Chapter 1
I closed the door to my room and rested against it for a brief minute. It had been a long day of yelling at Groose to leave Link alone and not to mention my school work. I got ready for bed as soon as I could. Just before I settled in for the night, I opened my journal to the first empty page and wrote; "Tomorrow's the big day! The Wing Ceremony! Finally, Link can take a big step toward becoming a knight. I can't wait to see him promoted to full knighthood, but I'm a little worried he might have some trouble winning the race. Lately, Link hasn't taken his flight training seriously. Someone needs to make sure he doesn't mess up his chance! So I've made up my mind. Tomorrow I'll wake him up extra early and make sure he gets in some last-minute practice, whether he likes it or not. He has to win, otherwise we won't be able to perform the closing ceremony together!" I closed my journal and crawled into bed.
Later in my dream, Link and I ran through the streets of Skyloft as little children again. Playing together under the sun of a beautiful day, in the shadow of my Loftwing that had chosen me the year before, we were exultant. Link had yet to be chosen by a majestic creature but that never seemed to be concerned with that; he was always so content to spend his days with me. And in a flash, like a fierce strike of lightning, I was ripped from my precious memory in the light and thrown into the darkness. I gazed all around, seeing nothing, trying to decipher through the darkness. I called Link's name over and over again, he never seemed to be anywhere in sight. The longer I remained here, the more panicked I grew with each breath.
I turned around to find a giant monster, trying to consume me. It roared angrily, rearing its ugly head. I cringed in fright as the thing leaned towards me, mouth wide open. As it clamped its jaw down around me, everything went black and I heard a familiar screech. It was my darling Loftwing; she peeked her head through my bedroom window. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and gazed around my room; the light from the window illuminated everything, chasing away every inch of darkness from my dream. I know it meant something because I've been having this strange feeling that something was going to happen but for the moment, I would bask in the light. Nothing could get me down today; after all, it is the Wing Ceremony. I've been preparing for this moment for so long now and I prayed to the Goddess that I would get to share this wonderful day with my best friend in the world; Link.
After I dressed myself in my pre-chosen Goddess garbs, I looked around my room for my sailcloth. I finally found it resting on my chair where I had left it the night before. I dusted it off before wrapping it around my shoulders. I had worked hard on this sailcloth to give to the winner of the Wing Ceremony. I rushed out the door to the Statue of the Goddess where my father was waiting for me to meet him. As the courtyard came into view, I saw Groose, Cawlin, and Strich instead of my father. I sighed heavily and went to take my place at the base of the statue. Groose combed his fingers through his hair, trying to impress me, and smiled sheepishly.
"Good morning Zelda." Groose said.
"Hello Groose. Up early to begin training for the ceremony are you?" I asked him politely.
"Why yes, indeed I was." Groose started flexing just before his next 'I'm so great' monologue. "You know," flex, "Can't" flex, "get too loose in my skills. Not if I want to win that is. And we all know I will be the winner this year."
"You definitely will Groose." Strich said.
"You're the greatest." Cawlin chimed in.
Groose laughed. "Yeah, I know. I am pretty great aren't I? So Zelda, I do so look forward to seeing you on top of the Goddess Statue after the ceremony." He winked at me and flexed his muscles again.
"We'll just see who wins Groose. Don't forget, Link is also competing." I informed him.
"Link? That weakling squirt?" Groose laughed hysterically, Cawlin and Strich laughed too.
I scowled at him. "Don't underestimate him Groose. Link has been working really hard for this and he just might surprise you."
"We'll see about that." Groose said under his breath. Before I could ask what he meant by that, my father walked into the courtyard, smiling at us all.
"Good morning gents, beautiful day isn't it?" He asked Groose and his gang.
"Sure is Headmaster Gaepora." Groose said nervously. "We better…get going. We don't have much time left before the ceremony. Let's go boys." And with that, they left.
"Father, I think those boys are up to something." I said.
"Oh come now daughter, you're being too suspicious. I'm sure this year's ceremony will be a good clean race." Father stated happily. All around us, Professor Owlan and Professor Horwell were tediously preparing everything for the race. Professor Owlan's golden loftwing floated down into the courtyard and patiently sat while Owlan adjusted the strap for the loftwing statuette. "Zelda, isn't it about time for you to be practicing your song?" Father asked, holding my golden harp out for me.
"Thank you Father." I gratefully took the harp and gently stroked the strings. They made the most beautiful sound I had ever heard. Everyone stopped what they were doing and came over to listen to my rehearsal. I played the Song of the Goddess for my tiny audience; I closed my eyes as each note I played kissed my ears. I felt as if the goddess herself were wrapping me in a warm embrace and telling me how proud she was that I was chosen as this year's Hylia for the ceremony. After my song, the others completed their work and disappeared into town to prepare the shops for afternoon business. Father patted my shoulder and smiled lovingly towards me. Suddenly, realization flashed; Link was still not out here like he promised. "Where is Link? Surely he is not still asleep. Today is an important day after all." Father said.
"Don't worry Father. I'm sure he'll be here soon." I had a feeling Link would do this, so I made a letter in case this were to happen. I called my loftwing; she came with great haste. I placed my letter in her mouth and told her to fly to the academy and wake up Link to give him this. She squawked and flew away as fast as she could. I explained everything to Father and continued to practice while I waited for Link to show up. Not too long after I sent my loftwing after him, Link raced into the courtyard. The sun glistened off his ash blonde hair, his brilliant smile shone brighter than the sun itself. I was glad to see him.
"Good morning sleepyhead. I'm glad to see my loftwing got you out of bed. I was pretty sure you'd forget to meet me this morning." I told him.
"Of course I wouldn't." Link assured me. "I did make you a promise didn't I?" He brushed the hair behind his head in embarrassment.
"You certainly did." I smiled warmly. "But what do you think? Look at this beautiful harp and this outfit? I get to use them both today since I'm playing the role of the goddess. And this wrap, I made it myself to use in the ceremony today."
Link gave out a yawn. "So why exactly am I up this early for?" he asked me.
I giggled. "I got you up early because…" I felt my cheeks grow warm with the thought of confessing my secret. "I wanted you to be the first to see me in this outfit Link. So how do I look?" I twirled around to give him a full view of my very special goddess outfit.
He blushed and said, "You look…great." He confessed.
I laughed. "I think so too. But I'm glad you agree." Link chuckled with me, giving me that look, that 'man is she something' look and it warmed my heart.
"There you are!" Father said.
"Hello Father."
"You're finally here too aye Link? That's good. No doubt the excitement of the ceremony was too much for you and you didn't sleep a wink." He chuckled. "Which is why you slept in so late this morning."
Link chuckled nervously. "Yeah, I guess so."
"Well Link, if you win today's race, you'll get to participate in the ceremony alongside Zelda. So I want you to get out there and give it your best." Father said, placing his hand on Link's shoulder. I couldn't take it any longer, I had to tell Father of my true concerns.
"About that Father…I…I don't think Link should compete today." I burst out.
"What? What are you saying?" Link asked, stunned and offended.
"I'm sorry it's just that…Link hasn't been practicing that much lately and when he does, he's lazily gliding through the sky, probably daydreaming."
Father laughed. "No need to worry Zelda, though you may have a point."
"Hey!" Link interrupted.
"Today's Wing Ceremony tests the skill of the rider as well as the bond to his bird. Victory will not come easily." Father continued. "Although I myself have not seen him practicing that much, you two have known each other since you were children. You should know better than to worry over him." Father smiled reassuringly. "After all, you know that Link and his loftwing share a very special connection. And I'm sure that bond hasn't gone unnoticed by you considering how jealous you were the day they met." He laughed.
That's it, I've had it. "This ceremony is nothing to laugh at Father! This ceremony is part of the final test for those training to become knights of Skyloft. If Link doesn't fly fast enough… What if Link messes up? What if he's not allowed to become a knight? What if he misses his big chance?" I worried.
"Calm down my dear, it will be fine." Father said. "Honestly, it's almost like you become a different person when you worry about Link."
"Um if I may intercede," Link said, "Can you two stop talking about me like I'm not standing here? I think I'll be fine."
I've had it with him as well. "Listen up Link, you'd better fly your heart out today." I cautioned. "At the very least, you need to squeeze in a little practice before the race." I took his hand and pulled him to the launch platform. "Come on, you'll thank me later."
"Wait Zelda!" He pleaded. "Something is wrong, I can't sense my loftwing."
"Come on, just jump over and call your loftwing. It's almost time for the ceremony so take this seriously. Wait, you can't sense your loftwing?" I thought about it for a minute and I called his bluff. "I get it, you're trying to weasel your way out of having to practice."
"No that's not it! I'm being very serious Zelda." Link pleaded.
"Nice try but you're not fooling me!" I said. "Off you go!" And with that, I gave him a gentle push off the launching platform. As he fell, he signaled his loftwing but it did not answer. Link kept falling, his loftwing was nowhere to be found. I made a huge mistake! I leapt off the platform as well and whistled for my loftwing. She came immediately and caught me as I fell. I pulled on her reigns, pushing her forward, diving faster so we could catch Link. I positioned her just above Link and she grabbed him up in her talons.
"Hold on Link!" I shouted. "I've got you!" We flew back up to Skyloft and landed once more in the courtyard in front of the statue. My loftwing fell to the ground. It let out a painful cry. Link was trying to catch his breath on the ground and I could feel my own heart racing.
"Are you two alright?" Father asked. I couldn't focus on that, my loftwing was hurt.
"I'm sorry friend. I didn't mean to push you so hard. You didn't sprain your wing did you?"
"That's…okay…I'm fine." Link said, dusting off his shirt.
"This is very odd Link. For a bird not to answer his master…it's unheard of." Father said. "And you still can't sense your bird? This is a problem, considering the wing ceremony is about to start."
I sighed, ashamed of myself. I should have listened to him and trusted that he would tell me the truth and my mistake almost cost Link his life. "Link, when you said you couldn't sense your bird…I should've listened to you. I'm sorry. But I need to tend to my own loftwing right now so I'll catch up later. You better go on ahead and see if you can find where your bird has gone." I suggested. Link nodded and headed into town; I gently massaged my loftwing's wing. Thankfully she was not injured, only worn out by the sudden ferocity at which she had to fly. I sighed with relief and started my mission to help Link find his loftwing. I headed out of the courtyard and down to the Bazaar; not only was that the best place to get goods and supplies, it was also the best place to get the latest gossip.
The Bazaar was buzzing with excitement; lots of villagers were gathered around Rupin's stand. He was offering some kind of special deals for the Wing Ceremony. I walked over to my good friend Peatrice's shop. "Hello Peatrice." I greeted.
"Hello Zelda, what can I do for you today?"
"I was just wondering if you know anything about why a loftwing would not respond to the call of his rider."
"Oh Zelda, are you having trouble with your loftwing?"
"Not me Peatrice but poor Link can't call his loftwing and it's almost time for the Wing Ceremony. So, do you think you could help?" I asked.
"Well I'm sorry Zelda I don't know a thing but I'm sure Parrow would know a thing or two."
"Well where is he?"
"Last I heard, he was walking around in the plaza by the lighthouse. He said he wanted to show Gully how to catch some Blessed Butterflies. He should still be over there."
I thanked my dear friend for her time and headed down to the plaza. Upon arriving there, I found Link, Groose, Cawlin, and Strich; the three of them crowded around Link and I overheard what Groose was going on about.
"You know, we're all getting tired of how you never let anyone forget you and Zelda go way back." Groose said, angrily pointing a finger in Link's face. "You've been friends since you were kids? Big deal. It doesn't change the fact that you float through life with your head in the clouds. Would you wake up, straighten up, and grow a backbone already? Dopes like you are dragging our honored academy through the mud."
"And just who might you be talking about Groose?" I interrupted.
Groose and the boys were very surprised to see me. "Oh Zelda, hey it's uh…" Groose tried to explain. I walked over to him and pushed Link out of the way and waved my finger in Groose's face and I gave him a scolding no one would believe.
"Don't even try it Groose. You're picking on Link again aren't you? He's a student at the academy like all of us. Why do you insist on bullying him around so much?"
"Yeah…I suppose…" Groose began.
"You suppose what?" I insisted. Groose smiled awkwardly and then cleared his throat before brushing it off and walking away. He, Cawlin, and Strich gathered at the launching platform and stopped for Groose to brag some more.
"Ok we're outta here boys! Later Link! Hope you find your bird, or else you'll have to sit out today's race. That could be a major setback to knighthood, so find that bird or get real used to the taste of failure. That's your special flavor." The three of them leapt from the ledge and were whisked into the sky on their loftwings.
"Thanks Zelda…for what you did." Link said.
"I hate to say it but, I'm beginning to suspect those blockheads had something to do with your loftwing's disappearance."
"I suspect that too. He was all too eager to deny that he had any idea where my loftwing flew off to." Link agreed.
"I'll fly around Skyloft and see if I can spot any trace of your bird." I offered. "Father said he'd talk to Instructor Horwell about delaying the ceremony, so don't worry. We'll find your bird in time." I assured him.
"Thanks Zelda." Link said. I winked and ran off the platform. The wind whipped through the sailcloth on my back and I whistled for my loftwing. She came obediently and scooped me out of the sky. Together, we circled the whole island several times until I finally noticed the bird under the waterfall. I circled back a few more times, trying to find Link; there was no sign of him anywhere. I flew back to where I had seen the loftwing and Link had just come out of the cave. "Link!" I called down to him.
"Zelda?" My loftwing dropped me right on the cliff next to Link. The spot where Groose and his buddies always hung out and so we decided to press on further down the path. "We should get going Zelda. I have to find my loftwing; I have a feeling that he's in trouble."
"Zelda!" A mysterious voice called.
"Huh?" I asked in amazement.
"What is it Zelda?" Link asked.
"Who's that? Who's calling for me?" I asked into the sky.
"Zelda, what are you talking about? There's no one here but the two of us."
I shook the odd feeling out of my head. "Oh sorry Link, I got distracted. Let's go." He took the lead and ran up the hill. We made it to the top and found his loftwing locked in a small alcove. Link whipped out his sword and cut away at the ropes. His loftwing slowly came out of the alcove and stretched his massive wings. I was so happy for Link in that moment; he had done it and he was going to participate in this year's Wing Ceremony. Link's loftwing took off from the cliff and glided through the sky with majesty and grace; it was the most beautiful sight to watch loftwings in flight.
"Hurry Link, now that you found your loftwing, you should fly to the ceremony." But something was weighing heavily on my heart and I had to talk about it. "But before you go, I have to ask you something. I heard this voice a few moments ago. Did you hear it too?"
"No, I didn't hear anything." Link said.
"It's been happening a lot lately. It's the strangest feeling…almost like someone is calling out to me."
"I'm sure it's nothing Zelda."
"Link, have you ever wondered what's beneath the clouds?" I asked him.
"I suppose I have a little bit. Why, do you?" Link asked.
"Some say that it's an empty, barren place, or even that there's nothing at all down below. But, I just have this feeling that they're wrong."
"What do you mean?"
"Some of Father's old texts talk about a place called the surface. The old tales describe a whole world under there, far more vast than Skyloft. The thing is, no one's ever been down there to see it and our loftwings won't fly below the barrier. But I can't help imagining the wild things that might be waiting below. Someday…I want to see it for myself."
"Perhaps someday you will Zelda." Link smiled encouragingly. I smiled back at him, glad that he understood so well.
"Oh sorry Link, we don't have time to chat. Look, your bird is waiting. Just jump of the ledge, your bird will catch you for sure this time." I smiled and giggled. Link nodded and leapt from the ledge, while I followed closely behind. Our birds were completely in sync as they flew side by side; they wove in and out but never once coming close to crashing into each other. "I don't know about you Link but your loftwing looks great."
"Gee thanks Zelda." Link called back.
"My father and the others are worried about your bird so let's go give them the good news."
"Yeah, and let's start this Wing Ceremony." Link said. We flew into Skyloft and landed safely with the others. As soon as the others were assured that Link was ready, we began the ceremony.