Ruto's Arc

Chapter 1 of 2

Ruto traced her finger along the crystalline channel, checking for cracks in the ancient stone. The water flowed clear and cold beneath her touch, exactly as it should. Every morning she walked these sacred springs, making sure Hyrule's water supply stayed pure. Without her, everyone would be dying of thirst in a week. But did anyone thank her? Did anyone grovel at her feet like they should? No. Especially not the one person whose devotion she actually wanted. Link had saved her from Lord Jabu-Jabu's belly years ago, then left immediately to save everyone else. She pressed her palm flat against the cool crystal. One day he would understand that she was the real prize worth staying for. She stopped walking and stared at the path ahead. The springs led back toward the sacred waters where Lord Jabu-Jabu rested. That's where it would happen. That's where Link would finally choose her over all his other quests. Inside that majestic fish's belly, surrounded by danger, he had needed her. She had been the one who knew the way out. Next time he came looking for help, she wouldn't make it so easy. He would have to prove himself worthy of her attention. Her fingers curled into fists. She would make him beg. She would make him stay. And when he finally understood that she mattered more than saving anyone else, she would accept his devotion like the prize it was. But sitting around waiting was beneath her. She needed to be seen, to remind everyone of her importance. The twin white stone pillars near the gathering place always drew crowds. If she made an appearance there, people would notice. Maybe word would reach him, wherever he was running around playing hero. She turned away from the springs and headed toward the pillars. Her plan was simple: show everyone that the Sage of Water deserved attention, make Link realize what he was missing, and finally claim the complete devotion she had earned that day inside Lord Jabu-Jabu. The pillars stood tall against the sky, their white stone bright in the afternoon sun. Water stretched between them, calm and clear. People gathered in small groups, talking and pointing at the view. Ruto spotted something resting near the base of one pillar. A boomerang. She recognized the intricate designs carved into the wood immediately. Link had used one just like it to fight the Biri and cut through obstacles when they escaped together. Her heart jumped. Had he been here? Was he nearby? She grabbed the boomerang and held it up high. If he came back looking for it, she would be waiting. And this time, she wouldn't let him leave without giving her the attention she deserved.