BEYOND THE LEGEND, BEYOND ZELDA

A figure was standing apparently alone in the black void, which somehow clashed with its white and crystal clear hues. She was an outstandingly beautiful woman, whose looks could not belong to this world. Pure marble colored skin, flowing golden tresses, slim and delicate figure whose only clothing was a form fitting white dress which covered even her ankles, and some jewelry to adorn her, a diadem on her forehead, two rings on her fourth fingers, her front hair were tied in two parallel tails which reached her chest. Her eyes two pool of sapphire as clear as the sky and deeper than any ocean, ruby red lips curled up in a smile as she looked at her new guest.

She somehow sat down and showed her instrument, a harp shimmering of her own light to the point it seemed nothing more but a silhouette. The fact that the woman seemed not to be obscured by such light hinted she emitted a shrine on par if not superior than the one of her instrument.

The guest fascinated, lunged a hand in attempt to touch the magical instrument, but the ethereal woman smiled and waved the hand away with a gentle gesture, as it was not the time yet. She stung a few chord, letting sounds whose purity could only be compared to children laughing and started soon singing a gentle aria which made her guest relaxed… enough to see another figure, not human, it looked more like a … small stub with a leaf for a face, only a pair of feet tall at best. It could have been mistaken of a Kikwi, if not for the fact that it looked more of a wooden substance. The comically small creature quickly pulled out a violin which, due to its size, was played like a cello, and quickly joined the woman's harp, quickly followed by a small, curiously green-haired child who was accompanying both musicians with a blue colored Ocarina.

At this the observer invited by the white woman, marveled by the concert, looked even further, and was able to glimpse a thin and emancipated redhead figure dressed in purple who was playing a giant organ, next to him another small child figure which seemed more like a miniature scarecrow who was happily blowing in his trumpet filling more the music. Atop them, floating, a weird frog-like being who was waving a silver-colored baton, somehow summoning an imposing and otherworldly choir at each movement.

Before the guest could even react, more people joined at the imposing music, all led by the ethereal figure known by legends as Hylia the white goddess. A short figure with pointy ears riding a unique wheeled vehicle was playing a flute, a large Goron beating a couple of drums, a fish-like person beating with small metallic stick a coral-made triangle somehow still able to tingle, a lonely figure dressed in blue tints using a leaf as an instrument, a golden hued wolf- like spirit howling and somehow perfectly matching. All of this before a human youth who could barely understanding that was seeing somehow a glimpse through spaces and times, eyes twitching in fear and awe.

Hylia noticed this and smiled at her guest once more, this time her waving an invite to join. The youngling looked everywhere but then looked sorrowful at the White Goddess, for there was no instrument to play. But the blonde spirit did not falter and gave the human a simple wordless answer, pointing with her stare at her guest's hand. The observer, figuring out what she meant, shyly clapped trying to join, but shyness was to overcome the frail spirit and looked down, thinking to have failed Hylia. But the White Goddess simply let out what could be compared to a tingle of a silver bell, actually her voice when letting out a soft chuckle, as she looked at the youth as if it was her child.

Beyond.

At this the youth looked up in puzzlement and disbelief. What did Her Grace mean?

You have to go beyond.

Listen.

At this the concert of dozens of instruments played in all its glory, making a spectacle around the Skyloftian which felt tears running down. How could it be? The youth always thought to be unable to cry.

He got mesmerized in that melody and let his mind flow, only a gentle pat on the back from the White Goddess the last anchor to reality. And the crimson scarf tied to his neck was blowing in the wind generated by the melody of the mysterious figures let by Hylia in an angelic choir who will have lasted through millennia.

The Skyloftian was softly woken up, realizing that, he had forgotten to untie his scarf before going to bed, which was why he had felt it caressing his face during that unique dream.

Beyond…. Cryptic yet truthful statement and word… I suppose, the figure thought caressing his garment, which held to him an infinite affective value, before lightly knocking on the wall next to him, to make his neighbor lower the volume of his tone-deaf aria played with a trombone. That, and not the triumphant concert, would have been his companion for that, from then on, sleepless night.

Atop another island blessed with the power to float by the White Goddess herself, hidden by the arcane magic of shadows, there was a large imposing temple, the Temple of Darkness, where an ancient race had been surveying Skyloft well before its birth

Sometimes changes might go unnoticed before the eyes of commoners, yet there are always people with the duty to look over and register every change. So they knew what had happened 75 years ago, when the new incarnation of the Hero of Legend had finally gone into a duel against the Demon King Demise and sealed his power and consciousness inside the Master Sword, ending his threat once for all.

This and the disappearance of Hylia's current incarnation's had made the Sheikah, a legendary race renowned for its affiliation with Shadows and its duty to always look over Hylia, register a number of changes, first of all in their very organization. Their goal had changed to protect Zelda, Hylia's reincarnation, to safeguard the children of the Goddess, the common people, and the land of Skyloft. This shift of duties had been further remarked by their leader Impa's ascension to the heavens, for having served the Golden Goddesses' will for thousands of years, and the election of the new leader, Vina Dorenaz, a skilled Shadow folk who had been supported by everyone but Agahnim, a red cloaked Sheikah, the elder of the organization, who was hyperbolically said to be as old as Impa, known for his lust of power and his arrogant belief he alone, due to his old age and wisdom, knew the truest word of Her Grace.

Just like Impa, Lady Dorenaz had been blessed with the long age, being over a century old and not looking past her mid-twenties, with her slim figure and her more feminine looks compared to her predecessor, long white, with a unique pink-ish hue, hair tied in two longs pigtails, a flowing blue kimono with red flowers and, of course, the Sheikah symbol, and jewelry adorned the same way, her own eyes of a lighter hue of red, enough to be confused as pink. Different from Impa's was also her modus operandi. While the former leader was known for her rather direct approach in handling situation, Vina preferred to remain as a figure hidden in shadows, providing clues and indirectly helping they who need assistance from afar, preferring to use her subordinates to do her bidding as she held a more strategic look. She did intervene though with figures of high authority, most notably the new master of the Knight Academy, as Gaepora had passed out of old age, and always tried to keep contact with either the Hero of Legend and Zelda, with varying degrees of success every time.

Vina looked around the room from she supervised the safeness of Hylia's children and was pleased to see that, the moment she used a crystal sphere to send a signal magic through a sphere, the incredibly useful Farore's wind, several Sheikah warped. The first to show up was, as typical of her, her second in command.

Indeed, Vina was, luckily for her, aided by a very loyal and powerful second in command, Mazhar Davul. She was not a typical beauty, being a bit more rugged and tomboyish in appearance than most Sheikah, even though her ravine hair was long and always messy, her eyes leaning on a dark orange, her clothes a bit tattered.

On her side she carried always a pair of drums she used to relax herself when needed, and indeed, it was usual of her to play them when she was at the lair, claiming it was to honor a great hero who had killed a monster called Man Eater. And yet despite this she had a very loose appearance, her clothing torn, having a weird collar both at her necks and wrists and her skin looking dirty and dark. Despite this, she always kept a noble and superior attitude, only showing submission to Agahnim and Vina themselves.

While always stoic and calm, also due to the vow of silence she had taken a long time ago, Mazhar was known to be terrifyingly fierce when needed, having defeated in combat the traitor Sheikah known as Veritas, who had sold his soul to demons in exchange of powers and souls to consume. For all his troubles, Lady Duval sealed him in the underground of the Surface, but not before brutally gouged out his cursed eye with her bare hands, even making a magic tool out of it, which one day would have passed to be remembered as the greatest of the three treasures of Sheikah, the Eye of Truth.

While Mazhar sat next to Vina, placing her drums next to her. The second Sheikah was a blonde tan skinned youth with a black and silver variant of the Sheikah outfit, indicating he belonged to the Sheikah investigation division, whose unique possession was an enchanted flute shaped like a pipe.

Soon another flock of shadow folks came, led by Agahnim, who quietly sat into a corner; quietly waiting for every possible slip Vina would do which could be used against her in the far future, his pale white skin giving him an eerie look.

After a quick exchange of glares with her rival, Lady Dorenaz stood up from her tone, Mazhar's tribal music accompanying her steps as she came close and all the shadow folks bowed before her, not a thing which she was very enthusiast over, but as long as tradition kept a firm grip upon the society of Hylia's protector, she would have not minded, and answered all of them by curling her lips in a smile and making them all a gesture of welcome.

As the blonde youth came forth before the new Sheikah leader, he bowed and stated in a protocol procedure: "Thorne Larose of the Investigation unit, here to deliver the report about the happenings on the Surface, Lady Vina"

Vina interested, nodded, and answered with a calm voice, still asserting superiority: "Please, do tell"

"As we speak, two more group of people have been leaving the Island in the sky – The Investigator stated – the first is a ship merchant, confident to be able to become wealthy by exchanging trades with the Parallela tribe and a new underwater race which has been appearing more and more around the sea. Although, from some rumor we have found partially worth of note, it seems more like that his real purpose is not to become rich as much as to escape from the girlfriend he had supposed to marry next week. Somehow, he also convinced a few people to follow him and they are currently travelling with a ship called after him. Another instance of people leaving to the surface which seemed rather… outstanding, belonged to a rather short and stubby man in his late thirties, who somehow left with a series of balloons, apparently in hopes to find the fabled 'Fairy Boys' which are said to be living in the core of the forest"

The Leader of the Sheikah raised a brow at this new. She was told by the Goddesses that Skyloft was destined to be abandoned one day, but still, people's quirky nature could not help but surprise her. She indeed had been hoping that people would have rather followed Link's noble desire of adventure of knowledge… but such, in its flaw and praises, was mankind. She could not help but inwardly chuckled as Mazhar's music helped her meditate.

"Anything else remarkable?" she further asked Thorne.

The younger Sheikah thought for a while, enough that Lady Dorenaz considering using the second of the three great treasures , until she could hear him muttering: "Aside from the Great Spirit who is soon going to pass close, actually, I have found something which might be considered rather strange…"

"And might it be?" the leader asked.

"These three weeks, at night, I have been noticing the number of Poes has sizably decreased - Throne answered, further elaborating what it means as he saw Vina's raised eyebrow –I know, at first we thought it might have been the Collector's work, but usually, while we usually report an average of ten sighting of these ghost per night, there have been days their number could be counted on one hand. Of further notice is the fact the sightings have all been nearby Skyloft"

It then concluded with a bow and proceeded to listen to Vina's consideration about such. The woman stood silent for a while, first glaring back at Agahnim's challenging stare, then facing Mazhar, who had raised her head to look at her leader, actually sending her a telepathic message.

"You are right Mazhar – she stated with a nod – Thorne, my second thinks that the Poes might be hiding in Skyloft, do you exclude from what you have seen such opportunity?"

The younger investigator quickly shook his head and replied: "It might be possible"

"Then it's settled – Vina quipped back to the group – Mazhar, gather a squad and investigate for the next 24 hours Skyloft and its surroundings. Bring with you the Eye, in case the Poes are using their invisibility to hide in the dark or are possessing common people. If you find anything suspicious, report to me immediately. And if any people falls victim to a Poe, eradicate as soon as possible such problem before their presence might end up too spread… Of course, only in case there is any Poe, of course"

At this, the raven-haired second in command bowed her head and stood up strapping with almost unseen speed her drum on her back and narrowing her eyes, quickly pointed at two Sheikah to come with her. The first was Thorne himself, being the one who had reported such oddities in the Surface, then another girl. This one was a teenage, with brunette long hair tied in a pony tail with a small horn symbol and dressed in red attire with a blue eye drawn on her stomach, as her chest had a sizeable cleavage to enhance her hourglass.

"Who? Me? - The Sheikah, known as Gwen, asked with a smile, answered at Mazhar's nod with a loud and jumpy – YAY! I promise to…."

Instead, Thorne simply stated a: "It's an honor to work with you, Lady Davul, I will…"

Before they both could continue, the drum bearer shut them up by snapping her fingers before their eyes, a sign to draw attention back to her, and as a warning not to do such again. After all, they were Sheikah, they who hid in the shadows … They strike hard, and fade into the night…. and the rest was silence.

In the meanwhile, Agahnim bit his lips at such. Alas, this course of actions was pretty much the same he would have taken himself if such report was given. He hated to admit but, once more, Vina had proven to be superior. And so, as Lady Davul conjured with her arcane spells the Eye of Truth, the trio of Shadow folks sat together in a corner and, as soon as their Leader dismissed the meeting, they left the palace, heading out for the new adventure.

Now alone, Vina sighed deeply, silently thanking the goddesses once more of their clemency toward Hylia's children. Once more, what might have been a minor problem was to be solved swiftly with a protocol procedure. Everything, both in the brightest light and in the deepest shadow was working smoothly and the will of the Golden Goddesses was being carried flawlessly. She smiled at herself, glad to be a leader worth Impa.

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Graveyard, Skyloft, 7am, First Day -
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After using the mighty steed Argorok, a dragon whose power was to blend with the shadow, the group promptly reached the wonderful flying city of Skyloft, constituted by several scattered landmasses suspended in the sky above the Surface, home of Hylia's children, the sacred bird known as Loftwings… and, as some of the higher ranking Sheikah knew, another rare race which was said to have a lot of ties with the Goddesses, even superior to the Shadow Folks' themselves.

Either way, the group first landed at the Graveyard, the closest locations where Poes could be. It was a quick and rather swift inspection of the place, they discovered that, first of all, by pushing a gravestone, they opened a Secret passage to the underside of the island, not to say the presence of some green ChuChus and rupees by touching some graves, but otherwise nothing worth notice, except the fact that the graves were being, for some reason, heavily decorated. The raven haired second in command herself raised a brow in puzzlement at such

Mazhar further studied the area with the Eye to be sure they had done a perfect exploration. As the results proved positive, they moved in the city, using their skills as Sheikah to hide in the shadows and look over every person which might have looked suspicious. As they crawled through the shades, they realized the atmosphere of the place was very … feisty and light hearted. They knew that since the Hero of Legend had defeated the Demon King, peace had been prospering, but no doubt there had to be some reason

As they reached the first inhabited area they had targeted, Knight Academy, they realized why the whole Skyloft seemed to be so joyous. The coming of the Hero of Legend had, indeed, overshadowed a minor event in Skyloft's history: the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Academy. As seventy-five year had passed, it meant that the Academy was about to celebrate its first century, quite an achievement. The new headmaster, a former friend of the Hero, was quite proud to have successfully lived through this all, and had decided to personally supervise the event in question.

Nonetheless to say, may students were already practicing all over the Academy for the event: some were fighting in the sparring hall, others were looking over their Loftwings and train them for the main trial, the Wing Ceremony, where they would have proved their worth to become Knights and get a tunic that, while the first times used to be of a different color each year, since that unique twenty-fifth year, it had remained permanently of a dark green color, in a clear reference at the greatest figure in all history of Skyloft.

Thorne and Gwen remained…. Utterly shocked at seeing that world unfolding before them, such grandness displayed in a real invaded by light, to the point that reality, they would have gladly stopped by to join, wasn't it Mazhar present. So they quickly snapped back to reality and walked over the halls, easily sliding through the shadow of every careless student all of them, as the Eye revealed no sign of possession

The trio of Shadow Folks just kept walking over as they reached a possible place where Poes could have been hiding: the library. Filled with dirt and spider webs, big and humid, people rarely went there, full of paintings to hide in, close to a place full of people… what better place for a Poe to live in? Also, there was supposedly at that time no soul around.

And instead, to the trio's amusement, there was the single soul, and not a librarian. It was a student with a lithe frame and a small height, inferior to most average girls of his age, shoulder length straight black hair, blue robes covering a black jumpsuit which somehow clashed with the red scarf around his neck, and his face, slightly covered with and hat, had soft and thin features, the most notables bright and big hazel colored eyes which shifted left and right quickly as he was reading a book about the right equipment and tips to ride safely a Loftwing, his thin finger running through the paper, fond to discover everything about this. On his face was plastered a wide smirk, greedy of knowledge, enough not to notice a girl walking close to him.

What was most drawing of that fawn-haired girl, who as her white dress implied was going to be the student to represent Hylia that year, was the white veil-like cloth on head that reached the floor, and the white bandages over eyes and over her neck, indicating her blindess, and a wide, some would say even eerie, ear to ear grin. Taking a deep breath, she quickly recognized her companion's scent and smiling even wider, spoke to him with a loud tone, with an intention, clear to the Sheikah observing this, to startle the boy, easily succeeding

"My my, Ankoku,what are you doing here?", the girl mused with a cheerful and somber tone, going behind Ankoku and leaning her hands on his shoulder to avoid him to run away immediately.

Ankoku turned and, recognizing her answered with a … rather unique speech pattern: "Indeed, my my, Alannah, such a surprise to cross our path here. What coincidence or fate has brought you to the library?"

Alannah looked around and froze as bit as she could swore to be able to perceive other scents. The Sheikah, figuring out what she did, quickly moved in the opposite direction of the wind, so she was not able to trace them anymore and shift back to her schoolmate and answered.

"Really? Are we in the library?", she asked in genuine surprise, her blindness forbidding her to know the truth, a thing Mazhar was somehow... understanding of.

Ankoku nodded and further confirmed with enthusiasm: "We are, I have been further fixing my knowledge my knowledge about riding my Loftwing. Dodo is excited as I am for the Wings ceremony, we will pass it, no doubt"

Alannah clapped at him: "Bravo, good Ankoku, then we will make the ritual at the Statue, uh? It will be fun"

Ankoku's eyes widened in clear terror at this as his fingers trembled and stated: "No pressure, uh?"

Such statement made Thorne wonder what line of thought had flown through the youngster's mind. Instead, Gwen wondered how well she would have fit Hylia's dress had she replaced Alannah.

A lot of people would end up falling down off the island hee hee, she thought holding her mouth with an hand to muffle a giggle which might have blown their cover.

As the two spoke for a bit, the bell rung, meaning the lessons were about to start. Just as if a trained Rescue Knight, Ankoku stood up and said: "Well, such conversation was fun. Might we cross out path once more soon, Alannah"

Laughing at her schoomate's speech, the girl answered with an energetic pat before walking away: "It was fufufu…see ya, Ankoku, might Hylia protect you"

The boy in blue, remembering the dream and, smiled sofly at this, and bowed at the fawn haired Hylia impersonator in a sign of gratitude as he took his leave from the library, positive feelings filling his young and immature mind. Mazhar, who had stood silent and had even let her two teammates slack off and watch the show as she analyzed the room and discovered that, once more, there was no Poe, could not help but glance at the leaving student and could not help but empathize as the two younger Sheikah slapped their forehead with their palms as Ankoku had not noticed that Alannah had placed on his back a 'Kick Me' sign. Before they could take their leave and explore another area of Skyloft, the Bazaar, they heard the sound of a kick and a lightly loud pained sound.

Repeatedly.

The group had been seeking for over six hours for any Poe or ghastly entity, and, so far, the report was fruitless. Not even a glimpse of undead energy, no people turned into gold, not even the Collector was there to give clues.

Gwen and Thorne were pretty much convinced that Vina's assumption was (thankfully) wrong, after this. Mazhar, instead, remaining silent, was still determined to look for any possible Poe, although not now that the sun was at its peak, it was pretty much assured that no ghost would have showed up, so she was allowing once more his subordinates to relax and enjoy from afar the preparations of the festival, all while looking down with the Eye of Truth for any possible contingency.

The two younger Sheikah, jumping up the roof of the Academy, looked down and watched amazed the festival. It was amazing, far bigger than they could have thought, and the Ballad of the music they had heard that morning had gone up to a glorious crescendo. Both of them silently thought to ask Vina for a day off to watch the Ceremony.

The first sight that amazed them was the apparently endless number of Loftwings. Those birds were a joy to the Shaodw Folks, mostly because their steeds, the Argoroks, were so dull colored and aggressive compared to those magnificent colored and so friendly looking animals.

And how many colors. Blue was the most common, yet they could see yellow, green, orange, brown, they could swear to see even someone deep red. And, surprisingly, they saw even the young boy from before, Ankoku, if their memory was correct, who was bringing with him his Loftwing up to the Bazaar, periodically caressing it. It was a very fine beast, looking perfectly healthy and fine, with a fluffy blue-colored plumage and, weirdly enough, some white stripes at the side of its wings and down its beak, following its spine. It somehow resembled the color scheme of Ankoku's clothes. How it was possible, nobody knew, not even Ankoku himself. Although it was said that some Loftwings who have deep bonds with their masters ended up mimicking their appearance. At least, this was the most common explanation as to why the Loftwing of the Headmaster seemed to have a pompadour-like do atop its head.

"Have no fear Dodo –Ankoku's voice finally spoke caressing his Loftwing's head – look around, be amazed by such beauty and festivity. Isn't this place wonderful? Don't be shy, we shall be here here tomorrow for the Ceremony we have been training so much about. I have even bought thise special iron-soled boots to improve our balance. Why do you make a such a face? Please, tell me not you are getting afraid. Oh, here here"

At this Ankoku wrapped his arms around Dodo's neck and whispered things which seemed to calm it down. Gwen giggled at how cute they seemed together… but quickly joined Thorne in sighing, as they both were seeing that the young boy had still the 'Kick Me' sign on his back. They could not help but try to remove it by using a carefully aimed needle which swept away the paper, although lightly started Ankoku as he felt something passing on his back. As the duo quickly hid in shadows though, he was unable to spot them and resumed petting Dodo, and carefully place his scarf around him, as if it was its reins, and kept walking him to the Bazaar, unknowingly followed by the two Sheikah.

A few minutes later, Dodo made a pigeon-like sound as it spotted Ankoku's schoolmates and their Loftwings, which responded in turn, making their masters turn at each other.

"Lord Allard! Lady Alannah! Lady Ai! Lord Kody, I once more give you my greetings and wish you a good afternoon. Do you feel enthused enough for the upcoming celebration", Ankoku cheered with his usual overflowing tone, which made everyone, even the Sheikah and the Loftwings could not help.

"Not bad", Allard, a tall and muscled youth in his late teens with green eyes, brown hair and tattoos over his body, said coldly, but without hostility, as he was preparing his own Loftwing, a dark brown and fiercer version of them, one of the only two Skyloftian to posses such kind. Kody, a smaller (shorter than Ankoku himself, actually) blonde with a worryingly thin figure, shrugged, his yellow steed mimicking her, while the Alannah answering with a chuckle alongside her Blue and curiously purple eyed bird with fluttering eyelashes, as if to underline its jockey nature.

Ai, an averagely fit girl with mid-back length blond hair dressed in dark blue, looked up at her schoolmate and gave him a warmer smile.

"There you have come Ankoku – she stated while petting her turquoise steed – seems this time will be competing. I warn you Nik will give your Dodo a though time at the Wing Ceremony tomorrow"

Ankoku gave her a thumb up at this, amazed by the festival as he gave another look around, amazed and letting a small cheer.

"My My Ankoku – Alannah said with a laugh – quite cheerful these days. Seems not even being kicked to the ground can keep you down today"

The young Skyloftian miserably failed to notice the excessively specific stated and laughed at this shaking his head: "No way I shall despair today, even if I get an inexplicably high number of people connecting their feet with my bum as, weirdly enough, has happened quite a bit, today. Regardless, I feel pumped enough to be going up for three days in a row without falling asleep"

At this, Allard, the most mature of the group, looked at Alannah, easily putting to and two together and shook his head as the fawn-haired impersonator of Hylia, which was pulling off a wide ear to ear grin at her successful prank.

Kody in the meanwhile was looking down at Ankoku's shoes, having noticed they looked heavier than usual and , knowing that Ankoku's mother was a teacher, picked up the opportunity and asked: "Excuse me, Ankoku but… am I wrong or you have made iron your shoes?"

The student in blue looked down at his feet and nodded to his companion: "You picked up correctly, Lord Kody, I have modified by shoes for this occasion. By ironing them, you get a better footing on the Loftwing and, in case you possess a light frame like mine, you get a superior stability while riding"

"I have heard of a similar technique used by the knights themselves on occasions – the tattooed older teen stated – I suppose your mother was who told you about"

Ankoku thought for a bit, exchanging look with his steed for a bit before answering with a laughter and correcting him: "Actually, my mother just ordered me not to fail this time"

The group actually fell silent at this, as they knew his mother's rather… straightforward strategy of training, he was telling the truth. Even the Ballad of the Goddesses seemed to have diminished in volume. Thorne could not help but raise a brow at how Ankoku seemed to be so light on such harsh treating. Gwen simply wondered why everyone was getting so silent, not making too many comments. Only Alannah kept her smirk on and broke the tension with her laughter, her Loftwing imitating her quickly.

And so she finally mused with an hand before her mouth: "Fu fu fu… sounds rather sweet, Ankoku"

Dodo answered with a gulp, but Ankoku patted it and with a light bow quipped back: "I know, and I am waiting for this day since I have been learnt to read and stumbled upon… that legend of Zelda, and of her might warrior. Ankoku had been fascinated with that hero in green every time he read of him. He always imagined him swinging his blade and mowing down enemies with ease in the name of the Golden Goddesses and all good in the world, A dream come true. Little had he noticed a man who was walking by with a plate of freshly made Bombchus.

The youth's eyes lit up of a bright color as if they were reflecting the sun, hands brought together as in a sign of prayer.

"If I succeed today… It will be a step closer to my dream I will become like – Ankoku said taking a deep breath as he let out his last word – !"

Somehow, such word was said so loudly that even a few Keeses perceived it. The students backed away in surprise with their steeds and Alannah was forced to cover her over-sensitive ears from that high frequency more akin to a bat than a common person, same for the still hidden, but very eager to listen, Thorne and Gwen, and the unlucky man was so startled that dropped all the Bombchus which activated causing ruckus. It was all a matter of few seconds, but all these sounds of explosions sent Dodo on a freak out, and with a loud shriek, took flight as the other aspiring riders were taming their steeds and flew off Skyloft in a frenzy.

All the group of younglings was bewildered, to say the least, by how a simple action had brought such a cascade of disasters, and yet it was Ankoku's expression the most shocked, enough that Ai, as soon as she saw his shrunken eyes and paler than usual skin tone, quickly went up to assure him that everything worked out. And yet, the trembling small boy, while panicking, simply looked at the now small blur in the sky which was his Loftwing, not having lost track of it not even for a second.

He knew that his bird was shy and maybe would have come back later, after an hour or two, maybe hidden somewhere in the farthest islands… this time it had his scarf with him. And Ankoku had promised to himself NEVER to lose… that scarf.

"Worry not, guys, keep having fun – he said with the brightest smile and the most determined eyes he could gather lifting his finger to feel the wind– I will get Dodo back. The winds are on my favor!"

The two Sheikah were actually about to try and help him themselves, hating to see such fate befall on somebody with such cruelty but Mazhar, appearing out of nothing, had already stopped them by placing herself between them and the young student. After all, they were acting on impulse and, at the moment, with Argorok left at the graveyard… what could they actually do? Not to say it could have blown their cover. Luckily, such moved stopped them from making any rushed action. Indeed, they had to learn soon a thing about humans. While they were a mediocre race in terms of strength or intelligence, they seemed to possess a surprising amount of willpower which exploded in the most creative resourcefulness.

And indeed, Thorne could not help but state now that they were back from a safe position: "Is he… taking off his robes?"

"At least he has his jumpsuit on. He is … uh….– Gwen said tilting his head at Ankoku only in his black jumpsuit – he seems to be also… zipping them back and. NO WAY, he is turning them into a sailcloth?"

Mazhar, who had figured out immediately what the young man was doing, nodded at the two other subordinates and made them both a gesture. Break was over, it was time to resume their job and see if any Poe was still around.

"Worry not – Ankoku stated to his classmates observing him as he was done and was running towards the edge of Skyloft – Unless there is going to be any big contingency, I shall successfully catch Dodo at my first try. It's not the first time he panics, I know how to deal with it"

Nodding and wishing him good luck, the students looked over and saw Ankoku transported with the handmade sailcloth by the winds , somehow catching up to the scared bird.

As Kody was about to ask Allard whether Ankoku would have succeeded, a weird… verse of an ancient and powerful animal… or maybe not an animal… a Deity. Alannah was the first to pick up and yelped a bit at the sound, only to realize what it meant and mused once more: "How big is that of a contingency?"

"Quite", Allard's monosyllabically answered.

Even Ankoku slowly turned at the verse. He was not prepared the view, his eyes widened and took all his will power not to drop his jaw. A giant shade of a dark color. Big as in comparable in size to a rather large building, was flowating towards him.

From a bit afar, and getting closer, there was seemed to be a giant fish… no, incorrect, more like a whale. A giant dark blue wave with what seemed a dark blue color and a sort of giant… mustaches made of clouds? Yes, that face was somehow human like with those detailed eyes and that mustache. And was clear that it was not just old, but ancient, so much that on his side grew dark grey protuberances on his sides, a plate hiding his forehead. On the fins rudimentary fingers with long bones at the hand to mimic an hybrid between claws and nails completed the figure of the deity before Ankoku. And the youth was frozen in shock, as could swear that such appearance was not unfamiliar. Sure, he had never seen live just like he was doing, but on the countless books he had been reading. That picture… yes….

He must be one of the fabled God of the Seas, the Leviathans. Oh my… by the Wise Nayru … He must be the Wind Fish Levias – Ankoku thought in awe, quickly switching to terror while realizing what was happening – And those…. Giant fins which …. creates small scale hurricanes every time they are waving around… and he is heading towards me and Dodo… Oh my…. no…

What could Ankoku have said while looking at the Diety who hadn't even noticed him, just a few moments before a wave of those winds scattered across the heavens his loftwing, his scarf and himself with his sailcloth?

Just a resigned: "This is quite a big contingency! Ms. Fiona shall not be pleased with such news"

And by the unfortunate coincidence shaped by the power of Levias' fins, Ankoku was dragged away from Skyloft by the winds, soon going to be landing upon a land of myths and mysteries, first explored by a Skyloftian whose name had become legend, fabled earth promised to people by Hylia herself, battlefield of the War of Creations, home of past, present and future mysteries filled with magic, treasures, monsters and a legend built upon a thin thread of fate connecting everything.

No matter Ankoku's will…. he soon was going to see with his very immature and unready eyes that one land which had been named by the Knight Academy Headmaster a long time ago… GROOSELAND.

Ankoku finally regained full consciousness from the light wetness of the grassy fieldand shook his head as he leant up against a tree. He had been flying for quite a long while due to the irregular air currents caused by Levias' passing in the sky. It had been a sight to behold, no doubt, and most likely the Skyloftian had stared in awe at the deity… but for Ankoku had not been as much of a blessing. He sighed as he used the tree as a support and caressed his temples again, attempting to figure out what kind of priorities he had to settle first. The lack of his scarf to relieve his stress was not helping either, indeed.

At the realization that he had reached the surface… Ankoku froze in surprise and in wonder. He had to find Dodo and the scarf… in a land he had never seen… all by himself? Just like the Hero of Legend? Truly he could not get, in his opinion, best blessing and worst misadventure all at once. Yet he was going to cope such just like his childhood idol had 75 years ago to save Zelda

He quickly decided. He had to get his scarf back. Yes, he had to, then he would have…. Before finishing his line of thoughts, he realized that Dodo was much more important to find. He could have been still in a panicked state … or worse. Yes, indeed, Dodo was the priority, then he had to get his scarf and finally return to the surface. He should have had at least 24 hours, if he had gotten this correct. Plenty of time, if he excluded training, dinner and sleeping. He hoped at least that his mother would have been understanding of his temporary missing.

But little time he had, so he grabbed a Deku Stick and quickly decided to look for clues of his Loftwing's whereabouts. The only thing he knew was the direction Dodo seemed to have been swatted by Wind Fish towards. Better than nothing, he supposed.

Also, the odds seemed to be in his favor, the sky was crystalline, with no prospect of rain, and it was on a comfortable grass field, without any monster whasovere. And even better, he seemed to be going towards a forest, close by a lake. Actually… a part of the forest seemed to had been flooded, weirdly enough. But he did not have time to think as he saw some familiar imprints on the ground.

'Dodo', he thought enthusiastically as he rushed further in the woods, amazed by the uniqueness of the makeup of the land compared to Skyfloft, Those trees gave a relaxing and peaceful shadow, the leaves he stepped on gave a unique background music which accompanied each one of his movements, the light shade cooled down his head. He was almost scared, and indeed had he not been alone and not determined to look for his steed, he would have needed someone else to lead him.

He finally heard the pidgeon like verses, a bit pained and rushed at his companion. As soon as he saw it, he wrapped his arms around the Loftwing, which clearly was in a pained expression.

"Come on, Dodo, you are fine, that bad God of Wind won't attack you again nor those Bombchus will harm you. There there", he said patting his steed only to notice something wrong as his gaze shifted to his right wing. That bending was not natural…

His eyes widened as he realized his companion had its wing broken. Was that the effect of the crash? He could not understand, but Dodo was clearly ashamed, Without flying, Ankoku had no idea how to get back up to Skyloft. Maybe the Kikwi had some red potions to heal the wound. Normally, wrapping around Dodo's neck his scarf worked for these cases to calm him down, but as Ankoku himself lacked it, he tried to make an impromptu healing using one of his detectable sleeves and wrapping it around the broken limb after straightening it with a piece of wood.

From the work he had done and the possible risk of infection, he knew it was not much, but at least Dodo seemed to be less in pain. The Skyloftian tried to make him move, but he seemed too afraid to walk away. After a bit, Ankoku gave up and tried to sweet talk Dodo

"Okay, my little Dodo, let's do this – Ankoku said trying to comfort him with the brightest smile he could pull off – I find my scarf so you can play with it, and so we go to Skyloft, okay"

The animal, understanding, made a nod and the closest thing a bird could do to a smile. Ankoku thanked Hylia and with a further pat asked Dodo: "Have you seen my scarf?"

The bird pointed at a direction and made a verse as if to confirm it was in the forest. Ankoku nodded and went into the direction he had said, constantly looking back as if to make himself sure Dodo was alright. He started looking for the special article of clothing… everywhere.

His determination had clouded his better judgment. He did not think, just acted, and, keeping the the Deku Stick on himself using his belt, with a leap he started to climb up like a small monkey the trunk to see up the scarf. Having never climbed a tree before, he nearly slid once or twice, but his determination allowed him for a stronger grip than usual, already loving how he had found an item he cared so much for…

'Are all the trees in these woods so similar I end up switching them as I am about to reach for my scarf?', he thought, his enthusiasm-driven energy wearing out not noticing the small chuckle filling the air of the woods. Once more as he had gotten to the top of the tree, no trace of the scarf whosoever …

"Oh oh good good – a voice stated echoing from almost any direction in a somewhat mocking tone – what is a wind born doing here?"

"Looking for a scarf", Ankoku mused looking down and then staring at the other three not seeming to pay attention to the new voice, or at least not considering it much of a threat. A figure slowly faded in, almost next to Ankoku.

First thing were two bright golden eyes just above the scarf. Then sparkles quickly appearing forming two pointy ears and a pronounced snout, followed by a long and thin neck covered by a piece of red cloth, A canine body swifly appeared, finishing with three long and also fluffy looking tails. Ankoku normally would have watched the spectacle in awe as weren't for the fact the small yellow-furred fox-like creature with a big grin had appeared just over Ankoku's back, his snout next to his face.

"A scarf, uh? In this forest? You must be lucky if you want to find it", he mused to Ankoku, who quickly quipped back with an approval verse.

It took a small while for Ankoku to understand, and then finally looked at the face of small animal, not focusing on anything below its head. Confused at the situation and the animal's excessively vivid gaze, waved at him instinctively.

The answer was a bright and cheerful: "Well well, what do we have here? A Wind born looking for his scarf?"

"Greetings there"; Ankoku quickly quipped back politely, bowing his head and taking a deep breath as his hands struggled to get hold of the branch without making too much effort, not really looking back at the Keaton, due to his search being all he had in his focus.

At this the many-tailed fox, who already knew all along why was there, started moving suggestively his brows, laughed out loudly and said, recalling the time he had met a leader of another tribe of his species: "Funny, there was only another who gave me a calm answer"

The young boy widened his eyes, thinking whoever could it be, only a name coming up in his mind. Only a name came out of his mind and asked without turning: "Who? Link?"

"Curious ?", the fox quickly answered dismissing him, his grin wide due to his new interlocutor's weird calmness, enough to decide that it to get another different kind of amusement to let the boy atop the tree to initiate the conversation.

"Quite a bit – Ankoku stated, making the Keaton shrug with his huge smile, before attempting to resume the conversation again and ask him for his scarf back – So… what… or rather, who would you be?"

The fox looked left and right, pretending not to know the boy was talking to him, pointed at himself and asked with his grin with a tone loud enough to cover any other sound: "Me?"

Ankoku and stated and, pointing at him, distributing his weight : "Yes, indeed, I am addressing you wish such question"

The nameless canine laughed and leaning his head forward and stated: "My name… starts with K"

"A K…. – Ankoku promptly answered placing his finger in a thinking position, then said aloud the name of the K-starting race he remembered the most – Kikwi?"

There was a deep moment of silence before the animal busted into an hysterical laughter , having quite some fun with the Skyfloftian. He was even about to bump his tiny fist on the ground, but realized he was not that amused.

Rubbing his head with his paw and shaking it in disapproval, he stated: " I'm a Keaton, human, you need to know better. Even 'Kurious for when we fall, but I would say five seconds' was a decent answer"

Ankoku raised a brow, not noticing any sound aside from the Keaton's loud voice at the last statement and he repeated it: "Curious for when we fall, but I would say five seconds? What do you mean by that, the branch does not seem to be about to…"

Of course, he was promptly cut off by several more cracking sounds and then, just in time to fully realize, the small wood broke at the combined weight of the two.

"Faaaaaaall", Ankoku yelled as he crashed down while the Keaton faded with a wide laugher. Luckily, he was not at an high height, so he got out of that with no wound.

Before he could comment or even have time to dust his clothes off, the blue dressed boy felt a weight on his head, and saw the two sides of his scarf dangling down, quickly followed by the nameless Keaton's face only inches from his own. It had been fun… too bad the branch did not hold up more. Maybe making him fall by tickling him with his tail would have been more fun. Alas, past was past… and luckily for him, the boy was still there

"That was fun, can we do it again? heheheh"; the three tailed fox cheered pumping his fist to successfully startle Ankoku, making his interlocutor almost jump back.

The young man, clearly ditzy at the quick round of happenings, winced a bit and trying to bottle his emotions up, and stated to mutter: "Y-y-yes, why not? M-m.-maybe another day…. Listen sir… Keaton, I do thank for your caring, but might I know… do you have any clue for where such a scarf might me?"

The inhabitant of the Surface, teleporting in front of him between two trees and walking on all fours. At his Ankoku 's eye twitched as he saw. Around the Keaton's neck… his scarf. So… the Keaton had known all along why he was there. He had been wearing the scarf all along…. The answer at his question was…

"Maybe? - the fox like creature asked tilted his head, his grin betraying the innocence of the sentence – Lemme guess. We got lucky, uh?"

Ankoku was looking still unable to answer at what he was seeing, trying to figure out why that animal was acting like this

The Keaton feigned surprise and placing his paw before his mouth stated in a fake shock: "My my, don't tell me THIS the scarf?"

A speechless Ankoku nodded and bowed before him.

"Yes, that is the scarf… now… excuse me… might I have it?", the Skyloftian said met by the Keaton's grin and narrowed eyes.

"Hmm….", the small fox-like creature musing tilting his head and walking forward, the wind blowing the scarf giving him an enigmatic look look. In his mind only a thought echoes.

Amusing.

"Guess", the Keaton said with a grin. He was meeting such a unique wind person, so the opportunity was worth more milking

Ankoku looked and repeated puzzled: "Guess what?"

At this the Keaton darkly chuckled, winked and, without answering, vanished, making Ankoku try to rush and catch him but in vain.

Before he could get up, Keaton had returned a few feet to his left, holding a '7' sign appeared out of nowhere to value that dive

"Guess" the Keaton repeated grinning somehow wider, the sign vanishing

At this Ankoku attempted to prove Keaton he was like him by laughing breathed deeply and said in the most conceivably unconvincing way: "Ah ah ah…"

"Oh, by Her Grace – the Keaton laughed back shaking his head, his ears twitching in amusement at his – Nope, but nice try"

Before Ankoku could answer, the animal had teleported before him and said in the most intimidating way: "Boo"

This made the Skyloftian jump a foot away which made the Keaton laugh. And yet he quickly came back to his sense and jumped again at the Keaton, only to have the small fox teleport and getting against a tree for his toruble

"Do you want the scarf? Take it – the Keaton said on a branch with a wink finishing in song-like tone – that's what I am counting on…."

This made the Skyloftian jump a foot away which made the Keaton laugh. And yet he quickly came back to his sense and jumped again at the Keaton, only to have the small fox teleport and getting against a tree for his trouble

"Do you want the scarf?" the Keaton, appearing from a branch, hummed and concluded once more with a wink. As Ankoku faced him, he teleported to another tree and repated the same prank... two or three time: he had to run the joke before it grew stale after all.

Ankoku sat down and sighed. That animal was acting more like a nuisance as of now. He tried to shake a tree down to make him fall, but the Keaton just teleported on his head and covered his eyes with his paws.

To further twist this, he added before vanishing again: "Who's there?"

Ankoku tried to look for him once more, but this time, the Keaton's laughter was just echoing through all the woods. The young Skyloftian looked at his steed, quite distant but visible, and seemed to be covering his face with a wing in embarrassment.

"Worry not Dodo, he is just pranking us around. It will be a matter of ten minutes and I will get the scarf back"; he said to assure the bird, whose answer was a mere sigh.

This said, Ankoku returned to rush at the Keaton, who had been sitting behind him the second the Wind Child had ignored him.


Ankoku had no real chance against the teleport-wielding magical creature.

Every time, his attempts to rush when he could, ended up with him jumping and ending face fist on a bed of leaf, with the Keaton teleporting on a safe spot and taunting him. The young skyloftian could have sworn that in one of those taunting, the fox was somehow walking backward despite his legs were moving forward, although, most of the times he simply chuckled. If he were in a good mood, he even went up to sit on his head.

"Missed? Come on, you can do it", the animal further mocked with a small laugh. Once or twice he had even comforted him by patting him with his tail. Ankoku would have gotten upset at this, but that tail was so fuzzy and cuddly he could forgive him.

Akas, even at his full speed, the Skyloftian was not able to get not even a close hold on him. And when it seemed he was about to get him, then the Keaton turned, his wink revealing that he had been just pretending to let his guard down and vanish again in a loud poof. Ankoku went so far to wonder if said poof was an effect of the magic or the Keaton mimicking the sound. He should have asked one day.

But what was the cheery of the top of this game, to further humiliate him, the fox-like creature was doing no real harm to him, also because, in the Keaton's eyes, he was no threat whatsoever. Every time he run onto a tree, fell onto a branch or tripped… it was all Ankoku's doing.

The one reason Ankoku had not given up after the tenth time was due to a mantra he was reciting, of five simple words: Link would successfully catch him

Unfortunately, what Ankoku failed to see was that, alas, he was no Link, and even if he were, he lacked any equipment for a proper hunt like this one.

He had just just a Deku Stick and a few floating detachable clothing, and he refused to use the former because he did not wish to hurt him. After all, the teleporting canine was not that malicious. Obnoxious at worst, but even then nothing for which to waste a stick which might have broken if used improperly.

In the end, Ankoku's stamina run out and sat down, panting and using his Deku Stick to stand. The Keaton quickly appeared before him and smirked, finished his silent snark with a wink.

"Okay – Ankoku panted after taking a deep sigh – you won the thirty-first round. You are quite formidable in your magic. Reminds me of a book my father read me when I was a child"

The Keaton did not answer, but from his expression, was clearly flattered. He was having fun, and the fact his new victim was not taking anything in stride his prank. They both were interrupted by Dodo's pidgeon like verse, as he was calling for his master. Ankoku sighed and nodded, then turned at the Keaton

"Well – Ankoku stated with one more deep breath as he got up – that was… a rather bafflingly unique experience, Sir… Keaton, but alas, I have to set once more my priorities"

The magical canine tilted his head holding with an hand an sign with a sad face appeared from thin air, and answered still with his amused voice: "Really? But awww… well well, at least it was fun. Hehe, I suppose…"

"But worry not, I suppose I might return… tomorrow? So we can settle this thing with my scarf", Ankoku said laughing and rubbing the back of his head as if not to let him down.

The Keaton thought for a while. He was actually going to teleport from behind him and tie Ankoku's scarf back to his neck and disappear with a laughter echoing through the forest…. On the other side…. Ankoku was essentially giving himself for further pranks. Could he miss such opportunity?

The fox-like creature shrugged feigning indifference, but his wink and smile hinting that he had more to hide. Ankoku, not minding thisbowed and was about to part ways with him but, then in his mind something clicked. There was something iffy in these woods: he had heard that in Faron woods there was still a small number of monsters and, had he wished to admit it out loud or not, he had been catching for the Keaton for quite a while. How hadn't any of them run across them

"Wait, a question – Ankoku stated turn – I need to know …"

Before he could speak, the Keaton and his scarf had vanished in a silent glimmer of magic, the laughter of the teleporter once more breaking the silence of the forest as it faded out. And then… silence.

Little else Ankoku could do. He had to treasure the time he had and so he quickly went to take his steed wrapping his arm around the fluffy plumed neck and started exploring further the woods, regularly checking the impromptu bandaging time he had placed on the wing, and silently apologizing to his Loftwing for not being a doctor, to which the animal answered wish a shrug. At least, though, Ankoku had a small plan. From what he had read in books of the several tales of the surface, there was a friendly race down there, the Kikwi. Maybe with their help and the magic of their forest… who knew, Dodo might have been healed quickly. That's what he hoped for, at least. As he was about to reach the place, he could not help but feel a weird smell. Not a stench, but Nonetheless unpleasant. It felt like when he had a bath with hot water and kept the door closed. It was…

'Humidity', he thought as he looked at his ironed boots and saw the dirt looked somewhat wet, as if that place had somehow been subject of a relatively recent flooding and that all the humus had been left. Weird… Ankoku looked around the place, full of bigger trunks which were large enough to fit even a small house from Skyloft. Not that he could see anyone. He looked at Dodo for confirmation and he… shrugged.

"Alas, our journey seems far from an end…", Ankoku stated to his steed with another sigh and promply sat down on a brown rock. He was about to notice that was awfully soft to be made of stone, but then…

"KWEE", a voice from the rock cried making Ankoku jump up as he looked at the object moving, clearly a bit hurt due to a Skyloftian sitting on him. It looked like a bird with a brown beak and blank white eyes which looked as if drawn on his face, with stubby feet and legs.

"Kwee, why did you sit on me?", the Kwiki said with a sad tone, as if he were about to sob out of pain. He knew they were skilled with hiding themselves, but did not know such side effect could be so… painful. And that animal in front of him was… weird. Ankoku froze a bit… If only because it was so overwhelmingly cute he wanted to pet it all day long. From his face, even Dodo seemed to agree on this.

"My strict apologies, you youngling, for I meant no harm, nor I were aware of your presence. My greetings and humble apologies, little one – Ankoku stated with an apologetic bow – my name is Ankoku Yami, son of Kage Yami and Shini Goroshi. Honored to meet you, especially for I need your assistance"

The Kikwi looked a bit mistrustful at the boy, but decided he might have not been that much of a threat and stated with a cute and infinitely shy voice, as his small leg were shaking: "You… talk strangely… kwee…. And hi…. Ankoku… I am Lopsa. What do you need help for?"

Ankoku promptly made a gesture at Dodo, and the Loftwing stepped forward showing his broken wind. Lopsa looked and said a scared: "Oh my kwee! You need the Elder's assistance!"

"Elder?", Ankoku asked confused.

"Elder Machi, yes! He has been hiding for a bit, but you should find me - the Kwiki stated, then stated intimidated – you … found me … after all"

"My deep gratitude", Ankoku said with a bow as he was about to take his leave with his steed, accidentally stepping on a small stick

"Oh… And when you meet him…. Tell him I am fine", he said before hearing the small noise and hiding again.

It was not particularly difficult, but in the end Ankoku found what supposed it was the Elder, as it was an almost ten feet tall rock of a similar color to Lopsa's.

"It seems another human found me. Kee-paleep. I am Machi, the Kwiki elder. You are quite an expert if you found me. I would have considered you scary, hadn't I met once a human with even better skills and grew of several feet. So, how can I help you", the Elder asked in a very relaxed voice and standing up and showing his true aspect , with short 'mustaches' made of moss pointing upward like his 'beak' and sitting down. Dodo's eyes widened at the size, Ankoku had paid no mind, as he heard a mention of what he really thought was his eternal childhood hero.

When the Elder concluded, Ankoku answered: "Gentle and wise Elder of the noble race of the Kikwi. I have come so far for I need some assistance. I have ended up due to an unfortunate misadventure stranded here in the Surface, with my loyal steed injured and a wish motivated also by an urgency caused by personal matters"

Quickly Ankoku switched pose and pose and continued: "Therefore I beg you, gentle and wise Elder Machi, offer assistant to my Loftwing and heal his wounds, such is my last hope to return up in the sky"

Machi heard remaining collected at the wound and finally spoke: "I am sorry, youngling, but we Kikwi don't possess any possible power to heal broken bones. Kee-paleep. I can't help you…"

At this, Ankoku bowed his head resigned, about to part ways, although he reminded of one more of his books and asked: "Do you think that I might speak then to the Light Dragon Faron to seek for her assistance"

The Elder thought: unfortunately, he was aware of Faron's capricious nature, so he knew that sending the young Wind Child to her was too big of a risk. And even if she were willing for help, there was another problem.

"It would not work either – the Kwiki stated – Faron and her brothers have been called back to the heavens by the King of the Dragon Gods, Ordona the Light Spirit, over fifty years ago. Kee-paleep. so they are not in the Surface anymore. Problematic, uh?"

Seeing the boy discomforted though, the big Kikwi continued: "But… I can tell you of a thing. Kee-paleep. Yes, when I was young I heard of several myths. Kee-paleep. Of people who looks more like you than me, who always remain little and short and have small orbs of light who accompany them. Kee-paleep. They have a lot of magic, and are blessed by Farore"

Ankoku's eyes widened at the mention of the Golden Goddess and lit up as he saw one more hope and begged: "Please, do tell more"

"Uhhh – Machi said trying to remember everything and pointed with his small arm at a direction of his left – they are said to live in the very core of the forest, in the Lost Woods, over there. But I warn you that the Woods shall test you once you are there. They say only people with hearts like a child's can get there"

At this Ankoku made a very loud cheer and smiled as he profusely thanked the Elder.

"You should have no problem, kee-paleep, cool"; the Kikwi stated with a smile.

"I hope such judgement will be a blessing as well, noble Elder, for I shall venture pronto. I am deeply grateful for such a unique information and opportunity. I will treasure it and, in case, I shall let you know whether I have found such fabled children-like spirits", he stated with a bow and exchanging greetings, took off to go away from the area and reach the area of the forest where the woods grew thicker alongside Dodo. He was scared, and so was the Loftwing. Luckily they were together, up against the legendary woods blessed by the Goddess of Courage.

It was… too difficult to describe what was happening. It was true the forest of the lost woods were enchanted. It was an endless maze of beautiful grass fields and beautiful vegetation whose brightness and lusciousness could have never been imagined by Ankoku, no matter how many pictures he could remember from any book he had read.

And the magic… yes, indeed, there was no doubt a magic. Ankoku and Dodo could feel it… no, they could smell it. The air was so thick and … mesmerizing, Ankoku felt more than once the need to rest using the Deku Stick as support, for if his senses felt as if leaving him. After just the fourth area, he had already gotten lost, yet his determination in finding that forest with magical children was giving him enough determination to make him stand up against all the odds and lead Dodo with him. In the end, they reached what was a narrow passage and they entered. They were in a black corridor and before them curious images were flashing, of a weird heart, of races he had never glimpsed before and many other things he could not fully comprehend.

It was like that dream he had back the previous night about Hylia… only that this was too real. It was unsettling, to say the least.

As he kept venturing further into the forest appeared before him once traversed that unique place, until the vegetation became smaller and more rare, a sign he was getting somewhere. He finally reached the place which seemed his destination. It was a the dark interior of a building, before him a technology he had never seen before with gigantic slabs of metal working by sliding into each other, letting out a pleasant rhythm.

It was strange… but surely for such a place there was no doubt the works of the Deities behind it… right? Unaware of the presence gazing at him in the shadoes, the Skylfotian made a sign to Dodo to stand back and finally reached what was a gigantic door and, pushing it with his strength, opened it, although he could not help but feel he was not his alone in moving the giant planks of wood.

It was not a forest anymore. Before him, as the sun seemed to be about to set and It was a whole city, of a different style than skylfot, all covered in red stones, houses of bricks and woods. And he seemed to be standing on a giant tower where at the top there was the images of a giant sun and the moon, all surrounded by the number from 1 to 12 set in a circular and homogenous pattern, with two long sticks, one longer than the other, fixed with a giant symbol at the center.

And how many inhabitants of every age and unique array.

"Alas, Dodo – Ankoku said in disbelief at what he was seeing, finally realizing how far he had gotten lost – This is no children's land"