The Legend of Zelda - Tears of the Kingdom - Tears of Light and Darkness

Water

Once Link was satisfied with the amount of fruit, he stepped out of the pantry to reunite with his friends. Fortunately, Paya had taken the reins of the conversation in a way that kept them entertained while he discussed things with Purah.

"Hey, Link!" Paya said, pointing at the overflowing bowl of fruit. "I see you still have your insatiable appetite!"

Laughter soon erupted; everyone knew Link's famous penchant for food, as well as his passion for cooking, which he had perfected during his travels after waking from his hundred-year slumber.

"I actually brought it to share," Link said, smiling as he placed the bowl in the center. "Take whatever you want."

"How kind, Link!" they said in unison as they moved in to serve themselves, except for Yunobo, who pulled out a rock roast from his backpack.

"Thank you, Link, you're very generous," Paya added, slightly blushing.

"Well, now that you're here, Link," announced Sidon, "I think we can continue with our story about the Water Temple. I apologize for starting without you, but don't worry, I was just explaining the troubles caused by the Demon King's creature in the region."

"Yes, the problems plaguing the Domain were terrible," Link nodded. "According to what Sidon told me, a waterfall of contaminated water began to pour down from a sky island, dragging a kind of black, sticky substance that resembled mud. I had never seen anything like it; it was oily and had a strange smell. I'm sure it wasn't ordinary mud."

"I share your impression," Sidon said. "It was affecting the aquatic wildlife terribly. We're still cleaning up the remnants in various areas."

"Getting back to the story," Link continued, "as soon as I arrived in the region, I went straight to the tower to activate the fast travel. What I saw shocked me: the ground around the tower was covered in that substance, and a Zora guard had been affected. I improvised with what I had on hand: I threw a splash fruit, and to my surprise, the substance partially dissolved. I activated the tower and headed to the Domain, not only out of curiosity about what was happening but also because I remembered that my scale armor was still there for repairs. I thought I'd take the opportunity to retrieve it since I would need it to swim through the waterfalls of the sky islands."

"It was at that moment when we met," Yona said with her characteristic soft voice and a gentle smile. "I didn't know who he was at that time. I was chatting with my ladies-in-waiting when I saw him staring at the statue in the center of the city, completely covered in mud. Without saying a word, he threw something at the statue. At first, I thought he was damaging it, but as soon as the object hit, the mud vanished. That was when I knew who the person before me was."

"I was stunned," Link added. "I expected to find the statue of Mipha, but I was surprised to see one of Sidon and me, in the midst of battle against Ruta."

"A statue of Link!" Paya exclaimed, amazed. "What an honor!"

The others nodded, sharing compliments and a few envious glances. Link, feeling somewhat uncomfortable, scratched the back of his neck, a gesture everyone knew well.

"Yes, I remember you were completely overwhelmed, dear Link," Yona said with a tender smile. "You could barely articulate a word. When I finally introduced myself, you insisted you didn't deserve such an honor, thanking me over and over again. That humility only reinforced what I had already sensed: besides being a brave hero, you have a noble and generous heart. I saw that again when you helped us in so many ways before meeting Sidon in the Mipha Park. And, of course, I couldn't let you leave without giving you your scale armor, shining like the first day."

"Thank you for your kind words, Yona," Link said, though his cheeks, already flushed from the queen's praises, only burned brighter.

Sidon, observing the moment, laughed with his usual joviality and decided to step in to give his friend a breather.