Chapter 15: Enchanted Water
Once again, Ashwin found himself ringing out his wet clothes after crawling through the entrance to the Water Temple. The puddles he left behind, reflected the bluish tone that filled the entrance hall. He slid the silver scale up over his head. He still had the one the Zoras had given him, and took it back in time with him.
The journey here had been much easier this time around. Having been to Zora's Domain before, he found it easier to make the trek to the river. He knew where to split off and head towards Lake Hylia. Upon reaching the lake, he immediately submerged and headed straight to the Water Temple. He didn't want to linger around and risk being abducted by another Zora. Ashwin hoped that this time around, he made it here before Shadow Ashwin had come and soiled his image.
Now all he had to do was find the Great Fairy Fountain in this elaborate maze. Ashwin admired the endless multi-level passageways, supported by beautifully carved columns, and finished with elegant tilework. He thought he remembered the way there from his first visit, but the further he explored, the more he realized his memory had failed him. Initially he kept track, in his head, of his path through the various chambers. As time went on, this became increasingly difficult until Ashwin was forced to admit to himself that he was lost. He paused for a while to reformulate his strategy.
Across one of the larger galleries, Ashwin spotted a moblin rounding the corner into another hallway. Shadow Ashwin and Ganon are here. Was he too late? Has the fountain been destroyed? Ashwin decided to redouble his efforts and increase his pace as he navigated the halls of the temple.
Ashwin found himself in a larger chamber with a familiar arrangement of columns. Just as he realized where he was, he noticed, from the corner of his eye, the sword bearing down on him. He reacted instinctively, raising his Hylian shield to block the strike.
It was Shadow Ashwin. It was like looking in a mirror. The resemblance was uncanny. This was Ashwin's chance to redeem himself and bring down this villain.
Ashwin repositioned his shield to the side, to block a sweeping sideways slash. He then responded with a swift, powerful thrust, straight out, with his sword. Shadow Ashwin seemed somewhat phased by this, but was able to sidestep the attack. Perhaps Shadow Ashwin was not expecting the Master Sword. Ashwin had obtained it since their last encounter. Shadow Ashwin's sword seemed smaller now. Was it smaller, or did it only feel that way because Ashwin could now outreach him with the Master Sword's superior length? This time, Ashwin felt that he had the advantage.
Once again, the hall rang out with the metallic clang of crashing swords and shields. Ashwin felt a strong sense of urgency to finish the battle quickly. He was still in a rush to be the first to the Great Fairy Fountain. However, Shadow Ashwin did not go down so easily. Ashwin was reminded of that familiar frustration of facing an opponent who knew his every move. Ashwin's only consolation was that he was also able to recognize his enemy's attack patterns and foresee the next move.
The chess match continued. Ashwin began to formulate a plan. He would choose a combination that should be familiar to his opponent, and add a third move to surprise him. Ashwin started with a spin attack, slashing sideways, coming all the way behind him and ahead again. Predictably, Shadow Ashwin ducked under this. In one fluid motion, Ashwin then followed up with the swinging of his upturned shield. To Ashwin's surprise, the shield made hard contact on the side of his adversary's head, rendering the final surprise move unnecessary.
Shadow Ashwin fell backwards, spilling his sword and shield. He was laid flat on his back, motionless. He had done it! Ashwin had defeated his greatest rival!
Was Shadow Ashwin dead? No, he was probably just knocked out. There was no time to check. The Great Fairy Fountain was the priority. Ashwin would have to come back here later.
He rushed through the passages, trying to retrace his steps from his last visit. This time, his memory served him well, and he located the bright, glowing, hall leading to the Great Fairy Fountain.
It was magnificent. The great columns were still neatly arranged in a circle around the still intact, large stone basin. The mystical pool of water swirled with fluorescent blue light. The tilework surrounding the fountain was beautifully preserved. The walls seemed to be made of a glowing, continuously drizzling rain that lit up the entire room, giving it a magical atmosphere.
Something was emerging slowly from the water. The figure of a woman, larger than an adult human, floated up out of the water. She continued to float through the air above the fountain, defying gravity. Her clothing was made entirely out of leaves. Her pointed ears protruded from her neon-pink hair. Her long hair reached her knees and drifted freely around her. Her face was heavily masked in pink makeup including her long, thick eyelashes.
"Hello there, little forest boy! Welcome to my fountain. I see that battle has made you weary. Come and wash away your wounds." Her voice was soft and soothing. Her big smile had a comforting quality.
Ashwin ascended the steps up to the pool. Cupping his hands, he splashed some of the water on his face. Rubbing the bruise on his head, he could feel the bump fading away until it felt like it had never been there. He dipped his hand in the basin for more of the water and washed the gash on his upper arm. He watched as the scab washed away like dirt leaving behind spotless, healthy skin. Ashwin continued to rub away scratches and injuries he had collected on his adventure. He felt revitalized and refreshed. Withdrawing the vial, he submerged it, filling it to the top, then plugged it with a stopper.
"Thank you Great Fairy." Ashwin felt sympathy for the Great Fairy for what would shortly befall her wonderful sanctuary. "I have to warn you that Ganon is on his way here to destroy this fountain."
The Great Fairy locked eyes with Ashwin, as if searching deep into his soul, for the truth of his words. Her painted face exaggerated her expression of hurt. She began to weep. "The news you bear is terrible. Though there are other sources of magic in this world, these enchanted waters are precious, having existed for thousands of years." Her crying was now a loud wail. She then made an attempt to contain herself. "In giving me time to escape, you have saved me. Please allow me to grant you a wish."
Ashwin wondered what to ask of the Great Fairy. For the most part, he felt like he had already won, having defeated Shadow Ashwin, and assisted Zelda in halting Ganon's reign of terror, albeit in a future time. He was now in possession of both the sacred seeds and enchanted water which they needed to restore Hyrule and banish Ganon forever.
"Can you help me get home?" Ashwin asked.
The Great Fairy spread her arms out wide. From the water, emerged a small fairy. It appeared as a point of light with wings, about the size of a plum. It flapped its little wings as it floated towards Ashwin, landing on his outstretched hand. It then fluttered around him, finding a resting place beneath the Hylian shield on his back.
"This fairy will guide you home." The smile returned to the Great Fairy's face. "Come, let us leave this place before it is overtaken by evil. Dive into the fountain with me."
Suddenly, the Great Fairy fell as if gravity was instantly reestablished. She fell into the pool with a big splash, disappearing into the swirling radiant waters.
Ashwin was not yet ready to leave the Water Temple. He wanted to return to Shadow Ashwin and apprehend him. It was the only way to ensure a stop to his villainy. It would also give Ashwin the opportunity to interrogate him, and learn about who, or what, he was.
However, Ashwin heard some footsteps echoing outside the fountain. Glancing behind him, he saw the dark figure of Ganon at the far end of the hall. He had no choice. Ashwin climbed up onto the edge of the large basin, and leapt into the water.