Chapter 63: A Royal Return
Fresh air filled his lungs. Link could not have spent more than a day within Lord Jabu-Jabu, and yet breathing without the smell of whale guts felt like a luxury, one as rare and delicious as sharing honey cakes with Malon, as fine as the treasures within the Crown. Link took deep gulping breaths and waved his arms about before he collapsed onto the sand. His limbs still stung from the shocks of the giant Bari. He shut his eyes and wore a happy grin, even as the painful spasmatic twitching of his muscles refused to die down.
He'd dealt with pain before. Pain was nothing, a nagging pest easy to ignore. Especially now when for once everything worked out.
Link peeked one eye open, and smiled wide as he saw Navi fly overhead. He shut his eyes once more and basked in the blue light as much as the sun. He could ask her, perhaps, to tame the spasms of his arm, but for now, he could lay and do nothing but be happy.
"Link," Navi said after a few moments.
"Hmm?"
"What do you make of that?" She landed on his head and gave a gentle tug toward the sea.
Link pushed himself onto his elbows and twisted around. Princess Ruto stood before Lord Jabu-Jabu. She still held the Sapphire close and protective, and she held her chin high, looking right into the nearest of the guardian's eyes.
"What do you think they're saying to each other?" Navi asked.
"I don't know," Link whispered back. In truth, he had not been certain they were talking. It looked more like Ruto was trying to stare down the great whale. It was only when Ruto's head lowered that he realized that Navi had been right. Link recognized her expression well. The need to avoid looking at anything but the ground, the slight trembling of her hands as she grasped the stone even harder. She looked just like Link did when he was given a talking to by the fairies, or worse, by the Great Deku Tree himself.
"It will be done," she said.
Lord Jabu-Jabu's eyes swiveled on their stalks until they landed on Link and Navi. If the guardian was trying to speak, Link couldn't hear him. But he felt the gaze as it bore down upon him. It burned into him and through him, taking stock of his size, his limbs, his head, everything. More than that, it felt as though Lord Jabu-Jabu could stare through Link and see who he could become.
Then without another sign, the whale sank beneath the waves.
Link went to Ruto, who continued to stare out across the sea. "What did he say to you?"
"He didn't say anything," she rolled her eyes. "Lord Jabu-Jabu doesn't speak, obviously. But he knows how to teach." The arrogant tone of her voice returned. He'd been a fool to hope that the adventure would perhaps teach her even a smidgeon of humility. But he supposed it was better than having her controlled by Ganondorf.
Not by much, but what could he do?
"Well, then what did he teach you?"
"That I have to be better," she sighed. Within a moment she straightened her shoulders and her normal arrogant expression returned. "Come along," she ordered Link and Navi. "I have a lot to do." She marched across the sands back toward the tunnel. Link took a moment to look at Navi and shrugged, but the two followed her inside.
"Oh," Navi said, once they were off the beach. "Captain Miashir, we need to help him."
"What happened to Miashir?" Link asked. "How'd you even meet him?"
"He brought me to Lord Jabu-Jabu. But in getting me past the guards he angered them. I don't know what they ended up doing to him."
"Leave that to me," Ruto said without turning to look at them. Link asked her what she would do, twice, as they made their way through the tunnel. But she refused to elaborate. "I'm the princess," was all she said.
It turned out, that's all she needed.
They found the guards standing around a tied up, beaten, and bleeding Miashir. Some still prodded at him with their feet or the butt of their tridents. They asked him harsh-sounding questions, while others wondered about his sanity.
None of the guards noticed the three of them. Not until Princess Ruto stood behind them for several moments before loudly clearing her throat.
Several jumped in surprise and fumbled their weapons on the way down. They truly were terrible at their job.
"Is this how soldiers of the Zora army greet their princess?" She spoke with such authority and scorn; it made Navi's harshest scolding sound amateur in comparison.
The soldiers stared at her as though she were some kind of ghost.
"You," she pointed to one." "Are you in command here? Why do you have one of my personal guard held in such a state?"
"Princess Ruto, I- I don't-"
"To attack and detain one of the Cerulean Guard is to attack the very arm of the monarchy! Is it treason then?"
"No, of course not, Your Highness."
But she had already turned to another among them. "And you! Where is your uniform? Is this how you act when not expecting an inspection? The Zora are beauty incarnate, and that includes your equipment."
"Of course, Your Highness. An oversight, Your Highness."
"And you!" She turned to Leradon. He gave her an anxious smile. "Why are you covered in paint?"
"Because I'm a painter, Your Highness. If it pleases you. I did not mean to off-"
"Get cleaned up. Now! And release Captain Miashir, that is a royal order!"
Link had never seen anyone move so fast in his life. All the guards rushed about following her directions, fixing their uniforms, wiping themselves clean, and cutting the captain loose. All the while Ruto stepped away from them to look at the various paintings laid out on the side of the barricade.
She did not take her eyes off those paintings until the soldiers returned arranged before her. "I assume these are yours?"
Leradon stood with a smile that looked closer to a grimace of pain. His arms were still damp from the water he used to clean off the paint. Flecks and streaks of which still lingered on his wrists. "Yes," he squeaked, followed by a very audible gulp.
"Your contours are off, and you need to work on your color balancing." She said, directing him to look at one of the pieces, at the center of it a starfish with arms extended wide, gathering various brightly colored stones and shells beneath it. Link didn't know what Ruto was talking about, it looked very good to him.
"Oh," Leradon said. "I will try to perfect my craft, your Royal Highness."
"Be certain that you do," she finally turned to face the other guards and sighed. "This is hardly the escort that I deserve returning after my time away. But you will have to do. Captain Miashir."
"Your Highness?" Miashir had stood silent, throughout it all. Only when she addressed him, did he break from staring at her and went to his knee. His head bowed.
"I have been told that you are in part to blame for my current position."
"Yes, Your Highness," his shoulders slumped. "I have no excuse when I made my-"
"You are to be commemorated for bringing these two heroes to my side." She nodded to Link and Navi. And all eyes were now on them. Uncertain what to do, Link waved at the gathered soldiers, while the back of his neck nearly burned up.
"I would not be free without you. Arise, and take your place as the leader of my personal guard and advisor on all military matters."
"Your Highness, I must confess-"
"You will thank me, stand up, and take your position by my side, Commander Miashir. Then you will be silent while I deal with these others."
Miashir stood tall, even with a bleeding lip and bruises covering the side of his face he acted as if he did not feel them.
Link shared with him a smile and mouthed, "Congratulations."
"The rest of you, form lines behind your new commander. And for the Goddesses sake try and look professional. Then when I am returned to the palace you will take down this ridiculous wall."
"But Your Highness," the lieutenant on the barricade said. "It was your father's decree that this wall should be put up. I do not think we can abandon our posts, nor can we destroy the barricade."
Ruto walked right to the man until they almost touched, then spoke slowly. "Name and rank."
"Lieutenant Dunmas," he said.
"It is not right that the leader of my personal guard should march into the city without a weapon. Give him your spear."
"But- your highness. I- yes. Of course." Link never thought he had ever seen a fish sweat before. But the lieutenant was practically glistening when he handed his weapon to Miashir.
"Now if there are no other stupid comments. Open these doors and lead me out."
The barricade creaked open, and the ranks formed around Ruto and Link. Together they walked out of the tunnel across the ridges surrounding the plateau and over the bridges that led to the city and its empty streets.
Navi flew to Link's ear. "Is there a place I can stay? It might not be best for a fairy to fly through a city."
"Oh!" Link dug through his bag until he found his ocarina and the strings he used to attach it to his belt. Sludge still slickened it, but it would have to do. He strung the instrument up and gestured for Navi to enter it. Just like they had always done.
"Our highest priority," Ruto spoke loudly within the center of the soldiers, "is to prepare an ambush."
"Oh," Link smiled. "Who are we ambushing?"
"The Gerudo, obviously," Ruto said. "Their king stole my mind. His plan was relatively simple, have me collect the Will of the Waters, certain that Lord Jabu-Jabu would not let me come to harm within him. Then he would collect me, and I would deliver the jewel to him. So, he is coming here, and when that happens, I want him in chains."
Link liked the sound of that plenty. But Miashir looked uncomfortable, and his unease grew worse with every word.
"We will have to work fast, then," he said. "Earlier, I saw the Gerudo host when I was… I saw them. They will arrive tomorrow, by midday if I had to guess."
"The whole army is coming," Navi said. "Not just Ganondorf, an army."
"Good," Ruto said.
"Yes, Your Highness," Miashir said, though he sounded more afraid than confident.
"Where is everyone?" Ruto stopped as she looked around the empty streets of her home. "You!" She pointed to a shadow moving through a window. "Why are you- Commander, why is everyone hiding from me?"
"They're not hiding from you, Your Royal Highness. They're hiding from everyone. In the days since your disappearance, there have been constant attacks. People are afraid to leave what little protection they have."
"What of our army?"
"I saw some of them fighting off the monsters," Link said. "But not many. And they weren't fighting all that well." A few of the soldiers grumbled with indignancy. Though, none denied his words.
"It's true, princess," Miashir said. "With your father as he is, the defense of the city did not hold up."
"What happened to my father?"
"He hasn't left his room," Link said. "When I saw him, he was crying himself dry. He thought you were dead, and I don't know, I think he just broke."
"If I may speak, Princess," Miashir said as they approached the main market square.
She sighed, "Very well. That's the kind of thing a good ruler allows isn't it?"
"From what I've seen," Link piped up.
"I do not think we can ambush the Gerudo as we are. And even if we could, we would be declaring war against one of the most experienced armies in the world. And they are right at our doorstep. If we capture King Dragmire or even kill him, that will be our end. The Gerudo will besiege us, and they will win."
"But," she waved toward her empty city. "But he has to pay. For what he did to me. For leading to all of this."
"If that is your command, I will face him myself."
"Ruto," Link said. No one wanted to see Ganondorf beaten more than him. But who could condemn an entire city to see it?
Ruto groaned. Then her jaw set, and she shoved her way out from her escort. Miashir jumped to keep up with the girl as she marched up the stairs of the tallest still-standing buildings in the square. An expensive-looking store, with all its windows and doors boarded shut. "Miashir, announce me."
"My princess, there is no one."
"Then announce me loudly."
The soldier cleared his throat before bellowing, "Her Royal Highness, Princess Ruto, Heir Apparent of the Zora Throne and Darling of the Sea."
Ruto waited, she placed the Emerald at her feet and folded her arms. There was stirring behind some windows but little else. "Is that the best you can do, Commander?"
Navi flew out of the ocarina right to Link's ear. "I'm going to see if I can help them out a little bit," Navi whispered before fluttering over the girl and her guardian.
"I shall try again, Your Highness," he took another breath as Navi shimmered over their heads. "Her Royal Highness!" Miashir's voice carried loud and far on a rushing wind. "Princess Ruto, Heir Apparent of the Zora Throne! And Darling of the Sea!" The winds rattled windows and wisped beneath doors to spread the message everywhere it went. That got some faces poking out of their doors and sent Navi flying back toward the ocarina.
Ruto smiled. "My loyal subjects," the wind that spread her voice was weaker, less of a forceful gale and more of a gentle breeze that still traveled across the city. "The hardships you have faced are too much for any to bear. And yet you have, you have proven what I have always been told of my people. We Zora are stronger than the crashing waves and more enduring than the ocean. I understand you are afraid, but that ends today! I have returned. All soldiers who have abandoned their stations will be given this one opportunity to return to their posts. All who do so will not be found in dereliction of their duties. All those who do not, you will wish the Octorok got to you before me. I have returned. Poets work your words; artists prepare your paints. I have returned, and with me, life returns to this city. The Octorok will be driven out, and merriment will once again reign in my father's halls. Today is a day that will be long remembered. I have returned!"
With that, she picked the Sapphire back up and walked down the steps to a crowd staring at her in awe.
"That was a good speech," Link said as she rejoined her escort.
"Of course it was," she said.
By the time she left the square the crowd's silent awe turned to applause. Some even followed her, by the time they reached the castle there were so many people they reminded Link of the parade he witnessed in Castle Town. When they reached the gates, Miashir unlocked them, and immediately people rushed past them inside. Several of the guards tried to stop them but Ruto held them back with a wave of her hand. "Let them inside the courtyard but prevent them from entering the keep proper. I wish to speak to my father, alone, and prepare myself."
The soldiers did what was asked of them. Miashir opened the door of the castle for Ruto to enter, then shut it before anyone else could go inside. Including Link and Navi. "Sorry," he said. "But let us leave this for them."
"If you say so." Link agreed, besides he wished for time to sort things out himself. But with the crowd so heavy, he would not be able to talk to Navi. And if she appeared, who knows what the Zora would do? Most likely had never seen a fairy before.
Link ducked away from the crowds, going around the side of the building and past the intricately organized garden. "There, that's better." He said when they reached a spot not far from where he first scaled the palace.
"This place is beautiful," Navi flew from the ocarina to one of the intricately shaped lilyponds that formed a mosaic of colors." She was back. It was really her. And they didn't have anything to do, no monsters to fight, or princesses to beat. It was just them.
"I missed you," both of them started to say at the same time. Making Link laugh. But that laugh ended too quickly. He was so happy to see her again, but they had been busy he hadn't had time to ask the questions he had been afraid to. But now what else was there to do?
He took a deep breath. Best to get it done. "I missed you, and I'm glad you're back. But for how long? If you want to go back to the other fairies, I understand. I won't make you stay. I can take care of myself. You don't need to - I just hope you will let me visit some times."
"Shush, Link. I told you. I'm not leaving you."
"But, weren't you happy?"
"No. The Great Fairy is a monster." She told Link a story, long and confusing. He wasn't certain he understood all the details, but the longer she talked, the more Link became filled with one burning thought.
"I'm going to kill her," Link said, clutching at the pommel of his sword. "Ganondorf can wait. We can leave now. I'm going to kill her."
"No, Link," Navi said. "I don't want you to."
"But she hurt you," he said through gritted teeth. How could anyone do that to Navi?
"And I'm telling you, that it does not matter," Navi rested herself on his shoulder. "She does not matter. I've already put her behind me and we never have to see her, or talk about her ever again."
"But-"
"Promise me, Link. Promise me you won't go confront her."
It wasn't fair. People who do that should be punished. Maybe he didn't have to kill her. But still, she shouldn't be allowed to ensnare anyone else.
"Link."
"If that's what you want, I promise I won't go kill the Great Fairy," Link said. "But I want to."
"I know, if I asked you to, you'd do anything you could to avenge me. But we have other work to do. After the Princess helped me escape, she appeared to me one more time. When we are done here, we bring her all the stones we have. She told me which tower she was in. We can climb up to meet her, but it must be at night, and we must be quiet."
That didn't make much sense to him. It was always harder to climb at night and bringing all three of the Guardian's Stones to the Princess sounded like something to celebrate, not keep hidden. But perhaps Zelda had her reasons. "Then that's what we'll do. But afterwards, perhaps then we can go back and-"
"No, Link."
"I'm tougher than you remember. I think I can take her."
"Of that, I have no doubt."
"Then why can't I?"
Before Navi could respond, Miashir rounded the corner.
"Good," he said, "I was worried the two of you had disappeared."
"Still here," Link said.
"What is it, Captain?" Navi added. "My apologies - Commander."
"King De Bon requests your presence."
"That's the name of your king?"
"Yes."
Link sighed and looked at Navi. "We'll talk more later if you wish."
"Of course," she returned to hiding while Miashir led them back into the castle. People stared at him, pointing and gesturing. Some loudly questioned why he was the one who walked side by side with Princess Ruto, and why he was allowed into the castle. It made Link's stomach churn with all those eyes on him. Did the stink of the slime still linger on his clothes? They probably were expecting someone who looked as noble and elegant as their princess, not some child of the woods with mismatched shoes and a hole that went through his shirt. The worries lingered even after Miashir shut the doors and the crowd could no longer see them.
"Here, Link," Miashir held out his hand as he walked into the pool of water at the base of the stairs. Link took hold and entered the pool, enjoying the cool waters which cleansed some of the grime off his feet. Miashir's hand gripped his tight. Then he stepped into the falling water. "Take a deep breath and hold it."
With a mighty kick, Miashir flung upward dragging Link behind him. Water pounded on Link's face, forcing his eyes shut, his mouth opened to scream only for it to fill with water.
Then as quick as it started Miashir leaped out of the spout and landed on one of the upper floors. Link doubled over, clutching his knees and coughing up the water.
"What was that?" Navi shouted. "You could have drowned him."
"I am sorry," Miashir nodded to Navi. "I should have given a better warning."
"You think?"
"Navi," Link waved her off. "I'm fine."
Navi flew in an angry pattern before Miashir's face before perching on Link's shoulder. Miashir led them to the far end of the floor and opened a door for them. Link had barely stepped inside before a large round Zora walked up and scooped Link into his arms.
"You saved her," the king of the Zora said. "You brought radiance and sunlight back to me and my kingdom. Where once there was nothing but the foul chill of loneliness there is warmth and joy!"
"Father, put him down."
"Of course, but ahh, the merriment within me is uncontainable and uncontrollable! What joy is there that is more potent than the one that shatters sorrow? What good news is there greater than a child back from death?"
"There is none," Navi said, thankfully. Link had little idea what he was talking about, and with his face pressed into the man's chest, there was little chance he could speak even if he did.
"Father, you're still holding him."
"Of course, of course," the king set Link down. The markings of tears still lined the side of the fish-king's face, but his wide eyes now shined with glee. He wore a red cloak, with gold trimming and had donned a crown. Or at least Link thought it was a crown, it looked more like a fin to him. But it was gold, placed on the Zora's head, and it had a red jewel in it. That had to make it a crown.
Beside him stood Ruto, freshly cleaned with a shine to her scales, wearing jeweled earrings and gilded bracelets. Her light-blue fins were draped around her in what almost looked like a dress.
"My daughter has told me everything."
"Everything?" Link gave a worried glance to the girl. She had threatened her father's wrath against him more times than he could count. She gave him a smile that looked genuine now, but did little to make Link feel safe.
"Everything, and I must say I am most impressed, my boy. Most impressed, indeed. To think such a youth to be a hero so true. But then, often that is the case, is it not? That the greatest among us come from the least likely of places."
"I think?" Link glanced at Navi, hoping she would help him navigate what he was saying. She did not.
"And alongside one of the fae! I hope I do not offend, but I have often heard your kind were capricious tricksters. But now I see that I have been blinded by superstition and fearmongering. You both shall be treated as guests of the highest dignity."
"Thank you," Navi said.
"Yes, thanks."
"And gifts! Both of you, name any boon and if it is within my power I shall grant it to you, tenfold!"
Now that was something that required some thinking. Any boon? Was that only one? It must be. What did he need more than anything?
"My sword!" Link unsheathed his blade. Forcing the king to step back. "I made a mess of the edge here, see?" He shoved the blade up to the king's face. Which only made the man step back further.
"Yes," the king lifted his hand. "I'm certain I can find a replacement more fitting one of your stature, I am thinking rupees inlaid at the hilt. Gilded, obviously."
"That sounds like it will make the sword heavier. I really just want someone to fix this one."
The king blinked at him. Ruto gave a nasty-sounding snicker. "I think you are misunderstanding the enormity of what I am offering. Is there perhaps something else you wish?"
So, there could be more gifts! Wonderful! "New shoes!" Link near ripped open his bag to pull out his pair. "See I accidentally left my old ones at a ranch. But I made a new friend, Skull Kid, and he gave me these shoes. But they don't fit me well. It would be nice to get good shoes, ones that fit. And that will stand up to being used while I make my way back to Castle Town."
Ruto's giggling turned into laughter.
"Anything else?" Something about his tone made Link uncertain if he meant it.
"I could use a bath. And, um, a meal would be nice? Is that too much?" He looked to Ruto hoping to get some sign that he was doing this right. "Would you stop laughing at me?"
"My good boy, I am offering you wealth! Lands! Titles! Parades held in your honor! A permanent position in my kingdom. You could become nobility; have a hundred servants cater to your every whim until you die old and plump. And all you ask me is to fix a sword and provide new shoes?"
"Oh, but… I wouldn't know what to do with all of that. And I don't think I could take it if I could. I have to get going. Ganondorf is going to be here tomorrow, and I can't be here when he arrives." He frowned as he thought about how that would work. "Is there another way to get to the Hyrule Fields that doesn't have me walking straight past him? There isn't much room to hide on the bridge to get here."
"I can take him over the waterfall," Miashir stepped forward. "That would be the fastest way."
"No," Ruto finally contained her laughter. "I'll take him."
Link along with everyone in the room looked to her. Did Ruto just offer to do… work?
"It is the least I can do."
"That does bring forth questions of what shall be done about the villain?'' The king shook his bulbous head. "To think I was so fooled as to trust the man's honor and vow of allegiance."
"I've been thinking on that," Ruto said. "We know that Ganondorf is betraying the King of Hyrule and Link is returning to Castle Town. We could send a message with him to the Hylian King with our royal seal, explaining the plot."
"I am supposed to go to the castle," Link said. "I could hand it directly to the princess."
"Ugh, if we have to get her involved, I suppose," Ruto sighed. "Zelda is such a bore. Always with her nose in a book."
"The Gerudo army travels far and fast," Navi said. "And they will be taking some of the roads that we are."
"We can hide from them."
"But it would be better if we didn't have to. I'm not asking that you capture Ganondorf, but is it possible to delay him at all? Make him stay in the city, at least until we have a head start."
"Now that I can do," the king said. "Between throwing him feasts, planning how to defeat the Octorok, and celebrating our victories we should be able to keep the Gerudo here for some time."
"We'll have to throw him a feast?" Ruto crossed her arms.
"I'm sorry, my precious water lily, but he is a royal guest, and we must make him believe that he is welcome. All as part of the deception, my flower."
"That doesn't mean I have to like it."
"Though, since we are speaking of feasts, Commander, I am famished and I find my home empty. Will you send what men we have to correct this?" The king looked directly at Link. "It will not be the feast you deserve, but it will be at least something I can give you."
"Thank you," Link smiled as his stomach grumbled at the thought of food. "I'm certain it will be amazing."
By the time Link went to sleep, he was scrubbed clean, wearing silken clothes that were not his own, and had a full belly. The cooks prepared a feast of numerous fish and stews of seaweed and other vegetables. It was the most delicious meal Link had ever eaten. He had always loved the taste of fish, from the ones in the little pond among the Kokiri to the few he caught and cooked on his travels. But nothing he had ever prepared himself came close to what the Zora cooks brought to him.
And yet Ruto had little good to say about any of it. Everything was either overcooked or should have been prepared with a different amount of one ingredient or another. She demanded that Link should not judge Zora cooking based on it, as the servants were rushing to prepare a meal after Miashir found them and brought them back to the palace.
Link nodded to her and promised he wouldn't. But he couldn't think how the meal could get any better. By the time the meal was done, Link was so full and so tired he asked only to go to sleep. Which annoyed Ruto for some reason, but what didn't annoy her? Miashir led him to a large room where his bag was already sitting on a desk in the corner and the second largest bed Link had ever seen sat right in the middle of it.
Sleeping on the bed proved impossible. No matter what he did he couldn't get comfortable. No matter where he lay, he sunk deep into the mattress, as though it was slowly devouring him. Eventually, Navi suggested that he should sleep on the floor, which was a brilliant idea. He took a few of the blankets and one of the pillows and snuggled up on the ground. Laying the ocarina with its occupant in front of him.
"Goodnight, Navi."
"Goodnight, Link."
And for the first time in a long, long time, Link thought it really would be a good peaceful night.
"Link," came a hushed voice.
"Mmmh?"
"Link," it came again, this time more insistent. "Link open your eyes."
He did not want to, but he did as the voice asked. It took a moment to focus in the dark. Princess Ruto leaned over him looking rather perplexed.
"What are you doing down there? You do understand what a bed is, don't you?"
"No, it just wasn't comfortable."
"Don't be ridiculous, every piece of furniture within the palace was designed by peerless artisans. It is undoubtedly the most comfortable bed someone like you has ever seen."
"What do you want, Ruto?"
"Gerudo scouts have already arrived and are in the palace. They're here to announce their king at first light. We need to go now. Your things are ready."
Sure enough, three Zora servants stood behind Ruto and placed his clothes down. His hifreshly cleaned and dried, folded neater than Link had ever handled them. Another laid his sword before the stack and the last placed a pair of leather boots to the side.
Link reached for the sword and pulled it from its scabbard. The blade was noticeably thinner, just as the smith told him would need to happen to reforge the edge. But what an edge it had! It was beautiful. He gently ran his thumb over it, smooth and sharp as though it had never been used.
"Thank you," Link said as he sheathed the blade. "And the king."
"Think nothing of it. My father's largesse is well known."
Link blinked. "He is pretty large. I guess."
Ruto rolled her eyes and stood up. "Get dressed, and be quick about it." She walked away, and Link saw she was wearing a rather large satchel at her hip.
Link got out from under his blankets, placed them back on the bed, and changed into his clothes. They no longer smelled of dirt and sweat. And the boots! His feet slid inside, and the leather pressed around them snug, but comfortable. He walked around the room twice. They didn't slide, they didn't press too hard into his remaining blisters. Amazing.
He wiggled his toes and gestured toward his feet so Navi could see. Though she didn't seem as impressed as he was. Then again, she didn't wear shoes. Tying the ocarina to his belt and swinging his bag over his shoulder he walked out of the room to Ruto waiting for him.
"Come on, we can't use the main entrance." She led him through the palace to the back rooms, where Miashir stood at attention by a heavy-looking door. Wearing armor much like the one he wore when Link first met him, though now with a blue-silver and gold swirling design around his breastplate. A cape of glittering scales rested at his shoulders and swept low, almost to his feet.
"Princess," he said. "Link, Navi."
"Morning Miashir."
"Commander."
"May I act informally, Your Royal Highness?"
"If you must."
He knelt before Link, so they were at eye level. "I want to thank you. I do not think you know how much you've helped me and my people. Both of you."
Link reached out and hugged him. "You're a good man, Miashir, and you didn't do anything wrong." He pulled back a second to look at the adult in the eyes. "It was Ganondorf, all Ganondorf."
The soldier gave a warm smile. "Take care, both of you." He unlocked and opened the door, letting the three of them pass through. With one final wave, he shut the door as Ruto rushed them away from the palace grounds.
They walked through the dark roads of the city until they reached the water lanes. Ruto waded into one and held out her hand for Link to hold. He took it, and together they dived into the water. Link did not know if Ruto was simply far stronger than she looked, or if some Zora magic was involved, but with a few powerful kicks, they launched through the water. Far faster than Link had ever ran, they darted through the winding path of the city. Stopping only for Ruto to pull Link's head above the water and allowing him to gasp for air, without wasting a moment before she dived back underwater. Dragging Link and Navi along behind her.
Link shut his eyes, as the water rushing past so quickly stung. The roar of the rushing waterfall drew ever closer. When Ruto brought him up for air, he peeked open his eyes and saw the white foam and the rough waters before them.
"Ruto!" He gasped through his heaving breaths, but not fast enough to get the princess' attention before she dived and pulled him along behind her. She shot forward, and Link screamed beneath the waters. But Ruto did not change directions.
Then they flew.
They'd breached the surface. Link's eyes flickered open and saw the world beneath him. He opened his mouth and instead of a scream, a laugh erupted from his lips. The sky grew orange and bright, moments before the sunrise. The lights seared the countryside and the twisting river gold.
Ruto repositioned herself midair into a dive, and they entered straight into the waterfall.
They shot through the water. Pressure pressed up against his face, cutting off his laughter. For a moment they were part of the waterfall. Like a falling arrow descending straight into the ground. The rush of water was louder than a thousand falling trees around him. He wanted to laugh and scream and see a glimpse of that view again.
Then they plunged into the river below, somehow the magic of the Zora keeping them from shattering. For a moment he floated still below the water, no longer hurtling toward the ground. Ruto readjusted her grip on his arm and pulled him to the surface.
"Amazing!" Link giggled as his head came out of the water. "That was amazing!"
"Truly?" Ruto said. "Most Hylians refuse the fast way when offered. And those that do often regret their decision."
"I don't. I want to try again."
"Well, perhaps someday you can. If you ask nicely."
"Alone," Navi said as she fluttered her wings, sending a mist of water off them. "Next time you can go over a waterfall without me."
"That is the more common reaction, yes."
Navi flew to shore, and Link and Ruto swam after her. Once upon dry land, Link took care to drain the water from the ocarina, so Navi would have a dry space to rest. Then he took off his cap and started ringing the water from it. A long walk lay ahead of him, he did not want to start it soaked. But some things can't be helped. Better wet and chafing than having to sneak past the Gerudo army carrying the stones.
"Here," Ruto waved her hand before Link. His clothes pulled him toward her, making him stumble for a step. No. Not his clothes. The water soaked into them. Large droplets welled up through his shirt and pants. His hair stood on end as the liquid leeched off him. It formed into a growing sphere of water over Ruto's palm until Link was completely dry. Then she flicked her wrist and the water splashed back into the river.
"That's amazing," Link said.
"I know I am," she managed to even look haughty when she smiled. "Now, this is one last thing that needs to be addressed." She opened her satchel and pulled out the Sapphire. Rubbing the stone gently, she sighed. "This was supposed to be my engagement stone. The only jewel worthy of me and my true love. He was supposed to be someone strong and brave. Someone I could trust for the rest of my life."
"I'm sorry Ganondorf tricked you into believing that. But you'll find someone else."
"You think so?"
"Of course, there are other brave people out there besides him."
"I noticed." She handed him the gem. "Take care of it."
"I will. Thank you, Ruto." He placed it in his bag beside the other two. He smiled at her. Sure, she could be difficult at times. Well, most of the time. But maybe she was getting better. Maybe she really could be a good friend.
"You're welcome, Link." For some reason, she was blushing. Then she held up her chin. "Do not make me wait long." Before he could ask what she meant, she turned around and dived back into the water. Her head popped out a good distance away from the shore, she glanced back toward him and Navi and her blush had grown all the brighter. When he waved to her she dipped back beneath the water. Link followed her shape as she swam to the waterfall. She disappeared among the crashing foam. As he squinted, he caught a glimpse of her swimming up the waterfall.
"What is she waiting for me for?" Link asked Navi.
She sighed. "I'll explain it to you later."
Girls could be so weird sometimes. "You ready, Navi?"
"Of course, you'll want to stay a bit low. There might still be some Gerudo back here."
They moved to the path, but after a moment Link had to stop. "Navi look!" He pointed back behind them.
She flew to his shoulder and sat down. They could not wait long. But they could spare a few moments to enjoy the rays of the rising sun playing against the waterfall. Making the water glitter like diamonds and spill a range of colors from yellows to deep blues along the pool. Almost like a rainbow, only for them. They were traveling together again. Everything was as things should be.