Chapter 28: Revelations Unveiled
A Month Prior…
The sounds of Skyloft's Waterfall pouring into the lake echoed off Fledge's ears as he sat on the banks, arms wrapped around his legs close to his chest. Slowly, he moved one of his arms, bringing his hand to his face. The bandage covering the cut he had received the night prior from his 'venting' by trying to climb up the Goddess Statue remains that Zelda helped treat. Events leading up to that cut went through his mind, including the moment he learned that he would not be able to compete in this year's Wing Ceremony. Revisiting that moment caused Fledge to let out a tired breath.
"Hand doing okay?" The suddenness of the voice almost made Fledge jump, only to grow relieved once he realized it was Link standing next to him.
"Yeah…" Fledge stares back at the lake.
Link sat down, legs crisscrossed. Several minutes of silence passed until Link spoke up. "Zelda…Told me about last night."
"Kinda figured that out..." Fledge responded with a bit of snark, quickly realizing that it might've come out wrong. "Sorry. Didn't mean that."
"It's fine," Link said with assurance, though his eyes were sorrowful. "Probably deserve a bit of that. I'm sorry that I wasn't around. I didn't realize how…crushed you were about yesterday. And you sure didn't have to deal with Groose and what he said."
"It's not your fault. I was the reason I failed, not you. And I know not to let Groose's words get to me, no matter how condescending & convincing they are." Fledge let out a breath. "I…I tried so hard, you know."
"I do."
"But I wasn't even anywhere close to passing the physical test. If I have issues with that...do I have any chance of being a Skyknight?"
"You will, Fledge. You just need to try harder." Fledge remained quiet. Link thought over what to say next for the next several minutes. "Tell you what. When the next ceremony comes around, I'll help train you."
"You would do that?" Fledge asks with a glint of hope.
"Sure! You're my friend. I would be more than happy to help you." Link gave a friendly pat on Fledge's back. "Plus, there's no way in hell I'm going to let Groose or his cronies get promoted before either of us."
Fledge let out a small laugh. "I guess that should be a good motivator for me to keep going."
"Now, that's one way to look at it!"
"But can you at least try to beat Groose in this year's race?"
"I won't try." Link moves his hand on Fledge's shoulder with a gentle grip. "I WILL beat him. Then the next year, you'll beat him. And before you know it, you, me, Pipit, Karane, and Zelda will be flying around the skies keeping Skyloft safe as full-on Skyknights."
Deep breathing escaped from Link when he pulled himself out of that memory. Goddesses, it felt like an entire lifetime ago. A lifetime when he was a simple, naïve boy who had no idea what would be in store for him. The world's fate, including Zelda's, was not on his shoulders. And his friends being put through life-threatening dangers.
In the distance, Fledge sat on the edge of the lake bank. Further away from him were the rays of the sunset reflecting from behind the rocks surrounding the lake. Sitting crisscrossed, frozen as a statue, Fledge had his thousand-yard stare stuck upon the waters in the lake. Link sat beside Fledge, pulling his legs close to his chest. The younger teen didn't so much as flinch when Link gained the courage to walk up to him. This moment is an almost perfect replica of their conversation at Skyloft Lake last month, though the roles were somewhat reversed.
For several painfully long minutes, no words or sounds were exchanged between the pair. No eye contact was made. Building up the courage, Link turns in Fledge's direction, getting a clear look at his left face.
There Link got a close-up view of the remains of Fledge's left ear. The pointed tip that adorned him and every other person on Skyloft is no longer there. A red burned edge lies on the top of Fledge's ear. Judging by the ragged edges, it was evident that Ghirahim took his time cutting it off to prolong Fledge's pain & suffering. Then there's the diamond scar on Fledge's left cheek which also has red, burned scars making the shape of the diamond. Also, on the younger teen's cheeks were dried tears trailing down from his puffy eyes.
Fledge remained shirtless, allowing Link to see the other scars on his torso, including the one on the center of Fledge's chest that initially killed him.
The image of Ghirahim striking his sword through Fledge's chest flashed back into Link's mind, followed by his scream. This was concluded when Fledge died in Link's arms, the latter's voice desperately begging for Fledge to wake back up. The memory was painful enough for Link to let out a quiet gasp for air, trying to soothe the pain in his head.
Link wondered if Fledge was angry at him. Fledge's expression made it hard to tell to be honest. While Pipit, Karane, and Fi all assure him that Fledge does not hold any resentment, part of Link fears so. Link questioned if he should say anything at all.
Sucking in the air through his nostrils, Link proceeded to speak.
"I…I wanted to see how you were doing."
Fledge did not respond in any way. His eyes remained glued to the sunset in front of him. That does not deter Link as he continues to speak.
"I know you're probably angry at me, and you have every right to be. I failed to keep my promise when we were kids." A tear streamed down from Link's eye. "...I let you down. I never should have left you alone. You never should have gone through Ghirahim's torture. And you never should have…died in there. If I could go back and trade places, I would. But I can't, and I failed you because I was too late, not only as a friend…" Tears were streaming down from both of Link's eyes as he tried his best not to break down crying. "...I failed you as a brother. And I am so sorry."
Fledge has yet to say anything. Link was doing his best to keep himself together, waiting for Fledge to generate some sort of response.
"It was painful…"Fledge spoke up after many long seconds passed. "The worst pain I've been through in my whole life. This…" Fledge placed his palm flat on the left side of his face. "Ghirahim did this because I didn't tell him about the Gate. I'll have to live with this for the rest of my life. I can't take that choice back. If I had to go through all that again, knowing I probably won't be coming back…I would make the same choice." Fledge rests his head against Link's shoulder. "And if I had to choose between dying or losing you or any of my friends, I choose death in a heartbeat."
Link's eyes move to Fledge, unsure of what to say to that statement.
"Dying scares me. I was scared that Ghirahim would kill me," Fledge admitted, expression more somber. "The only thing that terrifies me more than that: Losing one of my friends. You have Zelda & Headmaster Gaepora. Pipit still has his mom, and Karane has Owlan. Me… My mom is dead. I have no clue who my father is. And I have no other biological family, as far as I know. The reason I gave myself up… I have no one back at Skyloft besides you guys. You, Pipit, Karane, and Zelda are the closest thing I have to a family. If something happened to any of you, especially because of me, I don't know what I'd do."
Fledge sucked in a breath through his nostrils to keep himself calm and not break into tears, though one tear escaped his eye. Minutes of silence passed before Link spoke up.
"You shouldn't have gone through all that. I should've tried harder…I should've been quicker. Shouldn't have been late like I always am…." Link insisted with guilt-ridden in his voice.
"Link, I don't blame you for what happened there." Fledge lifts his head to face his friend. "I know you did everything you could. But you're not a garrison of Skyknights. You can't always be everywhere at once. And I'm training to be a Skyknight. I'm not the bravest person, but if I was as big of a scaredy-cat as everyone makes me out to be, I wouldn't put in the effort to be a Skyknight. Death pretty much comes with the job."
"But before all this, all we had to worry about were flying monsters and sudden storms. All of that we could prepare for." Link argued. "Fledge, you were tortured, then…basically executed."
"This!" Fledge pointed to the half ear and diamond scar. "These." Fledge lifted both hands, showing Link the wounds caused by Ghirahim's knives pinning to the wall on his palms. "And certainly this!" Fledge then pointed to the scar that initially killed him on his chest.
"Ghirahim did this! Not you! You didn't dig knives into my hands to pin me against the wall! You didn't cut up my face! You didn't torture me! And you certainly were not the one who killed me! I know…damn well that Ghirahim did ALL that to me and only him!" Fledge stressed firmly, panting in between words. "As for me…I made my choices. I chose to endure that torture. I chose to sacrifice myself, and I didn't know awakening the full power of Din's Essence would bring me back. And I chose to stick by you when I had every right to leave. And you want to know something? I don't regret any of it. You've protected me as long as we know each other, but I won't hesitate to protect you, Link. If I had to go through all that again, even on the chance I would stay dead to keep my friends safe, I would. If I were to die again tomorrow knowing that you all are safe, then I'll be content enough. That's all I want."
Link sat quiet, taking in those heartfelt words. After minutes of silence, Link. "Do…do you really see me as a brother?"
"You always believe in me when I don't believe in myself. You always cheered me up when I was down in the dumps. You always scared away Groose & his friends when they were messing with me. And…You were willing to be my friend when my mom died. As I said before, you're the closest family I have. Over time I saw you as a brother I never had. I never told you or any of them this because I thought you would find it ridiculous. You looked up to Pipit the same, so I thought you didn't need another brother figure."
"I don't think it's ridiculous at all. Do you know why? Because I feel the same way about you." Fledge looks at Link in shock. "You're like a little brother to me, Fledge. I never told you because I didn't think you saw me that way."
"Guess that makes both of us idiots," Fledge said with dry humor, making Link chuckle.
"Yeah…We were. I'm sorry for not being able to keep you safe like a brother."
"Link, what happened to me today was Ghirahim's fault, not yours. And I'll keep reminding you until your deathbed if I have to."
"Well, that makes me feel better, at least."
Fledge's lips grew in a small smile. That soon vanished as another subject came to him. "Link…there's another reason I chose to give myself up. It's something you and the others need to know."
Grumbling noises came from Fledge's stomach, loud enough for Link to hear. The green-clad hero grew an amusing smile.
"I think we should get some food for you first. Mogmas are about to make some food and invited us to eat with them. Tell us over a bite."
"Food does sound nice right now."
"Let's get you back then, little brother."
When Link slowly moved up, Fledge noticed something on his brother. Hastily, Fledge tugged on Link's arm.
"What?" Link glances at Fledge with worry.
With a nervous expression, Fledge motioned his hand over his cheeks. "You, um, have my…blood on your face."
Link moves his hand to the bloody handprint that lingers on his cheek. At this point, the blood was dried entirely and crusty, sticking to Link's skin.
"I…haven't had the chance to clean it off."
"Let me take care of that."
Fledge dunked the rag Lapi lent him into the lake bank, wringing the water out. He used the rag to gently wipe Link's cheek for several minutes until every trace of the blood was gone.
"There, all cleaned," Fledge declared, dipping the rag into the water to clean the blood off. "Sorry about that…."
Link brushes his fingers against his now-cleaned cheek. Without any warning, he pulled Fledge into a tight hug. Fledge accepted it, burying his face between Link's head and shoulder. The two brothers held each other for several minutes.
"There's nothing for you to be sorry about," Link pulled away, maintaining eye contact with Fledge. "And another thing. Don't ever say or even think you're not important. Every single one of my friends will always be important to me. You included."
Fledge sniffled his nose, wiping a tear, with a smile on his lips. "You okay if I call you big brother?"
"I would be more than okay, little bro. Now let's get you some dinner."
The pair stood up, proceeding to make their way back to the Mogma Colony.
"Can I ask you something?" Link spoke up a few seconds into their stroll.
"What?"
"Did you really spit on Ghirahim's face?"
"I…also said 'screw you' to him." Fledge could only give a sheepish smile. Link's eyes widened in bewilderment. "Hey, I was at least fifty percent sure that he was going to kill me, which he did end up doing technically. Figure I do something crazy once in my life." Link could only let out an amused chuckle.
They kept on walking up until they reached the edge of the colony. Pipit & Karane stood nearby, waiting for them.
"Everything good?" Pipit was the first to speak.
"They are," Link responded.
"What about you, Fledge?" Karane asked.
"I just needed to unwind for a bit." Fledge breathes out and rubs his hand on his face.
"You doing okay now?" Pipit then asks him.
"Partially, yes. Fully, probably not for a while…." Fledge's fingers linger on his diamond scar, his other arm wrapped around his stomach area.
Link gently places his hand on Fledge's shoulder. "We'll help you, Fledge. Tonight, let's just worry about you. Tell us, what do you want?"
"A bite to eat for starters." Fledge plainly stated. "And…maybe we could check out those hot springs Ledd mentioned."
"We can arrange that, right you guys," Link said, Pipit & Karane nodding in response.
Right then, Lapi strolled her way toward the group of knight students with items in her hands. "Hello, all of you! Everything okay?"
"For the most part," Link answered.
"And what about you, dearie? How are you doing?" Lapi said to Fledge.
"A little better, I think."
"Good to hear! Since you're here, I wanted to give these back." Lapi lifted the items she was holding up. These were Fledge's Knight Tunic, Scarf, and everything else Fledge gave her. "I cleaned them to the best of my ability and patched them all up. Would you like them back now or put them in the cave?"
"The cave for now. Thank you again."
"No problem!" Lapi strolled away from the group.
The quartet of knight students moves closer to the middle of the colony. Several of the Mogmas are gathered around what appears to be a large bonfire pit. Gorko was also hanging nearby.
"Hey, you guys!" Gorko greeted the group. "How are you and your friend holding up, pal?"
"We'll be alright…" Link responded while Fledge gave a slight nod.
"I suppose that's better than nothing. I'm sure things will light up."
"I…appreciate that," Fledge said to the Goron. "Are the Mogma's making food?"
"They're trying to start the fire, but I think they're having issues."
Curious about what Gorko meant, all four humans glance toward the fire pit. Ledd was flicking two rocks together repeatedly. The Mogma was frustrated, indicating he had been doing this for some minutes. Several more flicks later, Ledd threw his arms up in frustration.
"GAH! Which one of you knuckleheads found these rocks? These aren't flint!" The nearby Mogmas all pointed at each other. "Forget I even asked." Ledd threw the rocks away, resting his head in his hand afterward. "Well, ain't this nice…"
Mala patted her husband's shoulder. "Easy, hun. I'm sure we can find some flint around here somewhere. Unless you want to rub the sticks together."
"That takes forever. Flint makes the sparks faster, and we don't even have that. If only we have a faster way to start the fire."
Fledge glances at his hand, remembering the power bestowed on him by Din. The magic that was fully awakened by sacrificing himself.
"Can I help?" Fledge steps close to the pit.
"Knock yourself out since my husband is too mopey," Mala gestured to the fire pit.
Fledge knelt by the firepit. Stretching out his palm, everyone around saw the flame burst up. The Mogmas and Gorko stood agape while Fledge's friends watched as he lit the fire pit.
"How's this?"
"...Good. Thanks!" Mala causally responded.
Gorko, on the other hand, was amazed. "Wow! You have magic, too as well?! Can you do anything else?"
"Well…I can also do this." Fledge moved over to a boulder that was bigger than Gorko himself. With his two hands, Fledge lifted the boulder over his head. Gorko's mouth was wide open that one of the Mogmas could fit in.
"I can do this and make fire. That's what I can pretty much do." Fledgel gently set the boulder back down.
"That's amazing!" Gorko cheered out, shuffling in excitement. "How long were you able to do that?"
"A few hours ago," Fledge responded.
"Seriously?" Gorko couldn't believe that. "Looks like you handle it like you've been doing your whole life. How'd you get it?"
"Din gave it to me."
Gorko's eyes widen with pure shock. "I-I'm sorry now. Who now?"
"Din."
"One more time, please?"
"Din."
"Din...As in the Goddess of Power and one of the three Golden Goddesses? That Din?"
"Yeah, her. I passed a trial made by her, and she gave part of her essence, and now I can do what you just saw."
Pipit stepped forward. "…He's not the only one. That teleportation you saw me do earlier, and this," Pipit summoned a tiny tornado on his palm. "I also passed a trial by Farore, and she gave me her essence, which is why I could do that."
"The same thing happened to me, except it was by Nayru. I can create barriers." Karane conjured a crystal barrier to encase herself, her friends, and Gorko for a brief minute. "I can also do this." Unscrewing her water skin cap, Karane levitated the water out, moving around herself. Then she safely put it back in the skin without a single drop escaping.
Gorko stood stunned as he took in the revelation bomb that had dropped before him. The shock then turns to pure excitement.
"You three met the Golden Goddesses and have part of their magic in you?! THAT IS SO AMAZING! Do you realize how big of a deal that is?! This is the discovery of a lifetime! You got to tell me EVERYTHING! What were the Goddesses like? Are they as beautiful as they say? How powerful are they? How did they give you your magic?"
Link stepped in when he noticed that his friends were overwhelmed by Gorko's question. "Woah, take it easy. Give them a chance to breathe."
"Sorry, pal. I got a bit excited." Gorko then eyed Link curiously. "Do you…have magic as well?"
"No, I'm still normal…somewhat. Unless being Hylia's Chosen Hero somehow counts."
Gorko stood agape for several seconds. "Well, I certainly want to hear about THAT as well. But I'll take it slow with the questions. A good way to pass the time until dinner."
The Knight Students, Gorko and Mogmas, sat around the fire pit. The sun had fully set, and a few stars appeared. The quartet explained what they knew to Gorko until the Mogmas prepared dinner. They were all eating some fried vegetables on a stick. The vegetable in question shared some resemblance to a carrot but in a yellowish color rather than the usual orange. It also appears to be split into two. Nonetheless, this food was good enough for the knight students.
"This is good!" Karane exclaimed.
"I couldn't agree more," Pipit said in between bites. "What kind of vegetable is this again?"
"An Endura Carrot," Guld replied. "It's very delicious!"
"And nutritious. It contains large amounts of nourishing energy. Perfect for us Mogmas," Silva explained.
"And it sometimes makes good medicine as well, which also makes it perfect for you, Fledge," Mala added.
"We also threw in some Armoranth seasoning in there. Another medical plant that also makes a good flavor. It was my idea to add it to help you out, dearie," Lapis glances at Fledge, holding Toopa in her arms, who happily nibble on her food.
"Thank you. That was very kind of you," Fledge said to her, slowly taking another bite.
Pipit watched Fledge continue eating. There had been something he wanted to ask. He waited until Fledge was done with his current carrot.
"Hey, Fledge?"
"What?" Fledge turns in his friend's direction.
Pipit opened his mouth to speak but then stopped himself. "N-Nevermind…I don't want to upset you."
Fledge did not buy it. "I came back from the dead after being tortured for hours. I don't think anything you say will upset me at this point. What's on your mind, Pipit?"
Breathing through his nose, Pipit gained the strength to ask his question. "That's what I wanted to ask. Since I have the second closest brush with death, I'm curious...What was it like? Dying and coming back?"
Fledge froze in place for several seconds. Then slowly, he placed the numb of the carrot down. He clasps his hands together. The expression shows that he was deep in thought.
"Pipit…Did you ever feel your heart stop when you almost drowned?"
"Everything was so fuzzy from when Tentalus struck me to when Karane brought me back, but I don't think my heart stopped. It was slowing down, but it was beating. That's all I can remember." Pipit's expression turns uneasy. "I can guess your experience was…much different."
"You were unconscious, so you probably weren't aware. Me…I was fully aware of what was happening." Fledge placed his hand on the scar on his chest. "Other people who died don't worry about their feelings in their final moments. But I came back…remember it all. Feeling my heart slowly stop. It was an awful feeling. Thinking about it makes me want to throw up. I never want to go through that again. Coming back, on the other hand…that was a whole different experience..."
"Did you see the afterlife?" Karane gently asked.
Fledge shook his head. "I don't think I was dead long enough to see it. I did remember walking down a dimly lit stone-carved hallway. Ahead of me was a bright, warm, welcoming light. If I had to guess, it was the pathway to the afterlife for my soul. I kept on walking until I suddenly stopped. I felt something pulling me back. Then all of a sudden, I think…Din appeared. She told me that my life is not over, and my sacrificing myself has allowed for her essence in me to fully awaken along with some other stuff. Everything went dark as I felt something yank me back in the direction I came. The next thing I knew, I woke up suddenly back in that chamber. The moment I returned, it felt like I was being electrocuted from within. It was painful but also relieving. And you guys want to know the strange part?"
All three Senior Knights leaned in, interested in what Fledge had to say.
"I don't think I fully came back. I feel like…a part of me stayed dead."
"What part would that be?" Link asked in a soft voice.
Fledge took a minute to form his answer. "The part of me that has always held me back. The part of me that made me afraid to do anything Because I felt it was useless. The part of me…that said I was weak." Fledge let out a sarcastic chuckle. "Funny how it took me literally dying to finally break free of those chains. I suppose I have Ghirahim to thank for that, I guess."
"Don't thank him for anything. What he did to you was beyond evil! I don't know if there's a term for that," Karane said.
"I got some choice words of my own for him, but I can't say 'cause they're children present," Pipit glances at Toopa munching on her dinner.
"You didn't deserve any of that, Fledge, regardless of how it all turned out," Link said, keeping eye contact with Fledge.
No words came out of Fledge for minutes.
"I was happy to be alive when I woke up in that chamber. But when I saw Ghirahim, right after he threw that dagger in your arm, Link, something in me snapped. Like a chain holding me finally broke free. I was so…angry" Fledge gritted his teeth when uttering that last word. A tiny tear strolled down his eye.
"The were only two things on my mind: revenge & blood. All the anger I had not only for him but towards Groose, Cawlin, and everyone else who looked down on me my entire life, I took all of that out on Ghirahim. I wanted to hurt him like he did to me. I felt tempted to...kill him. I wanted to beat him more, even after I subdued him. Crazy, I know. Someone like me showing a violent side." Fledge sniffles, trying his best not to break down again. "Ghirahim messed me up that badly, didn't he?"
Link lightly hugs him. "I think what you're feeling is normal. I sure wanted to kill him after what he did to you. The fact that you didn't…that shows you are the strongest of all of us."
"And how you willingly gave up yourself to not only keep Zelda safe and not let Link be burdened with that choice," Karane said.
"And not giving in to the torture as well," Pipit added. "Honestly, I'm not so sure if I have the strength to endure any of that. They never taught anything like that in the Academy, yet you survived."
"You were always strong, Fledge. Even before you got Din's Essence." Link declared with a proud smile.
Fledge let out a small smile of his own. Hearing that was all he needed. That smile soon turned into a frown when the topic he wanted to tell Link came back to mind.
"There's something else I need to share. It's part of the reason why I sacrificed myself."
"Well, we're all here. What do you need to tell us?" Link said.
"I…I know who Ghirahim's master is."
"His master? The one he's trying to use Zelda to revive?" Fledge nods back to Karane.
"Don't leave us hanging then. Who's the master?" Pipit prodded.
Fledge's uneasy gaze lingers on the ground, trying to formulate the words.
"Take your time," Link gently encourages, patting his shoulder comfortably.
Fledge glanced a small smile at his brother. Sucking in a breath, Fledge proceeded to speak. "Do…Do you guys remember the stories we heard growing up? About the supposed war between Hylia and the Demon Tribe over a thousand years ago?" All three of the senior knights nod their heads. "I think those stories are not legends. They're real."
"Why do you say that?" Pipit questioned.
Fledge's expression turns grim. "Ghirahim's master is the one who led the Demon Tribe…."
The senior knights sat in a startled, collective silence taking in the grim revelation Fledge had told them. They did not know what to say or how to respond to that.
"You're saying that Ghirahim's master is the Demon King?" Karane stressed.
"The same Demon King that almost wiped out our ancestors, supposedly?" Pipit brought up uneasily.
Fledge nods.
"Are you sure he wasn't lying?" Link questioned with urgency.
"Ghirahim sounded very confident," Fledge confirmed vividly. "Those stories we heard growing up back on Skyloft, incredible as they seem, they may be all too real."
"You are correct, Master Fledge." The quartet turns its head to see Fi floating near them. She hovers close. "My memory is all clear to me now. Ghirahim's master is indeed the Demon King known as…Demise."
Demise…Speaking that name alone, the quartet could remember the details of him. An Evil God that is said to be the embodiment of hatred & malice itself. A name they had heard growing up all their lives. Never once did they not feel shivers whenever they heard stories of his atrocities. Link can imagine him in his head. The image of a towering figure with a large build, taller than Groose, and flaming fire-like hair always comes to mind whenever Demise is mentioned. Though they were always comforted by the fact that Demise was only made up and not real.
Except he is the mysterious master that Ghirahim is trying to bring back. Meaning he was very much real. And if those stories of his horrible acts committed against the humans were true all along…
"Oh, Hylia…" Link utters out in horror, covering his mouth.
"I don't believe it…." Pipit muttered quietly
"Holy Shit…" Karane said in a shaky voice.
Fledge had remained silent, watching his friends react to this revelation.
"This is…this is bad," Link shuddered.
"EYO! Mind filling us in?" Ledd's voice bellowed, getting the quartet's attention. "Who the hell is this 'Demise' guy?" The other Mogma's turn their heads in Ledd's direction. All of whom were surprised for him to ask that. "What?"
"You seriously don't know? Did you not pay attention to the stories the elders told us?" Silva said in a chiding tone.
"Yeah! Even I paid attention to them, igneous!" Cobal scolded.
"Most of 'em were all boring, aside from the ones involving treasure. Can you blame me for tuning them out?!" Ledd lifted his arms in defense. The other Mogmas could only face palms while letting out irritable groans.
Mala moved close to her husband. "Well, my dear husband, to summarize. Demise was an evil god that waged war against the Goddess Hylia over one thousand years ago. Our ancestors joined forces to fight him. Isn't that right, Guld?"
"You are correct, Mala!" Guld confirmed. "The story of Hylia's War against Demise is a tale that our kind had passed down for generations! Quite a shame you have not paid attention to them, Ledd."
"My people passed down that story as well." All eyes turned to Gorko. "Over a thousand years ago, my people lived in this land. Believe it or not, the Eldin Volcano was said to be our ancestral home. According to their stories, this land was peaceful, and everything that lived here harmoniously coexisted. That is until one day, Demise arrived in this realm, declaring war against Hylia. Nobody knows where he came from. It was said to be a war of unmatched scale and ferocity, the likes of which would never be seen again. My ancestors joined Hylia's forces to fight against Demise as many other races down here did. We fought against him for as long as we could. The war lasted for years."
"Then…One dark, fateful day, the earth cracked wide open, and malevolent forces rushed forth from the fissure. They mounted a brutal assault upon the inhabitants, driving the land into despair. They burnt forests to ash, choked the land's sweet springs, and murdered without hesitation. This was done to take some ultimate power protected by Hylia. What it was, I don't know, but the power she guarded was without equal. Said to be handed down by gods of old, this power gave its holder the means to make any desire a reality. Such was the might of the ultimate power that the old ones placed in the care of Hylia. The other races, mine included, fought them off, but the humans..."
Gorko passed an uneasy glance to the quartet of knight students.
"My elders say the humans did not fare well against the Demon Tribe. Only a small portion did defend themselves. Supposedly this batch of humans was said to be a tribe of warriors that worked closely with Hylia, calling themselves the Shadow Folk. They were only a small minority compared to the rest of the humans. The attack was so sudden they did not have time to prepare. Their numbers went from the thousands to only several hundred in a short time. To protect the remaining humans and the great power from falling into the hands of the Demon Tribe, Hylia gathered the surviving humans on several outcroppings of earth. She sent them all skyward, beyond the reach of the demonic hordes. Beyond even the clouds. With the humans, and the power safe, Hylia and her remaining land dwellers fought the evil forces, sealing them in a way. Peace was finally restored, and the war was over."
"Despite the victory, Hylia strangely vanished. My ancestors left far away up north because the resources we Gorons needed were gone because of the war. Only several years ago, some of us got the courage to return here. I always believe those tales to be made-up stories. But hearing what Fledge and Fi said, are they all true?"
"It looks like it is," Link confirmed.
"So Demise was…real?"
"He's also the master of Ghirahim, the person who took me," Fledge shared, stroking his diamond scar. "Ghirahim has been chasing our friend Zelda to use her to revive Demise. He tried to get information out of me, but I refused. Because if I gave her up, it would not only be her end…but also the end of the world as we know it."
"My goodness…" Gorko mutters in shock.
"That certainly doesn't sound good," Silva commented
Toopa had listened to the whole conversation. Hearing the details of Gorko's story and Demise left her unsettled. "Mama, is Demise coming to hurt us?"
"It's okay, honey. No one going to hurt us," Lapi comforted her.
"But it sounds like this Demise guy means some serious business," Ledd stated, crossing his arms.
"That's putting it lightly," Karane expressed eerily.
"There's another thing I want to bring up. Ghirahim also mentioned that using Zelda could restore Demise to his pure form, even though his current one is an unstoppable force. Makes me wonder…" Fledge paused. "Fi…is The Imprisoned that form?"
"Based on my calculations and the memories I've had before I…went into the sword, I can 100% confirm that The Imprisoned is indeed Demise's trapped form. It is all clear to me," Fi answered.
"Seriously?" Karane exclaimed in total disbelief. "That…thing is Demise himself?"
"Not in his pure form, but yes," Fi confirmed.
"Oh, that's just wonderful! Just another thing to add to this 'fine' day we had!" Pipit stated sarcastically, waving his arms frustrated. "Here I was hoping this master was some giant Bokoblin."
"This is not very good news…If Demise does come back, he can destroy everything and everyone that does not submit to him. Probably Skyloft if he wants," Karane explained.
"It won't happen. I WON'T let it happen." Link declared.
"You mean…We won't let it happen," Fledge pondered.
"Yeah, we won't let it happen. We'll do everything we can to stop Demise from coming back." Link let out a small, proud smile towards Fledge. "But right now, there's not much we can do..."
"A night to recharge is what we need right now, after the day we had," Karane agreed.
"Though, I wish we were doing it back at Skyloft and not stuck down here," Pipit uttered glumly."…I hope Mom doesn't get too worried."
"Same with Owlan. Horwell told me he was worried about me when we were gone those two days in Lanayru. If only there was some way we could send them a message."
"I suggest we use Scraper to deliver the message," Fi mentioned. "I can telepathically communicate with him. We'll have him inform Headmaster Gaepora of our situation."
"We can do that tomorrow. Right now, I want to focus on putting this horrible day behind us," Link massages his head with his hand.
"Understood, master. I will return to the sword if you don't require anything else from me." Fi floated several feet away from the group.
"There is something I do want to know." Fi stopped, bringing her attention to Link. "What's your deal with Ghirahim? Did you…know him?"
Fi's expression grimace. "I did..."
"What happened between you?" Link noticed how quickly. Fi's face went even grimmer. "On second thought, never mind. We don't need anything else for the moment."
"Very well. Thank you, Master Link." Fi floated back to the cave where the Master Sword lay.
"You think she'll ever tell us?" Karane spoke up after a bit.
Link let out a tired breath. "I don't know. Fi's already done so much for us. I don't want to force her to do anything to make her uncomfortable. But…the same time, I want to know what went on with her and Ghirahim."
"Nothing good, given that Ghirahim said he was sure he killed her," Pipit stated.
"Yeah, no shit."
"Maybe she'll tell us on her own time?" Fledge suggested.
"Maybe…" Link massages his head with his hand.
"You know, there's another thing that's been bugging me about all this," Karane mentioned. "What could Zelda possibly have that Ghirahim needs so badly to bring back Demise? I'm sure she doesn't have any magic."
"I don't know. Hopefully, we'll know the answer soon." That was all Link could say.
A Little Later…
Nearby the Mogma Colony were many small hot springs pools. The knight students sat in one of them, soaking in the soothing hot water that went up to the mid stomachs. They wore only their undergarments, all appearing to be shorts, including a bra for Karane. The fabric makes it comfortable to serve as underwear with quick-drying and flexible elements that are also perfect for swimwear. Their uniforms, hats, boots, and Karane's hair ties lie neatly far enough away to not get wet but close sufficient to keep an eye in case some animal tries to nab them.
"Man…this is exactly what we needed today," Link moaned in pure happiness.
"Ledd was right. These hot springs are nice…." Fledge was neck-deep in the water
"SO much better than the bathwater at the academy." Karane rests her back against the pool wall, resting her elbows on the edge. "Unlike there, the water stays warm. And no one is here hogging it."
"Still haven't figured out who's hogging the tub at your bath time?" Link questioned.
Karane shook her head. "I don't think I ever will. It is what it is, I guess."
"When all of this is over, I'm bringing Zelda here. I think she would enjoy this."
"After the crap, we've been through, I say it's more than well deserved."
"That reminds me of something," Fledge sat back straight up. "Do you guys remember when Zelda talked us into sneaking past our curfew to swim in Skyloft Lake a few years ago?"
"Oh yeah, I remember that," Link responded after thinking about it for a minute.
"That was pretty exciting doing that," Karane expressed happily.
"Except for the part when we almost got caught by Skyknights." Sitting right next to Karane, Pipit brought up with his eyes closed, simply leaning back and enjoying the warm waters. At first glance, one would assume he was taking a nap. "We had to hide in an underground canal connected to a house nearby."
"Could never forget that part since I was pretty much freaking out," Fledge said with a blush.
"But they didn't catch us, at least. Aside from that, I think it was one of the best nights in my life," Link stated.
The quartet resumed simply relaxing in the warm waters of the spring. A short time had passed when Karane decided to dunk herself under the water, emerging back up after a few seconds, then leaning back against the pool. Pipit opened his eyes after Karane took her dunk in the water. Instinctively he turns his head in her direction, his green eyes watching every move.
Karane parted her wet hair behind her shoulders, letting out a sweet breath of relief, and her back made contact with the spring walls. Something about how Karane looks right now made Pipit notice how gorgeous she is. Many trails of water went in all sorts of directions down her body. One water droplet did catch his eye. It slowly went down Karane's head, down her cheek, down her chin, and then down her neck. Then his eyes linger on the water droplet that went down her collarbone to her chest, right in between…
Pipit hastily turned his head away from Karane, harshly banishing every unholy, impure thought out of his head as quickly as they arrived and trying to cool down his heated face not caused by the warm waters.
"Nopenopenopenope! Not doing that! You're a man of honor, Pipit Erhard!"
This was not the first time Pipit's hormones got the best of him around Karane, and it probably would not be the last now that they were dating. All part of being a teenager, he supposed. The only solace Pipit could think of was that he always looked away almost immediately before the naughty thoughts overcame him. Despite that, the freckled-faced senior prayed that his friends and Karane did not notice.
Sadly for him, his movement of turning his head away seemed to cause some ripples in the water that Karane noticed.
"You okay, Pipit?"
"Yeah, I'm fine!" Pipit hastily answered, trying to change the subject. "Are you…okay with us being here?"
Karane was baffled by that question. "Why wouldn't I be?"
Pipit nervously rubs his neck. "It's just…You're a girl, and we're a bunch of guys. If you don't feel comfortable, you can find another spring. Or we could find another spring."
"Pipit, I went swimming with all of you guys many times before. Why would I not be comfortable now?"
" 'Cause we're…boyfriend & girlfriend, and some people might not be comfortable with us doing this."
Karane let out an annoyed groan. "Nayru, you handsome idiot. I don't think this is any different just because we're boyfriend & girlfriend now. And I'm certain everyone back on Skyloft who knows us wouldn't bat an eye. Even if they did, they're not here, so I don't see the problem."
"Sorry. I'm still new to this whole boyfriend thing. I want to treat you right."
Karane touches his face and holds his hand. "I know. I'm figuring out this girlfriend thing as well. We're both on the same cloud. Sorry if that sounded mean."
"It's alright," Pipit stroked his finger on her cheek. "It was pretty stupid of me to ask."
"I know you well enough that it's in your nature to ask an arguable reasonable question such as that. But I won't get pregnant from sitting next to you in our underwear if you're worried about that." Light blush painted on Pipit's freckles at the mention of the word pregnant. "I'm sure the most prude person in Skyloft can see that. And if someone has issues, Link & Fledge won't tell anybody."
"Definitely," Link responded.
With Karane's and Pipit's attention back on each other, Link kept his gaze on them. Unbeknownst to Pipit, Link did see him taking his little 'peak' at Karane's chest. A mischievous idea popped into his head. Maybe a bit much, but Link figured he could use a laugh after this terrible day.
From where he was, Fledge could see a grin on Link's mouth. A devilish grin, to be exact. One that he had seen on days when Groose had been extra annoying than usual. This symbolizes that Link is in what Zelda liked to call his infamous 'shit head' mode.
"But…If you and Karane want some 'privacy,' I'll let you have it. It's the perfect environment. Hot springs, and no prying eyes. Whatever happens between you, I'll keep it a secret regardless of whether it's clean or dirty.
Pipit went from having a light blush to being flustered. "Link…! Why would you make that kind of suggestion?! Karane and I have only been official for ONE day! It'll be a good while before we consider doing any of…of…THAT!"
"I'm only kidding, relax!" Link lifted his arms out, trying to contain his laughter. Pipit stood flustered while Karane facepalmed. "I'm sorry! After the day I just had, I needed that. But man, I forgot how easy you are to tease."
"And I forgot how much of an insufferable shithead you can be sometimes!" Pipit bellowed, clearly not happy about being made a fool of.
"We're practically brothers in everything but blood, and brothers tease each other. It's only normal-" Large amounts of water splash over Link, drenching his hair over his eyes. Parting his hair back, he looks at the one responsible, who has a mischievous grin on her face. "What the heck, Karane?"
"You thought I wouldn't defend my boyfriend's honor?" Karane waved her hand forward, sending another wave of water all over Link's face, drenching his hair again.
Pipit let out a playful evil chuckle. "Goodness Link. Seems like your hair's all in your eyes. Let me help you with that." A Gust of wind came out of Pipes' extended palm. Link's hair is blown straight upward in a funky hairdo. "Good as dry! I say we're good as even."
Link glared at his brother, who gave a thank-you kiss on Karane's cheek. Link was about to make his rebuttal when a new sound caught his, but also Pipit & Karane's attention. This sound was that of laughter. Pure, happily filled, music to their ears type of laughter coming straight from their youngest friend.
Fledge had been uncontrollably laughing. He tried to keep himself calm by covering his mouth with one hand and his other arm around his stomach, but he was failing. The sixteen-year-old continued letting out his joy-filled laughter.
"I-I'm sorry, guys! I can't help myself!" Fledge apologized in between his continuous laughter. "I think all the chaos I've gone through from the past week has been getting to me! The teasing, and then the splashing! That's something to laugh for!"
The laughing continued for several more minutes until Fledge managed to calm himself down.
Fledge let out a satisfied breath. "...I can't remember the last time I laughed like that. But I really needed it."
Link gave a happy smile to his little brother in his arms. Hearing Fledge laugh like that was something he needed to hear after today. Probably the best thing out of the few good things that had happened. As happy as he was, Link was still in a mischievous mood.
"Nice to think you thought that was funny enough for that laugh, Fledge." Link's smile turned devilish again. "I'm happy I managed to 'hot spring it' in the right direction."
Fledge let out a snort. Pipit & Karane, on the other hand, were not amused.
"You did not just make a pun." Pipit irately stated.
"Come on, no need to get 'heated' now."
"For the love of Nayru, please stop," Karane softly begged.
"I'm only blowing out some 'steam' guys."
The couple let out collective groans, burying their faces into their hands. Link kept his devilish grin.
"Come on, guys! Where's your sense of humor?"
"You have a terrible sense of humor," Karane remarked.
"And your guys taste any better?"
"By leagues!" Pipit declared.
"And what type of humor do you guys like?"
Link did not hear them give their answer when Fledge suddenly dunked him under the water. Fledge let his grip go off of Link after only a few seconds. Catching his breath and getting over the shock, Link turns his head to a smirking Fledge.
All Fledge could say "Slapstick, I think, is good."
"You're right, Fledge. That was funny," Pipit grinned. Karane, on the other hand, could only giggle.
"Oh, ho! Now you're on their side, eh?" Link quipped.
"No…I just happen to agree with them. That and puns are a crime against humanity," Fledge causally defended. "I would think Hylia's Chosen Hero would know better. And it's like what you told Pipit, brothers tease each other," Fledge gave his devilish smirk. Then he splashes Link, drenching his hair again while giggling.
"Two can play in that game!
Link splashed the water to Fledge, who splashback in response. The water from the waves had reached where Pipit & Karane were.
"Hey, be careful!" Pipit protested.
"Karane started it," Link argued playfully.
"You're the one who had to make Pipit all flustered, so technically, you started it," Karane said.
The only response Link could give was a splash in her direction. Big enough for her to let out a surprised yelp.
"Now you've done it!"
Karane conjured up enough water to fling toward Link's direction. Though he's at a disadvantage, Link does not intend to back down. He splashes it again, getting Karane and Pipit for the matter.
"Oh, it is ON!"
With the assistance of his wind magic, Pipit let out a large splash. Fledge jumped into a splashing frenzy, not caring about their current situation. Link continues with the splashing. The quartet splashes each other, trading playful jabs and laughing out cheerful laughter.
For that brief short time, they were not knight students nor even bearers of power bestowed to them by the goddesses. Nor did they think about their current situation or what tomorrow had in store for them. They were all four teenagers simply enjoying themselves without worrying about the world.
Cyan flames linger on the edges overseeing the hot springs, including the one in the quartet of knight students. The figure is a woman glowing in the same color as the flames. A sad frown lingered on her mouth when her eyes caught on Fledge. The frown grew to a bittersweet smile when she saw him laughing, enjoying himself with a smile. After being tortured by that demon, she thinks of that word with pure venom, it was something Fledge more than deserved. Though she can, she does not approach where Fledge and his friends are. She wanted to speak with him alone.
"I waited ten years for this. I can wait a few more hours. Then I can finally see you...my sweet boy."
The woman vanished away, keeping her presence hidden until the time was right to reveal herself.
How many days until Tears of the Kingdom *checks the calendar* 42 days...*internally screaming*
Now Link & Fledge are on good terms, the Remlit is out of the bag and the kids know that Ghirahim's master is the embodiment of Satan himself, good ol' Demise! Surely they can prevent him from coming back, right? *shifty eyes*. Some more hints of Fi's past. And I wanted to end it all off on a lighter note. Having the kids being...well kids.
And I'm sorry if the minor sex mention seemed out of nowhere. I figure it would be normal given that they're teenagers and teenagers are often curious and joke about sex.
I don't know how swimsuits work in the series so I'm going by Breath of the Wild logic and assume that underwear functions as swimwear. Speaking of that game, if you haven't catch on, when the spirits of Harri, and Balea & Arus showed up they appeared as spirits the same way Rhoam, and the Champions did, surrounded by Cyan Flames. Keep that in mind the next chapter...
Thanks for reading, and for the favs & reviews!