Lake Hylia, Hyrule. 12: 47 am
The blessed land of Hyrule...a chosen land thrown into unending chaos for centuries, is at the peak of brutal turmoil. War had set off after the Hero of Time's departure, with Ganondorf and his massive army laying to waste to the once beautiful country. With his true intentions exposed, The King of the Gerudo sought to seize the Holy Triforce by force. Lush fields were reduce into barren wastelands, mystical forests, once teeming with animals and other various forms of life, were burnt and blacken, the trees now mere skeletons of themselves. Towns were destroy and the Gerudo's minions occupy in securing each section of the Kingdom to destroy any and all resistance.
The vast lake however, isn't putting up with the assaults. For over a year, raids after raids plague the Zoras here, and yet they refuse to submit to the filthy scandals who otherwise gave them the option to live in doing so. Zoras, while mostly peaceful, are surprisingly stubborn creatures in the face of danger. They would rather die fighting for what they believe then live and watch their world reduce into a insufferable hellhole. They had gotten on Ganondorf's nerves, and with the Zolas on his side, he'll be sure that those freaks of nature are exterminated along with the Hyilans...
The lake seem calm at the moment, waves lapping on it's shining black surface as the silver beams of the Hyrulian moon danced and shimmer.
Suddenly, a little Zora broke the surface, sending liquefied shards shoring in the night. She was quickly follow by a male Zola, hellbent on attacking her. The young Zora ( or guppy as that's the name given to Zora children) dodge and loop around the beast frantically, hoping to disorient him. The Zola growled and lash out with his mighty claws, his large dorsal fin fanning up on his head. The tiny guppy squeaked and ducked just in time. Annoyed, she nip the larger creature, her tiny fangs scraping off his green scales, before dashing off again.
The guppy swam as fast as she can't, her heart accelerating and her fanny fins flapping desperately. She heard screams of rage and she dare herself to look back. Two more Zolas of different breeds, one male and one female, join their companion on the hunt. The little Zora huffed angrily.
"Go away! You freaks!"
The Zolas stop, stupefied by her comment. However, they immediately responded with angry sneers and growls. The guppy groan.
"Well, THAT went well..." she mutter sarcastically.
The chase continue for another 20 minutes, none of them slowing down. The young Zora suddenly ran into a dead end at the far end of the lake. Her eyes grew wild as she try to find a crack or opening to make her escape. But there were none.
"Oh no!"
She turn around, watching as the trio of psychopathic Zolas close in on her. Not willing to give in, the Zora girl puffed herself up and flair her gills to look menacing. The Zolas are just moments away of striking range.
"I'm big!"
Suddenly, a flash of white and neon blazed up from the dark depths of the lake. It storm pass one of the Zolas, and the blue scaled fish scream as red blood gush out of a freshly clean cut running up his stomach and chest. The other Zolas watch, baffle and offended that someone dare to attack one of their own. They search for the intruder as their companion sinks to the bottom of the lake. Suddenly, the female Zola was immediately attack afterwards, her chest sporting a long red cut. She sinks to the bottom in a daze as the last remaining Zola hiss disapprovingly.
"Who's there? Show yourself!" the brute commanded, staring into the darkness of the lake's bottom. Nothing happen. No reply. Movements. Nothing.
Suddenly a large cluster of bubbles ooze from the darkness, surrounding the Zola. The bipedal fish watch in awe. This is the kind of thing one sees in the ocean, not in fresh waters. The Zola snap out of his trance and snarled. The wall of bubbles became too thick to the point is became difficult to breathe.
"Coward...you think you can fool me? Come out and fight me!"
As if in answer, a Zora, never before seen in this lake, suddenly storm out of the depths in lighting speed. His eyes, pure as sapphires, glowed with intensity. Fangs were barred, and elegant purple tribal like markings glowed against his snow white body.
He spread his pectoral fins and dash by the Zola, cutting him with his surprisingly sharp fins. The Zora swam near the surface and watch the injured Zola closely. His blue eyes glowed softly, and his silhouette stood out against the rippling distorted moon.
The Zola scream, both of pain and anger. Disgusted by the unknown Zora's action, he stormed his way toward him, ignoring the pain.
"I'll kill you for that!"
The Zora simply watch, unfazed by the threat as the Zola rush for him with bared teeth. He quickly swam for him again, this time slicing the side of the Zola's face and earning a pained yell. As the Zola try to swipe at him, the Zora elbow him in the adornment, digging his sharp fins in. He then grabbed the beast's left arm and twisted it back, turning the Zola around and swipe his blue claws and fins across his backside. The Zora quickly loop back and continue to assault the creature without much effort or mercy. The Zola try to bite him, but he was going too fast for any normal Zola to keep up with. Suddenly, as the Zora came in for another round of attacks, the Zola dodge and quickly capture him with his teeth.
"Haha! I got you!" the fiend growled, digging his teeth deeper in the other's flesh to cause him pain.
Just as the Zola thought he gain the upper hand, something unexpected happen. The Zora bit the other's shoulder, and suddenly an electric shock ran through the Zola's body. With the beast unable to open his mouth to get away, the attack lasted for five seconds before abruptly ending.
The daze and pained creature yelp and quickly release the Zora, who bare his sparkling razor sharp teeth angrily. The Zola panted in panic, backing away in fear. He soon found himself fleeing, begging for forgiveness as he disappeared into the nightly waters. The Zora simply stare as his opponent surrenders. He sigh with relief and ran his hand on his shoulder blade where he had been bitten.
The little guppy watch the whole display in awe. Never in her life had she seen such a breed of Zora before. And never did she or any of the others at the domain knew of a fighting breed with fins as swords. She watch as the Adult Zora gently landed a few feet from her, still watching the retreating Zola. His brilliant fins and scales glisten in the moonlight, and the guppy giggle mentally.
Boy, is Link going to be jealous...
The Zora with great fins watch as the once hostile Zola fled for his life, disappearing into the gloomy darkness. His shiny fins reflected the rippling silver light of the Hyrulian moon, and the Zora lick his barred fangs as if daring the beast to return. Knowing his cousin kind, it wouldn't be the last he'll see of them...For Zolas are vengeful creatures by nature. More will flock the lake sooner or later with the murderous intent of killing him. He couldn't afford endangering the lives of the Zoras who live here...if there are any at all in this lake.
The Zora retracted his weapons and sighed, a hint of sadness evident in his voice. His white scales twinkle like sparkling little diamonds and his purple swirling markings darkened in color out of sorrow.
Suddenly, a little something latch onto his right ankle, causing him to flash out his bladed fins instantly. The snowy white Zora perk up and quickly glance at his leg. He swore he felt his heart skip a beat. His sapphire orbs widen in shock and disbelief at what and who he was seeing.
The little guppy from before was cuddling his marking ridden leg, her smooth cheek snuggling him. Her tailless head was a bulbous, almost hammer like shape, with two beady eyes on each end. Tiny fins, soft and fan-like, flutter happily, bubbles fizzling in their happy motion. Her little body was bluish white in color, with a darkened shade at the crown of her head and edges of her fin. When she gaze up to him, her magenta eyes harness human-like pupils, something extremely rare in Zoras. She giggles with graduate and curiosity, eager to thank her savior.
The Zora couldn't believe what he was seeing. His mouth open and close in disbelief and his body shook slightly. Memories of his life flashed before his eyes, viewing a similar, no, an exact image of the Zora from his childhood. He soon became stable enough to finally utter the one word he had painfully held back for what felt like years.
"L-Lulu...?" His voice was shaky, and fins tremble in protest.
The little Zora giggle some more at the unfamiliar name. She let go of his ankle and look up at the adult with a cheerful smile plaster on her beaming face.
"Hehe! Who's 'Lulu?' My name is Ruto! Princess of the Zoras!"
"...Ruto..?" blinked the Zora.
"Yep! The one and only! I'm grateful that who saved my life, but I've could've handled those Zolas myself They are no match for me! Hehe!"
The Zora titled his head to the side. His sharp fins retracted into his arms and his tensed muscles relax. He took in the new information, letting it swim calmly into his conscience like a gentle whirlpool. His swirling and forked markings dim their glow and his snowy face grew a soft smile.
"Princess?" He questioned with interest. His voice is smooth and handsome. "Aw, how cute. Where's your parents, pup? They must be worrying over you back home. Surly your guardians are searching for you, am I correct?"
"Pup? I'm no puppy!" the guppy, Ruto, said in bewilderment at such an obscure name. "And are you doubting my royal heritage?" She now puff her gills in irritation. "How rude of you to think otherwise!"
"Wait, you mean you actually are a princess?" the Zora said in confusion. Zoran Royalty? Since when did that happen?
Ruto nodded, still puffy from inflating her gills. She hover around like a balloon fish, almost drifting away more then once. She eventually deflate herself to avoid floating off. "Yes! I'm the next in line for the throne! You can't just go around spreading silly lies like that. Defining royalty will get you in trouble!"
"Now now...calm down," said the adult, using his hand gestures. Ruto notice how his bioluminescent markings somewhat change their colors. She stare in fascination at such lovely lights. "I apologize if I offended you pu-princess. Honestly, I've never been around royalty before aside from the Deku Tribe in the southern swamps. Where I come from, we have a more democratic lifestyle in which we vote for our leaders every few or more years depending on the region."
Ruto's human-like eyes widen in astonishment. Surly such a land must have some form of monarchy in their government systems...Anything that holds up. But the more she thought of it, the more alien and outlandish it became. "They pick their leaders? No royalty at all?" When the adult Zora nodded, Ruto let out a gasp of shock and horror. "That's messed up! Wouldn't your country fall apart without such leaderships? Monarchy is the best way to go!"
"Not where I'm from," the Zora said with a flick of his tail. "We were once ruled by Kings and Queens for many years when the country was united. But due to warring conflicts and royal feuds, we had since abandon such ways in favor of a more flexible system. With the exception of Dekus and to a lesser extent Gorons, people all over the world can pick whoever they want as their leader for the next several years. So long as they meet expectations." Memories of his home gnawed at his thoughts, and the Zora shrug. "It's simple, but effective."
"Wow..." Ruto was now in awe at the story. She thought back her heritage. It all sound so strange to her. "Your world works in strange ways. What part of the country did you lived mister?"
"I lived in the ocean realm of my country," the Zora sighed. "It was the perfect home for Zoras."
"Ocean?"
"Yes. It is an endless body of water which separate many lands. I remember racing the waves, the sounds of the gulls, the calming breeze, speeding through the currents, dashing through coral forests, the music reverberating from underwater cities...it is true tropical paradise. Oh...What I would do just to taste the sea water again..."
"Wow, that sounds really nice." Ruto complimented as she tries to picture the marine world best she could. Realization then dawn on her, and her eyes widen. "Wait a minute. If you're from a no royalty land with an ocean paradise for Zoras, what are you doing here? Did you get lost? Are you eager to travel? Did they kick you out?"
The white Zora cast his sights downwards, staring at his stripped flippers. Painful memories of his final moments of his home flooded into his conscience like a raging tsunami. His friends materialize before his eyes. The lake expanded into a mighty ocean. Forests made of massive corals and kelp tower over the colorful Zoran cities nestle in reefs. Seagrasses of multiple colors carpeted the sandy seafloor And Zoras of hundreds of breeds live together in harmony. Life was great. It was perfect...until the dreaded mask from ancient times returned and torn everything apart...his hands balled into fist and he squeeze his eyes shut.
Ruto sense the other's distress and carefully swam up to his downward eye level to gain a closer look. She poke his nose with a tiny claw, trying to direct his attention to her. This prompt a strange reaction in which the Zora wince and shudder from the touch to his sensitive nose.
"Oh I'm sorry for bringing up such a sensitive topic. It won't happen again. But in all honesty though, what are you doing here?"
"It's a long story. I rather not talk about it now..."
Ruto chime, hoping her charm would be enough to make him happy and momentarily forget his sorrows. The homesick Zora glanced up to her, his sad eyes pulsing their blue glow.
"Hey, tell you what. How about you come home with me? My Domain can use a Zora like you in the Zoran army. In fact they're trying to recruit new soldiers right now as we speak."
The bladed Zora suddenly looked very unsure of her request. He sifted his flippers uncomfortably as he rub the back of his long, finless tail. Although he had no pupils, Ruto can tell his gaze is directed away from her. "I don't know..."
"Oh come on now! Once I tell my father of your heroic actions against the Zolas, he'll be searching for you. Look at yourself! You literally took out a pack of crazed Zolas without batting an eye, whereas even the elite guards and commanders would've taken much more time and effort! Zola attacks are becoming much more common, and our numbers are shrinking. Many Zoras had fled the country with their families and those who stayed behind end up killed by Ganondorf's forces. The army could use someone like you. Your fins are unlike any we've seen, and they work miracles. Come on...Please?"
The Zora shut his eyes in thought. Should he risk joining the Zoras of her home waters? Would they accept him with the hospitality their kind been known for? Or will they drive him off with ill intent? He remember the many fail attempts of joining other Zoran settlements since he came to this bizarre world. As of late, his unusual pectoral fins had brought him nothing but trouble among the insecure Hyrulian Zoras.
And even if they did accept him, would the princess's fellow Zoras treat him as one of their own, or see him as a potential weapon for warfare?
Just as he were about to comment, a far away voice hollered in the distance, calling out for the princess. Ruto and the adult Zora turn their heads and spotted a pair of Zoras coming their way. The Zoras carry with them spears and sapphire necklaces, giving away their positions as lowly guards. They were milky-bluish white in color, with cyan spots on their dolphin like tails. Long flowing fins swivel in their swimming motion, and elegant streamline bodies and slender facial features were the result of careful breeding. The adult Zora recognize their breeds as Italeik Zoras, a Zoran species evolving from pompano fishes. He remember seeing them all the time whenever he stayed over in Zora Hall. He never imagine seeing some in fresh waters. Must be a special variation of the breed...
She wave her hand to signal her position. The adult Zora meanwhile stare at the incoming individuals, his fins stiffen.
Ruto sighed with both relief and annoyance, grateful for seeing her companions though irritated at the interruption. However, she knew how much she is going to be in trouble for swimming around unsupervised. Regardless, she remain eager to introduce the new Zora to her comrades, and she wave her hand to alert them of their positions. The blue eyed Zora stare intently, his fins stiffening.
"Over here!" Ruto yelled. "Hurry! I have someone you should be introduced to. He is a handsome white knight with fins as sh-" As she turned around, Ruto cut herself off when she realized the Zora with bladed had mysteriously vanished. No bubbles were visible. No scales or footprints in his wake. He simply disappear without a trace. She didn't even hear leave. It was almost as if he was never there.
Ruto gape at the spot where the older Zora had been. The two Italeiks finally caught up with her as she try to make sense of what just occurred.
"Ruto! Thank the Goddesses you're alright!" a female guard said once she came up to the princess. Her relief turn to anger as she growls the next sentences. "You're going to be in big trouble young lady! Your father is terribly worry for you. What were you thinking sneaking out like that?! Especially at this late at night?"
"Wait I can explain!" Ruto squeaked, motioning her hands in defense. The male Italeik next to the female guard cross his arms over his muscular chest.
"Go on," he said impatiently. He kept scanning the area nervously, watching for any suspicion activities.
"I was out trying to figure out how to stop the Zolas when I was suddenly attacked by them! They would've eaten me for sure if it wasn't for him!"
"Who?" the guard said with a raise eye ridge. "Who's 'him?'"
"A white Zoran knight came to my aid! His snowy body is cover in sparkling purple tattoos that glows by themselves, his tail had no fluke at the end and his fins were deadly swords! And those eyes...they were the most stunning blue I've ever seen. They were as pure as sapphires." Ruto got a dreamy look as she thought of the stranger's blue orbs. If she didn't know any better, she would've mistaken his eyes for sapphire pearls. "He defeated the Zolas all by himself and saved me. It was a noble and heroic act of selflessness that kept me safe. What a Zora!"
The guards gave each other concern glances. An awkward silence follow, with the Princess a little put off by their lack of comments. She puffed her gills up and command their attention.
"Well?"
The adults scan the surrounding area, trying to locate any sign of this mysterious "white knight" ever being here. The waters were eerily calm and the moon only provide light to the upper depths of the lake. Nothing was disturb in the quiet lake, not even any sigh of any Zolas can be traced here. The said creatures take pleasure in making their presence known by marking territory, urinating and contaminating the surrounding waters, and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Even if they didn't commit such acts, a Zola can still give off a foul, unpleasant odor which lingers in the area.
"Ruto, wouldn't it have been some kind of fish that you saw?" The male said in concern for her mental health. "I mean, a white knight with swords as fins? Never had I heard of such things!"
"But I'm telling the truth! He is real! He was right here right before you guys came up. He was some kind of super Zora with sword fins!"
"Princess! There are no such thing as super Zoras with bladed fins," the female guard stated. "Don't be ridiculous! It just isn't logical. Such silly lies will tarnish your reputation and get you in no position to lead our people."
"But-!"
"No buts!" the male Italeik order sternly. "Come. You are in no position to speak young lady. You are in big trouble as it is for disobeying your father's strict rules during these dark times. Do not come up with petty lies to fool us into forgetting your punishment. Do I make myself clear?"
"Sir-"
"I said, is that clear?"
Ruto sigh, knowing there's no use in arguing with the strict, close minded guards. "Yes sir..."
The Zora nodded. "Very good. Now come. It's a long way back to the Domain. And your father is waiting for you."
The male Zora grab the guppy's tiny hand and tug her lightly. Ruto grumble to herself and swam by his side, passing the female who watch her carefully. She watch for any sign of the unknown Zora, hoping he'll reappear and clarified the whole situation. But he never came. Ruto let out a sigh and continue swimming with the guard, giving up.
As the female move to follow them, something from the deep ends of the depths caught her attention. She took whiff of a faint yet foul odor reeking far below her. Her scales prickle and her lips curl back in a snarl, showing off her gleaming fangs. The female Zora stare intently at the inky darkness of the holy lake, her almond shaped eyes piercing the blackness of the bottom.
Her partner cease swimming upon realizing his companion wasn't following them. He turn his head back, watching the other Zora stare into the lake's mysterious abyss. Ruto, with her tiny hand still being held on to by the grown male, saw this too, and hope swell within her at thought of the Sapphire eyed Zora being sighted at last. That'll show these arrogant fools of questioning her sanity...
"Reia..what's wrong?" the male ask the other in concern. "Did you see something?"
"Not seen, but smelled...I smelled something...and its unpleasant," said the newly dubbed Reia. Her soft fins twitched in nervous excitement. "Tell the Zoras scouting the river to set camp here tonight. There's something, or someone, here and I'm going to need all the assistants I can get. Go ahead and take Ruto home."
"Are you sure about this? What if it's the Zolas setting up a trap? You know just how cunning our foul cousins could be."
"I'll be fine, quit your worrying," Reia purred as swam over to them. She brush her male companion with her long dolphin like tail, prompting a shuddering reaction of pleasure from her friend. Ruto watched them with disgust. "I've dealt with Zolas before. They may be bigger then me, but I'm the fastest of the two of us."
"I suppose you're right. Fine, go on and investigate it. Just don't take too long alright? I'll report to the others to pick up the pace to set camp by the shore. Just be careful. Come Ruto."
Ruto grumble something under her breath as she was pulled away from the scene.
The Zora dove beyond the lit surface waters and travel through the nearly blacken bottom of the lake. Very little light even make it down here, and that's where Zoras' enhance eyesight come into play.
She scouted the bottom, soaring over the watery terrain in search of the disturbing odors. Not much can be viewed aside from trash and rubble from the many attacks this lake had suffered. She was going to make her leave until she finally caught sight of the smell's origins.
Not far from her, were two Zolas laying motionless or daze on the rocky ground. Both seem to be half-dead, trying to cling onto what little life they had.
And both bare long deep cuts on their chests and stomachs...inflicted by a sword...
Author's Note-Due to the delay of the next chapter for my main Fanfiction"Little Mikau," I have decided to post a side story to keep you guys entertained. I am working hard on the fifth chapter of the other story at the moment and had bump into some problems with the chapter, so that's why its taking so long. Wild Sapphire will have shorter chapters but should have more frequent uploads. I hope you guys like it.
I'm on Zelda Amino. If you love Zoras, or just want to see entertaining Zelda related posts, you can find and/or follow me under my username "Nayru of the Zoras". I originally started Wild Sapphire on this community, meaning it has more chapters. But because Amino is an app for phones and such, I have a limited amount of space for this story there. However, thanks to Fanfiction and DeviantART, I am tweaking the chapters into a more definitive versions. So you guys are getting the superior version of this tale instead!
Please don't forget to leave a review. Reading others' thoughts on a story is a great motivation for authors! I wish you all a wonderful day!