Chapter 15: The Iron Boots

The group made their way through Zora's River.

"This river is so nice," Robin said looking at the flowing river.

"It has quite the beauty, hearing the water run down the river is relaxing," Nami agreed.

Zoro, Luffy, and Sanji stopped as they looked ahead seemingly troubled.

"What is wrong?" Usopp asked.

"It's the same arctic breeze," Navi answered. "Don't you guys feel it?"

"Now that you mention it, we felt the same, but at first, the breeze was faint," Robin reminded the others of the cold breeze that they felt a while ago.

"It's not just that..." Link spoke, looking troubled. "The cold breeze feels evil, something bad must've happened while we were gone for so long."

"If that's the case, then who knows how much colder it'll be once we arrive at Zora's Domain," Robin stated.

"In that case, we'll have to look for some firewood, enough to last us until it's time to leave Zora's Domain," Sanji suggested.

"Good idea, with my Franky Flames, I'll be able to keep us warm," Franky pointed out proudly.

"Yeah, being a Reindeer and living in the cold on Drum Island, I'll be fine," Chopper added.

A short time later.

They went further up the river until they came to the waterfall that hid Zora's Domain, however the arctic breeze they felt was even stronger and colder too.

"Damn, it's gotten a lot colder than before," Usopp shivered, his teeth chattering.

"Yeah, it's like an icy hell," Sanji agreed. "Reminds me during when some of us got held prisoner by the Accino family."

"Yeah, seems so, but this cold must've been caused by Ganondorf's evil monsters," Robin stated. "Normally, ice would melt, but, it seems that this ice was probably here some time after we got sealed in the Temple of Time."

"Either way, we need to get in," Link said taking out the Ocarina of Time and started playing Zelda's Lullaby.

That water that falling split in two.

"Ok, let's go!" Link jumped over to the secret cave entrance.

Chopper, Robin, Luffy, Brook, and Sanji managed to get in.

Zoro, however, jumped the wrong way, leaving Nami and Usopp to catch him, but fell with him.

Splash

"Zoro, you idiot!" Usopp and Nami shouted comically with shark teeth.

"Geez, how did we get down here?"

"YOU JUMPED THE WRONG WAY IDIOT!"

"Great, stupid moss head..." Sanji grumbled. "How are you doing Nami!"

"We're fine, but, it seems like we're behind, don't worry, you guys go on, we'll stay guard out here!" The navigator replied loudly.

"Right, Usopp, and... moss head, keep Nami safe until we get back!" Sanji yelled even he felt a bit pissed. "Though I hate to leave Nami alone with those two, we mustn't waste any more time."

"Come on!" Link gestured to the cook. "Let's go inside!"

The six managed to make their through the tunnel and to their horror, the entire Domain was frozen solid, even the water at the bottom was frozen.

"Oh my, the entire domain..." Brook began to say with his mouth gaping open.

"Is frozen solid..." Sanji finished as he looked around.

"No sign of the Zora either," Robin said realizing how quiet it was.

Luffy used his Observation Haki, he saw something strange under the ice, he looked closely and saw a bunch of Zora on the ice.

"Guys, the Zora's are frozen under the ice!"

Sanji did so too, his eyes wide in horror. "He's right for once, the entire Zora is trapped and frozen under this ice!"

"Let's just check on the king!" Navi suggested.

They ran to King Zora's throne room, as soon as they got there, their horror, the king was frozen in thick ice, it was a different color, a reddish kind.

"That's weird-looking ice," Brook said observing the entire ice from around.

"Yes, ice is usually white, this one has a red color to it,' Robin agreed as she tapped the ice. "It's obvious that this ice is just as thick as the ice that has Zoras trapped too."

"What now?" Navi asked.

"Hold it, we can go to the Zora's Fountain, maybe, Jabu-Jabu can give us some answers," Luffy suggested with a huge grin.

"I suppose it's worth a shot, seeing that we don't have any other option," Sanji said reluctantly agreeing.

The six went up to the Zora Fountain.

But, to their disappointment, there wasn't a sign of the god protector, he wasn't where he was last time they met him.

"Damn, where'd he go?" Sanji asked.

"Great, how will we know what to do now?" Navi wondered.

Link walked some ice that stuck to the alter, he looked around the fountain, saw nothing, not even a Zora either. "Man, at this rate, we'll just have to keep looking around for another day."

Then something caught his head from across the fountain, there was a secret cave that was further to the left. "A cave, could that give some of the answers?"

He returned to the others explaining what he saw.

"A secret cave, it must've been there even when we arrived here for the first time," Robin said. "But, we haven't been able to travel in there, so we might as well investigate."

"Good, only thing, it's across the water, not to mention, it's cold out here, also, we'll need some food to keep us going," Sanji suggested. "I remember while Link, Luffy, and Zoro were in Jabu-Jabu, we found another cave."

The Chef pointed to a small shore that had a tree nearby and the cave entrance was there. "It's warm in there, I'll go ahead and prepare some hot soup, Robin, Brook, Luffy, you guys stay here."

"Aw, I want to go in the cave," Luffy then felt his stomach growl. "But, I guess food comes first."

"What about me?" Chopper asked.

"You're with me, I can use someone with good cold resistance to accompany into that cave, so, Dr. Chopper, let's go," Link said with a smile

That's when the reindeer started to do his happy dance. "Aw, calling me doctor won't make me happy, you jerk face!"

Link was bewildered as usual, but he smiled along.

Eventually, Link rode on Chopper, who was in his Jump-Point form jumping onto the floating icebergs below, Navi went along with them, the three got to the cave's entrance and went along inside.

Ice Cavern

The two walked through a twisted hallway.

"This hallway is twisted," Link said.

"Yeah, wonder if Zoro would get lost easily..." Navi whispered to the reindeer, which he nodded confirming he would.

Zoro sneezed. "Aa-choo."

"What's wrong, bro?" Franky asked.

"Don't know, but I get the feeling someone was talking about me," The green-haired Swordsman said wiping his nose.

B

The three eventually arrived at the Freezard Cavern.

"This had a more open space," Chopper said looking impressed.

Just then three creatures that were made of ice appeared out of nowhere.

"What are those?" Chopper exclaimed.

"They're called Freezards, they'll chill us if we get hit by their icy breath," Navi replied.

"So, we must defeat them quickly!" Link slashed one in half defeating it quickly. "Got one!"

Just then another Freezard appeared from behind and inhaled its breath, preparing to blow its icy breath, Chopper took a Rumble Ball.

"Kung-Fu Point!" He proclaimed.

"That's incredible!" Link praised in amazement.

"Whoa, that's a new look," Navi added in agreement.

Using his hove-like hands he was to break the Freezard into pieces then another, and another.

Then the bars that were blocking the door on the opposite unlocked.

"Great, let's keep going!" Link said gesturing to the others.

"Wait for us!" Navi called.

They went through another hallway, the same to a room that had a spinning ice blade.

"Watch out!" Navi warned. "That blade looks sharp."

"We have to be cautious, if we get hit by that ice blade, we might get hurt," Link added.

"Look there two passageways on the left and right," Chopper pointed out.

"Yeah, but they're blocked by that strange red ice," Navi said remembering the kind of ice that had King Zora trapped.

Link looked around and saw silver rupees, he decided to get them and see what would happen, he avoided the ice blades, getting the silver rupees he saw.

Then he climbed on a clifftop and jumped to get the last one, luckily the ice blade didn't get close to him, so, used that chance to climb back up and go into the tunnel that just opened. "I'll be right back, Navi, you stay with Chopper!"

Link entered another room, up in the air were Ice Keese and Freezards, knowing this will be tough, he climbed onto a platform, then at the end was a Freezard, using the Hookshot, and was able to which got him closer and he slashed the ice creature into pieces.

Suddenly Ice Keese flew down towards him, Link slashed his Sword at the ice bat and made it vanish.

Link continued and came across a strange fire, that was blue. "What kind of fire is this, it's not natural." He began to remember about the red ice, he wondered if he can use this fire to melt the red ice, it was worth a shot, he took out three bottles and gathered some blue fire in them.

He then saw a treasure chest and opened it, then got a map of the cavern, he returned to the Spinning Blade room, and told the two about what he found, even showing them the blue fire.

"That's so cool!" Chopper shouted with his stars in his eyes. "Hope we get to show the others."

Link looked at the map, realizing the direction they need to take, so he took out one of the bottles and pour the blue fire on the red ice which melted.

"That's awesome!" Chopper squealed excitedly.

"That should help out King Zora too!" Navi added.

"Right, let's keep going, and see what else we can find!" Link stated.

The three continued, they soon entered the Ice Block Cavern

"This is new," Navi said.

Seeing an ice-like block, there nearby pits on each side, there were also silver rupees like in the Spinning Blade Room, realizing what do next, Link pushed the block which slides in different directions, but he was able to climb the top of it and collect the rupees that were in range.

He saw another rupee on the other side, he pushed the ice block in the direction and climbed it. Using the 2nd bottle of blue fire again to melt the red ice and collect the silver rupee. "Got it."

Realizing he was almost out of the blue fire, he looked around for any source of it, he got an idea. "Chopper, use your Jump Point!"

The Reindeer do so, then he rode on the deer's shoulder and gave him a lift to where the blue fire was, he gathered the flame in two of his empty bottles.

He collected more silver rupees and a sound was heard up in a passageway, which sounded like a door being unlocked.

Realizing that their task in the room was complete, Chopper gave the fairy boy a lift and jumped onto the ledge, the three went into the hallway.

Then as they went further up, two Freezards were seen in front of the door behind them.

Link gathered his magic into his Master Sword and did a Spin attack on the monsters, slicing them into pieces.

"That was so cool, Link!" Chopper praised.
Link then used the 2nd bottle of blue fire to melt three red icebergs that were blocking to door.

"C'mon, let's go inside!"

The two went inside the room and as soon as they did the door suddenly locked again.

HOWL

A White Wolfos appeared from the ground.

"It's a werewolf!" Chopper screamed.

"Let's get him, Dr. Chopper!" Link declared.

That snapped the reindeer out of his panic state. "Right, Guard Point!" He transformed into his Guard Point Form.

"Your body got muscular!" Navi exclaimed.

The White Wolfos charged ahead while baring its sharp canine teeth and attempted to slash Chopper with its sharp claws.

But, the wolf's attack was blocked easily by Chopper's tough body. "Is that all?"

The wolf began to whimper as the reindeer glared at the canine monster.

Chopper grabbed hold of the Wolfos' arm and tossed it over his head sending it crashing into one of the ice-like walls.

The Wolfos wasn't finished yet, and attempted to pounce again, but, Link dashed towards the wolf and slashed the creature's chest.

The White Wolfos howled in agony as it vanished into nothing.

A treasure chest appeared and the door behind them unlocked.

Link opened the chest and found a pair of Iron Boots. "Wonder what these boots can be used for?" Navi wondered.

Chopper sniffed a familiar scent and turned around.

Link noticed the reindeer's reaction and standing by the door was Sheik.

"We meet again, Link, Chopper,"

The three went over to the Sheikah survivor as he continued to speak. "If you and your friends are here for the Zora, then you guys wasted your time... This is all there is..."

"Figured, though, we haven't found Princess Ruto," Link said.

"Oh right, when Luffy and Sanji used their Observation Haki, they said they all found the Zora, but, they didn't mention the Zora Princess," Navi said in realization.

"About that..." The three looked at the Sheikah survivor. "I managed to rescue the Zora Princess from the ice, but...she left to head for the Water Temple."

"That's where we'll go next," Link suggested.

"Right, but first, I must tell you three that the ice is the result of the curse that at the Water Templer, the monster is there is the source of the curse," Sheik informed.

"M-monster..." Chopper said frighteningly.

"So, I guess unless we destroy the monster, this ice won't ever melt," Navi guessed.

"That's right if you and your friends want to confront the danger and save the Zoras..." Sheik paused for a moment looking Link, "I shall teach you the melody that leads to the temple."

"What song will you teach, Link?" Chopper asked.

"Before I do, make sure that Brook knows of this too, he'll need to use to teleport himself including his crew to the temple of time too," Sheik replied as he took his harp. "One more thing, Time passes, people move... Like a river's flow, it never ends..."

Link, Chopper, and Navi looked at the Sheikah survivor in confusion.

"A childish mind turn into a noble ambition... Young love will become deep affection... The clear water's surface reflects growth... Now listen to the Serenade of Water to reflect upon yourself..."

Sheik began to play his harp, then Link copied what he heard, then both were playing the melody together.

Chopper was astonished at the tune, so magically.

The song ended, Sheik put away his harp and then tossed a Deku Nut creating a bright light, thus he was gone.

"Where'd he go?" Chopper asked.

"Don't know, I wanted I'd get a chance to talk to him about Zelda," Link said disappointed. "Oh well, let's get out of here."

Link equipped himself with the Iron Boots, seeing the water passageway at the end, he told Chopper to hold his breath as much as he could, which he did, almost on the verge of passing out.

Link opened the door that was in the water and then he found himself back in the Spinning Blade Room.

Chopper recovered a little later, then Link carried in his arms and came to the cave's entrance.

Link hopped over onto the floating icebergs one by one, he eventually went to the cave that had the other Great Fairy's Fountain, Nami, Usopp, and Franky arrived in there, thanks to Franky using his Coupe Vent.

The three explained the situation and about Princess Ruto.

"Glad, she's alright," Sanji said with relief.

Robin was fantasized about the blue fire. "Interesting fire, I never saw one like this."

"So cool!" Luffy shouted with stars in his eyes.

Nami had to agree. "Yeah, also, what you guys mentioned, this red ice should melt using this blue fire, which means..."

"We can free the Zora King!" Usopp finished.

The group went back to King Zora's throne room.

Link walked close to him and used the last bottle of blue fire, which melted the ice.

King Zora was free, he began to move around. "Huh, I live!" He exclaimed.

He looked to see Link and the others. "Oh, did you guys save me, I'm in your debts, as an award, I give you two Zora Tunics."

He gave out two Tunics. "These Tunics will surely help you breathe underwater."

"So cool!" Luffy shouted in amazement.

"Link gets one, but, who gets the second?" Robin wondered. "I don't use it since I'm a Devil Fruit user like Luffy, Chopper, and Brook."

Nami then took the 2nd and observed it. "Hmm, not my kind of color, but, I suppose I'll use it."

Link taught Brook the Serenade of Water, both played the song together, they were teleported along with their friends to Lake Hylia.

"How'd we get here?" Usopp asked.

"You mentioned that Sheik's new melody would teleport us to the Water Temple, man, you weren't kidding," Franky said sounding amazed then he realized something. "Hold on, I think we're on top of it!"

"Look over there!" Nami pointed out.

There on the shore was the Thousand Sunny, the ship wasn't scratched not even a single bit. "Sunny is safe!" Usopp cheered.

"Alright!" Luffy, Chopper, and Franky added cheerfully.

"What do we do now?" Usopp asked.

Link had that answer. "Alright, I'm sure you guys are still worried about the Sunny, so whoever wants to check on it, can go..." He stopped and looked at Nami. "Nami, you're with me, with your navigation skills and that weapon you have, we should be able to get through the Temple fine, also, the rest of you guys, wait out here and guard the temple for the time being."

The Strawhat navigator was a little concerned, but then Link handed over some rupees to her. "Here, take these, I found some in the Ice Cavern."

"Rupees!" Nami squealed in delight as her eyes changed into money signs.

Franky liked that idea. "In that case, I'll go to the Sunny, my cola energy is almost out, so, I'll go and refill up."

"Yeah, I still need to get more of my pop greens, so, I'll tag along," Usopp added.

Chopper agreed to that. "As for me, I need to get more medical supplies and whatever else we might need."

"Right, I'll prepare us a full meal when you two get back," Sanji added, he then looked at Link with a glare. "Also, Link, you'd better protect Nami-san, otherwise, if I find that she's hurt in any way, I'll kick your ass."

Link nodded his head nervously. "Y-yes, I got it."

Luffy, Sanji, and Zoro felt a presence coming from the water that was below the entranceway to the Water Temple.

"What is that?"

Usopp heard his friends and put his goggles on. "Hmm... Looks like a Zora swimming below. " He zoomed his goggles in so he can get a closer look.

"Let's grab it!" Luffy suggested, he stretched out his arm, but as soon as he put his arm in the water, he felt his power weaken, but he struggled through and grab Zora's arm.

"Reel it in!" Usopp cheered.

Luffy struggled to pull, but eventually, he managed to pull up the Zora, who landed on its butt.

"Geez, this is no way to treat the Zora Princess!"

Link and the Strawhat pirates were in awe of who was just reeled in.

"Are you alright, Ruto?" The fairy boy approached and crouched down in front of her.

Ruto opened her eyes to see a familiar face. "Oh...you... If I'm right...Link?!" Her face changed into relief, but, joy. "You're Link, aren't you, it's me, your fiance, Ruto, Princess of the Zoras!"

The Zora Princess was happy and joyed to see the man she chose to be her husband.

"LINK!" She embraced the fairy boy in her arms, causing the both of them to fall on the ground, with the Zora princess on top of him, Link's face went red as a tomato.

Nami laughed a bit. "Link, that sly dog."

Robin had to agree and giggled with a bright smile.

Brook was a little jealous of Link, but, he held it in.

"Great, this lovey-dovey marriage crap again," Zoro grumbled in annoyance.

Luffy was confused. "Fiance, what's that?"

Sanji got on his knees and started punching the ground with crocodile tears. "Damn, it's not fair, Link, you lucky bastard!"

Usopp smiled with a chuckle. "This is quite nice."

Chopper agreed. "Yeah, he's indeed a lucky guy."

"Waaah! This is so beautiful!" Franky cried in tears of joy.

"Alright, let's get down to business!" Navi clapped her hands together. "Anyway, Ruto, I assume that you're here to help break the curse upon the Water Temple, correct?"

Ruto got off Link and stood up with a nod. "Yes, I attend to help my father and the rest of the Zoras, the monster responsible for Zora's Domain frozen state is somewhere deep in the temple."

"M-monster..." Usopp shivered in fear, his teeth chattering.

"Anyway, the others are going to check on their ship and get supplies, Nami along with Navi and I shall accompany you into the temple," Link spoke placing his fist on his chest.

Ruto smiled brightly. "Yes, that's what my request was going to be, this is one from the woman that going to be your wife."

Sanji and Brook growled with jealousy as his body was engulfed in flames. "That-little-brat!"

Chopper held back the cook. "Easy, no need to blow your top!"

"Moron..." Zoro muttered annoyed at the chef's outburst.

Link and Nami got their Zora Tunics on, then dived into the water with Ruto.

Link used the Hookshot on a target that was above the entrance door to the temple, which was released and the bars to the door began to rise, Link raised his arm. "Let's go!"

"Right!" Nami, Ruto, and Navi stated.

After investigating the Zora's Domain and the Ice Cavern, the entire group made it to the Water Temple using the Serenade of Water, they reunite with Princess Ruto, who is now queen, while the others checked on the Sunny. Link along with Nami, Ruto, and Navi went inside the Water Temple and to confront the monster within it, what kind of water monster is it, find out next time.

Luffy: in the next chapter: Morpha the Giant Aquatic Amoeba

I'm going to be King of the Pirates

End of chapter.