Zelda's Lullaby echoed through the chamber, and the sound of rushing water thundered around Link. Looking over he saw, to his surprise, that all the water had drained to the floor! Jumping down, he quickly lit the touches in front of the barred door with Din's Fire and entered the room, still thinking about Ruto. He swiftly killed the Shell Blades with the Hookshot, then opened the small chest that had materialized. He caught a glint of silver, and pulled out the small key. How many more of these will he need before he could see Ruto again? He sighed as he returned to the main room, not fully understanding the ache he felt in his chest over someone who, just a few minutes ago, he didn't care for one bit.

Link proceeded through the first part of the Temple at lightning speed. He zipped through the Dragon Room in record time, not daring to get caught in the rapid current. He quickly snagged the second key, and used it to unlock a door on the central pillar, where he soared up rapidly to the second Triforce, and once again Zelda's Lullaby bounced off the walls around him. Link felt the Temple vibrate as water poured back in. Hopping down between the spikes, he sunk through the hidden hole in the ground, quickly locating another small key in the basement.

Link returned to the main room, not even bothering to find the Compass. He collected another key, now accessible with the water at mid-level. Unlocking the middle west side door, he hastily jumped on the spout of water that shot him up to the third Triforce, raising the water all the way to the top.

Using a key to unlock the highest room on the West, Link walked in to hear the deafening sound of rushing water. His eyes widened as he saw an enormous waterfall, cascading into oblivion. He felt slightly faint just looking at it. Taking a deep breath, he screwed up his courage and leapt for the lowest platform near the bottom of the waterfall. His feet hit the platform with a loud thud; he exhaled, wiping the sweat off his face with the back of his hand. He pulled out the Hookshot and was setting it up to aim for the descending target ahead, when he felt a sharp sting on the back of his neck.

"Gughh-uh!" He shrieked as he turned around to see a small, leathery Keese flapping rapidly away.

Son of a bitch! Link aimed the Hookshot at the wretched creature, but it had gone too far. He rubbed his neck where the thing had gotten him; it felt hot and swollen.

That little shit. He hated the pests. He pulled out his bow and loaded it. A shower of arrows flew at both Keese, who were now hanging motionless by the entrance. He heard two little shrieks and saw them drop lifeless into the abyss below. Rolling his eyes, he turned back to the waterfall. He hookshot up the declining platforms in about two seconds, and shoved the small key into the locked door at the top.

If the puzzle in the next room was supposed to be difficult, Link wouldn't know. He shot the crystal switch to his right, raising the water and revealing targets under the dragon-head statues. Hookshoting from target to target, he zipped through the room, alternating the switch to raise and lower the water level. Once on the last platform, he clambered onto the top of the dragon head and hit the crystal switch with a final ching! The statue slowly lifted him upward, until he was high enough to grab the ledge. Link hoisted himself up, and quickly took out the bouncing Tektites in one swift spin.

We're getting closer, he thought. A few more puzzles, and we'll beat the Temple! And I'll get to see her again… Link felt his cheeks flush. No matter how hard he tried, his thoughts kept slowly drifting back to the Zora princess. He shook his head. He needed to stay focused on what lies ahead.

He hookshot the target above the spikes blocking the path, completely missing the slimy, squirming gray Like Like underneath it. It swallowed him right into its dark, gaping mouth. Screaming, he pounded and kicked the Like Like with all his might; he could see nothing but darkness. Phantom extremities began pummeling him through the blackness; he could already sense the places on his ribs where bruises would emerge. He then felt his shield being sucked from his back and as he moved to grab it, his blue tunic was yanked off him; both items began sliding slowly down the creature's throat.

"Nooooo!" he cried franticly.

Unsheathing his sword, he blindly slashed at the monster's insides. He felt a rumbling around him, and he suddenly burst out through the top of the Like Like, falling to the floor with a crash. Enraged, he pulled out a glowing bomb, ramming it into the fiend's mouth. Backing away, he watched as the Like Like exploded, and treasures showered everywhere. He ran to grab his shield and tunic, while also scurrying to collect several hearts, rupees, potions, and a bundle of arrows. His sides, as well as his neck where the Keese had gotten him, felt instantly better the moment he touched the hearts. He pulled his tunic back on and tossed the shield over his back, heaving open the door up ahead and stumbling into his next challenge.