Chapter 36: A Fishy Proposal

Noah's grin widened as he counted the rupees in the bag Lady Impa had given him. Each one gleamed in the light, the sound of clinking coins music to his ears. It was a far cry from the tight financial situation he had been in before, and the relief was palpable. He had almost forgotten to thank Impa, so engrossed was he in the sight of the rupees.

Quickly, Noah turned and gave a respectful bow to Lady Impa, who stood watching him with a small, knowing smile. "Thank you, Lady Impa. This will help more than you know."

As he moved to leave the room, her voice stopped him in his tracks. "Ah, one more thing… about the Saintess…"

The smile vanished from Noah's face, replaced by a darker expression. He knew what was coming, he had forgotten to inform Lady Impa what had transpired between him and the Saintess during his time within the Church's clutches. There hadn't been time to explain, and truthfully, he hadn't felt the need to.

Now, though, it was clear Impa expected an explanation.

Noah sighed, deciding it was better to be honest. Partly because he respected her, and partly because there was no point hiding it. He recounted the events of the last few hours—everything from the tense meeting with the Saintess to his confrontation and eventual release—though he deliberately omitted Christa's death and the crushing weight of depression he still felt gnawing at the back of his mind.

Impa listened quietly, her face unreadable as Noah spoke. When he finished, she nodded thoughtfully. "All these years, and I never knew the Sheikah Slate had such capabilities… perhaps finding more ancient artifacts could aid you further in your journey."

Noah blinked. He hadn't even considered that. Could he gather ancient artefacts and absorb their abilities, like collecting rare items in a game? The thought intrigued him but also made him wince at the memory of how the power of the Lens of Truth had transferred into him last time. The excruciating pain of absorbing it from the Sheikah Slate was not something he wanted to endure again.

Still, before he could dwell on it further, Lady Impa continued. "But that's not the only reason I brought her up. My spies have informed me that the Saintess has left the village."

Noah frowned, though he wasn't surprised. "I expected as much," he admitted, though a part of him had hoped she might stay longer, if only so he could confront her again. But that tunnel had obviously leaded somewhere.

Impa's gaze softened as she studied him. "She's headed toward Zora's Domain. For what purpose, I am unsure."

Noah's brow furrowed in thought. Zora's Domain—an important location, both in the game and now in this reality. He knew that the Divine Beast, Vah Ruta, was critical to the plot in the game, and it seemed unlikely that aspect had changed. If the Saintess was going there, what was her purpose? Was she connected to the Divine Beast, or was it something else?

Either way, it complicated things. Noah desperately wanted to pursue her for answers, but he had enough on his plate with the village and the creature lurking in its shadows. Dealing with Vah Ruta, the Saintess or whatever trouble awaited in Zora's Domain—would have to wait.

After exchanging farewells with Lady Impa, Noah stepped out into the crisp air, finding Neph already waiting for him outside. She was leaning against a post, arms crossed, her impatience barely masked.

"Are we heading straight there?" she asked, straightening up. "I'm ready to go. Well, almost."

Noah shook his head. "Not yet. There's something else we need to do first," he said, his recent conversation with Lady Impa still fresh in his mind. He had been reminded of a glaring issue: his offensive capabilities were limited. The abilities he had so far—Bright Step, Magnesis, and a bow he'd purchased—weren't going to cut it if things got more dangerous, especially if they faced something harder than the monsters he had encountered so far.

"I need to pick up a sword. Some arrows too," he decided, realizing that while he had some magical abilities, he lacked a reliable, physical weapon for close combat.

Neph raised an eyebrow but shrugged. "Alright. I know a few spots that sell decent weapons. Follow me."

As she started leading the way, Noah glanced over at the assassin, who was silently walking beside Neph. The assassin had been sticking close, but strangely, neither of the women had acknowledged each other. It was like they existed in separate bubbles, with no interaction. It made Noah curious, but he didn't press the issue.

After a short walk, they arrived at the blacksmith's. The sound of hammers clanging against metal filled the air, and the scent of burning coals lingered. The blacksmith, a burly man with soot-covered arms, greeted them with a nod, and Noah began inspecting the swords on display.

"So, kid? How's this one?" The blacksmith handed him a medium-length sword, its blade gleaming in the dim light of the forge.

Noah accepted the weapon, giving it a few experimental swings. Not bad… but it's not exactly an assault rifle, he thought wryly. The sword was fairly standard—iron blade, brown leather hilt, slightly worn. It felt a little too light in his hand, and he frowned.

"Is this what you'd recommend?" Noah asked, turning to Neph, who was inspecting a set of daggers in the corner.

Neph glanced over, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the sword. "The hilt's faded, and it looks like it's been reforged. I wouldn't recommend something like that if you want it to last long-term."

Noah sighed, feeling a little lost. He knew practically nothing about swords, and it showed. The thought of borrowing a weapon from Lady Impa's collection had crossed his mind, but he doubted she'd approve of that idea. Weapons mass-produced like these were likely lacking in quality compared to what she had.

"I just want something dependable," Noah muttered. "Not too heavy, something that'll last."

Neph's eyes scanned the shop, and after a moment, she pulled out another sword from the rack. It was longer than the first, with a hilt wrapped in dark, weathered leather. The blade itself had a faint, bluish tint, as though forged from a rare, stronger metal. A series of intricate, wave-like patterns ran along its length, and the edge gleamed with a sharpness that suggested it had been expertly honed.

"How about this one?" Neph asked, holding it out.

Noah took the sword, feeling its weight. It was heavier than the last one, but balanced. The hilt fit comfortably in his hand, and when he swung it through the air, it sliced with precision. There was a solidness to it, a sense of reliability that the previous sword lacked. He smiled, grateful for Neph's guidance.

"This'll do," Noah said, satisfied.

After making the purchase, the three of them—Noah, Neph, and the assassin—left the blacksmith's. As they walked, Noah's gaze kept drifting to the assassin. I wonder how her talismans work… he mused. The way she moved reminded him of the Yiga Clan from the game, with their ability to appear out of nowhere in a burst of red talismans. Was her technique similar?

The assassin noticed his stare and shrank back slightly, her voice timid. "M-Master Link, is something wrong?"

The voice startled Neph, who jumped back, pulling a dagger in surprise. "Who the hell was that?" she demanded, eyes wide.

Noah raised an eyebrow. "You can't see her?" he asked, confused.

"See who?" Neph replied, scanning the area.

"M-Master Link," the assassin's voice trembled again. "As I suspected as much… you've always been able to see me, even during our duel. You could…"

'Oh.' Noah thought.

Realization dawned on Noah. He had only seen the assassin during their duel because he was cheating with Magnesis. But now, she was revealed to himself whilst she remained invisible to everyone else.

'Is this because I absorbed the Lens of Truth's power?' he thought.

"I forgot to introduce you two," Noah apologized, rubbing the back of his head. "Lady Impa's student here is… sort of like an assassin. She prefers to remain unseen, but she'll be helping us."

Neph blinked, looking uncertain, but eventually she sheathed her dagger. "An invisible assassin, huh? Well, more help's always welcome, I guess."

Noah nodded, though his mind was elsewhere. "There's one more thing," he added cryptically.

Both Neph and the assassin looked at him curiously. "What do you mean?" Neph asked.

Noah smiled, leading them down a familiar path. After a few minutes of walking, they arrived at the guild's entrance. Recognition flickered in Neph's eyes as she frowned. "The guild? Are you hiring mercenaries?"

"You're half right," Noah replied with a smirk. As they approached the door, he paused, listening to the muffled sounds of chaos inside—shouting, crashing objects, the unmistakable thud of something heavy being thrown.

"We're here to go fishing," Noah said cryptically before pushing the door open.

As Noah opened the door to the guild, the chaotic scene hit him like a wave. The loud crashes of objects being tossed around, the shouting of angry mercenaries, and the clinking of thrown mugs echoed throughout the room. A group of mercenaries was yelling at the Sheikah guards by the entrance, who were trying to keep control. Tables were overturned, and chairs were smashed against the floor.

"This place wasn't this chaotic last time we were here," Noah muttered under his breath,.

The Assassin surveyed the room, shaking her head. "The gates are still shut, preventing the mercenaries from leaving. With no one coming in or out, they're not earning anything," she said matter-of-factly.

Noah's attention shifted away from the angry mob at the reception and settled on a different group. His eyes locked onto a towering figure standing at the centre of a dozen other mercenaries, trying—and failing—to rally support. The figure was unmistakably Zora, with shimmering blue skin and a wide frame that made him stand out from the rest of the room.

The Zora's voice, tinged with desperation, reached Noah as he and his group approached. "I swear, I'll compensate you generously if you assist me! We can negotiate the details privately—contracts and all!"

A burly mercenary with large forearms and an axe slung across his back responded dismissively. "And what do you expect us to do? The gates are shut. We can't leave this place, and no one can help you while we're stuck here."

The Zora, looking disheartened, tried again. "I understand, but I can prepare. There's—"

"No one is going to assist you," the mercenary declared firmly, and the Zora's shoulders slumped in defeat.

"I'll help you," Noah's voice cut through the noise, causing the Zora and the mercenary to turn their heads in surprise.

The Zora's eyes focused on Noah, scanning him sceptically. "Boy, know your place," the mercenary scoffed. "This is a waste of time."

"No, it's not a scam," Noah responded coolly. "This is desperation."

The Zora, still unsure, narrowed his eyes. "And what is this? You're volunteering?"

Noah nodded, gesturing to a nearby table. "Let's sit and talk."

The Zora hesitated, still wary, but after another glance at Noah's calm demeanour, he sighed and followed him to the table. The others kept their distance, but Noah's companions, Neph and the assassin, stood nearby, watching with quiet curiosity.

Once seated, the Zora wasted no time. "Why are you interested in helping me?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

Noah smirked. "Why do you sound disappointed? Fine, I'll admit—I need something in return."

"In exchange of helping me?" the Zora said, desperate. "Anything."

Noah's expression darkened as he leaned forward. "Good. Then, I'll kill you."

The Zora recoiled, his eyes widening in shock. "W-what?"

Neph and the assassin exchanged concerned glances to Noah, unsure of where this was headed. But Noah remained unfazed.

"You said anything," Noah continued, his tone cold and casual. "So I said it. After I help you, I get to kill you. Simple as that."

The Zora's expression twisted in disgust. "Are you serious? This… this is absurd!"

Noah shrugged. "I've always wondered what cooked Zora tastes like. Maybe like Hylian bass?"

"Absolutely not!" the Zora snapped, standing from his seat. "This negotiation is over."

But before he could leave, Noah's voice grew icy, his eyes locking onto the Zora's with an intensity that made him freeze in place. "It's not. Unless you're willing to let Zora's Domain fall to ruin."

The Zora hesitated, slowly turning back to Noah. "…What do you mean?"

Noah leaned back, his voice calm but firm. "Let's not play games. Vah Ruta, the Divine Beast, is becoming an ever-growing threat to your people. You were tasked with finding warriors to help stop it, weren't you?"

The Zora's mouth fell open slightly in surprise. His expression became serious as he considered Noah's words more carefully. "How… do you know about the Divine Beast?"

"How I know isn't important," Noah replied, waving his hand dismissively. "What matters is that I can help you. But in exchange for my assistance, I want a guarantee."

The Zora's face showed clear internal conflict. The desperation to save his people was written in every line of his features, but Noah's proposal still gnawed at him.

After a long pause, the Zora spoke. "Can… we get a contract?"

"Of course," Noah replied easily. "But let's be clear—I'm not looking to deceive you. I know Prince Sidon sent you, and I have no interest in causing any trouble for your people."

"You even know that…" the Zora muttered, overwhelmed. He stared at Noah for a long moment before sighing in resignation. "I truly have no other choice… if you prove your worth, then… I accept your offer."

Noah blinked, lost in thought for a moment. "Zoras are truly dedicated, huh?"

He hadn't actually ever thought the Zora would agree!

Before things could escalate further, Neph slapped the back of Noah's head. "Cut it out," she said, annoyed.

Noah, rubbing the spot where she hit him, sighed. "Alright, I apologize."

The Zora looked confused, his guard still up.

Noah cleared his throat. "I was just messing with you. That condition about eating you? It was a bad joke."

"Are you serious?" the Zora asked incredulously, staring at him.

"Yeah, that part was a lie," Noah admitted shamelessly. "But I wasn't lying about the Divine Beast. I know how it works, its weaknesses, and its attacks. That part's true."

The Zora, humiliated but still desperate, asked, "How can I trust you now?"

"Simple," Noah said, his tone more serious. "Take me to Prince Sidon. He'll verify everything I've said. I'm sure that's what he asked you to do anyway."

The Zora looked conflicted. Noah's arrogance had stripped him of his dignity, yet his knowledge seemed to offer the brightest hope the Zora had encountered so far. The Zora needed proof, though.

"The Divine Beast," the Zora said cautiously, "tell me about its attacks."

Noah's face lit up with confidence. "The Divine Beast's trunk constantly pours water, causing the endless rain. And if you get too close, it shoots volleys of ice blocks and spheres at you."

The Zora's eyes widened in shock. "That… that's classified information!"

Noah leaned forward. "I told you—I know what I'm talking about. Now, are you going to help me or not?"

The Zora sighed, his head hanging low in defeat before he looked back up. "What do you want?"

"There's a monster in this village," Noah said seriously. "It's the reason the gates are closed, and I've been tasked with eliminating it. I have two partners already, but I want you to join us."

"Why me?" the Zora asked, perplexed.

"I can't say," Noah replied cryptically.

Noah was being unfair in that regard, but in his mind the Zora was at a complete disadvantage in this negotiation. Noah suspected the Zora knew this, given he didn't attempt to push further.

After a long pause, the Zora finally nodded, his face set with a grim resolve. "I'll help you," he said, but there was an undercurrent of hesitation in his voice. "However, it's only fair that I tell you my situation first."

Noah inclined his head slightly. He already had an idea of what was happening in Zora's Domain, but he respected the Zora enough to listen.

"As you know," he began, his deep voice heavy with the weight of his words, "the Divine Beast Vah Ruta descended from the lake. This was the first time it had surfaced in 100 years."

Noah gave a slight nod of acknowledgment, and he continued. "At first, we were hopeful. We thought perhaps it was a sign—a herald of salvation, a return of the champions, a way to finally protect our people. But… that hope quickly faded. Instead of salvation, the Divine Beast brought only suffering. The flood began."

"Flooding? You mean the constant rain?" Noah asked, even though he already knew the answer.

The Zora nodded gravely. "Yes, the rain never stops, but it's not the rain that concerns us most. The true danger comes from the overflowing waters of Lake Toto, where the beast resides. The water level keeps rising, and with it, our death toll."

Noah's mind raced. 'Same problem as before, Vah Ruta's trunk spewing endless water. It's causing the domain to flood.. Wait… something's different.' His eyes narrowed as he processed The Zora's words.

"Death toll?" Noah repeated, his curiosity piqued. "What do you mean by that? It's just water, isn't it?"

The Zora's expression darkened. "You don't know?" His eyes locked onto Noah's, as if weighing whether or not to continue. "The water that the Divine Beast releases is tainted. It's poisonous."

Noah stiffened, the severity of the situation hitting him. "Poisonous? Explain."

The Zora didn't hesitate. "It's not poison in the traditional sense—not like a toxic substance that harms on contact. No, it's far worse. The water it releases… it makes the surrounding waters unbreathable for us Zora."

Noah's brows furrowed. "Unbreathable? You mean… you can't breathe in the water anymore?"

The Zora nodded, his expression heavy with despair. "Exactly. The water from the lake is mixing with our own, diluting the purity of our home's waters. For now, it's bearable for adult Zora like me, but for the young and the elderly, it's suffocating them. The more the poison spreads, the harder it becomes to survive."

Noah felt his stomach twist. 'This changes everything,' he thought, struggling to keep his expression neutral. 'In the game, it was just flooding. But now? The water itself is becoming a death sentence. They're not just dealing with displacement—they're facing the extinction of their people.'

"Do you Zora require water to live?" Noah asked cautiously. He didn't think they did, at least not in the same way humans required air, but he had to be sure.

The Zora gave him a small, tired smile. "Contrary to what you Hylians might believe, we can go days without water if we need to. But yes, we do require it. Without breathable water, we die. Slowly, painfully." His voice trembled slightly at the last word.

Noah's mind raced again. This was no longer just a matter of stopping the flood. If they failed to stop Vah Ruta, it would mean genocide—the Zora, suffocated by the very waters they had lived in for centuries. Noah's expression hardened. 'A Divine Beast indeed,' he thought bitterly. 'The irony of such a name—bringing only death.'

"Do you know anything else about the poison? Or about Vah Ruta's behavior?" Noah asked, hoping for more insights.

The Zora shook his head. "I'm afraid most of the details are held by Prince Sidon. I've been tasked with finding help to stop the beast, but the full picture… that's something only Sidon can share with you."

Noah sighed, feeling the weight of the situation grow heavier on his shoulders. He wasn't sure he was prepared to face such a monstrous threat. But he needed his help, and more importantly, the Zora's cooperation. Securing their aid would be crucial if he ever had to journey to Zora's Domain—and he knew that time would come sooner than he liked.

He leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling for a moment. 'This was supposed to be simple,' he thought, rubbing his temples. 'Now it's turned into saving an entire race from suffocating in their own home.'

But he knew better than to back out now. If he wanted to secure allies—if he wanted to survive in this world—he needed to prove himself to the Zora.

After a long, contemplative pause, Noah exhaled deeply. "Alright," he said with finality, extending his hand across the table with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "We have a deal. I'll help you."

The Zora stared at Noah's hand, as if reluctant to seal the agreement. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the Zora sighed and shook his head slightly. "I don't know if it's a pleasure to meet you just yet."

Noah chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm usually nicer, I swear."

The Zora snorted, though his face remained serious as he reached out and clasped Noah's hand in a firm shake. His webbed fingers were cold, a reminder of the world of water he hailed from. "Xello," he said, finally introducing himself. "For what it's worth, I'm grateful for your help."

Noah nodded, appreciating the sincerity, even if Xello was clearly still wary of him. "Glad to have you on board, Xello."

With the formalities out of the way, they drew up a contract. It was simple, stating that in exchange for Xello's assistance in eliminating the monster that plagued Kakariko Village, Noah would provide his aid in the fight against the Divine Beast Vah Ruta.
Of importance, was that what defined as 'aid' was open to interpretation. The two agreed that the contract would last until Noah would meet Prince Sidon, and then allow it to be modified for specifics.

As the ink dried on the parchment, Noah couldn't help but feel a mix of dread and anticipation. He had signed himself up for something far larger than he had expected—but it also presented an opportunity. The Zora were in desperate need of help, and Noah intended to prove his worth. If he succeeded, not only would he have valuable allies in Zora's Domain, but he would gain the recognition and respect needed to navigate this dangerous world.

Neph, who had been standing quietly nearby, shot him a sidelong glance. "You're really jumping headfirst into this, aren't you?"

Noah shrugged. "I don't really have a choice, do I?"

She smirked, shaking her head. "Well, at least you're consistent."

With their deal sealed, Noah stood up, his eyes locking with Xello's once more. "Let's go find this monster," he said, determination etched in his voice.

Xello nodded, rising from his seat. "Lead the way, Noah."