fledge approached.
Just like the real world, the Earth Spring lies at the end. Including the replica of the goddess statue. Sitting just at the top was the cloaked woman with red lips. A grin grew across her lips once she saw Fledge approach.
"I knew you would get through this trial, Fledge."
The cloaked woman jumped from the statue, her cloak landing into the water. The woman gently floated down. She had tanned skin, and her red hair was styled into a long, single, thick braid. Bronze leg armor covered both her calves, with red sandals below them. Red cuffs were on both arms, along with red silk. Her top had no sleeves, revealing some of her chest area and midriff. Her skirt went to her thighs, with leggings underneath. Bronze decorative jewelry was donned all over her torso.
"I, Din, Goddess of Power, congratulate you."
Fledge struggled to formulate the words to say. Clearly, Din wasn't anything he expected her to be. Din seemed to take notice of this while she grew a teasing grin.
"What? Aren't you gonna say something? I am so beautiful that you have no words left?"
"Uh…"
"Relax. I'm only messing with you."
"...Oh, right." A blush grew on Fledge's face.
"Now, getting back on topic. You have succeeded in completing my trial. That trial is overcoming your greatest weakness and realizing your true strength. You have shown that you have the power to help your friends on this daring quest. This is good because it will get more unexpected. You'll be faced with even more dangers. Which reminds me, I wanted to give you a little something. Please accept this gift which is known as 'Din's Fury." It will no doubt be of use to you!"
Din lifted her arms in a meditative pose. A red aura pours out of one of her arms, forming an orb in her hand. With a snap of her fingers, it flew right into Fledge's chest. The torches surrounding the spring lit brightly for several seconds as Fledge felt the power settling within him.
"The part of my essence is now a part of you. The power of Din's Fury has increased your physical strength. You can now lift objects heavier than yourself. You earned it. I imagine you're quite happy."
"…Can I ask you something?" Din nods. "Why exactly did you pick me for this? I could've fitted more with Wisdom, maybe even Courage, but why power for me?"
Din gave a small smile. "You have a strong will. Far more impressive than any physically strong mortal man in your realm. No matter how many times you were knocked down, you kept going. To obtain pure power, you need a strong will. Having a strong will keeps you grounded. It helps you never forget your morals, no matter what power you have or don't have. Without that will, power, or even the quest for it, can corrupt you…Turn you into something unrecognizable. You, Fledge, have that strong will. Enough to make me proud to call you worthy to represent my virtue. You've always had that. For the longest time, you couldn't see it. I hope my trial helps you finally open your eyes."
"It did... My physical strength doesn't define who I am. It's my strength here that does." Fledge places his plan over his heart.
"You learn well. You have finally found true strength. Please never lose sight of it again."
"I won't. I promise you that."
Fledge's body started to glow. It was time for him to leave.
"You best get going now. Don't want to keep the people you love waiting. Don't forget, there's still another part of Din's Fury that you must awaken."
"I know. I will awaken it."
"I know you have the power to do so. And Fledge…Your mother is proud of you."
Fledge gave a sad smile. "Thank you."
A golden glow erupted Fledge. Leaving nothing but golden particles floating above as Din watched with pride.
Link awoke from the trial gate with Fi greeting him as usual. Link immediately went over to where his friends were.
"You're back! Everything went well?" Karane inquired.
"Lots of running, climbing, and a close call, but I did it." Link brought his attention to Fledge. "How about him?"
At that right moment, Fledge stirred from his slumber.
"Take it easy," Pipit instructed as he and Karane helped Fledge sit up.
"I'm fine, guys." Fledge looks up at Link, giving a smile. "Hey."
"Hey, you."
"Welcome back, Master Fledge," Fi greeted him as well.
"How'd you do, Link?"
"I passed and got these."
Link held out a pair of red, small hoop earrings with three spikes.
"Earrings?" Pipit questioned
"Those are Fireshield Earrings. With them, Master Link will be allowed to travel safely in extremely hot areas," Fi explained.
"That's pretty cool!" Karane commented.
"Enough about me. How was your trial, Fledge?" Link asked.
"It was…different from what I was expecting, but I did it," Fledge answered. "How are my eyes? Did they change?"
"They're…red."
Fledge pulled out his sword. The reflection in the blade shows his previously brown eyes were now as red as Din's.
"As if I didn't stand out as it is…."
"You gonna be okay?" Pipit asked him.
"Eh, I'm used to it."
"Your eyes are not the only thing that changed. Look at the back of your scarf." Karane called attention.
Fledge took his blue scarf off. There was a notable change on the back of it. The bird pattern had been replaced by the red symbol of Din.
"Mom would've liked this."
Fledge placed the scarf back on, then he stood to his feet. His three friends glanced at each other. They didn't expect Fledge to bring up his late mom.
"Come on. That flame isn't going to find itself."
"Don't you want to rest for a bit?" Link asked.
"Don't worry, I'm fine," Fledge lifted his arm to point at something. "I can feel the flame in that direction. The sooner we find it, the sooner we can finally reach Zelda."
The group proceeded down the path that Fledge pointed them to. At the end of it, they reached a problem. A large boulder was blocking their exit.
"Anyway, to pass that, Fi?"
"My scans show that this is the only path. Your options are to find another path or remove the boulder entirely. Master Link."
"Removing it is definitely out of the question. We don't have the manpower to move it," Pipit asserted.
"But trying to find another way could also take a while," Karane brought.
"I'm certain we can find another way…." Link and Pipit & Karane suddenly see Fledge pushing the large boulder out of the way. The orange student moved it without any sort of trouble. All three stood in a gap at sight.
"Oh, I forgot to mention. Din enhanced my physical strength, hehe…." Fledge massages his back neck, smiling embarrassingly.
The friends quickly got over the shock and resumed their trek. The search for Din's flame has started.
Unbeknownst to the quartet, they were being watched by Ghirahim himself. He was hiding away from their view, perched on the volcanic rocks, watching with every ounce of interest. Just as he predicted, Link and his friends had arrived at his location, where he looked for clues.
"Just as I predicted. And such perfect timing as well. Now all I need to do is wait for the right opportunity. "
A snap echoed as The Demon Lord then vanished.
Been a while, eh? Been dealing with some things such as work, got distracted by Splatoon 3, and dealing with writers block. I struggled with this chapter like a lot. I hope you all like the end result.
Bit of a headcanon. I always imagine the Wing Ceremony as a way for knight students to advance to the next level of knighthood without going through the studies. To put it in a real world perspective, it would be like skiping a grade. That's what it seemed like to me cause it would be kind of a hinderance to only have one person graduate to knighthood every year. I hope that makes sense.
Lyrics belong to Zelda Universe on Youtube.
Anywho, Fledge finally gets through his trial and the group are on the hunt for Din's flame. But I wonder what Ghirahim is up to?