Fi's Return

Chapter Seven: The Trapped Princess

Link gaped at the being, completely speechless. Of all the things that he'd expected from "restoring the glory to the Master Sword", a floating spirit... or something... was about the last thing on his mind. He cleared his throat, trying to figure out what to say.

"According to your social customs, I should provide you with my personal designation. Fi is the name I was given," the emotionless voice of the blue spirit told him. "I was created for a single purpose, long before the recorded memory of your people. I was reawakened to aid you in fulfilling the great destiny that is your burden to carry."

The Hylian stared at her, pain vaguely registering in his brain, though he ignored it.

"Under the circumstances, it is logical that you would exhibit some hesitation. You have fought valiantly, and are wounded. Upon drawing the Master Sword, you shall be restored to full health and returned to the Korok Forest," Fi stated.

His eyes widened further. He wouldn't need to take more time to heal?

The being continued. "The princess, the one they call 'Zelda', still awaits in Hyrule Castle. She has kept the Calamity at bay for over one hundred years. Now that you have gained the true power of the Master Sword, I will aid you in defeating the Calamity, to free the princess. In the name of my creator, draw the sword and raise it skyward." She drifted forward, hovering over the hilt of the sword.

Link grimaced and grabbed one of the platforms, pulling himself shakily to his feet. He put as much weight as he could on his left leg, and grasped the hilt of the sword. The blade slid free from the pedestal effortlessly, and he shifted it into his right hand, raising the sword skyward as Fi had requested. He felt strength return to his weakened limbs, and the blade flashed blue, a slight chime echoing in his head.

Fi floated behind the pedestal, observing his movements. "Recognition complete, Master Link."

The Champion's eyes went to the spirit, and he felt the Sheikah technology begin dematerializing his form, transporting him away. When his eyes opened again, the soft moonlight glow of night welcomed him back to the Korok Forest in front of the Deku Tree. It took a moment for him to register that he no longer felt pain in his leg, nor in his ribs. He glanced down, then pulled up his right trouser leg, finding no bruising or injury, nor any sign of weakness.

"It is as I foretold, Master. Your strength and health have been returned so that you may be equipped to defeat Calamity Ganon," the mild monotone of Fi came from behind the Hylian.

Link turned. "Am I missing anything else before this battle?"

Fi's head tilted sideways as she looked at him. "My calculations have determined that you are yet lacking the strengthened shield bearing the Hylian crest."

The blond nodded slowly. "I've heard of it. The rumors said there's a strong shield that's only found somewhere within Hyrule Castle."

"Once we reach the castle, I shall be able to guide you to its precise location. There is an 80% probability that it is located beneath the castle itself," came the reply.

"So, you have completed the Trial of the Sword," the Deku Tree's voice interjected. "You have now unlocked the true power of the Master Sword, and have what it takes to face Calamity Ganon." His eyes blinked slowly, focusing on the being behind Link. "Well, well. It seems you have unlocked the spirit from within the sword as well as the strength within the blade. Spirit of the Master Sword, guide the hero well."

Fi bowed her head in respect to the ancient tree. "In the name of my creator, it shall be done," she swore.

Link glanced at her, several questions coming to mind, but he kept them to himself. Now wasn't the time to dwell on nuances. Although he'd just come from one of the most grueling fights of recent memory, he felt rejuvenated and was eager to make up for the lost time.