Chapter 23: Fiery Pursuits
The quartet's search for Din's flame once again put them hiking up the treacherous terrain of the Eldin Volcano and fighting more Bokoblins that seem to reestablish their turf. The group found themselves in front of the entrance of the Earth Temple.
"You're telling me that the dark version of yourself was nice to you?" Pipit contended to Fledge as they arrived at the temple's entrance.
"Yeah. He was pretty…chill."
Pipit looked over to Karane, who had the same baffled expression as him.
"...I don't know if I should be happy that your dark version was nice or I should be jealous," Karane deadpanned.
"Leave him be, you two." Link playfully scolds. "Do you feel anything, Fledge?"
Fledge scanned around the area for several minutes, tapping. His gaze was brought upon the path on the right side of the temple entrance.
"This way."
The group traveled down the path. Things were quiet for several minutes, though Pipit's expression grew skeptical. Once they all crossed the stone bridge, Pipit was struck with an epiphany.
"Guys, stop! Link, do you remember what was ahead the last time we were here? That cave was hot enough to literally set us on fire."
"The earrings I have should protect me from the heat." Link noted.
"Yeah, but the rest of us don't have those earrings." Pipit pointed out. "How are we supposed to get through there?"
Fi hastily exited the sword before Link could come up with a response.
"Do not worry, Master Pipit. During the trek up the mountain, I had taken the liberty to analyze you, Master Karane, and Master Fledge since now all three of you have completed your trials. My scans show that the presence of the golden goddesses' essence within each of you has changed your metabolisms. There is a 97% chance that goddesses' essences will protect you from the extreme heat, just as Master Link's Fireshield Earrings."
"They can do that?" Fledge glanced at his hands. "Wow…"
"There's only one way to find out."
Slowly, the group entered the molten rock-covered cave. Link's Fireshield Earrings gave out a glow. Other than that, no noticeable changes have occurred to the others.
"The earrings work." Link announced. "What about you guys?"
"I feel fine. Huh! Fi was right after all!" Fledge exclaimed.
"Thank you, golden goddesses!" Pipit gleefully expressed to the air above.
"Stay focused. We still got a job to do," Karane reminded her boyfriend.
Fledge again took a moment to detect the flame's aura. It led the group to a pathway Link & Pipit did not see the last time they passed through the area. The quartet was in a more extensive cavern-like terrain covered with even more molten rock. There were also pools of lava scattered around the place.
"I have a status update for you, Masters. We are now near the crater at the peak of Eldin Volcano. The Volcano Summit." Fi addressed the teens while they felt a vibration from their maps, no doubt adding the summit. "I am detecting extremely high temperatures in this area. However, the Fireshield Earrings you possess, and your friend's essences from the goddesses will allow you to explore for extended periods. I calculate the probability of finding the final sacred flame here at 90%. I recommend searching for the flames."
"She's right," Fledge groaned, rubbing his head. "There's…certainly a powerful presence here."
While he could feel the aura of the flames, Fledge swore he felt something else. It was much different and fainter. He did not share this with his friends, figuring it was something they could check out later. He can hope he keeps them distinct.
The group resumed their search after Fi retreated into the sword. The cavern was enormous. The flame could be hidden anywhere. Link thought that if he came here alone like he originally planned, he could've been wandering around for hours. With Fledge, they can find the flame relatively quick.
Their trek led them to a section with open space. The other side of the path was separated by a pool of lava. The only way across was large rocks wide enough for one person to hop. One by one, each member of the group jumped across. First Link, Karane, then Pipit. Fledge was the last one. Unbeknownst to the quartet, three pairs of reptilian eyes had been watching them from high above the cave. They had been stalking them, waiting for the right time to strike. That time was now.
Fledge readied himself to jump across the rocks when jumping in front of him from above was none other than a Lizalfos. Fledge stumbles down on his rear. His three friends were about to rush to his aid when two more Lizalfos jumped down on their side, blocking the path to the orange-clad student. Noticing his friend's predicament. Fledge knew that Link would not be able to get him out of this fight. Meaning he had to take on the Lizalfos on his own this time.
The boy quickly got back on his feet before the Lizalfos could hit him with its large arm guard. The two opponents had their gazes glued on, circling each other, waiting for the other to make their attack.
"Looks like I'm in for a rematch."
Nervousness filled Fledge's chest. Then he remembered the events of his trial, including the encouraging words of Dark Fledge & Din. It helped calm him down.
"No…I can do this. You can do this, Fledge."
Fledge would not falter this time. The Fledge that first fought the Lizalfos in the Earth Temple differed from what he is now. Sucking in a deep breath, he readied himself to fight.
The Lizalfos made the first move by breathing out large bursts of fire. Fledge blocked the attack with his sacred shield. The force of the attack was enough to send Fledge stumbling back. This gave the Lizalfos an opening to hit Fledge with the spike ball on the end of its tail. Fledge barely managed to dodge the attack. He strikes the monster before it uses its large gauntlet to block the attack. Like the last fight, the Lizalfos stuck its tongue out mockingly before executing a punch attack with its gauntlet.
The result, however, was different.
Fledge used every ounce of his strength to use his shield to parry the attack. It was so strong that it knocked the Lizalfos flat onto the ground. Fledge took in deep breaths to comprehend what he had done. With the Lizalfos dazed, Fledge knew he had to act before it got back on its feet. Eyeing its tail sticking out, an idea came to him.
Fledge ran over to where the monster was, grabbing its tail with both hands. Fledge lifted the Lizalfos from the ground, spinning it around several times before finally releasing it. The Lizalfos let out a screech as it landed in the pool of lava and continued to do so until the fires of the lava consumed its body.
When Fledge finished his fight, the three senior knights had taken care of the last two Lizalfos. Pipit fought one Lizalfos until he could use his wind magic to blow it into the lava pool. Karane used her shield ability to block the other Lizalfos' attack until Link knocked it down into the lava as well. All three watched Fledge finish off his Lizalfos on his own.
When it was clear that the Lizalfos were done for, Fledge hopped across the rocks to his friends.
"Are you three okay?"
"I think so. What about you?" Karane answered.
"I'm okay. That was…unexpected."
"But we all pulled through." Link gave Fledge a proud pat on his shoulder. "You fought well."
"Thanks. Knowing my worth was good enough confidence to help me fuel the fight.
"And having super strength as well," Pipit added.
"Well…maybe that helped a little too."
That earned a chuckle from all three senior knights.
The group resumed their journey. Soon they reached a part of the terrain without molten lava and cooler air. A large stone wall with an archway path blocked by fire was up ahead. On the right side of the arch was a statue head that resembled a frog head with red eyes and a tongue sticking out. The group noticed a familiar Goron hanging near the fire-covered entry.
"Gorko?" Link called out
"Oh hey! We meet again. How have you been, bud?"
"I've been doing good."
"And your friends are still with ya, I see. Nice to see you three as well! Say…is there something different about you guys? I feel there is, but I can't exactly put my finger on it…."
"You can say that…hehe," Fledge responded.
"Anyways, what brings you down here, Gorko?" Link asked.
"I rumbled over here 'cause I heard of some ancient ruins here. I wanted to see 'em for myself, but…this flaming wall of fire is blocking the way!" Gorko pointed to the flaming fire. "I wish there was something we could do to put out these flames…."
As Gorko brought his attention back to the fire. Fledge glanced over to where the statue of the frog was. A gray stone with a written inscription resided in front of it.
"Hey guys, look at this." Fledge brought his friend's attention to the stone.
"Quench my thirst to clear your path."
"What do you think that means?" Pipit questioned.
"Good question..." Link placed his finger on his chin
Fledge looked at the stone and then at the frog statue. An idea came to him.
"That statue resembles a frog. Frogs need water to survive. Maybe we need to pour water into the statue's mouth. Quenching its thirst."
"That does seem like a plausible theory," Karane stated. "We can use the water from our water skins."
"I don't like wasting our water in a place like this," Pipit stated.
"It could be the only way through," Fledge argued back. "We should at least see if it works."
"I'm gonna have to agree with Fledge on this one, Pipit. It's at least worth trying out," Link conceded.
"...Alright."
Karane offered to pour her water in first. She went up the small stairs leading up to the statue. Pouring the water into the statue's mouth, The red eyes turned blue before it closed its mouth. The fire blocking the path died down.
"It worked!" She cheered.
Gorko was especially pleased to see the flames gone. "The flames are out! Now we can get through here."
Gorko eagerly moved ahead, with the quartet just a little behind. This time, they found another wall with the frog head statue on the left side. There were flames once again blocking the path."
"More flames…This is starting to burn me up…" Gorko mumbled. "Hate to ask you this, bud, but could you and your friends do the fire extinguisher routine again."
"There are no stairs leading up to the statue," Karane noticed. "Looks like they were destroyed a while ago."
"I see a small platform above the statue," Link noted.
"I got this."
Pipit teleported to a small ledge over the statue. He then poured his water into the statue's mouth. Like the last one, its eyes turned blue, and it closed its mouth, extinguishing the flames.
"Wow. That's a pretty neat skill you have there. And the flame is out. Now we are getting somewhere!"
The quartet followed the Goron down the pathway. Lying ahead is a structure that appeared to be a large temple with extensive red-orange fire carvings on top of it. Blocking the entrance was a big wall with flames, with an even more enormous statue of the frog head hanging above.
"Do you see this, bud? Talk about intriguing! We are definitely off the map here." Gorko observed. "Judging by the design of this place, I bet there is something super important hidden around here! All I can say is that it is a big frog with a big thirst. I do not think the amount of water in one of your remaining water skins combined will cut it this time. Hmmm…You will have to have a big container to hold the water needed for this job. Got anything like that? And speaking of which, where are you going to get all the water needed? I gotta say, I am pretty much stumped. Anyways, I'm gonna take a quick look around."
Gorko explored one of the small rooms on the side of the entrance. Fi showed herself to the group.
"Masters, I detect no water in the immediate vicinity. Of course, you will need a large basin to proceed past the impediment, but you will also need water. I recommend you start with that task."
"Where are we gonna get all that water?" Fledge fretted, looking at the frog statue.
"I doubt we're gonna find a huge body of it around here…" Link pointed out.
"We could go get the water from the lake at Skyloft," Pipit suggested. "But how do we bring all the water here?"
"Maybe I could carry it. I can control the water however I want," Karane offered.
"No way! We're not going to strain you out like that!"
"Then what do you suggest?"
No one had an answer.
"Hylia, help us out here…" Link silently pleaded.
"Well, look who we have here! I was wondering who was making that racket!"
The group turned to see a familiar Mogma.
"Ledd?"
"Long time no see, eh? You and your posse are still looking for your friend?".
Link nodded to the Mogma. "What brings you here?"
"On the hunt for treasure, of course! I got word of some ruins here, and I was right, so here I am! Believe it or not, I haven't found a thing so far. I suppose you guys don't have any info for me, would ya?"
"I don't think we do, to be honest…."
"Why so unsure? You can tell me! We're friends, right!"
"We can't even get in the place." Link pointed to the firewall.
"Geeze, that's a lot of fire…." Ledd uttered. "Why dont'cha just pour some water on it and move on?"
"The thing is, we don't have enough of it. The water we have left won't cut it," Karane explained.
"What do you mean?" The Mogma lifted his brow.
"We need…a lot of water," Fledge stated.
"Like a crapton of it," Pipit added.
"Ya need that much water? Whoa…" Ledd responded, clearly not expecting the answer.
"I suppose you wouldn't happen to know how you can help," Link suggested.
"Actually…I think I might."
"Really now?"
"Scattered around here, there are some hot springs-"
"Hot springs?" Karane questioned.
"Yeah! Real high-quality, soothing springs. They can take every stress you have out of your body. You never seem 'em?"
"We umm…never had the time to look around here," Link admitted.
"They do sound nice right now…." Fledge mused dreamily.
"Yeesh! You guys seriously need to look around more! Can't always stay in one place!" Ledd ranted.
"Uh, back to your point," Pipit reminded the Mogma.
"Right, anyways. I hear the water from those springs is fed by some far-off water source called Lake Floria. So a buddy of mine went huntin' for treasure in Faron Woods, and he told me he used the waterways there to find his way back home. He tells me Lake Floria was just about the biggest lake you could imagine. Bet if you checked it out, there'd be enough water there to solve your dilemma. Hope that helps you guys out. Now if you excuse me, I've got treasure hunting to do! Good luck!"
Ledd burrowed back under the ground.
"A report, Masters. I recommend following the Mogma's advice and returning to Lake Floria." Fi addressed the group. "I also have some advice pertinent to the situation. It concerns a method for transporting water from the lake…I suggested you visit the Water Dragon. I conjecture you can transport a large volume of water using the water basin where the previously injured Water Dragon recuperated."
"Of course! That makes so much sense!" Link exclaimed happily. "Thank you, Fi!"
"You're welcome, Master. I suggest you head over as soon as possible. Master Pipit's containment of Farore's essence should help you track down Faron."
"Not a problem," Pipit declared.
"You think she'll let us use her basin?" Karane wondered.
"If it means helping us on our quest, she has to," Link remarked. "How are we going to get it over here?"
"There's still Gondo's robot, Scrapper," Fledge recalled.
"Oh yeah. I almost forgot about that robot," Pipit stated offhandedly.
"Are you guys doing okay?" Gorko trotted onto the group.
"We figured out a way to get a whole bunch of water here," Link told the Goron.
"That's great, bud! You should get going then!"
"There's a Loftwing statue near the entrance!" Karane showed the typical Loftwing statue they have seen throughout the land.
"Talk about convenience, but I'm not complaining!" Pipit commented.
As the senior knights eagerly made their way to the statue, Link noticed Fledge trailing behind.
"You okay?"
"I feel a little tired...The trial, hiking, and fighting the Lizalfos felt draining."
"Maybe you should stay here for a rest?" Gorko advised.
"You think so?"
"Of course! I may be an eager scholar, but even I need to stop to take a breather now and then."
Fledge looks over to his friends. "Is that okay with you guys?"
"You've been busy helping us these past several hours. Not a surprise you ended up being tired," Karane pointed out.
"And it probably wouldn't be a good idea for him to go on into this place if he's all tired out," Pipit added.
All eyes laid on Link. As much as he wanted to give his friend a well-deserved break, something within told him that letting Fledge stay here wouldn't be a good idea.
"You certainly earned some rest, but I don't feel comfortable leaving you here while we go elsewhere. We've never split up that far before."
"I'll be fine, Link. Don't worry. I'll stay right here and man the fort." Fledge assured Link.
"And I'll stay here and keep him company!" Gorko spoke up.
Link looked at Fledge. In the past, in similar situations, Fledge was usually unsure about something, and Link told him it was fine. Interesting how the tables have turned. Link pulled Fledge into a hug.
"Stay safe. We'll be back soon."
"I will."
All three senior knights activated the Loftwing statue. A gust of air blew them high above. Link kept his gaze on Fledge until he vanished from his view. Fledge was now alone with Gorko.
"While waiting, would you like to hear my discoveries to pass the time?" Gorko said to the young teen.
"I don't see why not. I like to learn a little history."
"Ah, sweet! I sure hope not to disappoint you!"
"Man, it feels nice to have a cool down after running around that volcano," Karane breathed as the group emerged from the water in Faron's chambers.
"I don't think you can cool down," Pipit commented while they climbed onto Faron's platform.
"Why is that?"
"Cause you're always hot."
Karane let out a playful groan. "Oh, my- Not even 24 hours as boyfriend & girlfriend, and you're already saying that cheesy stuff."
"It's true, though!"
Link could only shake his head with a small smile as he listened to the couple's banter. While he may feel like a bit of a third wheel, seeing those two finally becoming an item was sweet.
"Hopefully, that could be Zelda and me when all this is over. If all turns out well, that is…."
The group approached Faron. The dragon beamed at the sight of the humans.
"Ah, I thought I sensed a familiar presence. Back so soon?"
"Hello, Your Excellence," Pipit greeted.
Faron lifted her hand. "Please, no need for that. We both share Farore's essence, after all. I say we're both on equal ground. You may simply call me Faron."
"Alright, Faron."
"...I feel a new presence of magic." Faron eyed Karane. "Your eyes are as blue as Nayru, girl."
"I undergo a trial set by Nayru. I passed and was rewarded with the power of 'Nayru's Grace.' " Karane explained.
"Interesting…Well then. I'm sure you'll use your gift wisely. And you, Link, was it? I feel you are much stronger than when we previously met. Tell me, are you mastering the power that dwells within your sword?"
"I have, thank you." Link bowed his head.
"It pleases me to hear that. Do not get cocky. You still have a long ways to go. That just leaves that boy in orange, Fledge. If I have to guess, he became worthy of bearing Din's essence. Where is he, by the way?"
"He had to stay behind. And he has the power of 'Din's Fury.'. He's handling it well." Pipit disclosed. "Enough about that. We've come to ask you for a favor."
"What would that be? Faron pressed on.
"Can we…borrow your basin?" Link asked.
"Oh? You wish to borrow my water basin?" The humans nodded to the dragon. "Hmm…Very well, I have recovered, and I have no intention of having to soak in it again soon! Begone with it! It's yours to use as you please."
"Thank you very much! You have no idea how helpful this is," Karane told the dragon with gratitude.
"Shall I send word to the transport robot, Master Link?" Fi asked.
"Call him!"
"Understood, Master. I will call him at once."
Everyone stood waiting for the robot. They hear the familiar propeller sound as Scrapper comes flying down from above.
"Mistress Fi! My deep apologies for keeping you waiting!." Scrapper examines the large basin. "Let's see here…This cargo looks heavy, but it's well within my payload tolerances. Master Shortpants, Master Condiment, and Master Pigtails! Watch carefully while I demonstrate what a real hero looks like!"
Scrapper extended his arms and used them to reach both ends of the large basin. The robot lifted it with ease.
"As usual, I shall await you in the skies above. Don't keep me waiting!"
Scrapper flew high above. Fi returned her attention to the group once he was out of view.
"Masters, your task here is complete for the moment. We should return to the sky to set a course for the volcano."
"Do please return the basin to me when you finish with it. There is no rush, though. It's yours to do with as you please." Faron interjected when Fi returned to the sword.
The trio of senior knights quickly return to the skies. Their Loftwings flew straight towards the red pillar of light with Scrapper not too far behind. They eventually reached the volcano's entrance when the trio skydived straight down.
"Please direct where you like to land, Master," Fi inquired Link.
"Just near the-"
Scrapper hurriedly flew past the trio before Link could finish his sentence.
"What the-Where is he going?"
"Beats me!" Pipit shouted back.
"We better follow before we lose sight of him!" Karane bellowed back.
The three teens landed near the base of the volcano. All three set their sights dead straight on Scrapper.
"This is where you wanted the water, right?"
"No! We wanted to go to the volcano summit!" Link shouted at the robot.
"WHAT?! THE SUMMIT? Why didn't you say so from the start? I don't want to carry this thing back to the sky. IT'S HEAVY!"
"MAYBE YOU SHOULD WAIT FOR ME TO SAY SOMETHING BEFORE YOU ACT NEXT TIME!"
"Alright, enough!" Karane shouted, ceasing the yelling between the boy & robot.
Scrapper let out grumbles as he scanned around the area. "This place is swarming with monsters."
"I hate to admit it, but he's right. I see several Bokoblins armed with archers' bows," Pipit observed.
"I would bust up enemies like a junkyard wrecker if I could. But I've got my mitts filled with this basin." The robot let out a hum. "Hey, Master Shortpants, Master Pigtails, and Master Condiment! Since we came all this way, let's play a game called 'Protect the Robot.' Here's how it works: I'll follow you up the volcano, and you make sure nothing touches me. Got it? Good! Your jobs are simple! You make sure none of these monsters lays a claw on me. NOT…ONE…CLAW! Are we clear?"
"Yeah…" Link uttered.
"Good! Now let's get going." Scraper hovered away from them.
"I am starting to not like that robot..." Link groaned as he rubbed his face. "This is gonna take awhile…I hope Fledge can handle waiting a little longer."
"He'll understand. If anything, he'll get a few extra minutes of rest," Karane indicated.
"ARE YOU THREE COMING OR WHAT?!" Scrapper bellowed out.
"Let's not keep our friend waiting now. We've got a long way to go," Pipit urged his companions.
"...And when those Bokoblins had me surrounded, I thought that was it for me. That's when your friend, Link, ran out of nowhere and took those things down, no sweat! And that's how he and I got acquainted"
"That sure does sound like Link," Fledge commented once Gorko finished his tale. The pair had been sitting in one of the rooms on the side of the temple entrance. This room had a bench that was perfect for Fledge to sit on. "Link always looked out for those he cared for. Always putting himself before others."
"Sounds like you think highly of him."
"We've been friends since we were kids. My mom died when I was six. I had no one to go to."
"What about your dad? I know humans typically have a mom & dad."
"I…don't know anything about him. Mom never told me about my dad. Not even the people who were her friends told me anything. Whenever I did ask, they changed the topic saying it was something for me to know when the time was right. It was only her and me up until she died. I thought I would be alone for the rest of my life. Then Link came to me and offered his friendship. He knew what I was going through because he had lost his parents a year beforehand. Since then, he has always looked out for me. Always made sure I was doing alright and stuck up to bullies, which resulted in him getting beaten up on a few occasions."
"Sounds like he's a stand-up guy."
"He really is. I never told him this, but…Link's like an older brother to me. He, Pipit, and Karane have all been good friends to me. Never left me hanging when things got tough. But…I always wanted to help them in return, which led me here."
"Oh?" Gorko leaned in with interest before Fledge continued.
"Another good friend, Zelda, got knocked below the clouds. Link initially set out to look for her by himself. Where we come from, we knew nothing of this land. It didn't help that other people were secretive about the whole thing. We didn't know what could happen to Link. So I suggested to Pipit & Karane that we join him and help him find Zelda. It was a bit of…an impulse decision, but here we are now."
"Wow! You all sound like terrific friends."
"Sometimes, I find that hard to believe."
"Why is that, bud?"
"I…I had issues with confidence and sticking up for myself for as long as I can remember. As mentioned, it made me a target for bullies. The only reason I finally got the courage to make friends with the others is most likely because we went through similar pains of losing family. Link and Karane lost their parents, Pipit lost his dad, and Zelda & I lost our moms. Bonded over a mutual trauma."
"You know what I think?" Fledge glances at the Goron. "I say that's a friendship worth keeping."
"You believe that?"
"Of course! From what I've known so far, you all sound so tight-knit. I haven't seen a lot of humans in my life, but your guy's friendship is more valuable than any relic of history. You guys willingly went out of your way to help your friend, especially going into unfamiliar grounds. That friendship is worth fighting for and held dearly for the rest of your life. If anything, it's more than just a simple friendship. You're all a family, and families are always there for each other. You should let them know how much you appreciate their friendship. Your bud Link, Pipit, Karane, and Zelda are lucky to have you as a friend. I would as well."
"...Maybe when we find Zelda, I'll tell them that. I know we barely know each other, but thanks for the advice."
"I'm always happy to lend an ear to a friend or a friendly stranger."
Fledge smiled at the Goron. Seeing how friendly he is, it's no wonder why Link has some fondness for him. Speaking of which…
"You think they'll be back soon? They've been gone for a while." Fledge looks over to the entrance of the path.
"I'm sure they're fine. From what you told me, they move the earth to get back to you," Gorko reassured.
"Yeah, you're right. Something came up, like usual. That robot may be causing issues.
"Robot? Like the ones from Lanayru. How'd you get one of those activated?"
Fledge opened his mouth to speak when a noise caught his attention. Odd, there was nothing around here big enough to make that noise.
"You heard that?"
"I think so." Gorko turned his head in the direction of where the noise came from. "I don't think it's anything to worry about, though. Some lizards do hang around in this region. Probably one of them knocked over some bricks."
As much as Fledge wanted to believe Gorko and brush it off, his instincts told him otherwise. Going against his better self, Fledge moved to his feet.
"I'm going to check it out just to be safe."
Gorko gave an understanding nod. The orange-clad student exited the room. Directly across was another room parallel to him. That is where the noise originated from. Slowly, he walked over to the room. There was nothing inside. That should've been enough to walk away, yet Fledge walked to the center of the empty space. It was quiet. Too quiet.
This was odd. Fledge wondered if the noise was just the paranoid side of him playing tricks on him, but then he recalled that Gorko also heard the noise. What made that noise if there was nothing in here?
A sudden chill crawled upon Fledge's back. Something was wrong. He quickly turned his body around. That is when he felt a sudden force slam him against the wall, causing him to let out a small shout. Sharp metal pressed against his throat. When Fledge snapped out of his daze, he stared into a familiar brown eye and a sinister grin. The attacker was none other than someone Fledge was, unfortunately, familiar with.
"Hello there…" Ghirahim purred, licking his lips.
"Y-YOU?! What are you?" Ghirahim pressed a finger against Fledge's lips, pushing his sword closer to his throat.
"Shush, shush. No need to cause a fuss."
Gorko quickly ran over once he heard Fledge shout. The Goron was surprised to see Ghirahim here. "Hey, pal! What do you think you're doing to him-?!"
Ghirhim sent out a burst of magic in Gorko's direction. It was strong enough to knock him against the wall. His head made contact which caused him to get knocked out.
"GORKO!" Fledge shrieked.
"Don't worry, he's still alive. I'd be worried about yourself if I were you." Ghirahim spoke coolly. "Where are Link and the rest of your pesky friends?"
"We split up, but they'll be back soon!"
"Ah, wonderful! That is what I was hoping to hear. I hate for Link to miss out on this! Why not we both head inside this place and wait for them there? We'll have privacy for us to chit-chat in the meantime. I have something special planned for you and Link as well! Oh, it will be so much fun!" Ghirahim had spoken with so much glee. "In the meantime, sleep…."
Ghirahim stroked his finger on Fledge's forehead. Fledge was instantly knocked out, his body going limp. Ghirahim let Fledge land on the ground with a hard thud. A chuckle escaped the Demon Lord. With one snap of his fingers, Ghirahim and Fledge vanish from the scene.
Left behind was an orange hat.
A little later…
"You want me to pour the water on this? No problem!"
After a treacherous and headache-inducing hike up the mountain, the trio of senior knights and Scrapper made it safely to the temple entrance. They watch the little robot pour the water into the frog head statue. With a mouth filled with water, the statue closes it. The flames blocking its path finally died down.
"Did you see that, Mistress Fi?" Scrapper called out. "If there's anything else I can do to be of assistance, just call me anytime!"
"Please return the basin to the Water Dragon," Fi instructed.
"Anything for you, Mistress Fi!"
The robot flew back into the sky, leaving the humans and sword spirit behind.
"The flames blocking your path have been fully extinguished. I recommend proceeding ahead, Masters."
"I really DO NOT like that robot," Link groaned.
"At least it's over with. Hopefully, it'll be smoother flying from this point," Pipit rejoiced.
"Wait…Where's Fledge? And Gorko?" Karane called out.
The three teens all darted around the entrance of the temple. There was no trace of Fledge or Gorko anywhere.
"Where could they be?" Link questioned.
"Maybe a monster came by, and they went off to hide?" Pipit suggested.
"But I see no traces of any monsters passing through here," Karane noted.
Link was now getting worried. This wasn't like Fledge to run off somewhere unexpectedly. The fact that Gorko wasn't here didn't help put him at ease. There was something wrong.
A soft moan caught the teen's attention. To their relief, it was only Gorko. That relief was replaced with concern once they saw a big cut on his head. Link quickly dashed over to the Goron.
"Gorko! Are you alright?"
"I think so, bud. Ugh, my head…." Gorko groaned.
"Take it easy, big guy." Pipit helped Gorko sit down while Karane pulled out a red potion to drink.
"What happened? Where's Fledge?" Link asked.
"I-I don't know. We were sitting and talking when we heard a noise. I thought it was a lizard, but your friend checked it out. I heard him scream, so I rushed over and saw some guy pinning him against the wall with a sword on his neck. I tried to help, but the guy somehow knocked me out. I'm sorry, bud. I did try to help your friend, honest."
"It wasn't your fault. Focus on resting. We'll find Fledge."
"...The strange thing, it looked like diamonds came out of the guy's hand."
"Diamonds?"
"Yeah! Black, white, and yellow diamonds, to be exact."
Link glanced back to Pipit & Karane. They had the same concerned expressions as his. There was only one person they knew who did something like that.
"What did this guy look like?" Link inquired.
"Let's see…." Gorko uttered. "He had white hair and white clothes. His skin was pale. He had a crimson four-pointed cape. And I think he had a blue earring of sorts."
It was those words that Link's fear was confirmed.
"Ghirahim..."
"Could it be him?" Pipit wondered.
"I have detected traces of magic in the area. There is a 98% possibility that it is the same magic that Ghirahim uses," Fi informed. "I am also detecting Master Fledge's aura from within the temple. There is a 95% chance that Ghirahim abducted Fledge and took him near the temple."
"That's not good…." Karane stated grimly.
Link stood still for a good minute. Without any warning, he hastily marched over to the entrance. Pipit halted Link by grabbing his arm.
"Wait a moment, Link!"
"Wait?! You want me to wait while that psychopath is holding our friend in there doing Hylia knows what to him!" Link shouted back. "That bastard already snatched one friend away, and I won't let him do it to another!"
"But storming in all riled up will not help Fledge!"
"Pipit's right. We need to think about this carefully," Karane insisted.
"How then?!"
Karane glanced at the sword spirit. "Fi, is Fledge still alive?"
"My readings show that Master Fledge is, in fact, still alive."
"What are you getting at?" Link eyed the female senior knight quizzically.
"Ghirahim has been trying to kill us throughout this quest to stop us. So why would he take Fledge instead of killing him when he had the chance? Ghirahim clearly has something planned. I do not know what, but I feel it."
"And we need a clear head for this. We take one misstep, and that could be very well it for Fledge," Pipit added.
"You're right…." Link breathed out. "I'm sorry for yelling like that. I was just-"
"We get it, man. We're worried too." Pipit patted his shoulder.
"Fledge will be fine. I'm sure he will." Karane assures Link.
Link glanced into the steps leading into the temple. Slowly he walked over to the top of the stairs. Link wiped his head from the sweat from the heat emitting from the temple. His gaze glued down to the stairs. Pipit & Karane were each on his side. Link sucked in a breath, closing his eyes to relax. Fledge is somewhere in that temple in Ghirahim's grasp.
"Fledge...We're on our way. Just hang on until we get there."
All three walked down the steps into the temple.
Well, things have certainty made an interesting turn...
On another note, this fanfic is now officially 1 year old. Thank for those have stick around and I hope you will continue to do so as this story goes on.