Return to the main quest.

Deciding it was best to just continue the quest she was already on, Link set out for the Water Temple, realized she'd need some more gear before entering, and left for the Zora's Domain. One Ice Cavern and pair of Iron Boots later, she purchased a Blue Tunic (that barely fit her) with Percival's money and headed into the Water Temple. A few hours of annoying puzzles, fighting an evil doppleganger of her previous male self, and getting a much better hookshot called the Longshot, she defeated the beasty at the end of the temple and found herself face to face with Princess Ruto, who had matured, in more ways than one, over the years.

The Princess looked very, very confused. "Who are you? I thought that the Hero of Time would be the one to cleanse this temple. I..." she said, softly, tears in her eyes, "have been waiting for him, for seven years."

While part of him was a little sad about Ruto's depression, most of him was taking pleasure in upsetting the girl who had been such a prima donna in her youth. "Well, you weren't wrong, Princess. I am the Hero of Time," she said, making a mocking bow. "Sorry I'm not exactly as you last saw me, but I trusted the wrong mask salesman, and, well, you see the result."

Wiping her tears, Ruto started to smile. "Link? That's you? I, I'm so happy to see you!" To Link's complete surprise, the princess rushed towards her and hugged her, giggling happily. "I missed you so much! It's been so long since we were engaged! But now..." she said, looking up at Link sadly. "I guess we can't get married, can we? I'm sorry, my love, but I will have to call our engagement off."

Link nodded and hugged her back, finding herself liking the fish woman more and more. "That's fine with me, Your Highness. I'm sorry if this breaks your heart or whatever, but I hope we can still be friends." Ruto nodded, and they went together to the Chamber of Sages, where Link received the Water Medallion, and ready to head off to the next temple.