** Author's Note ** Hey everyone, here's another chapter update to make up
for the slow update last time. Please check out my other work if you have
some time, its really heard to get reviews around here for anything.
Perhaps my chapters are too long, but I pay attention to detail and
character development and that's probably why people don't want to read
them.
REALLY IMPORTANT NOTE!!! I have made what I call an alternate chapter to this one, which could take this story into a totally different direction all together...but the reason why I didn't post the other version of this chapter was because I worried people would think of it as being way too dramatic/unexplained so I decided not to post it. IF by popular demand I will put that chapter up after this one and then let you people decide which you like better before I continue on. I don't mind criticism if you think it sucks or something, but it was just a thought I had...so if you want me to put it up by all means PLEASE mention it in your review... thanks a lot!
By the way, Rainer Aquarias – Sage of Time please come back and check this out! I miss your reviews because you were the first person to give my story a chance!
Special thanks also go out to Midnight* Starfire for reviewing some of my other work on this site, you have no idea how much that means to me when someone takes an interest in my other Zelda stories and is kind enough to give me some much needed input! Stay tuned for more and thanks a whole lot ^_^
Upset by everything that had happened to her in such a short amount of time, Ruto stomped off to her room to relax and ease her tension for a while. She wasn't worried about where Link went since it was obvious he was a solitary person and preferred to go off by himself and she had no doubt he was probably somewhere. Doing what she had no idea, nor was she very curious anymore to find out.
As Ruto made her way through the throne room, she did everything to look as unaffected and casual as possible so her father wouldn't ask questions. Carefully she hid the anger on her face and replaced it with a false smile, though her eyes burned with hidden rage. As she walked she put in all the effort she could muster to appear graceful and at ease. When she went down the stairs leading back to the passageways of Zoras Domain, her father had taken no notice of her and said nothing, though a pleased smile was spread across his fish like lips. It was a good thing he didn't want to find out what was going on, Ruto thought to herself as she continued on her way.
Upon entering the main area of Zoras Domain, Ruto noticed Misu was standing on an elevated rock in the middle of the pool of water near the waterfall. In front of him was none other than Zale, and surrounding him was three of Zale's followers. Zale called them his "companions" but Ruto knew better than that as they were with him constantly – especially when it came to bullying some of the other Zoras. At first Ruto just wanted to walk on and ignore them, because she was too angry with Misu to have any desire in seeking out what was going on, but then a foreboding feeling crept over her and she couldn't help but pause a moment to see what was happening. Ruto stopped walking and stood at the edge of the path, watching silently from a distance.
Misu was too distracted by Zale to notice her presence, and shortly after Ruto focused her attention on him she could hear Zale say to her husband spitefully, as a mocking laugh escaped into the air.
"Well Misu, practicing your diving again I see? Where is princess Ruto? Have you two still refused to talk to each other? Pathetic, knowing someone like you will one day rule over Zoras Domain...I shudder at the thought..."
Ruto could see Misu purse his lips while Zale and his followers glanced at one another and moved in slightly closer to where Misu was standing. In concern Ruto took a step closer to the edge, her amethyst colored eyes shining tensely at the situation. Misu was outnumbered, and he seemed to know that by the way he flared his fins every once in a while before showing a bitter reluctance to speak. When his words finally came, Ruto could clearly hear them from where she was standing despite the rushing waterfall and commotion as the other Zoras prepared for the feast. Misu's words sounded cool and extremely defensive as his hands closed into fists that shook with reproach.
"You should shudder Zale, because when I become the king I will not take kindly to those who disrespect my wife and I. If you have a problem with me, then why not consult me yourself instead of being a coward by having to bring your thugs along with you?"
A look of sheer amusement reflected in Zale's face while a slow smirk crossed his lips. Even though he was slightly smaller in height than Misu, he boldly folded his arms across his chest and scoffed softly in defiance. Ruto felt anger welling up within her, especially when Zale's three follower Zoras growled angrily at Misu's insult of being called thugs. Ruto knew something was about to happen, and it would only be in a matter of a short time. For a moment no words were spoken, until Zale finally said in retort.
"Coward am I? I think not, after all I do not lie to people by saying my mate defeated a powerful water serpent, which is beyond possibility. You shame our people by being so desperate for attention that you would resort to that kind of level."
Misu appeared completely outraged by Zale's dismissive attitude toward what Ruto and he had done to save everyone, and for a moment Ruto wanted to go over to where Zale was and scream at him. No one would understand her pain, her torment...her fear...that she had gone through to preserve the life in Zoras Domain, Lake Hylia and the Water Temple – especially someone like Zale. Ruto was beginning to develop an animosity of her own toward Misu's rival, and she felt she too would have a score to settle with him sooner or later. She watched in seething anger as Misu flared his fins widely, as a prickle of rage reflected in his dark eyes when a dark frown appeared on his lips, before he responded warningly.
"Is the trident not proof enough of the truth Ruto and I speak? You are a fool if you wont believe that, and the roar you surely heard when the water serpent slammed into the underwater passageway! If you truly believe I speak falsehood, then why not prove YOUR bravery by venturing into the serpent's lair alone as my wife did and see if it is there for yourself? Or are you afraid?"
When Misu said those words, Zale seemed to have had his smirk ripped off his lips, as it disappeared in a flash. Ruto felt satisfied to know her husband was right on those points, as well as curious to see what Zale's response to Misu's challenge would be. Neither of the male Zoras spoke for a while, but instead looked at each other and remained still in place as an icy silence ensued. The longer it lasted, the more Ruto wondered if the problem would ever be sorted out, until Zale said in an uneasy voice that covered his apparent shock and hidden fear.
"Why-why would I do something like that since it would ultimately waste my time? There is NO serpent lair; you just made it up as you did everything else. You probably stole that trident from a merchant and as for the roar, you could have roared into the passageway and used the echo to make it sound louder to scare everyone!"
Misu shook his head, clearly not impressed by Zale's weak attempts to explain away everything that happened. Ruto noticed Zale's silver scales were beginning to glimmer brightly, which was a sign in male Zoras that they were nervous about something. Zale's followers also appeared to notice his nervousness, and they protectively stepped closer to Misu while staring at him furiously. When Zale didn't seem to have anything further to say in his case, Misu said with slight satisfaction.
"I see, well that is what I call impossible. No Zora could make a sound like the water serpent did, as that creature was horrendously loud and deafening and has different vocalizations than what a Zora has. A merchant would not possess something like the trident – check within the royal family if you dare and you will hear that weapon's legend. It would be interesting to see you try to explain away all of Ruto's injuries, which no Zora could cause. Now I can confirm my thoughts that you are too cowardly after all to enter the serpent's lair and see the creature's body for yourself-"
Suddenly Zale nodded to one of his followers and the Zora rushed forward and struck Misu across the face with one of his fists. Ruto gasped in frightened surprise as Misu fell backwards and landed on his side. Blood seeped through a gash in his cheek in small red droplets as Zale's fins prickled while his voice snapped in rage.
"If you accuse me of being a coward again, I will go over to you myself and prove how much stronger and wiser I am than you. You should know better than to say such idiotic things to me when you are outnumbered. But...you were always a competitive fool...so I should have expected such words."
Ruto didn't think it would turn so violent so fast, and her instincts told her to run to Misu's aide. However, it wasn't her concern so what was she to do? Ruto watched helplessly, hoping Misu would just walk away from them and avoid further disrupting conflict in front of the other Zoras. Instead, Misu responded blatantly, seemingly unaffected by the blow he received as he got slowly to his feet while looking Zale straight in his dark abyss like eyes.
"If you think you can silence me by trying to harm me, then you are mistaken Zale. You know what Ruto and I say is the truth, and you are jealous and resentful of the competitions I have won against you in the past. All in all, it is you who is the fool for holding such minor things against me-"
"Shut up!"
Zale interrupted, his voice raising and growing angrier as the moments passed. Still, Misu looked calm and collected, and Ruto was surprised he had kept his cool for so long when his rival could barely control his temper. Misu smiled slightly and said with a hint of return mock in his voice, especially when Zale's anger was showing more clearly as the other male bared his teeth.
"Why should I listen to you? You have no authority over me, even when accompanied by your thugs. You are too afraid to admit I am right, and that the water serpent did exist and was killed by my wife. It is in your nature to think not only I played a role in such a historic event, but also that the serpent was defeated by a female – the princess. The thought enrages you because we have done something you know you would never be able to do-"
Misu stopped speaking abruptly when Zale marched forward and gave him a swift shove in his chest, which sent him stumbling backwards. Ruto cried out but clamped a hand over her mouth, trying to remain inconspicuous. Why did she feel something holding her back from defending her husband? For once she knew she needed to realize he had to handle some things himself, it wasn't up to her to go and "help" him all the time when it wasn't wanted. She watched in stress as Misu planted both his feet on the ground and glared at Zale, until Zale nodded to his followers who came forward and all at once shoved him off the rocky platform and into the water. When Misu broke the surface and kicked hard to keep where he was, Zale spat unapologetically.
"I don't care if you are the heir to the throne, never speak to me like that again."
Much to Ruto's surprise, Misu made the rash decision to fight back. She watched as Misu dove under the water and remained there for a few seconds, disappearing beneath the surface, until he suddenly threw himself out of the water and grabbed Zale by his legs before dragging him in as he descended back into the water. Zale was too shocked to even cry out, and within seconds the two Zoras were beneath the surface fighting fiercely. From where she stood Ruto got a clear vantage point since she was higher above, and could see them kicking and slashing at one another.
Misu managed to aim a well-forced punch at Zale, which hit the other male directly near his lip. Zale backed up slightly in the water, while one hand tended to the corner of his lip that began to bleed slowly. At once Zale's three followers jumped into the water to aid him, and before Ruto knew it Misu was surrounded on all sides. Despite being outnumbered, Misu fought savagely and determinedly. As all of his opponents swam to restrain him, Misu kicked two of them right after each other with amazing speed before slashing at Zale's chest with his flared fins. The third follower attempted to lunge on top of Misu, but Misu easily darted away and avoided his attack.
Although Misu was swift and powerful on his own, it was evident he could not handle four Zoras at once. This time Ruto could not stop herself from crying out in fright when one of Zale's followers that Misu kicked regained his senses and swam in as quick as lightning and forced Misu's arms behind his back. Misu writhed to get away from his grasp, but the second follower moved in to help and together they dragged him to the bottom of the pool and forced him face first into the rocky stones. Before long Zale moved down with them and all four of them held Misu in a still position underwater, while Misu desperately tried to kick his legs however they were quickly pressed down to prevent him from moving.
Then a mere bullying began to change into something more sinister – if they didn't let Misu go in a short while, he would die. Zoras needed to be constantly moving in the water to help provide water circulation for their gills, and if one were held underwater death would soon result. Ruto's eyes widened in shock until she heard her voice scream out in rage.
"NO! Misu! Zale stop it, you'll kill him!"
The other Zoras in the area became aware of what was going on after hearing her voice, but instead of running to help they stopped and watched in tense fear. No one was strong enough to stand up to Zale and his followers, no were they brave enough. Desperately Ruto's legs picked up as she ran in several directions, trying to convince them to help though knowing it would make no difference.
"What's wrong with all of you! If we don't do something they'll kill Misu! Zoras Domain is supposed to be a place of tranquility and peace, not of murder and hatred! We must help Misu!"
No one said anything, and Ruto felt her anger strengthen ten fold at the attitude of her fellow Zoras. What could she do though? If she tried to stop them, they would not take her heed and would simply knock her away. However, Misu was her husband, someone she loved deeply and couldn't bear to lose for a second time. If she were in the same situation Misu was in, he would have tried to save her and she should do the same. Just as Ruto was preparing to launch into the water, a metallic glimmer caught her eye. Carefully her eyes scanned the watery abyss, and for a moment she didn't understand where the glint came from until she saw the master sword moving swiftly toward Zale and his followers – and clutching the sword was none other than Link. The hero of time moved so quickly she could barely see him, but once she did he was impossible to miss.
Ruto could catch a faint image of Link's expression, and Link appeared emotionless though intent and focused on what he was about to do. When he drew close enough to Zale, Link swung the master sword at the Zora's neck. It didn't even take Zale a second to see the metallic glint of the master sword and the hardened expression of its possessor, and he was intelligent enough to get out of the way. Instantly Zale let go of Misu and threw himself away from Link, just as Link's sword collided in the place where he would have been.
Ruto knew Link missed Zale on purpose, and he could have killed the Zora easily if he wished to. Why did he suddenly choose to show himself? It surprised her that he was getting involved in matters that weren't his own, but she felt a rush of respect and awe overwhelm her. As Ruto watched, Link flew toward the three remaining Zoras as swiftly as any Zora could swim, and when Zale retreated the others looked up and noticed Link's presence before immediately letting go of Misu and trying to avoid Link's blade. Link swung the sword effortlessly at them, nearly clipping one of the three's foot, before he swam after them and chased them out of the water. The moment they left Misu thrashed his way to the surface and spluttered breathlessly, which gave Ruto her time to talk to him.
"Misu! Are you all right?"
For a moment Misu seemed clueless as to where her voice was coming from, until he looked up and saw her standing at the edge of the ledge. The male Zora's eyes hardened when he muttered bitterly, as trickles of blood slid down his face and Ruto noticed he had clear gashes on his arms from the force Zale and his followers used to restrain him.
"I'm fine."
Both of them turned and watched Link as he swam back toward them, his sword still drawn though he appeared finished with Zale and his follower's – for now. Misu quickly lost interest in Link though and made his way to the shore, and when Link arrived seconds after he did, the hero of time finally put his sword away before looking at Misu with his steel blue eyes. Misu returned Link's look with a cold look of his own until he said resentfully.
"I didn't need your help, I could have handled Zale and his followers myself."
Link's expression didn't change, although he appeared to be giving Misu a look that was more icy than usual. Ruto ran from her spot at the ledge to meet them on the shore of the water, and by the time she arrived Link was already speaking to Misu in his normal chilling voice.
"By all accounts you did require my services, or else you would have died. Suit yourself then, I was only trying to help."
"If I had wanted your help I would have asked for it, plain and simple."
"Judging by the position you were in, it didn't seem like you could have asked for help even if you tried..."
Link finished, and when he noticed Ruto he said nothing though his cold eyes softened slightly. Ruto felt a rush of relieve flow through her to know both Link and her husband were all right, although she wondered what became of Zale and his followers. Whatever happened to them, she decided if they even dared to show their faces again she would make sure they would be punished for trying to take the life of her husband.
"I'm so glad you're ok Link! If my husband won't thank you for saving his life, than I certainly will."
Ruto found herself saying gratefully, and when the words spilled from her mouth Misu's dark eyes shifted and glared at her maliciously. Ruto looked at him in return, but she wouldn't let his coldness toward her and Link affect her. An icy silence followed and Ruto wasn't sure how many more moments like that she could take until Misu snapped at her suddenly and harshly.
"Well Ruto, I guess you should leave it to your 'hero' from now on..."
She looked at him in shock as he turned and stomped away, leaving the dripping wet Link and her alone. Ruto wanted to go to him, to try and convince him what he thought wasn't right, but when Link's steel blue eyes looked directly into hers she knew she had to leave Misu alone. Ruto sighed in discontent, trying to sort through everything that happened in her mind. Then the same foreboding feeling crept over her, and she felt something within herself begin to tremble. At first she tried to hide it, dismissing it as just being her nerves trying to get the best of her, but when it became more apparent she realized it wasn't her body that was trembling – it was the ground beneath her.
Ruto looked around in startled shock, hearing a low rumbling noise fill Zoras Domain and shake small pebbles off the walls that clicked as they fell down to the ground. For the first time Link was showing a slight sign of emotion, and his eyes looked upward in concealed surprise as the rumbling became more intense and violent – shaking the whole cavernous walls of Zoras Domain.
"What's going on?"
Ruto cried out in fear, but Link didn't give her a response. The ground's shaking became more rapid by the second; giving the impression a huge earthquake was sifting through the core of Zoras Domain. Ruto knew it wasn't an earthquake though, and she had an idea as to what its cause was...
REALLY IMPORTANT NOTE!!! I have made what I call an alternate chapter to this one, which could take this story into a totally different direction all together...but the reason why I didn't post the other version of this chapter was because I worried people would think of it as being way too dramatic/unexplained so I decided not to post it. IF by popular demand I will put that chapter up after this one and then let you people decide which you like better before I continue on. I don't mind criticism if you think it sucks or something, but it was just a thought I had...so if you want me to put it up by all means PLEASE mention it in your review... thanks a lot!
By the way, Rainer Aquarias – Sage of Time please come back and check this out! I miss your reviews because you were the first person to give my story a chance!
Special thanks also go out to Midnight* Starfire for reviewing some of my other work on this site, you have no idea how much that means to me when someone takes an interest in my other Zelda stories and is kind enough to give me some much needed input! Stay tuned for more and thanks a whole lot ^_^
Upset by everything that had happened to her in such a short amount of time, Ruto stomped off to her room to relax and ease her tension for a while. She wasn't worried about where Link went since it was obvious he was a solitary person and preferred to go off by himself and she had no doubt he was probably somewhere. Doing what she had no idea, nor was she very curious anymore to find out.
As Ruto made her way through the throne room, she did everything to look as unaffected and casual as possible so her father wouldn't ask questions. Carefully she hid the anger on her face and replaced it with a false smile, though her eyes burned with hidden rage. As she walked she put in all the effort she could muster to appear graceful and at ease. When she went down the stairs leading back to the passageways of Zoras Domain, her father had taken no notice of her and said nothing, though a pleased smile was spread across his fish like lips. It was a good thing he didn't want to find out what was going on, Ruto thought to herself as she continued on her way.
Upon entering the main area of Zoras Domain, Ruto noticed Misu was standing on an elevated rock in the middle of the pool of water near the waterfall. In front of him was none other than Zale, and surrounding him was three of Zale's followers. Zale called them his "companions" but Ruto knew better than that as they were with him constantly – especially when it came to bullying some of the other Zoras. At first Ruto just wanted to walk on and ignore them, because she was too angry with Misu to have any desire in seeking out what was going on, but then a foreboding feeling crept over her and she couldn't help but pause a moment to see what was happening. Ruto stopped walking and stood at the edge of the path, watching silently from a distance.
Misu was too distracted by Zale to notice her presence, and shortly after Ruto focused her attention on him she could hear Zale say to her husband spitefully, as a mocking laugh escaped into the air.
"Well Misu, practicing your diving again I see? Where is princess Ruto? Have you two still refused to talk to each other? Pathetic, knowing someone like you will one day rule over Zoras Domain...I shudder at the thought..."
Ruto could see Misu purse his lips while Zale and his followers glanced at one another and moved in slightly closer to where Misu was standing. In concern Ruto took a step closer to the edge, her amethyst colored eyes shining tensely at the situation. Misu was outnumbered, and he seemed to know that by the way he flared his fins every once in a while before showing a bitter reluctance to speak. When his words finally came, Ruto could clearly hear them from where she was standing despite the rushing waterfall and commotion as the other Zoras prepared for the feast. Misu's words sounded cool and extremely defensive as his hands closed into fists that shook with reproach.
"You should shudder Zale, because when I become the king I will not take kindly to those who disrespect my wife and I. If you have a problem with me, then why not consult me yourself instead of being a coward by having to bring your thugs along with you?"
A look of sheer amusement reflected in Zale's face while a slow smirk crossed his lips. Even though he was slightly smaller in height than Misu, he boldly folded his arms across his chest and scoffed softly in defiance. Ruto felt anger welling up within her, especially when Zale's three follower Zoras growled angrily at Misu's insult of being called thugs. Ruto knew something was about to happen, and it would only be in a matter of a short time. For a moment no words were spoken, until Zale finally said in retort.
"Coward am I? I think not, after all I do not lie to people by saying my mate defeated a powerful water serpent, which is beyond possibility. You shame our people by being so desperate for attention that you would resort to that kind of level."
Misu appeared completely outraged by Zale's dismissive attitude toward what Ruto and he had done to save everyone, and for a moment Ruto wanted to go over to where Zale was and scream at him. No one would understand her pain, her torment...her fear...that she had gone through to preserve the life in Zoras Domain, Lake Hylia and the Water Temple – especially someone like Zale. Ruto was beginning to develop an animosity of her own toward Misu's rival, and she felt she too would have a score to settle with him sooner or later. She watched in seething anger as Misu flared his fins widely, as a prickle of rage reflected in his dark eyes when a dark frown appeared on his lips, before he responded warningly.
"Is the trident not proof enough of the truth Ruto and I speak? You are a fool if you wont believe that, and the roar you surely heard when the water serpent slammed into the underwater passageway! If you truly believe I speak falsehood, then why not prove YOUR bravery by venturing into the serpent's lair alone as my wife did and see if it is there for yourself? Or are you afraid?"
When Misu said those words, Zale seemed to have had his smirk ripped off his lips, as it disappeared in a flash. Ruto felt satisfied to know her husband was right on those points, as well as curious to see what Zale's response to Misu's challenge would be. Neither of the male Zoras spoke for a while, but instead looked at each other and remained still in place as an icy silence ensued. The longer it lasted, the more Ruto wondered if the problem would ever be sorted out, until Zale said in an uneasy voice that covered his apparent shock and hidden fear.
"Why-why would I do something like that since it would ultimately waste my time? There is NO serpent lair; you just made it up as you did everything else. You probably stole that trident from a merchant and as for the roar, you could have roared into the passageway and used the echo to make it sound louder to scare everyone!"
Misu shook his head, clearly not impressed by Zale's weak attempts to explain away everything that happened. Ruto noticed Zale's silver scales were beginning to glimmer brightly, which was a sign in male Zoras that they were nervous about something. Zale's followers also appeared to notice his nervousness, and they protectively stepped closer to Misu while staring at him furiously. When Zale didn't seem to have anything further to say in his case, Misu said with slight satisfaction.
"I see, well that is what I call impossible. No Zora could make a sound like the water serpent did, as that creature was horrendously loud and deafening and has different vocalizations than what a Zora has. A merchant would not possess something like the trident – check within the royal family if you dare and you will hear that weapon's legend. It would be interesting to see you try to explain away all of Ruto's injuries, which no Zora could cause. Now I can confirm my thoughts that you are too cowardly after all to enter the serpent's lair and see the creature's body for yourself-"
Suddenly Zale nodded to one of his followers and the Zora rushed forward and struck Misu across the face with one of his fists. Ruto gasped in frightened surprise as Misu fell backwards and landed on his side. Blood seeped through a gash in his cheek in small red droplets as Zale's fins prickled while his voice snapped in rage.
"If you accuse me of being a coward again, I will go over to you myself and prove how much stronger and wiser I am than you. You should know better than to say such idiotic things to me when you are outnumbered. But...you were always a competitive fool...so I should have expected such words."
Ruto didn't think it would turn so violent so fast, and her instincts told her to run to Misu's aide. However, it wasn't her concern so what was she to do? Ruto watched helplessly, hoping Misu would just walk away from them and avoid further disrupting conflict in front of the other Zoras. Instead, Misu responded blatantly, seemingly unaffected by the blow he received as he got slowly to his feet while looking Zale straight in his dark abyss like eyes.
"If you think you can silence me by trying to harm me, then you are mistaken Zale. You know what Ruto and I say is the truth, and you are jealous and resentful of the competitions I have won against you in the past. All in all, it is you who is the fool for holding such minor things against me-"
"Shut up!"
Zale interrupted, his voice raising and growing angrier as the moments passed. Still, Misu looked calm and collected, and Ruto was surprised he had kept his cool for so long when his rival could barely control his temper. Misu smiled slightly and said with a hint of return mock in his voice, especially when Zale's anger was showing more clearly as the other male bared his teeth.
"Why should I listen to you? You have no authority over me, even when accompanied by your thugs. You are too afraid to admit I am right, and that the water serpent did exist and was killed by my wife. It is in your nature to think not only I played a role in such a historic event, but also that the serpent was defeated by a female – the princess. The thought enrages you because we have done something you know you would never be able to do-"
Misu stopped speaking abruptly when Zale marched forward and gave him a swift shove in his chest, which sent him stumbling backwards. Ruto cried out but clamped a hand over her mouth, trying to remain inconspicuous. Why did she feel something holding her back from defending her husband? For once she knew she needed to realize he had to handle some things himself, it wasn't up to her to go and "help" him all the time when it wasn't wanted. She watched in stress as Misu planted both his feet on the ground and glared at Zale, until Zale nodded to his followers who came forward and all at once shoved him off the rocky platform and into the water. When Misu broke the surface and kicked hard to keep where he was, Zale spat unapologetically.
"I don't care if you are the heir to the throne, never speak to me like that again."
Much to Ruto's surprise, Misu made the rash decision to fight back. She watched as Misu dove under the water and remained there for a few seconds, disappearing beneath the surface, until he suddenly threw himself out of the water and grabbed Zale by his legs before dragging him in as he descended back into the water. Zale was too shocked to even cry out, and within seconds the two Zoras were beneath the surface fighting fiercely. From where she stood Ruto got a clear vantage point since she was higher above, and could see them kicking and slashing at one another.
Misu managed to aim a well-forced punch at Zale, which hit the other male directly near his lip. Zale backed up slightly in the water, while one hand tended to the corner of his lip that began to bleed slowly. At once Zale's three followers jumped into the water to aid him, and before Ruto knew it Misu was surrounded on all sides. Despite being outnumbered, Misu fought savagely and determinedly. As all of his opponents swam to restrain him, Misu kicked two of them right after each other with amazing speed before slashing at Zale's chest with his flared fins. The third follower attempted to lunge on top of Misu, but Misu easily darted away and avoided his attack.
Although Misu was swift and powerful on his own, it was evident he could not handle four Zoras at once. This time Ruto could not stop herself from crying out in fright when one of Zale's followers that Misu kicked regained his senses and swam in as quick as lightning and forced Misu's arms behind his back. Misu writhed to get away from his grasp, but the second follower moved in to help and together they dragged him to the bottom of the pool and forced him face first into the rocky stones. Before long Zale moved down with them and all four of them held Misu in a still position underwater, while Misu desperately tried to kick his legs however they were quickly pressed down to prevent him from moving.
Then a mere bullying began to change into something more sinister – if they didn't let Misu go in a short while, he would die. Zoras needed to be constantly moving in the water to help provide water circulation for their gills, and if one were held underwater death would soon result. Ruto's eyes widened in shock until she heard her voice scream out in rage.
"NO! Misu! Zale stop it, you'll kill him!"
The other Zoras in the area became aware of what was going on after hearing her voice, but instead of running to help they stopped and watched in tense fear. No one was strong enough to stand up to Zale and his followers, no were they brave enough. Desperately Ruto's legs picked up as she ran in several directions, trying to convince them to help though knowing it would make no difference.
"What's wrong with all of you! If we don't do something they'll kill Misu! Zoras Domain is supposed to be a place of tranquility and peace, not of murder and hatred! We must help Misu!"
No one said anything, and Ruto felt her anger strengthen ten fold at the attitude of her fellow Zoras. What could she do though? If she tried to stop them, they would not take her heed and would simply knock her away. However, Misu was her husband, someone she loved deeply and couldn't bear to lose for a second time. If she were in the same situation Misu was in, he would have tried to save her and she should do the same. Just as Ruto was preparing to launch into the water, a metallic glimmer caught her eye. Carefully her eyes scanned the watery abyss, and for a moment she didn't understand where the glint came from until she saw the master sword moving swiftly toward Zale and his followers – and clutching the sword was none other than Link. The hero of time moved so quickly she could barely see him, but once she did he was impossible to miss.
Ruto could catch a faint image of Link's expression, and Link appeared emotionless though intent and focused on what he was about to do. When he drew close enough to Zale, Link swung the master sword at the Zora's neck. It didn't even take Zale a second to see the metallic glint of the master sword and the hardened expression of its possessor, and he was intelligent enough to get out of the way. Instantly Zale let go of Misu and threw himself away from Link, just as Link's sword collided in the place where he would have been.
Ruto knew Link missed Zale on purpose, and he could have killed the Zora easily if he wished to. Why did he suddenly choose to show himself? It surprised her that he was getting involved in matters that weren't his own, but she felt a rush of respect and awe overwhelm her. As Ruto watched, Link flew toward the three remaining Zoras as swiftly as any Zora could swim, and when Zale retreated the others looked up and noticed Link's presence before immediately letting go of Misu and trying to avoid Link's blade. Link swung the sword effortlessly at them, nearly clipping one of the three's foot, before he swam after them and chased them out of the water. The moment they left Misu thrashed his way to the surface and spluttered breathlessly, which gave Ruto her time to talk to him.
"Misu! Are you all right?"
For a moment Misu seemed clueless as to where her voice was coming from, until he looked up and saw her standing at the edge of the ledge. The male Zora's eyes hardened when he muttered bitterly, as trickles of blood slid down his face and Ruto noticed he had clear gashes on his arms from the force Zale and his followers used to restrain him.
"I'm fine."
Both of them turned and watched Link as he swam back toward them, his sword still drawn though he appeared finished with Zale and his follower's – for now. Misu quickly lost interest in Link though and made his way to the shore, and when Link arrived seconds after he did, the hero of time finally put his sword away before looking at Misu with his steel blue eyes. Misu returned Link's look with a cold look of his own until he said resentfully.
"I didn't need your help, I could have handled Zale and his followers myself."
Link's expression didn't change, although he appeared to be giving Misu a look that was more icy than usual. Ruto ran from her spot at the ledge to meet them on the shore of the water, and by the time she arrived Link was already speaking to Misu in his normal chilling voice.
"By all accounts you did require my services, or else you would have died. Suit yourself then, I was only trying to help."
"If I had wanted your help I would have asked for it, plain and simple."
"Judging by the position you were in, it didn't seem like you could have asked for help even if you tried..."
Link finished, and when he noticed Ruto he said nothing though his cold eyes softened slightly. Ruto felt a rush of relieve flow through her to know both Link and her husband were all right, although she wondered what became of Zale and his followers. Whatever happened to them, she decided if they even dared to show their faces again she would make sure they would be punished for trying to take the life of her husband.
"I'm so glad you're ok Link! If my husband won't thank you for saving his life, than I certainly will."
Ruto found herself saying gratefully, and when the words spilled from her mouth Misu's dark eyes shifted and glared at her maliciously. Ruto looked at him in return, but she wouldn't let his coldness toward her and Link affect her. An icy silence followed and Ruto wasn't sure how many more moments like that she could take until Misu snapped at her suddenly and harshly.
"Well Ruto, I guess you should leave it to your 'hero' from now on..."
She looked at him in shock as he turned and stomped away, leaving the dripping wet Link and her alone. Ruto wanted to go to him, to try and convince him what he thought wasn't right, but when Link's steel blue eyes looked directly into hers she knew she had to leave Misu alone. Ruto sighed in discontent, trying to sort through everything that happened in her mind. Then the same foreboding feeling crept over her, and she felt something within herself begin to tremble. At first she tried to hide it, dismissing it as just being her nerves trying to get the best of her, but when it became more apparent she realized it wasn't her body that was trembling – it was the ground beneath her.
Ruto looked around in startled shock, hearing a low rumbling noise fill Zoras Domain and shake small pebbles off the walls that clicked as they fell down to the ground. For the first time Link was showing a slight sign of emotion, and his eyes looked upward in concealed surprise as the rumbling became more intense and violent – shaking the whole cavernous walls of Zoras Domain.
"What's going on?"
Ruto cried out in fear, but Link didn't give her a response. The ground's shaking became more rapid by the second; giving the impression a huge earthquake was sifting through the core of Zoras Domain. Ruto knew it wasn't an earthquake though, and she had an idea as to what its cause was...