Disclaimer: I do not own The Legend of Zelda franchise.
I only own these OC characters:
- Ateiti
- Irena
- King Dikun
- Queen Esha
- Amanda Carpenter
- Georgie
Chapter 7: Damsel in a whale
Inside Hyrule Castle, inside one of the large guest chambers, Ganondorf was taking a glass filled with wine in his hand and took a sip as he walked over to the balcony and glanced to the rising moon. He was thinking about the deal he made with Dikun, giving the King of Hyrule till the day after tomorrow at sunset to make his decision.
The idea of his old friend being frightened of losing Zelda made him smirk evilly "Ha ha ha ha. If that foul, Dikun won't give me the Ocarina of Time as he promised years ago, he will surely give it to me in exchange to have that wretch of a daughter of his back."
Just then, the door opened, revealing one of Ganondorf's minions. He made bend a knee after approaching the evil Gerudo sorcerer "Master…"
Ganondorf turned himself, looking down at his minion, wandering what he came to tell "What news, my trustworthy spy?"
The hooded figure slowly stood up as he stated "It is the Gorons, master. The beast, King Dodongo has been slain and the rock eating race has again access to their cavern for food."
This shocked Ganondorf, while he demanded "WHAT!? How is this possible?!"
Frightened of his master's reaction, the minion explained "It… it were two children who… somehow entered the cave and cleansed the cavern of your curse."
"Two… children?!" Ganondorf demanded to know.
The minion nodded "Yes, yes, master. But there's more. They also have… the Goron's Spiritual Stone in their possession, having received it as a reward for-"
Ganondorf shoved his minion aside as he grabbed a dark purple crystal ball and placed it on a desk. Using his dark magic, Ganondorf saw in the crystal ball the two children, who were about to take their rest at the gravedigger's hut, who are in the possession of the Spiritual Stone of Fire: Link and Malon.
The evil sorcerer suddenly recognized the two kids, who were behind the window close to the throne room when he and his minions arrived at the castle "Wait a minute… I've seen them before! They were behind that window, with the princess when I was…" Ganondorf began to figure why this boy and girl were with Princess Zelda back then. He began to smirk "Aaaah, of course. Zelda must have figured out my plan and asked these two farmpeasants to find the Spiritual Stones before I do!"
Unsure, the cloaked minion asked "Are you sure, master? It could just be coincidence."
"SILENCE!" Ganondorf yelled at the minion before firing a dark energy blast at him, sending him flying backwards!
Seeing the minion was too scared to question his master, Ganondorf began to think of a plan while looking into his crystal ball. He then saw the boy, Link, holding both Spiritual Stones as while he was speaking something to Malon before putting the Stones back into his magic bag. While Malon lied on the bed, Link decided to play a bit on his ocarina before taking a nap.
Seeing that Link and Malon had two of the three Spiritual Stones in their possession, Ganondorf chuckled evilly "They have two of them already, I see. With only Zora's Sapphire to find." He used his magic to turn the image blank before showing a different image; that of Ruto, Princess of the Zoras, who was on Zora's Fountain, going to feed the giant whale, Lord Jabu-Jabu.
Ganondorf figured a perfect plan "Yes… yes, that's brilliant." He glanced at his wounded minion, who grunted in pain while standing up, but then shake in fear as he master approached him. Ganondorf crossed his arms, ordering him "I have a new assignment for you. I want you to forge a… letter for me."
- Meanwhile, in Zora's Fountain -
Princess Ruto, a ten year old Zora girl and only child of King Zora, walked with a small handbag (made out of seaweed) over her shoulder and a big bucket in her hands full of fish to the altar, where the Zora's Guardian deity, the whale Lord Jabu-Jabu resides.
The big whale was lying on its belly on the big altar, resting. But as soon as Ruto walked up the altar, she held the bucket with fish up for the deity whale to see "Good evening, Lord Jabu-Jabu. It's diner time."
Jabu-Jabu sure loved some fish. But while he was this close to open its mouth, it started to feel weird.
Ruto noticed the whale's condition, being a bit green under the gills and asked with some worry "Lord Jabu-Jabu? Is everything alright?" she formed a smile, thinking that some food will make him happy again. She grabbed a fish and held it up "You want some fish. I have lots of them!"
Jabu-Jabu looked at Ruto and slowly opened its big mouth and inhaled the fish as Ruto threw it inside its mouth.
One by one, Ruto feed the whale with fish. But as she was about to give the last two fishes, Jabu-Jabu eyes suddenly turned dark purple, as it was possessed and began to inhale even deeper, which made Ruto to be slowly dragged into the mouth!
"Hey, Jabu-Jabu! What are you-" but before Ruto could grab onto something, she was swallowed up by the whale "Aaaaaah!"
Jabu-Jabu's eyes returned to normal and began to blink in confusion. But feeling he had eaten enough, he began to sleep.
Inside the mouth of Jabu-Jabu, Ruto stood up while wiping away all the saliva from her. Though she had been inside the whale before, it was still disgusting to have all this spit and sometimes other things covering her. Ruto sighed in annoyance "Ugh! What has gone into our sacred deity today? He never swallowed me on purpose. Ah well… better get out of here and get back to my father. I'm sure that a nice swim in the water outside will get me cleaned-" but as she was about to walk back to the mouth opening and checked her handbag, Ruto suddenly realized she lost something very valuable, making her gasp "Where is it?! Where is it?!" she panickily searched her seaweed handbag, being sure it was still in it as she always carried it with her. She looked around, hoping it was somewhere in the big mouth of the whale.
But while she was searching, Ruto was startled when suddenly two Octoroks appeared from the water pound filled with saliva, making her to avoid their attacks before they quickly fled down into the water.
Seeing that her precious things wasn't in the mouth, Ruto knew that it must lie somewhere deeper inside the big whale "Ugh! Stupid whale!" she angrily yelled before moving further, going down the whale's throat "Well, I'm not leaving without my mother's precious stone!" she stubbornly said.
As Ruto began to search around the insides of Jabu-Jabu, she found many strange electrified jellyfish floating around and strange holes around the stomach. But that was not going to stop her from searching for her precious stone.
- Meanwhile, with Link and Malon -
While Malon was peacefully asleep on the bed, Link was sitting at a chair next to it, having played a soft song on his ocarina. When Link stopped playing, he looked at Malon with a smile.
Link remembered at moments like these, after Malon's mother and Link's adopted mother, Ateiti had passed away, Link tried to remember her best by trying to play soft songs on his ocarina. Eventually, after many times of trying, Link managed to teach himself a few beautiful and soft songs on his mother's instrument. Malon found them so lovely, giving her a good night rest.
Link gave a small yawn while looking down at his Fairy Ocarina. He formed a small smile, thinking of his adopted mother. He then looked at the small basket next to his chair, seeing Navi was not asleep yet, but was lying to rest.
Navi looked up at Link, before she flew up to his face and advised him softly "You should catch some sleep too, Link. You're going to need the energy you need."
Link gave a nod, thinking it was best to go and sleep. But before going to bed, he wanted to play one more song: Saria's song.
"Just one more and then I'm going to sleep." Link said before he started playing Saria's song.
Navi's blue light suddenly turned bright green after Link finished playing the song, hearing Navi speaking like Saria "Huh…? Link, is that you?"
Link found it was strange, but asked "Saria? Yes, it's me."
"Link. It's so good to hear from you. How are things going right now?" Saria asked polite.
Link sat back on the chair, telling Saria through Navi of how things have gone since their visit this morning at the Sacred Meadow. Saria was happy to hear that Darunia loved her song so much and was instantly happy again and was also fascinated to hear that he and Malon were in search of the Spiritual Stones and now had to go to Zora's Domain to find the last one.
Malon started to wake up cause of Link talking to Saria. She wiped one of her eyes and asked "…Link?"
Seeing that his sister was awake, Link sat next to her, apologizing "Oh, sorry, Malon. I didn't meant to wake you."
Malon glanced at Navi, seeing her glow green, hearing Saria talking through her "Is that Malon?"
Malon gave a nod and said "Oh… hello, Saria. I was asleep."
"Tee hee hee. I understand. Don't worry, Link told me all about what you guys did after you visited me." Saria ensured, before she too gave a small yawn "Well… I think I'm going to bed now. It was nice to talk to you two, but I'd really like to talk face face-to-face."
Malon gave a small chuckle "Sure. When this is all over, we'll come and visit you in the forest again."
Link nodded "Yeah, we promise."
Saria loved to hear that "I'll be looking forward to it. Good luck to both of you and… goodnight."
"Goodnight, Saria." Link and Malon both said simultaneously before Saria broke contact, making Navi to turn her glow blue again.
Feeling exhausted, Navi flew down to basket and puts a big leaf over her before saying in a bit moaning mood "Okay, okay. Enough chitchat. Let's go and sleep already."
Link sighed before putting his ocarina back in his magic bag, took off his boots and Kokiri outfit before lying on the bed, next to Malon who covered themselves with the blanket.
"Goodnight, Link." Malon softly said.
But as soon as she was going to turn herself, Link suddenly moved his face closer to her "Goodnight, Malon…" and planted a soft tender kiss on her lips.
Malon's eyes went wide when Link suddenly kissed her, making her to blush deeply.
Link had no idea where this sudden move came from and quickly broke the kiss, apologizing while also blushing deeply "I… I'm sorry, I… I didn't meant to do that…"
Malon just looked at Link while still blushing red, not saying anything for a few seconds. But then formed a small smile, ensuring him "No, no, it's… it's okay." She then started to giggle "Tee hee hee! It was actually really nice… and funny."
Link scratched the back of his head, feeling a bit awkward but softly chuckled "He he he he… yeah… it was…" and then looked away.
Malon felt a bit shyness as she too looked away, but formed a small smile while blushing and asked Link softly, trying to gather her courage "Link…? Would you… kiss me again…? Just one more time?"
Link was surprised to hear that request from her. But as soon as he looked into her eyes again… he saw her a way he never noticed before. He blinked with his eyes for a moment… before forming a small smile, giving a nod "Uhh… sure…"
Both moved their faces slowly closer together, closing their eyes and…
"HEY!" Navi yelled annoyingly to Link and Malon, shocking them for a moment as they looked at the very irritated Navi "Can you please keep it down!? I'm trying to catch some sleep! Ugh!" she took a small feather that she used as a pillow and buried her head under it.
Link and Malon looked at each other again… both looking away for a few seconds while blushing. Malon then smiled and planted a quick kiss on Link's cheek "Goodnight." And then went to sleep.
Link glanced down at Malon for a moment before he formed a little smile and planted a soft kiss on her cheek before going to sleep too "Goodnight… Malon…"
* The next day *
Just before the sun was about to set, Link was the first to wake up. He softly rubbed Malon's shoulder, saying "Malon. Malon, wake up. We have to get going."
Malon slowly woke up, glancing up to Link and formed a sweet smile. She gave a nod and together went out of bed and putted back on their outfits and boots.
Navi had woken up too and flew up to the small window, seeing that the sun hadn't gone up yet and thought "Hmmm. I guess if we go now, we'll be able to make it to Zora's Domain within a few hours."
Link gave a nod as he and Malon drank their last Lon Lon Milk from their bottles and ate their apples and small pieces of bread they'd left from yesterday to serve as a little quick breakfast before taking their weapons and magic bags and walked together out of Dampe's hut, followed by Navi who flew next to Link.
Dampé was just about to go back to his hut as he saw Link and Malon had already gone back up "Oh? You two are up early, I see?"
Link gave a nod to Dampé as he stated "Yeah. We have to go now."
Dampé understood and gave his goodbye to Link and Malon "I understand. Well… good luck, you two!" and then went inside his hut to catch some sleep after having taken care of the Graveyard all night.
Wasting no time, Link and Malon headed out of the Graveyard, out of Kakariko Village and went into Hyrule field.
Navi looked at the river when they walked over the small bridge and told Link and Malon "There, the river. When we follow it upstream, it'll lead us to Zora's Domain."
Link and Malon both nodded and began to follow the river upstream. Though they had to take a quick swim in order to get to the other side, they didn't mind and kept following the path, leading them up to Zora's River.
To their right, there was a small warning sign, saying: Watch out for swift current and strong undertow.
Link and Malon then noticed an old gate, which was blocked with some boulders. On one of the pillars of the gate, the two little heroes saw the big owl, Kaepora Gaebora.
The big owl called to them "Hoo hoo! Link and Malon, we meet again."
Link and Malon both smiled as they greeted the owl back "Hello Gaebora!" Malon said.
Kaepra Gaebora then said with a smile "Looks like you two have gotten bigger and stronger already."
Link felt modest about it as he stated "We're able to manage so far."
The owl nodded as he stated "As I suspected, you two are on your way to Zora's Domain. The Zoras serve Hyrule's Royal Family by protecting this water source. Their door at the beginning of this river upwards will not open for anyone except those who have some connection with the Royal Family. Let them hear the melody of the Royal Family and they'll let you enter."
Link and Malon both knew that the big owl meant by Zelda's Lullaby. The two little heroes gave a nod as Link thanked their owl guide "Thanks, Gaebora."
Seeing that they understood, the big owl spread its big wings and said before leaving "We'll see each other again soon. Good luck! Hoooo hoo hoooot!"
After Kaepora Gaebora had left, Link and Malon took a look at the boulders, blocking their path. Link knew what to do and took out 2 bombs from his bomb bag and placed them near the boulders just before Link and Malon kept some distance, and the bombs exploded, destroying the boulders! Link and Malon continued their way upwards the Zora River.
Link and Malon found a lonely cucco, but leave him be as he made himself a little home and wasn't in need of help. Then, they met a bald man, who was sitting on the ground while eating beans.
The man asked while stuffing his mouth with beans "Hello. Chomp chomp chomp… Would you like to buy some Magic Beans? They aren't selling very well… how about… 10 rupees for one piece?"
Link and Malon looked at each other for a moment, feeling a bit sorry for him as the man was all alone out here, selling these 'so called' magic beans. Malon smiled and gave Link and nod before handing him over her money bag.
Link went over to the man and paid 10 rupees "Here you go. 1 Magic beans, please."
The man smiled as he took the rupees and gave Link one of the Magic beans "Here you go."
Wandering what to do with it, Link asked "So… I just plant this? What will grow out of it?"
The man smiled as he instructed while pointing to some soft soil next to him "You just go around and look for soft soil and plant it. Chomp chomp chomp!"
Link walked over to the soft soil, made a little hole, put the Magic Bean in it and buried it under some soil. Within a few seconds, a little plant grew out of it, surprising Link and Malon "Wow! That goes fast!"
The man nodded while eating more beans "You bet! The best magic beans. Although… you need to wait for a few years till it's fully grown. Then you'll see how handy they are. Chomp chomp chomp." He then asked "Want some more? 20 rupees."
That surprised both Link and Malon "20 rupees?" Malon asked "You said it was 10."
The man gave a shrug "Well, the more popular it becomes, the higher the price."
Malon looked at Link, gesturing that maybe they should keep it with just this 1 bean. Link nodded and told the man "No thanks. Maybe another time. Goodbye!" he said as he and Malon continued their way as they jumped over the river.
But suddenly, an Octorok appeared from the river and spit out a stone towards the two little heroes. Link and Malon quickly avoided his attack, with Navi saying how to kill it "That's an Octorok! Bounce back the rocks they spit at you!"
Link however had a better idea. He quickly grabbed his slingshot and shoots one of his Deku Seeds at the monster's head, killing it!
Navi gave a shrug "Yeah, that works too."
Along the way, they encountered several more Octoroks and a few Blue Tektites, which they were able to kill by either using their shields to bounce back the rocks the Octoroks spit or using their slingshot and swords to kill the Blue Tektites.
Link gave a sigh while putting his sword and shield back and stated "Those blue ones are more tough than the red ones we fought on Death Mountain."
Malon nodded while Navi added before flying back into Link's hat "Yeah, but because they're bigger, they're also slower."
For the next 30 minutes, Link and Malon continued climbing up the path, upwards Zora's River, until they reached the end where a big waterfall was. Wandering how to get into Zora's Domain, they took a closer look, and found a Triforce symbol on the floor in front of the waterfall with an inscription on it, saying: The flow of this waterfall serves the King of Hyrule. When the King slumbers, so too do these falls.
Wandering what it could mean, Link took out his ocarina "Hmmm. It worked before, back at the Graveyard. Perhaps I could…" Link then started playing Zelda's Lullaby, releasing the calming trance from it. When Link finished playing, the waterfall parts, revealing the entrance to Zora's Domain.
Link and Malon exchanged a short glance, with both nodding as they jumped into the entrance and walked through it.
Once entering Zora's Domain, the two little heroes stopped for a moment as they were astounded upon seeing the large cavernous area, which is mostly filled with fresh water, with a waterfall flowing from the top into the lower area. The feeling upon entering Zora's Domain felt moister, but yet calming as the minerals of the water was given something special to this place and the Zoras.
"Wow, Link…!" Malon said as she checked their surroundings "I've heard lots of stories about this place. But seeing it all in real life surpasses my imagination."
Link nodded "Yeah, it sure does."
A few Zoras had noticed Link and Malon entering their place and were surprised to see two Hylians had come.
Just as Link and Malon wanted to head on, they were stopped by a Zora Guard "Hey, you two! Who are you and what are you doing here?" he demanded as he pointed his spear to them "We Zoras are proud aquatic people and do not let strangers easily enter our sacred place."
Malon stood behind Link, looking a bit scared while Link ensured the Zora "Hold on, there's no need for this. We… are connected to Hyrule's Royal Family." Malon nodded, confirming what Link told the Zora Guard.
As he raised an eyebrow, the Zora Guard held his spear away as he asked while a few more Zoras approached their Hylian visitors "Really now? Well, as only people who are connected to the Hyrule Royal Family can enter this place, I guess you two are alright. Now, what do you want from us?"
Seeing that the Zoras wouldn't harm them, Malon stated "Me and Link came to see King Zora. We need to talk to him about something."
For a moment, the Zora Guards exchanged glances to each other before nodding in agreement as a female Zora Guard gestured Link and Malon to follow them "This way."
While Link and Malon followed the Zora Guards, Malon became curious to this place and asked one of the guards "So… is it true that Zora's Domain is the source of all the fresh water in Hyrule?"
The male Zora nodded as he stated "Yes, that's right. Zora's Fountain is the source of the river that flows fresh water to large parts of Hyrule and eventually ends in Lake Hylia to the south."
Link began to form a small smile as he remembered that he and Malon went with Talon to deliver some milk to the professor at the Lakeside Laboratory and the owner of the Fishing Pond, where Link a few years ago was allowed to use a rod to fish. Link chuckled as he told Malon "Hey, Malon, you remember that I once caught a very big fish and we together had to pull the rod with all our might to grab it?"
Malon smiled as she does remember that moment when they caught a fish that was nearly 10 ponds big "Yeah, I do remember that. I still can't believe we caught a fish THAT big."
When they all took the steps up, Link and Malon kept looking around the magnificent place, until they stepped into King Zora's chamber, who sat on his throne at the helm of Zora's Domain.
King Zora was much taller than the other Zora's, but was also very fat. He looked down in sadness as Link and Malon entered the chamber. King Zora sadly said as he shook his head "Oh, my dear, sweet Princess Ruto… where has she gone? I'm so worried…"
One of the Zora Guards approached King Zora and said "My lord? These two Hylian visitors have come to see you."
King Zora took a short glance before looking down in sadness again.
Link and Malon exchanged a raising eyebrow as they walked up to him on the altar before him. Link then told, while Navi flew out of his hat "Uhm… great King Zora? My name is… Link and this is Malon. We've come here to talk to you about something important and…"
King Zora sighed sadly as he glanced at Link, while Malon walked up and stood beside him "What is it that you two want from me…?"
"We came here because me and Malon are searching for the Spiritual Stones." Link stated.
Malon nodded and added "We heard that you had the Spiritual Stone of Water, is that right?"
King Zora sighed before looking down and gave a small nod "Yes… but…" then he shook his head again "No… I don't have it… but…"
Confused, Link asked him "What do you mean you don't have it?"
A few guards angrily came over to Link and Malon, nearly raising their spears at them "Hey! Have some respect for our king, child!"
Link and Malon were scared for a moment, but King Zora raised his hand, ensuring the guards "No… no… it is alright." The guards nodded and let the children be, while King Zora explained "That stone… Zora's Saphire… it was… a gift from my wife when we got married…. When my sweet daughter Ruto was born, we gave the Spiritual Stone to her…" he then sadly sighed again "Oh Ruto… where can you be…"
"So… your daughter has the Spiritual Stone?" Link asked.
King Zora nodded.
Malon then wandered "But, where is she?"
King Zora shook his head as he stated "I don't know… she's gone…!" he looked up sadly while telling "Nobody has seen her since yesterday. Oh… I fear something bad had happened to my dear Ruto…"
Link and Malon glanced at each other "So this Princess of the Zoras has the last Spiritual Stone but is missing? This is bad." Link said.
Malon nodded "Very bad, Link."
Another few Zoras entered the chamber, who were most likely the King's scouts. King Zora asked the leader of the group "Any news?!"
The leader of the group of searchers however shook their heads "We haven't found any trace of the Princess. We have even searched everywhere, even as far to Lake Hylia."
King Zora then told them "Well, keep searching. Turn every shell and look at every corner of our waters. Let no one rest until my sweet daughter is found."
The leader made a bow, obeying his king's command "Yes, sire."
Just as the Zora scouts were about to leave, Link offered King Zora "Maybe me and Malon can help?"
While the other Zoras and King Zora looked surprised, Malon nodded as she was willing to help "Yes, we'll helping you to find your daughter."
That Link and Malon were offering their help puts a small smile on King Zora's face "Oh, thank you. Anything to bring my daughter back…"
The leader of the Zora scouts walked over Link and Malon and gestured them to follow him. When they did, the two little heroes were a bit surprised that they led them into a hallway next of King Zora's chamber, with a sigh saying: High Dive Practice Spot, which was on top of the waterfall, where the Zora scouts jumped down and dived into the water below one by one. Link and Malon's eyes went wide of what they asked them to do.
Link and Malon exchanged a few looks, showing a bit worry. But having jumped before from high heights, they nodded as Link jumped down first and dived into the water flawlessly. Malon followed and dived down into the water, joining Link and the other Zora scouts.
Navi flew down to meet them, as Malon resurfaced and joined Link, being all happy "Woohoo! That was fun!"
Link chuckled "It sure was."
The Zora scout then said as he swam to Link and Malon "Alright. Since Ruto wasn't spotted here Zora's Domain or being at Zora's River, we best start again in Lake Hylia."
"Lake Hylia?" Link asked surprised "But, that's all the way up south! It'll take us a day to walk there!"
The Zoras formed a smile as a female scout ensured him and Malon "Do not worry children. There's a shortcut to bring us straight to Lake Hylia." She submerged and swam to a tunnel underwater. The other Zora scouts followed. Link and Malon exchanged one look before they held their breaths and dived down. Navi formed a bubble around her and followed Link and Malon as they entered the tunnel. And in a few seconds of swimming down into the tunnel, they all felt being pulled into it and found themselves at the end of it, making Link and Malon to swim upwards till they resurfaced, finding themselves in Lake Hylia.
Malon looked surprised before smiling "Link… were in Lake Hylia!"
Link nodded as he looked back at the tunnel they came from "I guess that tunnel was another Fast Tunnel, like the one in Goron City."
Navi submerged from the water as the bubble around her popped.
The other Zora Scouts gathered with Link and Malon, with their leader saying "Alright. Just like our king said, look at every parts of the lake and report back when you find anything." The Zora Scouts nodded, followed by Link and Malon and separated into groups, swimming across the lake, looking for clues where Princess Ruto might be.
After an hour of searching, Malon and Link panted of all the swimming across the lake as they came back to where they started "Nothing. Absolutely nothing." Link said disappointed while he shook his head.
Malon sighed sadly. But as she looks around her, she noticed something on the bottom "Hey, Link. Look." She pointed to the bottom "There's something down there."
Link looked at where Malon saw the thing on the bottom and noticed it too "Yeah, I see it too. Wait here." He finished before submerging, swimming down to the bottom and grabbed the object, which turned out to be a bottle but had something inside. Link quickly swam upwards and gasped as soon as he resurfaced.
Malon swam towards Link and asked "What did you find?"
"This." Link said as he held up the bottle "It's a bottle. But… it looks like there's a note inside."
He and Malon swam back to shore and sat down on the ground while Link opened the bottle and takes the note out "It looks like a letter." He said before reading it:
Help me. I'm waiting for you inside Lord Jabu-Jabu's belly.
- Princess Ruto
PS: Don't tell my father!
Link's eyes went wide as he showed the letter to Malon "It's from Princess Ruto!"
Malon took a look at it, but after a few seconds raised an eyebrow and asked "Inside Lord Jabu-Jabu's belly? Who's Jabu-Jabu?"
Navi stated "Jabu-Jabu is the Zora's deity and protector of their water source. It's a very big whale that rests in Zora's Fountain."
Link and Malon exchanged a surprise look "A big whale?!" both said simultaneously.
Link puts the letter back in the bottle and walked back into the water "C'mon! King Zora needs to know this!"
Malon followed Link into the water. Just as they were about to dive back into the tunnel, one of the Zora Scouts came back and asked "Did you two find anything?"
Link nodded "Yes, we found this bottle with a note from Princess Ruto. We're taking it to King Zora."
Surprised of hearing what Link and Malon found, the Zora Scout nodded "Okay, you two do that while I'll inform the others." But before leaving, he showed what he found "Oh, by the way. I found this." Link and Malon looked, seeing that the Zora Scout had found an old rusty sword.
"A sword?" Link asked.
The Zora Scout shrugged "Perhaps. It's no use to me, but maybe to you two?"
Malon took the sword, and began to think 'Hang on. My mother once had a Gerudo sword but lost it when she tried to escape the Gerudo…. Perhaps this is… HER sword!' She mentally theorized, figuring that this sword belonged to her mother. She decides to put 'Ateiti's rusty old sword' into her magic bag for safekeeping.
Link and Malon then dived down towards the tunnel and were then telleported back to Zora's Domain.
However, behind the Lake Laboratory, the same hooded figure began to smirk as he saw the two children finding the bottle he'd placed there "Yes. Go and bring that forged letter to King Zora." Ganondorf's minion evilly chuckled before he quickly left the area and said to himself "My master will be pleased to hear that his plan is working smoothly…"
- Back with Link and Malon -
Upon exiting the Fast Tunnel, Link and Malon were back into Zora's Domain and submerged. Both got out of the water and squeezed their clothes as they were soaking wet. When most of the water had been squeezed out of their Kokiri outfits, Link and Malon ran up the stairs and went up to King Zora's chamber.
The Zora king saw Link and Malon coming, with Link saying "King Zora, we have something that you need to look at!" he held up the bottle with the letter.
Wandering what was in it, King Zora asked a Zora servant "Let me see that." the servant nodded and took the bottle from Link before handing it over to King Zora. He opened the bottle and took the letter out. He was surprised to see that it was Ruto's handwriting "Ho, this letter! It's from my dear sweet daughter!"
He took a moment to read it "Hmm… let's see…" but then he was baffled to what he read "She's inside Lord Jabu-Jabu? That's not possible! Our guardian god, Lord Jabu-Jabu, would never eat my dear Princess Ruto!" but that was before King Zora reminded himself of what happened a few days ago "Wait a minute, I just remember…. Ever since that stranger, Ganondorf, came here, Lord Jabu-Jabu has been acting strange, as my daughter claims he is as she's in charge of feeding our Guardian Deity."
Link and Malon exchanged a look while they frowned "Ganondorf. I should've guessed he's behind this." Link said.
Malon nodded, being angry that that evil sorcerer was causing trouble once more "We gotta go and save her!" she said as she became determent.
King Zora knew that his daughter could be in danger and instructed Link and Malon "Yes… the evidence is clear. Please, you, Link and Malon, have to go and find Ruto. You can pass through here to the altar of Lord Jabu-Jabu." He then begged them "Please find my dear Princess Ruto and bring her back to me…"
Link and Malon both nodded "We'll find your daughter, King Zora and bring her back safe." Link ensured King Zora.
King Zora gave a big sigh as he tried to shove to the right, but had a hard time as he was very big and fat. After a minute, he was able to move out of the way, allowing Link and Malon to enter the path leading to Zora's Fountain.
But as Link and Malon were about to bypass King Zora to go and safe Ruto, one of the Zora servants stated to the two little heroes "Wait a moment. If you want to enter into Lord Jabu-Jabu, you need to offer him something."
Link and Malon looked at each other for a moment, before Malon asked "What do we need to offer to Jabu-Jabu?"
"Fish will do." The Zora servant answered before taking the bottle where Ruto's letter was in first and goes down the pond for a moment, swooping out a fish and handed it over to Link "Here, take this one."
Link thanked the servant and went along with Malon into Zora's Fountain.
- Meanwhile, at Hyrule's Castle -
In the study room of King Dikun of Hyrule, the king was going through some paperwork about reports across what happens in his kingdom.
But as Dikun was only halfway, he just stopped as he was mentally struggling to either give the Ocarina of Time to Ganondorf or let him take his daughter, Zelda. Dikun felt terrible of being incapable of making a decision. He buried his face in his hands and sighed deep
Just then, Princess Zelda walked into her father's room. Being concerned of what troubled her father, she asked him softly as she puts her hands on his "Father, what's the matter?"
Dikun looked at his daughter and formed a small smile as he shook his head, ensuring her "Nothing, my dear. I'm just… tired, that's all."
Zelda however knew about Ganondorf's demands, as she'd overheard her father and the evil Gerudo king talking 2 days ago. She heavily shook her head and pleaded while showing teary eyes "Father! I know what Ganondorf wants and that it troubles you greatly! Please… you mustn't give him the Ocarina of Time…!"
Dikun looked surprised at his daughter "Zelda… how did you-"
"I overheard you two the other day." Zelda interrupted her father. Again she heavily shook her head as a tear fell from her left eye "Please, father! If Ganondorf is getting his hands on our family's sacred treasure, he will…"
Dikun tried to calm his daughter "Zelda… calm down."
"No! You can't do it father. If you do, terrible things are about to happen and-"
Dikun heavily sighed as he hushed Zelda "Zelda, my dear, listen! I don't know, alright? I don't want to give him the Ocarina, but…" he looked down in shame "I gave him my word… if I hadn't made that promise years ago, the war would have been lost…. But the thought of watching you being taken… made into a… slave… I won't be able to bare to see it, and neither your mother, but…. But if this is the only way to safe you…?"
Zelda then started to remember Link's words when she spoke with him and Malon "Fear is what gives enemies the power to overcome you. Be less afraid and start to be brave enough to face those fears." Zelda heard Link saying, echoing in her head.
This gave Zelda the courage to bring her father back to her senses as she frowned and seriously told Dikun "FATHER!" this surprised the king as Zelda raised her voice "You're the King of Hyrule for Din's sake! Ganondorf is the one that should be afraid of you, not the other way around! That… MAN has no right to take the Royal Family's sacred treasure, nor having the guts to threaten you to take your only daughter and heir as his slave!"
Dikun was beyond words at how Zelda took the courage to even stand up against her own father and king. But seeing how Zelda wasn't afraid of no matter what the Gerudo sorcerer threatened to do if he refused to fulfill his end of the bargain, made the King of Hyrule to realize that he was in charge, not Ganondorf "You're right, my daughter!" he raised himself from his chair and looked out the window "I am the King of Hyrule! And anyone who has the guts to threaten me or my family should not be rewarded or have the guts to blackmail me, HE SHOULD BE SEND AWAY OR BEING THROWN INTO THE DUNGEON!"
Dikun was surprised of how furious he was, to show that he was in charge and not be as weak to be blackmailed. Even Zelda was shocked for a moment from her father's outburst, but slowly… she formed a proudly smile and hugged her father.
Dikun returned the hug and softly said to his daughter "Thank you, Zelda… for slapping some sense into me."
Zelda giggled "Guess someone had to do it, right, father?"
Dikun softly rubbed her head "Yes… indeed." He gave a sigh while proudly smile at his daughter as he looked into her eyes "You're going to be a strong and wise queen one day."
Again, Zelda hugged her father. They remained this way for a minute, till Dikun slowly broke the hug and began to walk out of his study room.
"Dikun? Where are you going?" Queen Esha asked as she was about to go into the study room, wandering where her husband was going.
King Dikun stopped and glanced at his wife proudly "I'm going to have a SERIOUS TALK with our guest! No one threatens my family and gets away with it!" he then marched out, heading to Ganondorf's chamber.
Queen Esha glanced confused at her daughter and asked "What has gone into your father?"
Zelda stated as she glanced to her mother "He's going to do the right thing."
A few minutes later, King Dikun banged on the door of guest chamber where Ganondorf was staying "Ganondorf! We need to have a talk!" but after hearing nothing, he opened the door, seeing that Ganondorf wasn't inside. One of Ganondorf's guards came over to the King, with Dikun demanding to know from him "Where is he!?"
Surprised of Dikun's outburst, the dark guard answered "My master is out for a moment, my liege. He will be back after a few hours."
Seeing that he wouldn't be able to confront him right away, King Dikun told the dark guard "Well, tell your master to come and see me in the throne room as soon as he's back!" and then walked away.
The dark guard gave a nod "Yes… I will let my master know when he's back."
Back with Zelda, who explained her mother of how she figured out about the deal that her father made with Ganondorf years ago, threating him to either give the Ocarina of Time to him or take her with him as his slave. Hearing about this made Queen Esha gasp in horror, never knowing about the deal that her husband made with the Gerudo leader to end the Civil War "By the Goddesses…" tears fell from her eyes as she hugged her daughter "Oh, Zelda…!" Esha began to sob, not being able to bare to watch her own daughter being taken by that evil man. She now began to understand that what their daughter was right all along about Ganondorf and that her dream truly was a prophecy "I'm so sorry, Zelda… I'm so sorry for not believing you…!"
Zelda gave a few sobs as she softly said "Thank you… for believing me…"
The queen then broke the hug and instructed her daughter as she faced her while sitting on one knee "Listen to me. Ganondorf will not have you, or the Ocarina of Time. You stay in your quarters till me and your father have dealt with this. Impa will protect you."
Though Zelda wanted to believe her mother, she feared what Ganondorf is be capable of "But he-"
"It'll be alright, honey." Esha ensured Zelda as she puts her hands on her arms. She then raised herself and both went out of Dikun's study room. Impa was standing behind the door, waiting for the Princess. Queen Esha instructed the Sheikah warrior "Bring Zelda to her room and watch over her till we're sure it's safe."
Impa made a small bow "Of course, my queen." She then looked at Zelda, who gave a nod and went with Impa back to her room while Queen Esha walked into the opposite direction, hopping to find her husband and stand by his side when he's about to confront the Gerudo sorcerer.
A/N: Alright, that's it for this chapter. I'm sorry that this one took a bit longer, but, as usual, I have also other projects to work on. But I want to thank every single one of you for your patience.
So, in the next chapter, Link and Malon will go inside the big whale, Jabu-Jabu to find Ruto and help her find her precious Spiritual Stone. I'm going to work on the next one right away, so you all don't need to wait that long ;)
So, rate and review and I'll see you all again in the next chapter.
