Link winced when he saw the bill. But he was feeling a lot better.
"Those medicines plus the potion the old lady gave you, you'll be back to normal in no time. I want you to stay one more night before you leave town." The doctor was writing him a prescription. "Here, the local potion shop doubles as a pharmacy, the owner there will give you some antibiotics."
Navi thanks the doctor when he left the room. It's been weeks, Link was sicker than he thought. Luckily the town was okay, the evil stayed in that dungeon. She could see how bored Link was and reminded him to listen to orders. Thankfully Link agreed and took a nap.
Once Link was asleep, she went and opened the diary, it left off inside the Water Temple.
While Rheda was away with Mirabel, he and Sierida were talking inside the temple. Sierida was teaching him how to be a Zora.
"Okay. Cross your arms, and kneel forward. Pretend you are using a boomerang, okay, now fire!"
Darwyn was having trouble, he didn't think Zoras actually used their fins to fight. But without the hookshot, both were helpless.
"I did it!" He couldn't believe it, he managed to kill the shellblade.
"There you go. See, I told you that wasn't so hard. Keep practicing, I see some spike monsters. If you excuse me, I'm going to go exploring. I promise not to take anything."
After he killed the creatures on the bottom, he went to practice his swimming, he didn't know how long he'll be in here, so might as well figure out how to swim.
"How long are they gonna be?" Its been days.
Sierida shrugged. He didn't care how long he was in here, he was intrigued by the mysteries of this place. He explored a lot of rooms, but only ones he and Darwyn can access. He wasn't planning on staying, he was heading back out to the surface, he had a job. When Darywn asked if he knew anything about this place, Sierida answered as much as he knew.
"This place, it used to be a palace. The earliest Zoras, they lived here. It wasn't just a castle, it was a place of worship. They prayed everyday to the Water Gods, for blessings and protection. It was a haven for everyone. Then a event happened."
"What's that?" Darwyn took off the Zora mask, he wanted to be himself. Unfortunately he couldn't understand Sierida's native tongue without that mask, so Sierida switched to the Hylian language.
"To be honest, I don't know. None of the texts ever explained it. All I know, the Zoras split up. The Royal Family, they went south, there they lived in an Ocean Palace. The remaining Zoras, they scattered all across the globe, a few remaining here. The ones that chose to stay behind became Holy Men."
"So the Royal Family traveled south? You mean the Great Bay area? What happened to them?"
Sierida closed his eyes.
"They were all slaughtered."
"I'm sorry." He knew how prideful the water creatures were. Losing the Royal bloodline, he could only imagine how the citizens felt.
''It was a long time ago. Most Zoras, they like to be free. We went on, most forgotten about the strict rules we were used to obeying. The Ocean Palace, it rusts away, eventually it will sink and be lost forever."
"What about this place?"
"I'm sure it will sink as well. If not the earthquakes, then the weight of the water."
Neither said anything more than that. But Darywn had to know. What happened to the holy men that used to live here? All Sierida said is they must have passed away from old age. Zoras, like the Gorons have long life spans. But they weren't immortal. This place was sealed away by the last Zora guardian. Since then, no one has entered these walls.
Darwyn thought about Roana. He knew Sheikah could outlive other races, but they only lived for so long before dying of old age. Roana, she'll be alone. He knew he couldn't give her children, even though she desired being a mother. Darwyn wondered if he was being selfish. Even though he truly loved her, she'll be all alone eventually. He looked over at his new friend. Sierida, he was different from the other Zoras. He had a adventurous spirit. Never following the rules, breaking his own path, he loved being a free man. The leader of the Zora, he'll have a heart attack having him as a son in law.
It took the women a week to come back, when Darwyn saw who Rheda brought back, he immediately bowed in respect.
"My Lady."
Rheda, she smiled at the Sheikah.
"Lara, meet Darwyn, one of the leads of No Boundaries.''
Hearing that, both Lara's and Sierida's eyes went wide.
"That was you! Why didn't you tell me!" Sierida was a huge fan. "I heard a cover for your song, 'Ballad of the Wind Fish.' I had no idea you were the one to write it. Autograph please."
"Same here." Lara wasn't allowed to leave home that night, she had a exam. But she begged her father for a souvenir. She saw the poster and autographs. She had no idea Rheda's friend was one of the leads.
Darwyn laughs. He didn't think he was that special. But he signed his autograph.
"You have any idea how much your signature is worth? I can buy a new guitar." Sierida played guitar in his spare time.
Lara felt like a schoolgirl. Now she realized why her friend kept talking about Mirabel's crush. She was giddy when he autographed her notebook.
"You are a Princess! I'm a common criminal." Darwyn was humbled.
"If your story is true, then I can pardon you. De Bön Zora, he still obeys Hyrule law. Your fiancee, she will confirm your story."
"Thank you your Highness." He bowed.
"Hey Whitey." Rheda interrupted. "Eighty six the Royal Talk. Lara, she is undercover."
Lara nodded.
"Shilgen is who you're talking to. I'm a Sheikah from down south. Hope you don't mind."
Darwyn's eyebrows rose seeing the Sheikah symbol underneath the blue tunic the two women were wearing. It was good, but the symbol was crooked. He didn't say a word though, he didn't care. He just nodded at their new travel companion.
"Okay. If anyone asks, you came from the Termina region." He looks behind the two women. "Where's Mirabel?"
"She wanted to stay with her sister." Once Rheda filled him in, Darwyn nodded in understanding.
"I see. Can't blame her." He knew, if anything happened to his family, he'll be in Kakariko so fast. Sadly, it looked like that will never happen. Roana, she'll want to be close to home. When Sierida announced he was heading back to the surface, all three say goodbye.
"Don't worry, I'll be fine. Those Zoras at the river won't say a word. I may be an outsider, but I'm still a salesman. I promise to keep an eye on your girl!"
Both Rheda and Lara assured Darwyn that Roana was hidden by the doctor in the clinic. They went to see if there was any changes, sadly she was still in a coma. Lara told Darwyn her bill was already taken care of, as a Princess, she said it was important her citizens were happy.
"It will take me sometime to lay you back, my La...I mean, Shilgen."
"Save her, and your debt will be paid in full."
"Deal."
After Sierida left, the three adventurers went to check out the ancient temple. Unfortunately, they weren't alone, there was someone following them.
"Goddess, that took a long time." All three hated this place. So many switches and puzzles. Not to mention playing that damn song. At first all three went together, but ended up splitting up. It was faster if one carried the Ocarina, and the other two waiting for the signal when the water changed levels.
"Okay. Now where is this supposed Jewel we're supposed to find." Darwyn heard about it, Rheda's mom talked about it.
"The Zora Sapphire? I have no idea. What?" Lara, aka Shilgen was wondering why everyone was staring at him. "I studied history."
"My mom told me about it. It was a like a crown for Zoras. They can't wear crowns comfortably, so they wore the jewel around their necks. But it isn't just an ordinary jewel, it carries great power."
Shilgen nodded.
"And get this. It may be one of the Keys to open a Magical Door."
"So evil may never get their hands on It." Darwyn remembered Petronilla's words. "Not to mention saving this Great Fish." He was disguised as a Zora, it was easier for all three to roam since he could swim. But he was still getting the hang of it, he was embarrassed when the women laughed when he swam straight into a wall by accident when he was showing off.
"The Guardian of the Water." Shilgen knew about Him. He made sure Hyrule's water sources stayed clean. He was carrying the longshot he found in a box, he explored the upper floors, especially the one where he faced his clone. That shadow almost killed him. Thankfully he managed to dodge her attack, by reversing her own move on her. Once she vanished, the illusion of the lake vanished. He knew what it was, it was a test of a hero, to see if they were worthy of carrying the Jewel. Shilgen wasn't planning on keeping it, he wasn't a Zora. But he knew it was only meant to be carried by Zora Royalty. Roana was a noble, but she was not a princess. The Jewel will reject her. If only the Zora blue blood wasn't extinct.
All three were looking up at the final door. There, that was their final test. There were three large spike traps all moving in opposite directions; one wrong move, all three would be slashed into ribbons. They had armor, but it wasn't enough. Both the longshot and hookshot were useless.
"Any ideas?" Rheda was staring up.
Shilgen shrugged.
Darwyn, he had no choice. Roana needed him.
"I'll go." He hands Rheda his Zora mask. "Wear this, it would be faster if you can carry Shilgen on your back." He saw the water spiders. "I'll join you later." He heard the cries for help.
"Be careful." Rheda walks up to him and hugs him. Shilgen goes up to him and shakes his hand. "I'm going to return this first, another Zora, they need to prove they are the rightful ruler of Hyrule's water source." He was holding the Longshot. It was tempting to keep it, but it was meant for a hero. The hookshot was good enough. "Take care."
Darwyn, this was a true test. He knew if he freed the Great Fish, the Zoras would be forced to accept him. He heard the Great Fish's words.
'Free me, and I'll make sure you are welcomed. No Zora will ever turn you away. You and your love, you can be together forever.'
Darwyn wasn't sure if that was Its true voice, or his hallucination from hunger. He hasn't eaten in three days. Luckily, he had a fish. Once he ate, he went upstairs.
Rheda and Shilgen were watching the tank. Poor woman was still unconscious. When they felt a rumble, the doctor yelled at everyone to get under a table.
"Earthquake! Everyone, take shelter!"
Rheda felt earthquakes before, but this was nothing like she ever felt. Worried about Darwyn, she runs outside. What she saw outside, horrified her.
The Temple, it collapsed into the ground. The earthquake, it shook so hard, the entire hill collapsed where the temple once stood. Everyone who was in the general region was terrified. Especially Sierida, he went back inside to save Roana. Once the Earthquake stopped, everyone who was at the clinic was staring into the deep hole.
"My Goddess." Rheda couldn't believe it. The Temple was gone. She prayed Darwyn got out.
"Please, please oh Great Guardian." Sierida prayed.
Shilgen bowed his head.
Everyone hoped Darwyn was alright.
Darwyn was staring at the door. This was the end of his journey. Once he saves the Great Fish, he and Roana will be together forever. He takes out the Master Key and opens the door.
The room was empty. Or was it? Darwyn immediately goes on guard, he knew he wasn't alone. When he looked around, the walls were full of spikes, he had to be careful, especially if he gets attacked. Before he could move forward, he heard a voice.
'Watch out! That's not ordinary water!'
Darwyn takes out his hookshot, thankfully Shilgen gave it back, he said he found a way out. This was it. The final test. He saw the water, but knew there was something underneath. Swallowing his fear, he jumps across the "water."
He jumped when he felt a testicle. Quickly jumping to the other side, he sees a monster. But that wasn't the only thing he saw, he saw Gavin's head popping out of the water.
"Get the hell out of there!" Darwyn screams. He hated the guy, but Gavin was in great danger.
"You think I'll let you have the glory! Hah! Go back to the fields! This test is only meant for Zoras! Leave now, and I'll deny ever..." He didn't finish his sentence, he screamed when something pulled him underwater. Darwyn didn't hesitate, he jumped in.
Navi had her hands over her mouth. Whatever Darwyn was fighting, it wasn't the same kind of monster Link fought in this time. Her heart beating, she continued reading.
Darwyn's eyes were huge staring at that spike. He was so close. But he needed to finish. Luckily he knew where the monster was the weakest. Pulling out his hookshot, he pulled the giant octopus towards him and quickly maneuvers behind the fish and stabs the monster in the back.
The monster screams as he was killed, but caused a huge earthquake by its screeching. Darwyn had to get out of there, but not before grabbing Gavin who was gravely injured. The monster, he threw him against the spikes. Gavin begged for Darwyn to run, saving the Great Fish and Sapphire was more important. Both were laying beside Gavin's hands.
"No. I don't leave anyone behind." He quickly bandages him up, and seeing a hole in the floor, he takes Gavin and jumps in.
Roana was unconscious, but when she groaned, everyone looked up.
"Darwyn? Mirabel? Where am I?"
Everyone looked at one another. What were they supposed to say?
They watch as Darwyn was getting handcuffed. His charge, the murder of Gavin, the kidnapping of Roana, and the illegal charge of trespassing on Holy Ground. Lara, she was a Princess, but her hands were tied. Rheda, she wanted to help, but looking in his eyes, she knew this is what he wanted.
It took a long time for Darwyn to get away, the tunnel took them all the way to the water lab, but when he got out with Gavin, he immediately goes to the shore to witness the Water Temple sinking. Just in time, the tunnel he just escaped from collapsed underground.
Once the earthquake stopped, he carried Gavin inside. The guppy and Sapphire in his water tunic.
"This is the Great Fish?" Rheda was incredulous. "It's tiny!" The guppy was lazily swimming around in a small fish bowl.
"I don't know, it's kinda cute." Shilgen remarked.
"Don't judge. That fish will save Hyrule's water source." The lake doctor scolded. "He's a baby, yes, but he is also a god."
"It's been years since I heard of the Great Fish. My family, the Zoras down south, we don't believe the legends. But, I know. This fish will help bring peace." Sierida bowed to the fish.
Darwyn wasn't paying attention to the conversation behind him. He was too busy watching Roana.
"Why isn't she waking up?" The doctor gave her a rare medicine. Sierida just happened to have a vial of a spleen from a extinct fish.
"Give her time. Medicine that strong will take hours, if not days to take effect." The doctor tells him. He tried, but Gavin's injuries were too severe. He bled to death on the operating table. "Your friend. I tried." The doctor did his best, but Gavin died from massive blood loss. Sierida's blood wasn't enough for a blood transfusion, and the Zora Mask was useless. They jumped hearing a pounding.
"Open up! You are harboring a wanted fugitive! Surrender now, or you will be arrested!"
"Oh no." Rheda was terrified. She was sure it was for her.
"One word from me, and no one gets arrested." Lara took off her Shilgen hood and mask.
"I came here without paying tax." Sierida lived here for a year.
"It's for me." Darwyn knew. "I'm surrendering peacefully." He took one last glace at Roana. "Take good care my love." He nodded at the doctor to open the door, but not before asking his new friends to hide. "Goodbye."
Darwyn was immediately arrested and taken away. It was terrible. He never said a word in his defense. He did give the jewel to Sierida, but not before Sierida told everyone in the clinic who he really was, the last descendant member of the Zora Royalty. That was the last time any of us saw Darwyn, he was sentenced to prison at Hyrule Castle.
"Where's Darwyn?" Roana was yawning in sleepiness. "I feel so much better. I can't wait for my honeymoon."
Everyone was looking at the ground. It's been three days since Darwyn's arrest. Once they told Roana the tragic news, she immediately gets up to fight for Darwyn's release, but when Sierida showed her the Great Fish, Roana backed off.
The non Zoras had no clue what the Fish said, but when they saw Roana crying, they knew Darwyn wasn't coming back.
If only it stopped there. There is more. Much more. Like the Gorons. Their guardian, she was corrupted by evil.