"Mornie utulie (darkness has come),

Believe and you will find your way.

Mornie alantie (darkness has fallen),

A promise lives within you now...

May it be the shadows call,

Will fly away.

May it be your journey on,

To light the day.

When the night is overcome,

You may rise to find the sun.

Mornie utulie (darkness has come),

Believe and you will find your way.

Mornie alantie (darkness has fallen),

A promise lives within you now...

A promise lives within you now..."-May It Be by Celtic Woman

Chapter 10

Sand and Water Don't Mix

~.~.~

"Link, wake up Link.."

I let out an annoyed mumble, curling up into a tight ball of bandaged green and brown fur. "..Hmh, five more minutes."I muttered, my paw trying to shield my face. I then feel a sudden touch-the feel of something both cold and hot. And this instantly causes me to snap awake.

"Ruto!"

Ruto gave an annoyed swish of her tail, her ghostly form send wisps of light here and there as if she was made from the very essence of a star from Silverpelt. "About time, lazy bones! I've been trying to rouse you sense sunset. You can really snooze when you wanna."chirped the she-cat.

I roll my eyes at Ruto's sharp words. She was always a drama to start with; and that's normal for her! But what was I suppose to do? I know already I lost a life not long after Impa left to talk with Nabooru in the Sacred Realm. I'm down to seven lives now. "It was worth it, I saved the future Warrior of Water."thought proudly. I soon can see Ruto is now floating just in front of the door, flicking her tail for me to follow.

"Alright, if you say so...I'll follow you Ruto. Just don't go so fast; I'm not exactly fit as a fittle here."I chirped, rising to my paws with a grunt.

I quickly followed after my friend's spirit, making sure to be mindful of my injured leg. Ruto leads me out of the den and over to Renado's den, but turns to head towards the Graveyard. I know what that means...kinda. She wants me in that creepy place for some reason. I enter the graveyard nervously; I really don't like coming in here sense it reminds me too much about the Shadow Temple. I have nightmares still now and again after goin' in there last year.

I soon come to a stop near a boulder of my height and Ruto instantly fazed through the stone cliff face, causing the boulder to vanish as well. "Woah!"I thought, a dumbfounded look on my face. I give me eyes a quick rub just to make sure I'm not seeing things.

"Nope, I'm not."I mewled under my breath.

I carefully limp over to the tunnel and then went into the lowest hunter's crouch that I could and stalked through the tunnel. It soon opens up to something that truly blows my mind. It was a crater covered in moss here and there along with vines, ivy, and other types of plant life. The waters were so clear I swear I was back in the Sacred Realm's Temple of Light. And the waterfalls, oh, no words could describe their tranquil beauty. "Zelda and Lilda's not gonna believe this!"I thought with a sly grin. I soon spot Ruto perched on what looked like a slab of blue stone with claw-writing on it.

"You want me, to go over there?"I chirped nervously.

Ruto gave a nod of her head, tail swishing calmly.

I look down at myself in the water. My middle is bandaged up along with my left fore leg and I am seriously don't know what to do. I check the distance the best I could...maybe I could teleport to where Ruto's waiting. "I'm still too tired to try teleporting that distance. I over used it a few days ago on the escort here..."I thought bitterly. I then let out a frustrated moan, knowing very well what I have to do.

"Impa and Renado are going to have my head for this!"I growled, clearly not pleased.

I take a steady swan dive into the water and resurface with a gasp, my lungs clinging to the priceless air. I then swam over to the shore where I could see the former Warrior of Water standing in wait. Once there I hoist myself up, but it was difficult because my of my current state.

But I some how managed it.

"I'm here Ruto, what is it you wish to show me?"I asked, shaking my fur to rid it of the water.

"I wish to thank you, Link. You saved my son and for that I am eternally grateful to you. And you were also right to bring him here; Kakariko Village happens to be a sacred place for my tribe. It is where we take our eternal rest."mewed Ruto.

"Really? Well, whatda know, you learn something new everyday alright!"I chuckled out of good humor.

Ruto couldn't help but smile as well. She had really missed Link during this past year. But she knew what lay inside her mate's tomb would aid the Hero of Time to the utmost extremes. "Please, accept this item that is inside as a sign of our friendship and my gratitude, Link."she mewed.

I watched as the stone slab was pushed back by Ruto, revealing something I've never seen before. Inside was a specially made armor. I took care to take them out. It consisted of blue and gold gaunlet-guards for my fore paws, leg guards for my back legs, a sapphire collar with the Zora Tribe's crest carved in it, and lastly was something I had heard before in Ruto's letter last year. It was a special hemlet meant to help non-Zoras breath underwater. I can't help but smile up at Ruto.

"Did Alik make these?"I asked.

Ruto gave a pleased purr, giggling as she nodded her head, "Yes, he did. He wanted you to have these as a birthday present. He thought this would also protect you from falling so sick from constantly being wet if you ever went somewhere like the Water Temple again."

"Then tell him, I said hi for me, and that I love them and will put them to use."I purred.

I watch as Ruto vanished, her words of farewell dancing on the bitter leaf-fall breeze. This frigid air sends a chill up my spine. I can then feel Midna's presence as she came out of my shadow.

"Well now, ain't that grand? You can use those in the Water Temple."chirped Midna, a sly, toothy grin on her maw.

"Yeah, but I still am not going to like that place."I said, a shiver running up my spine at the memory.

"Why?"

"Psycho me."I answered vaguely.

I can see Midna is giving me that what-on-earth-are-you-talking-about look. I slip on the Zora Armor carefully, telling my partner I'll fill her in on the way back to the room. I then pull out my ocarina-which is the only thing I had while asleep-as Midna vanishes back into my shadow. I quickly play the Nocturne of Shadow, causing a purple light to engulf me and take me away back to the graveyard.

Once back outside I calmly make my way back to the village, telling Midna of my adventure in the Water Temple to awaken the Warrior of Water.

"..WHAT THE HECK WERE YOU THINKING!"

Here we go again.

The scolding of how stupid and rash and reckless I am, curticy of my own aunt, Impa.

"I'm thinking I'm leaving for the Water Temple."I snapped right back.

I know how much Impa hates me going near anywhere a Zora would be happy as a clam. I'm not too frilled either here, mind you. But it can't be helped right now sense I already have lost any speck of patience I had left, and Midna knows it by the way she is laughing her heart out at this scene.

"Don't you-"

"Yes."

"But-"

"I'm going and that's that, auntie Impa!"I snapped, tail lashing.

Impa gave a defeated sigh, hitting her face with a fore paw. As much as she wanted to stop Link, she knew very well it was futile. Keeping the hero away from the danger was like keeping a moth away from the flame. "Fine."she mewled, leaving the room.

"Nice one, light-fur."

I can't help but smirk my signature smirk at what the Twili says. "At least somebody enjoyed that unpleasant argument."I thought as I finish taking off the bandages. It has been a good few weeks sense I got Ruto's parting gift. I'm surprised by how fast my wounds have healed, yet, not at the same time. I flex my fore paws, causing my dagger sharp claws to come in and out as I sheathe and unsheathed them.

"Good, my injuries healed nicely."I purred contently, going back on all fores.

I then moved over to the desk where my Kokoiri pouch is and leap onto the chair. I open up the pouch and take out the gauntlet-guards for the Zora armor along with the collar, leg-guards, and the helmet. I then decide to put my cloak safely into my pouch, due to the fact where I'm going is going to be pretty darn wet. I then slipped the blue and gold helmet onto my head, pleased at the fact Alik did such a good job at making it such a snug fit. I then put on the collar, the little charm in the shape of the Zora Tribe's crest on it dangling from it. The last to be put on were the leg guards and the gauntlet-guards.

Once that is done I grab my ocarina with my left paw, quickly telling Midna to hang on tight within my shadow. I know how much she hates this kind of travel and the fact it makes her stomach do flip flops, but this was the fastest way for me to reach Lake Hylia. I place the mouth piece to my mouth and played the Serenade of Water, causing a vortex of blue to swallow me and take me away from here.

The Water Temple is next.

"...For crying out loud! This place is even more of a maze then last time!"

"Oh, stop your complaining Link! It's just water."

Easy for her to say!

She isn't the one here that is part Gerudo. We've traveled a fair amount already through this damn dungeon of maze. I had to fight everything from chews to monsters in giant bubbles. And having me freaking out due to the fact there are those stupid, freaky monster water spiders here. And I don't wanna find out would happen if one of them managed to sinks it's hooked fangs into me, thank you very much!

But I will admit I'm thankful for this Zora Armor Ruto gave me. I've been getting constantly wet and I'm still toasty warm, not even a little chill! The only injuries I've got is maybe some bumps and bruises with a side of scratches and cuts. Maybe for once I'll be able to come out with very minor injuries. As we near another locked door I can't help but smirk.

"Come on, you'd think they'd make this a little more challenging!"I chuckled as I unsheathed a single claw.

"Where on earth did you learn to pick locks like that?"asked Midna as they dived into a water filled tunnel.

"Easy, Nabooru taught me while I was in rehab. after my battle with Ganon. I had to have something to do during those moons."I answered.

I have to admit, this breathing mask that appears every time I hit water is handy. And these water bombs that Barnes invented are handier! I chuckle escapes me as I tossed and kicked a water bomb into a boulder, causing it to explode. I then swam swiftly through before a jellyfish could zap me, surfacing not long after into a room with shallow water.

This really makes me unnerved.

Last time I was in a room like this was were I almost met my demise by the claws of my own shadow. And that was anything but fun! I let out startled yelp at something bounces off my head, stunning me for a second. I then look to find I'm being attacked by a big tadpole. Which in all honesty is very weird.

"It's official, Midna. This place is crazy."I chirped as I slay the critter.

Midna just floated here in her shadow form, ears drooping and sunset eyes turned wide. At hearing Link call her again she just pointed up at the roof where she was staring. And she knew Link had seen it at her action by the way he violently just cussed. "And I thought I had a sharp tongue!"thought the Twili as she vanished back into Link's shadow.

I watch as the huge monster of a frog fell from the ceiling and I waste no time killing the tadpoles that hatched from the eggs that popped when it shook them off. "Well, at least it isn't Dark Link."I thought. I then teleport out of the way as it tries to squish me under its massive body. I then unsheathe my claws and strike with all my might, quickly leaping back once the stupid critter gets back up. At seeing it open its mouth a I set a bomb arrow to my bow-brace and fired. And just like that stupid lizard I fought as an apprentice it swallow it entirely. "Three, two..."I thought and I soon here a muffle bang, followed by an abnormal shriek from the beast. I give a smirk as I feel the welcoming burning in my paw and the soothing voice of that the Triforce whispered in my ear. I let out a battle cry and leap into the air and did the first hidden skill my father passed on to me: the Ending Blow. I then jump away, my fur splotched with it's unnatural colored blood. I stay in battle stance, panting a little as I watched the creature as it admitted its dying cries and soon dissolved to nothing.

All that is left is one of the chests Zelda and I had placed in this temple.

I move over and start picking at the lock and give a grin as that beautiful 'click' sound rings in my ears. I then pushed it open and I see what looking like my hookshot but it is different in one feature-it has claws meant for grabbing.

"Well now, ain't that interesting?"

I turned around with a startled chirp to see Midna hovering over my shoulder...literally.

"Don't do that Midna! You scared the living daylights out of me!"I hissed.

"Well, sorry Link! I can't help being sneaky and floating."retorted the Twili before retreating back into her partner's shadow.

Crazy she-cat.

I look back at my prize and I soon mind something interesting; it had a spot meant to fit my paw. I'm left pawed so I decide to try it on my right and it is a snug fit. Paw sized, but still a snug fit. I take it off and slip it into my Kokiri Pouch where I know it is safe along with many other things. I then leave the chamber and continue on through the temple. I'll say the clawshot comes in handy and it has certainly made this a smooth sailing through this retched place.

Before long we soon have the key that locks the huge lock that is on the door that leads to where we wanna go. So, once back to the main chamber I jumped into the water and quickly resurface. I pull myself ashore and walk over to the door. I then took out the big black key with the red orb and open the lock, causing it to fall with the chains. I then open the entrance with a strong push upwards motion and I quickly enter the small, round room with the pool of water.

"No where to go but down, huh?"I chirped, flicking my soaking wet tail.

"Yeah, better hop to it then."mewed Midna in the back of my mind.

No arguments there.

I want to get out of here quickly.

Sand and water don't mix...and I'm the sand!

I open my pouch and slip on my Iron Bands and did a clumsy jump into the water due to the extra weight. And I start sinking like a rock into the murky, dark liquid abyss. It takes awhile but I soon recognize the stone pillars that form a clean circle. But as I near the bottom that voice is yelling at me and I'm feeling a weird feel of semi deja vu.

And before long I can see why.

"Oh, for the love the triplet leaders! Don't tell me I'm getting a blast from my past."I hissed as I saw the sparking jelly limb.

My paws make contact with the sandy floor with a muffled thud and I can feel the burning in my right paw where the birthmark is. "Oh boy, I know what that mean!"I thought bitterly and nervously. I instinctively move into a battle stance. I watch as the familiar golden orb comes up inside the jelly tenticle. I smirk under the mask at knowing this had to be Morpha. Or at least something close to it. I make haste to pull out my claw shot and slip it onto my right paw as more of the sparking limbs spring forth from the sand. My eyes then turned wide at seeing what looks like a mouth part of some kind of carnivorous fish come out from the ground.

"Well, looks like an old monster learned new tricks!"I chirped, the amusement in my eyes as I leap away from the musky cloud of wet sand.

I quickly side step and tried to aim at the orb with my clawshot as Morpheel struck out with one of its stinging tenticles. And I grabbed it on the first try, making haste to swipe at it like no tomorrow before it manages to retreat into the needle-fanged mouth. I then watch as some bomb fish are sent out and my ears instantly droop at this sight as the started swimming towards me.

"Watch out Link!"I hear Midna warn me within my mind. I turn my head with a help as I see a tenticle snatch me up, causing me to let loose a frustrated snarl before it tosses me into its mouth. Its fangs snapped into my flesh, causing me to let out a pain stricken squeal. I make haste to slash and bite; letting my instincts take over. When the hunter becomes the hunted it is anything but pretty. "You're not making a meal out of me!"I hissed and delivered a back slash to the mouth. This causes me to be violently spat out and I notice the dang fish ate my Iron Bands. But, that stinking piece of sushi almost took away one of my lives and it shows by the fang mark that's dangerously close to my neck along my shoulder.

"Thistles and thorns..."I hissed, cringing from the wounds.

"Link, are you alright?"

"I'm fine Midna. I just almost became fish bait there!"

I give a runt as I hear Midna release a relieved sort of chuckle. And laughing for her is pretty much normal. It's when she isn't that it makes me nervous. I make haste to swim back towards it and once I'm there I fire the clawshot again and grabbed old of the orb and struck as fast as I could with the sluggish movements I have currently. But I'm doing this while avoiding those pesky exploding fish. I repeat what I've done for the third time and watch as the thing retreated underground. I float there in the water, clearly quite tense and nervous. I let out a frightened chirp at seeing a huge sea creature burst from the ground. It was the color of mud and its long, serpent/eel like body is rough and spikey. It had to be at least almost as long as that lava dragon I fought back a year ago.

And trust me, that's LONG!

It also had those same stinging, sparking tenticles and the same needle-fanged mouth. It also had these strange maroon and crimson markings similar to what I've seen on the portals and Midna and the Shadow Beasts. I gulped as my tail twitched with unease and out of that kithood old habit I'm rubbing my right paw once more.

I dash forward as fast as I can to get to the creature's head-Midna told me see saw that same ball there-so I can attack. It takes me a few tries but I'm finally over the stupid eel's head and I get a clean shot in with my clawshot. Once I'm on the head I strike with not an ounce of mercy with my claws while I hanged on for dear life with my fangs. As I strike a ink color shade of blood oozes out of the wound, causing Morpeel to let loose a deep, unearthly howl. And the more I struck the more it yowled and tried to shake me off.

But I soon loose my grip and I make haste to get high up and out of harm's way. I watch as the thrashing sea monster destroys some stone pillars. It is then I decide to go back down and try again. And the foolish piece of seafood swims close to me and I land another shot with my clawshot, pulling me in with a harsh jolt that makes my ears ring. I repeat what I did the first time. This pattern happens once more for a third and final time. I deliver the finish blow with no problem and I force myself away as I watched the dying sea monster's thrashing, circular movements(it's cries are no better). I destroy another pillar and I flinch as it crashed into the wall at the sandy bottom.

Midna soon came forth in her shadowed form, a tooth grin on her maw as she saw this victory. Link was getting stronger with each match it seemed. She then looked over at her friend with a kind smile and the Hero of Time happily returned it. The black and white Twili then glanced up, noticing the rapidly decreasing water level.

"Hey, Link, look up above us!"she called out, pointing with her tail.

I did as she said a look of sweet, sweet relief appears on my face as the water drops. It doesn't take long at all for it to vanish completely. With the water gone the mask over my face disappears as well, revealing my brown muzzle fully once more. I then out of pure instinct give my fur a good shake, spraying Midna in the process. Which doesn't make her too pleased, to say the least by that sour expression on her face.

"Oops! Sorry, Midna."I said with a innocent puppy dog look.

Midna rolled her eyes at this, but amusement shined in her eyes as she let loose a strong bolt of laughter. "You stupid, stupid wolf! But I gotta love yeah anyways, right?"she giggled, cuffing Link over the ear.

"Yep~!"I purred, my signature cocky smirk on my maw as the monster exploded...accordion style into pixels of twilight.

I turn my head towards the sight just in time to see the pixels merge and morph to become a stone piece from an ancient mask-the Fused Shadow. And it comes down to float in front of me, making me yet again feeling very unnerved. Midna made haste to move over to hover in front of the Fused Shadow and Link, a sly and pleased grin on her face. A proud purr rumbled in her throat as she looked it over with sunset eyes for a moment. With a calm twitch of her whiskers she grabbed the item of her desire with her tail with a look of approval at her partner. "Well done, here it is! The last of the Fused Shadows...I'll just hold onto this."

"Fine by me! I rather not be near those retched things, thank you very much!"I mewled, flicking my tail.

"Oh come now, Link. There's no need to resent me for all that I have put you through, I NEED this thing!"

"I don't hate you Midna,"Midna is quick to shoot me her doubtful, demanding look at me. "Ok, so I did! But I don't anymore. You're ok to be around, and you did help me out in more ways then one so...uh, thanks."

Midna couldn't help but ruffle her fur at this praise the Gerudo/Hylian king was giving her right now. It wasn't exactly something she was used to getting. "You're welcome you crazy wolf."chuckled Midna.

"By the way, just why do you need those things, anyways?"

Midna looked at the green and brown tom as he took off his Zora Armour, putting it in his bag and pulling out a healing kit. She knew what that meant; he was going to tend to those wounds before they left. "Might as well tell him, I don't see no harm in that."she thought calmly. "We have to have these in order to take care of Zant. He is the one who thinks he is the King of Shadows...his power is a false one. And I'll prove it using these!"I hear Midna explain as I cleaned my injuries.

I stop momentarily from cleaning up the last wound, a questioning and confused expression on my face. But I give a nod of understanding all the same as she tells me she's done everything she needed to do. I can't believe my ears when she even says sorry to me.

"Hey, it was nothing, really Midna. I wanted to continue helping once I knew my daughter was safe and in good paws. And it was a lot of fun for me."I purred in return.

I then watched as Midna gave me the faintest of gentle smiles before flying over to a different patch of sand and slashed at the ground with her claws, creating a portal of twilight. "Shall we go now, light-fur?"

I give a nod as I uncorked a bottle with a glowing pink ball in it. A healing Guardian flies out and makes haste to heal my wounds. For some reason some wounds and injuries were easier to heal then others for these tiny little pink fairies.

But that is ok, personally.

I then took out my cloak and put it on, fastening the oval broach like buckle. I also remember I had put the crown my mother had made for me in my pouch, so I take it out and slipped it onto my head with a pleased purr. "Ah, that's much better! It felt weird now not having it on."I thought as I walked over to the portal. I step into it and Midna and I vanish in a sea of pixels as I close my eyes. I still don't like traveling like that! But I can't help but feel like something big is about to happen. The question was what it was though.

I can only wait, wait in my dread.