Chapter 8: Temple of Water

Link's brows furrowed as he entered the main chamber of the temple. Glancing around, he folded his arms over his chest.

I don't like this. The water almost reaches to the ceiling. I'll be spending pretty much all of my time underwater...

Iron boots reverting to normal, Link gasped as they suddenly changed once more, this time resembling flippers.

This is too strange... but not an unwelcome change. It will make swimming a lot easier. I suppose I had better find an open doorway.

The Hylian swam around the central chamber, but was perplexed to find that his only way forward led towards the Great Chasm. Slowly, he swam towards the door and opened it. He let out a surprised yelp as he fell through the door, a massive amount of water flooding in after him.

No! I'm going to be...!

Suddenly, Link's boots changed back to iron, which prevented him from being swept into the Great Chasm. The water in the central chamber slowly began to recede, and within a few moments, was restored to where it should be. Navi, who had taken refuge from the flooding waters, emerged and gave a nervous laugh.

"Link..." she spluttered. "That was... much too close for comfort..."

The boy nodded, and the two breathed a sigh of relief in unison. Iron boots became normal boots once more, and the blond took a few steps forward, nearing the edge that would lead into the massive chasm below. Looking down, he gulped, unable to see any trace of the water that had flooded into the room, nor was he able to see the elevation device that was usually there.

The water must have torn it away. I wonder... how far does it go down?

Glancing to his side, the boy noticed a rock. Leaning down, he lifted it into his hand and tossed it over the edge. Link watched as the rock disappeared into the dark chasm, listening for the splash. It came fourteen seconds later. Navi let out a whistle.

"Okay, then..." she muttered. "Here's the plan. We don't fall down there."

The blond was unable to restrain a chuckle, before searching for a way across the wide crevasse. Scanning his gaze about the room, he finally noticed what looked to be the top of a crystal switch, concealed beneath one of the murals on the opposite side.

"Well..." he murmured to himself, readying his bow. "Here goes."

Link fired an arrow, giving a small grin as he saw the door opposite him unlock. Hookshot targets appeared all over, but still, he grimaced.

Damn it! They're too far for me to reach without the elevator. Unless...

The hero glanced at Navi, the fairy instantly knowing by the look in his eyes that he had a crazy plan. The boy's next words made her freeze up.

"You won't like this..." he said warily. "I don't like it myself, but I can only see one way across. I'm gonna need to jump and hope I get a lucky aim with my Hookshot. I know it's a stupid idea, but..."

The fairy's eyes widened, and her aura became more vivid.

"Link!" she yelled. "That plan's insane! If it doesn't work..."

The fairy trailed off and sighed, knowing that in spite of her arguments, the boy was right. It was their only chance... HIS only chance at getting across the Great Chasm. With a nervous nod, she flew over to the other side and waited for Link to make his move.

"Please, Link..." she murmured. "Please make it..."

The boy glanced at his Hookshot, before taking a few steps back.

There's no turning back now. I have to take my... leap of faith... and trust in my aim.

Staring at the Great Chasm before him, the blond took several deep breaths. Holding his last, he raced towards the edge and jumped.


An overwhelming sense of dread overcame the boy as he fell.

Maybe this wasn't such a great idea...

Glancing around quickly, he noticed his only chance; a Hookshot target at the very bottom of the rest. He would have to carefully make his way upwards afterwards, to avoid a watery doom.

That is, if I make it...

Hookshot gripped tightly, Link aimed and fired. Sweating in suspense, his heart almost stopped in relief as the hook met its mark. Squeezing the trigger once more, he was flung towards the hook. Grabbing onto the top of his safe haven, Link finally exhaled and pulled himself up, pulling his Hookshot loose.

No way am I doing that ever again...

From up above, Navi breathed a sigh of relief, watching as Link carefully made his way upwards. When he finally arrived, he gave his own relieved sigh. Navi glanced at the boy and frowned.

"I was worried..." she said. "I thought... but... hmmm... Link, I'm just glad you made it. C'mon, let's get out of here."

Link gave a slight smile and shook his head in agreement, opening the door into the next room. Glancing around, he made his way towards the next door, stopping as he noticed an inscription, similar to those from the previous temples.

"Let's see here..." he mumbled. "As you go onwards through that door, you'll encounter turmoils from before. But, by reflecting on those days, you shall be guided through the haze. Great... so the next room..."

The blond closed his eyes and breathed gently. Opening his eyes once more, he crossed his arms.

"That room..." he continued. "It's where I fought... myself."

Letting out a soft sigh, Link continued onwards, heading through the door. As it came down, it sealed tightly behind him, covered by iron bars. He cried out in surprise as he saw the room had reverted to how it was when battling his dark doppleganger.

"But how?!" he asked. "It was only an illusion... wasn't it?"

The boy walked over towards the barren tree in the middle of the room. Pressing a hand against it, he frowned, keeping a close eye out, just in case he was attacked... by himself.

This doesn't make any sense!

Taking a step back, he suddenly let out a gasp and shielded his eyes as a blinding flash of light shone before him. A few moments later, he moved his arms, staggering backwards at what he saw.

"It..." he choked out. "Is it you? Saria?"

His childhood friend stared back at him, a sad look in her eyes. She remained silent as there was another bright flash. Beside her, now stood Darunia.

"Da..." he tried to speak. "...runia...?"

Another flash. This time, it was Princess Zelda. Yet another flash revealed the Zora princess he was there to rescue. One final flash showed all except Ruto, cold and lifeless.

"W-what is this?" Link whimpered, tears beginning to form. "Why am I...? Why?!"

Dropping to his knees, he wrapped his arms around himself, the boy suddenly beginning to feel cold. Eyes glanced downward. Despair began to take over him, and it was only now that Link noticed the absence of Navi. Tears began to fall, and the only other sound that accompanied his sobs were footsteps pattering in the water in front of him.

I am responsible... for all of their... all of their...

The footsteps got closer and Link raised his glance, noticing Ruto walking towards him. The temperature began to lower, and the room's mist became a lot hazier. Shivering from the cold, Link watched as she approached. Closer... closer... a strange look in her eyes.

"--nk!" a voice suddenly called out, as if from faraway. "Don-- be---- tr---ed -- -t!"

The tears continued to fall and the room got colder and the mist became heavier. Ruto continued walking towards him slowly.

"--y!" the faraway voice called out again. "----en! Y-- hav- -- ---p ou- -- -t --nk!"

The voice was hard to hear, but it was familiar.

"N-Navi?" Link choked out. "You're... you're here?"

Looking at Ruto some more, the boy narrowed his eyes as she suddenly flickered. Link suddenly dried his eyes, and stood up.

"I know now..." he said. "I know what's happening. I have to come to terms with the loss of my friends... and what I fear I have to do..."

Ruto moved closer, almost within striking range. Link looked defiantly at the approaching form.

"...and I know..." he gulped. "What I have to do. I... I have to defeat you all... I will lose you all! I have to... in order to save Hyrule! I HAVE TO!"

Just as Ruto was about to strike, she suddenly vanished, the mist clearing away. The tree began to shimmer and fade, the room returning to how it should be. Glancing downward, he stared at the floor.

"Navi..." he murmured, feeling said fairy gently land on his shoulder. "Thank you for helping me..."

The fairy nodded and sat down on the boy's shoulder, as the Hylian walked towards the now unlocked way forward.

"Anytime, Link..." she said softly. "I know it will be hard, to lose them all... but with me, you will never have to feel lonely."

Stopping in front of it, the boy's lips curled into a small smile.

"Yeah..." he murmured, before opening the door and walking through. "I know."



End of Chapter 8.