Deviation Actions
Literature Text
II
Okay, so maybe this wasn’t a dream.
I stared wide eyed at the endless cloud below me. “Nope!” I turned to walk away, only to have Link stop me by grabbing my arms to turn me back around.
“Not so fast.” My skin started to heat up at his touch and I blushed. “You can do it, Zoey. If anything goes wrong I will catch you.”
“That makes me feel so much better.” I sighed and closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. “Okay, I’ll do it.” I took another deep breath and backed up, wanting to get a running start.
“Give a loud whistle and your bird will come to you,” Link told me, also preparing to jump.
I nodded and took off, leaping over the edge. The wind whipped around me as I fell. I lifted my fingers to my lips and gave a shrill whistle, praying the Loftwing would come. I heard a loud cry and I landed on the white Loftwing that I had seen in my bedroom window the day before. I gasped and clutched a handful of feathers when she dropped a few feet from the added weight.
“See? It’s not so bad!” I turned my head to see Link fly up next to me on his crimson Loftwing.
I grinned and sat up a little straighter. “This is amazing!”
“It is indeed!” My grin widened as Zelda’s blue Loftwing flew next to us.
“Hey, Zelda!” I greeted cheerfully.
She smiled at me and nodded before turning to Link. “Zoey and I have to practice! And you need to practice flying for the race!”
“Okay, okay!” Linked waved us off and pushed his bird forward.
“Let’s go, Zoey!” Zelda led me towards the Goddess Statue, where we landed and dismounted. She turned to examine my bird. “I’ve never seen a Loftwing colored like yours.”
“Really?” I stretched and inhaled, exhaling loudly. “She’s albino.”
“What’s that?”
I blinked. I had forgotten that they probably wouldn’t know what that was. “It’s the congenital absence of pigmentation in the eyes and hair and skin.” She blinked at me. “It’s when a person, or animal, is born without and color in their eyes, hair or skin. It’s very rare for this to happen.”
“Does everyone know things like this where you’re from?”
“Oh yes! And more,” I looked up at the huge statue. “We’re much more… advanced than you.”
“’Advanced’? How?”
“Well, we certainly do not have a floating city in the sky, I can tell you that much.”
“So you’re from the surface?” I turned to look at her and she was smiling excitedly.
“Yes and no,” I answered slowly. “I live on the surface but not here, if that makes any sense.”
Zelda shook her head. “What do you mean by ‘not here’?”
“You know how I told you I don’t belong here and how I appeared in a flash of light?” She nodded. “I’m not from this world. This place, this world, is a ga-“ I paused and wet my lips before continuing, “a children’s story in my world.”
She gaped at me for a few moments before speaking. “Another world? Children’s story? How-?”
“I don’t know. Perhaps this is the work of the goddess Hylia; perhaps even the three goddesses Din, Nayru and Farore.”
“I knew there was something about you,” Zelda said softly. I froze; did she think I was insane? I couldn’t see her expression; her face was hidden by her hair. “Another world… That’s amazing!” She looked up and grinned widely. “A visitor from another world!”
“Thing is,” I said softly and looked down sullenly, “I don’t know if I can even go home.”
The smile dropped from her face slightly. “You miss your home?” I nodded and sniffled, tears gathering in the corners of my eyes. What if I never go home? Never see my mom and dad, or any of my friends. I covered my face with both hands to try and stifle my sobs. I felt utterly alone. I knew no one on Skyloft, besides Link and Zelda but I’ve only known them for a day, I was alone.
“What am I going to do?” I said once the sobs died down to hiccups an wiped my face on my shirt sleeve. I heard a soft coo and felt my Loftwing nudge me with her beak. I turned and put my hand on her beak.
“I’m sorry,” Zelda said and put a hand on my shoulder. “I can’t imagine what it’s like being so far away from your home.” I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from blurting out what would happen to her, it needed to happen. “You said our world is a children’s story, yes?”
“Yes, a popular one as well.”
“What happens that is so important a story is made about it?” That was exactly what I didn’t want to hear.
“I-I cannot say, please don’t ask me.”
“Is it going to happen soon?”
I bit my lip, thinking if I should answer that or not. Finally, I nodded slowly. “Soon.”
“So you do know the future!”
I raised my hands and shook my head. “Yes. No! I mean- Err, kinda but not really. I… read this story before. A lot.” She opened her mouth to say something but I cut her off quickly. “But my being here isn’t part of it! It very well may change things!”
“I see,” she whispered and smoothed out her dress.
“Can you keep everything I’ve told you secret?”
She was silent for a few moments before looking up at me with a wide smile. “I promise.” She turned and brought out a golden harp. “Do you know what this is?” She handed it to me.
“It’s a harp, it’s actually called a lyre in my world,” I answered and grinned. I was holding the Goddess Harp! I ran my fingers over the strings, playing the ‘Ballad of the Goddess’.
“You know that song?!” Zelda looked from me to the harp, wide eyed.
“Yes, I taught myself how to play it on a couple instruments.” She smiled widely at me and started to sing.
“Oh youth,
Guided by the servant of the goddess…
Unite earth and sky…
Bring light to the land…”
I was surprised that she sang the song in English… Was it even English? I held the harp out for her to take. “Here’s your harp back.”
“What other instruments do you play?”
“Three; the harp, flute and piano. My favorite is the flute.” I seriously doubted that they had pianos on Skyloft… or in any Zelda game.
“I don’t know what a piano is, but we do have flutes.” She looked up at the sky; the sun was starting to set. “Looks like it’s time to go.”
“It’s this late already? Time flies by when you’re having fun.” I yawned and rubbed my arms, the temperature was starting to drop as the sunlight faded. We collected our things and quickly returned to the academy, before the Keese came out. After a quick goodnight, we went to our rooms and went to sleep.
I smoothed out my dress as I looked at myself in the mirror. Today was the day of the Wing Ceremony, which was going to be held in a few hours. After checking my outfit in the mirror to make sure everything was in order, I left the room and walked down the stairs. I heard a loud thump from Link’s room and walked over to his door, giving a soft knock. “Link? Are you okay?”
Groaning and grumbling came from inside before the door opened; Link was still rubbing his back and a letter was in his hand. “Hey, Zoey.”
“Is that a letter from Zelda?” He nodded and rubbed his forehead.
“I have to meet her before the race.”
“I’ll go with you.” We walked outside and saw that the gate was shut. I turned to the stack of boxes next to a ledge and nudged Link, pointing to them. As we approached them a voice called to us from above.
“Hey, Link! Up here!” We turned to see one of the instructors smiling down at us. “Good morning to you, Link! Today’s finally the day of the long-awaited Wing Ceremony! Are you feeling ready? Oh I just remembered. There’s something I’d like to ask you about. Why don’t you come join me up here?”
Link ran towards the box and pulled himself up before turning to help me up. I muttered a thank you and we walked towards the instructor. “Instructor Horwell,” Link greeted.
“So what are you up to?” the instructor asked. “Rushing to get some last-minute bird-riding practice in this morning, Link?”
“I have to meet someone.”
“Oh? You have someone to meet?” Link nodded and told him it was Zelda. “Ah, Zelda’s waiting for you, is she? Perfect timing, then! You see, Zelda’s father, Headmaster Gaepora, has a pet named Mia, and, well… she’s scampered off again.” We heard a small meowing sound and looked up at the roof.
“At least we know where she is now,” I said, smiling.
Horwell sighed. “The headmaster is so busy working with Zelda preparing for the ceremony… I thought that maybe I should feed her, but the ceremony is about to start and I just put on a fresh set of clothes and, well… you see… Will you help me out and go retrieve Mia for me?”
“I’m on it!” Link replied.
“Fantastic! So you’ll do it?! I know you’re in a hurry, so I really appreciate your taking the time to help.” He pointed to the side of the building. “You should be able to climb up somewhere over there. If you hang off that ledge there, you can climb onto the roof from the other side. I’m terribly sorry, but I know you’re quite the climber! I really do appreciate it.”
Link turned to look at me and I held up my hands. “I don’t think this needs both of us, I’ll wait for you down here.” He nodded and quickly went to retrieve the cat-like creature.
“How are you, Zoey?”
“Hmm?” I turned to face Horwell. “I’m fine, Instructor, thank you for asking.”
A meow alerted us of Link’s arrival and Mia ran forward to rub her side on my legs. “Nice work!” Horwell exclaimed, bending down to scratch Mia behind the ear. “You’ve brought her back safe and sound! Sorry for troubling you with this. I know you’re busy, Link! I suppose I should feed Mia now… Please tell the headmaster that we found his pet. He should be up by the Statue of the Goddess. I believe Zelda is there with him, so you should hurry along.” We thanked him and hurried up the stairs towards the statue. We slowed once we reached the top, beautiful harp music reached my ears.
“Oh youth,
Guided by the servant of the goddess…
Unite earth and sky…
Bring light to the land…”
Zelda turned and smiled at us. “Hey! Good morning, Link, Zoey.” She turned to Link. “I’m glad to see my Loftwing got you out of bed. I was pretty sure you’d sleep in and forget to meet me this morning.”
“He probably would have,” I muttered and laughed when he frowned at me. “Well, it’s true!”
“But look at this instrument!” Zelda held out the golden harp for Link to see. “And look at this outfit! They’re mine to use today in the ceremony, since I’ll be playing the role of the goddess. Aren’t they beautiful? Especially this instrument! They tell me it’s just like the one the goddess was said to have in the legends. It sounds gorgeous too. I asked Father and Zoey about it, and they say it’s called a harp. And look at these clothes! I made this wrap myself, and we get to use it in today’s ceremony! Between the harp and this outfit, I’m going to make a great goddess today! I got you two up early this morning because I wanted you to be the first to see me like this!” She twirled. “So… how do I look?”
“You look great!” Link answered sincerely.
“You’re beautiful,” I told her, smiling widely.
“Hah, I think so too! But it’s nice to know you both agree. Thanks. You look beautiful too, Zoey! You worked so hard on that dress, it’s amazing!”
“Thanks, Zelda.”
“Ah, there you are, Zelda.” Zelda’s father walked up to us. “Are you all prepared for today’s ceremony?”
“Oh, hello, Father.”
“Hello, Headmaster,” Link and I said.
“Ah, Link, Zoey, you’re here too. Outstanding. It’s encouraging to see you up so early, given your capacity for sleep. No doubt today’s ceremony had you too excited to close your eyes for once! If you win today’s ceremonial race, you’ll get to participate in the postrace ritual with Zelda and Zoey so give it your best out there.”
Zelda looked down. “Yes. About that…” She looked back up, her brows furrowed. “Father, I don’t know if he can do it!” Link grimaced. “Recently Link hasn’t been practicing much at all for the ceremony!” Link looked down when she turned to look at him. “And even when he’s out flying his Loftwing, he’s just lazily gliding around. Probably daydreaming! I don’t know what he’s thinking. He’s going to have to be in perfect control of his bird to win today.”
Gaepora waved his arms in a ‘calm down’ motion. “No need to worry yourself, Zelda,” he told her. “Though you may have a point. Today’s Wing Ceremony tests the skill of the rider as well as his bond to his bird. Victory will not come easily. And, as you pointed out, I haven’t seen him practicing as hard as some of the other students. But you’ve known him since you were both very little. You should know better than to fret about him! You see, Link and his Loftwing share a special connection. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.” We looked up at the different colored Loftwings lazily gliding in the sky above us. I smiled when I saw the white feathers of my Loftwing, seeming to shine in the sun. “As you know, each of us in Skyloft is but one half of a pair. We are only made whole by our Loftwings, the guardian birds that the goddess bestows upon each of us as a symbol of her divine protection. When we are young, every one of us meets our Loftwing under the great Statue of the Goddess. It’s quite a big moment, as I’m sure you recall.”
‘Boy was mine a surprise,’ I thought, grinning at the memory.
“Ahh, but that first meeting between Link and his Loftwing was extraordinary. The bird that came to him was a Crimson Loftwing. It is a breed so rare we were sure for some time that it had vanished from the line. Yes, and the boy and his bird seemed to share a profound connection from the moment they met.” Link rubbed the back of his head and looked away. “Do you recall when Link and that Loftwing of his first met? What a sight! The little boy just hopped up on that bird and gracefully flew away, without even a moment of instruction! They were meant for each other. And judging by how jealous you were that day, I’d say the friendship he shared with his bird didn’t go unnoticed by you, my dear.”
Link looked up at the sky and frowned in confusion, his eyes searching for his Loftwing.
Gaepora chuckled. “Ah, but who can blame you? I’m sure you weren’t the only one envious of the powerful bond shared by Link and his bird. Anyone who is part of something special is bound to catch some nasty looks sooner or later, hoo hoo.”
Zelda sighed and turned back to her father with a frown. “This contest is nothing to laugh at, Father!” she exclaimed. “This ceremony is part of the final test for those training to become knights of Skyloft! If Link doesn’t fly fast enough during the race…” She looked down for a moment before looking back up, a look of doubt on her face. “What if Link messes up his big chance… What if he’s not allowed to become a knight?”
“He’ll be fine, Zelda,” I assured her, patting her shoulder.
“Calm down, my dear,” her father said. “It will be fine. Honestly, it’s almost as though you become a completely different person when you worry about Link.”
She bit her lip thoughtfully before turning towards Link. “Listen, Link, you’d better fly your heart out today. At the very least, you need to squeeze in a little practice time before the race!” She grabbed his hand and started to drag him towards a jumping platform. “Come on! You’ll thank me later!” Link gave me a pleading look as I followed them. I laughed.
“Sorry, Link, this is out of my hands.” I giggled at his desperate look.
“Here we are.” Link wobbled over the edge and looked back for Zelda, who dodged his vision playfully, causing me to laugh again. “Go on now. Jump off the edge and call your Loftwing. It’s almost time for the ceremony, so try to practice seriously for once!”
“Zelda! I can’t sense him anywhere!” His voice was scared and I looked at him in alarm, but Zelda didn’t believe him.
“Hmm? Oh yeah? You can’t ‘sense’ your bird out there?” She laughed and shook her head. “Oh, I get it. You’re trying to weasel out of having to practice! Nice try, but you’re not fooling me. Off you go!”
“No, wait! Aaaagh!” She pushed him over the edge.
“Ok, Link, go ahead and call your Loftwing!” she called down to him. I heard him whistle but the red bird didn’t appear.
“Hmm…” Gaepora frowned in concern and looked over the edge. “His bird sure is taking a long time to get here…”
Zelda gasped. “Something’s wrong!” She leaped over the edge and whistled, her blue bird dived to meet her. Her bird grabbed Link and, straining his wings to pull up sharply. “Hang in there, Link!” I heard Zelda yell faintly. “I’ve got you!” The Loftwing dropped Link and collapsed to the ground as soon as his talons hit the ground. Zelda slid to the ground and pet the panting bird’s neck, her brows furrowed in concern. I ran to Link’s side and helped him sit up.
“Are you two all right?” Gaepora asked when they caught their breath.
“I’m sorry, friend,” Zelda continued to sooth her bird. “I didn’t mean to push you so hard. You didn’t sprain your wing, did you?”
“This is very odd, Link,” Gaepora said, frowning. “What could have possibly happened to your Loftwing? For a bird to ignore the call of his master… It’s unheard of!” I helped Link up to his feet. “And you still can’t sense your bird nearby, eh, Link?”
Link nodded. “I still can’t sense him.”
“This is quite a problem, especially considering the Wing Ceremony is about to start…”
“Link,” Zelda looked up at him guiltily, “when you said you couldn’t sense your Loftwing, well… I should have believed you… I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright, Zelda,” Link replied.
She nodded. “I need to tend to my own Loftwing, so I’ll catch up with you later. You’d better go on ahead and see if you can find where your bird has gone!” The bell at the academy started to ring.
“My, how did it get to be so late?” Gaepora said, looking towards the academy. “If I recall correctly, this year Instructor Horwell is presiding over the ceremony. Link, you should go explain the situation to him and see if he’s willing to delay the race a little so that you can find your bird.”
“But, Father, you’re the headmaster of the academy!” Zelda told him. “If Link asks Instructor Horwell, he’ll probably just come talk to you about it.”
“Ah, quite true. As usual, you make an excellent point, my dear. Very well, I’ll explain the situation to him myself. Link, run along and tell Instructor Horwell to come see me in my quarters.”
When Link started to walk away I ran to join him. “Are you coming with me, Zoey?” he asked.
I nodded. “You’ll need some help looking for your bird, I think.”
He grinned. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, now, let’s go find your bird!”
