...shoved his thumb against her carotid artery. "Aaaw," she cried girlishly as her vision darkened. He released his hold a bit and leaned into her ear.

"I don't have time to joke around. Give me this sword, or else I will get it on my own. If Hyrule falls, the Triforce falls, the Master Sword is taken, and Ganon returns. This is NOT a game."

The Water Sage's large blue eyes widened in fear and comprehension. "Do you have a Zora tunic on you?"

Link glared at her. "Yes, I was expecting to need one at the town festival."

"Geez, no need for an attitude. We'll just have to go overland. We should go now, while we have night on our side."

As they began their stealthy journey across Hyrule field, Link looked up at Death Mountain. It was said to represent the condition of Hyrule. Already its wreath of smoke was glowing a bit ominously. That could not be good. Then he thought he saw something else. Could it be? Could those be a pair of Sheikah eyes, on the side of Death Mountain, glowing red?

"We should run. I have a bad feeling about being in the open," Link whispered to Ruto. Side by side they ran along the bluffs by the river.

They entered the Zora caves near dawn. Ruto brought him straight to the sword. It was long, sharp, and ring-whorled beautifully, with a long, cold, blue crystal for a hilt. It was heavy, and not weighted quite perfectly-- no Master Sword, but it would do. Ruto helped him strap it over his green tunic. She also gave him a Zora tunic, whcih would help him dive deeply. -"Where are you going now?" Ruto asked him. -"I have no idea," he confessed. -"Well you can't just barge into the castle town and retake it." -"So what about my family? They're still there." -"Well, if they are, they're either well-guarded, or dead."

They both sat in silence for a moment at the thought. -"You have an advantage," Ruto smiled at him, "those reptiles, whatever they are, they think you're dead." -"Hmmm... but why throw me in the lake? Why not be sure of it and slit my throat? This just doesn't make sense." -"Could be a sort of ritual Legend has it Gorons throw their criminals in water as a mean of execution."

Link smiled feebly, "Well, I am part Goron." -"Huh?" Ruto, at this, was a bit confused. He didn't seem the least bit Goron. They were stoney mountain creatures. -"I mean I am an adopted Goron." -"Oh. Would you like to be Zora as well?" She smiled. -"No thanks," he responded far too seriously. -"So, what now?" -"I need more information. I'm going to Death Mountain." -"To see the Gorons? They won't know anything." -"Yes, I know. But I saw something up there I want to check out."

The thought of the Sheikah eyes haunted him. The Sheikah were the ancient protectors of Hyrule. At the very least, if he could find them, he could be sure of allies. But there was more. All the Sheikah he had ever known... Impa, Sheik (no-- Sheik had never existed in this timeline-- Or did he? Link briefly recalled the flash of red in Zelda's eyes back in Castle Town)-- All the Sheikah he had ever known knew more about what was going on and what to do about it than anyone else. If he could find them, maybe he could figure out what to do.

"Well, travel by night at least. I'll find you a nice dry room to sleep in today. And some food. I hope you like seaweed."

Link made a noncomittal sound. "Waiting hurts, but I see your point."

"Take courage," Ruto chimed, "you always knew just what to do."

"Courage I have enough. It's wisdom I lack. I never knew what to do without her."

Ruto made a quizzical face, shrugged, and walked off to find Link food and shelter.