Author's Note Well after some requests, I have decided to continue BOTH
versions by adding each one separately. So for example, my latest chapter
here continues off of chapter 12 (the version I remade, not the one from
the last chapter). In other words, it's the version that I left off with
Link and Ruto in Zoras Domain. My next chapter will be continuing from
where Ruto and Link are in Lake Hylia, but that won't come for a little
while because I want to make sure this works out because it can get
confusing. REMEMBER to read my author's note at the beginning from now on
so you know which update I make for which alternate part in the story so
you don't get confused. Since I have double the work to update now, it may
take me a while but check for updates to this story often as you never know
when one will come.
Please also let me know what you think as to how this version of the story is going, if there are any parts in the chapter you particularly liked and if you are pleased that I have decided to continue both versions so you can see the differences they can take! I would particularly like to hear what you think of how this version of the story is going and what you think about the animosity between Link and Misu...Thanks!
As Ruto attempted to steady herself despite the shaking ground beneath her, Link braced his body and looked toward the water, which was beginning to bubble as if something had suddenly made the water unbearably warm. Upon seeing such a sight, Ruto gasped and stepped back from the shore, baffled at the sight before her.
All around her was chaos. Zoras ran all over the place, some of them screaming in horror while others covering their faces with their hands and shielding themselves from the falling rocks coming from the ceiling. As Ruto stood looking at the chaos with a frightened gaze, the ground beneath her suddenly cracked apart and began to slowly split in half between her feet. It happened so suddenly that Ruto nearly lost her balance, until Link darted to her with unbelievable speed and knocked her out of the way, just as the ground split completely and revealed a large and wide crevice in the earth. If she had not been knocked out of the way, she would have fallen into the crevice to her death.
Together she and Link fell to the ground and he lay there for a moment covering her with his body, as the young Zoras princess looked up at him from beneath him in admiration yet still scared by what was happening to her beloved home. Ruto's purple eyes looked into Link's steel gaze, but it only lasted a moment before the hero of time lost interest and got to his feet. As to not look like a coward, Ruto followed suit quickly after and saw the bubbling in the pool of water had gotten worse. Steam was beginning to rise from the surface, but fortunately all the Zoras had fled from it in their terror.
"We have to get everyone out of here, this place will collapse on us if we don't!"
Ruto cried, and noticed Link was staring at the direction of the waterfall as if transfixed by something. Anxiously she looked from him to the waterfall, not seeing any change, before saying urgently.
"Link!!!"
It was at that moment when she realized exactly why he was looking at it so much, as the water flowing from the waterfall was gradually growing less and less as the seconds passed. In fact, the water appeared to be stopping all together and when only a minute went by of watching it the water had trickled to a stop. Ruto stared in disbelief – at first it was the tremors, then the falling rocks, boiling water and now the waterfall had stopped completely. As she contemplated as to how it was possible Link suddenly spun around, his face hard yet nervous in expression, as he said calmly.
"There is something coming here from beneath the water, so no one must enter it. Ruto, gather all the Zoras here and hide them somewhere, as long as it's out of sight. Whatever caused this, it's coming – and fast."
Ruto looked at him in question, wondering how she could possibly gather everyone in one place when the Zoras were everywhere at once. What would he do while she was attending to her people? She couldn't just leave him there, what if something happened to him after she left? She wanted to stay with him, to help him fight whatever was coming. Ruto shook her head in disagreement, saying worriedly.
"But Link! What about you? I can't just go off and-"
"You have to Ruto!"
He interrupted, his icy gaze glancing from her and to the bubbling water before them. For a moment his concern seemed to overwhelm him and distract him, but he soon continued with his words.
"It is your responsibility as the princess of the Zoras to protect your people in every way possible! I'll be fine; I've been through a lot of bad situations. Just go, now!"
Reluctantly Ruto knew she would have to do what he said, not only because he was right but also because she couldn't do anything to help him anyway. She had no weapons and she certainly didn't possess the title of hero of time. Link was an independent person anyway, despite his cold attitude, so if he told her he didn't need her there then she should listen. Besides – she was afraid for Misu, as they hadn't exactly parted on good terms. If something were to happen...no, Ruto thought to herself, she couldn't allow her mind to wander to the worst possible outcomes. She had to find her people, find Misu, and take them to a safe place inside Zoras Domain.
"Alright Link, I'll gather my people and take them to safety! Just...please...stay alive while I'm gone!"
Without looking at him further, Ruto turned and ran down the passageway deep into Zoras Domain. As she went, she came across dozens Zoras milling about in confusion, but Misu was not among them. He certainly wasn't the type to become disoriented during a bad situation, however Ruto secretly wished he had been with them so she would have at least known he was ok. So far she had no idea where he was or what he was doing, but she couldn't allow that to distract her so much.
"Everyone! Follow me, this way!"
Ruto called out to them, and all the Zoras in the area seemed so frightened that they quickly gravitated toward her before bombarding her with hoards of questions and comments.
"What's going on?"
"Why is Zoras Domain shaking?"
"The water serpent's back!!!"
"I'll bet that young Hylian man had something to do with this!" Ruto shook her head, unable to answer almost all of their questions. Knowing the situation was becoming more dangerous as the minutes passed, she said desperately.
"Please! Everyone, be quiet and calm down! We must go to the boardroom, and try to stay with the group. If you get lost or separated, call out until someone finds you or go to the boardroom as quickly as possible! If you see anyone who is in trouble, yell out my name and I'll do the best I can to help them!"
The Zoras silenced abruptly, and soon Ruto found herself leading the large group down the many hallways of Zoras Domain. The 'boardroom' as all the Zoras knew it, was the largest meeting place in Zoras Domain. It was there Zoras could conduct debate issues and discuss fish productivity and other Zora matters. Unfortunately, it was extremely deep inside Zoras Domain and very difficult to get to unless one knew their way. In King Zoras younger years he used to hold his meetings inside the boardroom, but as his weight increased and his mobility lessened, he could no longer make such a long venture and was forced to manage the royal meetings in the throne room. Since then, the boardroom was used less frequently and normally only by the common Zora.
Ruto hoped she could get her people there before anything seriously bad happened, though her thoughts sometimes wandered to Link as she moved through the seemingly endless passageways. Most of the passages were wide and easy to get through, but the deeper they went the narrower they became. It was difficult for her to keep the group together, and she knew she had a small number of Zoras in comparison to those that were still scattered through out her home.
When Ruto and her group came within a few passages of the boardroom, she noticed the figure of a male Zora standing at the end of a particular hallway looking at her as she led her people behind. Ruto quickly recognized the male Zora as Kier, though his expression was extremely troubled. When she came within his sight though, relief washed over his face while the male Zora exclaimed almost joyfully, despite his trembling voice.
"Ruto! I'm glad your safe, everything has gone completely mad since that strange tremor!"
She acknowledged his words regretfully, knowing the stark truth of what he said. When she arrived before him, Ruto knew she could finally leave her group with him, as he was a very trustworthy and brave Zora. The desperation she felt to find Misu was overwhelming, and she simply couldn't stand wondering where he was any longer. Although it pained her greatly she felt somewhat guilty for dumping a group of frightened Zoras into Kier's care at the last second.
"Kier, I must request that you take this group to the boardroom and help the others find their way to it. If something happens, come and find me but only search these passageways and return quickly as I fear something terrible will come and I don't want anyone to lead it straight to where everyone is hiding!"
Kier nodded obediently, his eyes narrowing to gather courage, and Ruto hoped she hadn't done the wrong thing and put yet another life in danger. She had no choice though – whatever was coming, she was the one who had to be ready to protect everyone. Not only that, but she certainly wasn't the type to remain in hiding while those she cared about risked their lives to save her and her people.
"As you wish princess, I will do what you have asked to my furthest extent. Please...be careful!"
Kier said, looking at her worriedly before moving off. Most of the Zoras heard their conversation and followed him, however another female questioned Ruto nervously.
"Princess, what will you do? Where will you go? Your not leaving us are you?"
The fright in her voice couldn't help but make Ruto pity her, as she looked into the female's bright blue eyes. Female Zoras although rare in the Zora culture, were important and looked almost the exact same as princess Ruto. The only exception was that Ruto was slightly taller than most, with wider more elegant fins and purple eyes, which was an extreme rarity. Comfortingly the Zora princess smiled weakly before saying to her softly.
"Don't worry, I won't leave anyone! I must go and do what my duty has called me to do – protect you and all the Zoras from whatever is trying to destroy our home. Please listen to Kier and do what he tells you while I'm away...and if I do not return...then everyone must abandon Zoras Domain and head for Zoras River."
"Abandon Zoras Domain? What will we do then?"
Ruto hated discussing such matters, especially when it made their situation seem bleak and hopeless. She especially didn't want to stir tension and despair among her people, which made her reply rather cryptically.
"We will deal with that when the time comes."
Without looking back, Ruto walked away from the frightened fellow female Zora and started off back to the main area of Zoras Domain. She hoped during her search for other Zoras that she would find Misu...alive. Occasionally during her venture down the many passageways leading back to where she came from she would encounter other Zoras, and each time she would tell them to go to the boardroom and to go in groups in case something happened. The Zoras would listen without question and scuttle off, making Ruto feel slightly better to know they would be a lot safer than how they were when they wandered aimlessly around.
Finally Ruto reached the main area once more, and she noticed as she walked to the pool of water where the waterfall was that her home was slowly deteriorating. Massive chunks of rock from the walls and ceiling had fallen into the water and left large awkward looking boulders along the bottom, some of the larger ones even projecting above the surface. That was the least of the problems though...as the first thing she saw when she looked into the water was Link, swimming at the surface and looking dreadfully at the underwater passageway. Ruto dare not call his name out of fear of distracting him, but the ground in the main area shook far worse than anywhere else. It had become difficult for her to even remain standing because of the tremors, and when it seemed it couldn't get any worse – it did.
Out of nowhere, a booming roar erupted from underwater. The sound nearly caused the Zora princess's heart to stop as she looked in horrification at the water, while the deafening sound blasted in her ears. Link appeared startled by the sound as well, because the second it occurred he darted back in the water and protectively threw his sword in front of him. Ruto wondered how he could stand being in the water, but she soon realized the water had ceased bubbling and steaming, though it looked disrupted because light waves rolled at its surface and it was no longer calm like it had always been.
Helplessly Ruto watched, fear growing within her, as the passageway and part of the rocks surrounding it began to rumble under the water. The roar she heard, she would never forget it, but it sounded strangely...different somehow. She couldn't quite pinpoint how, but the vocalization sounded a lot deeper and louder than ever before, and it was obvious whatever it was – water serpent or not - it was trying to break inside. How was it possible though? She had killed the water serpent! It couldn't live, especially after she slashed its throat and completely mangled it by making puncture wounds in numerous areas of its body with the trident. While she stared in disbelief, the horrible moment came when the rocks and the passageway were thrown forward in the water.
Left behind the massive blow was a gaping dark hole, and after the impact the water in Zoras Domain began rushing toward the hole as if being sucked out by some sort of siphon. The underwater passage was destroyed, along with the Zoras protection from Lake Hylia. In its wake came something more terrible Ruto felt her body weaken and she nearly passed out from shock and fear.
Out of the darkness of the hole pierced two glowing dark blue eyes, as well as a partially exposed pair of lizard like hands with sharp black claws that dug into the rocky bottom. Ruto felt her body move faster than it had before as she ran to the shore of the pool of water to get a closer look at what had come to invade Zoras Domain. When she finally arrived at ground level, she threw herself into the water and propelled forward. The sight of the massive creature overwhelmed her, but she couldn't see it to its full extent because most of it was cloaked in shadow except its face and part of its body.
The monster was a dark blackish color, with scales covering its entire body. Sometimes when the light bouncing off the water reflected on it, the creature's scales reflected a subtle tint of dark blue. Ruto realized it resembled the water serpent, however it was no longer serpent like in nature at all. Instead it had long powerful arms and legs though it still had some of its snake like attributes because of its long neck and body. The creature had a large snake like face and head, however projecting on top of its snout near the end of its face was a long spike that curved slightly backward and appeared to be able to cut through anything with ease. From its inner mouth projected rows of glistening silver teeth as sharp as knives, and lining its back were rows of silver spikes connected by growths of fin. From the top of its head came two long silver tendrils that went nearly to the ground and hung loosely as the creature stared at her and Link with its malicious looking glowing eyes. Within those eyes Ruto saw recognition as they looked straight at her, and she knew...it had to be the water serpent, but in a strangely different form.
At closer inspection, Ruto noticed the monster lacked gills as well as the fan around its neck. The longer she looked at its neck the more she realized there was a jagged scar cut deep near its throat. It was the exact place she had slit when trying to kill the serpent, and it seemed despite its 'new' form, the scar would not heal completely. Along the back of its neck and down near the front part of its body were further scarring patterns, which proved for Ruto it was authentically the water serpent. How could it live after she watched it die? Ruto wanted to scream, to shout and cry, to wrench over how her efforts to protect her people had failed. She was a failure...and now the water serpent, or she could no longer call it a serpent but now some sort of 'lizard' thing, would win and kill everyone.
The only comfort she had was Link was with her this time, but even that seemed small in comparison to the water lizard that was before them. It had surprisingly shrunk in size when taking on its new form, but appeared to be able to move freely both on land and in water because of the addition of arms and legs. A tremor of disarray flooded through Ruto's heart, because the water serpent/lizard's size was small enough but still large enough for it to be able to maintain its strength as well as slip through the passageways of Zoras Domain...
As quickly as the serpent's changed form appeared it attacked. Without warning the lizard like creature flew through the water and snapped its head forward at Link, who quickly recoiled in defense and threw himself out of the way just in time to avoid its gnashing blade like teeth. In response to his evasion of its attack, the water lizard emitted another thunderous roar before moving forward in the water, and every step it took with its large feet and arms caused the bottom of the rocky pool to tremble. When it came fully out of the passageway, Ruto noticed it had a long plated tail tipped with numerous sharp spikes – a tail that looked familiar to the one she thought she saw in her dream. Now, her dream was turning into a terrible reality.
Much to Ruto's further terror, the water lizard was also faster and more agile than before. Within a fraction of a second of its first attack, it swung its spiked tail at Link to attack again. For Link it was a narrower escape, and he had to do a backward flip in the water to go above it as it thrashed by where he once was. His move wasn't quite fast enough, because as he flipped one of the creature's spikes gouged into his left arm and caused blood to flow into the water. Ruto closed her eyes as Link cried out in pain, and watched him recover himself and place his opposite hand over his flowing wound tenderly, as his cold eyes glared at the water lizard with pure hatred.
Ruto saw Link's rage burning in his eyes, but he remained amazingly calm and focused. Abruptly he let go of his wound before plunging forward in the water, and as he sped toward the water lizard he moved the point of the sword directly at the water lizard until reaching its shoulder whereupon he threw it into its plated skin. For a moment Ruto felt joy wash over her to see Link making an attack, but the second the blade came in contact with the water lizard's armor like scales, it failed to penetrate no matter how hard he tried to force it through.
Her eyes widened, especially when she looked at Link's momentarily shocked expression to see that not even the master sword could do any damage to the water serpent's new form. After realizing his blade would do no good, Ruto watched him try and gain distance by kicking his feet away from the water lizard, however with a swipe of its long powerful arm the water lizard grabbed him in its claws and held him firmly. Link squirmed and kicked, and the more he fought the angrier the water lizard became. Yet another deafening roar sounded while the creature lowered its claws containing the hero of time to the rocky floor and pressed Link against it roughly, trying to drown him. Since Link had not put on his water tunic, he would die within minutes if something weren't done.
That was what she was for – she had to do something! Ruto couldn't stand around watching Link fight the water serpent/lizard alone; she had to do her part to aide him. Knowing she was making a foolish move, Ruto swam forward in the water and headed directly toward the water lizard, hoping to distract it so it would release its grip on Link. Precariously she moved near the serpent's head, and when its eyes locked onto her she moved even closer to taunt it just slightly, wanting it to come after her instead. The past seemed to work in her favor, because the moment she came close enough the water lizard instantly released its grip on Link and began stomping after her in the water. It recognized her clearly from the last battle she shared with it, and it wanted revenge.
Ruto swam as fast as she could, though her weakened condition was slowing her down. The water lizard had amazing speed, and she could not stay in the same direction for more than a few seconds before the water lizard would snap its head where she had been in pursuit. Ruto darted in almost every way she could think of, but the small space she was in when comparing it to the large dark space inside the serpent's lair proved to be a great disadvantage since there were less places for her to go or hide. She had to get away – and fast. For a moment she managed to look behind her at the bottom and saw Link lying unconscious. The creature's force must have been so great that the lack of oxygen had knocked him out, and if he didn't get any air there would be no hope of saving him.
She had to make an attempt to get to him, no matter what the cost. Only he could help her save her and her people, but he wouldn't be able to if he died. After she dodged another of the water lizard's lunging attacks, this time barely missing as she felt its rough black scales scrape against her feet, Ruto diverted her direction down to the bottom to get to Link. Taking in a deep fill of water into her gills, she swept around the monster's thrashing spiked tail and scooped Link into her arms. He was very heavy, but she had to keep going no matter what and not be slowed down any more than she already was.
Then she headed toward the surface, desperate to live, to survive. She broke the surface minutes later, but looked down into the water and saw the water lizard was coming after as quickly as she had managed to get away. The creature's head pointed upward in her direction while its feet kicked off with a massive thud from the bottom of the pool. Ruto knew it was coming, she could feel the current in the water grow strong as it headed after her to the surface, an ominous slinking black shape. The only thing left for her to do was to run, since she couldn't fight it because she had no weapons and especially since Link was unconscious and unable to help her.
With every fiber of her being Ruto propelled her body to the shore and ran. Her heart pounded so hard in her chest it almost felt as if it would burst, but she held on tightly to Link, as his dripping wet body lay limp in her arms. He was strong but not even he could withstand the water lizard's hold for so long under the water. Ruto knew the water lizard would follow her, but she had to continue. With the speed of lightning she flew down the passageways of Zoras Domain, trying to find a place – any place – to hide. From behind her she could hear a loud thumping noise, and she only had to picture the monster chasing after her to strengthen her desperation to get away.
She would only have a few minutes to find somewhere before the water lizard would find her, and it wasn't long until Ruto found herself at the doorway of her room. The thumping noise was growing louder, now echoing through the passageway and pounding in her head. Ruto couldn't help but glance back, and when she did she saw a large shadow on the wall behind her. It was so near that her room was the only place she could go before it would come around the corner and see her. Without further hesitation Ruto ran inside her room and to her underwater bed, before slowly descending into it so the water serpent wouldn't hear. Since her bed was basically a deep watery hole in the ground, she would have to hide there. She worried about making Link's condition worse by denying him oxygen again, but it was the only option she had.
Ruto sank to the bottom and crouched in the corner, still holding Link in her arms. His eyes were gently closed and his face was turned away from her, and gently she moved it toward her so she could look at him. His features were smooth and handsome, and when his eyes weren't piercing into hers as they normally did, he appeared to be sleeping and almost peaceful. Soothingly Ruto brushed one of her webbed hands across his cold cheek and rested it there for a moment. She had to give him oxygen, and the only way she could think of made her feel slightly guilty. He was so proud, so handsome and bold, and despite his condition he still clutched the master sword in one of his hands. She feared what her husband would say and think if he found out what she did, but she had no choice.
Gently Ruto opened Link's mouth and pressed her lips to his, feeling her gills open wide and flutter slightly in embarrassment. She sucked the water from inside him and filtrated it back into the surrounding environment through her gills, draining it from him so she could give him oxygen. When most of it had been filtrated away and his mouth was relatively water free, she used up a portion of the air in her body and breathed it slowly into him with long deep breaths. Over and over she repeated this process, and as she did she could hear the thumping noise growing more intense until she knew the water lizard was either inside her room or just outside the doorway. She dare not take the chance and stopped abruptly, her mouth still pressed against Link's. The silence was mid throbbing, but it soon slowly died away. Although things were quiet, Ruto dare not take any chances in case she was wrong. Patiently she waited, occasionally daring to breathe more air into Link, and when it seemed she would lose her mind from waiting, something grabbed her and pulled her away.
Ruto thrashed to get away, but it was no use. At first she thought it was the water lizard and it had found her and she was going to die, but when she felt that around her arms were hands like her own she looked behind her.
It was Misu.
A look of pure fury and horror was stricken across his face, and his eyes burned with rage and betrayal. Ruto stuttered for words, but before she could say anything he spoke first. His voice was shaken but quiet, and she knew he must have known the creature was about and if he spoke any louder they would be heard.
"Ruto! You lied to me...I knew you loved Link all along! This only confirms it, how could you make love to someone like him at a time like this!?!"
Ruto's mouth gaped in shock, and she found her own eyes were burning with rage – and tears. Trying to keep her voice down and wondering why in Hyrule's name he cared so much as to mention it when she nearly got slaughtered by a vicious water and now land dwelling lizard, she snapped in fury.
"Shut up! I wasn't 'making love' to Link, I was trying to save his life!"
Quickly she turned, realizing Link was still underwater, but the moment she spun around Link kicked his way to the surface of her underwater bed and managed to surface weakly. His blue eyes looked around with a moment of confusion, but hardened once he saw Misu standing near Ruto. The hero said nothing, even as Ruto helped him out while her husband spat angrily.
"You are disgusting Link, trying to seduce my wife by faking injury! I can't believe this! I suppose you have probably already taken away her purity...and what makes it worse is that you probably don't care that a vicious creature is trying to kill everyone!!!"
With that Ruto turned to Misu, grabbed him viciously and shook him a few times until he pulled away. Her patience had run thin, and there was no time to be talking about pointless matters when their lives were on the line with every passing moment.
"Snap out of it Misu! We have no time for this, we have to get out of here!" Finally Link spoke, and even though his voice was still as cold and calm as ever, a twinge of rage was faintly evident from Misu's accusation.
"I did no such thing to princess Ruto, she risked her life to save me and to ensure I did not drown. It is you who is disgusting for accusing someone so heroic to do something so vile when she is your wife, and as such you should have faith and trust in her."
Silence ensued and Misu's eyes glared at Link as if he wanted to incinerate him on the spot. Link coolly straightened and readied the master sword defensively, and when it seemed the water lizard had vanished a loud thumping noise yet again filled the air. Link's careful eyes darted around the room and to the doorway, and his voice spoke urgently though seriously as he made his way there without waiting.
"We must leave now, that monster is coming and since your foolish husband barged in and made so much noise, we will be found."
Ruto nodded and glared at Misu for a moment, deciding to deal with him later. When she headed after Link, although angry, she hoped Misu would follow. A wash of relief flooded through her when her husband reluctantly came a few steps behind, and no matter how hard she tried she would never be at peace...
Please also let me know what you think as to how this version of the story is going, if there are any parts in the chapter you particularly liked and if you are pleased that I have decided to continue both versions so you can see the differences they can take! I would particularly like to hear what you think of how this version of the story is going and what you think about the animosity between Link and Misu...Thanks!
As Ruto attempted to steady herself despite the shaking ground beneath her, Link braced his body and looked toward the water, which was beginning to bubble as if something had suddenly made the water unbearably warm. Upon seeing such a sight, Ruto gasped and stepped back from the shore, baffled at the sight before her.
All around her was chaos. Zoras ran all over the place, some of them screaming in horror while others covering their faces with their hands and shielding themselves from the falling rocks coming from the ceiling. As Ruto stood looking at the chaos with a frightened gaze, the ground beneath her suddenly cracked apart and began to slowly split in half between her feet. It happened so suddenly that Ruto nearly lost her balance, until Link darted to her with unbelievable speed and knocked her out of the way, just as the ground split completely and revealed a large and wide crevice in the earth. If she had not been knocked out of the way, she would have fallen into the crevice to her death.
Together she and Link fell to the ground and he lay there for a moment covering her with his body, as the young Zoras princess looked up at him from beneath him in admiration yet still scared by what was happening to her beloved home. Ruto's purple eyes looked into Link's steel gaze, but it only lasted a moment before the hero of time lost interest and got to his feet. As to not look like a coward, Ruto followed suit quickly after and saw the bubbling in the pool of water had gotten worse. Steam was beginning to rise from the surface, but fortunately all the Zoras had fled from it in their terror.
"We have to get everyone out of here, this place will collapse on us if we don't!"
Ruto cried, and noticed Link was staring at the direction of the waterfall as if transfixed by something. Anxiously she looked from him to the waterfall, not seeing any change, before saying urgently.
"Link!!!"
It was at that moment when she realized exactly why he was looking at it so much, as the water flowing from the waterfall was gradually growing less and less as the seconds passed. In fact, the water appeared to be stopping all together and when only a minute went by of watching it the water had trickled to a stop. Ruto stared in disbelief – at first it was the tremors, then the falling rocks, boiling water and now the waterfall had stopped completely. As she contemplated as to how it was possible Link suddenly spun around, his face hard yet nervous in expression, as he said calmly.
"There is something coming here from beneath the water, so no one must enter it. Ruto, gather all the Zoras here and hide them somewhere, as long as it's out of sight. Whatever caused this, it's coming – and fast."
Ruto looked at him in question, wondering how she could possibly gather everyone in one place when the Zoras were everywhere at once. What would he do while she was attending to her people? She couldn't just leave him there, what if something happened to him after she left? She wanted to stay with him, to help him fight whatever was coming. Ruto shook her head in disagreement, saying worriedly.
"But Link! What about you? I can't just go off and-"
"You have to Ruto!"
He interrupted, his icy gaze glancing from her and to the bubbling water before them. For a moment his concern seemed to overwhelm him and distract him, but he soon continued with his words.
"It is your responsibility as the princess of the Zoras to protect your people in every way possible! I'll be fine; I've been through a lot of bad situations. Just go, now!"
Reluctantly Ruto knew she would have to do what he said, not only because he was right but also because she couldn't do anything to help him anyway. She had no weapons and she certainly didn't possess the title of hero of time. Link was an independent person anyway, despite his cold attitude, so if he told her he didn't need her there then she should listen. Besides – she was afraid for Misu, as they hadn't exactly parted on good terms. If something were to happen...no, Ruto thought to herself, she couldn't allow her mind to wander to the worst possible outcomes. She had to find her people, find Misu, and take them to a safe place inside Zoras Domain.
"Alright Link, I'll gather my people and take them to safety! Just...please...stay alive while I'm gone!"
Without looking at him further, Ruto turned and ran down the passageway deep into Zoras Domain. As she went, she came across dozens Zoras milling about in confusion, but Misu was not among them. He certainly wasn't the type to become disoriented during a bad situation, however Ruto secretly wished he had been with them so she would have at least known he was ok. So far she had no idea where he was or what he was doing, but she couldn't allow that to distract her so much.
"Everyone! Follow me, this way!"
Ruto called out to them, and all the Zoras in the area seemed so frightened that they quickly gravitated toward her before bombarding her with hoards of questions and comments.
"What's going on?"
"Why is Zoras Domain shaking?"
"The water serpent's back!!!"
"I'll bet that young Hylian man had something to do with this!" Ruto shook her head, unable to answer almost all of their questions. Knowing the situation was becoming more dangerous as the minutes passed, she said desperately.
"Please! Everyone, be quiet and calm down! We must go to the boardroom, and try to stay with the group. If you get lost or separated, call out until someone finds you or go to the boardroom as quickly as possible! If you see anyone who is in trouble, yell out my name and I'll do the best I can to help them!"
The Zoras silenced abruptly, and soon Ruto found herself leading the large group down the many hallways of Zoras Domain. The 'boardroom' as all the Zoras knew it, was the largest meeting place in Zoras Domain. It was there Zoras could conduct debate issues and discuss fish productivity and other Zora matters. Unfortunately, it was extremely deep inside Zoras Domain and very difficult to get to unless one knew their way. In King Zoras younger years he used to hold his meetings inside the boardroom, but as his weight increased and his mobility lessened, he could no longer make such a long venture and was forced to manage the royal meetings in the throne room. Since then, the boardroom was used less frequently and normally only by the common Zora.
Ruto hoped she could get her people there before anything seriously bad happened, though her thoughts sometimes wandered to Link as she moved through the seemingly endless passageways. Most of the passages were wide and easy to get through, but the deeper they went the narrower they became. It was difficult for her to keep the group together, and she knew she had a small number of Zoras in comparison to those that were still scattered through out her home.
When Ruto and her group came within a few passages of the boardroom, she noticed the figure of a male Zora standing at the end of a particular hallway looking at her as she led her people behind. Ruto quickly recognized the male Zora as Kier, though his expression was extremely troubled. When she came within his sight though, relief washed over his face while the male Zora exclaimed almost joyfully, despite his trembling voice.
"Ruto! I'm glad your safe, everything has gone completely mad since that strange tremor!"
She acknowledged his words regretfully, knowing the stark truth of what he said. When she arrived before him, Ruto knew she could finally leave her group with him, as he was a very trustworthy and brave Zora. The desperation she felt to find Misu was overwhelming, and she simply couldn't stand wondering where he was any longer. Although it pained her greatly she felt somewhat guilty for dumping a group of frightened Zoras into Kier's care at the last second.
"Kier, I must request that you take this group to the boardroom and help the others find their way to it. If something happens, come and find me but only search these passageways and return quickly as I fear something terrible will come and I don't want anyone to lead it straight to where everyone is hiding!"
Kier nodded obediently, his eyes narrowing to gather courage, and Ruto hoped she hadn't done the wrong thing and put yet another life in danger. She had no choice though – whatever was coming, she was the one who had to be ready to protect everyone. Not only that, but she certainly wasn't the type to remain in hiding while those she cared about risked their lives to save her and her people.
"As you wish princess, I will do what you have asked to my furthest extent. Please...be careful!"
Kier said, looking at her worriedly before moving off. Most of the Zoras heard their conversation and followed him, however another female questioned Ruto nervously.
"Princess, what will you do? Where will you go? Your not leaving us are you?"
The fright in her voice couldn't help but make Ruto pity her, as she looked into the female's bright blue eyes. Female Zoras although rare in the Zora culture, were important and looked almost the exact same as princess Ruto. The only exception was that Ruto was slightly taller than most, with wider more elegant fins and purple eyes, which was an extreme rarity. Comfortingly the Zora princess smiled weakly before saying to her softly.
"Don't worry, I won't leave anyone! I must go and do what my duty has called me to do – protect you and all the Zoras from whatever is trying to destroy our home. Please listen to Kier and do what he tells you while I'm away...and if I do not return...then everyone must abandon Zoras Domain and head for Zoras River."
"Abandon Zoras Domain? What will we do then?"
Ruto hated discussing such matters, especially when it made their situation seem bleak and hopeless. She especially didn't want to stir tension and despair among her people, which made her reply rather cryptically.
"We will deal with that when the time comes."
Without looking back, Ruto walked away from the frightened fellow female Zora and started off back to the main area of Zoras Domain. She hoped during her search for other Zoras that she would find Misu...alive. Occasionally during her venture down the many passageways leading back to where she came from she would encounter other Zoras, and each time she would tell them to go to the boardroom and to go in groups in case something happened. The Zoras would listen without question and scuttle off, making Ruto feel slightly better to know they would be a lot safer than how they were when they wandered aimlessly around.
Finally Ruto reached the main area once more, and she noticed as she walked to the pool of water where the waterfall was that her home was slowly deteriorating. Massive chunks of rock from the walls and ceiling had fallen into the water and left large awkward looking boulders along the bottom, some of the larger ones even projecting above the surface. That was the least of the problems though...as the first thing she saw when she looked into the water was Link, swimming at the surface and looking dreadfully at the underwater passageway. Ruto dare not call his name out of fear of distracting him, but the ground in the main area shook far worse than anywhere else. It had become difficult for her to even remain standing because of the tremors, and when it seemed it couldn't get any worse – it did.
Out of nowhere, a booming roar erupted from underwater. The sound nearly caused the Zora princess's heart to stop as she looked in horrification at the water, while the deafening sound blasted in her ears. Link appeared startled by the sound as well, because the second it occurred he darted back in the water and protectively threw his sword in front of him. Ruto wondered how he could stand being in the water, but she soon realized the water had ceased bubbling and steaming, though it looked disrupted because light waves rolled at its surface and it was no longer calm like it had always been.
Helplessly Ruto watched, fear growing within her, as the passageway and part of the rocks surrounding it began to rumble under the water. The roar she heard, she would never forget it, but it sounded strangely...different somehow. She couldn't quite pinpoint how, but the vocalization sounded a lot deeper and louder than ever before, and it was obvious whatever it was – water serpent or not - it was trying to break inside. How was it possible though? She had killed the water serpent! It couldn't live, especially after she slashed its throat and completely mangled it by making puncture wounds in numerous areas of its body with the trident. While she stared in disbelief, the horrible moment came when the rocks and the passageway were thrown forward in the water.
Left behind the massive blow was a gaping dark hole, and after the impact the water in Zoras Domain began rushing toward the hole as if being sucked out by some sort of siphon. The underwater passage was destroyed, along with the Zoras protection from Lake Hylia. In its wake came something more terrible Ruto felt her body weaken and she nearly passed out from shock and fear.
Out of the darkness of the hole pierced two glowing dark blue eyes, as well as a partially exposed pair of lizard like hands with sharp black claws that dug into the rocky bottom. Ruto felt her body move faster than it had before as she ran to the shore of the pool of water to get a closer look at what had come to invade Zoras Domain. When she finally arrived at ground level, she threw herself into the water and propelled forward. The sight of the massive creature overwhelmed her, but she couldn't see it to its full extent because most of it was cloaked in shadow except its face and part of its body.
The monster was a dark blackish color, with scales covering its entire body. Sometimes when the light bouncing off the water reflected on it, the creature's scales reflected a subtle tint of dark blue. Ruto realized it resembled the water serpent, however it was no longer serpent like in nature at all. Instead it had long powerful arms and legs though it still had some of its snake like attributes because of its long neck and body. The creature had a large snake like face and head, however projecting on top of its snout near the end of its face was a long spike that curved slightly backward and appeared to be able to cut through anything with ease. From its inner mouth projected rows of glistening silver teeth as sharp as knives, and lining its back were rows of silver spikes connected by growths of fin. From the top of its head came two long silver tendrils that went nearly to the ground and hung loosely as the creature stared at her and Link with its malicious looking glowing eyes. Within those eyes Ruto saw recognition as they looked straight at her, and she knew...it had to be the water serpent, but in a strangely different form.
At closer inspection, Ruto noticed the monster lacked gills as well as the fan around its neck. The longer she looked at its neck the more she realized there was a jagged scar cut deep near its throat. It was the exact place she had slit when trying to kill the serpent, and it seemed despite its 'new' form, the scar would not heal completely. Along the back of its neck and down near the front part of its body were further scarring patterns, which proved for Ruto it was authentically the water serpent. How could it live after she watched it die? Ruto wanted to scream, to shout and cry, to wrench over how her efforts to protect her people had failed. She was a failure...and now the water serpent, or she could no longer call it a serpent but now some sort of 'lizard' thing, would win and kill everyone.
The only comfort she had was Link was with her this time, but even that seemed small in comparison to the water lizard that was before them. It had surprisingly shrunk in size when taking on its new form, but appeared to be able to move freely both on land and in water because of the addition of arms and legs. A tremor of disarray flooded through Ruto's heart, because the water serpent/lizard's size was small enough but still large enough for it to be able to maintain its strength as well as slip through the passageways of Zoras Domain...
As quickly as the serpent's changed form appeared it attacked. Without warning the lizard like creature flew through the water and snapped its head forward at Link, who quickly recoiled in defense and threw himself out of the way just in time to avoid its gnashing blade like teeth. In response to his evasion of its attack, the water lizard emitted another thunderous roar before moving forward in the water, and every step it took with its large feet and arms caused the bottom of the rocky pool to tremble. When it came fully out of the passageway, Ruto noticed it had a long plated tail tipped with numerous sharp spikes – a tail that looked familiar to the one she thought she saw in her dream. Now, her dream was turning into a terrible reality.
Much to Ruto's further terror, the water lizard was also faster and more agile than before. Within a fraction of a second of its first attack, it swung its spiked tail at Link to attack again. For Link it was a narrower escape, and he had to do a backward flip in the water to go above it as it thrashed by where he once was. His move wasn't quite fast enough, because as he flipped one of the creature's spikes gouged into his left arm and caused blood to flow into the water. Ruto closed her eyes as Link cried out in pain, and watched him recover himself and place his opposite hand over his flowing wound tenderly, as his cold eyes glared at the water lizard with pure hatred.
Ruto saw Link's rage burning in his eyes, but he remained amazingly calm and focused. Abruptly he let go of his wound before plunging forward in the water, and as he sped toward the water lizard he moved the point of the sword directly at the water lizard until reaching its shoulder whereupon he threw it into its plated skin. For a moment Ruto felt joy wash over her to see Link making an attack, but the second the blade came in contact with the water lizard's armor like scales, it failed to penetrate no matter how hard he tried to force it through.
Her eyes widened, especially when she looked at Link's momentarily shocked expression to see that not even the master sword could do any damage to the water serpent's new form. After realizing his blade would do no good, Ruto watched him try and gain distance by kicking his feet away from the water lizard, however with a swipe of its long powerful arm the water lizard grabbed him in its claws and held him firmly. Link squirmed and kicked, and the more he fought the angrier the water lizard became. Yet another deafening roar sounded while the creature lowered its claws containing the hero of time to the rocky floor and pressed Link against it roughly, trying to drown him. Since Link had not put on his water tunic, he would die within minutes if something weren't done.
That was what she was for – she had to do something! Ruto couldn't stand around watching Link fight the water serpent/lizard alone; she had to do her part to aide him. Knowing she was making a foolish move, Ruto swam forward in the water and headed directly toward the water lizard, hoping to distract it so it would release its grip on Link. Precariously she moved near the serpent's head, and when its eyes locked onto her she moved even closer to taunt it just slightly, wanting it to come after her instead. The past seemed to work in her favor, because the moment she came close enough the water lizard instantly released its grip on Link and began stomping after her in the water. It recognized her clearly from the last battle she shared with it, and it wanted revenge.
Ruto swam as fast as she could, though her weakened condition was slowing her down. The water lizard had amazing speed, and she could not stay in the same direction for more than a few seconds before the water lizard would snap its head where she had been in pursuit. Ruto darted in almost every way she could think of, but the small space she was in when comparing it to the large dark space inside the serpent's lair proved to be a great disadvantage since there were less places for her to go or hide. She had to get away – and fast. For a moment she managed to look behind her at the bottom and saw Link lying unconscious. The creature's force must have been so great that the lack of oxygen had knocked him out, and if he didn't get any air there would be no hope of saving him.
She had to make an attempt to get to him, no matter what the cost. Only he could help her save her and her people, but he wouldn't be able to if he died. After she dodged another of the water lizard's lunging attacks, this time barely missing as she felt its rough black scales scrape against her feet, Ruto diverted her direction down to the bottom to get to Link. Taking in a deep fill of water into her gills, she swept around the monster's thrashing spiked tail and scooped Link into her arms. He was very heavy, but she had to keep going no matter what and not be slowed down any more than she already was.
Then she headed toward the surface, desperate to live, to survive. She broke the surface minutes later, but looked down into the water and saw the water lizard was coming after as quickly as she had managed to get away. The creature's head pointed upward in her direction while its feet kicked off with a massive thud from the bottom of the pool. Ruto knew it was coming, she could feel the current in the water grow strong as it headed after her to the surface, an ominous slinking black shape. The only thing left for her to do was to run, since she couldn't fight it because she had no weapons and especially since Link was unconscious and unable to help her.
With every fiber of her being Ruto propelled her body to the shore and ran. Her heart pounded so hard in her chest it almost felt as if it would burst, but she held on tightly to Link, as his dripping wet body lay limp in her arms. He was strong but not even he could withstand the water lizard's hold for so long under the water. Ruto knew the water lizard would follow her, but she had to continue. With the speed of lightning she flew down the passageways of Zoras Domain, trying to find a place – any place – to hide. From behind her she could hear a loud thumping noise, and she only had to picture the monster chasing after her to strengthen her desperation to get away.
She would only have a few minutes to find somewhere before the water lizard would find her, and it wasn't long until Ruto found herself at the doorway of her room. The thumping noise was growing louder, now echoing through the passageway and pounding in her head. Ruto couldn't help but glance back, and when she did she saw a large shadow on the wall behind her. It was so near that her room was the only place she could go before it would come around the corner and see her. Without further hesitation Ruto ran inside her room and to her underwater bed, before slowly descending into it so the water serpent wouldn't hear. Since her bed was basically a deep watery hole in the ground, she would have to hide there. She worried about making Link's condition worse by denying him oxygen again, but it was the only option she had.
Ruto sank to the bottom and crouched in the corner, still holding Link in her arms. His eyes were gently closed and his face was turned away from her, and gently she moved it toward her so she could look at him. His features were smooth and handsome, and when his eyes weren't piercing into hers as they normally did, he appeared to be sleeping and almost peaceful. Soothingly Ruto brushed one of her webbed hands across his cold cheek and rested it there for a moment. She had to give him oxygen, and the only way she could think of made her feel slightly guilty. He was so proud, so handsome and bold, and despite his condition he still clutched the master sword in one of his hands. She feared what her husband would say and think if he found out what she did, but she had no choice.
Gently Ruto opened Link's mouth and pressed her lips to his, feeling her gills open wide and flutter slightly in embarrassment. She sucked the water from inside him and filtrated it back into the surrounding environment through her gills, draining it from him so she could give him oxygen. When most of it had been filtrated away and his mouth was relatively water free, she used up a portion of the air in her body and breathed it slowly into him with long deep breaths. Over and over she repeated this process, and as she did she could hear the thumping noise growing more intense until she knew the water lizard was either inside her room or just outside the doorway. She dare not take the chance and stopped abruptly, her mouth still pressed against Link's. The silence was mid throbbing, but it soon slowly died away. Although things were quiet, Ruto dare not take any chances in case she was wrong. Patiently she waited, occasionally daring to breathe more air into Link, and when it seemed she would lose her mind from waiting, something grabbed her and pulled her away.
Ruto thrashed to get away, but it was no use. At first she thought it was the water lizard and it had found her and she was going to die, but when she felt that around her arms were hands like her own she looked behind her.
It was Misu.
A look of pure fury and horror was stricken across his face, and his eyes burned with rage and betrayal. Ruto stuttered for words, but before she could say anything he spoke first. His voice was shaken but quiet, and she knew he must have known the creature was about and if he spoke any louder they would be heard.
"Ruto! You lied to me...I knew you loved Link all along! This only confirms it, how could you make love to someone like him at a time like this!?!"
Ruto's mouth gaped in shock, and she found her own eyes were burning with rage – and tears. Trying to keep her voice down and wondering why in Hyrule's name he cared so much as to mention it when she nearly got slaughtered by a vicious water and now land dwelling lizard, she snapped in fury.
"Shut up! I wasn't 'making love' to Link, I was trying to save his life!"
Quickly she turned, realizing Link was still underwater, but the moment she spun around Link kicked his way to the surface of her underwater bed and managed to surface weakly. His blue eyes looked around with a moment of confusion, but hardened once he saw Misu standing near Ruto. The hero said nothing, even as Ruto helped him out while her husband spat angrily.
"You are disgusting Link, trying to seduce my wife by faking injury! I can't believe this! I suppose you have probably already taken away her purity...and what makes it worse is that you probably don't care that a vicious creature is trying to kill everyone!!!"
With that Ruto turned to Misu, grabbed him viciously and shook him a few times until he pulled away. Her patience had run thin, and there was no time to be talking about pointless matters when their lives were on the line with every passing moment.
"Snap out of it Misu! We have no time for this, we have to get out of here!" Finally Link spoke, and even though his voice was still as cold and calm as ever, a twinge of rage was faintly evident from Misu's accusation.
"I did no such thing to princess Ruto, she risked her life to save me and to ensure I did not drown. It is you who is disgusting for accusing someone so heroic to do something so vile when she is your wife, and as such you should have faith and trust in her."
Silence ensued and Misu's eyes glared at Link as if he wanted to incinerate him on the spot. Link coolly straightened and readied the master sword defensively, and when it seemed the water lizard had vanished a loud thumping noise yet again filled the air. Link's careful eyes darted around the room and to the doorway, and his voice spoke urgently though seriously as he made his way there without waiting.
"We must leave now, that monster is coming and since your foolish husband barged in and made so much noise, we will be found."
Ruto nodded and glared at Misu for a moment, deciding to deal with him later. When she headed after Link, although angry, she hoped Misu would follow. A wash of relief flooded through her when her husband reluctantly came a few steps behind, and no matter how hard she tried she would never be at peace...