ink and Malon ventured through the valley that led to the entrance to the Zora Domain. Malon was aggravated because of the several cliffs they had to scale to get to the platform for the Zora entrance. When they finally reached the platform, Link stopped, and looked through the roaring waterfall.
“Okay, when we go through here, we’ll be in the Zora Domain. I think now would be a good time to change into our swimsuits,” Link said.
“Sure, just let me get the outfit and I’ll meet you in a few minutes,” Malon said. Link pulled out the bag with the clothes. He handed Malon her outfit.
“Where are you going?” Link asked.
“I’m going to change!” Malon said. She then scurried away. Link just found a nearby nook and began to change. When he was through, he began to wait on the balcony for Malon.
Twenty minutes, and what seemed like eternity for Link, later, Malon returned, this time in her swimwear. Link could only stare in disbelief. He knew that Malon was beautiful, but this was the first time he noticed that she had an amazing figure. He looked at the waterfall again to hide his embarrassment. He reached into his items pouch and pulled out his ocarina. He played Zelda’s Lullaby, the Royal Family’s password song. The waterfall slowly split, to reveal the entrance to Zora Domain. Link and Malon jumped into the entrance, and they traversed the stone pathway that lead to the main hall of the domain.
Once inside, Malon gasped at the beautiful Zora Domain. Inside, there was a huge grotto, with several stone platforms. Torches gave a humble light to all corners of the domain, and the reflection of the water’s surface illuminated the ceiling. There was a huge waterfall with athletic Zora’s jumping from it, and at the bottom, sever Zora sat comfortably on the water’s surface.
“This is where all the Zoras live?” Malon asked.
“Yeah, great isn’t it?” Link said. He turned to look at Malon, but when he did, she quickly turned her head. Link gave a puzzled look, an then shrugged. Malon and Link found the ladder that led to the water’s surface. The two descended the ladder, and immediately jumped into the water. They swam in the clear water, laughing and joking the entire time. A few Zora joined in there play when they played :Marco Polo.” When the Zora wanted Malon to win, the would swim under her, and carry her on their backs to hide from Link. Everything was going perfectly until Link heard a familiar voice.
“Linky honey!” Link head the voice yell. Link groaned and tried to hide by submerging in the water. He then felt a hand pull him back up to the surface. Link looked defeated as the person dragged him through the water to a stone platform. When on the platform, Link turned his head to look his kidnapper in the eye. It was Ruto, the Princess of the Zoras. Ruto looked at Link and smiled, while Link tried to look away.
“Link, you know that you need to stop playing around! You need to step up to the alter!” Ruto said. Link sighed as Malon swam over to him.
“Oh…so she’s your fiancée,” Malon said.
“No! She’s just Ruto!” Link said. He was happy to see Ruto, but he wished that she would drop the Zora engagement thing.
“Oh, so I’m just Ruto? Okay, I guess you forgot that wonderful night back in the Water Temple!” Ruto exclaimed. Malon gasped in shock.
“What! Nothing happened there!” Link exclaimed. Malon looked at Link, seemingly appalled.
“Oh yeah…well, you wanted something to happen, the way you stared at me! Then you risked your life to save me!” Ruto accused.
“Ruto, I stared in shock because you looked different! And I fought to save you because you’re my friend! Want me to spell it out for you? F-R-I-E-N-D!” Link said.
“…Link, don’t worry. I believe you,” Malon said, with a smile. Ruto merely sulked.
“It seems that my liege has been, how do you say, shut down!” A tall Zora said. He was covered in deep blue markings, and he had Zora arm blades. His eyes were unnaturally fierce, as was his physique.
“Oh, Link, this is my friend, Kamura. He’s a guy who came from another country to aid us from attacks,” Ruto said.
“Lady Ruto, tell me, where should I patrol now?” Kamura asked.
“If you want, you can scan the fountain. You know how things are up there now. Someone always tried to break in when Jabbu-Jabbu is gone,” Ruto said, “Link, why don’t you go with Kamura…I want to talk to Malon alone.”
“You’re not going to kill her, are you?” Link asked.
“Oh don’t worry, I just want to get to know her. Besides, you and Kamura look like birds of a feather. You two would find some fun out there,” Ruto said. Link sighed, and reached in his inventory. He pulled out the clothes bag and gave it to Malon.
“By the time the Zora King moves out of our way…it’ll be time to leave. We might want to change before it gets cold,” Link warned. Then him and Kamura walked towards the fountain.
“Well, Miss Ruto, how long have you known Link?” Malon asked.
“About as long as you. He once came here and saved my life from our guardian…” Ruto said.
“You know, sometimes it’s easy to forget that Link is the Hero of Time. You never feel like a lesser person around him,” Malon said.
“It’s much more apparent to you…He does everything in his power to show you only his good side,” Ruto said.
“How do you figure that?” Malon asked.
“Well, it’s obvious. Malon, how often does a great hero take just any girl around all of Hyrule…especially in a time of turmoil?” Ruto asked.
“Well, Link knew that I had never seen anywhere but the ranch and the market,” Malon answered.
“And he also took you out, intending to protect you, with out a weapon,” Ruto said.
“I hadn’t even thought of that…” Malon said.
“It looks like Link just wanted to keep you near him…for more then just the obvious reason,” Ruto said.
“What’s the obvious reason?” Malon asked.
“The obvious reason was that he was afraid that you would be killed by that crazed lunatic who’s been killing off the people in the market…” Ruto said.
“That’s not to obvious to me,” Malon said.
“It’s morally obvious to most people…or to the hopeful girls around the country,” Ruto said.
“What are you talking about now?” Malon asked.
“The real reason is that Link has a crush on you…and this was his idea of a date,” Ruto said. Malon’s face went as red as her hair.
“Um…Link wouldn’t have time for things like that,” Malon countered.
“Oh, he made time. If he took the route he took today, he would have been done in two hours. He spent the entire day with you. And it seemed to me that he couldn’t keep his eyes off of you,” Ruto said.
“Well, we were joking around,” Malon said.
“Girl, eyes don’t lie! He has it for you, and you like him!” Ruto said. Malon turned her head from Ruto.
“I admit that I like him…it’s just hard to believe that Link would choose me,” Malon admitted.
“I know what it is…you’re a strong girl. And you beautiful to boot,” Ruto said, “Although, I must say, Link is too…”
“You’re right…I couldn’t look at him shen he put on his armor. He looked like the knight I always dreamed about…” Malon said.
“Hmm, I see. You know, you and him are perfect for each other…It’s odd. It’s like you two have met your other halves,” Ruto said.
As Ruto and Malon finished up their conversation, Link and Kamura had just passed the Zora king.
“I will never understand why it takes him so long to scoot over…” Link groaned. In the time it took the King to move, Link had found a discreet place to change, and he was back in his tunic and armor.
“I’ll never understand how he let himself get so fat…” Kamura sighed.
The two walked into the wide fountain, and began to scan the area.
“So, Kamura, where are you from?” Link asked, while patrolling.
“I’m from the Zora’s native land, Zarack. It far south of here,” He answered.
“So, what brought you here?” Link asked.
“I came by wish of the Hylian King. He asked me to keep an eye out for Palinon activity,” Kamura said.
“So, even he is afraid?” Link asked.
“No…it he was afraid, he wouldn’t be having peace talks with Palis’s current King, Garibal,” Kamura said with a smirk.
“Huh? I thought the two races hated each other,” Link said.
“They did, but the kings are trying to change that,” Kamura said, “But, people like the Kitapos will do anything to keep that hatred brewing. They’re out of a job if their hatred ever fades,” Kamura said.
“Wait, you know about the Kitapos?” Link asked.
“Sure. I know that they’re responsible for the tavern massacre. Their the only ones that twisted,” Kamura said.
“So we’re twisted?” Said a voice from the fountain. Link and Kamura immediately scanned looking for the person who said that. All of a sudden, something whizzed by Link’s face. Link’s eyes followed the speeding object to the fountain, where someone stood on the water’s surface. The object connected with the person’s arm, and hung like a blade. The person raised his head to meet Link and Kamura’s glared. It was Zolick the Zoran.
“We’re twisted? We’re nothing of the sort…” Zolick said in his watery voice.
“Oh? Killing hundreds of people isn’t twisted?” Link spat.
“No…if you’re doing it for the right cause. Me and the Kitapos were trying to eradicate scum…and we did just that…” Zolick said.
“You’re sick,” Kamura growled.
“Not sick…just correct. You Hylians don’t deserve to live anymore,” Zolick said.
“You can’t talk about races…you abandoned your own appearance to look like a Zora,” Link yelled.
“You are correct…I adopted the look and style of a Zora. I think that creatures as fascinating as them should spread their knowledge of battle and water arts to everyone…so I became one to do so,” Zolick said.
“You’re disgusting. I think I, a Zora, should finish you off,” Kamura said. Kamura walked across the water’s surface to reach Zolick. When they were face to face, Zolick began to grin.
“You Zora’s really are unintelligent. You would waltz into battle with a superior being who know all of your moves?”
“You don’t know any of my moves! You’re just bluffing!” Kamura said confidently.
“Really?” With that, Zolick descended into the water, under Kamura. Kamura descended after him, swimming at his fasted speed. Kamura smirked as Zolick began to stream up to the surface, more then likely out of air. As soon as Kamura was directly behind him, though, Both of Zolick’s arm blades came crashing down towards Kamura. Kamura stopped swimming to avoid the strike, but when he looked for Zolick, He was struck from behind. The strike sent him launching upwards, out of the water and into the air. Kamura gasped as he came crashing back into the water. Link winced when he saw the splash that was left behind. Kamura regained his composure under water, but when he finally saw Zolick again, another one of Zolick’s arm blades struck Kamura in his side. Kamura grabbed his side in pain, and Zolick took the opportunity to attack Kumara again. He grabbed Kumara by the neck, and dragged him to the surface. There, he threw Kamura into a boulder that rested on the water’s edge. Kumara crashed into the rock, and fell almost lifelessly on the shore. Zolick began to walk towards his victim, ready for the kill. As soon as Zolick stepped foot on the shore, he was struck in the face by Link. Link grabbed Zolick before the Kitapo had a chance to escape back into the water. Zolick tried to attack Link, but he was unable to strike Link.
“You want to kill people? Well, you can have a taste of the Call to Arms!” Link yelled. When Zolick missed another punch, Link stuck Zolick in his cheek, sending him careening into the fountain. Link panted, watching to see if Zolick would rise up again. When it was apparent that Zolick wasn’t coming back up, Link ran to Kamura’s side.
“Kamura, you all right?” Link asked.
“Yeah, I’m just a little phased. I wasn’t expecting any of those moves…he’s almost unbeatable underwater…” Kamura said. He slowly stood up, using Link as a crutch.
“I’m not done yet!” Zolick yelled. He rose back to the surface, holding his cheek. You could tell that he was bruised. He rushed to the surface, his speed catching both Kamura and Link off guard. He attacked Link first. Link threw a punch at Zolick’s face, but Zolick caught it, and kicked Link in his abdomen. When Link doubled over, he dropped his foot on Link’s back, dropping Link to the ground. Kamura tried to assist Link, but when he tried to grab Zolick, Zolick flipped behind him, and elbowed him in the back of the head. Both Link and Kamura laid lifelessly on the ground. Zolick looked down on both of them and smirked.
“You fools, I’m a Kitapo. I know every way to fight that there is…I can fight as well underwater as I can above. You two are my victims,” Zolick gloated.
“No…We can’t be stopped,” Link groaned. Both he and Kamura began to move again. Zolick’s face contorted into a frown, and he turned his back to them.
“You know, you two are annoying. Link, you might as well end your foolish quest to get the Master Sword,” When Zolick said that, Link’s eyes widened in shock, “You’ll never defeat Donovan…You can’t even defeat me!” Zolick then threw a Deku nut, and after the flash cleared, he was gone.
“Unbelievable…” Kamura said, “Who would have though that the phony would be that strong…”
“I’m trying to figure out how he knew about the Master Sword…” Link said.
“Hmm, I guess that there’s more to these guys then what meets the eyes,” Kamura said.
“Yeah…”
“Although, Link, I have to compliment that punch…I was about to cheer like a little girl when you knocked him into the fountain.” Kamura said with a smile.
“Hey, it the Call to Arms. It’s a move that never fails..” Link said, although I kind of wished that I had those Goron Gauntlets…Because I think my hand is broken…” Link said. He could feel it swell a little.
“Here, have some of this,” Kamura offered. He gave link a small flask of red potion. Link drank the potion, and the pain in his hand immediately went away.
“Hmm, Well, I think I need to go and get Malon, and I also need to get the Zora Sapphire from Ruto,” Link said.
“Link, Wait!” Link heard a voice call. Link looked above his head, where Avon was waiting for him.
“Avon? Good to see you again…” Link said, slightly shocked.
“Yeah, Pamela left a while ago, so I came here to find you. Maybe I should have came earlier, I could have helped you fight Zolick,” Avon said.
“Probably not. I didn’t stand a chance without my sword…but soon, that problem will be gone,” Link said with confidence.
“So, let’s go get that sapphire!” Avon said. Link, Avon, and Kamura all headed back into the domain to get the Zora Sapphire. Inside, Ruto and Malon, who was back in her clothes, were waiting on the waterfall overlook. When Link saw Malon, Malon turned her head quickly.
“Hey guys! Avon? When did you get here?” Ruto asked.
“I met them in the fountain,” Avon answered.
“So, you guys have fun?” Ruto asked. Link and Kamura looked at each other, then grinned.
“Yeah, we had fun,” Link said. Kamura began to laugh.
“Well, I don’t know what’s so funny, but here you go Link. It’s the Zora Sapphire, no doubt that it was the thing you came here for,” Ruto said. Ruto gave Link the blue and gold stone. When Link put the stone in his items pouch, he could feel the vibrations of the stones. He could barely keep his excitement. He had all three stones, and he could finally get his true sword back.
“Well, Ruto, it’s been fun, but I think that Malon and me need to head back. I’ll visit you some other time, okay?” Link said. Ruto nodded. Link and Kamura shook hands next.
“Link, if you ever need help with the Kitapos, just come get me, all right, Brother?” Kamura said.
“Sure, Brother, take care,” Link said. With that, Link, Avon and Malon all left the domain. When they got outside, and past the waterfall, Avon went under Link’s hat, so that he wouldn’t disturb Link and Malon.
“So, Malon, how was your day?” Link asked.
“Oh, it was great. I met some amazing people, and I got to see all of Hyrule…and you were with me,” Malon said. Link looked at her, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
“Hmm, some day,” Link said, “It was good to spend so much time with you though,” Link said.
“Link…do you consider this a date?: Malon asked. Link made a shocked squeal.
“Well, that’s hard to call…we never planned anything out…and but we both had a lot of fun…” Link could tell that Malon wanted a direct answer.
“You know what, I had more fun today then I though possible, and it was because you were around…So that made it a date in my book,” Link said. Malon flashed Link a loving smile, and Link felt eyes widen. She was so beautiful. Link held her hand, and the two walked back to the ranch, through the Hylian sunset.
When the two arrived back at the Ranch, Link realized that Pamela went out to the Market.
“Malon, I had a great day…but I think I need to go and find Pamela. She’s out in the Market by herself, and it’s just about nightfall. It’s not safe with that lunatic that’s been killing people in the market,” Link said.
“Well, I had a really good time…” Malon said. She then leant against Link and kissed him on the cheek. When she lowered herself, her and Link began to gaze at each other, “Well…good night,” Malon said, and she went into the house. Link sighed, and turned away from the house. Under Link’s cap, Avon was doing back flips.
The market was closed, and everything was silent. Storm clouds began to form over the town, and the coming of night added to the gloomy ambience. A door to one of the houses opened, and out came two people. Both were men with electric blue hair, and one had a deep gash going across his forehead. He had two swords built on his back, and he held one in his right arm. The other sulked behind him, with his head held low.
“So, are you sure he’ll come?” said the man with the gash on his forehead.
“Yes sir. I don’t think it’s wise to go through with this…You saw what he did to Mateo. Mateo might not ever walk again with all the damage he did to his back…” The other guy said.
“That’s why I need to do this…now, go make sure that the ranch girl has stayed put. I can’t have her running amuck now…” The gashed guy said. The other guy strode back into the house, and he shut the door. The gashed guy then brought his sword to his face.
“Link…it’s time you learned what the price of being an idol is…compliments of the most powerful swordsman you every fight…and probably the last…” The man said. As the main said that, thunder clapped, and the sky began to rumble with anticipation.
And on the roof, a shadowy figure watched, his flashing blue eyes looking amused.
Almost as exciting as the blood soaked blade in his hands.
