Published on July 8th, 2014.
Replaced (ver.1) on January 2nd, 2016.

Chapter 26/50
The Vast Lake Floria
Lake Floria Arc (2/5)

When Link and Ed emerged out of Lake Floria's water, they saw Double D and Eddy being pulled by the strong current. Even though it was a vast lake, Link and Ed caught up to them as the four entered a narrow tunnel. Soon after, the group fell down from a mini waterfall. They realized they were in a submerged underground cavern, mostly in a blue tone. They were a large range of flora and minor aquatic creatures underwater.

"There you are, Ed!" Eddy said, swimming up to Ed and preparing to strangle him.

"Hi, Eddy!" Ed said until Eddy grabbed Ed's shirt.

"Any last words before I suffocate you?!"

"Now, now, Eddy," Double D said, trying to restrain Eddy. "If I may point out, we're alive thanks to the wonders of the goddess's gift."

"The deep fall was different, Sockhead!"

"Um, guys?" Link asked. "Look!" The four looked forward and saw a fusion of a seahorse and jellyfish. It had the head and tail of a seahorse and the body of a jellyfish. Its body was mostly white, but the rest was red. Its yellow eyes were oddly pointed out horizontally. The one characteristic that stood out the most was its large coral on top of the head.

"Ack! More humans!" the female aquatic creature said. "Okay, okay... I just have to avoid eye contact and back away slowly."

"We can totally hear you!" Eddy said, causing the jellyfish-like creature to squeak and retreat.

"What is that?" Link asked as the four swam forward.

"That is a Parella, an aquatic race who serve the Water Dragon," Fi answered.

"Really? Then we need to catch up and talk to her!" The four swam faster as they ended up diving underwater. They approached an underground tunnel, but the entrance was blocked by shabby wooden planks.

"Quit following me, you pests!" the Paralla said. "If you don't move along, I'll be forced to tell Her Excellence the Water Dragon about your little incursion!"

"Pest?!" Eddy asked, growling. "Why you little-"

The Parella narrowed her jellyfish-like body in order to swim through the gaps of the wooden planks. She grinned. "Ha-ha! Didn't see that coming, did you? Yep, there's no way you're going to be able to follow me now!"

"What the?! How did you do that?!"

"Why, of course!" Double D said. "Since she has the body of a jellyfish, she has no bones. She can squeeze through very narrow spaces."

"Cool!" Ed said. "It's like that one alien creature I read in my comic books! All she's missing is the ability to suck my marrow bones!"

"W-what?!" the Parella asked. "What in the world are you talking about?!"

"We're talking about getting through this planks!" Eddy said, trying to break the planks. "Argh! Come on, already!"

She smirked. "So, what now? Are you going to cry? If you think you can make it through, just go ahead and try!"

"Cry?! That's it!" Eddy began to shake the planks. "I'm gonna give you a piece of my mind!"

"You can have my mind, Eddy!" Ed said.

"Shut up, Ed!"

"Wait, Eddy!" Link said, stopping Eddy. "I have a plan, but you'll need to clear away from the entrance first." Eddy grumbled, but did what he was told as everyone looked at Link. Link spun forward and destroyed the wooden barrier, much to everyone's surprise.

The Parella yelped. "How is that even possible?!" she asked. "I've never seen a human pull off a spin like that!"

"How did you do that, Link?" Double D asked.

"I...just had a feeling," Link replied. "Since our swimming abilities are more proficient, I was wondering if I could do an underwater version of my Spin Attack."

"Like I care. Besides..." Eddy said, facing the Parella before smirking. "Now...where were we?"

"N-no! Stay away!" the Parella said, backing away.

"Eddy!" Double D said, swimming between Eddy and the Parella. "We are not here to hurt this poor aquatic specimen!"

"I don't believe you guys unless you have proof that you are not a threat!"

Double D turned to her. "Very well. One type of item should be sufficient. Look at what we're wearing around our necks."

The Parella widened her eyes after examining the group. "Wait... Those are Water Dragon's Scales! Does that make you four the emissary of the goddess, like the Water Dragon said?"

"We are," Link replied swimming next to Double D. "My name is Link, and these are my friends: Ed, Double D, and Eddy. We've come to meet the Water Dragon."

"Really?" Her eyes sparked up with hope. "Maybe you guys can help Her Excellence!"

"Take us to her."

"Yeah, about that..." Her eyes reflected a mixture of sadness and fear. "It happened really recently. This weirdo came in here with a gang of monsters and went right after Her Excellence. My lady, the Water Dragon, is a fierce fighter, and boy, did she gobble up most of those monsters in the first few seconds. Thing is, there were just so many of them! While she was distracted, the weirdo leading all those creatures managed to wound her." The group had a bad feeling when they realized who led the attack.

"Weirdo? Don't tell me it's that...Dork Lord?" Eddy said, frowning. "Then again, I'm not surprised."

Link growled under his breath. "Ghirahim," he said.

"So our suspicions are correct," Double D said. "But wait! What happened to the Water Dragon?"

"She's healing up now," the Parella answered, "but she says we don't have enough special water for her to make a full recovery. So could you please go talk with Her Excellence and see if you four can help her out? I'll even take you to her."

"We'll gladly help," Link said with a smile. "You can count on us. We'll even find the special water if it means earning the trust of your people and the Water Dragon."

"Oh, thank you! But you guys have Her Excellence's scales. That's more than enough to say you are the good guys. I'm Jellyf, the leader of the Parella race."

"Jellyf?" Eddy asked. "What kind of name is that?!"

"What kind of name is Eddy?" Both of them locked each other's eyes until Double D and Link stopped them.

"Guys, really?" Link asked, sighing. "Now's not the time, especially since the Water Dragon's life is in danger."

"Danger!" Ed said. "We must help the dragon of the seas! Follow Ed!" He swam forward.

"W-wait!" Jellyf said. "You're supposed to follow me!" The four followed Ed in an underground tunnel. Ed saw the path was blocked by more wooden planks, but Ed spun forward to destroy the planks. The group was in a circular area as Jellyf looked around. "Huh? That's weird. I was expecting to meet up with my friend here." She noticed an underground tunnel blocked by a boulder. "And the path is blocked with a huge boulder. Lovely... Now, what do we do?"

"We act and keep pushing forward," Link said.

"Act!" Ed said, swimming forward to see a pufferfish-like enemy. Fi analyzed and told the group it was a Froak. It put up its spines upon seeing Ed, but Ed spun toward the creature. The Froak collided against the boulder and exploded, destroying the boulder into pieces.

"Oh, now that's using your noodle!" Jellyf said.

"My noodles will save the Water Dragon!" Ed swam through the underground tunnel.

Jellyf faced Link. "Your friend is...weird."

Link smiled. "But he has great courage," he said as the rest followed Ed. They exited out of the tunnel, but found another obstacle blocking their path. This time, it was a metal gate, which Jellyf easily squeezed through. She looked back to see the four pondering what to do.

"I think I have an idea!" Double D said. "Link and Ed used to spin underwater, but what about spinning out of the water like a dolphin?"

"Let's give it a try." Link spun out of the water. He flew over the metal gate and dove next to Jellyf. Ed did the same thing.

"Wow! Perfect jump!" Jellyf said to Link and Ed. However, it took around two minutes for Double D and Eddy to jump over the metal gate. Their aptitude of swimming was not close to Link's and Ed's aptitude.

Eddy panted, wheezing. "Oh, I'm so tired," he said.

"Agreed," Double D said, also panting. "I think that's enough...swimming exercise for the year."

"All four of you made it!" Jellyf said. "I'd call you all amazing, but I think we all know it was the Water Dragon's Scale that made that little stunt possible."

"That's true," Link said. And so, they continued through the underwater cavern, almost reaching to their destination. In the last area, there was an underground door, but two fish-like monsters were roaming around this spacious area. Their head had large, bulbous crowns with scars, and their lips were puffed up. To their surprise, these creatures would charge head-on amongst themselves after becoming red.

"Yikes!" Jellyf shivered. "Oh, they're back! That's one of the first that weirdo brought in here and used to attack Her Excellence. Watch out! They're mean as they come!"

"Those are Cranoics," Fi said, which surprised Jellyf for a moment. "They settle disputes with their bulbous crowns. Before they charge head-on, they will turn red with excitement. Stopping such an assault might be difficult."

"Why bother?" Eddy asked. "They're just ramming each other. Let's just wait."

"Never! The Water Dragon is in danger!" Ed said.

"That's right," Link agreed. "We need to hurry up to meet the Water Dragon. Besides, we can use our spin maneuvers we just learned." Suddenly, they heard a loud smash, but they could not pinpoint the source.

"W-what was that?!" Eddy asked as they heard another smash.

"Let's do this quickly! Double D, stay next to Jellyf!"

"Got it!" Double D said, swimming next to Jellyf.

"Ed and Eddy! We'll attack them first once they let down their guard. Let's go!" Link and Ed swam forward while Eddy slowly followed them.

No way I'm gonna take down one of them! Eddy thought, fearing of getting hit by a Cranoic's bulbous crown. Link and Ed swam forward and saw two Cranoics in a dazed state after ramming each other. With this opportunity, Link and Ed spun to their opponent. The powerful force pushed the two Cranoics away as they exploded in purple smoke. Before any of them could cheer, a Cranoic smashed through a piece of wall. Its first victim was Double D and Jellyf. The Cranoic turned red and charged straight to the two.

Jelly cried out. "Help!" she said.

"I've got you!" Double D said, grabbing Jellyf and narrowly dodged the head-on assault. The two quickly looked back to see the Craonic preparing another charge. Double D saw Eddy being the closest. "Eddy! Help!"

Eddy mentally groaned as he swam in front of the two. The Craonic locked-on its new target and turned red. "All right, big lips! Bring it on!" he said until he had second thoughts. The Craonic charged forward and Eddy spun forward, When the two collided, Eddy was pushed out-of-the-way as he yelled out in pain.

Double D gasped. "Eddy!" The Craonic turned red again. Oh no! I don't think I can avoid another attack...unless... With quick thinking, Double D pulled out his Zeal Wand and fired two shots on himself. He grabbed Jellyf and barely dodged another head-on assault. Yes! I do have potential if I try! However, Double D suddenly felt very exhausted after forcing himself to dodge the attack. Oh no! All this swimming has left me out of energy! I've pushed myself...to my limit.

"Double D! It's coming again!" Jellyf said as the Craonic charged again. Even with the zeal aura, Double D's body refused to listen to his mind. In that one moment, he thought of using one more dose of zeal. That never happened when Link intercepted and spun to the last Craonic. After it exploded, the area was cleared of enemies.

Link turned around. "Are you two okay?" he asked.

"W-we are...thanks to you and Double D," Jellyf replied, then smiled at the two of them. "You two saved my life! You guys are the coolest!"

Ed checked and helped Eddy. "Are you okay, Eddy?" he asked.

"Does getting hit by a truck means I'm okay?" Eddy said, groaning. "I...don't think I broke anything..." He ended up staring at his Water Dragon's Scale and his watery aura. "It must be this scale that protected me..." After that intense battle, the group reached the underground door that was partly made of coral and shells only found underwater.

"At last, we're here!" Jellyf said. "Her Excellence is just up ahead. Hang on just a second." She pointed her head-fin to the door's keyhole and inserted it. After turning a bit, the whole door opened up. "Please, come in." Upon entering, they were in a huge circular area filled with many other blue Parellas. The blue Parellas backed away from the humans, which some showed fear or distrust. The rocky houses underwater indicated the Parella's home. Jellyf directed the group to a large stone pillar. When the four climbed out of the water, all four were panting a lot. Though the scales granted them great swimming abilities, their stamina was inferior to Jellyf's. "This is the Water Dragon: Faron."

In the center was a black basin with symbols exactly like the one on the stone gate. In the basin was none other than the Water Dragon. She had two waving long tentacles on the sides of her head. She did not have a real dragon's head, which the group had previously thought of. Her eyes were black, her chin was small, and she bore the same symbol on her sloped forehead just like the basin and the stone gate. Her neck appeared to have water flowing like blood, and she wore a blue and black bath robe. But the most strangest thing from her was that she was rather small for a dragon. "Ah! You there, humans!" she said with an angry tone, surprising the group. "You four have intruded into my home, a sacred place few are permitted to enter! You will explain how you got here, and quickly!"

"Water Dragon?" Ed asked.

"I am. Those with manners address me as Faron, warden of the woods. I was appointed by the goddess herself. Though my current status is less than, well, intimidating, shall we say, know that you stand in the presence of a loyal servant of the goddess!"

Ed stood in front of her and bowed down several times with his hands. "I am not worthy of your presence, o mighty dragon...that doesn't look like a dragon."

The deity was in a state of bewilderment as Ed bowed more, which was a bit comedic to his friends. "Who are you, and why are you so weird?"

"That's what I thought, too!" Jellyf added as Link, Double D, and Eddy stood next to Ed. Eddy stopped Ed from bowing, claiming it was unnecessary.

"Don't mind Ed," Link said to Faron. "That's just the way he is. Anyways, my name is Link, and these are my friends: Ed, Double D, and Eddy."

"Hmm?" Faron said, then widened her eyes after examining the four. "I say, that's one of my scales you have there! A sacred gift such as that could only be carried by the goddess's chosen hero."

Eddy scoffed. "Yeah right," he said. "That rule is false since we're carrying these scales."

"Eddy, please!" Double D whispered. "Manners."

"Link here is the chosen hero!" Ed said and pointed at Link to emphasize his role.

"This raises questions," Faron said. "Even with that scale in your possession, finding my hall is no easy task... How did you find me?"

"The old Kikwi," Eddy answered.

"Eddy!" Double D said with a frown. "We promised not to reveal the identity of Yerbal!" He widened his eyes. "Oops..."

Faron frowned. "Ah, yes," she said. "That cackling, old hermit Kikwi told you where I live didn't he? Honestly, I can't remember how many times I've told that scruffy thing to keep his mouth shut! That's the last straw! Next time I see him, he's dinner!"

"Please! No!" Ed said, trying to lean forward to Faron. "He's just an innocent old man! Take me, instead! Besides, he said he tastes like old cave moss!"

"First of all, remove your filthy hands from my basin!" Ed did what he was told. "Second, old cave moss doesn't sound too bad...but I digress." She stared at Link. "You've come here seeking a sacred flame, have you?"

"Of course," Link said with a nod.

"I knew it. But I'll be straight with you. A shrimpy boy like you hardly looks the part of the goddess's chosen hero. There's no doubt about it. A test is in order to prove you're everything you say you are. Shortly before your arrival, I was attack by a pompous creature calling himself Ghirahim. I stood against this self-proclaimed Demon Lord, but I was wounded in the encounter."

"Wounded?!" Eddy said. "How does a dragon get wounded by him of all people?! We can easily take care of him."

"Manners, Eddy!" Double D said. They looked to see Faron about to make a retort, but she knew she would digress again. It almost looked like she wanted to eat Eddy.

"The wounds he's given me are stubborn things," Faron said. "I have been forced to recuperate in this basin of sacred water. Unfortunately, the healing properties of the sacred water have diminished, and I am now in need of another does to freshen up my healing bath. Bring me the container of fresh sacred water that I require. Do me this favor, and I'll gladly show you where to find the sacred flame you desire. What say you?"

"You got it," Link said. "We were going to help you, regardless."

"How considerate of you, Link. However, you need to pass my test, and even if you do pass my test, I still may not consider you as a hero."

"I understand."

Fi appeared out of Link's sword. "I am analyzing the water remaining in this basin," she said, staring at the basin. "Excellent, I can now help you dowse for the water type you are searching for. One empty bottle should be sufficient." She warped back to Link's sword.

Faron turned her head to the back, which had a tunnel. "If you continue down this way," she said, "you will find an exit back to the woods. Now run along, you four. One does not keep a dragon waiting."

"All right, guys. Let's go!" Link said to his friends.

As they exited out to the back, Faron took one last look at them. Strange... There's something odd about those three young boys... Something very important... It took a while, but she finally remembered what the goddess told her long ago. "Jellyf! Come before me!"

Meanwhile, the four found themselves in a large, but narrow spring called Floria Waterfall. There was a stone pathway, which was the exactly the same as the water level, leading to the giant waterfall. The stone structures around were yellow. Since they were on land, Link pulled out his sword and began to dowse. There was another pathway at the side, which they took. After walking for a bit, they found a large log on the small cliff. They pushed it down, revealing a familiar area.

"Hey..." Link said, seeing the gray steep ramp to their right. "This is where we met Machi. Remember, Eddy?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, you're right," Eddy replied.

"Zelda and I met Machi in this area, too," Double D added.

"That's how Machi had Zelda's dowsing reaction," Link added. "But we're here to find the sacred water for Faron."

"In this place?!" Eddy asked, then groaned out loud. "This is gonna take a long time. There's gotta be a way to skip all this."

"Skip travel activate!" Ed said.

"Skip travel deactivate!" Ed said.

"Ed, what are you babbling about?" Eddy asked, narrowing his eyes at him. Their search for sacred water led them to Skyview Temple. Currently, they stood in front of the large double door where Link fought Ghirahim.

Seeing this caused Link to reminisce his loss against the Demon Lord. He failed because of his lack of spirit and courage, which made his sword dull. Link had not found the answer on why his courage was sapped away whether he fought Ghirahim and The Imprisoned. Besides the Silent Realm Guardians, Ghirahim and The Imprisoned shared the same evil aura that inflicted Link's courage. Ed and Eddy were able to fight him thanks to teamwork, but why was Link the only person to be afraid? Thinking about it caused Link to put his hand on his left side of his hip for comfort. It was almost as if he was already exposed to the evil aura plaguing his body and spirit. Next time, I won't fail, Link thought. It was thanks to Ed and Silent Realm trial that brought out his new courage.

Before the group could enter, a Mogma appeared out of the ground. "Huh? Hey, it's you guys!" the Mogma said. His brown hair covered his right side of his face.

"Hey, it's you! Um..." Eddy began, then he scratched the side of his head. Then again, it was hard to memorize the names of the Mogmas. Even Link could not figure out this Mogma's name.

"It's Kortz! The guy who introduced Bomb Flowers? The guy that saw you fight those monsters in the tunnels? The guy that lent you the Iron Hammer to your buddy? That's me."

Eddy gasped. "Yeah! Yeah! It's all coming to me! What are you doing here?"

"Treasure hunting! What else? Here to do some treasure hunting too?"

"Uh...sort of..."

Kortz grinned. "I called it! You got treasure hunter written all over your face. Did the big stone guy out there tip ya off to the loot, too?"

"Stone guy? You mean Gorko?" Link asked.

"That's his name? Yeah, what'd he say again? 'Strum a chord most beautiful in the place within the temple where the butterflies dance.' So I get here, and I let loose with some of the most gorgeous humming I've done in my entire life, and nothing happens! See those butterflies over there?" Kortz pointed to three Blessed Butterflies to the group's left.

"I can't imagine you singing," Eddy said.

"Hey, I tried my best, 'kay?" The group and Kortz went to the Blessed Butterflies.

"Gorko told us about this," Link said, pulling out the Goddess's Harp. "If I play here, a sacred image will appear. It must be a Goddess Wall." Link strummed the strings a couple of times. An ornately carved indigo rectangle appeared first. Afterwards, the crest of the goddess materialized on the wall.

"Whoa! Now that was some beautiful sounds I ever heard!"

"Okay. Now what?" Eddy asked.

"Gorko told me that something I desire will come off the Goddess Wall," Link replied.

"Something about this seems familiar," Double D said, then an idea clicked in his brain. "I got it! Link, use the Skyward Strike and draw what you want on the wall!"

"Like what I did at that stone gate before? I'll try that." Link pointed his sword skyward and charged up the sword. "But...what should I draw?"

"Oh! I know!" Ed answered. "How about a mutated six-eye lizardman that loves to cook organs with free soda?" This caused everyone to be bewildered at Ed's unusual idea.

"Uh..." Kortz said as the image appeared in his mind, which he quickly shook it off. "How about...drawing Rupees?" With that, Link drew a hexagonal shape like all the Rupees. All of the sudden, a shower of Rupees were pouring out of the wall.

"Gold miiiine!" Eddy and Kortz said as they frantically grabbed as much Rupees as possible. After the Goddess Wall stopped pouring out Rupees, everyone settled down. Eddy and Kortz had more Rupees than the rest.

"Wahoo!" Kortz carried a bag of Rupees. "I dig some serious miles to get my paws on treasure, and this happened! Talk about good luck, and these Rupees are 100% genuine! Besides this, there's nuttin' here but water now. Who in the stinkin' world would come all this way for water? Nobody, that's who."

"Water?" Link said, then gasped. "Kortz, do you know where you found the water?"

"Huh? It's beyond this big door, but that's pretty much it except for some random skeletons on the ground. Anyway, I need to head back home to meet all of my the other pals. Of course, I have to credit you guys for finding these Rupees. First the volcano, and now this. You guys are great treasure hunters! Well, see ya later!" Kortz dug back down and left the area.

The group, except Eddy, thought about the skeletons Kortz mentioned. Their questions were answered after they entered the room. Three piles of bones were in the center, but they transformed into three skeleton knights. Link gasped as everyone pulled out their weapons. "Oh no! Stalfos! This is what Kortz meant!"

"Seriously?!" Eddy asked. "Fighting one of them was a pain, but three?!"

"Stalfos?! I never seen these enemies here!" Double D said.

"Here they come!" Ed said as both sides engage in a battle. Link lured one of them to the side of the room. Due to fighting a Stalfos before, Link already knew how to fight a Stalfos. Every time his opponent held up its dual blades, Link slashed to the exposed side. After a couple of successful slashes, the Staflos decided to attack with both blades. Link held his Sacred Shield in order to shield bash. To his surprise, the Sacred Shield broke by the power of the Stalfos' blades. Link suddenly realized the Sacred Shield was very fragile despite the good stats.

Link groaned mentally. How many times have I lost my shields? he thought as he continued his fight. Meanwhile, Ed and Eddy teamed up together against the two Stalfos. Eddy fired bullets to the front enemy, blocking its eyesight. With this advantage, Ed let out a yell and crushed its opponent thanks to his Spiked Hammer. The first Stalfos was obliterated by the sheer power of Ed. However, in this diversion, the second Stalfos charged quickly to Eddy.

"Eddy!" Double D said, pulling out his Zeal Wand and fired one shot to Eddy. Eddy saw the swords coming down to him, so he put up his Braced Shield. He swung vertically and hit the rib cage, but Eddy remained defensive.

"I need more, Double D!" Eddy said, then grunted after blocking a strong hit. He felt his body filled with great energy after the second burst of zeal. This time, Eddy began to be a bit more aggressive than before. He swung at any exposed parts, but was only successful on some parts. Even with all that, the Stalfos was still alive due to Eddy's lack of strength. The Stalfos attacked with both swords, which significantly pushed Eddy. His arms were started to feel the force of the blow. "Give me another shot, Double D!"

Double D widened his eyes. A-another shot?! Even with two doses, this is all Eddy can do! He pointed Eddy with the Zeal Wand, but did not fire. Does Eddy really need one more? Suddenly, Ed finished off Eddy's opponent with a powerful vertical swing. Right after that, Link sliced his opponent's head with a jump strike and finished the final Stalfos in the room. Double D sighed in relief. Once again...there was no need to fire another one.

Once everyone prepared themselves, the team entered the Skyview Spring. With no monsters around, Link began to dowse the area. They jumped into the water and walked to one mini waterfall on the far left. Upon closer examination, the waterfall was more sparkling than the rest. "This must be it," Link said, pulling out his bottle and filling it up with sacred water. "Now we can heal the Water Dragon. Time to go back, everyone."

"Skip travel activate!" Ed said.

"Skip travel deactivate!" Ed said upon reaching Faron's Hall.

"What's with your friend?" Faron asked the group, tilting her head. "You four just waltz in and he spoke up first."

"Just ignore him," Eddy said, smacking his forehead.

"Anyways," Link began, walking up to the basin. "We have the sacred water." He pulled out the bottle full of sparkling water.

Faron smiled for the first time. "Ah, yes!" she said. "Just look at that color. There's no doubt this the water I need. Quickly, boy, pour it into my basin!" When Link poured the sacred water into the basin, Faron dip the rest of her head into the basin. The basin suddenly shook in a violent manner, which every being in the room slowly moved away a tiny bit. However, the basin stopped shaking.

"Water Dragon?" Ed asked as his voice echoed in the room.

Without warning, Faron jumped out of the basin, increasing her overall size and showing off her flowing tail while wearing her blue robe with black edges. "Mmmmmm! Exquisite! I can feel its energy surging through me! Behold the full majesty of Faron, Water Dragon and guardian of these lands! I stand tall, healed and whole once again!"

"Your Majesty!" all the Parellas said, bowing down their head to Faron. The Water Dragon looked down at the four humans.

"Uh..." Eddy said, gulping. "Okay... Now you're a dragon, all right."

"Humans and Link," Faron began, "you have done well to bring me the sacred water I asked you for. I see now it was no coincidence that you completed the goddess's trial and obtained the Water Dragon's Scales. In turn, I will grant you the favor you have asked of me and lead you to the sacred flame of my land. Come."

"It's about time!" With that, the team and Faron reached Floria Waterfall. As the group walked on the stone path covered in water, Faron stood next to the giant and thick waterfall.

"Now...behold!" Faron faced the waterfall. She thrust her webbed hands into the waterfall. The waterfall slowly went up the steam and never fell down. Upon doing so, Faron revealed a yellow huge frog-like statue. Its giant, gaping mouth was the entrance.

"You're amazing, Water Dragon!" Ed said, earning a hidden smile from Faron.

She turned toward the group. "The sacred flame you seek lies within this place known as the Ancient Cistern. While the waterfall has barred entrance to this place for many years, monsters have still found a way in...and inside they flourish."

"What?!" Eddy asked. "We have to fight monsters in there?!"

"Swatting a few monsters will be no trouble for you boys, but that's not it."

"Oh really?" Double D asked. "Please enlighten us, Your Majesty."

"I've guard the sacred flame for a very long time. It is of utmost importance that it should be safe until the time has come. Even if I were to perish, the Ancient Cistern is the last defender. It is filled with defense mechanisms and rooms that are impossible for you humans to squeeze through."

"Defense mechanisms?" Link said.

"Squeeze through?" Double D said. "Are you saying...we need a guide?"

"Ah... You're a sharp one," Faron replied, nodding. "Yes, you will need a guide to explore fully in the Ancient Cistern and reach the sacred flame. Besides myself, there is one more being that knows the layout, even if many years had passed. Jellyf, come before me!" Jellyf popped out of the water, being next to the group. "Have you listened?"

"Yes, my lady," Jellyf replied, bowing her head.

"Good. Because the temple is...ancient, there are some cracks that only a Parella can squeeze through. There are also pipes that are either solid or transparent. She can go through some of these pipes exclusive to her while you boys are navigating the temple. The temple is full of pipelines, so both sides can be seen."

Jellyf faced the team. "Don't worry. I'm very confident on where to go."

"But I must warn you boys. My loyal servant is not a fighter like you four. You will need to defend her."

"Oh great!" Eddy said, throwing his hands in the air. "This just got much harder than before!"

Suddenly, Faron was right in front of Eddy's face. "If she gets a single scratch on her, you'll be the first one in my mouth! Got it?!" She could see Eddy sweating so much.

"G-got it!"

"Eddy tastes like money," Ed added.

"Oh shut up, Ed!"

Faron chuckled. "So you say," she said as she floated to the side. "Well, off you go! I imagine we will cross paths again. Until then, do not lower your guard, and guard Jellyf with your life."

"We won't let you down," Link said. "To the Ancient Cistern!" The four boys approached the entrance. The ceiling was still dripping, making the staircase wet. Still, they carefully walked down the staircase.

Faron bent her head close to Jellyf. "Remembered what we talked about before. I still don't trust them, but I must know more about those three in particular."

"Yes, my lady," Jellyf replied. "I will keep an eye on the Eds." And with that, Jellyf dove down the water. There was a small tunnel below the entrance of the Ancient Cistern. She swam through the tunnel as Faron took one last look before flying back to her throne.

Hyrule Historia's references:

1. Jellyf and the Parella (P.48)
2. Froak's final version (P.63)
3. Cranioc's final version (P.63)
4. Faron the Water Dragon (P.44)

Link [6+4 Hearts]
Main Equipment [Goddess's Sword]
Sub-Equipment [Sailcloth], [Scattershot], [Water Dragon's Scale]
Inventory [Bottle], [Goddess's Harp], [Farore's Wind]

Ed [6+2 Hearts]
Main Equipment [Spiked Hammer], [Reinforced Shield]
Sub-Equipment [Sailcloth], [Scattershot], [Tough Beetle], [Digging Mitts], [Small Seed Satchel], [Gust Bellows], [Water Dragon's Scale]
Inventory [Bottle], [Bug Net], [Bottle]

Double D [3+1 Hearts]
Main Equipment [Zeal Wand], [Sacred Shield]
Sub-Equipment [Water Dragon's Scale]
Inventory [Binoculars]

Eddy [4+3 Hearts]
Main Equipment [Metal Racket], [Braced Shield]
Sub-Equipment [Sailcloth], [Scattershot], [Bomb Bag], [Water Dragon's Scale]
Inventory [Orange gemstone (Right eye)], [Bottle (Stamina Potion)], [Bottle]