The Legend of Zelda: The Magician

10: Water Temple

After Ghirahim teleported us to Lake Hylia, he assured me that he has magic that can help him with breathing underwater. I'm still worried, but I know that he does. He was able to survive the Fire Temple without any enchanted item for fire resistance.

Gazing over to him after I've changed into the blue hat and tunic from the Zora, I see Ghirahim's eyes fade in fatigue. Pulling out a green potion, I hand it over to him and he drinks it, handing back the half empty bottle for me to put away. Then, I let myself speak, despite wanting to stay quiet to focus on my mission and to try to ignore the negative emotions continuously gnawing at my heart.

"How bad is his influence on you?" I ask solemnly as I look down into Lake Hylia, spotting the sapphire crystal I need to hit for the temple door to open.

Ghirahim is silent for a moment before he speaks quietly, "He has not gained influence over me; but he is tirelessly attempting to. It still astounds me he has such power and it's unknown whether he has escaped his seal or not. But, as I said, I have techniques to avert his pursuit. Worst case scenario, if it becomes overbearing, I will quickly take hold of my Skychild's hand."

I look over to see Ghirahim smirking sadly at me, my heart clenching at seeing him so sad. I internally sigh and push away any negative thoughts from beginning in my mind again as I still feel on the verge of losing all my energy to my depressive feelings. I flash Ghirahim a quick smile before I explain to him – as he now looks far more energized after that potion – that we need to hit a crystal to get inside the temple.

After Ghirahim snaps his fingers, both of us jump into the water and we swim toward the crystal. Ghirahim looks no different than he does outside the water, yet he looks like he has no difficulty breathing. It's amazing what magic can do. I must admit that I'm jealous of magic users. I was able to use some magic in my previous journey, but it was all given to me in some way by items and sometimes a blessing by Great Faeries. As far as I've known, I've never been born with inherent magic. In the end, I can use enchanted things. But not magic on its own. Yet, it's always left me in awe. It's so powerful, yet it looks as if it comes from nothing. Just as air is unseen, seems to come from nowhere, but it helps keep everything alive and can be powerful when part of a natural disaster.

Once we reach the crystal, I grab hold of the slimy, cold stone wall beside it and pull out my sword. Stabbing it forward slowly from water resistance, the crystal sends off a high-pitch ding and moves from its hole in the wall to hover just outside of it. Putting away my weapon, I swim further down and see the last part of the metal gate pull up into the stone wall.

Ghirahim and I swim through the open entrance and into a tunnel of water. Upon surfacing, we climb onto a platform and begin the Water Temple. Changing water levels, avoiding enemies, and solving puzzles with the help of Ghirahim's magic becomes a routine. Almost. My arms and legs scream at me as we reach a door with a Like Like in front of it. A wave of exhaustion – mentally and physically – downpours over me, while my muscles endlessly burn. Now, with all the swimming I've done, – even with the scale, tunic, and hat from King Zora – I realize how much I took the iron boots for granted on my last journey. And I desperately wish I have them now, even though I haven't found them anywhere.

Stepping forward, about to charge a spin attack to take care of the Like Like, Ghirahim's hand pulls me back by my shoulder. He slowly glides his hands down my sides, pulling his body close to mine until I can feel every part of his balmy, damp body against my back. Is he trying to distract me?

"Relax, Skychild," He purrs into my ear, sending chills that tingle all over my skin. "I will help you regain your vigor."

And, with that, I can feel energy begin to course through my body like a warm stream. My body relaxes as I feel full of life once again, as if I haven't just swum through an entire temple, dealing with puzzles and enemies through it all. But an unfortunate realization dawns on me. I'm only halfway through the temple. And, if my memory is correct, I'm not going to enjoy what is beyond this door behind the Like Like; if everything keeps repeating itself, that is.